Sanji's heart raced with anxiety as he, once again, tiptoed away from Zoro's bed. Except this time it was different, this was the first time that he had allowed daylight to catch him next to Zoro. He had insisted that their relationship was nothing more than sleeping together, but the increasingly blurred lines in their dynamic had been haunting him, made all the more disconcerting by Zoro's silence, a silence that felt like a deafening confirmation of his inadequacy.

From the moment he had first laid eyes on Zoro, Sanji had been captivated, but the instant they exchanged words for the first time, all hopes of an amicable relationship went up in smoke. As it stood, this twist in their dynamic was a relatively recent development, an unexpected one that added a new layer to their already complex dynamic. The animosity that had once defined their interactions had somehow been channeled into something equally as intense but more… pleasurable, for both of them.

The shift had occurred one night as they returned to the ship, coming down from the adrenaline rush, the weight of the day's stress bearing down on them. He had decided to join Zoro for a drink, in an attempt to decompress and their typical bickering had transformed into playful banter, then into outright flirting, ending in them colliding in a spontaneous kiss.

Sanji found himself drifting off next to Zoro with increasing frequency, disregarding his once ironclad rule of returning to his own bed before sunrise, so as not to outstay his welcome. Lately, however, he couldn't resist the liberties he'd been allowing himself.

A few weeks back, the first transgression had taken place when he buried his head on Zoro's bare chest. Words didn't exist to describe the sensation that washed over him as Zoro's fingers started moving through his hair. The temptation grew stronger as staying awake seemed impossible. Amid this internal struggle, he began to negotiate with himself, wondering if he could steal a nap on Zoro's chest, surely Zoro wouldn't mind, as long as he retreated to his own bed before dawn.

Sanji had never had an easy life, and his recurring nightmares were a testament to the unrelenting horrors he had faced. He found himself waking up in the middle of the night in a cold sweat with more frequency as life added new horrors to feed his subconscious. But this time, as he rose from Zoro's bed, he realized his eyelids didn't feel as heavy as usual. He didn't pause to contemplate the significance of this as he left, prompting a groan of protest from Zoro.

Zoro had never invited him to stay the night, he simply drifted off sometimes and Sanji knew it was time to leave, comprehending the unspoken terms of this arrangement. After all, why complicate things by sharing nights when it was just something casual? He knew that Zoro would eventually notice the liberties he was taking and, in all likelihood, end whatever this was. So, he cherished these stolen moments, holding them close as he went about his day.

He wasn't naive; he was aware of how people looked at Zoro on each island they visited. He had no doubt that Zoro had taken up the opportunity to spend the night with at least a couple of them. Sanji was well aware that Zoro could eventually find someone who could stand by his side as he pursued the title of the world's greatest swordsman.

This particular morning, Sanji awoke to the warmth of Zoro's arm around him, allowing himself a few extra stolen seconds before the intrusion of daylight woke them both. Even as he changed into his suit, Zoro's scent lingered on him, a constant reminder of what could never be.

He needed to be the first one up so he could get breakfast ready for the crew. It was a comforting ritual, the clatter of pots, the sizzle of ingredients hitting a pan, and the familiarity of the space calmed his racing thoughts, focusing solely on the aromas and flavors of his cooking. The kitchen has always been his sanctuary: no matter what life throws at him, he can always find solace in cooking. It has been his way to keep his head above water but he had never imagined he'd be using it to distract himself from Zoro, of all people.

Nami's voice snaps him back to reality. "Morning, Sanji."

"Morning, Nami-Swan! Let me get you some tea" he replies, shifting his focus to the task at hand.

Nami allows a brief silence before broaching the topic, "so, I heard you sneaking back from Zoro's room early this morning. Things are getting pretty serious, huh?"

Sanji's brows furrowed in confusion "Mm what?"

"You, and Zoro… dating. Keep up with me here." Nami clarified, with an amused tone.

Sanji could feel his cheeks turn pink "WHAT? Dating? No, no no" He pretends to brush off something from his shirt as he gathers his thoughts "We're definitely not dating" Sanji laughs bitterly at the notion that the crew had of their relationship. Whatever it is they have, it certainly doesn't fit the dating mold. "We're just… you know, hanging out."

Nami retorts, "If that's your idea of hanging out with people, please don't ever invite me to 'hang out' with you, freak."

