knots and kisses

chapter 8

꒰ Sanji's POV ꒱

"Ughhh...Mmh..." Waking up feeling suffocated and warm was not how I imagined starting my day. I blinked, disoriented, and realized I was squeezed between Luffy and Ace. Both of them were cuddling me tightly, their limbs wrapped around me like a human blanket.

What do I do now? I don't wanna wake them up... Ugh, this is uncomfortable. I had never been this close to anyone before, not even my own brothers...

After a while, Luffy stirred, his eyes fluttering open. He grinned widely, immediately noticing I was awake. "Sanji! Good morning!" he exclaimed, squeezing me tighter.

Ace woke up shortly after, his eyes half-open but alert. "Morning," he said, his voice husky with sleep.

Before I could respond, Luffy shouted, "RACE TO THE BATHROOM!" leaping out of bed and dashing out of the room. Ace followed close behind, leaving me alone in the room.

I sat up slowly, feeling a mixture of relief and bewilderment. What just happened? I ran a hand through my hair, trying to shake off the remnants of sleep.

I got up and stretched, my muscles feeling a bit stiff from the awkward sleeping position. Deciding to freshen up, I made my way to the bathroom, only to find Luffy and Ace in the midst of their morning routine. Luffy was brushing his teeth with such enthusiasm that toothpaste foam was flying everywhere. Ace was leaning against the sink, a relaxed smile on his face.

"Morning, Sanji," Ace greeted me, his eyes lighting up when he saw me.

Didn't we say good morning to each other already? "... Good morning, mind if I join?" I replied.

"Of course not," Ace said, stepping aside to make room for me.

I squeezed in between them, reaching for the new toothbrush they gave me yesterday. As I brushed my teeth, I couldn't help but feel a sense of belonging. I wish my brothers were this fun.

Their grandpa cleared his throat behind us, drawing everyone's attention. "You boys have been lazing around too much, it's time you learned a thing or two from the wild. You're going camping."

"Camping? That sounds awesome!" Luffy exclaimed.

Ace grinned, equally enthusiastic. "Count me in! It's been a while since we had a good adventure."

Grandpa Garp's gaze shifted to me, and I felt a sudden wave of fear. "And you'll be taking Sanji with you," he announced. "In place of your brother Sabo, who isn't here."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Wait, what? I don't even know anything about camping!"

Luffy and Ace immediately got close, surrounding me with eager grins. "Come on, Sanji! It'll be fun!" Luffy urged, his eyes shining with excitement.

"Yeah, it'll be great!" Ace added, clapping me on the back.

I looked between them. "I don't know... I mean, my mama is probably worried."

Grandpa Garp chuckled. "I'll tell your folks you're doing just fine."

"But⏤" Before I could protest further, Luffy and Ace had already started making plans, talking over each other in their excitement. "We'll need to pack some food and supplies," Luffy said, his mind already racing ahead.