Straussy stretched her arms above her head, demonstrating the true poise of a dancer, "So this is Alabasta, huh?"

"It is!" Bentham beamed, not hesitating to spin the darling girl under his arm. "It's horribly drab, isn't it?"

"I guess to you it might be…"

He felt overjoyed that she didn't resist. Throughout the journey, Straussy had been absolutely wonderful. The girl could dance, and obviously loved it. He couldn't possibly begin to understand why she was restraining herself though! Such art needed to be shared with the world.

"Sooooooo," He crooned, waving some vague directions to his boys, "Which island are you off to next?"

She cocked her head, "Which island? I'm staying here. As far as I know, my friend is still on this island. I'm not leaving until I know for certain that he's moved on."

His heart skipped a beat, and not in the jubilant way it did when he saw cute boys. "N-no no no!" Eyes widening, he couldn't help but flail his fingers, "Y-y-y-you must be joking!"

"Why?"

"B-because…" Hissing, he glanced over his shoulder. None of his boys were listening, or they were at least very good at pretending. Confident that the coast was clear, Mr 2 dramatically bought his hand to her ear, "Between you and me, this country is on the brink of a civil war. It isn't safe!"

That would be enough, wouldn't it? He couldn't exactly say what was going to happen in Alabasta, as he wasn't sure why he was there himself. Chances were this was where Zero-chan's Utopia was going to be based. And… Zero-chan was Zero-chan.

"And?" The young girl shrugged, "I need to find Sanji. A war won't stop me."

"Don't you understand!?" He latched onto her shoulders, ignoring her wince as his perfectly manicured nails wrinkled her fine dress shirt, "Your friends are gone! If they had any sense, they would've fled the country as soon as their Log set."

"True…" She flicked him off, "But they might not have left yet. If I leave now while they're still here, it'll get more confusing later on. I should ask some of the townspeople if they've seen them."

"Just go! Is finding this person worth putting your life in danger?"

"Yes."

Such a sure answer… and such determined eyes… Bentham could already feel his feet start to tremble. He hadn't heard that sort of passion since he'd left the Kamabakka Kingdom. He'd thought it was just him who thought of friends that highly.

It made him want to protect this young dancer friend of his even more.

"Forgive me Straussy!"

But she raised her leg to meet his right before he could smash it across the back of her head.

"M...Mr 2, Bon Kurei!"

He thrust out a hand to his subordinates, "Stay out of this! This is a fight of love!"

"A fight of love, my ass!" Strauss growled, narrowing her opulent emerald eyes, "I knew I couldn't trust you, 'Mr 2 whoever you are'! Why else would you be so damn suspicious?"

"I… I can't let you stay here, Straussy!" The betrayal! It throbbed like a hummingbird within his bosom. "It's too dangerous for you!"

"I have to! For my friend! I thought you understood that!"

She was good. No, exquisite. He had thought her dance was rough and untempered, but in the heat of battle it transformed her into a valkyrie! An angel of death! It thrilled him to watch her. However… her hits lacked power. Her agility was restrained by a strange urge to use brute force, as if she was constantly holding herself back. It irked him immensely! Such a bird should not have its wings restrained thus! Especially by their own means!

It made defeating her so heart wrenching.

He caught her limp body before it hit the ground. Such a strong girl should never be sullied by mere sand. If she had been stronger… she might just have beaten him. No, she definitely would have. If only...

Her head lolled to the side.

Oooh he already felt so bad! How could he do this to poor Straussy?! No no! He shook his head. It was for her own good! If she stayed, she could get caught up in Operation Utopia and he would never forgive himself if that happened. He didn't want to restrict her talent!

Ah! The true sorrow of parting! Already the agony picked at his delicate eyes. But he would not cry. He would never! It was a disgrace to Straussy's conviction.

