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yesonlyme · 2 years

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;; Midnight Escapades ..

— ;; minific monday ! a oneshot (almost) every monday, usually under 5k words.. (.. usually ..)

>> in which sanji cheers you up.

; words ? ; 4.8k.

; warnings ? ; none.

; genre ? ; fluff/comfort.

; request ? ; no.

; pairing ? ; vinsmoke sanji x reader.

; notes ; first sanji fic !!! this was chosen by the lovely folks in my discord server <3 fem terms used for reader, also sanji is toned down from straight up simp to just a hopeless romantic. fast burn ! bc i was in the mood to write romance. hope u like !!! crossposted on ao3.

You could feel tears pooling at the edges of your eyes, a stray drop rolling down your cheek. You were so embarrassed. Your first date in ages and you’d been stood up. Sitting all alone, three drinks deep, you probably looked pathetic. Running your hands over your face, you let out a sigh, before pulling out your phone. Your last message of, ‘Hey! I’m here!’ had been read by your date, who’d apparently decided you weren’t worth their time. Dropping your phone down on the table, you picked up your wine glass, trying to decide what to do.

While you were busy staring into the swirling depths of your wine, your waiter had stepped up to your table again. In his hand was a new bottle and a notepad, his posture relaxed as smoke from his cigarette drifted toward the ceiling. You weren’t sure if it was code, but it gave him an odd, charming air that you were drawn to. His striking blonde hair covered one eye, and he had a soft smirk on his face. The small name tag on his apron read “Sanji”.

“Ready to order now, darling?” The way he spoke was smooth and full of charisma. “Or would you prefer another refill?” He set the bottle down on the table, prepping his notepad as he readied his pen. Seeing your face drop slightly, his demeanor shifted, and his brow furrowed.

“Ah, no, no thank you.” You hastily wiped your tears. You didn’t need anyone seeing you cry. “Sorry, I‘ll just uhm, get the check.” You trailed off, clutching the fancy napkin in your lap. You had been so excited, dressed up a little nicer than you usually did, and had saved up your paychecks to go to a fancier restaurant, the one you were currently sat in, the Baratie. You had felt so pretty, so happy, now you felt ridiculous. Your dress seemed foolish and tacky, and you definitely looked a scene sitting alone for going on almost two hours, only asking for a refill as you hoped your date would show.

They didn’t.

The waiter, Sanji, looked confused, before he slid his notepad back into his pocket and set an elegant hand on the table. “Was something not to your liking?” He pulled his cigarette from his lips and put it out, blowing the smoke away from you. The man didn’t seem like your usual waiter, more intent and focused on you.

“Oh! Um, no, the wine was lovely.” Your gaze fell back to your hands folded in your lap, and you bit your lip to hide your emotions that threatened to breach the surface. “I didn’t mean to hog a table, I’m sure another group of customers could have used the seats.” You sighed, reaching for your bag and wallet. “I guess it’s what I get, huh? Choosing a fancy restaurant on a first date and they don’t even show.”

Sanji was taken aback for a moment, before a sudden anger and frustration filled his eyes, though it wasn’t directed at you. The way you sent him a wide, half-broken fake smile while you ignored the sparkles of tears that bordered your lashes sent a pang of fury through him. Who would dare to crush your hopes like this? His hand on the table curled into a fist.

“So you were stood up?” It was an unnecessary comment, but he was vocalizing his anger. “What kind of bastard does that to such a sweet lady.” His brows were furrowed as his voice took on a furious tone, a slight growl leaving his throat. You weren’t sure why he was so upset, you were sure that he had to deal with similar situations as a waiter for such a nice restaurant. He had been nothing but charming to you as you were waiting for your date, and now that he was showing such emotion on your behalf somewhat drew you to him.

You nodded slowly, fiddling with your fingers. “…It’s alright! Maybe something came up.” You fed yourself the line in the attempt to make yourself feel better. The waiter seemed to have fire burning in his eyes. “I’ll, um, get out of your way, I'll just pay for the wine.” Lowering your voice, you pulled your card out of your wallet and held it out to the waiter. With a lightly calloused hand, he gently pushed your card away.

“Nah, I’m not going to make you pay for this.” Sanji cracked his knuckles then began to undo his apron, untying the knot from behind his back. You looked at him in confusion. He… wasn’t going to make you pay? What kind of waiter was he?

“What? Why?” You stared up at him as he lay his apron on the table, holding his hand out to you. He sent you a wide smile, his eyes sparkling with pure innocence and excitement.

