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“Hey Sanji”
“Yes, Luffy?”
“Wanna date?”
It started out innocently enough, a simple question that made the cook choke on his cigarette smoke before turning to face his captain, with an expression that could be read as a mix of confusion and disgust. Sometimes he still couldn't process how Luffy's mind worked, if it even did.
Luffy was sitting at the kitchen table across from Sanji as he prepared a midnight snack for him, he liked to see the process occasionally, but asking weird questions all of a sudden wasn't what usually happened.
“You made a face”
“Of course I made a face you idiot! What kind of question is that?!” Luffy stared at him, as if nothing had happened, and smiled while laughing. “And what are you laughing at?!”
He had to remind himself that it was midnight and everyone was sleeping, he sighed and continued making the meal.
“We should date as a prank!” Luffy continued after laughing. “Usopp pranked me the other day, I need to prank him back”
The explanation sounded fair enough, but it still made Sanji's blood boil, how could his captain even propose something like that? especially to the one who was known to be a hopeless romantic.
“You can't just date me–” He paused because his body shivered at the thought of it. “—or anyone, just because you want to prank the crew”
Sanji was a romantic at heart, soul, and spirit— even though he still hasn't dated anyone yet, let alone a man — so he couldn't (and wasn't) going to let Luffy mess with the most beautiful feeling in the world just because he wanted to prank someone back. 'Such a childish reason…' Sanji thought, taking deep breaths while he continued with his task.
“Why not? You are always talking to girls, you know more about it than I do” He heard him say with a faint hint of disappointment, he was now resting his head sheepishly on the table.
“Because dating is not something you can just fake!” He snapped back at him, turning around with the finished plate in his hand, he walked up to his captain and placed the plate down. “Love is something that requires work, perseverance, and patience, and so does dating, I— ugh, forget it”
He watched as Luffy devoured the food in front of him with a big smile. He had to admit that, deep down, he enjoyed knowing that his captain loved his food; feeling appreciated and needed was something he liked but wasn't going to confess any time soon.
The food disappeared as soon as it arrived, but it didn't distract Luffy from his intentions. “Sanji~, it will be fun, come on~” He dragged his words in a pleading, but that wasn't going to work on him. “Please?”
“No means no, and besides” He grabbed the empty plate to drop it on the sink. “I wouldn't date you anyway.” Luffy stuck out his tongue at the comment.
He didn't even try to think about Luffy and him together. He enjoyed his captain's company and comments about his food, sometimes even his sudden shows of affection, and his incredible will to follow his dreams and protect his Nakama; but they together in a romantic way? wasn't going to happen any time soon.
Luffy sighed against the table and sat quietly for a moment. After a thought or two, he stood up. “I'm going to ask Zoro then, thanks for the food Sanji!”
Suddenly, something inside Sanji stopped and he put out his cigarette. He was going to ask Zoro? the moss-head? was fucking Zoro his replacement? Luffy had asked him first out of all the people in the crew, that probably meant something, but he wasn't going to let some dirty swordman replace him in something that he was clearly more experienced in.
“Wait” He didn't think when he said that and he was probably going to regret what he was going to say next. But he was more than sure that he wasn't going to let the moss-head win in anything, even if it meant dating the captain. “I'll do it”
“Really Sanji? I knew you would join!” He grinned at him, satisfied with the fact that his plan was working well.
“But on one condition” Sanji walked up to him, with his arms crossed. Luffy looked at him carefully, if he had a condition then it might be important. “I'm going to put down some rules, and you are going to follow them.”
“Hmmm alright.” Luffy didn't care that much, all he knew was that this prank was certainly going to beat any future prank Usopp may have prepared for him, and Sanji knew that it didn't matter how many rules he put in, Luffy was going to ignore them anyway.
Luffy continued to giggle with excitement, and Sanji was already regretting it, but he wasn't going to back down from his words now.
…
There were 3 rules.
Rule number 1: Sanji was the only one who could initiate physical contact —outside of hugs and hand-holding since Luffy complained so much— since he wasn't comfortable with the thought of his captain kissing or touching him, he figured it would be better if he made the first moves. Luffy didn't care about physical contact, so he was ok with anything.
