inbox for golden peacock

[cartographie]

@nami

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[chiffonades]

[ Sanji's not sure whether it's the exaggerated way she rolls her eyes or the obvious grin plastered to her face that helps steep his laughter in warm, rich amusement, but it doesn't really matter. He's still chuckling softly, still grinning like a lovesick fool in her direction as he continues to effortlessly slice through tomatoes. ]

Thought it was a pretty good line, even if you've already fucked me over and over again. Besides, you're plenty sweet. Mmm, and spicy, too. [ Flashing a wink in her direction, this time he does lean in to gently brush a soft kiss to her lips, unable and unwilling to stop himself. Any other time, he would let this take the natural course of things— nudge her thighs open with his hands, claim her mouth with kisses far hungrier for her than lunch, sink to his knees to make her moan with his tongue— and while they aren't really celebrating anything special, that doesn't lessen his desire to see lunch through and take her out on a date.

Really, his newfound ability to spoil her— and, okay, to have another private space to spend time with her in— is the best part of his recent promotion. It's not in Sanji to care about things like rank and status normally, especially when it's so tied to the weird fixation the Peacock has with hierarchies, and the increased attention often leaves him feeling uneasy. But being able to give Nami the things she wants, to spend long afternoons lavishing her with glittering jewelry and cute clothing and his undivided attention? That's the real reward in all of this.

His eyes practically light up at her suggestion and, if anything, his grin somehow becomes brighter and sunnier as he watches her slip off the table— fuck, she's beautiful is the only thing he thinks, then, mouth going a little dry— and his head dips in a quick, agreeable nod. ]

Shit— can't believe I'm gonna get to try a Nami special. [ The excitement is palpable in his voice as he winks at her, heart skipping a beat again as that same thought from earlier echoes in his head. ] Go for it, gorgeous. Can't wait to taste what you make.

[ And he's honest about that because even though he's a professionally trained cook— and knows the importance of culinary techniques inside and out— that deeply romantic heart of his truly believes that love is the key to great cooking… and great cocktails. It matters that despite his extensive experience cooking food and mixing drinks, she still wants to make them for him. Baratie had never really afforded him the time— or the space— to gain much experience in the way of love. She's his first partner— his first girlfriend, a thought that still makes his heart flutter because, yes, infatuation is gross like that— but as much as he enjoys seeing the look of sheer delight on her face when he makes something particularly tasty, it still makes his heart sing when she returns the favor.

While she works on the drinks, he focuses on making their lunch, finishing chopping the vegetables for their salad and whipping up the balsamic dressing in a heartbeat. The strawberries are already done— cooling on a tray in one of his refrigerators— which means that he's at the stove when she brings the glass over, the scent of garlic frying in oil filling the air while listening to the sounds of her mixing the drink. As soon as he sees the drink— and her— the look of concentration dissipates in favor of one full of eagerness and adoration. ]

Looks amazing. One second, okay? [ Before he samples the drink, Sanji quickly adds the shrimp to the skillet while long strands of linguine cook in the nearby boiling water. As soon as everything's settled, though, he picks up the glass and inspects it, the corners of his mouth tugging upwards as the dimples on his cheeks deepen. He takes a small swallow, letting the sweet and herbaceous drink linger on his tongue, savoring it as he looks at Nami adoringly.

If he weren't so damn determined to make sure this date happens, he really would kiss her like his life depended on it.

As it is, Sanji brushes his mouth against hers in another quick kiss, voice a quiet murmur. ] Tastes amazing. And yeah, yeah, it'll go so damn well with lunch. Wanna take these over to the table and meet me there? Food won't take but another five minutes to finish making.

[ It's already set, of course, with a bouquet of roses as a centerpiece. ]

[cartographie]

[ Bravado has always counted for something. Confidence is an essential part of a good con, and Nami’s got plenty to spare—but she still watches him take that first sip of her offered cocktail, hanging on every move and flicker across his face. His reaction means something, so much so that she’s almost girlish with anticipation while waiting for the chef’s final verdict, only to flush and grin smugly when Sanji gives his approval. This is the kind of stuff that really matters to him. He puts his love and years of knowledge into everything he makes, and while Nami knows her efforts are ages away from being as seasoned and expert as Sanji’s in the kitchen, she’s beyond thrilled that he likes it, knowing without asking that they’re both aware of the multitude of reasons making and sharing matter so damn much.

