#header: in blue (v. kandinsky)

[one-sunny]

Because of You.

Sanji x reader drabble

Summary: You were always there to help him. It was always you. But Sanji seems to be oblivious to the reason for that.

note: Sanji refers to reader as ‘darling’ but no gendered terms are used (:

Masterlist

Black Leg Sanji was an ever affectionate person. He adored looking after the people he cared for and always tried to make himself available to lend a helping hand. Acts of services and words of affirmation was his forte. He never expected anything in return for his actions, and in fact, he did not know how to simply accept it when it was reciprocated.

But that was something you seemed to be silently trying to fix.

The first time Sanji took note of this, his heart nearly stopped in his chest. It followed the usual feast requested by your very own captain. Dishes were piled up and Sanji would have a rather long night ahead to catch up with everything. But you.

You had taken him by the hand that night, palm nearly searing his chest at the way he overheated when you forced him down into one of the kitchen chairs to just rest. Ever patient, you tackled the obnoxious stack of dishes, forcing Sanji back into his seat any time he attempted to get up and help. Waving him off anytime he offered praises for doing the task because he shouldn’t be thanking you after such a meal. That sickeningly sweet smile was on your face the entire time too. Sanji knew that dishes weren’t your favorite task, and yet, you seemed over joyed to do this for him.

It didn’t stop there. Anytime Sanji needed help with something, you were always there before he even thought to ask. Anytime his mood shifted, you were there to put a smile on his face. It was always you.

Like when the Sunny docked at a new island. The kitchen was already decently stocked and the responsibility of guarding the ship fell on his shoulders. He was disappointed at this and found himself in quite the sour mood.

However, that quickly changed once you had finally returned to the ship. There was a giant grin on your face and he was the first person you sought out, holding something behind your back. You had begun rambling on about this woman you met in the outskirts of the town who lived solely off the land- Sanji was dying to question exactly why you left the group to explore the outskirts of town, where you could have gotten hurt, but couldn’t bare interrupting you in the moment. And those concerns died out when you presented the satchel you had been hiding.

Inside was a plant the woman had aided you in foraging, one that Sanji had only ever heard about that would create a spice unknown outside of the grand line. It was said to elevate any dish. To put any cook above the rest. It was something Zeff had mentioned years ago and certainly not something he expected to be handed by you.

Sanji wasn’t even sure if you knew the effects you had on him. Of the hold you had over his heart. You never acknowledged the things that you did for him and part of Sanji was too scared to bring it up to you. As if bringing attention to your actions would make you stop. As if they were unconscious actions.

He would have been very happy to live in his little bubble, but it was inevitably popped by your crew.

Nami sat at the kitchen table, papers sprawled out around her, with Robin silently reading in her seat. Sanji moved about the kitchen with his usual air of confidence as he began the prep work for dinner. That’s when you walked in and effectively shattered the flow he was in.

It was first the way you asked to help him.

This wasn’t uncommon for you, of course, Sanji was delighted to find that you enjoyed being in the kitchen. Even more so when he realized that he had the opportunity to teach you some things. Though, at times, it could hinder his progress on meals.

Like now.

Your nose wrinkles as you go about deboning one of the many fish that Chopper and Ussop had caught. Sanji is far more efficient in the task, but you had insisted in aiding him on such a time consuming thing. Time consuming for you, at least, as you dig at the pin bones with the tip of your knife. Your work was far more sloppy than his but Sanji would always be prepared to praise you for it.

Nami watches you work, noting the distaste in your expression, and a cheshire grin pulls to her lips. “You know,” She begins. “You don’t always have to help him, ‘specially when you hate prepping fish.���

Sanji notes the way your movements halt for a long moment, before you clear your throat. “I don’t mind it.”

“That’s not what you-“

“Nami.” You snap at her.

“You can do something else, if you want, darling.” Sanji’s eyes you closely, the way your shoulders are tensed and your knuckles are turning white around the knife. “What ever task you prefer is yours, I want you to enjoy yourself in the kitchen.”

