#lovelywritings

It was a miracle you could even make it back home to your apartment, if you ignore the drunk-looking stumbling. Why did you decide to wear those heels again today?

Reaching the door, your hand loosely hangs onto the knob as you take a breath.

In… and out…

The sound of music and sizzling reaches your ears as you lean against the door. You breathe a sigh of relief, he was home at least. Taking another breath, you compose yourself before opening the door, the last thing you wanted was for Sanji to see you upset and in such a state.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

"I'm home…" you call out, cringing at how meek you sounded.

Almost immediately, the bright sun you called your lover barreled towards the foyer, "My love, there you are! Welcome back…" his voice trails off as he sees your drenched figure, the muck from outside spilling past the borders of the welcome mat, forming a puddle that was just begging to be mopped up.

"Oh sweetness…" he murmurs, slowly walking towards you, hand cupping your damp cheek with practiced gentleness, "what happened?"

The moment his fingers brushed against your cheek, It was as if the flood gates opened and the bulging dam broke down.

You would have collapsed on your knees if Sanji wasn't there to catch the broken pieces, gathering them into his arms. The sound of your sobbing drowned out the music that was playing before, only muffled by Sanji's sweater as he held you closer.

"Let it all out, love…" he says lowly, "I'm not going anywhere…"

You nod into the crook of his neck, sobs dying down into soft sniffles as your tears continued to flow.

"Bad day..?" He murmurs.

You nod again, not trusting yourself to speak without stammering. Sanji doesn't press further, letting his hand rub your back firmly, grounding you as you melt into his touch.

"It must've been so difficult for you…" he stops rubbing your back, instead moving to smooth the mop of your hair instead, tucking the loose strands that stuck to your face away and behind your ear, "Dinner's almost ready, so do you want to eat first or wash up first?" He asks you, his voice so soft you might as well become one with the puddle beneath you, but alas…

"Clean up first…" you mumble, slowly detaching yourself from his arms, eyes widening in realization, "oh.. I'm sorry.. about your sweater…" you mumble, fretting over the soaked knit, "I just-"

"I know, love." Sanji chuckles, pressing a kiss to your cheek, "don't worry about it, just go and get yourself all cleaned up and pretty alright? Then we'll eat a good meal and watch your favorite shows."

He left no room to fuss or protest, all you could do was nod and follow through.

With a little help, you get back onto your feet, kicking your heels off and heading straight to the bathroom for a hot shower.

You sigh rinsing the suds out of your hair, feeling a little refreshed now that you've had some time to yourself to decompress.

Shutting off the water you take the time to pat yourself dry with the towel, your head feels much clearer, your shoulders lighter, yet you still couldn't seem to stop thinking about your day, about the future, about a lot of things.

Wrapping the towel around yourself, you leave the bathroom to find clothes to change into, and find yourself gravitating towards your boyfriend's side of the closet. Lined on the rack were all of his button ups and ironed shirts that while washed clean, were still unmistakably his. It's difficult to remove the smell of nicotine from fabric after all, especially when you're constantly surrounded by it. A small smile forms on your lips when he crosses your mind, the special someone right outside the room, in the kitchen humming a cheesy tune while he cooked.

Your fingers gently brush against the fabric of one of his favorite button ups, surely he wouldn't mind you wearing it tonight? Slipping it off it's hanger and onto your shoulders, your cheeks warm as the fabric engulfs you whole. You blush as you hug yourself in it. Making up your mind, you find a pair of yours to pair with the shirt, doing a small spin in front of your full-length mirror just to see.

Sanji was just finishing up setting the table as you walk out, lighting some candles in the middle of a beautifully set table, cheesy and romantic, just like him. He seems to sense your presence, turning around with his signiture grin to greet you.

"Just in time, I just finished dinner-" Sanji's eyes widen when he spots you.

You laugh a little embarrassed, "I guess I'm a little under dressed for the occassion, huh?" you joke lightly, fiddling around with the sleeves of his shirt that just barely went past your knuckles.

Sanji didn't seem to reciprocate the sentiment however.

His lips slightly parted as he stares, but before you could chime in to ask if he was alright, he shook off his awe, speed walking towards you and reaching out, his hands hovering over your shoulders as if he was afraid to touch a masterpiece laid out right in front of him.

"My dear," he says, head tilted slightly upwards to make a statement, "You are by FAR the most beautiful lady in this room right now." he declares confidently, without a single stutter. His cheeks were flushed a light pink, eyes sparkling.

You scrunch your nose in amusement, "I am the ONLY lady in this room right now." you stifle a chuckle, "At least i would hope I am."

"You are." Sanji quickly corrects himself, "The most beautiful lady in the world right in front of my eyes, wearing my favorite shirt, just for me- this is for me right?"

You blush, too flustered to respond so you just nod.

"Oh you shouldn't have…" he breathes, stepping closer to brush your still damp hair away from your face, "An angel has come to grace me with a gift, and right after she's come coome back from hell." he brings his arms around you and pulls you into a hug. Fitted like puzzle pieces when you hug back.

"I just like wearing your clothes to be honest…" you say quietly, "It… brings me some comfort, like you're actually hugging me."

He squeezes you just a bit tighter, "Oh angel," he coos, "Don't say things like that, I'm already on my knees here." he buries his nose into the crook of your neck before slowly pulling away.

"Come, eat before the food gets cold." he says, pressing one last kiss to your cheek before guiding your hand to the table set before you.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

You were more than glad he was here with you. Even with all of your energy sapped from the taxing day earlier, just spending time with your lover was enough to soothe your heavy heart.

You felt content.

You should be content.

Then why was your mind still buzzing?

Even with the movie playing right in front of you, you couldn't focus, couldn't pay attention to what they were saying.

Sanji sat next to you, his resting on top of yours, gently running his fingers over yours every once in a while as the film played.

You should be content, but as the dust settled, you were still left with some nagging thoughts that just wouldn't leave. Oh how you despised it. Sanji's already been so good to you, you couldn't ask for more, that would be selfish.

You hold back a sigh, you bite your lip, you hide as many signs of your discontent as you could.

"[Name], are you alright?"

Ah, you were too quiet.

"Hmm?" you hum a little too loudly as you turn your head to face him.

Sanji frowns a little at your expression.

"Ah- I'm fine! Really," you try to soothe his worries, "I was just a bit lost in thought, that's all."

"The day is still bothering you, isn't it?" He says softly.

You swallow, "Maybe a little…" you confirm with resignation.

He offers you a small awkward smile, "Is there anything you need? That'll make you feel better, that is."

"You've already done so much for me already!" you exclaim, "I couldn't ask for more-"

"Nonsense," he huffs, "Could you have asked for the day to be easier on you?"

"Everybody has bad days-" you try to insist.

"Are you defending all the shitty things that happened to you today, now?" he raises an eyebrow making you pout.

"You're impossible."

He brings your hand up to his lips to press a kiss to your knuckles, "I'm just doing what any amazing partner should."

"But…"

"No buts." he frowns, "Think of it like this, you're always there for me when I have a bad day, do you ever feel bad about taking care of me-"

"Of course not. I love helping you out." you interrupt.

"How is this any different?"

"It's different because you're always taking care of me…" you groan, "It's not fair sometimes really, you spoil me too much."

"I love spoiling you though." he laughs, pressing a kiss to the palm of your hand this time, "I just do."

You sigh, closing your eyes in thought.

"Do you want to talk about it? Need anything?" he asks, "Just let me know, we'll work on it together if you want."

You bite your lip, there was no arguing with him on this, he wasn't going to let you shoulder it on your own it seems.

Oh well, what can you do with such a loving man?

If there is something you want, more than anything at that moment…

Without another word, you make your move, seating yourself sideways right in his lap. Sanji gasps silently, well he wouldn't expect that, you guessed.

"Can I just… sit with you?" you ask quietly, waiting for the typical enthusiastic response from the lovesick man.

But it never came, instead, he gently rests his arms around your curled form, pulling your head closer, to rest under his chin.

"Of course…" his voice softens, "Whatever you want…"

You smile, snuggling closer, "Thank you, Sanji." you murmur.

He presses a kiss to the top of your head, "You're welcome, my love."

A few minutes go by, but even like this you feel restless. With a frown you shift in his lap, once, twice. You were comfortable, but…

"Not enough, huh?"

You squeak in surprise hearing his voice so close to your ear.

"uh… yeah." you admit, embarrassed, "Sorry Sanji, it's not you, I just-"

"You know sweetheart…" his voice lowered, lips brushing lightly against the shell of your ear, "I know of another way to help take your mind off of today… a stress reliever, if you will."

His hand travels down from your waist, thumb tucking under your waistband, and rubbing slow circles into the soft plush just above your hip.

You stammer, face warming up, "Oh you don't… have to Sanji.. I-"

"I want to." He says firmly, leaving no room to argue, "I wasn't here for you this morning, and you had a bad day, and if this isn't enough, well..."

His gaze is intense, it makes you feel small, like you want to shy away for a moment, but he doesn't let you.

"My love, please look at me." He says, pinching your chin between his index and thumb, guiding your wandering eyes back to his own, "I'm sorry…" he murmurs, his eyes filled with regret, with longing, with sincerity, "I'm sorry I left so soon this morning without a proper goodbye, that you had to go through such a horrible day alone where no one cared about your suffering."

He leans in close, nose nearly brushing your own, "Let me make it up to you, alright? Let me help you take that pain away, let me help you feel good."

You feel your limbs shake more and more with every word, were you overwhelmed? Maybe a little, but that was how Sanji was, always giving everything, always giving more and more until you were sated. And even then some.

He was like the sweetest honey you've ever tasted, and you couldn't help but crave more. And more he will always generously offer.

You don't nod this time for confirmation, you yank him towards you and smush faces instead. All lip, some teeth, your hands desperately claw at him, clammy, needy, wanting, wringing at his sweater as you try your hardest to pull him even closer than you already were.

You just needed the weight of him on you, the security that was just him. All of him.

And he obliged, he always did, arms reciprocating your needy embrace with his own secure one. While you grappled at him with a tightening grip, his arms held you steady, grounding, his hands didn't grip, didn't clam, but you felt them hold you, hold you like you needed them to, as you lost yourself in your shared breaths, trying to become one in an almost literal sense.

The TV forgotten, no longer the center of attention, but now a backlight for the main event.

"Sanji…" you whine your fingers tangling in his hair, "please…" you pant.

"Shhh…." he interrupts your pleas, adjusting your figure on his lap as he pulls you both to sit upright again, "be patient…"

An order almost laughable coming from him.

"I.. I need it." you huff, gripping at the front of his sweater now.

"I know…" he replies simply, as if stating a fact, his gaze unnervingly calm, his thumb circling your hip again. Just… touching you. Not even sensually, just intimately, loving. It made your body stir in confusion.

It almost makes you pout, how dare he make you stir like this in your need, how dare he, he was.. he was being…

"You're being mean…" you huff.

"Am I?" He chuffs, "do you think I don't want you just as badly, if not more?" His voice lowers dangerously, and his hips roll up to meet yours, earning him a gasp as you feel his exact "need."