"Who's a freak?" Robin inquired as she entered the kitchen. "Morning!"

Sanji could only shake his head in response, "Sanji" Nami explains in between bites. "He was just explaining how he and Zoro totally aren't dating, so you can also add 'idiot' to the list of things he is." Robin's laughter filled the room as Sanji set Nami's tea beside her plate and left them to their conversation.

As the crew members come and go, Sanji's patience is wearing thin. The morning is slipping away, and his usual break time before starting lunch approaches, but there's still uneaten food left because Zoro hasn't shown up for breakfast. Does he think he's entitled to special treatment because of whatever's happening between them now?

A surge of irritation courses through him at the thought of his carefully prepared food going to waste. His frustration drives him to action and without a moment's hesitation, he strides purposefully toward Zoro's door, a knife still gripped firmly in his hand. With a swift kick, the door swings open, revealing a startled Zoro still tangled in his sheets.

"What the...?" Zoro attempts to protest.

But Sanji swiftly points the knife at his face, his tone unyielding. "You. Breakfast. NOW." With that, he turns and exits the room just as abruptly as he entered.

Sanji can make out the sounds of Zoro mumbling curses under his breath and muttering "Damn cook, thinking he can boss me around". Yet, as Sanji moves further away, he makes out the sounds of Zoro begrudgingly getting out of bed and following him.

Zoro slumped into a stool, still yawning, as Sanji started swiftly preparing a plate for him. He placed it on the kitchen island only for Zoro to push it aside. The stool scraped against the floor as he walked around the island to stand inches away from Sanji.

"What do you want, Marimo?" Saji grumbled, his eyes avoiding Zoro's gaze, still nursing his frustration.

Zoro, with two fingers, gently angled Sanji's chin towards him, silently closing the distance between them, with that, their lips met in a tender, unhurried kiss. Sanji let all his unspoken emotions filter into the kiss, the kiss spoke of the uncharted territory they were treading. Sanji's hand reached out, fingers threading through the hair at the nape of Zoro's neck, while Zoro's calloused hand gently cupped Sanji's cheek.

Time seemed to slow for Sanji as they savored the taste of each other's lips, losing themselves in the moment. The world around them faded away, leaving only the soft press of their mouths. When they finally pulled away from the first kiss they had shared outside of the confines of Zoro's room, their eyes met once more as the swordsman said in a low voice " I overslept, I'm sorry".

Sanji didn't want to attribute importance to the moment, leaving it to be unpacked later, in bed, panicking. He pointed a finger at Zoro's chest to interrupt his own train of thought, but letting a hint of a smile touch his lips. "Go eat your breakfast, idiot."

Zoro returned to his meal, a grin on his face. "Stupid cook."

Sanji checked in with the crew, asking if they needed anything from the supply run he was about to embark on. They were on a pretty small island, not offering much for the crew to do. He contemplated not disembarking at all, but the fear of running out of food prevailed. Taking mental note of their most essential needs, he got off the Thousand Sunny, a lit cigarette dangling from his lips.

Ensuring none of his crew members went hungry under his watch was Sanji's unspoken mission. Not the kind of hunger Luffy claimed when he went without meat for an afternoon; the kind that could drive someone to the brink of desperation, pushing them to consider the unthinkable.

"OI!" Zoro yelled at him from the ship.

Sanji raised his head towards the ship, yelling back "Do you want me to bring anything back?"

"Wait up, cook. I'll come with"

"This was supposed to be a quick trip, in and out for some essentials. Please stay close by, we really don't have time for you to get lost… again". He hadn't slept in a few days between Zoro and the nightmares he had been having, and he truly wanted this to be as quick a trip as possible.

With an agile jump, Zoro joined him. "You're not as clever as you think you are, you know?" Zoro started walking, leaving Sanji behind. "I've already heard every possible comment about my horrible sense of direction, maybe find some new material? It's not even that bad", and he started to walk with his chest held high, full of confidence.

Sanji rolled his eyes "It's actually this way", using his cigarette to point in the opposite direction to emphasize his point.

Once in the market, Sanji split the list of supplies and did his best to find everything in his half while praying to the universe Zoro would be able to do the same without wandering off. Was Zoro even still here? They hadn't run into each other once, this market wasn't even that big.

And that's when he spotted Zoro in a cotton candy stand, he walked over with the intention of asking for a progress report, when he heard the guy in the stand ask, "so, are you going to be here long?"