And their prank started after a morning explanation from Sanji and a kick in the head to make Luffy understand. Regret built up in him after he walked first into the kitchen to start preparing breakfast, what was going his precious Nami-san to think of him? or his mysterious Robin-chan? He was going to need a full pack of cigarettes a day if he was going to go through with this.
And it felt… weird. He knew he just had to fake it and tag along, but it still felt odd to think he had to act a certain way with his captain. It felt like he was part of a play and he still hasn't learned his lines and he had to improvise.
But on top of everything, why has he so flustered and embarrassed? It was only a prank, he didn't need to get so worked up over something so simple. But still, there he was, cooking while thinking of the things they were going to do and pushing down the faint feeling of excitement that was growing inside of him for an unknown reason.
They decided they would start slowly, with little hints and details that would make the crew —and specially Usopp— notice that something was going on between the two.
And when everyone started coming in to eat before starting another day on the Going Merry, they both knew the plan had started.
“Morning Sanji-Kun” Nami walked in and sat down, Robin and Chopper following her and sitting beside her. Usopp and a sleepy Zoro sat across them while greeting everyone in the room. The last one to come in was Luffy, who sat quietly beside Nami, much to her surprise; since he was always talking loudly, his behavior caught her attention.
“Good morning Nami-swan! Robin-cwan!” Sanji placed everyone's plates down on the table one by one, leaving Luffy last even though he was always first.
He walked up to his captain and gave him his plate, his moves were slow, meticulous. “Good morning Luffy” he leaned in to place a quick kiss on his cheek, it felt weird but not exactly unpleasant. If he was going to form part of this prank, he might as well do an excellent job, as his captain expected.
“Good morning Sanji!” Luffy smiled brightly at him while looking slightly surprised, and with that Sanji turned around, getting back to work, while trying to hide the fact that he felt his face burning with embarrassment.
But his move had worked, everyone had seen him and they had questions.
“Wow wow wow” Usopp was the one who started the question round while making some exaggerated hand movements. 'As expected…' Sanji thought while lighting his next cigarette, maybe this was going to be easier than he first thought. “What was that?”
“What was what?” Luffy said between bites, not missing a moment to eat but still smiling, he wasn't good at hiding his emotions.
Zoro had choked on some water when he saw the kiss and was now fully awake. “That kiss, what was that?” He sounded somewhat angry, not particularly at Luffy but at Sanji for even daring to do something like that to the captain.
“Hmm, I don't know what you are talking about” Luffy truly had a talent for appearing oblivious to everything. He continued eating like nothing happened while Usopp, Zoro, and even Nami exchanged confused looks. Robin laughed quietly at the situation, it was amusing to see how everyone was confused by such a simple act.
When he was finished he stood up with his plate and walked up to Sanji. “Sanji! More please!” and with his free hand, he grabbed Sanji's and squeezed it lightly. And as expected everyone had turned to see what was going on.
Now it was taking everything inside him not to die on the spot from embarrassment nor the fact that it felt so personal yet so normal to do those kinds of things with his captain, and that in particular what was worried him. But Sanji simply smiled and nodded. “Aye aye captain, now sit down and let me work”
In the following days, the crew had to withness several hugs and hand-holding in various situations —much to Zoro and Usopp's discontent and disgust— as well as some quick kisses on Sanji's part. Sometimes he felt adventurous enough that he kissed the captain goodbye or before going to sleep, it was starting to become kind of a habit but Sanji didn't want to think too much into it. If he pictured one of the girls instead of Luffy it was easier to do, even though lately he didn't need to do that anymore.
He even got used to sitting down at the deck and having Luffy at his side, just accompanying him. They did that before, but now it had more meaning and it even felt better, it felt right.
“Hey Sanji” Luffy said one of those times they sat together watching the ever-lasting sea before them.
“Yes, Luffy?” They were holding hands even though Zoro was asleep on the other side of the deck and no one else was around to hear or see them. Sanji had noticed that they started to get closer even though people weren't around. Wasn't the entire point of the prank to just be sweet and lovely around each other when someone could see them?
