Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1: THAT CREW, ARRIVING
Coming out had gone better than Sanji had expected.
And after being showered with love and support at lunch, he and Zoro slipped off for more alone time.
Their afternoon of lovemaking led to a nap, and by the time they woke up, it was nearly dinnertime.
Sanji stumbled out of bed, scrambled into his clothes, and hurried into the kitchen, apologizing profusely. Zoro lumbered groggily behind.
Robin simply smiled from where she was chopping vegetables. Nami shrugged from where she gathered ingredients. And Franky simply laughed from where he was flipping salmon burgers on the stove.
“The second you two slipped off, we figured you’d be MIA for the rest of the day.” Nami replied, “It’s not a big deal.”
Sanji’s shoulders promptly relaxed.
“If you two want to help, you can start setting the table.” Robin said gently, “We’ve got it under control here.”
Zoro nodded and grabbed a stack of plates.
“I appreciate it,” Sanji smiled, “Truly.”
“HA HAA! HAPPY TO HELP!” Franky declared.
Sanji reached for the cups and silverware and then followed Zoro into the dining room.
And before they knew it, they were sitting down to another lively meal.
The crew laughed and drank, danced on the table, and otherwise had an impromptu party.
Throughout the whole meal, Sanji couldn’t stop smiling.
Zoro leaned back in his chair and met his gaze, smiled back. “What are you so happy about?” he asked.
“I just am.” Sanji sighed, “I’m surrounded by a family who loves me and the most wonderful partner I could ask for, why wouldn’t I be?”
“Tch.” Zoro replied, “Yeah, hate to admit it, I’m with you there.”
Sanji kissed him on the cheek. “I love you~”
“Heh.” Zoro replied, “Yeah, I know.” he squeezed his partner’s thigh under the table.
The sound of a spoon clinking a glass ended all conversations around the table. Nami was standing up from her seat, addressing the group.
“We’ll be smooth sailing straight on until morning.” Nami reported, “We’re scheduled to dock at Lavender Island around 9 AM tomorrow.”
The crew raised their glasses and cheered.
Nami cast a warning glare across the table at Sanji and Zoro, “That means you two better not be up having gay sex all night.” she warned, “I don’t need you two grumpy on our first day of Hot Pirate Summer.”
Zoro turned crimson. “SHUT UP! What we do at night is not your business!”
“Then why are you so damn loud?” Nami asked.
Zoro choked on his sake.
Sanji, slightly pink, leaned back in his chair, “She does have a point.” he said, “Sorry, mon cher. We’ll have to restrain ourselves this time.”
Zoro turned even redder.
-xXx-
The next morning, Zoro and Sanji were woken abruptly to a loud banging on the door.
“HEEEEEY! ZORO! SANJI! YOU GUYS GOTTA SEE THIS VIEW! IT’S AWESOME!”
The moment exploded.
Luffy burst through the door with Chopper and Usopp right behind him, all noise, motion, excitement, and ignorance.
The sudden intrusion sent both men lurching upright. Zoro cursed, grabbing the blanket like his life depended on it. Sanji wrenched it all the way up to their chests with a sharp “Oi—!”
Chopper, Usopp, and Luffy, ever clueless, launched forward like kids on Christmas morning–
…..right towards a very naked Sanji and Zoro…and their fully christened bed.
“WAIT—DON’T—!”
“Hey! Stop!--What the—!”
“Doce Fleur!”
A rush of petals filled the air as a dozen arms bloomed into existence, halting the charge inches from the bed.
“Aww, come on, Robin!” Luffy groaned.
“It’s rather impolite to come barreling into an occupied room without permission,” Robin said calmly. “Our swordsman and cook will be out soon. For now, they need their space.”
Under the covers, Zoro let out a slow breath—and only then realized Sanji was still half pressed against his side. He didn’t move away.
“Why don’t you go get seconds?” Robin continued. “There’s still plenty of breakfast left.”
“YA-HOO! MORE FOOD! COME ON, YOU GUYS!”
The trio scrambled out as quickly as they’d come.
Robin glanced back once, a knowing smile—and a subtle wink—before slipping out.
Silence returned.
For about three seconds.
Zoro exhaled, dropping his head back slightly. “…We’re never gonna hear the end of that.”
Sanji snorted, “Please. They didn’t even notice.”
“…Still.”
There was a beat where neither of them moved—just the faint press of skin under the covers, the quiet aftermath of almost being seen.
Eventually, they got up, showered, and dressed, and joined the rest of the crew on the deck.
When they emerged onto the main deck, the rest of the crew was standing near the edge of the Sunny, looking out at the magnificent port city approaching. The city was made entirely of white marble so beautifully polished that the sun cast a rainbow sheen onto it. There was also a permanent double rainbow over it.
“Wow! It’s so pretty!” Chopper gushed.
“I can’t wait to try the food!” Luffy said.
The rest of the crew just smiled. Zoro tugged Sanji into his side. “You’re finally gonna get what you need.” he crooned.
Sanji smiled.
However, before they could share anything else, two lanky arms looped around their shoulders and Luffy pushed his way in between them.
“Really?” Zoro grumbled, brow twitching.
Luffy, blissfully ignorant, let out a happy sigh, and grinned wide, “This is gonna be great, guys.”
“You know, it’s really not the brightest idea to push yourself in between a brand new couple.” Sanji grumbled.
A light slug to his arm drew his attention away from the annoyance. He turned to see Nami by his side. She smiled at him.
He smiled back. Then he went, “Hey, Nami?”
“Yeah?”
“I hope you find a girlfriend.”
“Thanks. I do too.”
“Well, swordsman?” Robin stepped up next to Zoro. “How do you feel?”
“Great, thanks.”
“Glad to hear it.”
“By the way, Robin– thanks For everything. Couldnt’a done it without you.”
“Of course. I’m glad I could help.”
Then, for a quiet, peaceful moment, the crew stood together and admired the scene in front of them.
Sanji felt a weight lift off of him when Luffy let go. He adjusted his hat and hopped up onto the figurehead. Zoro brushed the blonde’s shoulder and entwined their fingers.