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Chapter Text

The Thousand Sunny rocked gently on the calm evening seas, three days out from their last island. The crew had settled into their usual post, dinner routines when Usopp decided he needed a late-night snack to fuel his latest invention.

"Maybe some of those cookies Sanji made earlier..." he muttered to himself, tiptoeing toward the galley to avoid anyone's attention.

He pushed open the door quietly and immediately froze.

There, illuminated by the soft galley lights, were Zoro and Sanji locked in an intimate embrace. Sanji's back was pressed against the counter, his hands tangled in Zoro's green hair, while the swordsman held him close with surprising gentleness. They were kissing - actually kissing - and it wasn't the angry, aggressive kind of contact Usopp was used to seeing between them.

"HOLY-" Usopp's voice cracked as he stumbled backward, his face cycling through several shades of red and white.

The two men sprang apart instantly, both spinning around with expressions of pure panic.

"Usopp!" Sanji's face flushed. "This isn't - I mean - we weren't -"

"We weren't what, cook?" Zoro crossed his arms defensively, though his own face was notably red. "He's got eyes."

Usopp pointed a shaking finger between them. "You two... you're... but you hate each other!"

"We don't hate each other," Sanji said quietly.

"Could've fooled me," Usopp squeaked.

Footsteps echoed from the hallway as Usopp's outburst had apparently gather some attention from others.

"Usopp? What's all the noise?" Nami's voice drifted closer.

Sanji and Zoro exchanged a panicked look.

"Please," Sanji said desperately. "Don't tell anyone. Not yet. We need to figure out how to-"

"Tell anyone what?" Luffy's head popped around the doorframe, followed quickly by the rest of his body. "Ooh, snacks?"

The rubber man bounced into the galley, took one look at the scene - Sanji and Zoro standing awkwardly far apart, both red-faced, Usopp pointing and speechless- and tilted his head.

"Why does everyone look weird?"

More footsteps announced the arrival of the rest of the crew, drawn by curiosity and Usopp's earlier shout.

"Well," Zoro sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Guess the cat's out of the bag."

"What cat?" Luffy looked around for an actual cat.

Sanji took a deep breath, lighting his cigarette with slightly shaking hands. "We... Zoro and I... we're together."

The silence that followed was deafening.

Luffy blinked once, twice, then broke into his trademark grin.

"Oh! Like Franky and his inventions?"

"No, Luffy," Nami sighed. "Like... romantically together."

"Ohhhhh." Luffy's expression didn't change. "Cool! So you're not gonna fight anymore?"

"We still fight," both men said simultaneously, then glared at each other.

"Good!" Luffy laughed loudly. "I was worried you guys might get boring."

Sanji stared at his captain in disbelief. "That's it? That's your reaction?"

"What else am I supposed to say?" Luffy picked his nose thoughtfully. "You're both still my nakama. Zoro's still gonna get us out of fights, and you're still gonna make awesome food, right?"

"Of course I'm still going to cook for you, you rubber idiot."

"And Zoro's still gonna protect the ship?"

"Obviously," Zoro grunted.

"Then what's the problem?" Luffy shrugged. "If you guys are happy, I'm happy. Can I have a snack now?"

The simplicity of his acceptance hit both men like a physical blow. Their captain, the person whose opinion mattered most to them, and he was treating this revelation like they'd just told him they'd changed their favorite color.

"You're really okay with this?" Sanji asked, his voice smaller than usual.

Luffy looked genuinely confused by the question. "Why wouldn't I be? You're my crew. My family. I don't care who you kiss as long as you don't try to leave."

He paused, a rare moment of seriousness crossing his features. "You're not gonna leave, right?"

"Never," Zoro said firmly.

"Not a chance," Sanji agreed.

"Good!" The serious moment passed as quickly as it came. "Now can I please have that snack? Finding out secrets makes me hungry."

As Sanji automatically began pulling ingredients from the refrigerator, Luffy plopped down at the galley table, swinging his legs cheerfully.

"Oh, but if you guys start getting all mushy and gross, I'm gonna laugh at you," he added.

"We're not mushy," Zoro protested.

"Yeah? Then why is Sanji making your snack first instead of mine?"

Both men looked down at Sanji's hands, which had indeed been automatically preparing Zoro's preferred snack - onigiri with umeboshi.

"Shut up," Sanji muttered, his ears turning red as he switched to making Luffy's requested snack instead.

Luffy's grin widened. "This is gonna be fun to watch."

Chapter Text

While the others continued to process the revelation, Nami stood in the doorway with her arms crossed, a calculating gleam in her eyes that anyone who knew her well would recognize as dangerous.

"Nami?" Robin's voice held a note of warning. "What are you thinking?"

"I'm thinking," Nami said slowly, "that I just won a very important bet."

"What bet?" Sanji looked nervous.

Nami pulled out a small notebook from seemingly nowhere and flipped through several pages. "Let's see... Robin predicted it would happen after a life-threatening situation. Usopp never and that you guys will just keep fighting forever. Chopper thought it would be during a quiet, romantic moment. Franky said it would happen during a party. Brook said.. well, Brook's prediction was inappropriate and I'm not repeating it."

"You've been betting on us?" Zoro's eye twitched dangerously.

"And I," Nami continued triumphantly, "predicted it would happen naturally, discovered accidentally by someone else, and involve a lot of panic and denial."

She snapped the notebook shut with a satisfied smirk. "Franky owes me 50,000 berries."

"FIFTY THOUSAND?" Sanji's cigarette nearly fell out of his mouth again.

"You bet fifty thousand berries on our love life?" Zoro looked torn between impressed and horrified.

"Actually, the total pot was about 200,000 berries. Everyone was so confident in their predictions." Nami's eyes practically had beri signs in them. "This is going to fund our next shopping trip beautifully."

"Nami-san," Sanji said weakly.

"Oh please, like this wasn't the most obvious thing in the world." Nami waved dismissively. "You two have been circling each other like angry cats for months. The sexual tension was so thick I could have charged people to watch."

"SEXUAL TENSION?" both men shouted in unison.

"What did you think all that fighting was about?" Nami raised an eyebrow. "Food preferences? Zoro, you don't even care what you eat as long as it's edible. And Sanji, you've never once actually been insulted by being called 'dartboard brow' or whatever stupid nickname he comes up with."

She started counting off on her fingers. "You always fight over stupid things when you're frustrated about something else. You go out of your way to save each other in battles, then yell about it afterward. Zoro, you haven't gotten legitimately lost when Sanji's been with you in weeks. And Sanji, you've been making Zoro's favorite foods 'by accident' at least three times a week."

