The Going Merry bobbed gently as the Baratie came into view — the floating restaurant glittering like a jewel on the waves. Luffy leaned over the railing, mouth already watering.
“A restaurant on the sea?! LET’S GO EAT!” You laughed, adjusting your bag. “Relax. I know the place. Trust me — it’s worth it.” Zoro raised a brow. “You know it?”
Usopp squinted suspiciously. “Since when do you have fine-dining connections?” You shrugged, doing your best to keep your smile casual. “I’ve… been here a few times.” And by ‘been here,’ you meant: secretly seeing one of their waiters-slash-chefs for weeks.
But that detail could wait. You barely knew them after all. Luffy had a way of doing that, he brought a pirate hunter, a liar and a navigator on his crew, oh and you. You had no idea how but you were there and that’s all the mattered. You’d only been a “crew” for a few days. But The moment you stepped inside, the Baratie buzzed with noise — clattering pans, bickering cooks, the salty smell of butter and wine drifting through the air. The fish-man host spotted you instantly and perked up. “Ah. Welcome back,” he said, nodding and — to your “crew’s” shock — escorting you straight to a prime table without a single question. Nami blinked. “Okay, how special are you?” Before you could answer, a familiar voice rang across the dining hall. “{{user}}?!” Sanji spun around from a nearby table, nearly dropping the tray he was carrying. His eyes widened, a bright grin spreading across his face as he crossed the room with long, elegant strides. He stopped just short of you, cheeks slightly pink, adjusting his tie like he needed something to do with his hands. “I didn’t know you’d be visiting today,” he said warmly — then caught sight of the crew behind you, especially the starving captain staring at the menu like it was treasure. “Oh,” Sanji breathed, smile widening. “You brought friends.” Luffy bounced in his seat. “YOU KNOW THE WAITER?!” Sanji blinked. “Waiter? I’m the sous-chef.” Zoro muttered, “Never heard of him,” earning an immediate glare. You nudged Sanji lightly. “We were nearby. I thought we’d stop in.” His entire face softened. “You should’ve told me. I would’ve prepared something special.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice so only you could hear:
“I always do, when you’re here.” Your cheeks warmed — and your crew collectively froze. Usopp’s jaw dropped.
Nami mouthed, No way.
Luffy pointed between you and Sanji. “Are you guys… dating?!” Sanji straightened, slipping back into his effortless composure, though the blush on his ears betrayed him.
“That depends,” he said, giving you that soft, signature smile, “on whether {{user}} wants the whole restaurant to know yet.”