"Sanji…" you whimper.

He chuckles again, this time guiding you gently so your back lays against his chest, "No, no, this is about you remember?"

"But I want it…"

"And you'll get it… but I don't want to hurt my sweetheart now, so I have to prep you first all right? Help you get all relaxed and soft for me…"

His fingers finally dip past the waistband of your shorts, the pad of his middle finger slowly circling atop your cotton panties. You wriggle slightly in his grip, your heart pounding loudly, you could hear it like drums in your ears. His other arm wrapped loosely, but securely around your waist, keeping you close as his fingers worked you up slowly. You could feel it, the way his middle and ring finger gently teased your bud, the bundle of nerves responding so sensitively to his touch.

You were too aware of it, it was all you could focus on, you could just burst right then and there—

But he was moving too slow, achingly slow. You needed him, you wanted him, and yet he's acting so cruel-

Suddenly you feel a soft kiss press against your temple, and you go limp again in his arms. You don't like the sound of the chuckle that resounds after.

"No complaints if I give you kisses I see." He teases, "how spoiled."

"Your fault…" you mumble, trying to hide your face by looking away to the side.

"Don't be like that love, I'll give you more kisses." Sanji grins nuzzling his nose against your cheek earning him a fit of giggles from your beautiful self.

"There she is… there's my girl…" sanji presses another kiss to your cheek while continuing his slow ministrations.

You sigh softly, laughter dying down as you lean back against his shoulder, eyes slowly closing in bliss.

"Does that feel good?" He whispers.

"Mhm…" you murmur.

You try to hold yourself still as his finger gently rubs up and down your clothed slit, heat slowly flowing from your burning cheeks down to your gut, an almost comforting warmth… or maybe your head felt too light and dizzy. Up and down, up and down… you were so focused on the feeling, that you nearly jumped in your seat when he kissed the shell of your ear again.

"You're so cute…." he mumbles, "that's it just relax, love, I'll take care of everything…" the pace set by his fingers has no hold on the kisses he showers you with. He moves quickly, like he wants to squeeze in as many as he can before an imaginary time limit. You almost forget how shitty your day was. Almost.

"You know…" Sanji pauses his assault to nuzzle into the crook of your neck, "this relieves my stress too. Watching your worries slowly melt away from my touch alone makes my heart feel so full sweetheart…" you could feel his warm breath against the back of your neck, the way his lips press against the flushed skin there, trailing kisses along your neck.

"You said you like wearing my shirts because they smell like me, but sweetheart… I love your scent too, I love everything about you of course, but…." sanji shifts you intentionally to let the fabric fall off a shoulder, "I'm so tempted… to just take this off so I can worship you completely…" he says lowly, before sinking his teeth gently into the junction between your neck and shoulder, grinning when a soft squeak escapes past your lips. After a few seconds he lets go, running his tongue over the disappearing mark.

Even if he wanted to, the last thing he would do is leave a noticeable mark on your skin where anyone could see. You still had work tomorrow after all. And he wouldn't do anything you didn't ask for. With a sigh, he nuzzles back into your hair, "Was that ok? Do you want more?" He murmurs.

He hasn't even stuttered rubbing over your panties in that mind numbingly slow pace once.

Your tongue feels too heavy in your mouth, you could only barely nod in response, nuzzling back against the fabric of his shirt.

You could feel your legs quaking, this man was going to be the death of you. You were certain.

You could feel him smile against your neck, pressing another kiss there before suddenly pressing both fingers down directly against your clothed cunt, making you flinch in surprise.

"Oh love…" he murmurs lowly, "You're soaked."

You knew that.

You could feel the cotton fabric sticking to your cunt like it was apart of you, the cool air around you both causing you to shiver. Curse this man, teasing you so sensitive, you would smack him playfully if your limbs didn't feel like jelly. You wanted to push him away, except, well no you didn't.

Fuck….

You whine turning your head to his chest as best as you could to snuggle closer to him. You want him to stop teasing you, to touch you directly, to comfort you.

"Sanjiiiiii" You let out a drawn out whine.

"Hm?" he hums softly, you hate how composed he sounds, "You need more, don't you?" his lips brush against the crown of your head as he grins. Gently tugging your shorts off, the discarded clothing falling to the floor below.

"Mhm…" you barely vocalize, shirt bunching up near the waist, "Please…"

"Sweet girl… of course, let me handle it." he murmurs, tugging the soaked fabric of your panties to the side, finally exposing you to his bare touch.

Your hands flail around, looking for something to hang onto, to grip. Sanji's free hand, holds onto both your wrists, pulling them up to rest against the center of your chest as his other hand continues to rub your sensitive pussy.

"Just relax, love… let me take care of you." He presses a kiss to the top of your head, before pushing a finger in.

"Look at that... You must've been so frustrated love…" he mumbles while you bite the end of your shirt sleeve. It was feeling so easy to drown in, his fingers plunged in and out at a mind-meltingly slow pace. Slowly building up the pressure until you felt like bursting.

Everything felt warm, almost too warm, he continued to hold you close to his body, speaking to you softly, though you could hardly process what he was saying past the heavy petting from his fingers.

Your thighs tense, squeezing together as you felt something snap deep within.

"Sa-!"

But before you could cry out, suddenly, you were being lifted up from the couch, in his arms.

"huH- Sanji?!" you stammer, snapping out of your blissed state.

"I'm not letting my darling cum on the couch." he huffs, rushing to the bedroom, "You deserve to melt into a soft mattress while I fill you up-"

He struggles to open the door, shutting it behind him with his foot and racing to the bed, gently setting you down onto the bed, letting your head be cushioned by the pillows below.

"Forgive me…" Sanji mumbles climbing on top of you, "I was so lost in your beauty I forgot we were still in the main room…"

"I was so close…" you whimper.

"And for that I'll make sure you come undone twice as much…" he pants, lips crashing down against your own, kissing you deeply, "ok?"

You babble, nodding slightly as he drowns you in more kisses, his hand reaching back down to your pulsing heat, gently pressing back in, resuming their slow thrusts in and out of your needy pussy.

"Feels so good- Sanji-" you pant between kisses, hands reaching up to tangle in his hair, his warm breath mingling with your own, nose brushing lightly against your own, his free hand caressing your cheek, it was all so much, you wanted to explode- but not yet- your thighs clench once more, squeezing around his wrist.

Sanji let's out a breathy chuckle, "Just let go, love-" he pants, "Just let go, it's ok…"

You whine tugging him back into a kiss, as you finally release the tension built up over the day.

Eyes squeezed shut, you desperately hold onto him, unwilling to pull away. You try your best to find your words, in between panting breaths and your muddled brain.

Sanji shushes you softly, pressing more kisses to your cheek, "You don't have to say anything love," he murmurs.

"It's ok…"

"You did so well, alright?"

"Just feel… just feel, my love…"

"It's ok, enjoy it…"

Your hearing cuts in here and there, hardly processing all the things he tells you as he hugs you close.

After some time, you come down from the high, heart beat slowing down with your heaving breaths, eyes slowly opening your eyes to meet his.

"Hi…" he smiles softly down at you.

You bite you lip, wanting to avert your gaze, but finding yourself unable to in that moment.

"Hi…" you say back quietly.

"Are you feeling alright?" he asks softly.

You nod in response, still in a daze.

You feel achingly sticky.

Sanji chuckles, leaning in to kiss you again, softer, brief, like you were made of precious glass.

"Do you want some more?"

You nod.

𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

You whine, fingers digging his scalp as his tongue laps gently at the nectar that seeps out between your shaking thighs.

Sanji savors whatever he tastes, of course he's slow. Doesn't make you any less fussy though.

"You're doing it again…" you whine, "You're… you're…"

"You can cum again, love, it's fine." he says, kissing the inside of your thigh, "Just enjoy it."

You pout, "But you keep pulling away- aH!"

He gently sucks at your bud causing your leg to kick out.

"Sorry-!" you squeak.

"Don't worry- shh, it's ok…" Sanji mumbles, resting his arm carefully over your leg, the weight keeping you from kicking again.

"Sanji…" you whine, "You've been doing this for hours…" you pant, "Aren't you- Aren't you hurting there-?"

"Don't worry about me, love," he kisses the top of your aching core, "Just enjoy it.."

"Can't-" you pant, "S'not good- for you to ignore it-"

"Oh love…" he murmurs adoringly, moving back up to face you, "You're too sweet to me…"

You take the chance, your hand slowly moving down to cup his bulge straining in his slacks, causing him to bite back a gasp.

"Darling-"

"Please Sanji…" you whimper, "It's been long enough, right…?"

Sanji sighs, pressing a kiss to your forehead, "Sweet girl, I can't resist a request from you."

Pulling back, you hear the soft clattering as he undoes his belt, some rustling later, and he's back on top of you, pulling you back into a kiss. His lips are warm, you can almost taste yourself from him-

"Wait…" you mumble, pulling back slightly, "Can I…?" you reach down towards his pulsing length, "Please…?"

Sanji bites his bottom lip, relenting to your request. Your hand strokes him gently, admiring the way the tip leaks so generously, you weren't the only desperate one.

"Love-" he stammers, but you shut him up quick with a kiss.

"'So hot…" you mumble against his lips, "and pretty… Sanji, is this for me…?"

"Y-yeah- mhm, all for you- always." He mumbles, cheeks flushed as bright as his weeping tip, it pulses in your hand, and you bite your lip feeling a heat rise in your core once more.

"My love- please- I want to…" Sanji mumbles, hand grabbing onto your wrist, forcing you to stop, "Not like this- not like- Fuck I'm so close…"

"Hm…?" you blink your lidded eyes back at him.

"Please…" he stammers, "Can I make love to you, darling? Please-"

You nod swiftly, "Yes- yes I want it-"

Sanji wastes no time pinning you back down to the mattress, your head hitting the pillows once more.

"Shit- wait- I need to get the-" he scrambles, reaching to the bedside table before you stop him.

"It's fine-" you say, "it's fine- I want it."

"Love are you sure?" Sanji murmurs.

"Sanji I need you so bad- please- I can't wait a second longer." you pout, tugging at him harder.

He smiles and presses a kiss to your cheek, "Be patient love, you aren't thinking straight like this."

You pout, stirring in your own need for a few seconds more as the sound of a condom wrapper gets tossed to the side.

You're about to voice another complaint, but the words get lodged in your throat when you feel his tip at your entrance. Even with the thin barrier separating you both, you could feel the heat of his need against yours.

"Please…" you mumble.

He merely gives you a lovesick smile, fingers twining with yours as he uses his other hand to guide his cock into your heat, gasping when he finally slips in.

You whimper clutching the sheets, eyes squeezing shut as he pushes and pushes, slowly, carefully, until he was sat flush against your pelvis.