"Not really," Zoro replied with his nonchalant attitude, taking a cotton candy from the guy and taking out his wallet.

"That's a shame" Sanji got a better look at the guy attending the stand. Was he batting his eyelashes at Zoro? Please, like that would ever work "I might be able to give you a reason to stay a little longer" He felt his face redden and his fists clench.

"The thing is…"

Sanji grabbed Zoro by the back of his shirt and without letting him finish his sentence, Sanji announced "We're leaving"

"What? Why? I still got a few things left to buy". Zoro seemed baffled.

"Leave it. We'll manage" He let go of Zoro, trusting he would follow back to the ship. "What's the cotton candy even for? That wasn't on the list" His tone of voice gave up his exasperation.

Something seemed to click inside Zoro's head "So, you see a guy flirting with me and your brain shuts down? It's for Chopper. Remember him? Short, hairy, disproportionately big hat"

How could Zoro… How could Zoro, what? Listen to a guy try to flirt with him? Maybe Sanji got ahead of himself. Why was he getting all flustered about this? What had he actually done? "I just think you were on official strawhat business, you should act accordingly"

"And pray tell, what did I do that was so inappropriate?" Zoro seemed amused.

"Well you…" Sanji lit a cigarette in an attempt to look less like the mess he was right now and more like his normal self. "you flirted with that guy" Sanji was grasping at straws and he knew it, he had flirted with girls on missions a million times, but he had already made a mess of the situation, he wasn't going to back down.

"But I didn't, idiot. He came onto me, and if you had let me finish, you would have heard me tell him he wasn't my type."

"Really?"

"Really. Jealousy doesn't look good on you"

"Don't flatter yourself. I was looking out for our crew"

"Sure, I'm sure you were," Zoro grinned and pulled at Sanji's hand to get him moving. "Let's go back." as they continued to walk, he noticed Zoro never let go of his hand.

Sanji's internal turmoil intensified as they walked back to the Thousand Sunny and he noticed Zoro's choice of words, the guy wasn't his type. With each step, he replayed the scene at the stand in his mind, Zoro's words gnawing at him.

It hadn't been because it would have been rude to flirt with someone else in front of him, it was because the guy just didn't catch his eye. Had they hit it off, would he be walking back alone right now? The mere thought sent a pang of insecurity through him.

The incident at the market had unearthed a vulnerability he tried to keep buried beneath layers of nonchalance and as they approached the ship, Sanji couldn't get the knot of anxiety that had settled in the pit of his stomach to disappear. He couldn't shake the nagging feeling that he wasn't enough, he knew he wasn't someone who could capture Zoro's interest beyond something physical.

The idea of Zoro eventually finding someone he would actually be interested in was a bitter pill for Sanji to swallow. The hole in his chest deepened. He questioned his reactions and whether he had any right to feel this way. The idea that he had no claim on Zoro materialized once more, their relationship was undefined. They were casual, and that was it.

He realized he was just a placeholder in Zoro's life, to be easily discarded for someone more captivating. Wasn't that the story of his life? He concentrated on the cigarette burning between his fingers, it seemed to burn faster than usual as his anxiety heightened.

Once they were back on the ship, Sanji excused himself. "I'll go take a shower." Hi's smile was strained, concealing the turmoil beneath the surface.

After his shower, Sanji dragged his body to the kitchen and got to work preparing dinner, pushing his emotions aside and focusing on his cooking would have to be enough, he had no time to process everything that had happened. As he started to get everything together, pulling out frozen shrimp from the fridge, he realized he had made a mistake.

He leaned in the counter placing his head in his hands. "Fucking Marimo. Fucking cotton candy seller" The shrimp had been on Zoro's half of the list. He started to go over what they did have, imagining dishes that he could scramble together for the crew that didn't require a lot of effort, he was no longer in a mood to cook anything.

"You know, you would have enough shrimp if you had let me finish instead of pulling me out of there by my shirt" He heard a hint of playfulness in Zoro's voice.

He raised his head and looked at him with all the frustration he was carrying right now "What do you want, Zoro?"

"I just wanted to check up on you, after jealousy took over you back there"

"I told you, I wasn't jealous" Sanji stood up straight and started pretending to be looking for something.

