Luffy and co have currently stayed on the island for four days, and since then everyone has been busy doing their own thing again.

Nami and Usopp have been working together and to finish your paths, making them subtle enough so that only you can navigate through them. Chopper had been collecting many different types of medical plants, but in his spare time, he would crawl onto your lap and teach you about helpful plant properties. Brook has been busy writing his music but when he stopped by he'd offer to play samples so that you can hum along or put Luffy to sleep. Robin seemed very intrigued by the town history and was normally in town asking around or at the library studying. As for Franky, he was working on some stuff on the sunny, something about 'not having enough space for interior' whatever that meant.

Initially, Sanji had volunteered to help you at the bakery and he was a great help you were able to get a lot of the prep work for Big Moms order ready for next week. Unfortunately, the rumor of a handsome blonde in the bakery spread like wild-fire, and women, single and married alike, swarmed to get a glimpse of him and, if lucky, a compliment.

'Looks like Killer has some serious competition'

Normally, this would be fine, however, Sanji is a special case and due to 'too many gorgeous women in one room', he fainted in the display area from severe blood loss on the first day. Chopper deemed it too risky for him to work at the bakery, and therefore tended to stay at the house sulking until you, or any of the other girls, got back. On the odd occasion he'd go with Chopper to find fresh food and spices in the forest.

'Looks like Killer's gonna be ok'

Zoro tended to wander into the woods to train. Now obviously Zoro would get lost so this is where Luffy came in. To keep him entertained while you were working, Luffy's task was to find Zoro and bring him back to the house. When they did come back Zoro would be carrying large planks of wood whilst Luffy just sat on them and laughed. In afternoons everyone would eat at your place and head back to the ship and sometimes Zoro would go out to drink with Briggs. It was hectic but everyone seemed to be doing just fine.

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It was late and everyone had gone back to Sunny. Luffy was passed out in your bed and Zoro was out with Briggs drinking. The only ones awake in your house were you and Sanji. And it was nice. After a lovely meal followed by dish washing, you had both earned a nice rest. You were both sat across from each other in the living room dressed in your ultimate oversized hoodie, sipping on some hot (f/h/d). You were even able to get the fireplace going thanks to the logs Zoro and Luffy brought back.

'Man I never knew how much I missed my fireplace until now' you sighed in content.

All was well but something didn't seem right. Your motherly senses started tingling. Trying your best to be subtle you set your gaze on Sanji, who was staring quietly at the fireplace. At first glance, it would've seemed as though he was just admiring the colorful flames dancing across the logs, but you knew better. He was deep in thought, contemplating on something unpleasant. You could tell from the way he was gripping his drink that he was troubled by something.

"Sanji?" You ventured.

He jolted in surprise, snapping out of his thoughts. His princely charade soon came into play as he gave you his undivided attention.

"Yes, dear (Y/n)-chan. Is something the matter?" He beamed as he placed his drink down.

"I was actually going to ask you that Sanji?" You smiled in return.

Slight confusion crossed Sanji's features before he switched right back to his princely charm.

"Nothing is wrong (Y/n)-chan! If anything your concern has made me feel a thousand times better! It warms my very soul to know that you are concerned for someone such as m-"

"Sanji" you interrupted, causing him to puss mid-rant. "Stop doing that"

He was surprised at your demand. His face showing he was completely lost.

"Stop doing what (Y/n)-chan?"

"Stop degrading yourself" you clarified with a steady gaze. "I don't like the fact that you put me on a pedestal, and create distance between us"

'Even though you work wonders for self-esteem, it's not worth it if you put yourself down in the process'

Sanji was shocked by your outburst, his sapphire iris dilating from the realization of his bad habit. He had never really considered that when complimenting women he occasionally highlights his flaws, and puts a distance between himself and said, person. You watched as Sanji carefully reflected on your statement. He was thinking carefully before giving a proper response. For the first time in a while, he felt the itching need to smoke, irritation slowly crawling into his uneasy mind. He pulled out the cigarette and lighter before lighting it and taking a deep breath.

'He's worried' you confirmed. 'I need to tread lightly'

Sanji finally exhaled before staring at the flames in the fireplace.

"It would be better to distance yourself from me (Y/n)-chan. I'm not the man you think I am" Sanji stated.

He was deadly serious. Even with half his face covered by gorgeous gold hair, his gaze was more than intimidating. The fire didn't help much either, as the light flickered across his stern features. He was staring directly into your (e/c) eyes, reminding you, that he was no saint among men. But if glares were something that could stop you, a lot of people would be dead right now.

"WHO PUT YOU IN CHARGE OF MY LIFE AND HOW I LIVE IT?!" You shouted as you slammed your drink down on the table and stood, making poor Sanji jump in his seat and drop his cigarette in his drink. "You have no right to tell me who I should or shouldn't distance myself from! If I want to spend my time with you then I will! Stop being so selfish!" You ranted.

Welp! so much for treading lightly' you thought

"Isn't that a bit contradictory (Y-" Sanji tried to interject, but you weren't done.