“I don’t make a habit of disappointing ladies like yourself. I think that bastard has made you suffer enough on your own tonight, what kind of man would I be if I burdened your wallet as well?” His voice was airy and light, and he seemed to have good intentions. You stayed seated, more confused than anything. “C’mon.”

Sticking your wallet back into your bag, you slung it over your shoulder. “Are you.. quitting? What’s going on?” You asked, still unable to really get a read on the situation. He’d taken off his apron, did he decide to quit because you got stood up? It made no sense.

“Oh no, not at all. I just figured I’d offer a lady such as yourself a better evening than having to dwell on being stood up.” You took his hand, standing and gently dusting off your dress. “I’m technically the sous chef here, but I was standing in as a waiter due to lack of staff.” He shrugged, steadying you as you gathered yourself. With a soft smile you went along with it, welcoming a distraction. You knew to be wary of strangers, but the man in front of you seemed genuine and harmless.

Making sure you had all of your things, you let him lead you away from the table. “Oh. That makes sense, I suppose.” You decided not to think too hard on it. The waiter was attractive and warm with his actions, and you’d found yourself drawn to him from the moment you had sat down.

He flashed you a dazzling smile, before stopping by the kitchen. Pausing, he raised his voice enough for the chefs in the kitchen to hear him over the ruckus of their cooking. “HEY OLD MAN! I’M LEAVING EARLY!” Sanji shouted, making sure you were out of the way so he wouldn’t be yelling at you.

“NO THE HELL YOU AREN’T, YOU BRAT!” A loud, brash voice answered, and Sanji just sent a middle finger towards the kitchen, not bothering to respond. You didn’t know how to react, before you held a hand over your mouth to suppress a light giggle. You never expected the gentlemanly chef to have such a harsh side to him.

“You won’t get fired if you shout like that?” You questioned, amused. In an instant he turned back to you, lightly gripping your hand and leading you to the front of the restaurant.

“Probably not.” He shrugged, taking your hand and giving you a light-hearted twirl before moving to hold the front door open for you. “The chef’s like my old man, he’s too soft-hearted to kick me out.” You hadn’t noticed before, but Sanji wore a black double-breasted suit with the sleeves rolled up, something that made him seem endlessly elegant. His gaze was fixed back towards the restaurant as you stepped out, and you took the chance to really look at him.

His jaw was sharp and angled, and his dark goatee seemed to fit him perfectly. The eye that wasn’t covered by his fluffy blonde hair was a lovely steel blue, sparkling and intelligent. His brow had an interesting spiral to it at the end, something that intrigued you in the fact that it suited him. His arms were strong and seemed toned, his hands calloused from what you now knew was likely years of experience in the kitchen.

He turned his head to you, and you quickly spun away, giving him a small thank you as you stepped out onto the street. The lights of the Baratie glowed behind you, the elegant sign above the front door bright and inviting. There weren’t too many people out since it had grown pretty late, the sky fading to shades of dusk and early night. There was a slight chill in the air and you bundled into yourself to fight off the cold.

After noticing your minuscule shiver, Sanji had pulled off his suit jacket in an instant and laid it over your shoulders. “Would hate for a darling like you to catch a cold.” He nodded, resting his hand hesitantly on your lower back. His gesture was welcome, and you weren’t about to reject the warm jacket, but now you worried about him.

“Won’t you be cold then?” You asked him with a gentle smile.

With a shrug, he gave you a comforting smile. “I’d much rather freeze than allow a lady to shiver.” He nodded, his chivalry shining through with everything he did. Though he was basically a stranger, you felt like you could trust him. Speaking of, he seemed to realize in that instant that he didn’t know your name, and made a show out of asking.

With a flourish, he had bowed to one knee in front of you, holding one hand in your grasp as if he was about to propose to you. “Please excuse my incorrigible manners my lady, but may I have the honor of knowing your name?” He was staring up at you like you were made of stars and jewels.

You laughed, and urged him to stand, giving him your name. Even just the knowledge of your name seemed to make him elated. He spun, clasping his hands together as he endlessly mumbled affectionate praises.

“A lovely name for an even lovelier lady!” He cheered, his attitude much different from when he was arguing with the head chef of his restaurant. His nature, however silly, did lighten your mood. Sanji seemed to glow with glee as you lit up with a smile, embarrassment rising to your cheeks as his compliments struck you.

His compliments never seemed to cease, and they began to fluster you thoroughly. It went from subtle ones, like “I’m sure you were out of that damn bastard’s league anyways.” to, “The way your eyes sparkle in the moonlight reminds me of dew in a king’s garden, like jewels in the most extravagant of treasuries.” At this point your stomach was roving with butterflies, and you honestly had never felt prettier. Sanji had a way of speaking that made you feel like the only woman on earth.

