chiffonades | inbox for golden peacock

[ Just looking at the words that pop up on his watch, it's immediately obvious that something's bothering her and it makes Sanji's heart ache to think it might have been his doing, unintentional though it was. ]

you coming over to see me is never a problem, gorgeous, not now, not ever. please come on over and let me take care of you.

I'll be there soon.

[ Whether he's in Nami's suite or his own, there's a knock at the door signaling her arrival. She looks like she's dressed for a night out if her high waisted skirt and her tight off the shoulder shirt are any indication, but the expression on her face is a juxtaposition to that. The moment she sees him, her eyes seem to light up and soften at the same time and she's quick to wrap her arms around him in an embrace. She presses a kiss to his chest, nuzzling tightly into him. ]

Hi, Sanji of mine.

[ He’s tucked away in a guest room in Nami’s suite when Hilda’s soft knock breaches the quiet. Maybe it’s too quick, but he’s across the room in seconds and opening the door, that wide, beaming grin decorating his face as he sees her and scoops her into his arms before there’s even time to think. Just seeing her fills his heart with that fond, familiar warmth as he gently showers kisses into her hair, arms tight around her. ]

Hey there, my wonderful Hilda. [ Laughing softly as he says it, he loosens his hold on her shoulders only to catch her face between his hands and gently tilt it up to look at him. The way he smiles at her should say everything— it’s soft and joyful and full of affection— even if there’s a hint of worry in his gaze. Not that it stops him from gently brushing his lips against her in a quick kiss, forehead pressing against hers after. ] You okay? Sounded like you needed your prince’s help.

[ A delighted, fond laugh is breathed into his chest before it's given room to breath as he lifts her face to cup it in his hands. ]

When did my prince turn into a knight?

[ Better to fall back into teasing than focus on the topic that had brought her here in the first place, she thinks though it's nearly impossible to ignore the way that he looks at her with worry in his eyes. Her smile fades some as her hands come to gently cup his face, a mirror to him. ]

I'm much better now that I'm here. Thanks for letting me come and crash your evening plans.

Mmmm, can’t I be both? [ He grins down at her, playing into her teasing, stealing another quick kiss from her mouth as his thumbs gently stroke her cheekbones. ] Your prince and your knight? I’m pretty damn gallant, you know?

[ A part of him can tell there’s more on her mind, but pushing her isn’t something he wants to do. She’ll tell him when she’s ready. Sanji has faith in that because Hilda’s never hesitated to speak her mind before and he doesn’t expect that to change now. Still, his smile is gentle and full of softness as she touches his cheeks and disappears only long enough for him to turn his head first one way, then the other, lightly kissing the palms of her hand. ]

My door’s always open to you, gorgeous. Any time you wanna come visit, I’ll welcome your company. [ Despite the worry, his eyes shine with fondness, too, as stares down at her, just happy she’s near. ] And if I can do anything else, just say the word. I’ll do it if I can.

You could. [ The spark of amusement begins to return to her eyes unable to help herself in his presence and his kisses. ] But then I'd keep you inside all to myself and you wouldn't have time to conduct and knightly duties.

[ She knows that she should probably bring up what they had spoken about before but standing here, teasing and joking in the lighthearted way that they do is a far more tempting alternative.

With her hands already in the opportune position she gently squishes his cheeks together. ]

Don't tempt me into being selfish now - then you really might get sick of me. Though it's too late to change your mind now. So for now...can we get ready for bed, maybe?

Guess I’ll have to resign myself to being your prince, princess. [ This kind of thing— being silly, indulging in romantic playfulness— comes easily and naturally as breathing to Sanji and he’s shameless about it, pressing another couple of fond kisses to her mouth and her nose, grinning the whole while. ] That way, you can keep me inside all to yourself without worry.

[ Her words earlier do linger in the back of his mind, a little niggling worry quietly eating away that he hopes to squash soon, but his heart is full to bursting with warmth and affection and it seems a shame to squander it.

And he’s laughing again a moment later she squishes his cheeks, both of his hands gently taking hers by the wrist so he can press soft kisses to her palms. ]

Sick of you? Nah, never, Hilda. We could spend every damn day together and I’d still want more of you. [ His voice is softer as he says it, but then he grins at her, laughing quietly. ] Are you asking me to undress you while you undress me? Because yeah, we can do that.

And keep you from the rest of the adoring public? You're a Queen now. I couldn't do that.

