Disclaimer: One Piece ain't mine!
A/N: I'm so sorry! I had this all ready for Sanji's b-day, and then I wasn't anywhere near a computer this whole weekend. So, it's late…and unusual. It's an idea I've been toying with. Kind of an acrostic story.
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Sometimes, when things got too calm, Sanji would miss the Baratie. The Mery-Go could be just as loud, but at night the Baratie had parties and dancing, and all the chores that had been put off through the day had to be completed. Not to mention the occasional (usually bizarre) customer who'd come stumbling in at some unholy hour of the morning.
Ace had done that once. Luffy's crazy older brother had stumbled in, sleepy for once, instead of an attack. He'd ordered, he'd ate, and for perhaps the only time in human memory, he'd paid. Perhaps Chef Zeff was right about how great a restaurant at sea really was, if even Portgas D. Ace would pay for his meal. Chef Zeff himself had been surprised, though he thought no one had noticed.
Now he sailed on a ship that was quiet at night. Well, usually quiet. Even Luffy had to sleep sooner of later; curled up against his first mate no doubt. Zoro was the only crew member that never pushed Luffy away, something Sanji almost respected him for. In this silence, he'd believe almost anything was possible, even something as impossible as that.
Jerking back awake, Sanji shook his head and lit another cigarette. The night was chilly, but not suiet cold, and his replacement would be up soon. On cue, soft footfalls echoed behind him. Nami, rubbing sleep from her eyes, was shuffling towards him. She smiled as she stopped next to him. "Coffee?"
It was their routine, but instead of getting up, the cook leaned over, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Go back to sleep." He hushed her protests with a nudge in the direction of her room. "I'll be fine. It's just a few more hours."
Sanji expected Nami to cooperate, just to go back to bed without complaint. Instead, she sat down next to him, laying her head on his shouldar. Even breathing started almost instantly, making Sanji smile. Mostly though, he was glad he'd gone with Luffy's crew, even if it was quiet sometimes.
fin