Author Notes:
Hey everyone~ Pardon the delay, I've been kind of busy obsessing over the soundtrack list for my other fic's future chapters (the one whose prologue isn't even finished yet, ugh) and kept getting distracted from finishing this chapter.
This is unbetaed and completed overnight. It's about 06:33 at the moment and while I had a poptart breakfast earlier, I am really looking forward to my own second breakfast. Preferable chicken rice porridge but probably not. Sleep comes first.
Also, I realized just earlier that I had given them firearms on board in the first two chapters. This is a mistake as they are flying into a civilian airport, they should not have weapons with their carry-ons. I'll be fixing this soon. Hope you enjoy!
26.2.2022
The low hum of the engines fills the dark cabin. It's cold and loud, but the white noise luls the passengers into a quiet sleep. A sudden gust of air and a ping from the intercom jolts Sanji from his own slumber. He removes the cloth napkin he had placed over his eyes when he first sat down to rest in the jump seat and groans as he stretches his neck. Sleeping for so long looking straight up at the ceiling had been a not-so-bright idea. A blue haired marine pushes through the lavatory doors, shivering as she rubs her bare, tattooed arms and makes her way back to her seat.
He stands and pops his back before working out more kinks from his neck. He doesn't often take naps during flights, even longhauls, but he's just so worn out at the moment that he needed some reprieve from his own thoughts. Pulling his phone from his inner jacket pocket, he opens a fish collecting app. It's a simple game with no real goal, just play a few puzzles, clean the aquarium and try to get rare fish from a lottery ball machine. It's just something to pass the time and also to scratch the itch of wanting to have an aquarium of his own; his job is not exactly one that allows him to keep pets.
Usopp enters the galley and smiles at him. "Well, hey there, Sleeping Beauty. How you feeling?"
"Like shit," Sanji pockets his phone and stands to stretch once more, using the wall to pull his arm back further as he stretches out his shoulder; turning around to switch to the other. "But better. Much."
"That's good. Given everything that happened and all." Usopp pauses in his actions of making a cup of green tea and gives Sanji a once over. "You look better; less tired."
"Can I get one of those?" Sanji jerks his head to the cup in his cohort's hand.
"Sure," Usopp finishes pouring a cup and hands Sanji the cup with a soft smile before grabbing a new cup for the passenger.
"Thanks." Sanji accepts the paper cup with both hands, warmth seeping into his palms.
Usopp pours two cups of tea, "lemme take these to 15B real quick."
15B, that's the cabbage's seat. "He's still awake?"
Usopp hums, "Yeah, that whole section's up watching movies."
"Misery never sleeps," says the purser, causing the other man to snicker.
"They're not that bad."
"Oh?" Sanji raises a curly brow, "Big words coming from you."
"Now don't get me wrong, I still have my rare disease of Marines-Make-My-Knees-Quake-In-Fear-atosis but those guys seem okay. Now the three over the right wing," Usopp shivers at the thought, "those three give me the heebie jeebies. The tall one by the window especially. He held up his fork so menacingly, I thought he was going to gouge my eyes out."
"Usopp, no one's going to attack you with a plastic fork." Sanji reassures.
"You don't know that!" Usopp shrieks in worry before lowering his voice down to a hushed tone. "Even if their guns aren't loaded, any of them could end me at any moment."
"They're going home, they don't have firearms, you know this. And don't worry, your Prince Charming is here to protect you," the blond gives his cohort and thumbs up and a wink.
Deadpanning, Usopp puts the cups onto a small tray with some napkins and walks out into the aisle, "If anything kills me it's gonna be you."
Sanji snickers and sips on his tea. He lets out a deep sigh, content with how the drink warms him. He feels his spirits lift and a new found energy courses through his veins. When Usopp returns they chat for a while about random things until Usopp's sports watch beeps at the turn of the hour.
"Better check on the front and bring snacks to Franky and them." Sanji stands, stretching his legs and makes his way to the front of the plane, his eyes involuntarily honing in on the over wing exit sign.
As he nears, green hair glows in the dark, illuminated by the TV screen. He notices all four screens are watching the same film, in sync at that, no doubt the marines timed it that way so they could comment on the scenes together. On cue, a character steps his clean white shoes directly into a cowpie and they chuckle softly in unison.
The two marines sitting behind Mr. Moss have pushed the center armrest up and are snuggled together sharing a screen, the blond marine laying on the other's chest while the other man - who has his sunglasses perched on his head to see in the dark - rubs slow circles into his partner's arm.
