Disclaimer: I own nothing except my OC Lanette and any alterations to the original storyline plot her presence creates to various readers amusement everywhere across the globe.
The Vinsmoke Bride Chapter 1
The very first time Lanette and Sanji met face to face was when he was on the run from the horde of drag queens mercilessly chasing him with that dreadful pink dress with matching shoes that they wanted to force on him. They're deadest on turning him into one of them permanently for good. As horrifying as this is for him Sanji isn't a quitter and he will defeat every single one of them to acquire the separate Attack Cuisine Recipes from Ivankov.
Normally Sanji is pretty good with handling directions, but on the run from these maniacs, he got lost in the Kamabakka Kingdom quite quickly. You see no one had told him about the small settlement of refugees on the far side of the island where survivors and supporters from multiple countries the Revolutionary Army has liberated have chosen to make their home.
Lanette was one of them. She lived there with her father, Jethro, who was the village's high priest for that section of the island. Mostly this small community keeps to themselves although they have very splendid relations with Ivankov and his people. But to protect their space and privacy, which Ivankov both respects and honors, none of the transvestites are really allowed there. Not that they're disliked. It's just some of the people in the small village aren't really that comfortable. But that doesn't stop trade or having a good party like the refugees have a lot on a regular basis.
Putting aside Jethro's own high rank and respect in the village hierarchy Lanette has her own specific role and place to call her own.
One that Sanji would find out almost instantly the second the two of them met.
Lanette traveled to the well the village uses for some of its water supply.
As Lanette prepares to send the wooden bucket down there to haul up water she suddenly hears someone trapped down there calling for assistance to get out of there.
At first Lanette assumed she was hearing things, but then she heard the voice a second time and she realized it is for real.
So Lanette uses her own abilities to extract whoever this is from the depths of the well.
Lanette was born with the power to control all sorts of plant life along with even growing whatever kinds of vegetation at will wherever she is. Because of this Lanette has definitely proven to be indispensable to the refugees and the Revolutionarys since she provides a variety of fruits, herbs, and vegetables without them having to find people to trade with. Islands and organizations like these are supposed to remain a secret so this was a major lifesaver.
Lanette grows roots from the well walls and steadily pulls the idiot up from where he is trapped.
This so-called idiot is Sanji.
The poor man is soaking wet and holding on for dear life to the roots Lanette sent down there to extract him.
Sanji is absolutely miserable and the fact he has no choice other than to endure this nightmare for two years is unbearably challenging.
And yet he immediately perks up with hearts shooting out of his eyes the moment he fully realizes that Lanette is an actual woman standing in front of him.
Sanji doesn't bother to conceal the extent of his joy.
Lanette immediately hates his freaking guts and that's what makes her drop Sanji back into the well.
This fails to stay a secret for very long.
Sanji was promptly taken to the village where he was cleaned and given some dry clothes.
Oddly enough Sanji wasn't proven a stranger for very long.
Turns out that Ivankov's right-hand man Inazuma, a newkama and deputy commander of the G Army in the Revolutionary Army had paid a visit to the village after the two of them had returned home from the war. They'd notified the citizens here that a member of the Straw Hat Pirates would be living on the island for an extended period of time. So once and a while someone may run into him.
No one quite expected it to be this soon.
Still despite Sanji being a pirate he was welcomed with open arms and invited to the communal evening feast that commences every single night for the village. In any other kingdom, Sanji probably would've been turned away or even arrested by marines, but not here.
The entire Kamabakka Kingdom is basically filled to capacity with a handful of people from the Navy's most-wanted list. So one more added to the mix won't make any difference.
Here for tonight, Sanji is treated as an honored guest where all he'd have to do is sit back and relax. That's a bit of a struggle for him because Sanji would prefer to cook himself with respect to his hosts. Much to his dismay no one would allow him to lift a single finger.
Hey, it's just for the night so Sanji reluctantly concedes to the request.
Lanette watches on sitting far away from this interloper with a disparaging expression as she observes him taking advantage of the situation and making a fool of himself around the few young and pretty women along with her that are actually part of the community. He's even happier when he hears that the drag queens who were chasing him wouldn't dare step foot on this land without express permission from the people living here.
