With a big grin plastered across your face, you placed down the cup of hot chocolate that Sanji had made for you a while ago. You just finished writing another simple letter for the cook and it's time to give it to him.

You happily skipped your way to the kitchen where Sanji was cooking lunch for the crew. When you opened the door, he was focused with his work. Sleeves rolled up, blond hair perfectly fell over his gorgeous face, and his hands gracefully moving around. He was completely in his element that he hadn't noticed you standing by the threshold.

A soft smile crept across your lips, you walked closer to him and then quietly placed the folded paper on the kitchen counter.

"Mon dieu, is it another one?" Sanji carefully picked up the paper as if it were fragile.

You nodded, your breath hitched as you watched him open the paper and read its content.

You like Sanji and you have always been vocal about it; everyone knew of your undying feelings for him—well, maybe except the cook himself. You write him letters, you show him affection, you take care of him whenever you can, and you’re honest with what you feel, constantly telling him you like him.

Though the thing is, Sanji had never said anything about it, nothing at all. He never flirted with you the way he does with Nami or Robin or any other women; he never had those nosebleeds when it comes to you; he never gawked at you. Yeah, sure, he calls you names like ma chérie, mon dieu, mon amour but nothing more than that.

You remembered going to the market with him one time, he was pretty much calm around you as always. He was telling you random things: what was the first food he had burnt that made Zeff almost threw him out of the Baratie, his mother and his love for her, his sister Reiju, the mouse he used to feed when he was a kid. He opened up to you comfortably like you were his human diary; it made you feel warm, because he has given you his trust in another level.

Sanji always lets you take care of him, be it in battles or after the battle, he lets you scold him for not taking proper rest, he lets you wipe his sweat away after cooking, he lets you roll up his sleeves for him.

Every time, Sanji's soul felt like leaving his body. Every touch, every actions, and every words, surpassed the physical level of flattery. The armor he kept wearing broke through his whole system with all the love and care you kept showing him—allowing him to be his truest self. You gave him sanctuary.

He was showing you a deeper version of him that no one knew existed. In the surface: he was the flirtatious, hopless romantic, heart-eyes fool, but underneath that was something more sincere and calm.

But, of course, you were oblivious of that. Thinking that the flattery words, the clasp hands while Sanji spin around, the heart-eyes combined with the nosebleed were his way of showing love—it was half true and half wrong in Sanji's defense. Because the way he acted around you—calm and collected—he felt emotional safety, maturity, and acceptance.

Maybe, he only sees you as a crewmate or a friend, but it won't stop you from showing him your feelings.

You stared at Sanji, his expression soft and his eyes smiling, a faint red spread across his cheeks. "Thank you, Y/N-chan."

That's all.

He folded the letter again and tucked it inside his suit, then went back to cooking. A quiet sigh escaped your lips before leaving the kitchen.

Nami noticed your long face when you sat down on the empty chair next to her and Robin. "Failed again to flirt with Sanji?"

"I'm not flirting." You pouted.

"Honestly, I feel like Sanji likes you too." Robin commented while reading her book.

"Are we looking at the same Sanji? Because he obviously doesn't like me." You leaned back on your chair, sighing in frustration.

Nami removed her glasses, narrowing her eyes on you. "Well, Robin could be right. He's not rejecting you, and he's accepting all the things you do and give for him."

"Yeah, gaslight me. You're really good at that."

"Hey!"

Robin chuckled lowly when Nami pinched your arm. "But think about it, he reacts differently when it comes to you."

"More reason to think he doesn't like me." You whispered, almost to yourself. "He combust to you guys and to other girls, then he just smiles sweetly at me."

"Isn't smiling sweetly more romantic?" Nami asked, the tip of her pen tapping lightly against her cheek.

"I'd rather have someone smile sweetly at me than combust because I breathe." Robin teased.

You dragged your hand across your face, feeling infuriated with all the Sanji things. Perhaps, you could just talk to him?

After lunch, you insisted to help Sanji with the dishes. You carefully washed the plates that the crew used, while Sanji quietly cleaned the table.

It was quiet, but not awkward.

Then he spoke.

"Y/N-chan," your name left his lips softly and the way he said it always made your knees wobbly.

You hummed, glancing at him after placing all the plates on its respective places.

He sat down before speaking again. "I heard there will be a meteor shower tonight."

"Really?!" You asked, voice high from excitement. Your body is now completely facing him.

Sanji smiled at you, that stupid sweet smile he always flashed at you—like he adores you. "Do you want to watch it with me?"

"Yes!" You answered almost immediately, then sat in front of him. "I would love to."

"You really love the stars."

"Of course, they are so beautiful."

"Yeah, just like you."