Both men stared at her in stunned silence.

"Plus," she added with a wicked grin, "the walls on this ship aren't that thick. Did you really think nobody would notice when the midnight 'training sessions' in the crow's nest got a lot quieter?"

If possible, both men turned an even deeper shade of red.

"We weren't - those were actual training-" Sanji stammered.

"Sure they were." Nami's grin widened. "That's why Zoro's been in such a good mood lately, and you've been humming while you cook."

She flipped through her notebook again. "Oh, and I've been keeping track of the behavioral changes. Zoro's sleep schedule shifted to match your prep time for breakfast. You've started making larger portions of Zoro's favorite dishes. He's been doing more cleaning around the galley without being asked. You both get twitchy when the other person talks to strangers at ports."

"You've been stalking us!" Zoro accused.

"I've been observing my crewmates to ensure optimal ship dynamics," Nami corrected primly. "It's called being a good navigator. I need to understand how my crew functions."

She closed the notebook and looked at them both seriously. "Look, I don't actually care who you're sleeping with as long as it doesn't affect the crew dynamics negatively. But you two have been dancing around each other for so long it was getting painful to watch."

Her expression softened slightly. "I'm happy for you. Really. You're both important to me, and if you make each other happy, then I support it completely."

The tender moment lasted exactly three seconds before her businessman smile returned.

"But I'm still collecting on that bet."

Chapter Text

While Nami calculated her winnings, Usopp remained frozen in the galley doorway, his brain apparently having short-circuited somewhere between witnessing the kiss and the casual discussion of betting pools.

"Usopp?" Chopper waved a hoof in front of his face. "Are you okay? You look like you've seen a ghost."

"I... but they... and then they were... but they hate each other!" Usopp finally managed to sputter.

"We've established that they don't actually hate each other," Robin said gently.

"But they FIGHT! All the time! About everything!" Usopp gestured wildly between Zoro and Sanji. "Just yesterday Zoro called Sanji's eyebrows stupid, and Sanji said Zoro had the navigation skills of a drunk penguin, and they nearly destroyed the deck!"

"That wasn't even a real fight," Zoro said dismissively.

"You put a HOLE in the MAST!"

"That was an accident."

"You were aiming for Sanji's head!"

"I wasn't actually trying to hit him."

Usopp looked back and forth between them, his expression growing more panicked. "This doesn't make sense! How can you be together if you're always trying to kill each other?"

"We're not trying to kill each other," Sanji sighed, taking a long drag from his cigarette. "It's just... how we communicate."

"That's the WORST communication I've ever seen! And I've watched Luffy try to explain complex plans!"

"Hey!" Luffy protested through a mouthful of sandwich.

Usopp began pacing in the small space, his hands gesturing frantically. "This changes everything! All those times I thought you were going to murder each other, you were actually... what? Flirting?"

"Sometimes," Zoro admitted with a smirk that made Sanji's face turn red again.

"I think I'm having a breakdown," Usopp announced. "My entire understanding of interpersonal relationships has been shattered. Up is down, black is white, cats and dogs are living together!"

"You're being dramatic," Nami rolled her eyes.

"I'M BEING DRAMATIC?" Usopp's voice cracked. "I just found our ship's biggest enemies making out in the kitchen! That's like discovering that the ocean is actually made of soup!"

"We're not enemies," both men said in unison, then immediately glared at each other for agreeing.

"SEE? THAT! RIGHT THERE!" Usopp pointed accusingly. "How does that work in a relationship? Do you have angry sex? Is that a thing?"

The entire galley went dead silent.

"Usopp," Sanji said very quietly, his cigarette smoke curling ominously around his face, "if you ever ask me about my sex life again, I will ban you from my kitchen for a month."

"And I'll use you for sword practice," Zoro added pleasantly.

Usopp gulped and took a step back. "Right. No questions about... that. Got it."

He was quiet for a moment, processing, before his expression shifted from panic to something approaching wonder.

"You know what? This actually explains a lot," he said slowly. "Remember that time on Alabasta when Zoro carried Sanji to safety after he got hurt protecting that family?"

"Zoro did what now?" Nami's eyebrows shot up.

"And that time in Water 7 when Sanji nearly beat up that guy for calling Zoro 'just another dumb swordsman,'" Usopp continued, warming to his theme.

"That happened?" Luffy asked with interest.

"Oh! And on Thriller Bark, when Zoro disappeared for a while and came back all beaten up, Sanji was acting weird for days! He kept making extra food and hovering!"

"Shut up, Usopp," both men said simultaneously.

But Usopp was on a roll now, his storyteller instincts taking over. "This is like a epic romance! Star-crossed lovers, forced to hide their feelings behind a facade of rivalry! The passionate swordsman and the devoted cook, their love burning like a flame that cannot be extinguished!"

"If you turn our relationship into one of your stupid stories, I'm feeding you to the Sea Kings," Zoro threatened.

"Too late! I can already see it! 'The Ballad of the Blade and the Ladle!' It'll be my greatest work!"

"Usopp," Sanji said dangerously.

"Chapter One: In which our heroes meet and immediately try to kill each other, not knowing that Cupid's arrow had already-"

"USOPP!"

The sniper grinned widely, apparently having moved past his shock into gleeful acceptance. "Oh, this is going to be fun. Wait until I tell the others about all the times I caught you two staring at each other when you thought nobody was looking!"

"You've been spying on us too?" Zoro looked resigned.

"I'm a sniper. I notice things. Like how Sanji always makes sure you get the biggest portions, or how you always position yourself between him and danger during fights, or how you both get this stupid look on your faces when-"

"We get it!" Sanji interrupted. "You're very observant!"

Usopp's grin turned mischievous. "So when's the wedding?"

The sound of Zoro's sword being partially unsheathed was enough to send Usopp scrambling for the door, laughing all the way.

"I'm kidding! Mostly! Don't kill me!"

Chapter Text

Chopper had been quietly observing the chaos from his position near Robin's legs, his little medical mind processing everything with the analytical nature that made him such a good doctor despite his age.

When the initial shouting died down and Usopp had fled, Chopper stepped forward with the serious expression he wore when treating patients.

"Are you both okay?" he asked earnestly, looking between Zoro and Sanji with genuine concern. "This seems very stressful for you."

"We're fine, Chopper," Sanji said gently, his voice automatically softening the way it always did when talking to their youngest crewmate.