“How about we go grab a coffee?” He offered, sure that it would warm the two of you up. It was late, but the night could still be considered young. You didn’t have work the next day and could sleep in if you wanted to, and you didn’t think you were quite ready to cut your evening with Sanji short just yet. Though his jacket was offering you a well of warmth, the tips of your fingers were beginning to feel frigid. In a burst of confidence, you reached for your companion’s hand, slipping into his grasp sheepishly.

“Yeah. That sounds good to me.” You responded with a short nod, becoming more comfortable with the idea that this was a date. Sanji seemed as though he was going to pass out, the combined feeling of your smaller hand tucked neatly into his alongside your soft voice sounding pleasant and happy hit him like a truck. With his free hand he slapped a hand over his face and turned away from you, a heavy flush over his pretty boy features. His mind was racing and he struggled to calm himself down, taking deep breaths to still his pounding heart.

Sanji managed to relax, giving your hand a gentle squeeze. Regaining his dignity, he shot you a dazzling smile that sent your head spinning. He led the way down the street, shortening his strides to match yours. His hand was warm and strong in your grip, something that definitely comforted you. Tugging on him gently, you slipped your joined hands into the pocket of his coat that was still draped over your shoulders. His cheeks were ablaze with heat, his eyes wide as his confusion slowly faded once he realized what you were doing.

You sent him a sunshine-filled smile, and Sanji let out a soft sigh. Managing to keep his cool, the chef just focused his eyes ahead of him. He was unsure if he would be able to form actual words if he had tried to speak. Your sweet nature was making him melt, and he hadn’t even known you for more than an hour. He had ultimately decided that he’d made a good decision choosing to take you out to cheer you up.

The two of you spoke back and forth, conversation flowing easily as you made your way to the small but picturesque coffee shop that was still open. You ordered your favorite, something sweet, and waited patiently as Sanji ordered a simple americano. You moved to pay, but the blonde fervently declined, adding a honeyed croissant to his order before paying for the both of you. You sent him a look, but he just made another remark about how he wouldn’t be a true man if he let a lady pay for her own order.

It didn’t take long for the barista to make your drinks, and soon you had your hands wrapped firmly around the base of a styrofoam cup, enjoying the warmth your drink offered. Sanji took a sip of his americano and let out a satisfied exhale, content with the taste. You blew softly on the steam that rose from yours and waited for it cool before closing your eyes to revel in the sweet flavor.

“Good?” Sanji questioned, something in him a bit disappointed that you no longer had the need to hold his hand to keep warm.

“Mhm! It’s always good, every time I order it.” You nodded, your breath making small clouds in the chilly night air. Leaning further into Sanji’s coat, you sent him a look, curious about the croissant he had purchased. “To be honest, I didn’t peg you as a pastry kind of guy.” You gave a short, soft laugh as the two of you began walking again, off to an unknown destination.

“Oh? Everyone likes pastries, angel.” He grinned wide and gleefully, sending you a smirk. He took the mentioned treat out of the little paper bag the barista had given him and split it evenly, offering half to you which you graciously took. The flaky pastry all but melted on your tongue and it caused you to hum with delight. “See?” Sanji took his own half and savored the sweet honey, pondering thoughtfully for a moment.

“I guess so.” Shrugging, you paused for a moment in your walk when you felt your phone buzz. Your eyes widened when you read a text from your date, and you had to tighten your grip on your coffee for fear of accidentally dropping it.

‘im here. wru?’

Sanji must have noticed your sudden shift in demeanor because he stepped a little closer to you, concern sparking in his bright blue eyes. He didn’t mean to read your texts, but with his short glance he had seen a text from someone who he could only assume was the bastard who had stood you up. From the look of it, he had ignored you for a good two hours, and it sent a wave of fury through the cook. What kind of person left a lady like yourself waiting for two hours? He placed a light but steady hand on the small of your back to make sure you were okay. Somehow you had felt more comfortable with Sanji during the entirety of your short walk than you had when you were messaging your date.

“Everything alright, sweetheart?” He asked, partially in an attempt to make sure you were okay, and partially because he wanted to draw your attention off of your date. That smile you had worn so happily had dropped in an instant the second you had received that text and it was beginning to make Sanji’s blood boil. You looked so divine when you were enjoying yourself, now the bastard had gone and filled your beautiful eyes with apprehension and sorrow. Sanji had never met the guy, but he knew he hated him already.