He felt Luffy carefully running his thumb on his hand, he had been surprisingly careful with his hands after Sanji explained that he needed them in perfect condition to cook, and for once Luffy actually listened. He enjoyed looking at his hands, examining every fold of them, like it was a hidden treasure he had just discovered. At first, Sanji stopped him from contemplating his hands when they were alone, but there was a side of him that wanted to give in to the attention, and after a couple of times he didn't mind anymore.
“Can I kiss you?” That question took Sanji off guard, and he knew he was going to say no, but something inside of him pushed him to change his answer. But what definitely took him off was the tone Luffy had used, he was being serious about this, with no traces of mockery in his voice.
He stopped to think for a moment, yes he was the one giving all the kisses since that was rule number one stated, but maybe, just maybe he wouldn't mind a kiss back.
“So straight-forward” Sanji commented to try and make the situation less tense since there was something being build-up and he wasn't ready for that yet, Luffy only laughed 'shi shi shi' as per usual, but he was still being serious about this. With his free hand, he pinched the bridge of his nose, taking a deep breath and putting his cigarette away.
“Fine. But on the cheek, no lips.” he signed at his right cheek, Sanji could feel Luffy beaming, but kept still.
“Alright.” That was still his serious tone. Luffy got closer to him, slowly, as if he didn't want to scare him away. And with gentleness he had only discovered a couple of days ago, he placed a kiss on his cheek, too close to his lips for his comfort.
It was only a kiss, a kiss on the cheek of all things, but it still made Sanji blush from head to toes and melt at the affection. It had felt nice, to have been kissed by someone he trusts, the feeling of Luffy's lips was soft against his cheek and it reminded him of how long it had been since the last time he had been kissed.
But if he had melted at a simple kiss, he couldn't imagine what would happen if they kissed for real. Why would he imagine something like that to begin with? This was only a facade, a prank, it couldn't be that he was questioning what their plan was leading them to.
“You smell like cigarettes and cologne” Luffy commented —still too close for his comfort— his observation felt out of place for the situation; and he was looking at him, with those big eyes that stared directly into his soul, reading him and not leaving anything behind.
Luffy laughed, a sincere, bright smile, just dedicated to him and the special moment they shared. “I like kissing you!”
And that comment was enough for Sanji to lose it.
He covered his face with his free hand and felt how hot it was while trying to look away, trying to resist the intense gaze that his captain was giving him. But failing and giving in to this new feeling. He knew the name of this new feeling that was starting to grow inside him, be he wasn't going to admit it, he knew it was love, but that couldn't be possible.
“Don't say something so embarrassing, don't you have any shame?” He tried to sound annoyed, but his tone was tender and calm. He couldn't be angry when Luffy was looking at him like that.
“But it's the truth, I like kissing you!” And there he went again, saying something that went straight to Sanji's heart. He only could sigh and light another cigarette.
“Stop that or I'll kick you” Sanji knew that wasn't going to stop him, and he also knew he couldn't be able to kick him, he needed to recover later from this emotional trip and do lots of thinking.
“But you liked it, you are even blushing”
“I'm not blushing!” He snapped, looking at Luffy who was still close. “It's the sun, we are outside and it's getting hot… we should head back inside, I'll prepare you a snack”
And before Luffy could protest, he blew his cigarette smoke on his face, making him back off and cough in disgust. Their hands were still together, he almost forgot about it, it felt so sincere that he had to stop for a moment, he really had a lot to think about.
“Hey, Sanji” Luffy stood up, dragging Sanji with him by his hand and making him stand up beside him.
A long sigh mixed with smoke escaped his mouth. “Yes Luffy?” he responded, with an irritated tone.
“Can I kiss you again?” That's when he should have kicked the shit out of him, but instead, he rolled his eyes and nodded, allowing Luffy to come closer and kiss his cheek again, and again, and again, until he forgot what he was going to do. He allowed himself to melt at the affection, he could be angry later; for now, he just wanted to enjoy the feeling of being wanted.
Maybe it was ok if rule number one was broken every once in a while.
…
Rule number two: they were NOT going to sleep together, not even next to each other.