"And don't tell me what you think I know! I know exactly the kind of man you are. You're a calm and collected young man who's not afraid to show his emotions around his friends."

He looked ready to challenge your statement, but you were already giving him evidence to back your theories.

"I see the way you get angry with Zoro, childishly play with Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper, You express your joy and adoration for Robin and Nami and your display respect for Franky and Brook. So yes! You aren't afraid to show your emotions, which makes you courageous as well. But the one thing that sets you apart from so many Sanji..."

You made your way over and knelt in front of him. Taking his hands in your own, you made sure to keep eye contact to show how serious you were.

"You're kind" You concluded.

Sanji was speechless, his face flushed from the praise. He desperately fought the urge to cover his face from embarrassment. No, he wanted to sear this moment into his memory permanently. How your big round (e/c) eyes were so full of sincerity, yet reflected the flames from the fireplace giving you a determined element; how your (h/t) (h/c) hair was messy but it made you seem more human, and for him, it meant that you were within reach. The way your (s/c) skin glowed next to the flames. You were just... beautiful...

The only compliments he'd ever gotten from women was how handsome or talented he was, but no one had taken the time to point out his other redeeming qualities. You didn't even mention his looks once, further proving to him how sincere you were. What could he possibly say in response to that?

"You're too kind actually" you chuckled, breaking Sanji's thoughts, "I feel as though you're the type of person who will hold the weight of the world on their shoulders just so that you don't burden the people you care about, instead of sharing it so that they can help."

You gave his hands a quick squeeze before pulling it away and using it to push back the hair covering his handsome face. Obviously you did this with caution to avoid cutting yourself on that sharp jawline. Yet the risk was totally worth seeing those pure blue eyes.

"So stop being so selfish" You smiled. "You need to learn to share a little"

You were engulfed in a hug and a pretty tight one at that. His head was buried deep into your shoulder as his arms gripped you just above your waist.

"Then can we just stay like this for a while?" he whispered, squeezing you as though you were about to disappear.

You gave a simple nod but the gesture assured him enough to ease up on his vice grip. Maybe Sanji was hugging you to avoid confrontation, maybe he was thanking you for your consideration, or maybe he just really needed a hug. Either way, it was fine to you, because it meant you had direct access to play with his envious golden locks. And of course you were happy to put him at ease as well ...

'I really need to get my priorities sorted'

Rubbing his head in a soothing manner, you patiently waited for him to calm down. Both of you staying in the same position; the crackling of the fire being the only thing holding back the ever-present silence. Minutes passed by, and the awkwardness of the position started to jab you in your side. You weren't exactly in the most comfortable stance.

"Sanji?" you gently whispered, just in case you may have been rushing him.

'HE FELL ASLEEP ON ME!' You looked at him in surprise before giving a small sigh. 'I cannot drag another grown man up my stairs, you're sleeping on the sofa tonight' you huffed as you expertly wriggled out of his grasp and gently laid him on the sofa.

His eyes were slightly red and puffy, but other than that he was out cold. You wrapped him in some toasty blankets and used his ruined drink to douse out the flames in the fireplace.

'The kindest hearts, have felt the most pain' you glanced over at sleeping Sanji, who was cuddling up to one of your cushions. 'So it's important they get time to heal'

That should've been the end of your night, it was late, the moon was shining, and you'd filled your helping quota for the day. But the universe decided that you weren't exactly done yet.

Your door shook violently from urgency of your unexpected visitor. Wanting to keep Luffy and Sanji asleep you raced to the door to silence your inconsiderate guest. You swung open the door and faced a very sweaty, out of breath Briggs.

"(Y/N)!" He panted. "Zoro!... he needs help!"

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[A little bit extra]

"No"

"Come on (Y/n)! We won't stay long!" Luffy pleaded.

"We just want to see (Y/n)" Sabo reasoned.

"I honestly couldn't care less" Ace sighed as he cleaned his pipe.

"Shut up Ace!" Luffy yelled causing Ace to glare at him. "I wanna go and see where (Y/n) works!"

"No means no guys! I'm not showing you the bakery!" You crossed your arms as Luffy pouted and Sabo frowned.

It wasn't like you didn't want them around, it was mostly the fact that Ro was going to be there. She had the most embarrassing stories about your first attempts at baking and there was no way in hell that you were gonna let Ace, Sabo, and Luffy get a hold of that information.

"I'm sorry guys but I don't think you'd like it there, and you'd have to be on your best behavior 24/7" you sighed, hoping that being on good behavior might deter them.

Sabo looked at you with disbelief in his eyes, whilst Luffy just grimaced at the thought of being told what to do.

'I think it's working' you thought to yourself.

And that's when it happened. Sabo's true colors started to show. specks of mischief laced his eyes before he gave a dramatic gasp leading to a look of horror.

"(Y-Y/N)! Are you perhaps embarrassed by us?" Sabo gestured at himself and Luffy.

'Excuse me?' you raised a brow in confusion.

"Why would I ever-?" You folded your arms at the accusation.

"(Y-Y/n)?..." A small wavering voice asked. "Are you really embarrassed by us?"