Sanji pauses, catching his breath, "Oh love…" he mumbles, "you're so warm… fuck…" he collapses slowly elbows resting on either side of your head as he catches his breath, "Hold still- if you move like that- hold still love." he pleads, burying his face into your neck, "You're already- it's like you're sucking me in-"

It was so difficult, so difficult to keep still, you felt so full, it was overwhelming, and yet you wanted more, more and more. Finally, he begins to move again pressing kisses to your exposed skin, his fingers expertly undoing the top few buttons of your shirt— HIS shirt, letting the fabric fall away to expose more of your body to him, the soft slopes of your breasts, still somewhat hidden by the shirt, down to your navel, Sanji drinks in the sight of you, his hands slipping past the fabric to grab a hold of your waist beneath.

"Gorgeous…" he whispers, "are you sure this is all for me?"

You blink up at him with lidded eyes, the cold air sweeping over your newly exposed skin, making you shiver. Sanji notices.

"I'm sorry, love, are you cold? Let me warm you up.." Sanji murmurs, leaning back down to kiss you nice and slow, starting from the base of your neck down to your sternum, licking and nipping ass he goes, all the while his hips start to roll up into you at a steady pace, matching each kiss.

You could feel him deep inside, his cock continuously kissing deep into you with every roll of his hips, it felt so good. So good…

You reach out to grab onto him, anywhere, as long as it was him. Sanji gaze lifts to meet yours, moving up to let your hands grip onto his forearms, "Does it feel good?" he murmurs, "Are you enjoying yourself?"

You nod your head in response, "More please…" you whisper, "need more…"

Sanji hums, but his pace never changes, instead he opts to press his weight on top of you, holding you close as he continues that same steady pace. It feels good, but it wasn't enough, you wanted more. You could feel a puddle forming beneath you, being pleasured, but not enough to send you over the edge.

"Sanjiiii" you whine, "Please, go faster- please I need it…" Your nails dig into his skin, nearly sobbing from the edge.

"Sweet girl, you know you don't have to beg with me, I'll give you everything you want." Sanji murmurs, kissing the shell of your ear.

"Liar," you whimper, hands balling up into fists to hit his shoulders, "you're dragging this out on purpose…"

"Trust me love, you'll feel so much better this way." He softly kisses your lips apologetically.

Suddenly, he shifts the pace, now pulling out a little more, before thrusting back in completely, earning you a soft gasp.

"Better?" he murmurs near your ear while you nod profusely, "I just want to help you forget today, so that you only remember my embrace, and how good I made you feel…" he nuzzles his nose into your cheek.

"Sanji…" you murmur, your gaze meeting his.

His eyes squeeze shut suddenly, hips stuttering.

"…close…" he musters out, suddenly bullying his way into your weeping cunt, making you yelp in surprise.

"Me too-" you stammer arms wrapping around his neck, pulling him down towards you.

"I'm sorry, my love-" he pants holding you close, "you'll forgive me now won't you?" He pants near your ear as you whine, legs locking around his waist.

"Forgive me- forgive me-!"

He lets out a groan, hips slowing to a halt as he rides out his release, the warmth spilling against your warm walls, messaging every drop out of him. Collapsing on top of you, Sanji holds you close, turning you both to lay on your sides as his hand rubs your back.

"Love you were incredible…" he mumbles, pressing a faint kiss to your hair, "So gorgeous, so beautiful… you took me so well…"

You felt so loved, melting in his arms as he rattles on, his fingers tangling into your messy hair. Nuzzling into his chest, your ear rests right above his heart, listening as the beats slow down, the soft thumps echoing against your eardrums, filling in the gaps of your mussed brain.

You could feel yourself fading in and out consciousness, surrounded by his warmth, his scent, everything about him that made you crave…

"Love…? I wasn't too rough on you was I?"

You needed more.

Suddenly, you shoot up in your bed, pinning a startled Sanji back to the mattress.

"Love!?"

"You made me wait for so long… teasing me… making me feel so good…" you mumble straddling his waist, "it's so unfair how pretty you are… you know?"

"H-huh?" Sanji stammers as you slipped the used condom off his length, tossing it aside, "Hold on I just came-"

"Was it fun?" you ask lowly, leaning over him, noses nearly touching, "Was it fun to watch me writhe all needy for you?" You finish unbuttoning your shirt, also tossing it aside as your free hand stroking his cock, slowing down as it filled up your hand, pulsing once more.

"So eager…" you murmur, "That didn't take much time at all…"

"Love.. I-"

"Do you want to stop?" you ask, softly this time.

Sanji's mouth snaps shut, shaking his head no, bangs sticking to his face, oh he was such a pretty sight beneath you.

"Use your words, love." you grin, caressing his cheek, "Tell me what you want."

"I… I want to keep going…" Sanji stammers, blood dripping from his nose.

You chuckle, reaching down to wipe the red away with your thumb, "Can I do the rest then?"

"Y-yes you can." Sanji swallows.

"Good." you hum, moving your hips slowly, up and down against his length, moaning softly at the sensation, "Can I just take it honey? Please.. I just want to take it…" you plead, teasing him by letting the tip slip in every other pass.

Sanji whimpers, skin flushed a deep red as he watches you, "I-I want to but I don't want you to feel pressured to do so-"

"I'm not… I promise." you say, sighing from the sensation of grinding along his length, "I really want this… I promise."

"If you're sure-" he pants, "then take it- please, I want it too, you have no idea how bad I want you darling.." Sanji whines, fingers digging into the flesh of your thighs. He was just so sweet… so adorable… and he was all yours. You feel a surge of affection as you gaze down at him, his flushed cheeks, adoring eyes, messy hair—

"I'm going to ride you stupid." you conclude, reveling in the way he blushes even brighter.

"Are- you sure, love? You don't have to do this-"

"You wanted to help relieve my stress right? So be a good boy and lay there all pretty for me honey." you coo sinking down.

You're here because Nami went and fetched for you. You had excused yourself from the party earlier to handle a small matter that occupied you for much longer than you thought you would be. Apparently that was enough time for something to have happened and cause Sanji to let loose. As to what it was, you didn't know yet.

Nami was suspiciously vague about the situation, but you figured you could just ask Sanji what happened himself, after all, you would never turn down an opportunity to care for him, even more so knowing he was in a state you've never seen him in before. A very drunken state. It's… a little out of character for him.

Everything feels like it's spinning. His mind is foggy, and his chest strangely heavy. It feels better to sit, though he'd much rather lay down. Sanji's definitely had too much to drink, more than enough for the rest of the week, he thinks. How the mosshead downs over a bottle every day is beyond him. Being drunk is miserable. Even worse since you weren't here.

You left earlier, before the contest was even announced, and he missed you more than ever. Your beautiful smile that shines brighter than the sun, your hands that interlock perfectly with his, your eyes that fill up with so much warmth when you see him, your familiar scent with the ability to instantly relax him-

He misses you so much. He wants his wife back.

Well. Not really "wife" yet… but he was planning it. You've been together for a while, and he couldn't imagine spending his life with anyone else- he even had the whole proposal planned out. Maybe not in detail, but he had the ring in his possession, and an idea. He sighs softly, keeping his head down, letting the alcohol take a hold of his mind, riding out the intoxication with as much… grace as he could. He shouldn't have drank that much.

It started with the teasing, Nami asking how everything was going between him and you, and well of course everything was going well. Sanji had finished his one glass of wine at this point, and was a little tipsy. While Sanji would never pass up a chance to gush about you, this time he had spilled just a little too much. Too much to the opportunistic Nami, who at this point was two pints in and feeling eager to start trouble this night.

"I'm going to marry her someday… with that beautiful ring…" Sanji immediately bites his lip when those words spill out, not because he's never made such claims before, but because this time, it was different. It's different when the words come out with such sincerity absent of any showmanship. And his crew, his family, noticed. So much for keeping it a secret.

"When?" exclaims a shocked Nami, "Wait, is this why you asked for more berri the last time we docked?"

Sanji snaps up, "No, of course not! I've been saving up for it!"

"How?" Nami's eyes narrow suspiciously, "You do know I'm the one who handles all of our funds, right?"

Sanji's cheeks flush even brighter from embarrassment, "Alright, I'll admit. I'm so sorry I hid this from you until now, Nami-san, but these past…. many grocery runs, whenever I had some change, I would… keep some of it to save up. Not all of it! Just some. For the ring." he sweats nervously.

"Oh Sanji…" Nami sighs, her sympathetic smile betrayed by the sharp glint in her eyes, "You do know that's embezzlement, right? Normally I would pummel you straight into the ocean, but since I love [Name] too, I'll be merciful."

Sanji lets out a breath he had no idea he'd been holding in.

"I'm raising your debt by 3000%" she settles, taking another swig at her drink, while Sanji deflates in his corner. It was so over.

"But!" she counters with a catty grin, "You might be able to fix that if you win a game."

"Game?" Sanji tilts his head.

"Be the last one standing in a drinking contest, and I'll lower your debt by 15%!"

Sanji thinks for a moment before responding, "Nami-san, with all due respect, I think I'll have to pass on that-"

"Why because you know you won't win?" the mosshead interrupts.

"No, because the reward won't make a dent on what I owe." Sanji grits his teeth, not wanting to get all riled up over Zoro's bait.

"Every bit counts, you know." Zoro shrugs, "I'm going to owe 15% less than you then."

"That's fine, because I don't mind paying back to Nami, unlike another idiot it seems."

"Tell that to your future Misses, eyebrows, I'm sure she'd be thrilled to hear about debt you'll owe."

"I-"

One thing led to another and before anyone knew it, Sanji had drunk himself silly while attempting to compete against Zoro in a drinking match.

The debt isn't even really real.

Now he sits a little away from the rest of the crew, recovering from his loss, while taking small sips from the glass of water Robin had brought for him. Back to missing you after the excitement with the rest of the crew.

Luckily, you had just arrived on the scene, spotting him and making your way towards him while he was lost in thought.

Tapping him gently on the shoulder, you give him a warm smile, "Hey 'ji, ready to go and head to bed now?"

Sanji turns to you slowly after feeling your tap, eyes lighting up instantly at the sight of you. You chuckle, taking a seat next to him and holding your arms open to invite him closer.

"My love…." he coos quietly, falling into you. Closing his eyes as he nuzzles against your neck, breathing softly, he's so adorable like this. "Missed you…" he almost whines.

He clings to you like a koala, and if he could, his legs would be wrapped around your waist too, but your current position wouldn't allow it, and neither would your seat.

Instinctively, your fingers brush against his bangs, combing through his, somehow, still soft hair. He smiles, humming contently.

"What happened while I was gone, hon? I don't think you've ever been this drunk before…"

"Contest…" he says softly, "There was a contest, Nami hosted… I think."

"That's a dangerous game…" You chuckle softly, "What was the prize?"

"She said she would reduce the winner's debt by 15%…" he snuggles even closer, beginning to press light, lazy kisses to your exposed skin.

"That's not much…" you hum, his soft locks tickling your neck.

"It's 15%… not 15 dollars. Or at least that's what the mosshead said? 'Could still be significant…" Sanji mumbles, his words fading like his consciousness.

You laugh, shaking your head with a fond smile, "Alright, time to go now you big baby. You look like you want to lay down." you pat his back gently.