"But you're both exhibiting signs of high stress," Chopper observed, his little hooves clasped behind his back in his professional manner. "Elevated heart rate, flushed complexion, rapid breathing, muscle tension..."

He tilted his head thoughtfully. "Though some of those could also be symptoms of romantic attraction. Humans have very similar physiological responses to stress and arousal."

"CHOPPER!" Sanji nearly choked on his cigarette smoke.

"What? It's medical fact!" Chopper protested. "Increased heart rate, dilated pupils, elevated skin temperature—they're all normal biological responses to attraction!"

Robin chuckled softly. "Our doctor is very thorough in his studies."

"I've been reading about human relationship psychology," Chopper explained proudly. "Did you know that couples who engage in conflict resolution activities together often develop stronger emotional bonds?"

Zoro raised an eyebrow. "Conflict resolution activities?"

"Fighting!" Chopper said cheerfully. "Though most humans use verbal communication rather than actual combat. You two seem to have developed your own unique approach."

Nami snorted. "That's one way to put it."

Chopper continued his analysis with the innocent enthusiasm that made him so endearing. "From a medical standpoint, this relationship could actually be very beneficial for both of you!"

"How's that, Chopper?" Robin asked, clearly amused by the little reindeer's scientific approach.

"Well, Zoro suffers from chronic insomnia and mild malnutrition from his tendency to skip meals. But I've noticed both issues have improved significantly in recent weeks!" Chopper flipped to a page in his small medical notebook. "His sleep schedule has become more regular, and his nutritional intake has increased by approximately 30%!"

He turned to Sanji. "And Sanji-kun has been showing reduced stress markers despite maintaining his usual workload. His nicotine consumption has actually decreased slightly, and he's been exhibiting more positive mood indicators!"

"You've been tracking our health that closely?" Sanji asked, touched despite his embarrassment.

"Of course! You're my patients!" Chopper said. "It's my job to monitor the crew's wellbeing. And honestly, you've both seemed much happier lately."

His expression grew more serious. "I was actually getting worried about you, Zoro. You were pushing yourself too hard with your training, not eating enough, not sleeping enough. But lately, you've been taking better care of yourself."

Zoro looked uncomfortable with the attention. "I've just been... adjusting my schedule."

"Adjusting it to spend time with Sanji," Chopper said with a knowing smile that looked strange on his innocent features. "Which is healthy! Social connection is very important for emotional wellbeing!"

He turned to Sanji next. "And you've been less anxious about everyone's safety. You still fuss over us, but it's not the same worried hovering you were doing before. Having someone who can take care of themselves sharing your burden of protecting the crew has clearly reduced your stress levels."

"When did you become such an expert on relationships, Chopper?" Nami asked, impressed.

"I'm a doctor!" Chopper said proudly, puffing out his little chest. "Understanding human behavior is part of medicine! Plus, I've been reading the books Robin recommended."

"What books?" Sanji asked suspiciously.

Robin's smile turned mysterious. "Educational materials."

"Oh no," Sanji muttered.

Chopper, oblivious to the implications, continued excitedly. "Did you know that couples who maintain individual interests and hobbies while also sharing activities tend to have the most stable long-term relationships? That's exactly what you two have been doing!"

He started counting on his hooves. "Zoro still trains alone sometimes, but now he also spars with Sanji. Sanji still cooks for everyone, but now he makes special things just for Zoro. You maintain your independence while also supporting each other!"

"Chopper..." Zoro said quietly.

"It's actually a very healthy relationship model!" Chopper continued, warming to his subject. "Much better than some of the co-dependent relationships I've read about where-"

"Chopper," Sanji interrupted gently.

The little reindeer looked up at him with bright, innocent eyes. "Yes?"

"Thank you. For... you know. Being okay with this."

Chopper's expression grew soft and serious. "Of coure, you're my family. All I've ever wanted is for my family to be happy and healthy. If being together makes you both happier and healthier, then of course I'm okay with it!"

He paused, then added with childish excitement, "Plus, this means I get to study relationship dynamics in real time! This is going to be so interesting from a scientific perspective!"

"We're not lab rats, Chopper," Zoro said, but his tone was fond.

"Of course not! You're my precious crewmates who happen to be providing an excellent case study in-"

"CHOPPER!"

"Sorry! Sorry! I'll try not to take notes on your relationship!"

He paused for exactly three seconds.

"Can I at least document any interesting medical developments?"

"NO!"

"What if someone gets relationship-related injuries? Like if you hurt yourselves during-"

"CHOPPER!"

The little reindeer grinned widely, clearly enjoying making his older crewmates flustered. "I just want to be prepared for any medical emergencies!"

Despite their protests, both Zoro and Sanji were smiling. Leave it to Chopper to turn their relationship reveal into a medical lecture and somehow make them feel completely accepted in the process.

"Just... try to be safe, okay?" Chopper added more seriously. "And if you need to talk to someone, I'm here. Not just as a doctor, but as your friend."

"Thanks, Chopper," Sanji said softly, and meant it.

Chapter Text

While the others had been reacting with varying degrees of shock, excitement, and scientific curiosity, Robin had remained quietly observant from her position near the galley entrance. Now, as the immediate chaos settled, she stepped forward with her characteristic calm smile.

"I must admit," she said in her smooth, measured voice, "I had been wondering when you would finally acknowledge what was happening between you."

Both men looked at her with resignation. "You knew," Zoro said. It wasn't a question.

"I suspected," Robin corrected gently. "I've had quite a bit of practice reading people and their relationships. It's a necessary skill when you spend years working with criminals and revolutionaries."

She moved to pour herself a cup of tea from the pot that was always warm in Sanji's kitchen, her movements graceful and unhurried.

"The signs were quite obvious, once you knew what to look for," she continued conversationally. "Though I imagine you thought you were being subtle."

"We were being subtle!" Sanji protested.

Robin's smile grew more amused. "Sanji-kun, you've been unconsciously preparing Zoro's favorite foods and arranging them so he would encounter them 'by accident' for weeks. That's hardly subtle."

"And you," she turned to Zoro, "have been finding excuses to linger in the galley during meal preparation, despite claiming you find cooking 'boring.'"

Zoro crossed his arms defensively. "Maybe I just like food."

"You like food that Sanji prepares," Robin observed. "You barely tolerate anyone else's cooking, including your own."