Get her off the island. He had to get her off the island! But how?! He couldn't go into town, Zero-chan had demanded that much. Apparently he was 'too conspicuous', whatever that meant. Yet that only meant he had to wait for someone mooring outside of town! B-b-but that was preposterous! Who would be so daft as to not moor all the way out…

A figure whistled in the distance, a neon orange cowboy hat perched jauntily on his head as he sauntered towards a small dingy tied to a rock not far away.

Bentham blinked.

Ooh! That could work!

"Strauss-san." Sanji smiled, "You are going to stay right there."

Strauss responded in kind, "Don't worry about me, Sanji. I can take care of myself you know."

Zeff groaned. For a few weeks, it had been peaceful. Absolutely peaceful. Blissful even. But they had to go through another pirate raid. They had to! Because the universe hated him! And now his two best servers were at each other's throats… metaphorically speaking.

"Now now, Strauss-san," Sanji's face was so peaceful, completely contradicting how viciously he was hissing, "I can't exactly let a lady fight for no reason."

"I think you're overthinking things again, Sanji." Strauss cracked her knuckles cheerfully, "As I keep telling you, I'm not a lady!"

...Although he wasn't sure if it would stay that way for long.

At least they weren't having one of those godawful screaming matches. His eardrums were thankful for that much. He was sure that they wanted to, oh they definitely wanted to, but both of them valued their work ethic enough to not let that happen.

"Ah, but every woman is a lady in my eyes, Strauss-san."

"Then you can't have met many women."

He couldn't believe they were fighting about fighting. Well… he could, but he hadn't expected it to be here of all places. Right in front of everyone. And the pirates weren't even taken care of yet! They were just standing there as bewildered as he was! They weren't even taking advantage of the very convenient distraction and attacking. It was insulting really.

At least the diners weren't that phased. They were just chatting as normal, watching the chaos unfold as if it was dinner theatre.

Munch munch.

And always! Eating! Popcorn!

Gah! He tugged at his moustache. It was a miracle people found this entertaining, since he just couldn't see it. If anything, he found their antics draining. Since it had all been going so well. After the 'hairy situation', as the chefs have started to call it, they'd actually seemed like they were compromising.

They were training together. Still managing to sleep in the same room together (though how the Eggplant had managed to deal with that one without getting a nosebleed, he had no idea). Hell, they'd even worked out a nifty way so they didn't have to deal with each other during work. They had one half each, and the other couldn't interfere in that half unless explicitly asked for.

Then this happened! To be honest, he'd almost been expecting it. They hadn't had a pirate raid since Strauss got shot, it was about time they'd had another.

The problem was who would deal with it.

"Sanji." Strauss cocked her head innocently, "You know I can fight. I won't get hit."

"Ah, but you're not certain of that, Strauss-san. It is foolish to always enter a fight with the thought that you won't be touched."

That was just it wasn't it. Sanji was absolutely petrified that Strauss would end up seriously injured like last time, and Strauss was furious that he wasn't even giving her the option.

And both of them were too stubborn to give an inch.

The pirates poked their captain, whispering something in his ear. He sniggered and raised his cutlass, "Oi oi! You two poshies really must be underestimating us if you're arguing amongst yourselves."

"Huh? You're still there?" Sanji sighed, flicking a hand aimlessly at them, "Can't you shut up or something? We're talking here."

Oh no.

"And we're not arguing." Cocking her head, Strauss acknowledged them out of the corner of her eyes, "We are having a nice. Civilised. Conversation! Isn't that right?"

"Absolutely."

Oh come on please no.

"So if you could just hang over there for a moment while we sort this out, that would be much appreciated. Just… shoo! Beat it!"

"I mean I can go make them leave and we can talk later?"

Had he paid his insurance for this month? Zeff couldn't quite remember. It was in his stack of papers somewhere, but had he actually signed it and sent the money over? So he couldn't crack the banisters out of frustration. Damn.

"Ah ah ah~! I see what you're doing there Strauss-san. But I'm honestly insulted that you actually believed that would fool me. Please be serious, you can't fight them. I'm not letting you."