Yes, they were pirates, if it was necessary they would sleep anywhere or on top of each other, but if Sanji could avoid being seen sleeping with the captain it was enough.
But he must have known that, as with rule number one, this one was going to get broken pretty soon.
It happened one quiet night, the only sound that could be heard was the calm rush of the sea and the tranquil breeze that gently moved the ship, they were on a small island and the next morning they would sail off; so Luffy was on night watch, enjoying the last view of the island they had explored for resources.
While exploring they had found what they needed: food, water, and even a beautiful meadow full of all types of flowers. Who would have known that spring island could be so stunning. And while Chopper grabbed the ones he needed and wanted to examine closer for medical purposes, Nami teased Luffy into grabbing a big chunk of earth with flowers to gift to Sanji.
Sanji knew Nami —and pretty much everyone except Chopper— had already figured out that they were pretending to date as an elaborated prank. But they were still surprised at the lengths this facade was going. It wouldn't hurt to tease them right?
Despite the fact there was no actual use or place for that kind of unusual gift, Sanji had to accept it, at least Luffy was happy about it, he just needed to find something to do with the chunk of dirt.
Now Luffy watched how moonlight covered the small island, trees moving along with the breeze making the flowers flow creating a beautiful sight, the sounds of the night singing a quiet pleasing melody. Even someone like Luffy, who only paid attention to fighting, food, and friends could appreciate the view.
He wasn't the type to think about feelings (or thinking in general), he did what he wanted all the time independently of the rules he had to break, he was a pirate after all. But he knew something was different inside of him now, and it had all started after that first time Sanji allowed him to kiss his cheek out of curiosity.
Instantly after Luffy felt like he had just discovered the most delicious dessert in the whole sea and it had been in front of him the entire time. He knew Sanji was special, he have been knowing since he first lay eyes on him in the Baratie restaurant: his ambition and conviction for his morals and dreams were one of the things that lured Luffy in. But now this feeling of appreciation and even admiration was turning into something he had never experienced before, something he had never recalled needing.
But now he knew he needed this new feeling, he wanted more of it. He was going to be the Pirate King, he couldn't be satisfied with just a taste. However, he also knew since the beginning that he wanted to share this feeling with Sanji, the two of them together, cherishing something only they had.
It was starting to get cold, he should've brought a blanket before starting his watch, but he was too deep in thought to even notice that someone dropped a blanket on top of his head.
“You are going to catch a cold if you don't take care of yourself” Sanji had climbed to the crow's nest where Luffy was and sat beside him, keeping his distance. He was wearing his pajamas, so he must've just gotten out of bed.
“Oh, Sanji... Wait it's so cold in here!” Slow, as usual, he grabbed the blanket and covered himself completely as Sanji watched in silence. “What are you doing here? It's late” His tone was curious and too loud for the moment, Luffy never knew how to moderate his tone of voice.
There was a moment of silence and Sanji crossed his arms over his legs. “I couldn't sleep, that's all” Luffy watched him carefully, he was just thinking of him moments ago and now there he was, sitting next to him. Still, something felt off.
“A nightmare?” Luffy moved closer and felt Sanji flinch for a moment. He stopped to look at him: Sanji looked tired, sweaty, and pale, something bad had happened.
“Something like that” He lighted a cigarette and pressed his legs closer to his chest.
They sat together in silence, looking at the stars and listening to the night's melody, enjoying each other's company. Sometimes the best cure for a bad dream is just knowing that you are not alone. And when Luffy turned to check on Sanji he looked slightly better.
But a sneeze from Sanji was what gave him a brilliant idea.
He pushed himself until he was closer to Sanji, and grabbed him by the shoulders. “What are you doing?” He asked confused, but before he could protest about whatever Luffy had gotten on his head now, he was dragged between his legs, arms around him along with the blanket, Sanji was brought by Luffy in a warm embrace. His head rested on his captain's chest and he didn't quite know how to process what just happened.
Sanji settled in a better position when he understood that he wasn't going to be able to escape and turned his head up to look at Luffy, it was a little uncomfortable for him since he was taller, but a lacked sleep and tiredness made him not care. Tomorrow he could think about how embarrassing the whole situation was.