There it was, Sabo's master plan and your ultimate demise. Teary-eyed Luffy. His lip trembled as those huge crocodile tears threatened to spill. He was trying to pull on a brave face as though the accusation didn't hurt him, but it was blatantly obvious that it did.

"Luffy you know that I would never-!" you tried to explain

"So it seems Luffy. I mean that's the only reason why she won't take us to the bakery" Sabo added fuel to the fire, Luffy's whole body was trembling at this point as he pulled his straw hat over his face to hide the oncoming tears.

'Such a dirty move' you glared at Sabo, while he put on a false look of disappointment, but there was no hiding the victorious glint in his eyes.

"15 minutes" You looked away.

"Huh?" Luffy looked at you.

"If you guys are so bothered about it that you can drop me off in the morning, stay for 15 minutes then go" you huffed, refusing to look at the smug smile you knew Sabo had on his face.

The next thing you knew you were attacked with a hug from behind and the sound of Luffy's laughter filled your ears.

"Thank you (Y/n)! You're the best!" He exclaimed as his grip around you tightened from his excitement.

"So good to know that you're not embarrassed by us, Right Lu?" Sabo gave a smug smile while Luffy gave an enthusiastic nod.

You, on the other hand, just glared at him. 'Just sometimes I wish I had the strength to pummel this guy' you thought to yourself

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So in the morning, everyone left to go to the bakery. Yup, even Ace. He had no interest in training by himself so he thought he'd tag along. The bakery itself was very quaint and had nothing too extravagant, and that's what made it so welcoming, not only to the nobles but to the people in the grey terminal who needed to buy food for their families. With the system in place, servants would come to get the bread so that way nobles didn't have to stay with the 'peasants'. You pushed open the door and the sweet smell of cakes and bread dispersed into the air.

"Remember 15 minutes and then you guys have to go" you reiterated.

"Yeah Yeah, 15 minutes (Y/n) we got it!" Ace groaned as he followed you into the bakery.

"(Y/n)! You're here! Perfect timing! The drop off was today so I need you to unload and organize the ingredients before you even-" She paused as she looked at the three new guests in her bakery. "Is that them?"

"Yes, miss Ro. This is Ace, Sabo and that's Luffy" you pointed to each one "but they're only here to look around"

Miss Ro was in her late forties and had a habit of smoking but her ability to bake was unmatched. However, she seemed way more interested in the band of misfits that you had brought to her little haven. One was running straight for the cake section while the other held him back, and one was glancing all over the place like he was struggling to set his mind to something.

"As long as they don't touch anything I'm- DON'T TOUCH THAT BOY!" She screamed at Luffy who was dangerously close to taking a chunk out of a baby dedication cake.

"Talk about shabby" Ace muttered. "(Y/n) might as well stay with us 24/7"

"WHAT WAS THAT YOU LITTLE BRAT!" Ro screeched

'I should've said ten minutes' you thought to yourself as you watched Ro pry Luffy off of the cake. 'Make that five'

The scenes that unfolded were quite humorous but you weren't the only ones watching it unfold. Another pair of prying eyes locked onto the scene with a cold glare, before smirking and walking away.

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"See you later (Y/n)!" Ace called over his shoulder as he headed back for the jungle.

"Your bakery is so cool (Y/n), but I thought I'd get to try something" Luffy pouted.

"How about as soon as I finish work I'll bring you some chocolate cake" you offered.

"You spoil him too much" Sabo sighed.

"And you exploit that weakness!" you retorted which earned a small chuckle.

"Don't get lost (Y/n)" Sabo smiled as he dragged Luffy away.

"Don't take too long (Y/n)!" Luffy waved with both hands as he was dragged away.

You waved at them until they were out of sight before heading into the bakery to unpack. Missing the steely eyes that followed you back into the store.

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"Good work today (Y/n)! Get some sleep and keep at it tomorrow" Ro praised you as you left the store.

"Thank you, Miss Ro! You too!" You replied before closing the door and heading into the forest.

Today had been quiet, so you were able to get the supplies organized fairly quickly, in order to learn more skills. And thankfully you did learn something new, so you were in a very good mood. You were now walking back with a small skip in your step and a bag of cake in your hand. Afterall you wanted to keep teary-eyed Luffy at bay for a while.

Your heart stopped as paranoia slowly crept into your mind. You gazed around to see if something was out of the ordinary, the snap being way too loud for a tree branch falling. There were no animals in this area of the jungle, as it was too close to human civilization. But then again, it could've just been your imagination. You continued walking cautiously, taking a few more twists and turns than normal.

You whipped your head around again with the hope of confronting your pursuer but no one was there.

"Hello?" you weakly called out.

There was no reply until something jumped out of the bush and scurried past your feet. You yelped almost died on the spot from shock. 'It's just a squirrel, it looked heavy enough to break some twigs' you reassured yourself as you placed a hand over your chest in a meek attempt to steady your racing heartbeat.

'Well now I feel dumb' you let out a small chuckle as you turned back to the path.

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[To be continued...]