Sanji almost chokes on his cigarette when he sees him.
Its just another normal day in his life. He has been working in Baratie, one of the most famous restaurants in the country, and has been pretty content in life except for that aching numbness in his heart which he couldn't quite put a finger on. For years now he's felt that something was missing, that he was forgetting something very important. He never knew what.
Until now.
The moment he sees him walking on the street through the window, it all comes rushing back. The day spent on that rock in the middle of nowhere, cooking in the middle of the sea, the straw hatted boy with a dream as ridiculous as his, a flag he pledged his life to, the adventures, the mishaps, and what had in one lifetime been his everything.
What was now, once again, right before his eyes.
For a second, Luffy looks at him. For a second, Sanji thinks that he can do the impossible again.
Luffy runs ahead, like it has always been. Despite the protesting customers, Sanji runs behind his captain, like it has always been.
At the end of the street, three people are already waiting. Sanji doesn't need to look to know that all three of them (even the marimo, though he might deny it) are both suprised and ecstatic to see the blonde trailing behind their sun.
As Zoro is tackled into a bear hug by Luffy, Nami passes Sanji a sweet smile and a greeting. And although in any other situation Sanji would have swooned over her, right now he only has eyes for his captain. Nami doesn't seem to take offense.
Zoro rids himself of Luffy by dumping him on Ussop - who is more than happy - grumbling all the while. That is the moment which Luffy chooses to ask "So, what's your name?"
Any lesser man would've performed the most epic spit take in the world.
Eye drifting towards Zoro's, a silent question is asked and answered.
He doesn't remember.
That doesn't really matter. It will be just like the last time. He only hopes that they will do a better job at protecting him this time.
When Sanji smiles, it is more heartfelt and earnest than ever.
"The name's Sanji. Nice to meet you again, Captain."
That's it.
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