She took a delicate sip of her tea. "Then there were the more obvious signs. The way you both tense up when the other is in danger during fights, but relax as soon as you can see they're safe. The increasingly creative excuses to touch each other during your arguments. The fact that your 'training sessions' moved from the deck to the crow's nest at the same time Sanji started having trouble sleeping."

"We didn't- those weren't-" Sanji started to protest.

"I'm not judging," Robin said mildly. "I'm simply observing that two people who are attracted to each other will find ways to spend time together, even if they haven't admitted their feelings yet."

She settled more comfortably against the counter, clearly prepared to deliver a longer analysis.

"What I found most interesting was watching the evolution of your communication patterns," she continued, her archaeologist's mind evident in her systematic approach. "Initially, your arguments were genuinely hostile, two strong personalities clashing over legitimate disagreements about methodology and approach."

Luffy, who had finished his sandwich and was listening with the fascination of someone watching a particularly interesting bug, raised his hand. "What's methodology?"

"The way someone approaches a problem," Robin explained patiently. "Zoro tends to favor direct, aggressive solutions. Sanji prefers more strategic, protective approaches. These different philosophies caused genuine conflict at first."

She looked between the two men with something approaching academic appreciation.

"But gradually, the nature of your arguments shifted. They became less about actual disagreement and more about... engagement. You were arguing to argue, because it was your primary form of interaction. And somewhere in that process, the hostility transformed into something quite different."

"Different how?" Nami asked, clearly fascinated by Robin's analysis.

"Sexual tension," Robin said matter-of-factly, causing both men to choke on their respective cigarette and sake.

"Robin-chan!" Sanji wheezed.

"It's a well-documented psychological phenomenon," she continued calmly. "When two people are attracted to each other but unable or unwilling to acknowledge it, they often express that tension through conflict. The physical arousal from anger can be easily confused with or converted to sexual arousal."

Chopper nodded enthusiastically. "That's exactly what I was reading about! The physiological responses are nearly identical!"

"Exactly," Robin smiled at their doctor approvingly. "What made your situation particularly interesting was how you both began using your arguments as a form of foreplay without realizing it."

"FOREPLAY?" both men shouted in unison.

"The increasingly physical nature of your fights, the focus on dominance and submission, the way you would get into each other's personal space..." Robin listed off calmly. "Classic courtship behavior, simply expressed through combat rather than traditional romantic gestures."

Zoro ran a hand through his hair, looking deeply uncomfortable. "You make it sound like we were animals or something."

"All human behavior has roots in our more primitive instincts," Robin said with a slight smile. "There's nothing wrong with that. In fact, I found it quite charming to watch you both work through your feelings in your own unique way."

"Charming," Sanji repeated flatly.

"Very charming," Robin confirmed. "Especially when you both started unconsciously mirroring each other's behaviors. Sanji, you began incorporating more aggressive elements into your fighting style. Zoro, you started showing more strategic thinking and protective instincts."

She gestured gracefully with her tea cup. "You were learning from each other, adapting to complement each other's strengths and weaknesses. It's actually a sign of a very deep emotional connection."

"When did you figure it out?" Zoro asked, sounding resigned to Robin's thorough analysis.

"The night you carried him back to the ship after that bar fight in the last port," Robin said without hesitation. "You were so gentle with him, and he didn't protest or try to maintain his independence. That level of trust and vulnerability suggested your relationship had moved far beyond simple rivalry."

She paused thoughtfully. "Though I suspected romantic potential much earlier. The intensity of your interactions was too focused, too personal for simple dislike. People who truly dislike each other avoid interaction whenever possible. You two sought each other out constantly."

"So what do you think?" Sanji asked quietly, and there was something vulnerable in his voice that made Robin's expression soften.

"I think you're good for each other," she said simply. "You challenge each other to grow while accepting each other as you are. You've learned to communicate in your own language, and you bring out both strength and gentleness in each other."

She smiled warmly. "I think you'll be very happy together, once you stop panicking about everyone knowing."

"We're not panicking," Zoro protested.

Robin just gave him a look.

"Okay, maybe a little," he admitted.

"The crew loves you both," Robin said gently. "Did you really think we would react badly to your happiness?"

"Maybe," Sanji said quietly, not meeting her eyes.

"Never," Robin said firmly. "We're a family, Sanji-kun. Families support each other."

She finished her tea and set the cup down with a soft clink.

"Besides," she added with a mischievous smile that was very unlike her usual serene expression, "now I can finally stop pretending I don't notice when you two sneak off together. It was becoming quite difficult to maintain plausible deniability."

"You knew about that too?" Sanji looked mortified.

"Sanji-kun," Robin said gently, "I know everything that happens on this ship. It's my job."

And with that cryptic statement, she glided out of the galley, leaving two very red-faced men behind her.

Chapter Text

The sound of heavy footsteps on the deck announced Franky's arrival before he even appeared in the galley doorway. The cyborg ducked through the entrance, having to angle his broad shoulders to fit, and immediately surveyed the scene with his signature sunglasses.

"Yo, what's all the commotion about?" he asked in his characteristic loud voice. "I was trying to install some SUPER new features in the-"

He stopped mid-sentence as he took in the table: Zoro and Sanji standing awkwardly apart, both red-faced; the rest of the crew gathered around looking various levels of amused; and the general atmosphere of recent revelation hanging in the air.

"Did I miss something important?"

"Zoro and Sanji are together," Luffy announced helpfully. "Like, together-together."

Franky blinked once, twice, then his lower jaw literally dropped open with a mechanical click.

"No way," he breathed.

"Way," Nami confirmed, waving her notebook full of betting records.

For a moment, the cyborg stood frozen. Then, without warning, tears began streaming down his face in ridiculous torrents while his expression remained completely shocked.

"This is..." he started, his voice cracking with emotion.

"SUPER!" he finally bellowed, striking his signature pose so enthusiastically that he nearly put his fist through the galley ceiling. "This is the most SUPER thing that's ever happened on this ship!"

"Franky, please don't-" Sanji began.

But it was too late. Franky was fully in the grip of one of his emotional episodes, and when Franky got emotional, everyone knew about it.

"Young love blooming on the ship I built with my own hands!" he sobbed dramatically. "It's so beautiful I can't stand it! SUPER!"

He collapsed to his knees, a feat of engineering in itself given his size and the confined space and continued crying rivers.

"All this time, you two crazy kids have been finding your way to each other, and I had a front-row seat to the whole thing! It's like watching a beautiful, violent, SUPER romantic movie!"