"How did you know?" Sanji chuckles gravelly, looking up at you with lidded eyes.

"Just a feeling," you smile, helping him up, "go ahead and lean on me, love, I'll help you get to our room." Sanji, being Sanji, complies instantly, taking advantage of the situation by burying his face into your hair.

You chuckle at his clinginess, looking back to stick your tongue out playfully at the teasing looks the crew threw your way as you wave goodbye for the night.

"We need to take a bath… or at least I want to take one." you hum helping Sanji lay down in your shared bed.

He reaches out to grab your hand before you could leave.

"You want to stay with me?" you ask gently.

"Yeah… I want to wash up too…" he grumbles, trying to sit back up.

"Ok then, but behave yourself."

"Mmhm…"

Steam rises in the room as you fill a bucket with hot water. It would be safer to bathe this way instead of laying in the tub, seeing how your lover could hardly keep his eyes open.

Sighing affectionately, you gently comb your fingers through his hair once, smiling when he leans into your touch with a soft purr.

You took it slow getting clean, occasionally dipping the washcloth in the basin to create more suds. You kept an eye on Sanji as well, to make sure he didn't fall asleep.

"You're doing well, love," you say scrubbing his back, "Almost done here…"

"'m sorry, want to help you too…" he sighs, you could almost picture those sad puppy ears flattening against his head in shame.

"Next time, 'ji." you chuckle, rinsing off the soap, "All done." you press a kiss behind his ear.

Sanji turns his head slowly to meet your lips, "Thank you, darling…" he gives you a lazy smile as you sit there in your fluster.

"My love-?"

You shove a towel into his arms.

Back in your shared room, you're busy grabbing a change of clothes while Sanji watches you fondly from the bed. It's quiet now, you guess the party above has died down as one by one, everyone retires for the night. You're feeling a little sleepy too. As you're thinking this, your hand catches on the fabric of a certain shirt.

"Sanji?" you call out to him.

"Hm? Yes, dear?"

You show him the shirt you pulled out from the closet, his shirt, one of his short sleeved button ups, "Can I wear this tonight?"

For a second Sanji seems to forget his drowsiness, his eyes growing so wide as he stares, "I-uh of course! I don't mind at all, you can wear my clothes whenever you want, love." he says as his cheeks heat up faster than his stove.

You chuckle turning back around to put it on.

"Do you want to get married someday?" he asks so quietly, you had to do a double take.

"I'm sorry?" you pause from slipping on the shirt.

"Do you want to get married someday?" Sanji asks, a little louder this time.

You can feel your cheeks heat up, the blood rushing up to your brain as it short circuits. Marriage…? Well, you would be lying if you hadn't thought about it. The way Sanji breached the topic so casually, in this situation however, well it caught you off guard.

"Sanji…" you murmur, sitting next to his lying form as you finish buttoning up the shirt, "You've been thinking about that?"

"For a long time…" he murmurs, you blame his bluntness on the alcohol , "Want to stay by your side for as long as you want me to…"

Oh, this sweet man.

You lean down and press a kiss to his forehead, "Oh honey…"

He smiles from the kiss, draping his arm over your lap, hugging your waist, "Do you want to?"

You hold back the tears that had magically formed in your ducts, "Yes.. I do want that. I want to stay with you too."

You feel his fingers twitch, fingers that traveled under your shirt, caressing the warm skin beneath. The gentle touch making you feel oddly sensitive as he tugs you closer.

"I would make you the happiest woman in the world…" he mumbles, taking your hand in his own, pressing his cheek against your warm touch, "I would give you everything…" you can feel the breath of his whisper before he presses a tender kiss to your palm. Then to your wrist.

"You're a goddess, my love…" he sits up, wrapping his arms around you once more and pulling you to his lap, your back against his chest, "so beautiful…"

Your breath hitches as his lips brush against your neck, almost like…

"You're teasing…" you mumble, annoyed by how lightly he's dancing around you, annoyed by the sweet chuckle that leaves his lips melting your poor heart.

"Can I hold you more?" He asks, nosing against your nape, "Can I kiss you more?"

You don't like the way your hands shake as you rest them atop his, squeezing them lightly as you gather your words.

"Mhm… please…" you manage to get out, cringing at the nervous delivery.

Sanji doesn't seem to mind though, he never minds. Because he's Sanji, where even your worst awkward moment becomes his cutest memory of you that gets him through the worst of hells. You blame the alcohol. The liquor that's given him so much courage to be so bold.

"You've been so good to me… let me treat you too." he whispers against the shell of your ear, you pray that you don't explode right then and there.

He's greedy, the way his eyes rake over you with such adoration, his thumb still massaging in slow circles on your hip. Eating you up, but making you melt at the same time. Like a bite accompanied by a lick to soothe the wound. All you could really do was just. Take it. You weren't complaining, why would you? He's covering you in kisses and rubbing his cheek against yours like you were the only two people in the world.

Suddenly he pushes you down to lay on the mattress, the pillows cushioning your head as you stare up at him in awe. His expression unreadable, but the way his thumb caressed your cheek sent a shiver to your heart.

"Uh… Sanji…?" you manage to get out, much quieter than you wanted.

"You're so pretty…" he mumbles, leaning down to kiss your cheek, "I love you so much, ma cherie…" his lips trail down to your neck, his breath so warm against your skin- you hold back the squeak that threatened to escape.

"I- I love you too.." you whisper unsure of what to do, but trusting him completely.

He smiles, kissing your nose before moving down- moving down?

There's a shift in the air, just as Sanji buries his face against your tummy with a sigh, "I just don't know what I did to deserve you…" he reminds you of a cat, with the way he's been rubbing his face against you all night. His hand reaches up to hold yours, fingers gently twining with yours, "It's like puzzle pieces…" he mumbles while you were busy trying to keep your heart rate under control.

"Seriously, I must've done something incredible in a past life…" he muses, thumb rubbing a knuckle.

You huff, hand reaching down to brush his bangs aside, "You're just you… and I'm just me, and we happened to find each other. Like you said, it's just like puzzle pieces."

Sanji pouts, "You're not 'just you', you're incredible."

"That's not what I meant, 'ji." you stifle a chuckle.

He hums, unsatisfied with your response, his hand pulling away from yours to play with the bottom most button of your shirt.

"Can I?" he asks softly.

"Can you what…?" you ask curiously, eyes widening when you catch on.

"I just want to kiss you, that's all." Sanji murmurs, taking notice of your expression.

Your mouth opens and closes a few times before you nod, "I was just going to mention that you're y'know, drunk, a little."

"Mmn, don't worry." his fingers deftly undo the button, "Just want to love you like this, is all."

You hold your breath as the buttons come undone, you weren't nervous, no, far from it, you were threatening to turn into putty under his careful touch actually.

Suddenly you feel his lips above your belly button and let out a surprised squeak.

Sanji immediately snaps up, "Are you-"

You cover your face in embarrassment, "No- no, continue… please." You're never recovering from that, that's going to be a memory that comes back to haunt you now-

A shadow comes over you, gentle hands prying yours from your hiding face, "Don't hide, ma cherie… you shouldn't feel the need to."

"I don't want to think about it, it's embarrassing…" you avert your gaze.

"No it's not, I thought it was cute." Sanji leans in closer.

"It's going to haunt me."

"It was very cute, do I really make you feel that way?"

You don't like drunk Sanji anymore, he's too smug. But you would be lying to yourself if you said you didn't like the way he was holding you right now.

"Look at me, love." he coaxes, and you do.

He smiles softly, "Can I kiss you?" he asks.

You huff, heart beating way too fast again, "Yeah.. yes, you can kiss me."

He chuckles before pressing his lips your own gently, "Thank you, darling."

Moving back down, he lets a hand hold your waist once more, "Can I continue?" he asks, pressing his cheek against your stomach, you can even feel the light scruff of his facial hair.

"You can…" you give him the go ahead.

He smiles and continues to kiss you, taking his time, moving incredibly slow to really savor you.

"You know I notice when you push yourself to work harder…"

A kiss.

"Sometimes I want to just pull you aside, serve you tea, stare into your eyes while you talk to me…"

Another kiss.

"Love when you choose to lean on me, I'll help you with anything…"

Another kiss.

Your heart rate wasn't going to go down anytime soon. Soft kisses trail up to your sternum, Sanji pauses for moment, to look up at you.

"Too much?" He asks softly seeing your flustered expression and slightly shaky hands.

"N-no…"

"But your heart is beating so fast…" he mumbles, pressing his ear right above where your heart is, "I know you feel it too."

"I want.. you to keep going…" your grip tightens against the sheets, have you been gripping them this whole time?

Sanji hums softly, trailing kisses up faster now, racing to the finish line until he wasn't. Stopping at your neck and taking his time there. You could feel it more now, his breath, his lips, the occasional bite, you might as well be drunk too with how your head was spinning.

Finally he moves back up to meet you face to face, "Hi." he smiles down at you adoringly.

"Hey…" you whisper back , feeling very dumbstruck by what just happened. It's almost silly, considering you've both have gone further before. It's just a little different this time.

In the next breath, Sanji gathers you in his arms and grunts as he lays down next to you, legs tangling with your as well, "Was that ok?" he asks softly.

"More than ok…" you admit, snuggling closer to his chest, listening to slow thump of his heart beat, "I liked it a lot…"

"That's good," he kisses your hair, "You deserve it and more, beautiful…" he trails off before you hear soft snoring.

Oh you hope you can fall asleep tonight.

That being said, you've been feeling a little down lately. Maple has hissed, yowled, and scratched at every date you've brought home so far. And while you would never give your best friend of years up for a man you've only known for a few dates, you were beginning to wonder if you'll even get to know a man for longer than that at all.

And now? You were feeling torn, because for once you've actually fallen in love. And you wouldn't know what to do if your sweet kitty didn't like him. You have been praying that this time, this was the one. For you and for Maple.

The man in question?

You stand frozen at the register. Pretending to examine the menu of the café you frequent to avoid looking at the new employee behind the counter. A handsome man around your age, blonde, faint goatee, and a swirly eyebrow. It was nerve-wracking when you made eye contact for the first time. Sanji was his name. You caught it on the name tag before moving your gaze to literally anywhere else. He had given you a soft smile, and you thought your heart had stopped for a moment. Love at first sight isn't a thing, you believed that firmly, but with the way your cheeks warmed when you heard his smooth voice, you were starting to reconsider.

It was almost uncomfortable, this sudden attraction from absolutely nowhere. The second you were done with your order, you bee-lined it to a booth and started doodling nonsensically to distract yourself. Drawing was almost therapeutic to you. You weren't particularly good at it, but you didn't have to be. The little doodles of cats that somewhat resembled Maple and flowers were enough for you. It's like getting lost in a pattern, driving away your fluster until fate decided it had other plans for you.

"Your order, miss."

You nearly jumped in your seat, startled by the same blonde from earlier as he sets your drink and pastry down in front of you, "Please let me know if you need anything else."

