Work Text:
Sanji was putting a little too much focus into the meal he was preparing in front of him. Dear Nami had popped in for lunch right before the rush, but it seemed she was actually the start of it.
His small bistro was packed as usual, his workers around him just as busy as he was. Including the annoyingly persistent construction workers currently tearing apart his bar on the other side of the wall.
Though not totally in the way of business, they were still enough of a distraction from his work. Specifically a green haired bastard who consumed his every waking thought any time he was in close proximity to the man.
There was a shift at the kitchen opening and Sanji rolled his eyes as the man approached yet again, somehow managing to lose his way into the kitchen when the bar was on the other side of the wall.
“You’re lost again, Mosshead.” Sanji grit out, still focusing on the meal prep. He caught the other man’s stunted reaction. His shoulders stiffening before swinging around with a glare.
If Sanji was a lesser man, he was sure Zoro’s one eyed glare would have him quiver out of fear, instead it made him quiver for a different reason.
“Just makin’ sure we didn’t bust through the wall, Curls. Don’t throw a fit,” Zoro shot back and Sanji scoffed at his obviously fake answer. He hadn’t even heard any banging from the other side recently.
Zoro started walking away, back towards a second opening in the bar wall that let out right next to the new feature. Against Sanji’s better judgment he glanced at the man’s backside while leaving.
He was wearing some tattered jeans that were tucked into some work boots. Since they were doing light construction work he was wearing a long sleeved green and white checkered flannel over a black tank top.
Sanji had had the pleasure of seeing underneath that thanks to Zoro’s affinity of removing it inside the establishment before heading out back for a break. He had another deep looking scar that cut diagonally across his chest that Sanji wondered how he even got, let alone managed to survive.
Sanji knew he was caught too deep.
He ceased his gawking and quickly finished his task in order to hand deliver it to his precious mellorine. He got it prepared and left the kitchen before swooping in front of her with a flourish, placing the plate down delicately.
“For you my love, a finely chopped and prepared salad with mandarin oranges, as requested.” Sanji rattled off and Nami gave a polite laugh before yanking Sanji down into the seat across from her.
“So, it doesn’t take twenty years to make a salad, especially for you. Is Zoro here today?” She asked mischievously.
Sanji quickly shushed her and peeked behind him to make sure said moss wasn’t around before speaking, “Okay yes he’s here, but he wandered into the kitchen again and I had to see him out,” Sanji reasoned.
She didn’t buy it for a minute, “Yeah okay you “saw” him out alright. Saw him up and down and with a lecherous gaze I can only assume.” Nami grinned and Sanji had no choice but to concede and he nodded.
“Look… if he didn’t want to be gawked at he shouldn’t look so appealing,” Sanji tried to argue but he knew he would get nowhere with her. She knew how bad he had it.
“Why not ask him out?” Nami said, finally starting to eat her meal. Sanji watched her eat a few bites and while he would never say it out loud he was so pleased at how much she liked his food.
“Can you not tell? He’s totally straight. The man’s a construction worker for heaven’s sake.”
“So? Like that matters,” Nami said, gesturing heavily to herself, “you think I look like an obvious lesbian?” She questioned and while she had somewhat of a point, he wasn’t going to take her bait.
Sanji just shook his head and felt like he needed a smoke, or to get back to work. “I just don’t want to make it awkward if he’s not. The bar needs at least two more months and that’s a long time being around someone if they reject you. Not to mention, what if he quits? Santoryu are the best builders in the city for this project and I don’t want to lose them.”
“Okay fine, I can get that.” Nami went back to her food for a few minutes while they sat in companionable silence. “What if we could find out if he was into guys or not?”
Sanji was afraid of this happening and voiced his discontent immediately, “Oh no, not this again. Don’t try this again, every time I see Ace now I feel like a fool.”