Your ears perked up, you didn't know if you just misheard him or if he really said those words. When you looked at him, he was smiling in the most sincere way.

"Hey, don't say things like that." You muttered under your breath, "You know I like you."

Sanji didn't say anything. He lowered his gaze while tapping his hand lightly on the table that separated the two of you, his fingers fiddling with the cigarette—perhaps having the eagerness to smoke, but couldn't because you were with him. He knew you hated the smell of cigarette and he respected that.

"Go on, have a smoke."

He stared at you, then at his hand. "It's okay, don't want you coughing up because of the smoke."

You pursed your lips in a thin line, thinking. "…But, you want to smoke."

Sanji chuckled lightly, then he placed the cigarette in its box again and hid it in his suit. "I will, later."

That simple gesture did something to your heart. It was bare minimum as what they would say, but it made you happy—he respects you, and somehow that was more than enough for you.

There was silence again.

"May I ask?" You glanced at him, then nodded. "Why do you…like me?"

You smiled at him, a genuine one, and answered him without hesitation. "Because, you're you."

It's simple, but it's real. And, that reason spoke louder than anything. It was enough to stun Sanji, his eyes widened in shock as if you just said something astonishing.

Sanji's lips opened like he was about to say something, but closed it again when no words came out. His mind kept repeating your words, it was genuine, and in many ways, it erased the doubt no one knew he was carrying.

"Is that enough reason for you?" You asked softly, eyes still on him.

He still didn't speak, he was fazed. His reaction elicited a laugh from you, because for once he wasn't the one making women speechless—for once, he was the one dazzled…by your truth.

After the small talk in the kitchen, Sanji unexpectedly started showing interest in you. In your mind, it was the first time Sanji felt interested in you.

That afternoon, he made you something extra for your snacks. He even accompanied you on your table while you ate and spaced out, he didn't leave your side the whole time. Of course, the crew noticed, but they didn't say anything just threw a few teasing glances your way.

During dinner, Sanji sat next to you. Handed you everything you asked for, well he had always been like that—but, there was definitely something different in the air. And for the record, he was close, really really close. It almost made your heart jump out of your chest, because you were too aware of his presence.

“Shall we?” Sanji opened the door for you like the gentleman he is.

You both headed towards the upper deck to wait for the meteor shower, the cool air softly hitting your skin. Sanji had already laid out blankets and pillows to keep you comfortable, you didn't even know when he prepare all of this.

You lie down comfortably with the fluffy blankets underneath you, while Sanji sat close to you, his eyes softly looking at you with familiarity.

"Are you comfortable, mon amour?"

You smiled. "Yes, I like it."

His shoulder eased, as if your comfort and your smile were the only thing that mattered to him. His gaze turned to the vast sky above you, his blond locks softly dancing with the breeze, and the way the moonlight casted soft glow on his jawline and side profile were magnificent.

You couldn't help but to stare.

He had always been handsome and a head turner, but in the midst of the stillness and quiet serenity of the night, he was breathtaking. The meteor shower hadn't even started, yet you were already watching something extraordinary.

You sat up, voice hesitant. "Sanji…"

He turned to look at you, those look in his eyes made your breath caught up. "Yes, my love?"

You swallowed, then looked away biting your lips. "I…I accepted it already…that you don't see me the same way. But tell me, why does it still hurt?"

Your sudden confession left Sanji shocked. He was frozen in his spot for a while, couldn't compose a proper words to say. He was just staring at you, eyes wide, and his chest tightened.

You continued, "I wonder…I wonder what do other women have that I don't?"

Sanji watched you as his heart slowly break. If anything, he never wanted you to doubt your worth. After a minute of silence, Sanji finally spoke. "Y/N-chan, you…you're wrong."

You looked at him and smiled. "It's okay, I'm not asking you to like me back just don't push me away."

Sanji slowly raised his hand, wanting to hold you, but giving you the choice to move away—you didn't. His cold hand carefully touched your cheek, and your eyes closing to feel him.

"You're wrong for thinking you're lacking." Sanji started, his voice low and softer. "And for thinking that I don't feel the same."

Your eyes shut open, your body froze, and your brain short-circuited. You couldn't process what he just said, the sudden revelation of the truth left you dumbfounded and speechless.

Sanji chuckled at your expression, his thumb caressing your cheek gently. "You don't know how much my heart exploded from your thousands of confessions, from your touch and affection, your letters, your words, and your actions."

"B-but…" You stuttered, still not quite sure what to say.

Sanji's voice trembled as his truth finally came out. "I didn't think I deserved it—your attention, your love, you."