It’s good for a multitude of reasons that Sanji kisses her and lets Nami hide the stupid smile on her face, although she can’t stop the fond way she lifts a hand to brush against his cheek while he does so. ]

You got it, chef.

[ Her head cocks, one eye flashing closed in a wink before she turns away with a glass in each hand to head towards the table. Another day, she might have ignored that request and lingered by the stove, sipping her cocktail and doing her best to steal as many kisses as his recipe would allow for. But, sappy as it is, sitting here and taking in all the sights and sounds of him working harder on a simple lunch than anyone has a right to is just as good. Love is weird like that, she thinks between small sips of her drink, while her fingertips drift over the velvety petals of the nearest rose, tracing the idle curves as she looks past the bouquet to watch Sanji at work from a distance.

It’s lucky for him that Sanji has made it apparent that he’s determined to take her on a date. Even with his hands laden with plates, Nami finds it easy to imagine rising from the chair and slipping into his arms while turning them just enough to give him space to put the plates down before she tackles him.

She settles for resting her chin on her hands and making a playful show of fluttering her eyelashes at him once he’s close enough to hear the soft giggle that escapes her, flirty even though how tightly linked they are is almost old news at this point. ]

Just going to spoil me all day, huh?

[ Before now, Nami would have let it just be that and enjoyed every way Sanji’s earnest desire to please her manifested, but these days it’s something she finds herself ready and completely willing to turn back around on him. It’s taken her months of knowing he deserves to be adored to get out of the way of her own defenses and show it, but she’s learned how to cherish him. ]

[chiffonades]

[ Months spent basking in Nami’s company— a true delight if there ever was one— have sharpened Sanji’s awareness enough that even when she tries to hide how touched his reaction leaves her, he can still feel it radiating off her, a gentle warmth that tugs the corners of his lips into an even brighter smile. It doesn’t surprise him— neither her delight nor her relief when his kiss helps hide it— not when she’s spent so long hiding everything behind a mask of cool snark and disaffected sarcasm, but that she trusts and loves him enough to let the cracks show as freely as she does means the world to him. ]

Thanks, love. Meet you over there soon.

[ But even if he’s content to just enjoy the knowledge of how much she enjoys pleasing him, that doesn’t mean he lets her slip away without one last sign of freely-shared affection, head twisting and hand gently guiding hers so he can brush soft, sweet kisses to the backs of her knuckles before she disappears. A part of him quietly wishes she’d refuse and choose to be distracting, lavishing him with soft kisses, teasing touches, and arousing promises that are sure to divert him from everything he’s got planned. They both know how enjoyable it would be— it always is— but he’s still grateful that she gives him space to work. Much as they’d both enjoy him bending her over the counter, she deserves a bit of spoiling and pampering, deserves to see how much he cares laid bare before her, deserves this show of adoration and love.

Even at a distance, though, he can still feel the way she watches him, intent and pleased, as he puts the finishing touches on lunch, bringing the sauce together in the blink of an eye. Even focusing on the task at hand does nothing to keep that lovestruck grin off his face— especially when he glances over at her and sees the way her eyelashes flutter, heart clenching and warmth pleasantly flooding his chest.

And as he walks over to the table, plates of pasta and salad precariously balanced on his arms, there’s just one thing he’s thinking.

Fuck, he loves her so much. ]

Mhmm. Just like you deserve, you know? I wanna show you just how special you are to me, Nami.

[ Not that he doesn’t do that on a daily basis— or, well, tries to— but it never feels like enough, not after how warmly she’d welcomed him into her life here and how deeply at ease he feels being around her. There’s nowhere that feels quite so like home as being with her does. After setting the plates down in their spots, he’s quick to kiss her again, a brief but firm press of lips against hers, still full of fond affection, restraint just good enough to keep his tongue and teeth out of it, no matter what he burns to do. Sighing, he pulls away and takes his seat around the corner, a sappily soft grin plastered on his face as he looks at her. ]

Figure we can go to all of your favorite clothing stores and let you buy anything you like after lunch. And then we’ll see where the day takes us, yeah? But treating you like the perfect princess you are is my number one priority today.

[ It isn’t a meticulously planned out date, but he doesn’t think that’s a bad thing. Leaving time and space for whatever strikes their fancy is never a bad idea in Sanji’s experience, especially with how good she looks in the dress he selected for her. For now, though, he gestures down at the plates of food. ]

But let’s dig-in, yeah? I wanna try your cocktail again and we gotta eat before we can do anything else.