Title: In Your Honor

Series: One Piece

Pairing: Sanji/Vivi

Rating: PG

Comments: Sanji/Vivi might not be my OTP for Sanji, but it has so much potential. This is a story that corresponds with the canon manga, but there are some original scenes as well.

Disclaimer: One Piece is owned by Eiichiro Oda.

He was drawn in by her beauty when he first saw her as Miss Wednesday. Her majestic, blue hair enthralled him, giving him the desire to run his fingers through it. His lust quickly turned to love as he watched the princess of Alabasta become part of the crew. The sound of her laughter was simply delightful and made him want to let out a chuckle as well. The way she politely refused his help, the way she loved her country, and everything about her just amazed him and made his desire to hold on to her even stronger. His love for her never faltered, but his heart was broken several times as he saw her take all the responsibility for everything. At first, it was just a simple apology for breaking a dish or for eating too much. But he knew that it would become worse.

He could still remember the shock that climbed up his spine when he felt her body turn tense on his when the bullet shot into her back. But she shook it off, never wanting anyone to worry about her. If only she knew that her attempt was in vain. If only she knew that inside, he was taking in her pain as his own. If only she knew that he hated himself for letting a lady get hurt. If only she knew that he had seen her bite down her bottm lip to prevent her tears from falling onto the ship.

This independent personality continued to grow once they reached Alabasta. The princess began to clench her lower lip more often than usual, but she always looked cheerful. However, at night, she would throw away the happiness to absorb the pain of her country. The first and last time he saw this alone was on the night before they reached Alabasta.

The blonde cook walked briskly toward the kitchen, his lone eyebrow becoming tense. "Shit, Luffy. How many times have I told you not to go to the kitchen at night and eat up everything in the food supply?" He turned in to see a blue head resting on the table. He walked over and spotted a newspaper in the princess's limp hands. The headline read "Rebel Army Increased by 100." He then looked down at the princess. Wet tears were on her face, which had turned to rivers as she cried for Alabasta. He gently wiped the salty tears from her cheeks and left the room, leaving no sign that he was there.

He continued to watch her from afar, seeing her disappointment, anger, and hatred toward the people who violated Alabasta, especially Crocodile. He only spoke up occasionally, leaving most of the talking to the other members of his crew.

Looking back on his experiences, he gave a little smirk. He should have realized that nakama should stick together, no matter what, that you shouldn't let them face their troubles alone, even if they say so. She had wanted her friends to be safe, to protect them from harm. Well, this time he was ready to take the bullet for her.

"Sanji-san!" the distraught but excited princess exclaimed as she ran toward him.

The slot machine flashed, signaling a jackpot, and money fell to the floor. He stood up and replied, "Tell me where to go, princess." This time, the prince was going to save his princess.