[ Though their earlier topic had alluded to a concern about her being selfish, the thought still undeniably makes her smile despite herself though that likely has far more to do with the way Sanji's laugh fills the space around them and the warmth of his kisses that are pressed to her palms. ]

Of course I'm asking that. How else are we going to get ready for bed?

[ Gathering his hands in hers she begins to lead him towards the edge of the bed. ]

Could I sleep in one of your shirts? I don't know where I left my pajamas from last time.

Ah, but I was your prince before I was a Queen here, yeah? Can’t a prince spoil his princess? So they can wait. I’m all yours for as long as you want me, lovely.

[ There are moments where he feels he doesn’t deserve her— or Nami— but this isn’t one of them. Seeing her smile makes the corners of his mouth tug his grin wider, broader, beaming at her with all the fondness he feels for her as he laughs warmly again. ]

My— yeah, of course you can sleep in one.

[ Unable to resist, he gives her hands both a quick squeeze, shivering a little as he pictures her in nothing but one of his pressed, button-down shirts, before dusting a few kisses to each set of knuckles. ]

You’re gonna look so damn good in it, too. [ He grins at her as they near the bed and leans in to gently kiss her mouth. ] Wait here while I go and grab it?

[ Titles are merely just that. Silly things to label on people who may or may not be deserving of them. But for all of their teasing and joking, she does think that if there were anyone who could be considered a knight or a prince - even in the untraditional sense - it would be Sanji.

Sanji, in all of his unabashed adoration that he has never once been shy to show whether that was physically with his actions or his words. Sanji, whose enthusiasm for even the simplest request of hers warms her all the way down to her toes. Guided to the bed she seats herself on the edge, slowly beginning to tug at the laces of her boots looking at him with what is an equal amount of fondness and adoration. ]

Don't keep me waiting.

Like I'd ever keep you waiting a second longer than necessary. [ Basking under the warmth in her gaze– he could drown in her affection and he'd be happy for it– he grins at her, not quite capable of resisting the urge to lean down and lightly kiss the inviting curve of her mouth. It's brief, and he's backing away a few seconds after it ends, a broad, beaming grin on his face as he does it.

Whatever she thinks of herself, she truly is a light in Sanji's life here at the Golden Peacock, a woman who's playful, eager attitude he'd found endearing from the very first. And now, just being near her makes his heart swell with such deeply fond feelings that it leaves him dizzy. There's nothing he wouldn't do from here– and that includes fetching a shirt for her to wear for the night.

When he returns from the closet, it's with a light blue, button-up shirt in hand. The fabric's softer than most of the shirts he owns– they favor stiffer, sturdier material– and he thinks it should be more than comfortable to sleep in. Still, the look he gives her is almost apologetic as he offers it to her, grin crooked and almost sheepish. ]

Sorry. Most of the shirt I own– they're made to go with suits, you know? I hope that'll work. [ Even the thought of seeing her in it is enough to make him shiver, the urge to worry his lip between his teeth stronger than he cares to admit. ]

[ The parting kiss is happily and easily returned, her eyes not leaving his form as he retreats back into the closet. There's even a moment after he's disappeared from that her gaze lingers there as she's struck once again with the thought of much she cares for this man and how quickly it had happened.

There's no doubt in her mind that he's deserving of all the affection and attention in the world after what little he's told her about his life at home and just simply who he is as a person. The doubt she has all stems from her.

By the time he returns one of the boots she had been wearing is tugged off and she's working on the laces of the other, her freed toes wiggling in mild relief. Traces of doubt, if there are any that are visible, disappear as he returns replaced with a bright smile and an outstretched hand to beckon him closer. ]

Why are you apologizing silly? It's perfect because it's yours - suited for a suit or not. Thank you for getting it for me. [ When he's close enough she'll pull him slightly towards her by the wrist to press another kiss to his lips, tone lighting up with a teasing lilt. ] I'd offer you one of my t-shirts next time but I think they might be a little tight on you.

[ Seeing that smile on her face never fails to make his heart beat a little faster in his chest, warmth pooling deep within it. It's moments like those that make him feel as though he's drunk on her, as though she's the sweetest thing in this whole wretched resort.

Laughing, he lets himself be drawn into that kiss, not bothering to stop the pleased sigh slips past his lips or to keep himself from kissing her back, nipping at her lips gingerly when it ends. ] You're welcome, gorgeous. Just didn't want you wearing something that made you uncomfortable, you know? [ Even if seeing her in this shirt is going to do things to his brain that might make sleep impossible. ] Just a bit, yeah. Though maybe you'd like that, yeah? Me in nothing but a too-tight T-Shirt.