"I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm flattered" he heard Zoro take a few steps towards him and lowering his voice he added "but you seemed off after we got back, I just wanted to make sure you were okay"

"Well, you came, I'm okay, you can go now"

"Come here" Zoro walked towards Sanji and reached out to him with his hands extended. Sanji doubted for a second before complying. He led Sanji to a stool at the other side of the counter and sat him down. "Now, what happened?", as he asked this, Zoro put on an apron and started washing his hands.

"What are you doing?"

"Making dinner, obviously"

"But you don't cook"

"I mean, I might not be a world renowned chef or anything, but, and this might come as a bit of a surprise to you, before meeting you I actually had to cook for myself. I know, shocking. I think I can get together some sandwiches for everyone so you can rest"

"That's actually really sweet, Zoro" and after a pause "Thanks"

As Zoro started getting some tomatoes ready to be sliced, he used the knife to point at Sanji, "now talk"

Sanji didn't know if he had it in him to open up to Zoro but as soon as he opened his mouth, he couldn't stop "I'm pretty sure you can tell, but I'm exhausted. I haven't been sleeping well, I've been getting some nightmares and switching from your bed to mine has taken a toll on me" He looked as Zoro went about the kitchen, it wasn't as smooth as Sanji, but it was a pretty solid effort.

"Bread?"

"On the cupboard to your left there's a fresh loaf"

"Thanks. Go on"

"Right. Everything today felt like too much, like I couldn't handle it, you know?"

"Everything today, meaning the guy at the market?"

"Yeah, it's just…"

"Just…"

"You said you didn't flirt with him because he wasn't your type, not because I was there you know. That sucked to hear" Sanji looked away from Zoro, not wanting to show him how much this affected him.

Zoro put down the knife and walked over to Sanji. "That was just meant to be a joke, love. Of course I wouldn't flirt with anyone while we're together"

"Huh" Time froze, love? Had Zoro called him love or had Saji hallucinated? Sanji felt his face redden

"What? Did I do something wrong?"

"No, it's just you have never called me 'love' before" and, after a pause he added "or any cute nicknames for that matter. I'm mostly just 'cook' or something"

Zoro chuckled but continued with the conversation as if Sanji hadn't said anything "I'm sorry, love. I should have taken into account that the conversation with that guy looked awful to you. It wasn't a time to joke"

"Call me that again" and he let a small smile reach his eyes as he legitimately felt the anxiety start to leave his body.

"Call you what, love?" Zoro placed a small kiss on his lips

"Love" Then one on his jaw.

"Love" another one lower at his neck. This was heaven, Sanji felt like he could die in peace at this moment.

Zoro grabbed Sanji's face into his hands and kissed him again on the lips, this time deeper than last time, Sanji wanted more, so much more, but the kiss got quickly interrupted by Luffy's voice.

"Can you save your kisses until after dinner? I'M HUNGRYYY" Sanji turned to find the crew looking at them from the kitchen door. Luffy looked three seconds away from dying of hunger.

"Umm, sure, let me get to it" Given the moment had passed, he got up to finish what Zoro had started but Zoro grabbed him by the hand and pulled him towards the door.

"Sorry guys, the cook needs some rest. You can finish those sandwiches if you want dinner"

"WHAAAAA?" Luffy started complaining, but as he let himself be whisked away, Sanji could hear Nami pushing Luffy into the kitchen. He felt so grateful to have his crew look out for him, no questions asked.

Once in Zoro's bedroom, he offered him one of his shirts to sleep in and helped him change, as he felt yawn after yawn leave his body, he realized just how tired he felt. No wonder Zoro had taken him out of the kitchen, he must have looked awful. Sanji let his body fall to the bed and after a few rustling sounds, the light turned off and he felt the weight of Zoro next to him on the bed.

"Don't get any ideas now, you really need to rest." He put an arm around Sanji's shoulder pulling him to his chest. "And just so we're clear, you can stay in my room as long as you want whenever you want. You don't need to be switching beds"

"Zoro?" Sanji felt Zoro's hand going through his head

"Hmm?"

He didn't know if it was the sleepiness taking over his body or the weight of the day but he just "I really like this version of you"

"For what it's worth, I like every version of you, love."

Sanji tried to fight the need to fall asleep to keep this moment going, but he was just too tired, he felt his eyes close on him and that was the first time he slept peacefully next to Zoro without the anxiety of feeling like he was overstaying his welcome.

FASTER, SANJI!