You can hear the smile in his voice, refusing to meet his gaze from your fluster, "Yes- thank you." you quickly get out, keeping your head lowered. He chuckles quietly as he left, and fuckkkkkkkkk you're doomed. It's just a crush, you tell yourself, it'll go away. It's just like, what? The first time someone's made your heart pound this loud in your chest, right? Plenty of fish in the sea.

You still weren't over the fact he delivered your order to you personally at your seat though.

This went on for a couple of weeks, he would ALWAYS make sure to take your order, sharing small talk on the side whenever possible. You learned that he grew up around the area, and had just moved back recently after graduating from culinary school. Work was slow, but he managed to find a job at the café you were both chatting in now. He was also a bit of a flirt, some days you stayed in the café longer to work on your laptop, and you would catch him complimenting another lady here and there, but he always laid it harder on you. Or maybe you were being delusional because while you have gotten more used to his presence, your heart still skipped a beat whenever you saw him.

"The usual for my favorite regular." Sanji teases, setting down your drink, while you roll your eyes.

"Are you sure I'm your favorite? You've been quite popular ever since you got here." it was true, you weren't the only enamored by him. He made the perfect drinks, and you think the pastries have gotten more delicious since he started working here.

"Lip service from someone like you would secure customers instantly." you take a sip from your drink.

"Is that why you keep coming here?" he grins.

You scoff, looking away, "I was already a regular before you came along, pretty boy."

"But you do appreciate it, right?" his tone softens slightly.

You pause, turning a little to find him sliding a folded note to you.

"I- well… I think you are… somewhat charming." you hesitate with your words.

"Only somewhat?" he tilts his head with a small smile, and an unreadable emotion in his eyes.

It's like a scene out of a movie, the way everything seems to weigh in on your mind all at once. You hold your breath, unfolding the note to find a number written inside.

A phone number.

HIS phone number.

OH.

"May I take you out to dinner sometime?" he asks, quieter, almost nervous.

"I- uh-" you were about to combust, "Sure! I mean- YES! Yes, let's go out sometime." you want to be buried six feet underground, you can't be making THIS MUCH of a fool out of yourself. You've asked people out before! What is it about this man that makes you act like an awkward teenager all over again?

You can't be this much of a mess.

Sanji doesn't seem to mind though, in fact, his mood seems to have made a full 180 as he grins widely at you, "It's a date then! Thank you, my dear, I won't let you down." he says, leaning down to take your hand and kiss your knuckles.

So now you've got a date.

You feel giddy when you get back home to your apartment. Maple quickly makes herself known, meowing and trotting over to you.

"Hey honey~!" you coo, scooping the kitty up into your arms. She blinks up at you with her wide green eyes, purring from the attention you were giving her.

"Guess what! He asked me out!" you laugh, spinning around with her in your arms, "I've got a date with Sanji! Can you believe it?" Maple only slow blinks up at you, her purring continuing.

Suddenly, you feel your phone vibrate in your pocket. You set Maple down on the floor to answer. Your smile widens when you see the notification.

Sanji: "What time and day works for you?"

One date became two, and then three, and before you knew it, you've been on countless dates with him. And now you were certain.

Your dumbass was in love. It wasn't infatuation anymore.

But you haven't made it official, not yet, because of the most important test you've been delaying. You haven't brought Sanji back to your place, but it's not like he ever asked or pressured you to either. Like the respectful gentleman he is. Gosh, just thinking about him is making you giddy. You wave the distracting thoughts away. How were you going to do this?

Maple lets out a soft "mrrp?" as she rolls over onto her back, blinking at you curiously as you pace around your room in a circle.

You sigh, taking out your phone to pull up a photo.

"What do you think, Maple? Is he the one?" You ask, showing her a photo you took of him laughing. But of course, Maple doesn't react to the image, swatting at your screen with her paw playfully.

"Yeah, I thought so." you sigh, you can't delay it anymore, if you want to find out, they'll have to meet for real.

"So… this is it!" you say awkwardly as you unlock the door to your apartment, "Thanks for coming over to help me cook, I just remembered I had some stuff in the fridge."

"It's no problem, love, you know I never mind cooking for you." he chuckles, following you towards the kitchen

You had found an opportunity to invite him over when you noticed the expiration date to some items in your fridge were coming to a close. You decided you would invite him over to help out with some cooking, and then introduce him to Maple after dinner. Currently, Maple was locked in your bedroom for the time being. Just in case.

"Now let's see what we have here…" Sanji murmurs to himself while rummaging through your fridge.

You start to take out a couple bowls when you were struck with a sudden urge.

"Feel free to look around, I just need to use the restroom real quick." you excuse yourself, rushing to your bathroom.

A few minutes later, after you dried your hands, you step out from the bathroom and notice your bedroom door wide open. Oh well, ok. It's rude to leave doors open with guests around, you thought as you closed it.

WAIT A SECOND.

You quickly fling your bedroom door wide open, Maple wasn't there.

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww shoot.

You race to the main living area, expecting to hear a fuss-

"Aw, look at you… aren't you a pretty kitty?"

You skid to a halt. No way.

You slowly peek around the countertop, and your eyes widen.

You couldn't believe it.

Sanji was there, yes, and so was Maple. But… she wasn't hissing or scratching or biting him. No, she was… letting him pet her?

You stand there bewildered.

Sanji seems to notice your presence and looks up, "Love! You're back! You didn't tell me you have a cat." he chuckles while you stare.

"Ah yeah, I was planning to introduce you two after dinner…" you mumble, watching as Maple weaves between Sanji's legs.

"Something wrong?" Sanji tilts his head.

"No! No, everything's great, actually. I've just never seen her so accepting of a stranger before. She doesn't like many people you see." you chuckle, crouching down to pet her, "Her name is Maple, by the way."

"I see… Maple…" Sanji hums thoughtfully, "It's a beautiful name for a beautiful kitty."

The rest of the night seems to go by in a blur. Really, you were thrilled! He's got your cat's blessing! Now you can make your relationship official, and without any troubles!

Ha ha, you thought.

"I didn't know you had a penchant for animals." You chuckle watching Maple purr, curled up on Sanji's lap. You had finished dinner earlier, and were now just relaxing on the couch watching a random show on the TV.

"I didn't either…" he chuckles, rubbing the top of her head with his thumb, "I usually earn friendship through food."

"You didn't feed her anything when you first saw her?" you ask surprised.

"No. She just came up to me and started rubbing her cheek against my leg." Sanji shrugged.

That's… weird. Maple headbutts Sanji's hand happily. You rest your head against Sanji's shoulder, happy they were at least getting along.

Understatement of the century.

The next time you invited Sanji over, Maple trotted over to him and sat down right in front of him. Preventing him from advancing further unless he pet her.

"Maple." You scold lightly, but Sanji only laughs.

"Hey princess…" he coos, crouching down, giving her those well deserved scritches.

You shake your head watching her shamelessly enjoying the attention, "Charmer for not just the ladies I see."

"Well you could say she counts as a lady." Sanji stands back up, "An adorable little lady at that."

Yes, a very adorable lady. An adorable lady that trails behind your boyfriend everywhere he goes. She even followed him to the bathroom scratching at the door while meowing loudly.

"Honey, what has gotten into you?" you stifle your laughter, scooping the fussy kitty up into your arms, "Just wait a few minutes, he's not going to be gone forever."

But whenever he did leave, Maple's mood was significantly affected. She would get depressed for a few hours, sulking in a corner and not responding to you much at all. It was silly at first, well until it started getting in between you and Sanji.

You were both tired, crashing in your bed after a stressful week of work and not being able to see each other.

You sigh as soon as your face hits the pillow, turning to your side to face Sanji who did the same.

"Hi…" Sanji murmurs at you with a lazy smile, pulling you into his arms.

You respond with a sleepy hum, hiding your face in his neck, "Missed you…" you whine, wrapping around him like a koala.

He chuckles softly, pressing a kiss to your temple, "Missed you too…"

"I didn't get to see you all week…" you lament.

"Well, the say distance makes the heart grow fonder… you're stuck to me like glue."

You huff, "And it'll stay that way the whole night."

"You say that like I mind…" Sanji murmurs, arms tightening around you, "I'm not letting go of you either then."

He smells good, faint nicotine and something minty… and he's warm… Those were the woozy thoughts floating around in your muddled brain as you start to succumb to your exhaustion.

Rain patters against the glass of your window, moonlight peeking slightly through the poorly drawn curtains, the air around you was cold, but the bed was warm with the two of you tangled up in it. You sigh happily, tugging up the covers, you felt at peace in this small cocoon of heaven.

"Mew."

Suddenly, you feel a weighted fluffball land on your head, startling you from your rest.

"Huh-!?"

"Oh hey princess, joining us too? Were you cold?" Sanji chuckles rubbing Maple's cheek, "Don't lay there, that's your mama's head." Sanji untangles himself from you (much to your chagrin), to remove Maple from her spot on your head, and set her down on the empty space of the bed behind you.

You scoff, rubbing at your sore head.

"Are you ok honey?" Sanji stifles his amusement, laying back down and turning his attention to you.

"Yeah… she's not that heavy luckily." You sigh resting back against your pillow, "She usually curls up near my tummy… she doesn't just target my head."

Maple meows in protest, crawling in between you two before you could get back to cuddling again. You huff poking her nose playfully.

"Come on princess, can't I cuddle your mom?" Sanji asks softly, nudging at the kitty gently.

She only purrs in response, getting comfortable in the space between your heads.

"I guess that's her answer." you let out a small snort, "Spoiled girl…" you murmur kissing her little head.

"Can't be helped, I can't refuse a request like that." Sanji agrees laying back down.

You wake up the next morning to an empty bed and the sound of sizzling in the air. Yawning, you stretch your arms in the air before trudging out of bed. The chill in the air makes you shudder.

"Morning sleepyhead," Sanji chuckles watching you stumble out of your room while tying a robe on, "I'm making breakfast, you can just take a seat. Do you want coffee or tea?"

You hum sleepily in response, "Thanks, love… coffee please."

As you blink the sleep away in your eyes, you spot something most peculiar. Maple was perched on Sanji's shoulders. Wait.

"Love…?"

"Hm?" Sanji hums, focused on the eggs frying in the pan.

"Is… Is Maple sitting on your shoulders?"

"Huh? Oh yeah, she insisted on staying there."

Maple's never done that before. You stare for a few minutes in bewilderment as Sanji fed her a small bit of cooked salmon from the pan.

Perhaps your prayers have worked a little too well.

Another time you walked in on Sanji on the couch scrolling on his phone with one hand, while the other mindlessly petted Maple's belly.

Now.

Yes, you said you would let her represent you in court, but in all your years of living with her, she has never ONCE let you pet her belly. You have come out from all attempts with a couple scratches and a reminder. What sorcery was this. An intervention was now in order.

"Sanji. We have to talk." you say solemnly.

"Wait, huh? My love, did I do something wrong? I-"

"No, no, it's not you, well actually yeah, It's kind of you. But also it's about Maple." you point at the cat currently purring in his arms, tail flicking from side to side in contentment.

