Chapter Text
The events that happened on Whole Cake Island were imbedded into your bones; and while everyone mostly came out unscathed physically – the scars were still there. Even now that things were finally settled in Wano – people free of Kaido, the down time brought back the pain. Moreso with everything that happened while liberating Oden’s people, emotional things had piled up. So, as the crew relaxed for the first time in what seems like a very long time, you feel uneasy. It had been day three of celebrating and taking a long-awaited breath, your family, your crew were sitting around a fire drinking. Luffy was having the time of his life and he deserved nothing less; his bright smile was felt among the group as everyone recounted their version of things. Each person’s experience was different but oh, how grateful everyone was to be back together.
“You’re quiet.”
Robin nudged you gently and you gave her a small smile. You couldn’t bring anything to the surface, words were tangled on the tip of your tongue until a warm blanket fell over your shoulders; looking up to see Sanji standing over you. He asked if you wanted another helping of miso soup, but you said no, turning back to Robin. You could sense his hesitation, but then he walked away. Guilt riddled your body and Robin took notice, asking if you’d like to go for a walk. Music was playing from afar, crowds of people were walking around, conversing, getting drunk off joy as you stood up from your seat. Chopper asked where you were going, but you gave him a smile and said for a walk – giving him the blanket to keep warm. Robin and you walked away from the celebration toward the empty streets of the Flower Capital. Passing the Heart Pirates captain, Zoro, and Sanji – the latter giving you a quick glance before going back to pouring drinks for the three of them. You walked quietly next to Robin until the music dulled and you could speak freely without anyone listening. The sound of celebration filled your heart but now things were stable…feelings were reappearing like ghosts in a mad man’s mind.
The two of you stopped in front of a clothing shop and you glanced at your reflection; the dark green kimono looked lovely on you. Robin appeared at your side and smiled softly. “So, is it Sanji?”
When is it not, is what you want to say but you just touch your face and stare at the woman looking back at you. “It’s everything I supposed, but yeah, it’s Sanji.”
Robin was the only person who you confined in about the cook, the prince, your friend. She was a good listener and most times, great at giving advice but after getting Sanji back there had been no room for secrets and talks. You had been so hurt when Nami had recounted the way Sanji had fought with Luffy and her anger made you angry. Then you were terrified of losing him for good – Big Mom, Pudding, his family. They all wanted him, but they never deserved him.
And he was willing to go along with it and that had made you furious because he had done it for all of you.
“I-I can’t get passed it, Robin.” Tears formed in your eyes, facing her with an anguished expression. She sighed and touched your shoulder, telling you it was all going to be okay. That everyone was back together, and things would go back to the way it was, but you refused to believe it. “I just keep thinking what ifs – what if we didn’t get to him? What if he had gone through with the marriage?”
The words felt wrong coming out of your mouth because your faith in Luffy was of the highest peak, but you were just human, who was in love with a man who was too afraid to see what he deserved. “Luffy would have never let that happen. You all were never leaving without Sanji.”
Robin’s words were true, but it didn’t change the fact that Sanji and you hadn’t said much to each other since arriving at Wano with Luffy, Nami and the others from Whole Cake Island. You had wished then that you had gone ahead with Zoro and the other half the group to Wano instead of staying to rescue Sanji. Maybe then you would have been saved the pain of witnessing Sanji in such a devasting state. You remembered the way his voice stuttered when Luffy and him were speaking through the mirror dimension, asking if you were with the rescue group.
“Is she there with you guys? Is she okay.”
Nami glanced at you and when you shook your head no, she understood. “She’s not here right now, but she’s fine.”
“Oh.” He sounded disappointment but you walked away, unbale to listen to Nami chastised the man for hurting Luffy, for hurting her. You knew how devastated she was when Sanji left the crew, but her devastation was different from yours. Your heart broke that day, and it still hadn’t been mended.
“You should talk to him.”
“Maybe. We should get back to the celebration, I mean – we helped free Wano.”
Robin studied your face for a moment but when you smiled, she knew it was genuine and she chuckled when your arm looped around hers. The two of you walked back to the party but you stopped next to Law and Zoro, Sanji nowhere in sight. Giving Robin a knowing look, you asked the two men if they were inclined to share a drink or two. Law blushed and you laughed, patting him lightly on the shoulder. Zoro handed over the bottle at his side and you didn’t wait for a glass. The three watched as you chugged down half of the bottle and Zoro grinned with pride when you exhaled, wiping a hand over your mouth. Holding the bottle to Robin, who declined, you handed it to Law.