“You could've asked you know?” He put out his cigarette for Luffy's sake and tried to get used to the contact, they were closer than they've ever been before.
“It was easier this way” Luffy hugged him closer and rested his head on top of Sanji's, burying his nose in his hair. “You are not cold anymore”
Sanji always imagined him resting in some beautiful woman's arms, enjoying the warm embrace. Instead, he was with his captain: the one who always fought till the end, who ate ridiculous amounts of food and always spoke his mind without restraint. And Sanji found himself again having the same warm feeling in his chest, not minding at all that this was an intimate act of love he wasn't prepared to do yet, but the sleepiness numbed his senses and he did appreciate not being cold.
Luffy softly rubbed his head against Sanji's hair, rocking him into a state of calmness in which he relaxed and soften under his touch. He felt loved, even adored.
“You smell nice…” Luffy commented quietly, almost to himself, and Sanji responded with a hum. He could feel him smiling, bright, full of joy. Always making embarrassing comments.
Sanji yawned and gave himself the liberty to grab Luffy's hands that rested on his belly, he knew no one was looking at them, but he wanted to do it anyway. Immediately after, he felt a slight squeeze and his heart skipped a beat. He could hear his captain's heart pulse in his chest, and the sound made him feel at ease.
Something in his brain clicked, it all made sense now, those thoughts he had been pushing down for weeks were coming back at him, and making him realize how he truly felt.
At that moment he wanted to say something, he wanted to let Luffy know how important this moment was for him, how he felt that every hug and kiss was special and just for him, and how he noticed that Luffy looked at him differently from the other member of the crew, reserving only his special loving gaze for him. And maybe even admit that this whole prank had gone too far and now it was too late for him, he had already caught feelings for the rubber boy, despite all the questioning he had done to himself.
But at last, sleep won and he nuzzled against Luffy's chest, drifting into dreamland, no nightmares allowed this time.
“Hmm Sanji, I think I—” Luffy softly said against his hair, just to cut himself after noticing Sanji was asleep. He smiled at the view and settled on Sanji's neck, breathing in his smokey scent. This was their moment, and Luffy was going to enjoy all of it. Night watch could wait, and no one was going to bother them until the morning.
Rule number two was broken before expected, but Sanji didn't mind at all.
…
And at last, rule number 3: they weren't going to announce the nature of their relationship, or at least not until discussing it before.
“Sanji-Kun” Nami was sitting on the kitchen table, searching through some books and writing down notes, keeping Sanji company while he cooked dinner. The rest of the crew was outside, enjoying the afternoon sun. She could hear Luffy laughing along with Usopp to something she couldn't hear.
“Yes, Nami-san?” He had always pronounced her name in a special —and sometimes irritating— way, but a couple of days ago he had stopped without no apparent reason. But Nami knew exactly why.
“So you and Luffy huh” Her comment didn't seem to affect Sanji, he had gotten better at hiding how he felt about what they were pulling off, so she continued. “I thought you were both joking but Luffy isn't good at pretending, so I'm happy for you two”
That last bit made Sanji stop his task, she was happy? about what exactly? Yeah, their prank had worked perfectly: they scared the hell out of the crew, mostly Usopp and Zoro —who still couldn't look at Luffy pampering Sanji's whole face with kisses without turning away in embarrassment— and the rest just accepted the new relationship without paying much attention after the initial shock.
But Nami being happy for them? that was not the reaction they wanted out of her. “What do you mean Nami-san?”
“Well, for starters, you both look happier, Luffy is always so carefree but somehow he looks… brighter, and so do you” He turned around to look at her, listening closely. “And I'm glad he can make you happy, you deserve to be happy too you know? we all do” If there was something she had learned after meeting Luffy, was that it is worth fighting till the end for the things you find important, and for those around you.
Did he deserve to be happy? That was something he had never stopped to think about, he wanted to find the All Blue, to fight alongside his crewmates, to make his captain the King of Pirates; but where did happiness fit inside his plans?
