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Chapter 84

The happiest day of their lives

Sanji glanced at his watch and quickened his pace while adjusting his gray suit over his white shirt he had just ironed a few minutes before. He had run out of the shower before putting on his clothes just as quickly given the time and as he approached the ceremony room, he hoped that Malek had been able to finish arranging everything for the cocktail.

The start of the day had gone by in a flash. Between making the appetizers, starters, and drinks, the two cooks hadn't had a second and when the dark-haired man had taken their preparations to the meeting place, Sanji had headed to his own house where he had finished setting up the wedding cakes. These desserts were his personal masterpiece and until the last minute, he had made sure they looked perfect for Nami and he had garnished the choux buns as copiously as possible for Luffy. In the end, he had taken his treasures to the reception room before rushing to the shower to be ready.

Now, carefully avoiding the puddles to preserve his polished gray shoes, the blond hurried along the dirt road. Finally, he saw the ceremony room looming in front of him. On the threshold, Chopper seemed to be waiting impatiently for him and he reassured him as soon as he reached him.

"It's all good, the cakes are finished and the food has been stored in the small kitchen. Was Malek able to take care of setting everything up for his part?"

"Yes, yes, everything is ready!" The little reindeer answered him, delighted. "I'll get Usopp!"

The doctor ran towards the Sunny where the sniper was probably helping Luffy get ready and the cook pushed open the door of the room to enter. Inside, the guests were already all seated and chatting quietly among themselves. He then recognized in the middle of the small crowd the two cheesemakers brothers not far from Tori and Lily's fishing team.

A soft melody enveloped the place and Sanji quickly spotted Brook in his impeccable black suit, his violin on his shoulder. Not far from him near the altar, the blond observed the studious figure of Vivi in a long midnight blue tulle dress tightened at the waist and the cook could not help but find her perfectly charming. The young woman did not see him though, busy reading her notes, and the gaze of his admirer finally swept the audience again. He then noticed the other cook of the crew in the front row who seemed to be trying to draw his attention. Sanji looked at him questioningly, immediately concerned, but Malek pointed outside to show him that he had set up everything for the reception. Relieved, the blond thanked him with a nod after telling him that he had also fulfilled his part of the deal.

At that moment, Lily turned to him and waved, a wide smile on her lips. Sitting in the second row next to Liam who was wearing a gray-blue jacket over elegant white pants for the occasion, the fisherwoman had put on a magnificent champagne-colored dress that was low-cut and slit at the knees, revealing high heels of the same color. The cook felt his heart pound happily in his chest at this sight and he regretted not having arrived earlier to get a seat near this divine creature when he noticed that all the chairs were occupied.

Suddenly, the front door near which he was still standing opened and everyone turned to see Luffy enter. The captain smiled at the people gathered before spotting his cook and fixing his gaze on him.

"Sanji-

"Yes, the buffet is ready," he assured him in front of his bright eyes. "The dishes, the drinks, the cakes. Everything."

"Awesome!" The straw hat boy exclaimed, "I can't wait!"

The blond shook his head while placing a tissue over his captain's mouth so that he wouldn't dirty his suit given the drool that threatened to flow from his lips at the mention of all the food that awaited him. In the end, he had a tender smile though.

"Damn bottomless pit. Focus only on Nami during the ceremony and I promise you that by tonight, you won't be disappointed."

He then readjusted the collar of the groom's shirt, his heart swelling with emotion: this was his captain and he was going to get married. And although he cursed this kid for marrying the woman of whom he would always be the most faithful knight in shining armor, he was also deeply proud that this little man destined to become the Pirate King had chosen him to share his adventure with him. He was also particularly aware that his red-haired goddess could not have chosen a more valiant life partner.

Sanji gently released the collar of the straw hat boy's shirt to look into his eyes. "This is a day you'll remember for the rest of your life so enjoy it, Luffy. Enjoy finding this person who agreed to share the rest of your life for better or for worse. You have this chance."

Luffy looked back at him, a wide smile on his lips. "I know it'll be great! Thanks, Sanji!"

At the same time, Usopp and Chopper pushed open the door to enter, panicked. Seeing the straw hat boy though, they breathed a sigh of relief before rushing towards him.

"Dammit, Luffy, you scared the hell out of me!" The sniper whined.

"You ran away, we didn't even know where you were going!" Chopper added, out of breath.

"I wanted to know if the food was ready!" Their captain explained, turning to his cook with a grin.

"I reassured him about it," the blond said. "He should be able to stand still now."