"We're not that dramatic," Zoro muttered.

"Are you kidding me?" Franky looked up at him with streaming eyes. "You two have been putting on the most passionate performance I've ever seen! All that fighting and tension and unresolved sexual-"

"FRANKY!" both men shouted.

"What? It's true! Do you have any idea how SUPER frustrating it's been watching you two dance around each other for months?" Franky wiped his eyes with the back of his massive hand. "I kept wanting to lock you in a room together until you figured it out!"

"You considered locking us up?" Sanji asked with alarm.

"Oh yeah, totally. I was gonna design a special room with reinforced walls so you couldn't break out until you either killed each other or kissed. Glad it worked out naturally though, this is much more SUPER!"

He hauled himself back to his feet, still sniffling. "This calls for a celebration! I'm gonna design you guys a special room!"

"A what now?" Zoro's eye twitched.

"A couples' suite! With reinforced walls for... privacy, and a mini-kitchen so Sanji can cook whenever he wants, and extra storage for Zoro's swords, and maybe a skylight so you can see the stars, and-"

"Franky," Sanji interrupted desperately, "we don't need a special room."

"Of course you do! Young love deserves a SUPER romantic environment!" Franky was getting more excited by the moment, his tears drying up as his inventor instincts took over. "I'm thinking retractable walls so you can have privacy or openness depending on your mood, and maybe a built-in sound system, and-"

"The walls aren't soundproof now?" Usopp asked with interest.

"Not completely, no. But they will be once I-"

"FRANKY!" both men yelled again.

"What? I'm just saying, everyone deserves privacy! It's gonna be SUPER romantic!"

He paused in his enthusiastic planning to look at them both seriously, his expression softening.

"You know, in all my years building ships, the thing that makes me happiest isn't the mechanical perfection or the advanced features," Franky said, his voice uncharacteristically gentle. "It's seeing the crew make the ship into a home. And part of making a home is finding your family."

He gestured broadly at both men. "You two knuckleheads have found each other, and that makes this ship more of a home than any modifications I could ever build."

The sincerity in his voice caught both Zoro and Sanji off guard.

"That's..." Sanji started, then stopped, looking genuinely touched.

"SUPER sappy, I know!" Franky's emotional moment passed as quickly as it had come, and he was back to his usual boisterous self. "But it's true! And now I get to design romantic modifications! This is gonna be so much fun!"

He started pacing excitedly in the small space, his mind clearly racing with possibilities.

"Oh! And I can install mood lighting! And maybe a mini-fridge for late-night snacks! And what about a retractable training area so Zoro can work out without leaving-"

"Franky," Zoro interrupted with the patience of someone who had learned to deal with the cyborg's enthusiasm. "We appreciate the thought, but we don't need you to redesign the ship around our relationship."

"But it would be SUPER!"

"We're fine with things the way they are," Sanji added.

Franky looked genuinely disappointed. "Are you sure? Because I have so many ideas! I could build you a private dining area, or a couples' bath, or-"

"NO COUPLES' BATH!" both men shouted in unison.

"Okay, okay, no couples' bath," Franky conceded. "But you can't stop me from making a few small improvements. Like soundproofing. That's just common courtesy."

Nami snickered. "I second the soundproofing."

"Nami-san!" Sanji looked horrified.

"What? Some of us are trying to sleep when you two have your 'training sessions.'"

"We weren't-those were actual-" Sanji sputtered.

"Sure they were," Franky grinned widely. "Don't worry, bro. Your secret training techniques are safe with me."

He winked conspiratorially, which somehow made it even worse.

"I hate all of you," Sanji muttered, hiding his face in his hands.

"No, you don't," Franky said cheerfully. "You love us. Almost as much as you love your SUPER romantic swordsman boyfriend!"

The sound Sanji made was somewhere between a groan and a whimper.

"This is gonna be so much fun!" Franky declared, already pulling out blueprints from somewhere in his cyborg body. "I'm thinking we start with the soundproofing, then move on to ambient lighting, maybe some privacy screens..."

As he began sketching enthusiastically, muttering about romantic modifications and SUPER features, Zoro and Sanji exchanged a look of shared resignation.

"We're never living this down, are we?" Sanji asked quietly.

"Never," Zoro agreed.

Chapter Text

The sound of clicking bones announced Brook's arrival as the skeleton musician made his way into the increasingly crowded galley, his afro somehow managing to fit through the doorway despite its impressive size.

"Yohohoho! I heard there was some excitement down here," he said in his cheerful, distinctive laugh-voice. "Something about... oh my!"

He stopped abruptly as he took in the scene, his empty eye sockets somehow managing to convey surprise.

"Well, well, well," he said, his tone shifting to something almost sly. "It seems our cook and swordsman have finally-"

"Brook," Sanji interrupted with a warning tone, "whatever you're about to say, don't."

"But I wasn't going to say anything inappropriate!" Brook protested, though his tone suggested otherwise. "I was simply going to comment on the beautiful nature of young love! Yohohoho!"

"Uh-huh," Nami said skeptically. "And what exactly were you going to comment about young love?"

Brook's jaw somehow managed to curve into what might have been a grin despite being, well, a skull.

"Well, I was simply going to offer my congratulations to the happy couple!" he said innocently. "And perhaps... ask if I could see their-"

"NO!" both Zoro and Sanji shouted before he could finish the question.

"But I didn't even finish asking!"

"We know what you were going to ask," Sanji said firmly. "And the answer is no. Forever no. No in every language that exists."

"Even hypothetically no," Zoro added.

Brook looked genuinely disappointed. "But I'm just curious about the differences in human anatomy when it comes to romantic situations! It's purely scientific interest!"

"No, it's not," Robin said dryly.

"Well... mostly scientific," Brook amended.

"Brook," Chopper said seriously, "you ask that question to everyone. It's not scientific, it's just weird."

"I'm a skeleton! I don't remember what things look like! I'm simply trying to refresh my memory through careful observation!"

"Find another way to refresh your memory," Sanji said flatly.

Brook sighed dramatically, the sound somehow conveying deep disappointment despite lacking lungs.

"You're all so cruel to a poor, lonely skeleton," he lamented. "Here I am, trying to celebrate the beautiful union of two of my dearest friends, and you won't even let me-"

"BROOK!"

"Fine, fine," he conceded. "But you can't stop me from composing a song about this momentous occasion!"

Both men looked alarmed. "What kind of song?" Zoro asked suspiciously.