“Okay and? We found out Ace was bi through it! Granted he was already in a relationship and unavailable but you have to admit it worked!” Nami reasoned and yet again Sanji had to begrudgingly agree.
“It depends on who all would be involved. I refuse for there to be more than three of you trying.”
“Four. It’ll be me, Vivi, Usopp and Luffy.” Nami held up her fingers and counted off.
“Why Luffy?”
“He just has a sense, you know? He was able to bag Law and we all thought he was straight.” Sanji reluctantly nodded and agreed again. How Luffy managed to do that still amazed him.
Sanji sighed and rested his arms on the table. He knew there wasn’t anything he could do to stop it when Nami had a plan, “Okay. When do we start?” He asked reluctantly.
“Oh, right now.” Nami grinned as she adjusted her top to have her boobs look more pronounced and she quickly left their table.
Sanji panicked internally watching her leave. He got up and followed immediately but instead of going to the bar he ducked behind to the kitchen, to the back opening that led right out to the bar. He kept his body from showing through the opening and listened.
“Excuse me,” He heard Nami say. Sanji couldn’t bear not being able to see anything, but he made due with only hearing their conversation.
“Well yes ma’am, is there anything we can do for you?” One of the other workers said first, Sanji knowing immediately that it wasn’t Zoro who answered. It was one of the other two, Johnny maybe? He couldn’t quite remember which was which.
“I was hoping to speak to him,” Her voice carried a saccharine sweetness to it and Sanji was amused at her actions. He really did have some good friends.
A grunt came in reply and even though he wanted to sleep with the man, he also wanted to knock some manners into him for not speaking to a lady properly.
“Yes, you. So I couldn’t help but notice how hard you’re working. I could buy you something to drink if you’re interested?”
Johnny and Yosaku both started talking at the same time, accepting her offer and trying to speak up over each other.
“I wasn’t talking to you all. I was asking him .” She emphasized and Sanji was glad he couldn’t be seen because he had a hand over his mouth trying hard not to laugh.
“Uh, no thanks. I’m alright,” Zoro replied.
“Oh, are you sure? It’s really no problem,” Nami must really be putting in the work now, considering he could practically hear the other two on the side of the wall drooling.
“Yeah, I’m fine. And also busy, so if you don’t need anything else?”
“No, okay that was it. Have a nice one then.”
He heard her heels clicking against the floor and before he knew it she was at the main kitchen opening, adjusting her tank top to reconceal her goods.
“What’s the verdict?” Sanji asked carefully while approaching.
“Honestly, I don’t know. I mean he looked at my body, but he was so hard to read I couldn’t tell if he was trying to hide that he was looking, or if he was just… observing.”
“Just observing? Not even a second glance?” He asked motioning to her figure.
“Yeah, like he was just acknowledging I was in front of him and a human? It was so weird. He didn’t seem interested in me at all.”
“Well it’s inconclusive. Guess it goes to Vivi now?” Sanji leaned against the wall with his arms folded.
“I’m bringing them all tomorrow, be prepared for a Luffy feast.” Nami said getting straight to business, “We’ll be here all day, I’m canceling everything for me and Vivi.”
Sanji started sputtering in response, “Uh no, that’s not necessary. You don’t even know what Usopp and Luffy are doing tomorrow.”
“Well Luffy doesn’t do much of anything so I’m sure he’s free. I’m calling Usopp now,” She said with her phone already to her ear. Sanji didn’t even get a moment to speak up, “Usopp? I’m calling in a bet reward you owe me. Clear your schedule for tomorrow and meet at Sanji’s bistro at 7AM sharp.”
Not even waiting for a response she hung up the phone and immediately started texting. Sanji felt his phone vibrate in his pocket.
“Just started a group chat between us, that way we can be discreet and you can see what we say without bothering you when you’re working.” She said matter of factly.
“Nami this really is too much,” Sanji tried to argue, but she just grinned.
“No it isn’t. Plus it’s fun. How good of a story will it be if we find out he is into guys and you all get together?”