"May the gods hear you," Usopp prayed while grabbing his captain by the collar of his jacket as he was about to walk away again. "Luffy, your hat." The cook was surprised when Luffy obediently handed his precious straw hat to the sniper who adjusted the jacket he had pulled. "As soon as the ceremony is over, I'll give it back to you," he promised.

"No problem!"

"Good. Let's go."

Usopp nodded to the blond before taking the arm of the future groom to lead him towards the altar and Luffy walked up the flower-lined aisle, happily greeting all the guests as he passed while Chopper also followed suit, visibly amazed. Sanji noticed at this moment that Usopp seemed the most anxious of the two best men since he was examining his captain's suit again to make sure it was still impeccable. Actually, the cook understood him: given the unpredictable personality of their captain, he could fear a turnaround at any second.

Following them with his eyes, the blond took the opportunity to detail the groom's outfit. Dressed in simple black pants over a white shirt, Luffy was not wearing a tie and his open black jacket was only adorned with a white pocket square in the buttonhole that was both chic and casual. The cook approved of this simple choice that suited their captain while he noticed the most formal outfit of the two best men: Usopp and Chopper both wore a light blue vest over a fitted white shirt as well as pants of the same color.

As they arrived in front of the altar, the straw hat boy began to talk excitedly with Vivi and Sanji could not help but smile at the adorable face of the little reindeer who proudly showed his outfit to Franky whose immense size was squeezed into a traditional black costume. The cyborg congratulated him with two thumbs up and Chopper blushed with pleasure.

Not far from them, the sniper decided to sit in the front row to watch Luffy and he got up a second later to put the collar of his captain's suit back in place before sitting down again, pulling on his own shirt collar, definitely nervous.

Sanji glanced at the front door that was closed again. Everything was ready and the ceremony was about to begin. All that was missing was the bride, her best women and her maid of honor.

Sanji didn't want to disturb the audience so he decided to lean against the back wall while running a hand through his still damp hair, his heart suddenly beating a little faster in his chest. This time, this was it. Luffy and Nami's wedding. The imminence of the event made him feverish too and he checked once again that the knot of his gray tie was adjusted and that the buttons of his jacket had not suffered from his previous overly hasty gestures. To relax, he then made sure that his pack of cigarettes and his lighter were in place and in doing so, he brushed his elbow against something on his left. He turned to check what it was but froze when he discovered Zoro a few inches away from him, his left foot placed against the wall to help him wait.

Sanji swallowed in shock. Caught up in the whirlwind of the approaching ceremony, he had almost forgotten the inevitable presence of the swordsman at this event. And yet, the day before, he had hardly closed his eyes all night, replaying their salty kisses in his mind. He had wanted to put this whirling down to the excitement of the wedding, but deep down, he knew what it was: his heart had not stopped pounding in his chest since that moment, rekindling his feelings until they gathered into an incandescent blaze around which gravitated both his hopes and expectations.

Sanji knew he was getting carried away. It wasn't because Zoro had kissed him back and half-admitted to still feeling something for him that their problems were over. On the contrary. Zoro still had his goal to achieve and he had just rediscovered his connection with his swords. Their mutual confessions were not a sign that their relationship was going to pick up where they had left it two years ago. They were just a sign of a mutual esteem that was still as strong between them. Would this tremendous respect he felt for the swordsman force him to see Zoro leave him again? If their feelings had not disappeared, it was likely that they would once again hinder Zoro in his quest to become better and after the catastrophe he had narrowly avoided, he probably wouldn't want to take any risks.

So what if they had exchanged such sweet words that the blond had felt his eyes fill with tears because of the emotion that had flooded him at that moment? And what would they do if they both needed to close their eyes to that part of themselves again? Weren't they making each other suffer needlessly?

Yet despite all these rational and logical arguments, the cook couldn't deny that his heart beat loudly every time at the memory of the swordsman's lips on his and Zoro's arms around his body.

Sanji shook himself. This was not the time to fantasize about the swordsman and their relationship, and he refocused on the present moment to notice that Zoro was staring at him as well. Not wanting to linger on his gaze that could destabilize him again, the blond let his eyes absently detail his companion's outfit before feeling his jaw contract in spite of himself. Of course. He should have expected it. Zoro only had one outfit suitable for this kind of event and it was quite natural that he wore it today. This white tee-shirt, these fitted black jeans and this black leather jacket, Sanji knew them. This outfit had fueled many of his unspoken daydreams since he had seen them on the swordsman and the vestiges of that day so far away came back like a boomerang.