"A beautiful ballad about love conquering all!" Brook announced grandly. "I'm thinking something classical... 'The Ballad of the Blade and the Ladle' perhaps?"

"Usopp already claimed that title," Nami informed him.

"Blast! Well, then... 'Symphony of Steel and Spice'?"

"Brook," Sanji said carefully, "what exactly would this song be about?"

"The epic romance between a mysterious swordsman and a passionate chef!" Brook began gesticulating dramatically with his bony arms. "Star-crossed lovers who expressed their burning desire through the clash of steel and the fire of the kitchen!"

"It wasn't like that!" Sanji protested.

"Wasn't it though?" Brook tilted his skull thoughtfully. "All those passionate arguments, the intense staring, the way you two would circle each other like predators sizing up their prey..."

"We did not circle each other like predators!" Zoro objected.

"Oh, but you did! Yohohoho! I have an excellent memory for dramatic tension, and you two were practically crackling with it!"

Brook began humming a dramatic melody. "He sharpens his blade in the morning light, while breakfast sizzles in the pan so bright..."

"Please don't," Sanji begged.

"Two hearts beating with a warrior's pride, their love a secret they could not hide..."

"Brook, I'm warning you."

"Oh, the swordsman and the cook, what a passionate pair, with tension so thick you could cut it with... flair?" Brook paused. "I'm still working on that rhyme."

"How about you work on a different song entirely?" Zoro suggested.

"But this is such inspiring material! The forbidden love, the hidden glances, the obvious sexual-"

"BROOK!"

"-tension! I was going to say tension! Yohohoho!"

Despite their protests, Brook was clearly warming to his theme, his skeletal fingers moving as if playing an invisible violin.

"I'm envisioning a whole musical suite! Multiple movements representing different stages of your relationship!"

He began conducting an invisible orchestra. "Movement one: The Meeting! Clashing cymbals and dramatic strings to represent your first fight!"

"We're not a symphony," Sanji said weakly.

"Movement two: The Tension Builds! Rising tempo, minor keys, lots of dramatic pauses!"

"Brook, please-"

"Movement three: The Realization! Key change to major, soaring melodies, maybe some romantic woodwind solos!"

Brook was getting more excited by the moment, his bones actually rattling with enthusiasm.

"And movement four: The Consummation! Powerful brass, pounding percussion, building to a magnificent climax!"

The silence that followed was deafening.

"Brook," Robin said calmly, "I think perhaps you should focus on the earlier movements for now."

"Oh yes, good point! No need to get ahead of ourselves!" Brook agreed cheerfully, completely missing the horrified expressions on Zoro and Sanji's faces. "Though I do think the finale will be quite spectacular when the time comes! Yohohoho!"

"There's not going to be a finale," Zoro said firmly.

"Oh, there's always a finale! Every good romance needs a proper ending!"

"Our romance doesn't need a soundtrack," Sanji added desperately.

"Everything needs a soundtrack! Music makes everything more romantic!" Brook pulled out his violin seemingly from nowhere. "Here, let me demonstrate with a little something I like to call 'Love Among the Cutlery'!"

The first few notes of what sounded like a dramatically romantic waltz filled the galley.

"Brook, put that away," Nami ordered.

"But it's just getting to the good part!"

"Put it away or I'm charging you rent for storage space in my room," she threatened.

Brook immediately stopped playing. "You wouldn't!"

"Try me."

"Fine, fine," Brook pouted, somehow managing to look dejected despite being a skeleton. "But I'm still writing the song. You can't stop creative inspiration!"

He tucked his violin away with dramatic flair. "Just wait until you hear the full composition! It's going to be SUPER romantic!"

"Did you just steal Franky's catchphrase?" Usopp asked.

"Everything sounds better with 'SUPER' in front of it! SUPER romantic music for a SUPER romantic couple!"

"We're not-" both men started to protest.

"You're SUPER romantic!" Brook declared. "Even if you won't let me see your-"

"BROOK!"

"-commitment to each other through the beautiful art of music! Yohohoho!"

And with that, he danced out of the galley, his bones clicking cheerfully as he went, already humming what sounded suspiciously like a love ballad.

"He's going to write that song, isn't he?" Sanji asked with resignation.

"Oh yeah," Nami confirmed. "And he's going to play it. Loudly. And frequently."

"I want to die," Sanji muttered.

"Look on the bright side," Zoro said dryly. "At least he didn't ask to see our underwear again."

"Yet," Robin added helpfully.

Sanji made that whimpering sound again.

Chapter Text

The sound of measured footsteps announced the arrival of the crew's newest member, and Jinbe's large frame filled the galley doorway as he surveyed the scene with calm, observant eyes.

"Good evening, everyone," he said in his deep, steady voice. "I heard voices and wanted to ensure everything was well."

"Everything's fine, Jinbe," Luffy said cheerfully. "We just found out Zoro and Sanji are together! Like, romantically!"

Jinbe blinked once, his expression remaining perfectly composed as he processed this information. After a moment, he nodded thoughtfully.

"I see," he said simply. "That explains several things I had observed."

"You too?" Sanji looked resigned. "Does everyone on this ship monitor our personal lives?"

"Not monitor," Jinbe corrected gently. "But I am observant by nature, and I've been sailing with this crew long enough to understand its dynamics."

He moved into the galley with his characteristic calm grace, somehow making the crowded space feel less chaotic simply by his presence.

"In my experience," he continued, settling against the wall with his arms crossed, "the strongest relationships often begin with conflict. Two people challenging each other, testing boundaries, learning to understand and respect each other's strengths."

His wise eyes moved between Zoro and Sanji. "You two have been engaged in that process for quite some time."

"We thought we were just fighting," Zoro said quietly.

"Perhaps on the surface," Jinbe agreed. "But I have seen true animosity between crew members, and what you two share is something quite different."

He paused thoughtfully. "Tell me, do you know why Fish-Men often engage in ritualized combat as part of courtship?"

"They do?" Chopper asked with interest.

"Indeed. It serves multiple purposes like demonstrating strength, establishing compatibility, building trust. The ability to fight alongside someone, or even against someone without causing lasting harm, requires a deep understanding of their capabilities and limits."

Jinbe's gaze returned to the two men. "You have spent months learning each other in this way. You know exactly how far you can push without causing real damage. You understand each other's fighting styles, strengths, and weaknesses better than you understand your own."

"I... hadn't thought of it that way," Sanji admitted.