“Can’t argue with that I suppose,” Sanji agreed and Nami threw her arms around Sanji’s neck in a farewell hug.
“See you tomorrow,” She spoke into his hair and he in turn gently wrapped his arms around her.
“Yeah, see you.” He released her and she went back to her table to gather her things before leaving. The sound of the doorbell chiming over the rest of the restaurant.
After that, the work day seemed to dwindle and slow until it had reached the end of business hours. Since Sanji was the owner he liked to make sure everything was in top shape for his opening in the mornings, leading him to be the first one in and last one out nearly every day.
He wasn’t completely alone though. As though the universe wanted to play some cruel joke on him, Zoro stayed behind late every night, even when Sanji stayed hours after close.
The first time it happened, Sanji told him he should leave. He didn’t want Zoro to overwork himself.
Zoro simply said: “You’re working late to make sure everything is in order. Why shouldn’t I do the same? I take a lot of pride in my work, and I can tell you do the same.”
After that he knew he would be trouble.
Not even in a physical sense. The conviction in which Zoro delivered that line nearly had him swooning into the man’s arms that night. And that had happened nearly three weeks ago now.
So there they were again, Sanji cleaning up with Zoro still working on something else on the other side of the wall. Since they both stayed pretty late almost nightly, Sanji had started saving some of the leftovers of the day and giving them to Zoro to take home.
He was boxing up some pasta and some bread he had made earlier when Zoro showed up at the kitchen entrance. He was covered in drywall spackling, even having some on his cheek that Sanji was sure he didn’t know was there. It was so charmingly adorable.
“Almost time to head out?” Zoro questioned and Sanji nodded in response. Since he always parked in the back, he’d been letting Zoro out the front for the final locking and would head out the back himself.
As they walked to the front door Sanji handed Zoro his to-go box. “A late dinner,” He said plainly and Zoro took the box with ease.
Sanji opened the door for Zoro to exit and before he got too far, Zoro stopped and turned around, “I don’t think I’ve ever told you, but the food you make is the best I’ve ever had.”
Sanji almost combusted right there, but managed to save himself with a cough and a laugh, “Well, I learned from the actual best. But I appreciate the compliment, Mosshead,” Sanji responded and hoped it was dark enough to hide the blush on his face.
Zoro just nodded in agreement, “Anytime, Curls. Have a good night,” He said walking to his truck, conveniently parked across the street.
Sanji saw him off with a wave and watched him get into the cab of his truck before closing and locking the door.
He walked back through the restaurant turning off the lights as he went and quickly gathered his things before heading out the back and preparing to leave.
When he was leaving the parking lot he couldn’t help but notice Zoro’s truck was still there, yet again. Figuring the directionally challenged man was simply setting his GPS, Sanji left the parking lot at the same time Zoro’s truck left the curb, just like it had been for the past few weeks.
Nami: Okay “Operation: See if Zoro is into men” commences right now. I need everyone in top shape tomorrow.
Vivi: Yes dear 🧡
Usopp: I feel like I’m going to regret this
Nami: You’re gonna be fine, endgame is Sanji and Zoro, not you and anyone else.
Nami: Though you will be used as a decoy in tomorrow’s plan. You’re gonna hit on Sanji.
Luffy: nami traffy says i cant go i apparently have responsibilities?
Usopp: WHAT?!
Nami: I’m texting Law now, you should be good to go Luffy.
Nami: Yes Usopp, it makes the most sense. If Zoro doesn’t think Sanji’s into men either then that way he could ask Sanji out too. If he was interested of course.
Luffy: oh traffy just said i can go! he says ur buying my food tho
Usopp: 😩😩😩
Nami: Fine, yes, I will buy you SOME food. Okay? Not all but SOME.
Luffy: 🤠
Usopp: Nami, is this a good idea?
Nami: It’s an excellent idea. Just wait and see.