“Oh, uh, yeah.” You were startled out of your anxious thoughts by his gentle voice, turning to look at him. “Um, my date just said he’s at Baratie.” Your lips quirked downwards as you tried to figure out what to do.

Sanji furrowed his brows and gently tugged you over to a more secluded bench off the sidewalk and next to a cute little park, his hand on your back becoming more of an anchor as your thoughts began to race. Did you go back to the Baratie and pretend as if your date hadn’t left you waiting with no explanation for two hours, or did you stay with Sanji and continue the little coffee date you had found yourself thoroughly enjoying? You felt inclined to return to the restaurant, only because you had set up prior plans even if he hadn’t shown, but what you really wanted to do was stay with the charming blonde cook. Sanji had already treated you better than your date ever had, but your prior engagements still shouted at you.

“That bastard.” You heard Sanji mumble before he stepped a foot or two away to light up a cigarette, making sure to blow the sultry smoke away from where you had seated yourself on the bench. “Do you wanna go back?” He asked, glancing over his shoulder. Annoyance and anger was evident in his tone, but you knew it wasn’t directed at you. It took you a moment before you quietly spoke up.

“…Honestly, no.” You sighed, coming to a conclusion rather easily. “I just feel kind of bad about it since we did make plans and I won’t be showing up.” Your head tilted down as you messed with the styrofoam cup of coffee that you had set in your lap. You used your fingernails to make small indentations, a small frowny face soon evident in the cup’s exterior.

“Why would you feel bad about that? That’s what he did to you. He left you hanging for hours, and he thinks he can just show up now? It’d be perfectly reasonable to tell him to fuck off and block his number. ‘Scuse my language, angel.” He scoffed, unhappily taking a puff of his cigarette as he held his coffee cup loosely in his other hand. It peeved him enough that the guy had the balls to stand you up, but now he was back and demanding your attention. After two hours.

You thought over it, before nodding. “Yeah. I probably will.” Biting your lip, you took a final sip from your coffee cup before disposing of it in a nearby bin. You paced over to Sanji, enjoying the slight heat his body gave off against the cold night air. He glanced down at you and jokingly offered you a puff of his cigarette to cheer you up, but was utterly in shock when you took it from his hand and took a long drag. His eyes widened and for a split second, Sanji thought he was in love.

You exhaled and watched the smoke drift away, still burdened by too many thoughts. The feeling of a short nicotine rush cleared your head for a second before everything came rushing back. You made a move to take another drag, but Sanji slipped the cigarette out of your fingers before you could. “Careful, princess, these’ll kill ya.” He sent you a comforting smile, to which you sighed and returned.

Tugging at his tie to loosen it, Sanji shoved his hands into his pockets and watched the smoke from his cigarette dissipate into the night. Your heart felt weighed down still by your date’s texts. The chef glanced over at you and tilted his head, before holding out a hand to you. You had no hesitancy in your mind when you took it, letting him lead you into the park. The usual bright colors of the neatly kept flowerbeds were dulled by the low light, everything cast in a silver glow from the bright crescent moon.

Humming along to some tune in his head, Sanji led you to an open part of the park, before stepping underneath the arched roof of a round gazebo. He waited until you were set on your feet before he spun you gracefully, a delighted laugh leaving your lips. His hum increased in volume as he began to lead you in a dance, skillfully stepping with you in time to an invisible rhythm. A content smirk settled on the man’s face as he held you carefully, his eyes taking in the sight of you gleefully going along with his movements.

The two of you danced around the gazebo, laughter filling the air as you felt pure elation building in your chest. Sanji picked up on it, a heavy blush evident on his cheeks. “You’re beautiful.” His softly whispered words drew you to a halt, glancing over at his awestruck face. He seemed utterly taken aback, his eyes wide. Quickly regaining his senses, he slapped a hand over his face and leaned back against one of the short railings creating the outline of the gazebo. Embarrassment was abated in his expression, obviously he didn’t mean to speak with so much intent in such a serious tone.

Your heart warmed, and you could feel heat rising to your own cheeks as you stepped closer to him. “So are you.” You responded, sending him a smile that held the sun, moon, and stars. You had really never felt so attached to someone so quickly, you yearned to learn more about the man in front of you, something about him piqued your curiosity.

His blue eyes widened, and he pulled his cigarette from his lips to let out the sweetest laugh you’d ever heard. He ran his hand up his face and through his hair, leaning his head to the side as he rested his eyes on you. “I never expected I’d be complimented by an angel.” Exhaling a puff of smoke, he pushed himself up, dreading the words he was about to say.