"This knowledge creates a unique form of intimacy," Jinbe continued. "You trust each other in combat because you have tested that trust repeatedly. That foundation of understanding and respect is quite valuable in any relationship."

Nami looked intrigued. "So you're saying their constant fighting was actually relationship building?"

"In a sense, yes. Though I suspect they were also working through their attraction in the only way they knew how," Jinbe smiled slightly. "Young men are not always skilled at expressing complex emotions."

"Hey!" Luffy protested. "I'm good at emotions!"

"You are indeed, Luffy," Jinbe agreed warmly. "But you have always been honest about your feelings. Not everyone finds that so easy."

He looked back at Zoro and Sanji with something approaching fatherly approval.

"What I find most encouraging is that you have learned to balance your individual strengths with mutual support. Zoro, you have developed more strategic thinking and protective instincts. Sanji, you have gained confidence in your combat abilities and learned to accept help from others."

"You've been watching us that closely?" Sanji asked, sounding more curious than alarmed.

"A good helmsman observes the crew," Jinbe said matter-of-factly. "Understanding crew dynamics is essential for maintaining ship harmony. And I must say, the changes in both of you have been quite positive."

He stroked his chin thoughtfully. "I was wondering when you would acknowledge what was developing between you. The tension was becoming quite obvious."

"Obvious to everyone but us, apparently," Zoro muttered.

"That is often the way with matters of the heart," Jinbe said gently. "We can be quite blind to our own feelings while seeing clearly in others' situations."

Jinbe's expression grew more serious. "I hope you know that you have my full support. In my years sailing these seas, I have learned that finding someone who understands and accepts you completely is a rare and precious thing."

"Thank you, Jinbe," Sanji said quietly, and there was genuine gratitude in his voice.

"Yeah, thanks," Zoro added, looking unusually vulnerable.

Jinbe nodded approvingly. "However, I do have one concern."

Both men immediately tensed. "What kind of concern?" Sanji asked carefully.

"Your arguments have been serving as a form of communication and... tension relief," Jinbe said delicately. "Now that your relationship has changed, you may need to develop new ways to challenge each other and maintain that dynamic connection."

"What do you mean?" Zoro asked.

"I mean that your fighting served multiple purposes in your relationship. If you simply stop fighting, you may find that you miss that form of interaction. You'll need to find healthy ways to maintain the passion and intensity that draws you to each other."

Robin nodded approvingly. "Jinbe makes an excellent point. Many couples who begin with antagonistic relationships struggle when they try to eliminate conflict entirely."

"So you're saying we should keep fighting?" Sanji asked, confused.

"I'm saying you should keep challenging each other," Jinbe corrected. "Fighting, sparring, competing, debating, whatever forms allow you to engage with the intensity that seems natural to your relationship. Just ensure it remains constructive rather than destructive."

He smiled slightly. "Though I suspect you'll figure this out naturally. You seem to have good instincts for understanding each other."

"Any other relationship advice?" Nami asked with amusement.

"Communication is key," Jinbe said seriously. "You have developed your own language through combat and conflict, but you may need to learn more direct forms of expression as your relationship deepens."

"And patience," he added. "Learning to be in a romantic relationship with someone is different from being crewmates or friends. Give yourselves time to adjust to this new dynamic."

Jinbe looked around the galley at the assembled crew, his expression warm.

"But most importantly, remember that you have a family here who supports you. Whatever challenges you face in your relationship, you don't have to face them alone."

The sincerity in his voice seemed to affect everyone in the room.

"Thanks, Jinbe," Luffy said seriously. "You always know the right thing to say."

"I simply share what I have learned through experience," Jinbe replied. "And what I have learned is that love - in all its forms - is what makes a crew into a family."

He paused, then added with a slight smile, "Though I do hope your 'sparring sessions' don't damage too much of Franky's beautiful ship."

"Our sparring sessions are perfectly controlled!" Zoro protested.

"Is that why there are scorch marks on the deck?" Jinbe asked mildly.

"Those are from... intense training," Sanji said weakly.

"I'm sure they are," Jinbe agreed diplomatically, though his eyes twinkled with amusement.

Chapter Text

As the individual reactions wound down and the initial shock settled into acceptance, the crew found themselves scattered around the galley in various states of comfort and amusement. The space was crowded, but nobody seemed inclined to leave, this felt like a moment that required togetherness.

Luffy had claimed his usual spot at the table, swinging his legs and grinning at his crew with obvious satisfaction. Nami was calculating her winnings with gleeful precision while Robin observed everything with her serene smile. Chopper had pulled out a small notebook and was scribbling what looked suspiciously like behavioral observations. Usopp kept glancing between Zoro and Sanji as if expecting them to suddenly start making out again. Franky was sketching modification plans with tears of joy still streaming down his face. Brook was humming what sounded like a romantic ballad under his breath. And Jinbe stood calmly against the wall, radiating the kind of steady support that made everyone feel safe.

At the center of it all, Zoro and Sanji stood together, not touching, but closer than they usually allowed themselves in front of others, their earlier panic having settled into resigned acceptance.

"So," Nami said, looking up from her calculations, "now that we've all processed this revelation, can we establish some ground rules?"

"What kind of ground rules?" Sanji asked suspiciously.

"Well, for starters, no making out in common areas," she said firmly. "Some of us eat in that kitchen."

"We weren't making out in-" Sanji started to protest.

"You were totally making out," Usopp interrupted. "I saw tongue."

"USOPP!"

"What? I did!"

"Ground rule number two," Nami continued mercilessly, "no using relationship drama to get out of chores."

"We wouldn't-" Zoro began.

"Ground rule number three: if you break up, you don't get to make us choose sides."

"We're not going to break up!" both men protested simultaneously.

"Famous last words," Nami muttered. "Ground rule number four: Franky gets to soundproof your spaces, because some of us need sleep."

"SUPER!" Franky cheered.

"Ground rule number five: Brook does not get to write explicit songs about your relationship."

"Aww," Brook pouted.

"He can write tasteful romantic ballads," Robin suggested diplomatically.

"Define tasteful," Sanji said nervously.

"Nothing that would make Chopper ask uncomfortable questions," Robin replied.

"Hey!" Chopper protested. "I'm a doctor! I know about-"

"Moving on!" Nami interrupted quickly. "Ground rule number six: no PDA during battles. We need you focused on not dying."

"Obviously," Zoro said.

"You'd be surprised how many couples get distracted during fights," Jinbe observed. "I've seen entire crews decimated because someone was more worried about their partner than the enemy."