As Sanji slowly gets closer, he watches the dark haired man remove his and the other man's earbuds, whispering something in his ear. The blond simply nods and angles his head up as the dark haired marine presses a kiss into his close shaved head before dropping his shades back down to his nose. They settle in together, arms wrapped around each other, presumably to get some sleep.
It brings Sanji a swell of pride and hope in his chest about the future of their country's military if these two can be safe and open about their relationship.
His attention is brought back to the two marines that have caused him enough trouble on this flight, as they laugh at the film; a bull now racing across the screen as two men drive away in a bright red car. Sanji places a gentle hand on the green headed marine's headrest earning raised eyebrows from the man. His face is split in a goofy grin which slowly morphs into an easy smile. He pulls the earbud from his right ear and looks at Sanji expectantly, "Yeah?"
Sanji takes a moment to look at the other man, skin bluish in the glow from the monitor. Combined with the shining green haired, he almost looks like a mutant creature from some toxic lagoon. Sanji stifles a snicker at the thought and points with his nose to the men in the next row, mouthing silently about their slumber.
The marine turns to look between the chairs to confirm and nods at Sanji in thanks. Suddenly, the one known as Portgas barks an obnoxious laugh - on the monitor the characters scream and breakfast cereal flies through the air around them - which earns him a slap in the gut from the swamp monster who juts a thumb behind them, passing along the information of their sleeping friends. It's then that the freckled man notices Sanji's presence and smiles sheepishly in apology.
With that, Sanji steals one more look at the green haired marine's face before continuing his walk back up to the Plus section to serve any officers still awake.
He works lost in thought, mulling over the day's various events; fighting with a passenger, almost getting fired, getting proposed to. He feels exhausted again but he pushes it aside and continues working.
And it's not like the moss was that revolting. He's tall and handsome, Sanji can admit that much if he were honest. But he's also dorky and the sound of his laugh while he was watching that movie sounded so stupid and endearing all at once. If Sanji had been in a better place when the man first spoke to him maybe things would have turned out differently.
He's in the galley warming up snacks for the flight crew when a thought occurs to him. It wasn't his fault. Not his or the marine's. It was all just a big, mistimed misunderstanding. The man even tried to apologize but Sanji had just waved him off. He really should try to make amends.
Grabbing the mixed nuts from the oven, he brings a tray to the flight deck, double checks if any of the officers need anything else and passes through the bulkhead into the main cabin.
The marine is still awake, he can see his face in the blue light, eyes crinkled as he exchanges words with his seatmate. He sees Sanji and they maintain eye contact until Sanji is standing next to him. Portgas, not noticing Sanji's presence, chuckles as a large woman with long braids on the monitor attacks two men outside a gas station.
Sanji places the ceramic dish on the tray table next to an empty paper cup.
"Peace offering," he shrugs.
The man stares up at him expressionless but the man by the window gawks with the most insulted expression Sanji has ever seen. He almost wants to laugh, but doesn't and hands a second dish to the sergeant. "I got you one too."
The marine's face quickly switches to that of a kid in a candy store, bright and full of glee as he pops a cashew in his mouth. Sanji smirks before returning his eyes to the other marine, who's still staring but looking a little more confused. Sanji has a sudden urge to tease the man.
"Now don't think anything of it." The marine doesn't get it so Sanji glances at the cup and raises his eyebrows. It's almost comical how the swamp moss gasps and a small blush flutters across his cheeks. "Can I get you a refill?"
Without waiting for an answer, Sanji grabs the empty paper cup, smirks and walks away.
"Can I get a Mikan Maid, please?" Ace throws a whisper over the headrest before Sanji is too far away. The blond waves in acknowledgement and prepares both drinks.
'Perhaps this flight will end on a high note,' Sanji smiles. 'Pun intended.'
"Dude."
"What?" Ace answers through a mouth full of nuts.
"Dude…" Zoro repeats.
"What?" Ace mimics his tone.
"He gave me warm nuts." Zoro clarifies.
"Yeah, I got warmed nuts, too. And?"
"No, no, no, no. Warm nuts." He stresses with added emphasis on the m.
Ace turns to Zoro with a disgusted look and covers his dish with his hand, as if covering the ears of a child. "Gross! You keep your perverted thoughts away from my food."