All sides rely heavily on the good relationship kept in the balance.
Once everyone was gathered together around the gigantic bonfire to commune together that's when Jethro got up to make the introductions addressing the crowd.
"My Children, let us give thanks for this bountiful food. And let us, also, give thanks for the presence of this brave young man whom we honor here tonight. A part of the Straw Hat Pirate Crew that declared war on the World Government at Enies Lobby," said Jethro.
Cheers and major applause broke out at that.
Given the wide range of backgrounds shared no one really has any love for the World Government. So the Straw Hats were seen as big-shot heroes here as with every other country they've helped.
Sanji grins bashfully at the crowd taking it all in somewhat flustered and yet drinking in the attention.
Bending down to place a hand on Sanji's shoulder, Jethro said "Wherever your family is in the world they must be very proud of you."
Almost instantly Sanji did an immediate mood switch that Lanette and everyone else caught on to.
Sobering, ducking his head in what appears to be a shame, and clenching a fist in his pant leg, Sanji said "Please, Sir, I wish you wouldn't say that. My family…is not one worth honoring. Trust me, if you knew who they were you wouldn't be saying something like that. In fact, if they heard you right now I guarantee they'd say the complete opposite. Calling me nothing more than a failure."
Upon hearing that Lanette's perspective softens toward how genuine he sounds. Whatever it is he means when it comes to his biological family he is not lying. A pang of gentle sympathy spreads through her.
It's reflected in her father.
Kindly, Jethro said "My Boy, you may be a pirate, but just looking at you and hearing of your exploits I can tell you have a good heart as can everyone else here can see. You strive to protect those in need and lesser than yourself even though you've taken on a life of piracy and freedom on the seas. That is not anything where you can fail. If you truly think that then you do not know what is worthy of honor."
From that point onward everyone in the village wanted to do everything they could to make Sanji believe he truly is a man worthy of honor just like Jethro can see deeply in him.
The feast is in full swing with a lot of dancing, eating, and singing.
Sanji sat back enjoying everything that was going on although he was sitting out of all the dancing since he didn't know the steps. He had to explain this to children who tried to include him in their games. So they left him alone.
Lanette was with the lines of dancers with her tambourine. As Lanette dances she catches Sanji's eyes. In spite of her initial misgivings towards him, Lanette smiles and is aware that his gaze never leaves her the rest of the evening during the festivities.
Sanji can't seem to take his eyes off her no matter how hard he tries.
Sanji soon becomes a regular visitor to the refugee village whenever he's not fleeing from the drag queens or off training with Ivankov. It became his safe zone and a place of relief for not only sanctuary.
As Sanji integrated more and more into the village's daily life as the weeks then months passed by Sanji and Lanette steadily became more and more attracted to each other.
Lanette would never admit this back then, but after this mysterious and good-looking stranger came into town she fell pretty hard and fast for him. How could she not? By ignoring the little quirks he has here and there, including how obsessed he is with lovely women, he's a warm, kind, compassionate, and hard-working guy underneath.
Many of these are qualities that Lanette more than admires in a person.
In the past Sanji can honestly say he's fallen head over heels for dozens of women in his lifetime on the sea and at the Baratie where he grew up. He's always felt so alive whenever he sees a woman that makes his heart go pitter-patter, but none more so than when he's around Lanette. The tender fondness Sanji has for Lanette soon blossoms into love. One that he's very intent on proving to her. He does so through small yet meaningful gestures.
He commences with stuff like leaving small bouquets of flowers and beautiful seashells from the shoreline to surprise her where she can find them, cooks her favorite meals after he learns from others what they are, assists in her daily tasks whenever he has the time for it, and even goes out of his way to keep the children who live here occupies as their parents are busy with their own chores. He even regales her the tales of his adventures with his friends in the Straw Hat Crew and the promise they made that after two years they'd all reunite on Saboady Archipelago to continue the journey after they'd all gotten stronger. The point is Sanji makes time for her even though he doesn't have much to begin with.
And that means the world to her.
Sanji became a cherished and revered member of the community, but there's still one thing he refuses to do.
Sanji still won't take part in the dancing no matter how hard people attempt to include him in the fun.