His dad's voice urged him. Sanji was ordering his body to comply, but his legs didn't seem to get the instruction. He was wondering if there was a way to catch up to his brother when exhaustion started setting in and he felt his legs give out, his body hitting the dirt.

God. Why are you so weak?

His brothers' voices mocked him as he lay on the dirt. What even was the point of trying anymore? He just wasn't fast enough or strong enough.

Hands picked him up and threw him into a dark place. He wanted to get away, but there wasn't any fight left in his body.

Is he even a Vinsmoke?

He tried to move his body, the only response was the sound of chains. He could keep training, he would train twice as much, he wouldn't complain.

He's such a disappointment

Cold metal against his face. Please let this stop, he could get stronger if they let him keep trying.

Good thing his brothers don't have to carry his deadweight anymore.

The sound of a metal door opening and closing. He felt tears well behind his eyes and he let out a harrowing scream.

He jolted awake, gasping for air. Even after all this time, it still took him a second to realize he was in his own bed, those days behind him. If only his brain could get the memo that he was safe now.

The room was still dark, but he knew there was no going back to sleep now. Somehow he always ended up in the kitchen after a particularly rough nightmare, but this time Zoro kept coming to mind. He made his way to Zoro's door trying not to wake anyone but couldn't get himself to knock on the door.

He raised his hand towards the door in a moment of bravery but quickly lowered it. "Just do it already," he thought to himself, but the courage eluded him. What would he even tell Zoro? Sorry for waking you up but I had a bad dream, please fix me. He sighed, resigned and started to turn around.

"Just come in already" Zoro's voice came from inside the room.

Sanji obeyed muttering to himself "Fucking haki." Sanji found Zoro shirtless, lying down in bed. He must have looked awful because Zoro reacted instantly, sitting up as soon as he got a look at Sanji's face.

"What happened?"

"I..uh.." Sanji passed a hand through his hair. "Just woke up from a nightmare"

"Oh. Do you need anything? Some water maybe" Zoro looked ready to jump into action.

"Just a little company, I guess."

"I can do that" Zoro patted the bed, "care to join me?"

Sanji let out a sigh of relief, and let his body collapse next to Zoro's "Thanks. I'm tired of waiting it out in the kitchen"

"Does this happen often?" Zoro used his arm to pull Sanji closer

Sanji used the embrace to lay his head on Zoro's chest, listening to his heart help him relax. "Not as much anymore. Couple of times a week maybe"

"Sanji, that's way too much"

"It's okay, it used to be more. I can usually handle it" Sanji half shrugged

"I can definitely make space for you in my bed a couple of times a week" Zoro let his tone get a little playful.

"I don't want to be a burden"

"Why would the guy I'm dating be a burden?" Time stood still for Sanji.

He rose from Zoro's embrace and turned to look at him "I'm sorry. Dating? We're dating?"

"Yes?" Zoro replied with a smile.

"Why didn't I know!?" He started breathing frantically

"Breathe, please." Zoro sat up in bed and grabbed his hands "What did you think we were?"

"I don't know. Friends?"

Zoro let a smile reach his eyes, "Should I be worried about you sleeping around with all your friends?"

"Definitely just you." Sanji felt his cheeks redden and he lowered his face. "Why didn't you tell me?!" Sanji slapped Zoro playfully on the arm.

"You seem to need your time to come to terms with things. I didn't want to push you"

"But… why?

At this, Zoro seemed genuinely puzzled. "Why what?"

"Why me? You're telling me you've sailed halfway across the grand line and out of every amazing person out there, you're choosing me?"

"Why not you? You're the most amazing person I've ever met. You're thriving after every horrible thing life has thrown at you, you've proved that you can hold your own, even in the most difficult fights, you don't put up with my shit, you're the best cook there is in the grand line, I could keep going. Trust me, you're already more than enough"

"Oh shit, don't say that. That's scary. I'm going to hyperventilate."

"Breathe please." Zoro ran a hand through Sanji's back trying to get him to calm down "Talk to me. What's scary about it?"

Sanji turned his back to Zoro, letting his legs fall from the side of the bed. He took a deep breath, in preparation for the words that needed to come out of his mouth. "I'm afraid of a lot of things, but mostly, of being completely unraveled by you, and you finding nothing you want in me."

Zoro held him from behind "That will never happen love, because you're everything I want" And for the first time Sanji felt like he was enough.