You turn to smile at him and his heart skips a beat.

That’s when Nami cuts in once again. “They don’t really prefer anything.” She speaks for you. “In fact, i’m not even sure they like cooking that much.” You speak up to silence her but the damage is already done.

Brows pulled together, Sanji attempts to piece the puzzle together. You were always here. Always lending him a helping hand. Trying to lessen his workload and always seemed to have a smile as you did so. It didn’t make sense.

“What are you talking about, Nami?” He prompts in his confusion. “They like cooking?” What he meant to be a statement now comes out as a question. Because was he even sure that you liked it? With the way your demeanor has shifted, he is no longer certain. “Right? Why else would you always help me?”

You finally huff out a breath, movements stopping entirely as you stare down at the fish in front of you, “Sanji,” You begin, placing the knife atop the cutting board to look at him fully. “I used to hate cooking.”

Sanji tips his head in confusion, “Well, you didn’t know a lot before. It’s a lot easier to like cooking when you know-“

“I never knew anything because I hated cooking.” You cross your arms over your chest. “And, no offense, that hasn’t completely changed.” The two of you stare at each other for a long time at this. Nami and Robin exchange looks from their place at the table, remaining silent, as they await the revelation that every Straw Hat already seemed to be aware of.

“Then why-“

“Sanji.” An exasperated sigh leaves you and you pinch the bridge of your nose.

A frown tugs at his lips. The look on your face struck anxiety coursing through him. He was always someone that could read other people so easily, but with you, he always second guessed everything. Because how- how could he allow himself to give in to the feelings being reflected on your face.

“I-I’m sorry.” Sanji mutters, shifting on his heels and feeling entirely unsure about himself.

“No, none of that.” You quickly shake your head to dismiss his apology, turning towards the kitchen table. “Could you two give us a minute?” He notes the way you speak through grit teeth to the girls. Despite your demeanor, a smirk is sent his way as they waltz out of the room.

“Did I- are you mad-“

“Sanji, honey, none of that.” You huff out and there is a storm of emotions inside of him. His stomach twists and Sanji wants to curse himself for it all. He has faced opponents ten times his size and yet you are the thing that seems to scare him the most. Then, you’re stepping even closer to him and your presence is nearly overwhelming. “I like being in the kitchen because of you. I like spending time together and helping you do stuff, and seeing you talk about something you’re so passionate about. And you’re just,” You shake your head as Sanji realizes that you’re actually rambling about him. But he can’t catch his breath to even think about cutting you off. “You’re so sweet and understanding and, ugh, you’re so patient. So patient with me and everything I mess up. Even when I burn stuff or do something that wastes food, of all things, you’re so good to me.” You breathe out a harsh breath. “I like being in the kitchen because I like you, Sanji.”

And his brain short circuits.

Heat fills his entire being, warming his chest and creeping up his neck to flush into his cheeks. His eyes flicker around the room, suddenly unable to make eye contact, and feeling as if his knees were going to go weak. For the first time in his life, Sanji was completely flustered and entirely speechless.

“And I realize that was probably a lot to unload on you. So sorry about that.” You swallow hard at the silence. “We can, uh, just finish up dinner preparations if you want. You don’t have to say anything, i’m not like entitled to a response. I just wanted you to-“

“I really, really like you.” Sanji blurts out, lacking the usual gusto behind such words. But that just makes it all the more real. “I- you- it’s just.” He shakes his head at himself. “You mean so much to me and i’ve been scared to even admit that.” As he speaks the words, the nervous expression you held shifts into a smile. You move a little bit closer and his breath catches in his throat. “I love having you at my side more than anything and I just can’t believe that you feel the same-“

But the words hitch in his throat as your hand reaches up to cup his cheek. “None of that.” You shake your head, gaze soft and affectionate. “Believe it Sanji, i’m utterly obsessed with you.”

And Sanji nearly melts into your touch. His heart soars and he finds himself gazing back at you with a love sick expression coming over him.

All because of you.