It was hard on him, adjusting without his fingers. Of course, Franky was more than happy to build the chef a replacement, but it took a lot of getting used to. Things didn't feel the way they used to. Franky did his best to keep them at their proper size, but they still felt clunky and unnatural.
He was thankful to have Raina with him. God, was he ever thankful for her. So thankful, he had to come up with something to show her.
It took him months upon months to get to the point where he was truly satisfied with his handiwork. In the meantime, he was making what he felt was a lot of 'substandard' meals for everyone and, overall, just letting everyone down - though, in reality, no-one actually cared that much and thought his food was just as beautiful and delicious as ever. One day, though, he felt he'd made a breakthrough.
No-one was allowed in the kitchen all day. Not even Raina. It was a surprise, after all. He had to tell the crew he was finally comfortable in his own special way.
Around the hundredth time Luffy tried to illicit pity from the crew for his starvation[even though Sanji had still made sure to feed everyone as needed], Sanji was satisfied, and he brought out everything he'd worked on. It was an impressive banquet. Impressive, even, in Luffy's eyes. Sanji's face lit up with a smile as he saw how pleased everyone was. He made sure to thank Franky plenty for his new fingers and make sure everyone got a taste of everything. By the time the party was over[which was well into the next day], Sanji was ready to collapse.
Still, he was determined to clean up after himself and give careful thought to what he was to do when he next caught Raina alone. And, as could be counted on, the small woman came into the kitchen to offer him her help. As soon as the door opened, Sanji took his hands from the dishwater, drying them on his apron.
"Hey, Raina," he greeted with a smile as she came into the kitchen. "Is there anything else I can get you, my darling?"
She smiled sweetly back and shook her head, approaching and standing next to him.
"I just wanted to come help you clean up. You worked so hard on making all of this, so someone ought to help you clean up."
Sanji shook his head.
"No, no, Raina, it's quite alright. You don't have to do that."
He slipped one of his hands into his pocket, fishing out a little velvet box.
"I do have something I need you to do for me, though," he added before she could protest. "Don't feel pressured to answer one way or another; but I need you to answer this question for me."
Romantic that he was, the blond chef brought himself down to one of his knees, opening the little box to reveal a beautiful diamond ring. A gasp sounded from Raina, and she clasped her hands over her mouth.
"Will you marry me?"
Tears sprung to her eyes, and she nodded, throwing her arms around Sanji as he brought himself back up to his full height. He held her close to him, feeling rather emotional himself.
"I love you, Sanji," Raina cried. "I love you!"
"I love you, too, Raina," the cook told her quietly, stroking her hair.