"And I'm insulted that you're thinking that. As I have proven time and time again, I can take care of myself thank you!"

No! Don't ignore the pirates! That was the worst thing they could do! Why were they both so idiotically stupid?! He was ready to scream. No, really. He so desperately wanted to. If he wasn't so worried about scaring off his customers (and thus waste more food), they would have heard him from the Grand Line and back. It was just… he couldn't deal with this anymore!

Ah… Fuck it.

The air chilled. Candles flickered and blew out. All as Red-Leg Zeff, former captain of the Cook Pirates, descended the spiral staircase. At least… that was who it was supposed to be, wasn't it? It… it didn't look like him. His face was dark as night. His body looked larger by the minute, until his very essence filled the room.

"If you damn weaklings don't scram right now-" The firey demon stomped his pegleg down onto the tiles, sending shattered fragments skidding over the cowering pirates- "I'll have to give you special reservation down in hell."

The pirates gulped and scrambled to the door. Typical cowards. Normally petty lines like that didn't work, but he was so wound up right now that he could probably say anything and it would be terrifying. Even the customers were sinking back into their chairs, not wanting to make eye contact for once.

Good. He wanted to be terrifying. It felt great.

Sanji and Strauss gulped at each other, before murmuring excuses of serving customers and sidling away.

"Not so fast." Ooh he liked how they jumped when he clamped down on their shoulders. It meant that they knew they were guilty. And guilty children needed to be punished. "Office. NOW!"

Slam!

"Do you have any idea how childish you were being!?"

Strauss drooped her head, not wanting to look up, "Sorry Manager..."

"Yeah… Sorry…"

He didn't have to tell them that. Looking back on it, Strauss was shocked at herself. How could she have endangered everyone like that. But all she'd wanted to do was prove herself to Sanji. It was ridiculous how he kept fretting over her like a mother hen.

So ridiculous. She wasn't allowed to fight huh? Then why were they training? For fun?! PLEASE!

And… her emotions had got the best of her. Not one of her proudest moments.

"Geez!" Zeff creaked back in his chair, running a hand down his brow, "You were lucky those pirates were dumb enough to be shocked by your pathetic display!" He slammed a hand down on his desk again, "They could've attacked the customers!"

"We would have stopped them before it got that far!" Sanji insisted, squaring his shoulders.

She winced. Don't retaliate! Just accept the complaint and move on. You had a job to do and you failed. It doesn't matter if you agree with why you failed. The employer is always right. Saying anything else would just dig you into a deeper hole.

Zeff seemed to agree, sighing tiredly, "On a good day, sure. I'm fairly confident that either one of you could've taken them out just fine. But fact is you didn't. You prioritised your petty argument over the safety and wellbeing of the Baratie, and that I find is completely unacceptable."

Strauss couldn't help but nod in agreement. He was right. Gah! She'd never felt more humiliated in all her life! The question was, if she could go back and do it again, would she still argue with Sanji? She pondered for a moment.

Yeah. She definitely would have done the same. Without a doubt. That made her feel slightly better about it at least. Slightly…

"One positive thing I can say though-"

Both she and Sanji pricked up...

"-and that's you at least decided not to scream bloody murder at each other. I don't want another headache."

...and wilted. That really wasn't much of a positive, considering that she and Sanji would have much rather died than showed that sort of unpleasant behaviour in front of the customers. And quite frankly, she would've preferred the screaming. Her cheeks still ached from smiling too much…

"But one thing's for certain," bellowed Zeff, brandishing a finger at them, "And it's that this can't go on any longer! You two need to get your act together, or there will be consequences…"

She could hazard a guess as to what that might be. While she had been mentally preparing to leave the Baratie for some time now, the idea of actually going still stung. Although it wasn't as if she could protest. Zeff had every right to kick them out after acting like that. Especially after all he'd done for her…

"Still," Zeff grumbled, "I don't want to get rid of such talented workers just yet." His face softened, "I won't find people like you brats again."