[ He winks at her playfully, hands dipping down to where she's unlacing her other boot to gently take over, wanting to undress her himself. It doesn't take long, because she's already made a good start, and when it's done, his hands begin to urge it off– although, it doesn't get very far before he leans down, brushing a kiss to her knee before sliding it all the way off her leg. ]

Not that you need that to get me naked. I'll gladly give you as much of that as you want.

[ Each and every kiss he gives her is returned with just as much tenderness and enthusiasm, her heart fluttering in her chest. ]

If I'm uncomfortable I know you'll be here to make me comfortable. You wouldn't have it any other way. But you're right. I wouldn't hate the thought of you in a little cropped shirt.

[ Her own teeth graze his bottom lip, a little playful nip tinged with a dash of want accompanying it. It's nearly impossible to let him go as he begins to lower himself to the floor like some knight might very well do, as his fingers begin to unlace her remaining boot. Leaning back on her hands some, she can't help but admire the view, eyes lingering and softening as he presses a kisses to her knee.

When her foot is free she leans forward tilting his chin up towards her with her finger with a smile. ]

Well if that's the case...we can start with your shirt. Just because I'm sleeping in one of yours doesn't mean you should sleep in something uncomfortable. Then you can help me change into yours.

[ Sometimes, Sanji wonders if Hilda has any idea of just what she does to him, of how even one kiss really is enough to make him want to melt into a puddle of love and adoration ]

You know me too damn well, lovely. I’d do anything to make sure you were comfortable. Anything. [ As if to prove the truth of his words, he dusts little, sweet kisses to her face— her forehead, her nose, her cheekbones, her cheek, the corners of her mouth— hands gently squeezing hers. ] Get me one you think I’d look good in and I’ll wear it just for you.

[ It’s said with a laugh and wink, but his sincerity is crystal clear in his voice as he proceeds to unlace her boot, matching her every soft look and grinning up at her like the fool he is. ]

If that’s what my princess wants, who’m I to refuse her royal gorgeousness? [ Once the boot is free, he rises slowly, hands catching her face as he greedily steals a kiss from her mouth, eventually twisting to the side so he’s sitting next to her and letting his jacket slip off his shoulders.

Flashing a wink at her, he leans back slightly, displaying the neat tie wrapped around his neck and crisply white button-up shirt as he takes her hand in his and kisses her knuckles. ] You wanna do the honors or should I give you a show of taking my shirt off?

[ It's likely she doesn't. It's funny. When the connection is fun and light and doesn't really matter Hilda may as well be all knowing. A mastermind of flirtation and teasing because it's just meant to be fun and games. But when feelings become deeper, become more serious she may as well be as clueless as the rest of them. Thinking too deeply into that sort of thing is a sure fire way for her to lose her nerve - so it's best, based on experience - not to do that at all.

And thinking too much is only going to serve as a distraction from this. From the sweet kisses he peppers her with, from the warmth of his hands holding hers. ]

"Her royal gorgeousness", huh?

[ Fondness drips from her words as she kisses him right back. As soon as he's seated though her hips bracket his as she rolls atop him, her free hand already loosening his tie. ]

Can I? You did so well helping me with my boots. I feel like it's only fair. [ Her eyes gleam. ] And then maybe you can give me a show taking your pants off.

[ She's not the only one unprepared for dealing with the consequences when feelings grow deeper, become more substantial. As much as Sanji likes to think of himself as a romantic— and he certainly is one, a romantic down to his bones— his actual experience with it is vanishingly small. What room for romance could there ever have been for a boy who grew up sequestered in the bowls of a floating restaurant, whose days and nights were spent in service of repaying a priceless doubt, whose only exposure to romance were couples on lunch and dinner dates?

Life's different here. There's room for more, space for him to grow, a place for his heart to expand. There are many ills when it comes to the Peacock— he'll never forget them— but he's slowly learning how to deal with the reality of what really lies in his heart.

Not tonight, though.

Tonight, she's making him chuckle and flooding his face with that pleasantly warm flush. Sanji grins at her, lopsided and earnest, and nods. ]

Pretty apt way to describe you, yeah? One of the prettiest women in this whole awful place and my princess.

[ His arm loops tightly— nearly possessively so— around her waist, fingers gently drumming against the lush curve of her side, as he laughs softly, a hint of huskiness coming through. ]

You can do anything you like, Hilda. I'm yours to do with as you like. [ Winking at her, his mouth brushes another quick kiss to her lips, before he leans back, body angled to give her the best access to the buttons. ] I'll do my best to impress and thrill. Wouldn't wanna get a bad review from you.

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