He doesn't quite understand the flight attendant's sudden change in attitude but if the man was going to start making dirty jokes, he couldn't possibly stop himself from becoming giddy.
The blond returns with their drinks with a smile and is gone again before he can say anything. His mind races and he mentally commands the man to come back but that obviously fails. He turns back to the movie but really isn't able to focus on it. He looks down at his tray table and feels a hopeful swell grow in his gut as he picks up the peace offering.
It isn't until the movie's over that Zoro realizes how badly he needs to pee. Luckily, there isn't much of a line to the bathrooms so he doesn't wait long.
He washes his hands and face, and inspects his reflection. He doesn't look too bad, skin maybe a little dry from the lack of humidity on the aircraft but overall he looks clean and put together. Running wet hands through his messy hair, he hears a muffle voice through the wall behind him.
"Hey." It's the blond flight attendant. "Yeah, I'm okay."
Zoro can't hear any other voices so he presumes the man is on the phone. "What? He told you? Tsk…" There's a pause and Zoro starts to feel uncomfortable. He shouldn't be listening to this. "Yeah, I'm fine."
Deciding he should mind his own business, he's about to turn away when he hears the man chuckle. "Hmm, I got a couple in. Yeah."
'No, that's enough. You're being creepy now.' Zoro dries his hands and exits the bathroom. He's about to leave until Sanji's voice drops into a serious tone. "Are you sure?"
He peeks around the bulkhead and sees the blond sitting in a jumpseat with his head resting in the palm of his hand. "Okay. , see you soon. Bye."
The flight attendant hangs up the call with a sigh and scrubs his hands over his face and through his hair. He quickly stands up and before Zoro has any time to react and flee the space the man is already looking at him with wide eyes and his shoulders squared.
"Ah, s-sorry. Didn't mean to disturb you." Zoro scratches the back of his head.
"Can I get you anything?"
"No, I- bathroom," the marine points his thumb at the door, "I- I'll- I'll just go."
Sanji lets out a soft sigh and almost looks… disappointed? Zoro isn't sure.
"Um, actually," Zoro leans his shoulder on the bathroom door, thinking up any excuse to keep speaking with the man and smiles sheepishly. "Ace was wondering about second breakfast."
Sanji returns the smile and puts his phone in his back pocket. "There's no second breakfast, but we'll be serving dinner in a few minutes, and… you can get supper after we land."
Zoro's smile widens a bit at the understood reference. "Okay, thanks." He turns to go back to his seat but the blond's voice stops him.
"Does," Sanji starts. "Does he really eat six meals a day?"
"It's more like 9… ish." Zoro crosses his arms and shrugs, some days it's more but one can never really know with the bottomless pit. They stand in silence for a moment, not really looking at each other just sparing quick glances. "I'll… I'll get back."
Sanji nodding is his only response and Zoro returns to his seat.
"We're having dinner soon," He tells his platoon leader.
"Nice~" Ace smiles and grabs the menu from the seat pocket and this time Zoro decides what he wants before hand.
The lights turn on, an announcement is made and soon the cabin fills with the scent of warm food. Zoro waits patiently as the crew serves the passengers, watching how the blond smiles at everyone, the dark circles that were once under his eyes now gone. He doesn't even look like he's been working for nine straight hours.
The flight attendants reach them, the long nose man serving their food while Sanji pours drinks for the rows in front. The blond looks at him and pours the requested beers for both marines.
"You seem to be in a good mood." Zoro comments.
"I am in a good mood." Sanji oscillates his torso to keep balance as a light turbulence rolls through the plane.
"Must have been a good phone call."
Sanji pauses as he hands them their drinks and gauges Zoro with deep blue eyes "… It was, but last I checked, I don't know you."
"I can fix that." Zoro smiles.
"I'm sure you would."
"Zoro Roronoa." He extends his hand out in greeting.
"Yes, I know." Sanji says, merely glancing at the hand.
"And you're Sanji…?" He presses.
The blond is silent as he contemplates Zoro's question, ignoring all the food items being passed yet again to Ace. The other flight attendant notices the delay and calls for Sanji's attention. "Hey Sanji, we gotta move."
"Legge." Sani finally takes his hand in a firm, but cordial grip. Zoro repeats his name before letting go. "Goodbye gunny."
Zoro makes no show to hide how his eyes scan the man's body as he walks down the aisle. When he turns back to his food he notices Ace giving him a knowing look. "What?"
