Acceptance

In the next few weeks, everything seemed to fall into step. It took time, and it was hard, but Sanji was feeling better. The rest of the ship had really gotten into the rhythm of things without their cook, and Chopper had gained some confidence. Once it became evident to everyone that Sanji was really working to get past his problem, the mood of the entire ship got a little brighter.

Sanji stood in the room that used to be his own. He smiled a little, his heart thumping a bit faster than usual, and pulled out a pair of slacks and a crisp dress shirt. He had been wearing these pajamas for far too long. With clothes in hand, he made his way to the bathroom, and took something of a bath. His pajamas flew across the room into a hamper, and he let the water cover him. Over his chest, over his shoulders, over his head. He sat up and grabbed the shampoo. He worked the suds through his mane, and dipped himself underneath the surface again. Bubbles made their way from his nose to the surface of the water while the soap in his hair dispersed to make a thin film across it. He leaned against the edge of the tub and smiled. He could feel the dirt being lifted from him even before he started scrubbing his skin. Then he took the soap and did just that. He spent more time than he usually would. But it felt good. It felt good to get all the dirt off of him. He was clean. And he would stay clean.

He stepped out of the bath, and grabbed a towel, wrapping it around his waist. His body dripped with water as he walked to the mirror. He looked at himself and smiled a little. He breathed long, paced breaths. He was nervous. Today, for the first time in around a month and a half, he was going to cook. Chopper deemed him "better", and Sanji agreed. He didn't know what he would do if he saw Nami, but he didn't worry about that yet. He was himself again, and that was important. After a moment, he discarded his towel and grabbed a bit more stylish garb. He put on his clothes, and it felt nice to have something crisp and clean and classy against his skin. How long had it been since he wore these clothes? He didn't know. He just knew it had been too long. Once he was dressed, he took a moment to preen. Comb his hair out and cover his eye for reasons everyone else stopped caring to wonder about. He was hygienic again, and it certainly felt good.

He made his way back to the men's barracks and slipped on a classic black tie before grabbing the classic black jacket. Then he put on his boots and grabbed a cigarette. It was time to make supper.

Sanji opened the oven to pull out his meal and felt a little accomplished again. The lasagna was done. He smiled at it, ready to present it proudly to his crewmates. He hummed as he sliced it up and put it onto separate plates. Next to them he placed the appropriate slice of garlic bread, baked to perfection. He somehow managed to balance all six plates on his self with grace, his step light as he twirled out of the kitchen. Everyone looked hungrier than he was used to seeing them, and with eyes closed by a grin, he slid the plates onto the table before sitting down himself, ready to enjoy his meal.

A cheer of "Itadekimasu!" was heard before everyone began digging in. As soon as Sanji had started to enjoy his meal, he heard a chorus of compliments.

"Wow! This stuff is awesome!" shouted an excited captain, "But it needs more meat!"

"This is really good, Sanji," said the sniper.

"I guess having the curly brow back is good after all, "snorted a swordsman.

"Sanji! I knew you would make a great meal!" said their doctor, overly excited.

Sanji wasn't sure if they were just flattering him, but he didn't care. It was nice to have the praise. Then, he heard the last compliment.

"I'm glad you're back, Sanji" she said, "I missed your cooking."

Sanji's heart jumped at her voice, but he calmed himself. He could control his emotions now. He wouldn't turn into that fool he was before. He was better than that.

"I'm glad to be back," he responded.

She gave him a relieved smile, but he was distracted before he could notice.

"Seconds!" he heard a few voices cry out.

"After this, there's some flan for desert," he said, "And Luffy! Don't talk with your mouth full!"

Things were normal again.