Work Text:
The moon was high, casting a dark blue hue on the sky, with stars shining in the distance, illuminating the world in a soft glow. You head out of the girls’ quarters and onto the deck, yawning as it creaks beneath you. Your eyes feel heavy, yet sleep wouldn’t find you that night. You weren’t exactly sure why.
You hold back another yawn and head to the railing, feet instinctively taking you towards where a familiar blond-headed figure sits, back leaned against it, legs stretched out. An unlit cigarette hangs between his fingers.
When you come into view, he gives you a soft smile, one that usually comes out during times like these, when the world is quiet. It sends a spark flowing through you, and you feel your cheeks flush slightly in the moonlight.
“Couldn’t sleep?” he asks, discarding the cigarette and shifting slightly to make room beside him.
You nod, sitting down next to him with a heavy sigh. Your eyes already start to feel heavy, and you lean your head against Sanji’s shoulder. A gentler sigh slips from your lips as a softness blooms in your chest. After a moment, you feel his head tilt against yours.
The softness in your chest increases to a full warmth, sending waves of contentment through your veins. You smile a little. You can’t remember the last time you wanted to be this close to someone. But Sanji has a way of making you feel comfortable in a way you’ve never felt with anyone before.
“You’re warm,” you mumble, eyes drooping as you nestle a bit closer, leaning fully into his warmth.
Sanji chuckles, stretching his arm out and resting it around your shoulders. He hesitates for only a second before pulling you in closer to him, eliciting a contented sigh from you. His fingers trace slow, gentle patterns on your arm.
With each small movement, you feel the tension in your body loosening. Your eyes are really heavy now, and you let them drift closed. Before you can fully drift off into unconsciousness, a whisper escapes your lips. “I could fall asleep anywhere if you were there.”
Sanji’s hand on your arm freezes for just a moment before relaxing. His fingers continue to draw delicate patterns on your arm, drawing you further into relaxation. He shifts just slightly, enough to press a light kiss into your hair.
“That’s what I’m here for, love,” you hear him murmur. You smile sleepily, feeling a sense of safety even as you drift off, letting sleep take you over. Your body is resting now, but your heart cherishes the feeling of being held by the one you love - and who loves you.
Later, you’d tell someone - maybe Nami - that it was the best sleep you had in a long time.