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Luffy and Zoro being soulmates – cause there’s no other word to describe their bond. The way they find each other, Luffy just hearing about Zoro and already wanting the man, Zoro being loyal and devoted to Luffy since day one without a blink. Being ready to follow his captain to the end of the world, explore all the seas without questions. Luffy listening to him, counting on him – trusting him. They’re able to understand each other, they KNOW each other. Since the start of their journey, they’ve been here for each other – they know what drives the other, what ticks the other off ; they know what hurts, and how to be there for the other. And they’re so comfortable together, everything is so easy – like everything finally falling into place. The rest of the crew have known this since the day they boarded. Each of them had to witness this special bond and acknowledge it. They know they could never stand between their captain and his first-mate. Luffy and Zoro are the immovable truth of this ship.
That’s why it’s so unsettling when the crew starts to witness the developing relationship between Zoro and Sanji as well – those two being the firsts being surprised. At first, Zoro doesn’t understand what’s happening. Everything felt so natural with Luffy, he didn’t have to analyse what he was feeling. Even without understanding, he KNEW what it was. With Sanji, things weren’t built by themselves. He had to notice his feelings first, accept them. Just that took time. And when he was ready, he didn’t have to verbalise anything that Luffy was already waiting for him, KNOWING. With those big eyes and typical happy smile, Zoro decided he wouldn’t drive himself crazy anymore and let himself be ; let himself feel.
It wasn’t that easy for Sanji. With his past, the way he had to grow up, his own perception of himself – the only thing he felt was right was to step back. He couldn’t allow himself this. He wouldn’t put himself between the man who reminded him of his dream, rooted for him to pursue it, and the one he started to care a little too much for. And he tried. He tried to keep those thoughts and feelings at bay, he prepared himself to grieve his broken heart. It hurt. Obviously it hurts to watch Luffy and Zoro interact, catching them exchanging such looks, lingering touches when passing by, relying on the other when things were too much… how easy it seems for them.
At the time, Zoro was still a little oblivious to Sanji but to his own feelings as well, so he kept acting as usual – grunting, clashing, fighting – and when he felt the distance the other man took, he just let it slide thinking the cook was fussing and just angry about something he might have said or done. Zoro being himself, wouldn’t focus too much on these behaviours. He just waited, accepted it and gave the cook some time to supposedly cool off – and even this would seem considerate and wouldn’t help Sanji.
But one day, after dinner, everyone else was already tending to their night routine ; Zoro was just passing the door when his captain called his name. Sanji didn’t realise it was just them ; and more importantly, he’s just been caught staring. Instantly, guilt, shame, fear – all at once seized him. But when he decided to tentatively look at Luffy, having already accepted whatever fate awaited him ; Sanji was only met with knowing eyes and a gentle smile. It has been several days already Zoro and him hadn't exchanged words but some grunts here and there and maybe some nods. Sanji felt fidgety and was aching for some fights – wanting to feel those swords against his feet, feeling the impact, the pain the slashes would cause and thriving through the knowledge that he would inflict the same amount of damage to his opponent. So when the swordsman exited the kitchen without even a glance ; Sanji craved for some attention – even being the sole responsible for the man’s attitude. And Luffy caught him.
“Don’t you miss Zoro, Sanji ?”
And yes, of course he missed this man. Every day, they passed each other, Zoro seeming totally indifferent about him when all Sanji felt was his mind fighting tooth and nail his instincts to address the man. He would restrain himself to keep his damn mouth shut and keep going while all his body would want was to feel any part of the other’s, desperate for contact.
“It’s okay, you know ? You’re allowed to want Zoro. He doesn’t get it yet ‘cause he’s a little stupid, but Zoro wants you too.”
And Sanji isn’t sure he's hearing right.
“Captain…”
And it’s just a whisper, like his voice can’t work as he pleases with his brain still processing the fact that Luffy chose to address the situation.
“I promise you don’t have to do what you’re doing. I’m happy if my crew is happy– and you’re crew Sanji. I want you to be happy and you won’t make ME less happy if you let yourself have what you want. Even if it’s Zoro that you want.”
And the words sink in. He can’t catch himself before a sigh of relief leaves him, and he can feel his muscles untensing and a single tear rolling down his cheek.
“Okay, Luffy.”
And Luffy just laughs, getting up and stirring with both hands in the air. He heads for the door, hands now behind his head, securing his infamous straw hat.
“You won’t get to keep Zoro to yourself though, Zoro’s mine too.”
Sanji watches him exciting the room, serenely humming to himself. The cook is now alone in his kitchen, finally grasping the meaning of all of this. He needs a smoke.
After that, things between Zoro and he return smoothly back to normal. Sanji allows himself to enjoy every interaction they have and he’s floating in all those feelings he has – finally letting them out. When they’re at the point where Zoro has opened his eyes as well, the switch is made. They both understand what’s happening and what that means – but they take their time. They take the time to each comprehend how the other would act and how certain words or certain actions would be received. Slowly, when they fight, their touch lingers some more, they’re both smirking, knowing the picks aren’t only to piss each other off anymore. When they’re not bickering, they find each other soaking in the other’s presence. It’s calm, and comfortable, almost soft. It’s warm, and being silently together becomes a resourcing and reassuring habit.
When Luffy is bored and decides to seek Zoro’s attention, he crashes in the crow’s nest, where the man usually works out, and loudly demands that he spars with him. More often than not, and when the man takes a break from cooking, Sanji is there too, lounging in one of the couches, a cigarette between his lips, smoke filling the air, and enjoying the view – being the ocean visible through the windows or the other man in the room. Not the type to pass on some training, Zoro drops the weight he was using – that only inhuman strength would allow to lift – and instantly adopts a fighting stance. The first few times, Sanji tries to leave, feeling like he would intrude on their time together – like he didn’t fit in here. But Zoro catches his eyes, eyebrow raised, as if challenging him to go. If not, Luffy yells at him, prompting him to wait, happily telling him that since he was already here, they might as well fight together next. And so, Sanji started to push aside the thoughts of being unwanted that tend to lodge themselves in him.
And other times, when Luffy enters the kitchen claiming to be fed, he often finds Sanji already preparing some snacks with Zoro either silently drinking while watching him, or napping in a corner, swords laying not too far on the floor. After making sure he got something to eat, Luffy tends to hover behind the cook – already drooling from the prospect of food – before Sanji shoves him away, telling his captain to stop pestering him. So Luffy chooses to bother Zoro instead – not that the swordsman would really mind. He clings to his back, hanging from his neck, both legs around the man’s waist or gracelessly flops down on his laps. Luffy either keeps silent, soaking up the calm atmosphere and enjoying the physical closeness, or pokes Zoro’s face until the latter loses his patience and pushes him, ending up shouting and chasing their captain all around the deck. Sanji now catches himself sighing fondly every time this pattern happens, not feeling this longing he felt some time ago anymore.
The hurt is long gone, now replaced by the certainty that all his feelings – the way he loves – are allowed, accepted, and even returned.