Chapter Text
The thousand sunny is anchored at a small and cozy island — warm and gentle weathered, just perfect to spend some time and relax. Luffy has already gone off to God knows where, Nami and Robin are going shopping, Chopper and Brook are off to eat something delicious and have fun, Franky and Ussop are planning to buy some parts, Zoro is, well, lost. And, you, just like always, are grouped up with the cook — Sanji.
You love Sanji's presence, he makes you smile and makes you feel safe. You and Sanji always go around the market shopping for groceries and for yourselves from locals.
So, like always, you and Sanji are going together today. After navigating through the streets, both of you reach the main market of the island — bustling with people. Your eyes twinkle as you look around the market. Sanji smiles seeing you so relaxed and happy around him.
While looking around various stalls, your gaze falls upon a pair of earrings, which rather attracts your eye. Your eyes glitter with sparkles as you stare at the ornament in front of you — sparkly, shiny, beautifully crafted. You had always had a love for ornaments and accessories.
Noticing the particular piece of earring has piqued your interest, Sanji says, "They are beautiful, Mon amour. They would look gorgeous on you."
You face him with a bright smile on your face, "You think so?", he nods appreciatively.
"You can have a closer look at them, young lady", the shopkeeper suggests handing you the pair.
You take them and hold them up on the sides of your face for Sanji to see, "What do you think?", you ask softly.
"They are absolutely gorgeous. You're looking amazinggggg~", he swoons, you smile at his overpraising, "okay okay, I got it."
You tell the shopkeeper that you're buying these. He tells you the prize and you reach your pocket to take out your wallet, but, Sanji stops you immediately,
"No, darling, how can I let a lady like you pay when I'm around?", he says and pays without waiting for a response.
You sigh softly, he always does this when you're with him. Taking the earrings you just bought, you and Sanji move ahead into the bustling market talking about how he always pays for your stuff.
Sanji is talking about how a man should pay when out with a woman, "come on, y/n-chan, a man should pay for the lady always!—", he goes on and on. But his voice starts blurring out from your ears, as your gaze falls upon the man up ahead the path. All the noise from around you fades into the distance, you get cold feet at the plain sight of the man, your blood runs cold, your breath quickens, your hands start trembling, your expression grows pale.
'What is he doing here? Why is he here? Why? What do I do? How can I—', your mind starts panicking while your body freezes up completely.
Noticing you had halted, Sanji turns, "Y/n-chan? What's wrong?", he asks immediately getting back to your side, but you can't hear him at all. Everything else blurs out from your vision except for that man.
Fear runs into your blood, you want to get away from here but your body won't move.
Sanji's hands come onto your shoulders gently shaking you, "Y/n-chan, is everything okay? Are you alright?", the cook asks, concern evident in his voice and gaze.
Your pale expression tells him enough, he looks around to get the idea of what or who you're staring at.
He pinpoints to a group of men just up ahead, "Is it one of them?", he questions more to himself than you.
"Y/n-chan! Y/n-chan!", he gently tries to bring your senses back but it's no use, so, he takes your hand guiding you out of the bustling market hoping it would help you somehow.
Once away from prying eyes and the bustling market, your knees give up on you, falling to ground, your breath comes out in gasps. '
Why? When I tried so hard to forget everything? When I was finally enjoying myself.. Why did—'
Your mind swirls into the memories of the past. Sanji crouches down to your level, "Y/n-chan! Are you alright? Let me help y—", he reaches out to help you back to your feet, but stops when you clench onto his neat and ironed coat. Sensing the tremble from your body, he covers your hand with his own — gentle and comforting.
"I-it's-s h-him.. H-he's-s h-here-ehe.. W-why-yy? I-i i-it's-s..", you stutter out, tears had started rolling down your cheeks before you knew it.
Seeing you break down in front of him like this is shattering his heart. He has never seen you react so strongly to something or someone. You're a strong and vibrant woman, and to him, one of the strongest he knows.
He just pulls you into a warm embrace, gently rubbing your back as you cry into his chest. He doesn't say anything, he doesn't question, he just stays — bringing a comforting and supporting presence.
You soak his coat in your tears, you don't know how long you have been crying, but he's just supporting you and staying with you throughout, listening to your gibberish stutters which don't even make sense to him and reassuring you that you have him. After what feels like ages, your tears have started subsidizing and you start to calm down.
You pull away from him slightly, having soaked his coat with your tears. He gently wipes your cheeks, your tear streaked face tugs at his heart.
You sniffle softly, "Are you feeling better now?", he asks softly, fixing your hair which has messed up a bit. You nod quietly not wanting to speak in a breaking voice.
He gently helps you back to your feet, "Wanna head back to sunny?", he asks in a gentle voice, there's no rush in his voice. It's comforting and relaxing.
"I- what-t if- he's there.. again? He's on this island.. I don't wanna- I can't-", you manage to voice out.
Sanji gives you a reassuring smile, "You don't have to be afraid of anyone. I'm with you, y/n-chan! I won't let anyone lay a finger on you!", he reassures you softly.
"Do you trust me?", he asks gently, you nod in agreement.
Once confirmed, you and Sanji head back to the Sunny. To your relief, you guys don't run into that man on your way back.
Sanji is smoking near the railing of the ship, puffing smoke into the air. You walk up to him, "Sanji-san, thank you so much for today! I mean it. I really- I really don't know what I would have done without you."
You show your gratitude to him for his help today. He smiles softly taking a puff from his cigarette, "The pleasure's mine, mademoiselle."