"That won't be a problem," Sanji said confidently. "We fight better together than apart anyway."

"Good. Ground rule number seven: you still have to participate in crew activities. No disappearing for days at a time."

"We're not going to abandon the crew for our relationship," Zoro said, sounding offended by the suggestion.

"Ground rule number eight," Luffy suddenly spoke up, his voice more serious than usual. "You have to tell us if you need help with anything. Relationship stuff, fighting stuff, whatever. We're family, and families help each other."

The simplicity and sincerity of the statement hit everyone in the room.

"Luffy..." Sanji's voice was soft.

"I mean it," Luffy continued, looking directly at both of them. "I know you guys are tough and independent and all that, but sometimes everyone needs help. Don't try to handle everything by yourselves just because you're together now."

"We won't," Zoro promised quietly.

"Good," Luffy grinned, his serious moment passing as quickly as it had come. "Now, are there any more rules, or can we have a party?"

"Party?" Chopper's eyes lit up.

"We should celebrate!" Luffy declared. "Our crew just got more awesome!"

"How did our crew get more awesome?" Usopp asked.

"Because now Zoro and Sanji are happy! Happy crew members make the whole crew stronger!"

The logic was pure Luffy, simple, optimistic, and somehow completely accurate.

"I could prepare some special dishes," Sanji offered, automatically falling into his role as the crew's caretaker.

"I'll provide the music!" Brook announced, pulling out his violin again.

"SUPER party preparations!" Franky declared, his modification plans forgotten in favor of party planning.

"I'll manage the budget for supplies", Nami added, her merchant instincts already calculating the cost of a celebration.

"I can make sure everyone stays healthy during the festivities," Chopper offered.

"And I'll document this historic moment," Robin said with amusement.

"I'll ensure the ship remains steady," Jinbe added with a smile.

"And I'll... supervise!" Usopp declared, though nobody was quite sure what he'd be supervising.

As the crew began making enthusiastic plans for an impromptu celebration, Zoro and Sanji found themselves watching from the edge of the group, overwhelmed by the easy acceptance and immediate support.

"They're good people," Sanji murmured, echoing Zoro's earlier words.

"The best," Zoro agreed.

"Hey!" Luffy suddenly grabbed both of them in a stretchy hug, pulling them into the planning circle. "No standing around looking sappy! You're the guests of honor!"

"Guests of honor?" Sanji laughed despite himself.

"Yeah! It's your coming-out party!"

"Luffy, I don't think that's what-" Robin started to correct.

"Nope, coming-out party!" Luffy declared with finality. "We're gonna celebrate you guys coming out of... uh..." He paused, clearly not entirely sure what they had come out of.

"The closet, captain," Robin supplied helpfully.

"Right! The closet! Which is a weird place to hide a relationship, but whatever makes you happy!"

And as the crew dissolved into laughter and party planning, with Luffy's arms still wrapped around his two bickering, embarrassed, happy crewmates, it occurred to everyone present that this was exactly how it should be.

After all, they were the Straw Hat Pirates. They faced every challenge together, celebrated every victory together, and apparently, navigated relationship revelations together too.

Some things never changed. And some things, as it turned out, changed for the better.

As Sanji began pulling ingredients for a feast and Zoro moved to help him despite protests that he'd "just get in the way," the rest of the crew settled into the comfortable chaos of family.

"You know," Usopp said thoughtfully, "I bet this isn't even the weirdest thing that'll happen this week."

"Probably not," Nami agreed cheerfully.

"Definitely not," Robin added with her mysterious smile.

And as Brook began playing a surprisingly tasteful romantic melody, Franky started sketching party decoration plans, Chopper began calculating nutritional needs for a celebration feast, Jinbe moved to help with food preparation, and Luffy bounced around making increasingly elaborate party demands, it became clear that the Straw Hat crew had once again proven their most remarkable quality: their ability to face anything together and come out stronger on the other side.

Even if "anything" happened to be their cook and swordsman finally admitting they were crazy about each other.

-------

The Thousand Sunny sailed peacefully through calm morning waters, the crew slowly waking up after their impromptu celebration. The party had lasted well into the night, featuring Sanji's incredible food, Brook's surprisingly romantic music (though he'd slipped in a few questionable verses when he thought nobody was listening), Franky's emotional speeches about love and family, and enough alcohol to make even Zoro admit that maybe he didn't hate parties quite as much as he claimed.

Now, as the sun rose over the ocean, most of the crew was still asleep, scattered around the deck in various states of happy exhaustion.

Sanji, being Sanji, was already in the kitchen preparing breakfast despite what had to be a considerable hangover. The smell of coffee and cooking food began to drift across the ship.

Zoro, being Zoro, was in the crow's nest, having somehow made it up there despite consuming an impressive amount of sake the night before.

And Luffy, being Luffy, was already awake and heading for the kitchen with single-minded determination.

"Sanji! Food!" he called out as he bounced into the galley.

"Morning, Luffy," Sanji said without turning around, focused on the stove. "Breakfast will be ready soon."

"You look happy," Luffy observed, settling at the table.

Sanji paused in his cooking, a small smile playing at his lips. "Yeah, I guess I am."

"Good. That makes me happy too."

The simple statement, so perfectly Luffy, made Sanji's smile widen.

"Thanks, captain."

"For what?"

"For... accepting us. For making it easy."

Luffy tilted his head, looking genuinely confused. "Why wouldn't I accept you? You're my crew. My family. That's never gonna change."

And there it was, the perfect summary of what made the Straw Hat Pirates special. Family was family, love was love, and nothing was more important than taking care of each other.

"Besides," Luffy added with a grin, "now I get to tease you both about being mushy!"

"We're not mushy," Zoro's voice came from the doorway as he entered the galley, looking surprisingly alert for someone who had drunk as much as he had.

"You made him heart-shaped onigiri yesterday," Luffy pointed out innocently.

Both men went red.

"Those were... aesthetically pleasing rice balls," Sanji said weakly.

"They were hearts, cook."

"Shut up, marimo."

"Make me, dartboard."

And as they fell back into their familiar bickering, with Luffy watching happily and the rest of the crew slowly beginning to stir, it became clear that some things really never changed.

Which, as it turned out, was exactly the way it should be.

After all, they were the Straw Hat Pirates. They sailed together, fought together, celebrated together, and apparently, fell in love together too.

And if their cook and swordsman wanted to express their affection through elaborate insults and heart-shaped rice balls, well... that was just another part of what made them family.