Sanji: I’m not sure what to expect, but please don’t destroy my restaurant.
The four chosen for the plan were there bright and early just like Nami requested. Sanji had been there already for almost an hour, so when there was knocking on his door an hour before opening he ushered them all inside before locking the door back.
“I hope you’ve gotten something ready to eat, I’ve been holding him back since we arrived,” Usopp said with an arm wrapped around Luffy’s waist as he tried to wiggle free, surely to run back into the kitchen.
Sanji was prepared though, he had a large array of breakfast sandwiches already prepared and waiting. Saving a few for the morning crew, he allowed his friends to dig in while they discussed the plans for the day.
“Okay so I’ve tried my way of flirting and it didn’t quite work. He just looked at me while not really… looking at me.” Nami said, getting comfortable at the prep table.
Vivi gently placed a hand on top of Nami’s on the table, “Well you said he definitely looked at your boobs, did you notice any reaction?” She asked.
“No! at least not outwardly. I guess he could be a guy who can keep his reactions to himself,” Nami acknowledged while picking at her food.
“He didn’t do anything? Didn't even ask for a number?” Usopp questioned while fighting off Luffy from his food with his free hand.
“No, otherwise we would be having a very different game plan right now.” Nami growled and Vivi’s hand patted hers a few times to calm her.
“These sandwiches are so good, Sanji!” Luffy said with a mouthful and Sanji just ruffled the hair on Luffy’s head.
The game plan was as follows. First they would all be sitting apart from one another in order to not raise suspicion. Nami was wearing her hair up with a hat on to stay hidden since she had talked to Zoro the day before.
Vivi was going to sit for a bit and after a while go to the restroom in the back. While walking she was going to slip and fall in order to be, hopefully, caught by the man in an attempt to flirt.
Usopp was going to have the toughest job of all, trying to flirt with Sanji while making sure Zoro was paying attention or at least watching them. Sanji had already resigned himself to their interaction in order to not pass away immediately due to secondhand embarrassment.
He and Usopp hadn't had a lick of romantic attraction for each other since they were in high school, and it was going to make him want to cringe out of his skin, but it was going to be for a mighty cause.
Then left Luffy who was simply going to observe Zoro, him being the last chance they would have for a reading. If Zoro could make it past his affinity for judging vibes, then he was on a whole other level.
With the plan decided, they set it in motion. Sanji opened the restaurant as usual and by 9AM the place was already a bustling hub with customers. Also at 9AM was when the Santoryu crew arrived to start their work for the day.
Sanji was too busy to check the group chat but he felt his phone trying to buzz out of his pocket. For his sanity he quickly flipped it to do not disturb. He didn’t want to know what was going to happen next.
And he didn’t have to either. After the morning rush dissipated a bit, their first plan with Vivi went into action.
She had gotten up from her table and was heading to the back of the building to the restrooms, she would be walking right in front of where the bar work was being done. She glanced back to their friends before smiling and commencing her part, and Sanji went back to the kitchen to peek from the back entrance.
As if a sudden puddle appeared right in front of her, and Zoro, she threw a leg out and let out a shriek from “falling”. Sanji withheld his innate need to run to her and was pleasantly shocked when he saw an arm shoot out to catch Vivi before she actually fell.
Zoro had reached out and caught her, thankfully like their plan had accounted for. Though not in the same way Nami had spun the story. He pulled her back up to her feet, no other flourish given.
Vivi straightened out her clothes when she was released, “Thank you, I didn’t think it was slippery over here,” She said sweetly.
“It shouldn’t be, you should really watch your step around construction,” Zoro said plainly and went back to what he was doing. Completely giving Vivi a cold shoulder.
Sanji wanted to bust his head in and tell him that wasn’t how a lady was to be treated, but the ending was the same. Just a cold nothingness that didn’t help any of them figure out Zoro’s preference.
