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Sanji wasn't a hat person. He'd never be the type of person to cover up his hair, but he would admit a comfort came whenever someone placed one on his head.
It started with Ace all the way back in Alabasta. Sanji wasn't particularly sure why it happened, but he recalled camping out for the night and being one of the last still awake. He didn't feel safe sleeping with the lingering threat of a warlord somewhere in the country, and he figured everyone else had gone to bed.
But, then he heard steps behind him. He took a drag of his cigarette, not bothering to make a move. He knew who it was from the chuckle that echoed through the air as they got closer.
"Couldn't sleep?"
He looked to Ace as he sat down, extinguishing the smoke in the sand. "I guess," he answered, "I just wanted to make sure everyone got a good sleep." He glanced up at the sky for a moment. "You should get some rest too."
"Maybe later," Ace replied. "I'm just going to keep you company for now," he smiled and held his finger towards fire, poking the flame boredly with a smile. "It's sort of nice, being out here like this reminds me of when I was a kid," he chuckled but didn't elaborate.
Sanji didn't push that subject, but glanced towards Luffy. "So you grew up with Luffy, yeah?"
He nodded. "We are brothers," he said.
"Right. Was he as annoying then as he is now?" he asked, gaining a small laugh from Ace. "No, but… was he always this determined? He really has his heart set on fighting that Crocodile guy."
Ace looked at Luffy, contemplating for a moment. "Luffy… has always been a free spirit," he spoke slowly, thinking about it. "When he wants to do something, he'll do it. Honestly, I don't think death could even stop him," he smiled, "so… yeah. He's always been annoying."
Sanji smiled but it didn't stop his concern much. He had full faith in his captain, but he had the right to worry. But, he blinked as suddenly a hat was placed on his head. He looked at Ace in moderate surprise.
"I'm glad you're worried about him," he grinned, a toothy and reassuring smile.
Sanji couldn't help but return it, gently tracing a finger around the hat.
It happened again with Usopp.
It took two years for everyone to meet again, but it was worth it. At least in the moments where he wasn't passed out. Could anyone blame him? Robin and Nami were very pretty!
He blinked awake on the ship, the darkness of the surrounding water causing him to squint as his eyes adjusted. "Hrmm," he hummed.
"Oh, Sanji!" Chopper said, sighing softly. "Thank goodness! You really need to get control over your emotions," he scolded with a small pout, looking him over.
Sanji nodded a bit. "Sorry," he said, "I'll try." He trailed off, his eyes glancing towards the sound of Nami before suddenly his vision was blocked out. He quickly adjusted the hat on his head and met Usopp's smiling face. "Wha- Usopp!" he partly glared, but he was a little thankful for the distraction.
"Sorry buddy, but you're in rehab," Usopp said. "Whenever you get tempted to look at the girls, pull my hat down over your eyes, alright?" he said happily. “That way we won’t have to worry about you too much, so do it,” he looked a bit more strict.
Sanji stared for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, thanks Usopp," he said softly. "Thank you."
Shortly after their deparcher from Punk Hazard, Sanji found himself having second thoughts about everything. They were really going after a warlord just to get to an emperor and that sort of scared him. He felt safe in the confinements of the kitchen to freely get the concerns out beforehand, but he fixed himself when the door opened.
“Sanji,” Law greeted, his voice quiet but that was probably to keep from disturbing Caesar who was sleeping on the deck. The door shut and he leaned his sword against the frame, walking to the table. “I’m sorry if I’m interrupting anything, but this is… the only peaceful place to sit,” he griminced.
Sanji chuckled softly. “Sorry, everyone here sleeps pretty loudly,” he said, turning to face him. “You want coffee? I have some made in case Robin showsup, but there’s enough for a spare cup.”
Law nodded. “Thank you,” he said.
Sanji got him a cup and placed it on the table before sitting down himself, lighting a cigarette. “This whole plan of yours is pretty ambitious, yeah?” he said, taking a drag before breathing out a puff of smoke.
“It is, but I believe you all can handle it,” he said, taking a sip of the drink. “You all are remarkable, so I’m sure it’ll work out.”
Sanji nodded a bit, frowning some. “Yeah… I’m worried about the trade-off,” he said, “What if it doesn’t go as well as you think it will?” he asked. “I don’t want any casualties- but don’t tell the crew I’m concerned.”
Law looked at him, raising a brow. “Hm…” he took off his hat and leaned forward, placing it on Sanji’s head. “I let Bepo wear it when he’s stressed,” he said, “So I won’t tell your crew anything as long as you won’t tell them about this.” A hint of a smile brushed on his face before he took a sip of his coffee.
Sanji glanced away, smiling a small bit. “Right.”
Sanji stared at the sea, glancing at his wrists. Whole cake was behind him now, but he still had remaining guilt over the situation. It stressed him out to even think back on it, though he did always find some happiness and relief in knowing his friends came for him. He didn’t have the same spark when he cooked, but he faked it the best he could.
But, he knew he was caught when Luffy came into his kitchen with a finished plate of food and a frown on his face. The captain could be stupid perceptive and it was a pain occasionally. “It tasted different,” he stated, placing the plate on the counter. “You’re acting different,” he stated, staring at Sanji.
This was one of those occasions.
The cook stared back, trying to act disinterested. “I don’t know what you’re talking about,” he stated, “I’m the same as I always am.” He didn’t know how Luffy could be so dumb but still recognize things like this. Though, that was something that drew people to him. The captain was a people-person and he was quick to relate to people. He was a perfect empath in a way.
“Sanji,” Luffy frowned and walked forward.
Sanji glanced away, not able to look back. He didn’t know what he would say or do, he didn’t want to really know honestly. But, he’d rather face this than run away again. He knew that much. But, he still didn’t make eye contact. That was, until a light weight was placed on his head. He looked at Luffy, his heart stalling to see the strawhat was gone and instead on his own head.
Luffy smiled a bit. “I trust you, okay? Make something yummy!” he beamed with a small laugh.
Sanji was beyond bewildered but he smiled a bit, his eyes tearing up as he nodded. “Alright captain,” he said, gently tipping the strawhat back. “I’ll cook you the best meal you’ve ever had!” he said, determination filling him and a sudden wave of encouragement.
Sanji would never consider himself a hat person, but all those experiences changed his opinion on them quite a bit.
He would frequently steal Usopp’s or Luffy’s hat now whenever he needed a boost of encouragement or help with something, and whenever Law was around he would take his if he needed the extra comfort or reassurance.
It was nice and he was glad to know he had friends like all of them.