One night, after yet another successful raid, Sanji found Zoro leaning against the railing of the ship, staring up at the stars. Sanji joined him, and they stood there in silence, enjoying the cool air and the warm glow of the lights from the nearby port.
"you know," Zoro finally said, breaking the silence, "I often wonder what it would be like to settle down."
Sanji raised an eyebrow. "Really?"
Zoro shrugged. "Sometimes, I think about what it would be like to have a family. To have someone to look forward to come home to. Someone who loves me for who I am, the real me and not just for what I can do." Sanji listened, feeling a strange lump forming in his throat. He had always known that Zoro had a sweet and sensitive spot, despite his tough exterior. But he had never realized just how deep those feelings went. he thought with a soft look towards zoro.
"You know," Sanji replied softly, "I sometimes think about those things too."
Zoro turned to look at him, with a surprised look on his face. "You do?, never thought you would".
Sanji nodded. "Yes. Ever since we started sailing together, I've found myself thinking about what it would be like to spend my life with someone. like you... Someone who's always there, someone who trusts me." Zoro's expression stiffed and then softened, he reached out to take Sanji's hand. "Sanji-" But before he could finish, Sanji leaned in and pressed his lips against Zoro's. The kiss was soft and gentle, it took all of Sanji's willpower not to deepen it. But there was something so intimate about that moment, something so special, that he didn't want to ruin it.
When they finally pulled apart...
They both stood there, silent and stunned. Sanji couldn't believe what he had just done... it was such a bold move, but he didn't regret it. Zoro was looking at him with wide eyes, his cheeks blushing a deep dark red.
"Sanji..." he said softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "What was that?"
Sanji's heart was pounding fast. He had never heard zoro call him by his name other than dumb-cook or curly brows. he also had never told Zoro how he truly felt, how much he cared about him, how much he loved him...
But at that moment, it all came pouring out.
"Zoro," he said, his voice shaking slightly. "I...I love you." He said looking down.
Zoro's expression changed from confusion to pure joy, his eyes sparkled with happiness. He pulled Sanji into a tight hug, holding him close. "Sanji," he said, with his voice choked with pure emotions. "I love you too. I always have." he said hiding his smirking face. Sanji felt like he could melt into Zoro's arms, he felt like nothing else mattered at that moment. They stayed like that for what felt like forever, just holding each other.