He was content with his new life, traveling the Grand Line and fighting anything that opposed them while cooking up whatever Luffy could think of. But was happiness what he was looking for? Or could it be… love?
Since Luffy started this prank, he had been nothing but happy. Yeah at first he was disgusted and couldn't hold his hand to save his life, but every time they touched or shared a moment of calm privacy, he felt his heart skip a beat. He always imagined love to be perfect, with a beautiful lady by his side, living the best life. But now he understood that love could also be the simple things he liked to do with Luffy: cooking for him every time he came back from fighting some morally grey villain, holding hands while talking about their dreams, watching the sunset side by side and laughing at a bad joke.
Now he knew that love could be anything, from the biggest acts to the simplest joys. And every thought always came back to Luffy, of course it did; Luffy was the bright sun that pulled him from the darkness and pushed him to follow his dreams. The shiniest star that he loved to watch glow. He could be a handful most of the time, but he was still unapologetically him.
And Sanji wanted to cherish every single moment he spent with Luffy, he wanted to stay by his side.
“Thank you, Nami-san” He spoke softly, still deep in thought. Nami looked at him worried, maybe she had said too much? But the smile on his face was enough to tell her that he was more than fine. 'That idiot… he finally found out he loves the captain… and he calls Luffy slow' Nami thought, her job here was done. If she didn't do anything for them to find out that their little prank had led to pure and sincere love she was going to combust.
“For what? For reminding you of something you already knew?” She heard Sanji chuckle at the comment and closed the book she had been reading before. “So… are you two dating for real now?”
Sanji continued cooking and, without a doubt in his mind, he was ready to respond.
“Yeah… or at least I think so” Luffy and Sanji hadn't talked about it, but he was sure it would work out.
“You think so?” She sounded baffled, she had underestimated how dumb the two of them were. “Then what are you waiting for? Go and ask him!”
“Now? I'm sure it can wait until I finish dinner” He was preparing a complex meat dish he knew Luffy was going to love, even if it disappeared in two seconds.
“YES, now, go” She walked up to him and pushed him out of the kitchen, apron still on. “When you are finished come back and finish dinner, good luck! Oh and no need to thank me, you can pay me 1000 berries later!”
“Huh?” Sanji looked at her with confusion.
“I'm going to start charging for relationship advice, if it works it's 2000 berries!” Then she slammed the door in his face, leaving him alone. Sanji sometimes forgot how scary Nami could get when it came to money.
Now that he was outside and couldn't get back to work, much to his frustration, the only thing he could do was search for Luffy and confess the way he felt, simple as pie. He thought about it for a minute, a feeling of panic surging through him, yes he had undeniable feelings for his captain, and he wanted to be with him; but how was he going to approach the topic?
A simple 'I fell in love with you' would be straightforward enough for someone like Luffy to understand, but getting those words out of his mouth was going to take him a while. He knew he loved him, and he expressed his love for him every time he cooked a delicious dish or an afternoon snack. But explicit words were something he still wanted to take his time with.
“Sanji!” He felt Luffy practically jump at him and wrap his arms around him, in an excited embrace. “Is dinner ready yet? I'm hungry!”
Sanji turned his head to avoid Luffy's gaze, he was just reminiscing about his feelings and now he was so painfully close. “I need to finish something before dinner, can we go… somewhere private to talk?” He grabbed him by his shoulders to make some space between them.
“Alright” Luffy was more interested in food than talking but he didn't complain when Sanji grabbed his hand and guided him inside Nami's room. It was the only place where they could talk alone with no interruptions, but he still checked the hall and closed the door without making a sound.
Sanji turned to see Luffy, he looked bright and curious as he sat on Nami's bed. 'She is going to kill us if she finds out about this' Sanji thought, but he could worry about that later.
He walked up to Luffy and sat beside him, now he just needed to talk. The problem was that he still didn't know how to tackle the topic, and that made him nervous.
“What is it Sanji? You look nervous” Luffy got closer to take a look at Sanji, but it just made him blush and avoid his gaze. “Ah, now you are red”
“Don't say it like that idiot! I just… need to talk about something” He took a deep breath to try and calm down and looked at Luffy, who seemed to understand the serious nature of the moment and was watching him attentively. “We need to talk about us”
“What about us?” He sure was oblivious.