"Sanji…"

"I can love women the way they deserve, but someone like me? I don't think I am worthy of anyone's love, especially your love." His fist curled, knuckles turned white. Your cheek he was holding earlier felt colder now without his touch.

This time you were the one reaching to hold his face, his hand instantly cupping yours. "Sanji, you're worthy of love—of my love. You just have to accept it and not doubt yourself."

Your heart swelled, you never thought Sanji was carrying this kind of weight. The man who love and give everything to everyone, the man who was always so kind and sweet without asking for anything in return—never believed he deserved to be loved, never believed he was worthy of everything.

"I'm here, I can show you that you're worthy. Let me." You whispered.

Sanji's gazed from your eyes moved down to your lips. It was quick, but you noticed it. Your hands then moved down to grab his collar, swiftly closing the gap between you two.

He blinked, too stunned to move. It was only after a few seconds that he melted away into your touch, he kissed you back. The kiss was soft and gentle, full of everything he needed to know. You didn't have to tell him everything, the kiss was already enough.

And as if the sky had approved of your love, the meteor shower you had been waiting finally plummeted across the sky. The silver cosmos painted the heavens with glowing trails of dust, the beautiful night sky was turned into a celestial like fireworks.

It made everything feel more special.

When you finally pulled away, your faces were still close. His forehead resting gently against yours.

You smiled.

He did too.

"You're not just good with words." He softly whispered, chuckling under his breath. "You're good at kissing too."

You rolled your eyes, hands smacking his arms at the embarrassment.

Your eyes gazed up at the light that etched gracefully into the sky, to you it was the most beautiful sight. But to the man beside you, you were more beautiful than anything. You were the star that pulled him out of the darkness.

Sanji's hand carefully reached for yours, hesitant at first. Your small hand perfectly intertwining with his big one, as if it was carved to fit yours—as if it had always belonged with his.

For once, Sanji's self doubt has finally left his system. He has finally let himself believed that, maybe, he deserved you after all.

"Thank you, my love. I'll make sure you will not regret any of this." His eyes stared at you with conviction and his cheeks glowing faintly pink.

You giggled, the sound was a melody to Sanji's ears. "I'm sure I won't."

The next morning, you woke up with a light mood.

"Good morning, Nami! Good morning, Robin!"

The two exchanged glances first, before Nami cornered you and pinned you on the wall of the women's quarter. Her eyes narrowly stared at you, "What is it?"

You blinked, turning to her and Robin with a confused expression. "What?"

"You're not a morning person, but here you are greeting us cheerfully." Nami pulled away, smirking.

"Did you and Sanji kiss?" Robin teasingly asked.

Your eyes widened in shock, shoving Nami to the side out of panic. "What?! How…how did you know?"

Robin then giggled, "I don't, you admitted it."

"But—you asked!"

"Huh, caught you!" Nami grinned, clearly enjoying the game.

You groaned, burying your face to your hands. You really couldn't hide anything to these two, especially if Robin was this good at catching people off guard.

"So, what's the score?" Nami asked, her smirk still lingering on her face.

You sighed, "just ask him."

The three of you went out of the room and strode towards the kitchen. Some of the crew had already started their day, chilling and doing stuff across the deck.

"Y/N, is this a miracle?" Chopper's eyes were wide, couldn't believe that he was seeing you walking around the Sunny at early morning.

"Don't act like you just saw a ghost!" You replied, annoyed.

Even Zoro eyed you suspiciously, "Did the world turn upside down?"

You groaned, earning a laugh from the two women beside you. "You guys are annoying, just you wait, I'll get my revenge!"

At the kitchen, Sanji was humming to himself softly while he prepared breakfast for the crew. A big smile spread across his face when he saw you entered.

"Good morning, my love. Why are you awake so early?" He greeted before pressing a kiss on your forehead.

Before you could even react, Robin stifled a laugh that caught Sanji's attention while Nami looked at you with a big smirk.

"Good morning Nami-swan, Robin-chwan!" The stupid cook greeted the two.

"So, you're dating." It wasn't a question, Nami just stated was what obvious. "We were right all along, you like Y/N too."

"That's right, Nami-san!" Sanji smiled at you, the kind that always melted your heart. "I love Y/N-chan!"

The door to the kitchen burst opened, revealing the other crew with Luffy who was already full of energy. "Who love who?!"

Robin answered him, "Y/N and Sanji."

"He finally noticed you?" Usopp gasped.

"Wow, that's so cute." Chopper cooed.

"Yohohoho young love."

"Super amazing!"

Jinbei just smiled, while Zoro only smirked.

Luffy tilted his head a little, then grin at you widely. "As long as you don't snatch Sanji away from me!"

You frowned. "But Sanji's not yours, he's mine!"