O...oh! Her fingers fumbled in her lap. Well… that felt… nice. Very nice even…Her cheeks were burning already. Sanji had told her this sort of thing time and time again, but it felt very different when coming from someone she respected. Even Sanji himself had been effected, turning away to hide his own blush under his fringe.

"Don't think for a moment you're getting off free though!"

"O...of course." Strauss raised her head, finally composing herself enough to speak.

Sanji nodded slowly, not bothering to say a word.

This was fair. A punishment was only natural after what they'd already done. She would take it. Whatever it was.

"You two are going on paid leave for a week starting tomorrow."

She blinked. Huh?

Huuuuuuuuuuuh?!

"Wait!" Sanji reacted first, "Y-you can't be serious!"

"I am perfectly serious thank you," Zeff hummed, looking surprisingly satisfied with himself, "From tomorrow, I don't want to see you in this building between 8 AM and 10 PM."

W... wait… what?! The colour drained from her face. Not in the building!? T-then what could she do!? She'd been planning on doing some cleaning, maybe a bit of training, helping out the chefs… Her fingers fumbled miserably. What else could she do?! And it was more than 12 hours too! What could she do in that time?!

"You two are the worst workaholics I've ever seen. Bout time you've had a break."And if you even think about protesting-" he snickered- "Just remember that I could make you do something far far worse."

"Like what!" Strauss blurted out, "Cleaning the toilets, scraping off barnacles from the base, swimming to the next island, I'll do it!"

Sanji nodded furiously, "Me too. I'll do whatever. Just not leave, please!"

"I'll work so hard, just please let me work!"

"Anything else!"

"SHUT UP!"

Sanji and Strauss shuffled back to their seats like wounded animals, drooping limply with lack of motivation.

Zeff sighed, "Oh come on… Anyone'd think I was firing you, let alone giving you a damn holiday! You guys should be thanking me for this. Just, oh I dunno, go somewhere together! The eggplant can make a packed lunch and you two go sightseeing or something. If you wake up early enough, I'll even let you use the kitchen."

"T-together?!" Sanji stammered weakly, "Y, uh, you mean just me and...and Strauss-san?"

"Obviously. I can't have all my employees leave at once."

This was getting worse by the minute. Not only was she being forced to not work, she'd have to be alone with Sanji to boot! It wasn't anything personal, she enjoyed hanging around him, but that was in the confines of the Baratie. On an island… with actual people going about their day to day lives. It would be impossible! She'd have to drag him away from every lady they saw!

See! His face was flushing already! He was already thinking about all the girls he would be able to meet. At least he wasn't smiling. That smile gave her shivers.

"Now get out of here!" Zeff waved towards the door, "Go make plans and stuff. Figure out what you'd like to do, which islands you're gonna go to, whatever. I've got work to do!"

They trudged silently out, closing the door behind them with a click.

"Well then?" Sanji asked, trying to summon what little enthusiasm he had left, "What exactly do you want to do?"

She shrugged, "I don't mind. You?"

"...you choose."

"Seriously. I haven't had a break from work in years. I don't know what to do."

"Same."

A pause.

They sighed deeply and collapsed against the wall.

"We're terrible with free time."

"Yeah…"

"..."

"..."

"Soooo… Any ideas?"

In the end they decided to visit their regular supply island. They didn't really know much about anywhere else and when they did go for supplies, they'd never really had the opportunity to wander round. They'd probably find a bench somewhere and chat.

Or at least that was what Sanji had been expecting. But when he was standing on the small jetty with a pile of lunchboxes in one hand, he found that he was… excited? It wasn't quite the same sort of excitement he normally felt when he was in a fight, nor the same sort when he saw a pretty lady down the road. But he was! He was looking forward to spending a day with his best friend, and no damn cooks trying to mess it up!