So one night Lanette decided to take matters into her own hands. She thinks it's about time he's learned to join the dance.
As Sanji is clapping and is distracted Lanette sneaks around in order to get the jump from behind and tugs the tentative man out of his seat. Sanji tries in vain to stop her, but Lanette won't take no for an answer. Neither will anyone else, ignoring his protests.
Soon Sanji forgets why he never joined in the first place judging by the grin he bore the rest of the night.
Lanette and Sanji danced together in front of the fire as part of a ribbon dance. Lanette twirls into him with the ribbon wrapped around her waist and he spins her back out. The flames from the fire glisten off her radiant red hair and flawless skin, enhancing her magnificent blue eyes.
Sanji hasn't felt this tranquil and peaceful since he got separated from his friends. It's a feeling he never wants to go away.
Later on, when the party is in full swing away from everyone else Sanji finally comes totally clean to Lanette about his origins.
That he is a Vinsmoke. A fallen prince of Germa 66.
Sanji keeps no details from her, bringing everything out in the open about his mother and sister's love along with his father's and brother's abuse.
By the end of it Sanji sat there in shadowed silence fully expecting her to reject him which is the fear that prevented him from telling her for so long.
Instead of hatred Sanji receives acceptance and a whole lot more.
Lanette tells him that she can't care less about any of that. Being a Vinsmoke doesn't define him it is everything that occurred afterwards that truly matters most. The stuff he chooses to hold onto is what matters most. It made him into the wonderful man he is today.
Sanji is speechless and brought to tears.
And right then and there Sanji and Lanette share what every single couple in the world dreams about.
True loves kiss.
Sanji doesn't waste any more time. He proposes right then and there, asking her to marry him.
Without any sign of doubt or hesitance Lanette accepts.
That very same night Lanette and Sanji go to Jethro to ask for his blessing.
All anyone outside could see were the shadows of Sanji, Lanette, and Jethro as they were having this private conversation.
All the answer anyone needed was in the huge bear hug Jethro laid upon the two lovebirds and embraced them, granting his leave for the match.
Less than a week later Sanji and Lanette are red underneath the shining moon and sparkling stars of the night sky.
Jethro is the one who married them.
Ivankov, Inazuma, and the drag queens are present at the ceremony standing in for all Sanji considers family who can't be present on this proud occasion. Yes, Sanji would've preferred the rest of the Straw Hats, Old Man Zeff, and the chefs at the Baratie were here too, but, oddly enough, he is very content.
They all may be far away, but he still feels they're here with him in attendance in spirit and that is plenty enough.
Sanji was wearing a plain white suit and Lanette a simple pink dress with matching flowers woven into her hair. It's far from an extravagant ceremony, but that was how they liked it. Neither took their eyes off each other the entire time.
Sanji and Lanette said their vows, slipping the wedding rings on their fingers, and forever sealing their everlasting love with a kiss.
The newlyweds tossed the ceremonial flower petals in the air to signify the union. Jethro clasps their hands together with tears in his eyes to see his daughter so happy with this good and noble man.
Nearly drunk with purse jubilation and delight, holding each other's hands as husband and wife, Sanji and Lanette run down the aisle amidst applause, cheers, and laughter from everyone around them.
Jethro stares after them knowing that whatever fate has in store for them it'll be nonetheless filled to the brim with a bright light symbolizing all the happiness that awaits. He sincerely hopes Sanji is taking a serious look at the life he has now, the worth he has as a person and nothing can define him other than what he decides. Paying no mind to what anyone else says to the marvelous future Lanette and Sanji now have in store ahead of them through the eyes of heaven itself.
Oh, Sanji is looking at his life all right and it can't be more beautiful.
Authors Note:
Hope you all like this one! I certainly did while writing it for your vast enjoyment! ;D
I love the movie Prince Of Egypt. Honestly I thought it would suit these two perfectly. The scene where the song Through Heavens Eyes was playing is huge inspiration for this. It clicked to me that Moses and Sanji were really alike in that situation given their pasts.
To be honest after watching the Vinsmoke's on One Piece and listening to the song in the movie that's when the idea first hit me and it never left me alone until I put it up.