The night had grown long and cold, and it was beyond midnight. He wanted to keep you well into the morning, talk about nothing and just enjoy your presence. But he could also see the tiredness creeping into your features, the small yawns you hid behind your palm. Your eyes blinked slowly, and your breaths were long and deep. Catching you on the trail end of a yawn, Sanji put his cigarette out and dusted himself off.

“Alright, sweetheart. It’s getting late and you’re getting tired. Can’t have you falling asleep on the way home.” He leaned over you slightly, resting his hands casually in his pockets. You gave a joking pout, before you stretched and nodded.

“Yeah, that’s fair.” Tucking your hands in the sleeves of his jacket, you frowned at the idea of giving it up. You’d found it more comfortable then you had expected, draping over your form. “Thanks for.. y’know.” You gestured vaguely. “Helping me out. I had fun.” You sent him a smile that shocked him to his core, and he turned his face away to hide his utter dismay at having to bring your mini date to an end.

“Anything for you, darling.” He managed to wink, hastily gathering his dignity. “Allow me to walk you back to your car? I assume you drove to the Baratie.” He offered you his hand. Part of the reason that he suggested walking you back was to prolong his time with you, and the other was to make sure you got back to your vehicle safely. It was late and dark, and he wouldn’t forgive himself if something happened while you were on your own and he could have made sure you were safe.

“Oh! Yeah, that would be nice, thank you.” You took his hand as he led you out of the park and back down the sidewalk. Exhaustion was beginning to tug at your limbs. You lightheartedly swung your joined hands, making Sanji smirk down at you. You had him on cloud nine with every cute motion you made. Eventually you leaned into his side, the blonde man happily supporting you. He was thankful somewhat for the dark and your sleepiness, you weren’t able to see the dark blush across his face.

He carefully put an arm around you, making sure you were alright with it, before he tugged you a little bit closer. It had only been an hour or two since he’d pulled you from the Baratie on a hare-brained whim to cheer you up, but now it was the best part of his day— week, even. You had felt safe and comfortable the entire time you were with him, establishing a connection that you felt eager to explore.

You weren’t sure if it was the wine in your system, but nonetheless a wave of confidence flowed through you. Standing on your tiptoes, you pressed a light, appreciative kiss to Sanji’s cheek, causing him to freeze and tense up. His fists clenched as he struggled to keep himself together, his heart pounding out of his chest. “Thank you, Sanji.” The way his name rolled off your tongue was the breaking point for him, and he pulled away, hiding his face in his hands. He took a deep breath before knocking his head back and staring up at the night sky.

“You’re something else. I think you might be the death of me when I take you out again.” He chuckled to himself, his romantic nature setting loose as he had already made plans in his head to take you on a proper date.

“When you take me out again?” Sanji glanced over his shoulder at your words, his eyes growing wide as a sheepish grin stretched over his face. You definitely weren’t against the idea.

A sunshine-filled smile lit up your expression, and the chef felt internally relieved when he realized he hadn’t spooked you off. Regaining his confidence, he bowed with a flourish, sending you a teasing wink.

“Of course, I’d like to take you on a proper date, angel, if you’d let me.”

“I’d like that a lot.”

The two of you shared gleeful expressions as you neared the Baratie, content in the glow of each other. Sanji brought you to the front door then followed you to your car, leaning on your window once you’d rolled it down. He looked picturesque, his strong arms rested on the frame while his face was accentuated by golden streetlights and silver moonlight. He sent you a charming smile before suddenly remembering to ask for your number, to which you laughed and obliged. He sent you a short text to make sure you had gotten his number in return, and you saved his number to your contacts.

“I had a nice time. Thank you for the coffee.” You nodded, leaning back into your seat as you admired the way the soft breeze shifted his fluffy hair. You hated to leave, but he probably had to help close up, and you didn’t want to keep him long enough to become a nuisance. You satisfied yourself with the thought that you’d meet up again.

“Anytime! I’m glad I could help cheer you up a bit. Broke my heart seeing such a pretty thing upset.” He grinned, before giving your door a light tap and sending you a wink. He was as charming as ever. “Get home safe, alright angel?” Your heart fluttered in your chest at his words. You bid each other goodnight, and you drove off, watching Sanji wave you off in your rear view mirror.

It was only when you’d made it home that you realized you still wore Sanji’s thick suit jacket, panicking for a second before you shot him a text.

‘hey!!!! i forgot to return your jacket!!!!’

You smiled warmly at his response, clutching your phone to your chest.

‘No worries, princess. You can return it on our next date ;)’

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