“Luffy” Sanji gathered courage and grabbed Luffy's hand on his own, gently squeezing it. “What are we Luffy?”
“We are Nakama Sanji!” His smile was shiny, but that wasn't the answer Sanji was looking for.
“Yes, Luffy I know that but, aside from that, what are we?” His grip on his hand was stronger now, and he looked at Luffy's eyes.
For once Luffy stopped to think, a soft 'hmm' noise escaping his mouth, but at last, he answered. “Whatever you want us to be, you are my cook, and I'm your captain”
That wasn't exactly the answer he was looking for, but the ambiguity of his response made him calm down. “But what do you want Luffy? I figured out what I want, but you need to be clearer with me”
“I want you, I always did” Luffy's tone was sincere, he always was; after all, he didn't know how to lie.
Sanji felt his heartbeat fasten, did Luffy want him the same way he wanted him? They both could be more transparent about their feelings, but for now, this was enough for both of them. Sanji swallowed the nervousness inside of him and moved closer to press his forehead against Luffy's, closing his eyes and smiling calmly. This was what he truly wanted: to be close to Luffy, to love him, and to feel loved too.
“Hey Luffy” He felt a slight deja vu, but it felt fitting to make the first move using the same words that had started it all.
“Yes, Sanji?” He opened his eyes to see Luffy smiling at him, that big grin dedicated to him.
“Can I kiss you?” He cupped Luffy's cheeks with his hands slowly, caressing his skin and paying attention to every detail he had been missing: the sweat on his forehead from playing outside, the scar under his eye, the couple of facial hairs he still needed to shave off. It all screamed Luffy, his radiant sun shining for him.
“Of course Sanji!” And without letting another second pass, he pressed his lips against Luffy's, he wasn't the best kisser in the sea but this was his moment to shine. His lips weren't exactly soft, Luffy was a fighter and he didn't care about taking care of his skin, but they had something that attracted Sanji in.
The pacing was slow, painfully slow, but he wanted to savor the moment. Sanji moved his lips against Luffy's, finding the right position for them to lock in place at a comfortable pace. Luffy on the other hand moved his arms to embrace Sanji by the neck, pushing him closer and making his hat fall to his back. It was slightly awkward thanks to the lack of knowledge but Sanji felt in heaven, this was ten times better than anything he had imagined doing before.
The closeness, the touches, the sound of his heart beating faster, Luffy's hands tenderly touching the hair on the end of his nape, it was all overwhelmingly good.
But when Luffy's tongue pressed against his lips, parting them to make his way into his mouth to touch his tongue, he lost it. He broke the kiss to Luffy's surprise, looking at him while breathing heavily and ignoring the fact that his face felt like a tomato.
“Where did you learn to do that?” Luffy still had his tongue sticking out, he had a light blush across his sun-tanned face and looked slightly disappointed that had they stopped kissing.
“Oh Nami told me to do it, she gave me some advice!” He looked so proud of his newly acquired knowledge that Sanji didn't have the heart to tell him that Nami was extorting him for money.
Luffy was the one to move now, grabbing Sanji's face and pressing kisses across his whole face, even under the lock of hair that covered his eye. And all he could do was smile lovingly at the affection and hug Luffy closer, accepting the feeling that bloomed inside of him.
“Luffy I… I want to let you know that I—” He struggled to get the words out of him, but Luffy stopped him before he could continue.
“I know Sanji, I love you too” Luffy said between kisses, the last being a peck against Sanji's lips. His captain did know when to use the right words.
Sanji forgot that he had to go back to cook dinner and Luffy did not complain about being hungry, maybe he was that big of a snack. They spent the rest of the night enjoying each other, the touches, the kisses, the laughs, and most importantly: their company.
All the rules were broken by the end of what they intended to be a prank but later grew into a complicated huddle of feelings that lead to them finding out how their feelings for each other blossomed into something they didn't know they needed but wanted to explore anyway. And Sanji wasn't going to complain, he now had what he always dreamed of: love.