After a few minutes Vivi came back from the restroom and shot Sanji a sad smile at their failed plan. He returned it but remained slightly optimistic. They still had two more to go.
After a while, Sanji was up at the front counter running transactions and taking orders. With his new positioning the next phase could start easily.
He looked over at Usopp who was staring down at his phone, a look of dread on his face. Sanji couldn’t help but feel the same, he was going to have to put on his best poker face in order to not horrifically cringe at what was about to happen, or just straight up laugh.
Seemed it was starting now, when Usopp got up from his table and approached the counter. Sanji internally sighed and glanced to the side to make sure his crush was at least within sight, and after confirmation that he was, they began.
“Good afternoon, what can I get for you?” Sanji said in his best fake sweet customer service voice.
Usopp reached out and placed his hand on top of Sanji’s and to save himself from laughing Sanji bit his bottom lip.
“Hey, uh, yeah. What can you recommend to me?” Usopp was making this face that Sanji assumed was supposed to be flirty, but it just looked silly.
Sanji choked back a laugh, perhaps to his benefit because he could see shifting out of the corner of his eye, “Well if I had to recommend anything, it’d be our plethora of pastries we make fresh every day. I hand make the dough myself,” At this Usopp lifted Sanji’s hand to inspect it.
“Oh yes I can tell, your hands look like they are very well taken care of. I’ll take whatever you recommend,” Usopp gently put his hand back down and Sanji could feel the giddiness rising in him.
“Okay, perfect. I’ll go get that from the back. I’ll ring you up,” After a quick transaction Sanji turned from the counter and deliberately looked at the bar construction to gauge a reaction.
Though there wasn’t much to go on, Zoro was watching, but the look on his face wasn’t showing any kind of interest or anything. The closest thing Sanji could compare it to was a thousand yard stare that students would typically get when listening to a boring lecture.
Another failure then.
Sanji went to the back and placed a few pastries on a plate, handing it off to another worker to take out to Usopp. He couldn’t decide if he wanted to crawl away and cry or laugh at the ridiculousness of this plot.
With three of their plans in the ground it was all left up to Luffy. Luffy… who was currently still stuffing his face with various plates of food that was coming out at Sanji’s discretion. He could tell that the day was dragging on and with only Luffy left for the plan, Vivi and Usopp had left since there wasn’t much else to be done.
It was slow now, only a few tables having people at them, Nami and Luffy had consolidated to one table. Nami was sipping on an iced coffee, waiting for the right moment to finally send in Luffy for one last try.
Sanji thought it was sweet she was so invested, but even if nothing ended up happening, he still appreciated the actions. Nami was his amazing, perfect, most beautiful best friend.
Sanji casually watched them from the kitchen, the open half wall allowing him to see but still being inconspicuous. He watched Nami slap her hand on Luffy’s arm before he took another bite of food in front of him, and it looked like the final plan was about to begin.
Luffy excitedly said something to Nami that Sanji couldn’t make out, but then he got up from their table, his drink still in his hand. He covertly moved to the back opening that was closer to the bar to listen in yet again.
He heard the typical sounds of construction on the other side of the wall, along with some light conversation between Johnny and Yosaku. Zoro never really talked while they all three were working, Sanji just figured it was a focus thing.
“Hey!” Luffy’s bright voice cut in between the previous conversation and Sanji started listening in closer. “Who’s Zoro?”
Almost immediately Sanji wanted to die, right there. Why on Earth did Luffy just outright ask them. He was thinking about going out there himself to intervene but Zoro actually responded.
“That’s me, you need somethin’?” Zoro’s gruff voice answered and it took everything in Sanji’s power to not look.
“Nope! I just wanted to say hi!” Luffy slurped loudly from his drink. The silence that followed could be cut with a knife. Sanji would have to talk to Luffy again about tact.
“Okay, well if you’re done,” Zoro answered back and through some shifting got back to work. Sanji took that moment to move back to the front of the kitchen to watch Luffy approach and sit at the table Nami was still at.