"So," Strauss stretched, oblivious to his torment as usual, "Where should we go first? If we talk to our usual suppliers, we might just be able to get discounts for the future. That would help Zeff and the Baratie immensely."

He was starting to see why Zeff had all but shoved them out the door. "Hold up a moment, Strauss-san. We've been given a holiday. If the geezer finds out we've been working behind his back, we'll have hell to pay."

"We won't if he doesn't find out."

"He will and you know it."

"I guess… But I don't like not having anything to do," she sighed.

Neither did he. With nothing to take his mind off things, Sanji found that his mind had already started to wander. Especially with Strauss so close to him… "Let's just wander round for a bit," he did his best to force a smile onto his face, "If you see somewhere you're interested in, just let me know."

"I'm interested in the fishmongers?"

"Nice try. Now come on."

The town of Liput wasn't that big all things considering. It barely took them two hours to walk from one end to the other. But what it lacked in size, it made up for in spirit. Whether it was the buildings made of driftwood and plaster, or the beaming faces of the locals who waved from their shuttered windows, Sanji couldn't help but be filled with a sense of calm. One by one he felt his problems just… melt away. Into the air.

Ah… He needed this. As much as he loved the Baratie, he couldn't deny that there were times when he'd been at his wit's end. Chefs not using the ingredients to their full capacity. Customers disrespecting his food. Men who didn't appreciate the kindness he was giving to their female significant other. They were all pointless. He didn't need to worry about them anymore.

He felt… at peace. Finally.

And there were so many pretty ladies! It was like a buffet for the eyes. A whistling washerwoman here. A young school teacher there. A grinning nurse in that window. He couldn't decide where to look. So much beauty… all in one place. Heaven!

"Quit drooling and talk to them!"

Sanji flinched, and slowly turned to look at the scowling girl next to him. S...shit. He'd actually forgotten Strauss was there. Self consciously, he dabbed his lip. And he'd been literally drooling! Double shit. "M-my mistake, Strauss-san. I'll stop now."

"You say that," she groaned, crossing her arms, "But you'll still be ogling them in a minute, no matter what!"

He couldn't even think of a retort for that. Since it was true. He would. Was it really his fault though?! All he was doing was appreciating the natural beauty of those sent down to Earth from above! Appreciating! Nothing more.

Although… He grinned. Wasn't Strauss protesting a little too much? Perhaps, ooh this would be good, just perhaps.

"Are you by any chance jealous, Strauss-san?"

She scrunched up her face in disgust, "Huh?!"

Well… he was wrong then. He wasn't sure what to think about that. That stang. Big time.

"Me? JEALOUS?! You've got to be kidding me." Rolling her eyes, Strauss crossed her arms, "Look, I like you and all, but not like that. You're my friend. End of."

Friend. Sanji felt a warm feeling in the pit of his stomach. Yeah… they were friends! "Sorry," mumbled Sanji, scratching his head, "I misunderstood."

Strauss' face softened, "I figured as much. But I meant what I said. Talk to them!" Grinning, she nudged him in the side, "Can't hurt to try."

Hmm. Sanji considered it for a moment. It would be wonderful to talk to these ladies and hear their dulcet tones fill the air, and he couldn't deny that he'd fantasised about what it would be like to touch his lips to theirs (amongst other more… questionable places) on multiple occasions. But…

But.

He still shook his head, "I'm more than happy to watch from afar. I'm not planning on dating at any time soon."

"Really?" Strauss cocked her head, "I thought you'd be up for more than that. Especially from the way you were drooling…"

"S-shut up!" He yelped, clapping a hand over her mouth. "It's not like that!"

Her wide eyes blinked at him in confusion.

"A...ah!" Sanji lept a full foot backwards. He… He couldn't believe he'd done that! H-how could he… To poor Strauss… And and and he'd just been thinking about lips… Hers were dry but surprisingly soft…

NO!