That day, Zoro and he had decided to enjoy a date and even if their lunch hadn't exactly gone well, Sanji remembered a night as fiery as the look he had left lingering on his lover at every opportunity. It was at that moment that they had discovered Vorgo but at that time, they had no idea of the adventure that awaited them there. Neither of the indescribable happiness he would feel when he had understood that he had found the All Blue nor of the suffering that would eventually result from it. They had been so naive and innocent to imagine that their relationship would be invincible no matter what events life would throw their way… Two years later, each of them was taking stock and it was as trying as it was rich in experiences, whether on the All Blue or on the other side of the world.

"You made an effort with your clothes," he finally pointed out, a smile in his voice as he resumed contemplating the crowd.

Zoro glanced at his clothes before shrugging while nodding at the swords at his waist. "I told Usopp it'd bother me if we were attacked but Robin said it'd be okay if I changed after the ceremony."

"Don't change." The swordsman frowned and Sanji felt himself blush even though he didn't look away from the point he was stubbornly staring at straight ahead. "You look good and… these clothes are appropriate for a wedding," he admitted softly after a few seconds.

Zoro didn't answer and the cook felt his cheeks blush even more. He kept his eyes fixed on Brook whose fingers slid over his bow, cursing himself for his own words. Although these clothes awakened the emotion he was trying to contain, he needed to think of something else. This was not the time to give in to the madness of his heart and he would have plenty of time later to curse the fate that was determined to make him endure the worst tortures or to be swallowed up by melancholy.

His prayer was heard when the doors opened once again and silence fell instantly in the room, the entrance of the bride drawing all eyes to her. Sanji was immediately sucked into the sight as was everyone and his breathing slowed when he discovered the future wife of the next Pirate King.

In her white dress in pleated silk chiffon that fell to her feet, Nami was stunning. The simplicity of her outfit was no less flattering than the most luxurious of dresses and her top in fine lace revealed a beautiful neckline above which the blond recognized the necklace that the navigator had had mounted thanks to the ruby that her captain had given her on the island of marmots. Her long red hair was elegantly raised in a loose bun and sprinkled with white flowers while in her hands rested a rustic bouquet. The young woman was literally breathtaking and Sanji heard murmurs of approval rise up in the room as she walked towards the aisle, a radiant smile on her lips.

Behind her, the blond spotted Amy who was standing respectfully a few steps away from the bride, visibly impressed. Dressed in a long sleeveless pink tulle dress and a flower crown in her hair, the young waitress tried not to make a mistake and clutched the box with the wedding rings in her right hand. Bringing up the rear, Sanji finally saw Robin and Nojiko whose two above-the-knee pink lace dresses accentuated their generous curves prettily.

Soon, Brook's violin sounded again and Nami walked down the aisle, her gaze fixed on that of her captain who was waiting for her, a huge smile on his lips. At the altar, the two best women left the bride in front of her future husband to sit near Usopp and Chopper while Amy stood a little behind the navigator. It was at this moment that Sanji noticed that the sniper was already holding back tears and he couldn't help but smile. Not far from Usopp, Chopper and Franky seemed amazed while Nojiko and Robin watched the scene fondly. Very close to them, Malek also seemed captivated by the scene, as did Liam and Lily behind him.

The skeleton's musical notes dried up after a few moments and Vivi's melodious voice rose in the silence. Sanji leaned against the wall he hadn't been aware of leaving, his heart pounding, and Zoro looked questioningly at him. Overcome by the euphoria of the moment, the blond couldn't help but smile brightly and Zoro replied with an amused smile before they both turned away to focus on the bride and groom.

"We are gathered here today to join two amazing people…"

The princess of the Alabasta Kingdom began reading the formal acts related to marriage, reminding the two future spouses of their rights and duties, and reminding everyone of the importance of the commitment they were about to make. Her speech then evolved in a lighter way when she introduced the two bride and groom, their meeting and their personalities. Her text was cheerful and filled with anecdotes that the couple had told the young woman, which did not fail to spark laughter among the guests depending on the situation.

Gradually, however, her message became more inspiring and solemn.

"What a beautiful project to link one's life to the one who shares our values and principles," she said to the room, an affectionate smile in her voice. "The one who sees in us better than we see within ourselves. The one who respects and encourages us, the one who comforts and reassures us, but who never judges us. The one who pushes us to strive towards our ideal, an ideal built together. And what more beautiful promise than this infinite love, whatever the obstacles and trials on our path? What act is as strong as this unparalleled commitment, an oath that transcends our doubts and fears."