“I have something to confess, fellas.” The men looked at you curiously as you twirled in your kimono. “I cannot wait to put on a pair of pants.”
Your movement brought out the smallest of laughs from the doctor of the group and your eyes gave a quick scan around for Sanji – who was found flirting with a gorgeous brunette in a fancier kimono than yours and confliction rose from your toes. He deserved happiness and real affection…even if it wasn’t from you. This single moment turned something off in you and your eyes glazed, locked onto Law. He caught your stare and looked away nervously, but he offered up the bottle, and you knew he would be yours. Even if just for the night. Just for relief. And he was.
The two of you drank well into the night, and sometime between exchanging battle stories and a proper introduction to his crew – you two ended up alone near a small fire. Your hands moved up against the flames and he removed his brown jittoku, placing it around your shoulders. Thanking him, you asked when he and his crew were leaving. Law sighed deeply. “In a few days, we need to regroup. We’re going to need some supplies. Maybe stick around to make sure everything is settled, but I guess your captain took care of that.”
“It was a group effort,” you offered a smile and Law…smiled back.
Heat, not from the fire, rose to your face and you quietly asked if he’d like to take a walk. He turned red, looked toward his crew but then said yes. He rose from his seat and held out a hand, you took it and when he pulled you up – your hand fell to his chest.
“Only for tonight…”
He understood. “Let’s not waste time then.”
You laughed then and told him you wanted to get another bottle from Zoro, who had been hoarding them all night. He agreed and said he was going to let his crew know he’d be back…
“In the morning,” you advised, holding back a smile as his face turned maroon. Watching as he walked away, you laughed at how technical and cool he could be. Wrapping his jittoku around your chest, you made your way to your family. It seemed they all had gathered back around the same fire from earlier and Luffy grinned, shouting your name as you approached. Making a beeline to Zoro, you touched his shoulder and asked if he had any more bottles left. He grimaced but handed over a full bottle. Nami asked where you got the jittoku from and when you said Law, everyone’s eyes, including Sanji’s moved to you. Robin looked the most amused. Laughing nervously, you held up the bottle. “We’re celebrating, aren’t we? How about one last toast for the night? Just between us.”
This turned everyone’s attention from your newest and shortest flame, to Usopp handing out sake cups. Zoro passed around a bottle, and everyone poured a healthy helping. Laughter and jokes were traded, and tears formed in your eyes when Luffy stood up. Your chin quivered as everyone listened to him express his gratitude for the best crew he could ever ask for. When he held out his cup, each one of you stood up. Zoro nudged you playfully but as everyone cheered and toasted, Sanji’s eyes met yours. He looked devastatingly handsome in the light of the fire, surrounded by the sounds of familial warmth and all you wanted to do was go to him, but you couldn’t. Instead, you smiled, and he smiled back – and in that moment, it felt enough.
At least he was happy.
Drinking up the sake, you laughed when Luffy accidentally spilled some into the fire prompting Nami to yell at him. An argument over nothing broke out between Zoro and Sanji, while Franky laughed and laughed and as everyone was distracted, you slipped away. Only looking back to get a look at your family, not expecting anyone to be looking but Sanji was. He must have stopped fighting with Zoro because he stood in front of the fire, facing your direction, cigarette hanging from his lips. He was feet away, but it felt like miles and when Law’s hand came down onto your shoulder – Sanji didn’t look away, but you did. You turned to Law with the bottle of ale, and he smiled, asking if you were ready for that walk.
“I’ve never been more ready.”
Maybe it was your imagination or intuition or hope, but you could feel Sanji’s eyes baring down into your back but when Law slipped his hand around yours – you pushed away any thoughts of the cook and left them behind with the celebration. The music grew softer as Law and you walked back into the town, talking quietly about everything that had gone on. You asked how he was feeling physically, and he confessed he was very tired. You mentioned the inn that had been offered to house the crew and he agreed to go to it. He held your hand, like a nervous gentleman, the entire time and when you led him upstairs to your room – the two of you wasted no time. As soon as the door was closed behind him, he took off his hat and pulled you to him. His hands fell to your waist and when you kissed him, both your bodies melted.
How long had it been since you were touched?
Too long.
Law kissed you softly, hand under your chin as he led you backwards toward the bed. Your knees hit the edge and he slowly unraveled his jittoku that you wore, then the silk kimono. Your nerves faded into excitement, moving down onto the bed, his body on top of yours. Moonlight shined through the small window next to the bed and when he moved further into you – there was nothing in your mind but the man above you.