Tales of the Sea [Sanji x OC]

Chapter 15: Operation Romeo

After the recent pirate skirmish, the Straw Hat Pirates were in desperate need of some rest and relaxation. A day on land to unwind and explore the city was exactly what they needed. The Going Merry was anchored off the exotic island of Serenitha, a name that evoked images of vibrant colors, bustling markets, and an air thick with the scents of spices and perfumes. The city's architecture was a fusion of different cultures, reflecting the diverse influences that had shaped it over the years. It was a place where creativity thrived, and every corner seemed to tell a story.

They had heard rumors of Serenitha's grand bazaars, luxurious spas, and mouthwatering street food. It was a paradise for indulgence, and the crew couldn't wait to dive into the vibrant culture of the island.

Segal, in particular, was brimming with excitement. Over the months she had spent as part of the crew, she had discovered a newfound love for self-care and pampering. She relished in the little luxuries she couldn't enjoy during her isolation. From getting her hair done to having her nails meticulously painted, from clothes shopping to indulging in pedicures and rejuvenating face masks, Segal had become a connoisseur of self-love and personal care.

As the Going Merry docked at the bustling harbor of Serenitha, Segal couldn't contain her enthusiasm. She was ready to immerse herself in the sensory delights of the city, sampling its offerings to her heart's content. With a radiant smile, she joined Nami as she disembarked onto the lively streets.

Sanji, on the other hand, had been nursing a secret for some time now. After his earlier bout of jealousy and a longing that grew stronger with each passing day, he had finally decided to make a move. He wanted to ask Segal out on a date, a real date where he could express his feelings. He had gathered the entire crew, minus Segal, for a secret meeting to discuss his plan—an project dubbed "Operation Romeo."

The crew members minus Segal, all in on the plan, made a pact to make "Operation Romeo" successful. The constant teasing Zoro, Usopp and Luffy threw over him was yet another factor to make this operation succesful. 

However, Nami, always perceptive and savvy, took it upon herself to ensure that Segal wouldn't stumble upon the foundation of "Operation Romeo." The project itself was simple—a romantic picnic on the deck of the Going Merry, with only Sanji and Segal in attendance. Yet, the crew was determined to keep it a surprise until the right moment.

With Segal none the wiser, Nami became her trusted guide for the day. While Nami didn't share Segal's love for pampering and self-care, she recognized its significance in this situation. Nami led Segal to every beauty salon, hairdresser, nail artist, and boutique on the island. Hair styled to perfection, nails painted a pristine white, a backless white dress that complemented Segal's sun-kissed complexion, and a soft, natural makeup look that accentuated her features—all these elements combined to transform Segal into a vision of elegance and beauty.

As Segal marveled at her reflection, Nami couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in her handiwork. Segal was a work of art, a masterpiece of beauty that would undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.

Nami, however, still had one last task to complete before revealing the surprise to Segal. She instructed Segal to head back to the ship and meet up with the others, citing a need to finalize some details. Segal, completely unaware of the impending romantic evening ahead, nodded and made her way back to the Going Merry.

Onboard, the crew was busy putting the finishing touches on Sanji's perfect picnic. Luffy was stringing up small lights around and on the mast of the ship, creating a magical atmosphere with their soft glow. Candles were carefully lit, casting warm flickering light over the deck. Usopp kept watch, ready to announce Segal's arrival, while Zoro couldn't resist poking fun at Sanji's meticulous preparations.

Usopp, feeling the weight of the moment, couldn't help but warn Sanji with a teasing grin. "Uh, dude," he said, in awe. "She's coming.'' He turned his head towards the chef onboard. ''You are going to faint.'' He smirked.

The rest of the crew swiftly made their exit, leaving Sanji alone with his thoughts and anxieties. As Segal stepped onto the dock where the Going Merry was at, her eyes widened in awe at the scene before her. The deck had been transformed into a picturesque setting.

As Segal's footsteps approached the deck of the Going Merry, Sanji's heart raced with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. He had meticulously planned this romantic surprise, pouring his heart and soul into every detail, hoping to create a perfect evening for Segal.

Sanji's eyes were fixed on the entrance, and when he saw Segal step onto the deck, his breath caught in his throat. She was a vision of beauty, radiant and elegant in her backless white dress, her hair styled to perfection, and her nails painted a pristine white. The soft, natural makeup enhanced her features, making her look even more enchanting.

He couldn't help but feel a sense of awe as she approached the picnic, her eyes widening in delight at the romantic setup. The soft glow of the lights, the flickering candles, and the aroma of the delicious food filled the air with an aura of magic. Sanji was momentarily lost in admiration of Segal's beauty, and he silently thanked Nami for her assistance.

Segal couldn't contain her excitement as she noticed the blankets strewn with bowls of delicious food—fruit, vegetables, crackers, and tantalizing dips. A bottle of red wine awaited them, flanked by two crystal glasses. She marveled at the warm, freshly prepared meals that filled the air with enticing aromas. It was like a dream come true.

''Whoa.'' She whispered softly, appreciating this work of art in front of her.

She looked around the prepared dishes and noticed something peculiar—the coriander was placed separately on the side, not incorporated into any dish. It was a small detail, but it struck her as odd. It was out of character for Sanji. 

As Segal turned to Sanji with a warm smile, her heart filled with gratitude for the effort he had put into this surprise. She couldn't help but ask in amazement, "You did this?"

Sanji, his heart swelling with a mix of happiness and nervousness, met Segal's gaze, captivated by her radiant beauty. He nodded, his voice filled with sincerity, "Yes, Segal, I did.'' He managed to say under the pressure of his own nerves. 

His eyes locked onto hers, and he couldn't help but feel a rush of affection. The soft glow of the candlelight cast a warm and intimate atmosphere around them, making the moment feel magical. Sanji's heart yearned to convey his true feelings, but he held back, his cheeks slightly flushed.

Instead, he simply added, "I hope you like it."

"I really do.'' She said, her gratitude expressed in her eyes. ''Where are the others?" she asked innocently, her gaze wandering back to the enticing spread. Sanji, caught off guard by Segal's presence and his own nerves, stammered, "uh- I don't know."

As the two of them stood there, Segal couldn't shake the feeling that something extraordinary was happening. Her mind raced with questions. It was the seemingly insignificant detail of the coriander that finally made her question so many things. Was the infamous blonde chef okay?

Segal played with her fingers as she stood there, under the dimly lit mast. Were the others even coming? Why were there only two wine glasses displayed? Was it just for the two of them? It couldn't be.. 

Sanji, his heart pounding in his chest, had planned to give Segal a rose as he confessed his feelings. Yet, the overwhelming moment and his own anxiety got the better of him. He tossed the rose aside, hoping to keep the surprise intact for just a little while longer.

Unbeknownst to both of them, the evening was just beginning, and the stars above bore witness to a night filled with surprises, secrets, and the perhaps blossoming of a new romance.