He watched them converse before Nami deflated a bit in her seat and looked towards the kitchen. They made eye contact and Sanji deflated a bit too, but didn’t let it get him down. They knew what they were getting into.
Since their plans had finished, Nami and Luffy left their table to approach the counter, Sanji met them immediately at the register to start ringing up their (Luffy’s) meals.
“Verdict?” Sanji asked as casually as he could. He wasn’t getting his hopes up too far.
“Luffy said it was inconclusive,” Nami answered.
“I said he was cool!” Luffy tried to argue but Nami cut him off again.
“Cool is not a good enough answer!” She gritted out and Sanji smiled at their antics but there was a hint of sadness behind it.
Well, no harm or foul in trying.
“It’s fine Nami, we did what we could.” Sanji shrugged off her pitying look and handed back her card from the payment. “It’s all good, I’ll be fine.” Sanji accepted that they just wouldn’t get an answer.
“It’s so weird, like he doesn’t even give me straight vibes. He has no vibes!” Nami complained while Sanji walked them out of the restaurant.
“Possibly ace?” Sanji questioned and Nami shrugged with a mumbled response. “Well anyway, it doesn't matter. This was fun, actually. Except for Usopp’s part, that was just too much.” Sanji laughed and that got a smile back on Nami’s face.
“Yes well, the group chat is filled with ideas, if you get a chance maybe you could try a few.” Nami hugged him around the neck and with a delicate arm around her waist he hugged back. “Text us if anything happens, okay?”
“Yes yes I will, go on now. I’ll be fine.” Sanji let them leave and with a quick sigh, he got back to work. There was still a lot to be done.
At the end of the night, Sanji was doing his usual, boxing up leftovers for the wayward moss still working. Sanji sighed through his nose to prepare to walk him out yet again.
“You about ready to leave?” Sanji called out and the scraping noises stopped. There was a shuffling sound and Zoro peaked around the corner of the kitchen door.
“Yeah, I am if you are.” Zoro answered and Sanji nodded. He walked out of the kitchen with Zoro following behind.
He led them to the front door and handed Zoro the to-go boxes of food, he took them without fuss. “Well, I’ll see you tomorrow.” Zoro said, halfway out the door already.
Sanji nodded and opened the door wider, “Yeah, I’ll see you.” Zoro walked out the door and started towards his truck. Sanji closed the door behind him and started to lock it when suddenly Zoro was back in front of the door.
Sanji stepped away shocked for a moment before he realized it was just Zoro. He opened the door again to let him back in, an eyebrow raised to playfully tease him, “What’s up, Moss? Did you forget someth—?”
He’s caught off guard and cut off suddenly by Zoro swooping in and sealing his mouth over Sanji’s with a kiss. Of all the things he was expecting to happen, that was not on the list, but he was only shocked for a brief moment before relaxing immediately and returning the kiss.
It was sadly too short but irresistibly sweet with Zoro pulling away first. When he backed away Sanji wanted nothing more than to bury his fingers in those short green strands and pull him back in.
Zoro had a soft, knowing smirk on his face, “In case you were still wondering.” He said coolly as he pulled further away. He gave Sanji a flirtatious smile before leaving again and actually heading towards his truck. The soft ringing of the bell above the door was the only sound left in the empty building aside from the pounding of Sanji's heart.
Sanji managed to finally lock the door, his hand missing the knob a few times. He felt numb, in the best type of way, and made his way back behind the counter to finish gathering his things. He hadn’t had a chance to read the messages from the group chat, but he pulled out his phone and texted them.
Sanji: this is not a drill or joke, zoro just kissed me.
Sanji drifted dreamily towards the back of the building to the back door, flipping the lights off as he went. He didn’t even remember getting into his car or even arriving home. He was too focused on the feeling of Zoro’s lips against his.