"Hey, he's mine! He's my cook." Luffy argued back.

"But, I'm the one dating him."

"But, he's still mine because he's my cook!"

Zoro groaned. "Shut up, you two."

"Mon amour, relax. I'm all yours." Sanji placed his arm around your waist, kissing the top of your head softly.

The simple action earned a different reaction from the crew; some were disgusted and there were some who enjoyed it.

Then Luffy spoke again, "Well, you deserve each other."

"Because, they're both freaks!" Usopp commented.

"They're just into each other." Chopper giggled.

And in the midst of crew's chaos, your gaze lifted up to Sanji who was already staring at you. His smile reaching his eyes and his cheeks flushed a little, then he lowered down to whisper into your ear.

"I love you, mon dieu."

You didn't have to say it back, because Sanji knew how much you do.

And, Sanji will forever be thankful that you showed him his worth.

The day didn't end there. The crew found an island and decided to dock for a while, giving Sanji the chance to take you out on your first official date.

"Ma chérie, you look dazzling. If this is what I would see every day, I might get blinded by your beauty." Sanji dramatically complimented you when you stepped out of your quarters.

You looked down to what you were wearing, a simple halter dress and boots—nothing speacial, but of course, to Sanji it was the most amazing sight.

"What are we gonna do today?" You asked him, his hands gently clasped with your as he guided you towards the island.

Sanji flashed you a daring smile. "That's something you'll see as we go on with our day, my love."

You both stopped at a flower shop Sanji saw, he insisted to buy you flowers. "I can't let my gorgeous lady walk around town empty handed."

He picked the flowers and surprisingly it was all your favorite, you didn't remember telling anyone about your favorite flowers though.

"Is it just luck or you really know what I like?"

"Oh, princess, don't underestimate me. I know you like the back of my hand." Sanji handed you the flowers. "You always touch the same flowers whenever we were out buying kitchen supplies."

The corners of your lips turned downward, not from sadness or anything, but from feeling emotional. Sanji noticed it and he knew it before you even tell him, that was when you know he paid you attention more than you ever knew.

His hands carefully tucked a strand of your behind your ear. "Is that a look of sadness in your face?"

You immediately shook your head. "No, I'm happy."

Sanji then kissed your forehead, a simple gesture that somehow had become a hobby of his that kept giving you butterflies. His hand took your free arm and wrapped it around his, both seizing the day with lovely smiles and laughters.

You both saw a jewelry store and he made his way inside, buying you the most beautiful necklace you've ever seen. You insisted on buying him a bracelet that had the same design as your necklace, he bought it instead because he didn't want you to pay for anything. Outside the store, he flaunted it to everyone, because it matched yours.

He entered clothing stores too, ushering you to buy anything you want and he'd pay for it. He was incredibly happy when you let him pick clothes for you. You could never go wrong with his style choices, because, apparently, Sanji has a great sense of fashion.

In the middle of enjoying each other's company, you noticed how women kept turning their heads towards him. Well, you couldn't blame them you're dating a handsome man after all. Deep inside, you were nervous that Sanji might turn around and gush over them—forget that you even existed.

But the whole time, Sanji's eyes were locked on yours. It was as if you were the only person he could see, the only woman existing in his world.

Of course, Sanji noticed it. How you stared at the other women, because you think they were the kind of beauty that always caught Sanji's attention. How you unconsciously dropped your arms from his hold, and how your smile became smaller with each passing thought.

Sanji halted his steps, his hand reaching for your face. He carefully guided you to look at him, then he smiled. "You're worried."

You avoided his gaze, "about what?"

He softly caressed your cheek, just enough for you to turn your gaze back to him. "Darling, if you think I'll gawked at the other ladies, then I'm sorry, but you're wrong. Their eyes might be on mine, but rest assured, mine will always be locked on yours."

"Every ladies are beautiful on their own, but your beauty couldn't compare to anything. You're the epitome of ethereal beauty and perfection, my love." You bit your lips, trying to hold back the smile from creeping up into your face, because of his stupid compliments. "I'm all yours now, you should expect loyalty and respect from me."

That's it.

You tiptoed, grabbed his necktie, then smashed your lips into his. His body tensed at first, shocked from the sudden kiss. But slowly, he kissed back. He was smiling through the kiss, feeling pure enjoyment and liking the fact that you were the first one to initiate it.

You pulled away, breathless. "You don't know when to shut up."

Sanji laughed lowly under his breath, "I will never stop talking if this is how you'll shut me up."

In the midst of the crowd, the two of you were standing there and staring at each other with love. The time seemed to stop and that very moment felt like you two owned the world.

"I love you, Sanji."

"I love you too, my love."

Sanji is indeed worth loving.