He bowed instantly, a perfect disguise to hide his glowing face, "I'm so sorry Strauss-san! I didn't do that on purpose I swear!"

"It's fine," she mumbled, rubbing her mouth gently, "It's fine…"

AH! She'd said it twice! She was obviously not fine! Maybe if he knelt down on the ground-

"I was just surprised." Strauss paused for a moment, "I expected you to be one of those people who thinks their life isn't fulfilled unless they're in a relationship."

"Uh…"

What could he say? He didn't want to talk about this sort of thing with Strauss of all people. Not when he still felt so confused around her without having any clue why. They'd shared all sorts of stuff, sure, but this was different. It was… more personal.

More… important.

Which was why he opened his stupid mouth, "I guess… that's half true. I've always dreamed about finding a lifelong partner who can light up my world with a single smile. It's unrealistic, but I still wish it could happen. That I'd find a person who's… made for me."

He'd thought she would laugh, but Strauss stayed silent. Listening intently to every word he said, and not judging him in the slightest. It gave him confidence.

"But I'm not going to force that on anyone else." Gah this felt so corny to say! "I know full well that they won't love me back, and I'm not asking them to. Which just makes dating…" He winced.

She waited. Even though she knew exactly what he was going to say, he knew she did, she still waited for him to work up the courage.

"Its painful." His shaky hand reached up to grab his chest. Trying to hide it. "It's… so painful… To think that-"

"-that they might just leave you alone again."

His eyes widened. W-what? How did she… how did she know? No. Wait. Why did she know?!

Strauss smiled grimly, "It's just the way the world is sometimes. Personally I think your idea of a perfect romance is a little stupid, but I understand why you don't date." Her face soured, "What's the point of a connection if it's only going to be severed anyways."

"Yeah…" Sanji stammered, "Yeah that's it exactly! I knew you'd underst-"

Strauss' stomach gurgled.

They both fell silent.

She blushed.

"Haha…" Grinning, Sanji threw his head back and let out the loudest peal of laughter he'd ever done, "OF COURSE THIS WOULD GET RUINED BY YOUR STOMACH!"

Pouting, she punched him lightly in the ribs, "Oi… It's not my fault the lunchboxes smell delicious…"

"Right, right." He patted her on the head, knowing full well that she hated it, "Let's go find a good spot to eat this. Before Miss Hungry deafens the entire town with her stomach!"

"Why you…!"

It was true, an ideal storybook romance was unrealistic. He wasn't going to be the knight on a white horse, sweeping the princess off her feet. Nor was he going to meet his soulmate and live happily ever after. Life didn't work that way.

But that didn't matter, Sanji realised as he sprinted through the streets of Liput with a fuming girl hot on his heels. He didn't care anymore! What was wrong with dreaming something as hopeful as that? That was what dreams were. Unrealistic yet desperately wanted.

Strauss rugby tackled him, sending him crashing into the cobblestone.

And who knew? Maybe he'd actually achieve one of his dreams. Maybe.

A/N

Halloooo! I am back! Slightly later than I would've liked, but that's because I've had a busy week. I *puffs out chest* am thinking of writing a novel! I know...how dumb is that? But basically I've started a writing course designed to help budding authors with their first novel. So with that and getting back to uni, I'm going to be relatively busy. Sorry in advance!

Just one thing I quickly wanted to clear up! I'm not just going to focus on the romance here. Strauss is a character in this universe, and the actions she does WILL HAVE CONSEQUENCES. I think we can clearly see one or two that might be blinking on the horizon here... HMMMMMMM. (I'll let you guys figure those ones out). I have Strauss' 'future story' planned out in full. I know exactly what path she will be taking and what that means for the rest of the story. While this is primarily a romance fic, I don't want to make it the full focus. In a complex world like One Piece's... that sort of feels disrespectful.

That's all from me for now! Have a nice day everyone, and STAY SAFE FOR PETE'S SAKE! Especially in the UK...it's getting mad out here. (Send help pls)