"Oh."

This was a silly thing to be upset about, but Sanji's YOUR boyfriend, not your cats. Wait.

You couldn't believe it. YOUR cat was stealing YOUR man.

You sigh, putting your hands together, "I think you've spoiled her more than I have."

Maple blinks at you innocently, you faux glare at her.

Sanji snorts, "Ladies, ladies, calm down, I love you both equally."

You roll your eyes, the corners of your lips twitching up slightly, "I just can't help but feel like I'm being third wheeled sometimes." you admit, "Sanji~ I miss you." you move in closer to him.

Suddenly Maple hisses at you.

A pause.

You look at Sanji, and you both look down at your kitty.

You burst into a fit of laughter, "Oh honey. Are you trying to be a homewrecker?" you say taking your very unamused cat from Sanji's arms. Lifting her up to your face you scold her, "You have to learn to share you know, he's my boyfriend, and I'm the reason you got to meet him at all."

Maple sneezes in your face. Sanji is fighting back his own amusement in the corner.

"What a spoiled princess." Sanji says, regaining his composure, joining the both of you.

"She's our spoiled princess." you roll your eyes, all while Maple mewls happily in your arms.

He looks down to see you sleeping peacefully, your cheek smushed against his chest, while a thin line of drool trails at the corner of your parted lips. Yes, someone was definitely getting her beauty sleep tonight, and it's taking every ounce of his soul to not swoon over you stupid.

Well, even if he wanted, he didn't really have the energy to. The night is quiet and private, safe enough for him to let his true, raw feelings seep out in a tired, gentle smile. He brushes your cheek gently with his fingertips, resisting the urge to poke the softness below. Instead, he chooses to brush the fallen strands of your hair behind your ear to get a better look at the angel that you are.

Your brows furrow and you shift, grumbling as you move closer, your face now nestled against his collarbone and your arms tightening around his midsection.

Sanji stifles a laugh.

You're adorable, he could watch you forever, but he still couldn't sleep. In fact, now he felt even more restless than before! His fingers were practically shaking to reach for a cigarette, but not here. Not in the room you both shared, and definitely not while you slept.

Slowly, carefully, stealthily, he untangles himself from beneath you (much to his dismay) and sets his foot down on the wood paneled floor. A soft creak sounds, but that's alright, it was barely audible. Another shift, as he pulls his other leg towards the edge of the bed, keeping watch to make sure he doesn't wake you when his other foot touches the floor.

He breathes out a sigh, alright, now to-

A hand weakly tugs at his pajama sleeve, making him whip his head back down to see you, in all of your sleepy glory.

"Sanji…? Where are you going?" You say, heavy with sleep and so vulnerable in a way that made Sanji's heart so very soft.

"Just for a smoke, Love, I'll be back soon-"

"No."

"…No?"

You shook your head and tugged even harder, dragging him right back into bed, and into the warmth of your arms, "Are you having trouble sleeping again?"

Ah, you're much too good at pinning him down.

"Maybe? A smoke would help, though."

You shake your head again, butting your head into his chest, "I can already feel the chill without you here… and it's cold outside, stay here with me."

You beautiful tempting goddess.

"Honey…" He chuckles softly, pulling you up to rest in his lap, "You know I have a hard time saying no to things like that."

"'Have a hard time?' Not, 'could never say no?'" you pout, "Isn't there anything else we can do to help you sleep instead of your usual smoke?"

"Are you worried about me, love? You don't hav-"

"Of course I'm worried…" You frown, sitting up higher to be face-to-face with him, "You already go through at least a pack every day. You're going to be known as 'Black LUNG Sanji' at this point."

A pause before you continue, "And you know, I really do worry about your health."

Sanji gives it a moment before smiling, pulling you to lay back down on the bed together, "I'm sorry to make you worry Love, I mean it." His quiet reassurance eases you a bit.

"I'm not telling you to quit completely… I just don't want you to smoke— you told me you started when you were 12 right?"

"13, actually."

"Same thing." You poke his cheek, "Something like that is hard to quit, I get it, I just want you to-"

"Lay off of it a little, yeah." He finishes your sentence, absentmindedly playing with your hair.

"Yeah." You smile a little.

A sort of quiet settles over you both, so you take the opportunity to pull him closer, resting your chin atop his head, "I've… Gotten accustomed to it… the smell of smoke on you," your nose buries into his blonde locks, "I mean… it's kind of like it's a part of you. In a way, it's comforting." you admit quietly.

Sanji's eyes widen as you hold him, slowly wrapping his arms around you.

"It's a bit of an excuse… I just want to hold you like this." You continue, "I mean, I do worry about your health-"

"I know…" Sanji presses a soft kiss to your collarbone, "I think… I'm starting to feel sleepy now. All I needed was your magical touch, this problem is resolved."

You laugh quietly, "You don't sound it, don't lie."

"…Well, I wasn't lying about the magical touch part."

"Silly man…" You smile fondly, lifting his head a little as you look down, pressing a kiss to his nose, "I think I have an idea that might work."

"W-which is?"

You smile slyly, starting from his nose, you press a kiss to his cheeks, his forehead, hairline, nose bridge, and finally his lips. A soft kiss, but it was enough to make your lover feel dizzy.

"M-ma cherie…"

You giggle seeing the dazed look in his eyes, soft lips parted slightly in a small 'o', gosh he was too adorable, "You always get so faint when I pull tricks like this, I thought it would help?" You say innocently, smile growing wider when you hear a soft whine.

"My love, my darling, my sun, you can't-" He rolls onto his back, hands covering his face, save for his stuttering lips.

"You always surprise me with the sweetest gestures, you spoil everyone, so let me spoil you back a bit, ok?" You tease, clearly enjoying his flustered state too much.

Suddenly you find yourself underneath a pouting Sanji, "My dearest, you make such dangerous gambles- I don't think your kisses are helping me feel sleepy at all."

Your grin never falters, both hands reaching up to cup his face in your hands, "Aw really? Let me try again, they say 90% of all gamblers quit before winning big." You swore you could see a hint of glee in his eyes.

Another round of kisses, your legs tangled together and a very pleased Sanji in your arms enjoying your attention.

"My eyelids don't feel heavy yet."

"Are you sure you aren't just trying to scam me into giving you more kisses?" You playfully pinch his arm.

"Oh love, I would, never." Came the reply from a very content and smitten Sanji, "In fact, I think just one more round of kisses would help me."

"Oh no, I have to play with my chances again." You sigh with false exasperation, matching your grin to his. You press a kiss to his temple, and he leans in with a small hum. Behind his ear, a soft sigh leaves his lips, his chest rising and falling at a slower rate. A soft kiss to his hair, and you hear him chuckle lightly. And finally, as his gaze meets yours, you press a final kiss to his lips. Softer, vulnerable, it's this raw side of Sanji that he rarely lets anyone see, and you feel more than honored to be trusted with all of it.

"Do you feel sleepy now?" You ask quietly, already knowing the answer with the way he nods slowly, nuzzling into the crook of your neck. Adorable.

Your own eyelids are struggling to stay open, so you pull the covers up over you both, sighing as you get comfortable, "Goodnight, silly boy."

a/n: Another request done! Sigh the things I search up for these fics..

You knew Nami would sigh in exasperation if she knew, making a remark about “chasing skirts,” which you wouldn’t deny. Robin probably knew, she just hadn’t said anything yet, but you have your suspicions after she had paired you and Sanji up for the last grocery run.

Well, you didn't mind it too much. You got to spend a good amount of the day with Sanji, without any interruption from your lovable, but annoyingly perceptive crew. You listened to Sanji explain to you different ingredients and good substitutes in recipes. The way he spoke about flavors and uses for every part of an ingredient, hell, just his passion for cooking in general, pulled you in.

He was still flirty, of course, this is Sanji we're talking about, but that wasn't what struck out to you in recent memory. And you remember, oh you remember too well, the way your hands brushed past each other several times throughout the run. Sometimes on purpose, others (thank the crowded markets) had you squeezing in close, shoulder-to-shoulder, oh gosh you can feel his warmth through the clothes, catch the scent of his cologne-

You lean back and sigh, oh, you were in trouble. “Down bad” and a fool. Oh, how you wished your eyes wouldn’t follow him uncontrollably when he passed by. Oh, how you wished that you didn’t try to memorize the scent of the coat he lent you that one time. (Faint citrus, nicotine, and that expensive cologne.) Oh, how you wished you hadn’t learned what his footsteps sounded like against any surface, or his preferred brand of cigarettes, or his favorite dish-

Oh, you hopeless fool.

You take another breath.

Just. Focus on something else. Anything else. Anyone else but him-

“Oh ma cherie why are you sighing so much?”

Fuck.

“Oh, hi Sanji,” You said as casually as you could, your voice strained, “what’s up?”

He looked you over with that gentle concern as he always does with anyone who needs it, “Well, I was going to say the orange tarts are ready, but I couldn't help but hear a pretty lady in distress. What’s troubling you?”

'I want you.'

Says the thought left unsaid.

“Oh nothing much really,” you lie, “just thinking about… a book I read. Nothing much.” Your hands were clenched behind you, shaking uncontrollably.

Sanji tilts his head curiously, like a puppy, and you immediately wanted to face-slam through the floorboards with the force of Luffy's pistol punch.

Sanji looks as if he might say something but stops himself, instead going back to his stupid charming smile.

"Oh well, you don't have to tell me if you don't want to, but I'm here to lend an ear if you need." He says gently, handing you a tart before going to deliver the rest to the others.

You let out a breath you didn't realize you were holding when you were sure he was gone, allowing yourself to feel giddy and gleeful in his absence.

Gingerly cutting a piece of the tart with the fork he also gave you, you take a bite.

The punch of the flavor, had your eyes lighting up like fireworks!

The spice aromatic, yet mild flavor of the crust contrasted with the smooth, yet sharp sweetness of the bright orange filling had you closing your eyes to savor it. Sanji's iconic orange tarts, and one of Nami's favorites. His cooking is undeniably incredible, making things in a way to suit everyone on the crew-

Ugh, another thing about that man… he knew how much Nami loved his orange tarts, he knew about everyone's favorite dishes on this ship. Even Zoro's favorite rice balls. He had them written down in a small journal he keeps tucked in his pocket. Everyone's preferences, dislikes, allergies, just another example of his kindness.

Ugh… You really were in too deep….

"—… Hey!"

Suddenly, you feel a hand on your shoulder, startling you.

"Ah-! Nami!" Your pitched voice betraying your attempt to seem composed.

And as you feared, she seemed to suspect something was off.

"Everything alright? You've been spacing out quite a bit these days." Nami says, sincerity in her eyes, "I'm not the only one worried, you know…"

Ah, Nami… always looking out for a fellow gal. Though you appreciate her support, the weight you were carrying in your mind was sure to become blackmail material for the rest of your life. If she found out you were yearning for that silly cook, besides the initial disappointment, who knows what could transpire, I mean, this is the Cat Burglar we're dealing with here.