"Looks like improvement," is all he says before stabbing into his ravioli.
Zoro hums as he opens his fish curry and rice. "Maybe."
"What's this? Playing hard to get with your fiance?" Ace teases.
Ah, right. He had done that. "Just playing my cards right."
"Kinda too for that don'cha think?"
"Shut up and eat your bread."
The rest of the flight goes without any more hiccups and soon they're flying over Loguetown and making their way to the airport. Everyone's on their phones texting family or friends that they'll be landing, for sure excited to be reunited with their loved ones. Ace had sent a bunch of selfies of the four of them to Luffy already.
Sanji's voice comes up on the PA system and Zoro leans out into the aisle with his hand on his chin to watch him from where he stands by the front bulkhead.
"Marines, as we make our descent, please be sure your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position. Make sure your seat belt is securely fastened and all carry-on luggage is stowed underneath the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins. Thank you."
The blond eyes him up before making his way down the aisle. They're face to face and Zoro thinks he's come to talk but instead the flight attendant reaches down to the armrest, pushes the silver button and Zoro's seat flies forward, his face stopping inches from the man's nose.
"I just said seat backs up."
"My bad," Zoro's voice catches in his throat and he swallows. If he didn't know any better he'd think the blond was making moves on him. It's a good thing he didn't know better. Before he can say anything else, the blond continues down the aisle, putting up trays and seats until he's in the back and sits in the jumpseat. Zoro watches him still and Sanji returns his stare with an unimpressed glare.
Soon enough, the plane tilts and drops as it turns and dives to the runway. Wheels squeak as they meet tarmac and the aircraft slows. Sanji stands and is making his way to the front of the plane when the speakers crackle.
"Good afternoon marines, this is your suuuuper captain speaking. Welcome to Loguetown Airport! The local time is 16:07 and the temperature is a sunny 37°C. For your safety, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened until I've turned off the seat belt sign and it is safe for you to move about the cabin. Please check around your seat for any personal belongings and please use caution when opening the overhead bins. On behalf of Grand Line Airways and the entire crew, we'd like to thank you for your service. Have a suuuper stay!"
They roll up to their gate and the seat belt sign pings off, the sound of seat belts unbuckling fills the air and many marines stand to stretch and get their bags.
The line moves along and Zoro stands to grab his bag from the bin, throwing Ace's bag to him as well before squeezing in front of Killer. He can hear the blond flight attendant saying a stream of typical airplane farewells as he gets closer to the door.
"Goodbye, enjoy your stay. Bye, have a safe trip. Goodbye, take care."
"Buh-bye, Mr. Grumpy Pants." Zoro teases.
"Get off my aircraft," there's bite in his words but they don't match the smirk on his face.
"Don't want to. Besides, I still didn't get your number."
"And you're still not gonna get it." Sanji crosses his arms and leans against the bulkhead next to the long nose fellow. "Now beat it, ya brute."
"Well, can't say I didn't try." Zoro shrugs his pack up higher on his shoulder and turns to follow Ace out the door, "It's just too bad you're not interested.
Sanji mumbles so lowly that Zoro almost misses it "… I wasn't."
"What's that?" Zoro turns back, if the blond wanted to pick another fight, he wasn't going to say no.
Sanji sucks on his lower lip trying to conceal a smile. "I never said I wasn't."
Zoro's jaw slowly drops as he stares at the blond who's sporting a smug grin. He feels a tap on his pack as the other marines try to disembark.
"Move your ass, Roronoa."
"Fuck off, Eustass." He spits, eyes not leaving Sanji. He gets dragged through the door as the others of his company push him out of the way and he gets further away from the other man. "Wait!"
"Buh-bye Mossy~" Sanji waves at him before turning back to the other exiting passengers. "Goodbye, have a safe journey home."
Zoro stands by the gate doorway, stretching to look over the tops of heads but he's unable to see the blond. Two arms wrap around his neck and he gets turned around as Johnny and Yosaku lead him away.
"Let's go, Zoro-bro!" Yosaku cheers. "Ace says Luffy drove here all the way from Fusha to pick us up."
"Road trip~" the two men say in unison and fist bump across Zoro's chest.
Zoro sighs, not that he's not excited to see Luffy, he is. It's just that he had finally gotten somewhere with the sexy flight attendant, but now he's out of reach again.
'Two weeks. I wonder if he'll be on the flight back.'