The next night, Zoro had stayed late yet again but this time the air was different. Neither Zoro nor Sanji had yet acknowledged the kiss from the previous night, but he wanted to. And he wanted to do it again.
He had diffused Nami’s blow up in the chat the previous night and told her specifically that he was going to handle it now since he had definite proof. But now they were alone again, he was just stuck on what to do.
He was boxing up some chicken and a mushroom risotto for Zoro when said man came to the entrance of the kitchen. Sanji couldn’t help but give a small embarrassed smile.
“Almost time to go?” He questioned, but Zoro just approached him slowly. Like he was an animal about to bolt.
Except he wouldn’t be running away, he would be running straight to Zoro.
“You done with everything?” Zoro questioned back. Sanji nodded.
“Yeah, I just finished getting this food for you boxed up so I’m good,” Sanji said, shuffling the boxes in front of him in order to not look at Zoro.
It didn’t work though because Zoro just walked up to him and gently placed a hand on his hip, almost touching his back. Sanji froze and waited.
“Is this okay?” Zoro asked and Sanji finally looked back to Zoro’s face, a slight hint of confusion on his brow, “Oh shit, my bad. I just… I didn’t know if that kiss last night was okay. I-I thought maybe you were trying to figure me out this whole time and that guy hitting on you yesterday was kinda the last straw for me to make a move and—”
Sanji swiftly grabbed the back of Zoro’s head and brought him in for a kiss, not letting Zoro ramble any longer. He reciprocated immediately, this time confidently placing both hands on Sanji’s waist and bringing their bodies closer together while they deepened their kiss.
It was even better than Sanji imagined.
Sanji: I just want to say thank you since the plan worked.
He sent Nami that text and then a picture next. He was lying down with Zoro resting on his chest, both of them shirtless and their faces flushed. It was taken earlier that evening after they had revealed their mutual feelings for each other and Sanji asked Zoro to come over. They hadn’t even made it to his couch, but the floor was mostly fine.
He put his phone down and gently ran a few fingers through Zoro’s hair, who sighed contentedly at the feeling. They had made it to Sanji’s bed eventually where he had convinced Zoro to stay for the night, promising breakfast and a ride to the bistro in the morning.
Sanji could get used to this.
Several months later
“I just want to be the first to say here that the plan did work,” Nami announced, lifting her newly made drink at the soft opening of his new bar. With construction finished Sanji was celebrating with his friends before the official opening later the next week.
It was nice having everyone here since it was also the first time some of them would be meeting Sanji’s new boyfriend.
Sanji was behind the bar making the drinks and smiled while nodding. Zoro was sitting at the bar in front of him waiting for his drink next, seemingly uninterested in the conversation.
“What plan was that?” Robin asked coyly before sipping her drink.
Nami grinned before answering, “‘Operation: See if Zoro is into men’! A little unconventional title, but it all worked out in the end!”
That made Zoro finally stop staring at Sanji and look down the bar at Nami, “What do you mean operation? You couldn’t figure out that I was gay?” Zoro questioned and Sanji took that moment to set his drink down in front of him with a smile.
“Well you didn’t make it easy, Mosshead. None of us could figure it out in the end if you were or weren’t.”
“How couldn’t you tell? I stayed behind to work late every night to see you,” Zoro said plainly and Sanji froze to the spot. That wasn’t information everyone else was privy to.
A drink slammed down on the bar, “He what, Sanji?!” Nami playfully yelled down the bar at him and he sputtered a response.
“Well I didn’t know! He said something about us taking pride in our work and so if I was working late he was too!”
“Oh my god, you two are ridiculous,” Nami gave up and just went back to her drink.
That caused their group to laugh and Sanji smiled at the antics of his crew. He turned back to where Zoro was sitting at the bar and leaned over the surface to gently place a kiss on his lips.
“Some operation, huh.” Zoro snorted and Sanji lightly shrugged.
“It all worked out in the end.”