"Yeah… I guess I'm still a little shaken up from the last adventure." You try grabbing at any excuse. "You know… just the usual of everyone fighting for their lives, you forget it could be over at any.. time…?" You trail off at the end, losing whatever point you might've been getting at and causing Nami's brows to furrow further.

"Is that what you're so worked up about? It is in the description of the job, to be in it means to be ready for anything that follows." She questions, but her tone is slighted in a way you don't immediately notice.

You chuckle, "Coming from our sly Nami, huh? Our pragmatic navigator?"

"Well, don't you remember what you vowed when you joined?"

"Fair point." You both smile leaning against the railway.

"Careful, you're about to drop your tart." Nami smirks.

You snap up immediately and catch it in time before it slips off the plate, "Oh! Thank you…"

Nami takes a second to respond.

"That last adventure you mentioned… it was a really tough fight, huh?"

"When is it not?" You say, slightly distracted with the tart. It was true, your last fight back on the last island was difficult, but the Strawhat pirates were always getting themselves (specifically Luffy…) into situations. So of course you had your fair share of small worries you kept tucked in the back of your mind every time you went into battle, hopefully, everyone would come out in one piece. It was expected, and it always happened, but that didn't stop the nerves.

"Yeah… the hit Sanji took for us…" Nami continues.

"You know he kicks right back."

"Sure, but isn't it concerning how many times he throws himself in front of others?"

You pause in thought before replying, "It does concern me… I mean as it does for everyone, but… you know, he's just that sort of kind person, always thinking about others, of the crew. He'd throw down his life for any of them-"

Nami listens to your rambling with a knowing smile.

"So, you think it's alright for him to take our hits?"

You immediately swing your head back to face her, frantically explaining yourself, "No, no! Of course not! Of course I don't think it's alright, I just…" You look back down to the final bite of the tart, "I really do worry about him sometimes. If he knows how much we need him here with us. He's willing to help others understand their worth, but he's also just as willing to throw his own life away."

"You really care about him, huh?" Nami flashes her iconic catty grin.

"Everyone here does. Like you said about me." You savor the last bite, "Especially Luffy, you know the captain."

"Yes, and our captain speaks in passionate detail about our cook."

"You know that's not his style-" You pause before glaring at her, caught in her trap.

She merely laughs.

"What are you doing, what does this mean?" You ask carefully, knowing full well what it meant.

"Just confirming something." She waves it off, giving your shoulder a friendly pat as she walks away, leaving you speechless.

That sly witch, no, IDIOT. You groan at yourself. How could you have fallen for such an easy trap?! And hold on-

"CONFIRM SOMETHING?" You call out to her in a confused panic, to which you get no response to, expectedly.

You were royally screwed now, at least three members of the crew will know about this by dinner, and you were NOT ready for all the teasing. There was no avoiding it now, you supposed. And maybe Nami was onto something, and maybe you were just revealing your little crush in more noticeable ways you weren't aware of. Not that you knew how, you thought you had been doing a great job of hiding it!

She and Robin must be in cahoots for this. They just have to be. Of course they would.

Well.

That just means you will have to learn how to survive dinner tonight.

You weren't disgusted or bothered or anything of the sort, you just weren't used to such positive attention, not to mention from a such a guy eager to give it. Your anxiety quickly took over, he was messing with you, or just fooling around. It was confirmed when you saw him throwing his affections at another lady, one of his crewmates. Guys like that just scream trouble. So you started looking the other way, giving indifference, in hopes to save yourself. It was easy enough…

But you took notice, of course you did, of him. You weren't sure why, but he was hard to ignore, when his attention wasn't on you. You watched him throw himself at other ladies, walking off rejection like it was nothing and continuing to serve them or others. He was never offended at your cold shoulder, he continued to treat you all the same. With the same patient smile, the look in his eye that never expected anything back. He even started noticing how uncomfortable you seemed near him, and stopped being so loud with you, getting so close, and giving you space.

It confused you.

It pissed you off.

You weren't sure how to react to the warmth that bloomed in your chest whenever he was near. You weren't sure what to do about these feelings towards a guy who always cared. Who always cared about everyone around him, who made sure to ask if everyone was alright, who loudly loved, who loudly got pissed off, who loudly cried, who loudly- Who was just allowed to be.

You groan scratching at your scalp, almost threatening to tear your hair out. You don't like looking at him, you tell yourself. You hate him! Actually!

…

It's easier to be small. It's easier to not take up space. It's easier to do what you can, and what you must to help out, and not inconvenience others. And yet… look at that idiot. Twirling around on one foot to deliver tea to Nami. Fighting loudly with Zoro on the deck. Making a fuss at small things and then laughing it off or getting even more pissed in the next moment.

Not getting shut down when he shouts. Not getting told he's too much when he loves. Not getting shunned when tears fall.

"[Name]-chan!"

You're stunned out of your thoughts as Sanji rushes over to you excitedly, eyes wide with an even wider smile. He looked like an excited golden retriever.

"Look!" he shows you… a flower, in full bloom. The soft pink petals spread out in such perfect unison, not a petal was damaged.

"A… flower..?" you ask, not able to hide your awe.

"Beautiful, right?" he gives you his signature toothy grin, tucking the bloom behind your ear.

Your cheeks heat up a little, but before you could respond, Sanji had turned and rushed away, to give the last flower to Nami if you heard him yell out loud correctly. Well, the flowers are beautiful, you hold yours gingerly between your index and your thumb to examine it further. What a perplexing guy.

You start softening up to him one night, you thought everyone would be asleep as you prepare yourself something warm to drink, not wanting to think about the nightmare that left you with shaky hands.

It wasn't a good idea to take a mug from the high shelf of the cabinet in your frazzled state.

That was the thought that went through your mind as you stared in horror at the shattered ceramic pieces that littered the tile floor of the kitchen.

You don't know why, but the next thing you knew, you were curled up in a ball, back pressed up against a wooden cabinet as you tried to stop your sobbing. It's annoying when the tears don't stop when you want them too. After a few minutes of that nonsense, you had to pick yourself off the ground to clean your mess, and prepare an apology for the pieces they'll inevitably find in the trash tomorrow morning.

"Shit…" you whisper, pricking your finger on one of the pieces. You were so focused on your task you, jumped in your seat as another pair of hands appeared out of nowhere in front of you to grasp yours.

"Sanji?!" you whisper yelled.

"Let me help, you've already cut yourself." he murmurs quietly, a tone you were entirely unfamiliar with. For a moment you thought it wasn't Sanji, but when you looked up, and spot his droopy eye and curly eyebrow, well you were mistaken. He didn't leave any room for objection, and still recovering from, well, everything that has happened in the past five minutes, you sat aside while Sanji cleaned up the rest of the broken pieces.

"Did you have a hard time sleeping?" He asks softly, looking up you with a little worry in his gaze. You avoid it.

"Yeah, something like that. I wanted to make myself something to drink that would help… I'm sorry about the mug." you reply in an even softer tone.

"Never mind that, let me see your hand." Sanji says, reaching out, into your personal bubble.

Hesitantly, you place your wounded hand in his.

"Good… looks like that cut isn't that deep." he murmurs before standing up, "I have a small first aid kit in one of the drawers, you know, Choppers insistence on one in every room." he tries easing the tension in the room.

It helps a little.

Following close behind him, he leads you to take a seat on the couch across from the kitchen.

"I'll help you with the bandage, it'll be more secure with the help of another pair of hands."

You let out a small snicker, and he notices. Thankfully, he doesn't comment on it, only smiling as he bandages your hand.

"What were you planning to make before all this?" he asks standing up and dusting his hands off, a small habit of his, "I'll make it for you."

"Uhm… some kind of tea to help with sleep… I don't know what we have though."

"We have chamomile, and lavender." he offers, "Both help with sleep."

"Chamomile, please."

"Right away." he gives you a thumbs up before heading back to the kitchen.

One of your first real interactions with him.

After that night, you let your walls down a little, not too much, but enough that you start giving him a smile whenever you thank him.

Sanji on the other hand seemed to be vibrating with excitement at every new step forward in your relationship. Barely held back as he continued to act gentlemanly with you. The only evidence of this excitement being shown in his eyes, he always had a hard time holding back with those.

Sometimes you sit in the galley while he cooked, doing something else, but staying within his sanctuary. It was peaceful, comfortable, you were warming up to him. It bled into the things you did. It didn't help that he had some recognizable features that made him fun to doodle. You didn't like how an image of him would pop up in your head when you passed by a food stall, imagining how he would react to it. And most of all. Perhaps he was rubbing off on you a little.

"Stupid mosshead, it's like he doesn't know where the ship starts or where it ends," Sanji was muttering to himself while cooking again, after another heated tussle with a certain swordsman, "Next time, I'll leave him stranded on a flat empty plain with the Sunny in plain sight-"

You let out a small snort.

Sanji looks up from his chopping momentarily as you struggle to not crack beneath the pressure.

You couldn't take it anymore, bursting into a fit of laughter, you weren't even sure over what anymore, but you couldn't hold it in. Sanji pauses again, this time to watch you try and fail to stop laughing. It was probably the most beautiful sound he had ever heard, but it didn't last as you excused yourself out of the galley minutes after.

You were beating yourself up internally. You laughed too loud, and no one else was laughing. You have gotten too comfortable, really it was your fault you had started slipping again. Deeeep breaths, no big deal, just don't do it again.

You started avoiding Sanji again. It was like all the progress you had made before had suddenly been erased, like it didn't happen. You didn't want to ignore Sanji, but you didn't want to annoy him while he was cooking and needed to focus! He was frustrated too, your laughing probably added onto it! Deep breaths, it's no big deal! Sanji is an understanding and forgiving person, he'll let it slide! But for how long?

You pick up your favorite book and start reading, you have to stop thinking about this, or you'll actually start spiraling.

"[Name]?" Sanji joins you at the railing while you were watching the sea, "Can I join you?"

"Huh? Oh uh- yeah sure." you say before looking back out to the sea, biting your lip as Sanji lights a cigarette beside you.

"Do you think I'm annoying?" you ask quietly.

"Wha- huh?" Sanji drops his unlit cigarette in surprise.

"I mean-"

"No, of course not." Sanji says softly, "You're not, and have never been annoying."

"Ok but… ok this sounds stupid."

Sanji didn't say anything, just waited for you to finish what you had to say patiently.

"That time I laughed..?"

"A few weeks ago…?" Sanji asks softly.

"Yeah…"

"…"

"I know it's stupid, I just-"

"I thought it was beautiful, your laugh." Sanji hums, lighting another cigarette, "I've never heard you laugh before, actually." he turns to face you.

You pause, mouth slightly agape as you process his words.

"Well… I mean, you weren't annoyed?"

"Why would I be?" he asks, his eyebrows furrowing in confusion and… worry.

"I mean, never mind! Don't worry about it, I just thought I sounded weird and got embarrassed because, I don't laugh much-"

"How long have you been thinking like that…?"

"…Like what?"

"Like you can't be yourself."