"Because from now on, you will never be alone," she continued, fixing her gaze on that of her friends. "Your promise will chase away the shadows when adversity catches up with you. It will give you the strength to continue when darkness has completely come over you. It will allow you to see when all other lights are out. This promise is the promise of love."

The audience stared at the princess, hanging on her every word, and Sanji spread his fingers against the wall to relax because of the intensity of the moment. In doing so, his fingers brushed those of the first mate of the crew leaning beside him and he suppressed a shiver.

"But what is love?" Vivi continued, "Is there a wider word? Both synonymous with strength and fragility, both absolute and full of sensitivity. But whatever its definition, there is no greater force. It burns from the inside the one who feels it as much as it freezes the one who does not. It shatters the most established convictions and lays down its own rules. That is why uniting them with a promise makes it indestructible. Because loving is not being selfish. To love is to share. That is how distances and pains disappear, because love takes its rightful place. And by agreeing to seal your two destinies today, you add an eternal support to your life."

Vivi gestured towards Amy and the waitress quickly gave Nami the wedding ring that the young woman had chosen for her future husband. The navigator then revealed a stunning white gold wedding ring set with black diamonds in its center and Luffy whistled in admiration.

Vivi turned to her friend. "Nami, do you promise to cherish and honor him, to respect and love him, to remain honest and stay by his side whether rich or poor, in health and in sickness, in joy and in sorrow and until death do you part?"

Sanji felt the swordsman's fingers brush his own against the wall and his heart began to beat a little faster in his chest. Not taking his eyes off the scene in front of him, he brushed the swordsman's hand in turn to answer him.

"I do."

Nami's clear voice echoed in the room and she took hold of her captain's hand to place the wedding ring on his left ring finger. Vivi then turned to him.

"Luffy, do you promise to cherish and honor her, to respect and love her, to remain honest and stay by her side whether rich or poor, in health and in sickness, in joy and in sorrow and until death do you part?"

"Of course I do!"

The absolute determination in his captain's voice made the cook smile, and he forgot for a second the swordsman's fingers still brushing his own. The straw hat boy was uncompromising in everything he did and today was no exception. Amy then gave him the ring she had made for the occasion and when Luffy showed the sumptuous jewel, Nami's eyes widened. With a trembling hand, she let him slide the ring onto her left ring finger, visibly moved.

For his part, Sanji imperceptibly moved his fingers once again and this time, they met the back of the swordsman's hand. His heart now pounding at full speed, he allowed himself to lightly caress his skin while forcing himself not to turn towards him so as not to break the spell.

Vivi spoke again at that moment. "May you carry this love eternally through this marriage in the way the poet describes it:

We have only one soul,

One mind, one feeling,

And the fire of our love

Is always lively and constant!

Pleasures and pains,

Everything is common between us

By wearing the same chain,

The burden becomes sweeter.

In our pretty little household

No noise, no hassle,

And never, never the neighborhood

Complains of our debates.

If a few light storms

Occur from time to time,

We take Love as judge,

To resolve them definitively!"

The silence lasted for several seconds, during which Nami and Luffy kept their eyes fixed on each other and Sanji felt the swordsman's fingers slowly intertwine with his own. Without thinking, the blond squeezed them in turn and in front of the altar, Vivi tenderly contemplated her two friends.

"I now pronounce you man and wife, united by the sacred bonds of marriage."

Suddenly, the room burst with joy and Nami leaned towards her captain to kiss him, triggering cheers from some and tears from others. For his part, Sanji kept his fingers intertwined with those of the swordsman for a few more moments before they separated to join in the applause of the rest of their friends.

Breathing short, Sanji forced himself to remain focused on the newlyweds. He didn't know exactly what had just happened between him and Zoro but while he watched Nami and Luffy receive the congratulations of all their guests, he was certain of one thing: what he had been thinking only a few minutes before didn't matter. If this day undoubtedly represented for the bride and the groom the happiest day of their lives, Sanji was not far from thinking the same for him.

Well, this is it, Nami and Luffy are married! I hope you enjoyed this chapter, I really wanted to build it in this way.

The next chapter will be about the wedding party. And you'll know what Zoro is thinking about all of this.

Vivi's poem is actually Charles Palissot's, its name is Le mariage heureux (The happy marriage). I chose to translate it literally so it doesn't rhyme but I felt like it was more accurate.