You pause, feeling your fists ball up as you look back out to the sea, arms crossed over the railing. The urge to lash out was strong, but the last thing you wanted was for Sanji to hate you, and for the rest of the crew to find out, there's no amount of damage control that could fix that.

"[Name]…"

"I'm… sorry Sanji, I don't think I want to talk about that right now."

The silence is too loud, you should leave, or he should leave, either way, you didn't want to be around him any longer.

"Right… I'm sorry for prying like that." he shifts, snuffing out his light before turning to leave, "Just… know this [Name]. Everyone here loves you just as much as you love them. You're not a burden."

You don't reply. And you don't turn to watch him leave.

It was a miracle you could even make it back home to your apartment, if you ignore the drunk-looking stumbling. Why did you decide to wear those heels again today?

Reaching the door, your hand loosely hangs onto the knob as you take a breath.

In… and out…

The sound of music and sizzling reaches your ears as you lean against the door. You breathe a sigh of relief, he was home at least. Taking another breath, you compose yourself before opening the door, the last thing you wanted was for Sanji to see you upset and in such a state.

 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

"I'm home…" you call out, cringing at how meek you sounded.

Almost immediately, the bright sun you called your lover barreled towards the foyer, "My love, there you are! Welcome back…" his voice trails off as he sees your drenched figure, the muck from outside spilling past the borders of the welcome mat, forming a puddle that was just begging to be mopped up.

"Oh sweetness…" he murmurs, slowly walking towards you, hand cupping your damp cheek with practiced gentleness, "what happened?"

The moment his fingers brushed against your cheek, It was as if the flood gates opened and the bulging dam broke down.

You would have collapsed on your knees if Sanji wasn't there to catch the broken pieces, gathering them into his arms. The sound of your sobbing drowned out the music that was playing before, only muffled by Sanji's sweater as he held you closer.

"Let it all out, love…" he says lowly, "I'm not going anywhere…"

You nod into the crook of his neck, sobs dying down into soft sniffles as your tears continued to flow.

"Bad day..?" He murmurs.

You nod again, not trusting yourself to speak without stammering. Sanji doesn't press further, letting his hand rub your back firmly, grounding you as you melt into his touch.

"It must've been so difficult for you…" he stops rubbing your back, instead moving to smooth the mop of your hair instead, tucking the loose strands that stuck to your face away and behind your ear, "Dinner's almost ready, so do you want to eat first or wash up first?" He asks you, his voice so soft you might as well become one with the puddle beneath you, but alas…

"Clean up first…" you mumble, slowly detaching yourself from his arms, eyes widening in realization, "oh.. I'm sorry.. about your sweater…" you mumble, fretting over the soaked knit, "I just-"

"I know, love." Sanji chuckles, pressing a kiss to your cheek, "don't worry about it, just go and get yourself all cleaned up and pretty alright? Then we'll eat a good meal and watch your favorite shows."

He left no room to fuss or protest, all you could do was nod and follow through.

With a little help, you get back onto your feet, kicking your heels off and heading straight to the bathroom for a hot shower.

You sigh rinsing the suds out of your hair, feeling a little refreshed now that you've had some time to yourself to decompress.

Shutting off the water you take the time to pat yourself dry with the towel, your head feels much clearer, your shoulders lighter, yet you still couldn't seem to stop thinking about your day, about the future, about a lot of things.

Wrapping the towel around yourself, you leave the bathroom to find clothes to change into, and find yourself gravitating towards your boyfriend's side of the closet. Lined on the rack were all of his button ups and ironed shirts that while washed clean, were still unmistakably his. It's difficult to remove the smell of nicotine from fabric after all, especially when you're constantly surrounded by it. A small smile forms on your lips when he crosses your mind, the special someone right outside the room, in the kitchen humming a cheesy tune while he cooked.

Your fingers gently brush against the fabric of one of his favorite button ups, surely he wouldn't mind you wearing it tonight? Slipping it off it's hanger and onto your shoulders, your cheeks warm as the fabric engulfs you whole. You blush as you hug yourself in it. Making up your mind, you find a pair of yours to pair with the shirt, doing a small spin in front of your full-length mirror just to see.

Sanji was just finishing up setting the table as you walk out, lighting some candles in the middle of a beautifully set table, cheesy and romantic, just like him. He seems to sense your presence, turning around with his signiture grin to greet you.

"Just in time, I just finished dinner-" Sanji's eyes widen when he spots you.

You laugh a little embarrassed, "I guess I'm a little under dressed for the occassion, huh?" you joke lightly, fiddling around with the sleeves of his shirt that just barely went past your knuckles.

Sanji didn't seem to reciprocate the sentiment however.

His lips slightly parted as he stares, but before you could chime in to ask if he was alright, he shook off his awe, speed walking towards you and reaching out, his hands hovering over your shoulders as if he was afraid to touch a masterpiece laid out right in front of him.

"My dear," he says, head tilted slightly upwards to make a statement, "You are by FAR the most beautiful lady in this room right now." he declares confidently, without a single stutter. His cheeks were flushed a light pink, eyes sparkling.

You scrunch your nose in amusement, "I am the ONLY lady in this room right now." you stifle a chuckle, "At least i would hope I am."

"You are." Sanji quickly corrects himself, "The most beautiful lady in the world right in front of my eyes, wearing my favorite shirt, just for me- this is for me right?"

You blush, too flustered to respond so you just nod.

"Oh you shouldn't have…" he breathes, stepping closer to brush your still damp hair away from your face, "An angel has come to grace me with a gift, and right after she's come coome back from hell." he brings his arms around you and pulls you into a hug. Fitted like puzzle pieces when you hug back.

"I just like wearing your clothes to be honest…" you say quietly, "It… brings me some comfort, like you're actually hugging me."

He squeezes you just a bit tighter, "Oh angel," he coos, "Don't say things like that, I'm already on my knees here." he buries his nose into the crook of your neck before slowly pulling away.

"Come, eat before the food gets cold." he says, pressing one last kiss to your cheek before guiding your hand to the table set before you.

 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟 𓆝 𓆟 𓆞 𓆝 𓆟

You were more than glad he was here with you. Even with all of your energy sapped from the taxing day earlier, just spending time with your lover was enough to soothe your heavy heart.

You felt content.

You should be content.

Then why was your mind still buzzing?

Even with the movie playing right in front of you, you couldn't focus, couldn't pay attention to what they were saying.

Sanji sat next to you, his resting on top of yours, gently running his fingers over yours every once in a while as the film played.

You should be content, but as the dust settled, you were still left with some nagging thoughts that just wouldn't leave. Oh how you despised it. Sanji's already been so good to you, you couldn't ask for more, that would be selfish.

You hold back a sigh, you bite your lip, you hide as many signs of your discontent as you could.

"[Name], are you alright?"

Ah, you were too quiet.

"Hmm?" you hum a little too loudly as you turn your head to face him.

Sanji frowns a little at your expression.

"Ah- I'm fine! Really," you try to soothe his worries, "I was just a bit lost in thought, that's all."

"The day is still bothering you, isn't it?" He says softly.

You swallow, "Maybe a little…" you confirm with resignation.

He offers you a small awkward smile, "Is there anything you need? That'll make you feel better, that is."

"You've already done so much for me already!" you exclaim, "I couldn't ask for more-"

"Nonsense," he huffs, "Could you have asked for the day to be easier on you?"

"Everybody has bad days-" you try to insist.

"Are you defending all the shitty things that happened to you today, now?" he raises an eyebrow making you pout.

"You're impossible."

He brings your hand up to his lips to press a kiss to your knuckles, "I'm just doing what any amazing partner should."

"But…"

"No buts." he frowns, "Think of it like this, you're always there for me when I have a bad day, do you ever feel bad about taking care of me-"

"Of course not. I love helping you out." you interrupt.

"How is this any different?"

"It's different because you're always taking care of me…" you groan, "It's not fair sometimes really, you spoil me too much."

"I love spoiling you though." he laughs, pressing a kiss to the palm of your hand this time, "I just do."

You sigh, closing your eyes in thought.

"Do you want to talk about it? Need anything?" he asks, "Just let me know, we'll work on it together if you want."

You bite your lip, there was no arguing with him on this, he wasn't going to let you shoulder it on your own it seems.

Oh well, what can you do with such a loving man?

If there is something you want, more than anything at that moment…

Without another word, you make your move, seating yourself sideways right in his lap. Sanji gasps silently, well he wouldn't expect that, you guessed.

"Can I just… sit with you?" you ask quietly, waiting for the typical enthusiastic response from the lovesick man.

But it never came, instead, he gently rests his arms around your curled form, pulling your head closer, to rest under his chin.

"Of course…" his voice softens, "Whatever you want…"

You smile, snuggling closer, "Thank you, Sanji." you murmur.

He presses a kiss to the top of your head, "You're welcome, my love."

Minutes pass, and you still feel restless. You were comfortable, but…

"It's still bothering you isn't it?" Sanji's voice comes in to interrupt your thoughts.

"I- uh.. yeah… sorry." you murmur apologetically, scratching the back of your head.

Sanji hums, pulling you closer, lips hovering over your cheek for a moment before pressing against the soft skin.

You blink in surprise, but don't pull away, "What was that for?" you ask, a confused chuckle escaping your lips.

Sanji doesn't respond, only pressing more kisses to your face, traveling down your neck, tickling your skin and causing more giggles to slip out.

"Sanji!" you exclaim, wriggling in his arms in protest, but he refuses to loosen his grasp on you, burying his nose into your hair laughing with you.

"Does it help?" He asks, grinning widely at your enthusiasm, "I was thinking it might, since your kisses always brighten my day."

"You're so cheesy…" you huff turning to bump your head against his playfully.

"You love me for it." His coos, pressing his cheek against yours.

"Maybe a little," you agree, "but I like it more when you kiss me properly."

In that same moment you turn your body completely and crash your lips against his, it was clunky, maybe even a little sloppy, but it didn't matter. Sanji's hands froze midair in shock, before resting on your hips, and then wrapping around you to hug you close.

You close your eyes, melting into the next kiss after another, slowly moving closer and closer, until your chests were flushed against the other and your arms hanging over his shoulders.

But all good things must come to and end as you part, panting softly as you rest your forehead against his. Heavy breathes melting into content smiles.

"So? What's the verdict?" Sanji asks, looking up at you.

"Yeah… I think kisses do help." you giggle pressing one last kiss to the curl in his brow, "But I'll need some more to be sure."

Sanji let's out a low, breathy laugh, pressing a kiss to your collarbone, "Anything you want, and it'll be yours, my love." he grins.

A/n: APRIL FOOLS!!!! HAHAHHA you thought. No, this isn't smut, I said I wouldn't write or post any here! I fooled you guys sooo bad hehehehhehe….

EXCEPT I'VE FOOLED YOU AGAIN AHAHAHA YOU THOUGHT! I did- I did actually write smut.

I just didn't post it here, you can find it on my blog here @jjuleslovelynt and the direct link to the fic here. WARNING, it is very explicit, please mind the content warnings I wrote, PLEASE 😭