Comment with your character + prefs + you know what to do, it's a meme.
The characters that reply are your character's significant other - and either your character or theirs is wearing an article of the other's clothing.
Why? Use your imagination! It can be as pure and innocent as one wanting to cuddle up in something warmer, somebody being chivalrous and offering up their clothing to cover a wardrobe malfunction, enjoying the scent of a loved one...or all the way up to a steamy scene where a participant slips on their partner's shirt post-coitus.
Is the whole thing cute? Weird? Sexy? Weirdly cute? IDK, as always, I'm a meme poster, not your dad.
[ They had done the hard part of getting Clive a suit for their formal night out. The colors even complimented his usual attire: charcoal grey fabric, a red shirt underneath, black dress boots, and yet still missing one key part. Sanji had stopped him from buying a black tie to complete the look, but instead had gifted Clive one of his own.
That was all well and good as a romantic gesture that had even brought a gentle flush to the warrior's cheeks, but now he stood before a mirror completely unsure of what to do with the damn thing. He had watched Sanji dress a few times by now, seeing the deft way his fingers manipulated the satiny fabric into a finessed slash of elegance. It might as well have been arcane manipulations of a secret ritual.
Clive grunted softly as his fingers failed a third time at getting a tidy knot that would slide easily up towards his neck. ]
At least I won't be able to weave the noose to hang myself, I suppose...
[ Sanji was standing close but out of the way, a smile on his face as he admired the figure that the other man cut now that he was clad in a form-fitting suit. The colors complimented his skin, and since they seemed to be the ones Clive felt more comfortable with, Sanji hadn't tried to wrestle him into a black suit.
Blue eyes crinkle a little with amusement as he sees him try and fail to handle the offered tie, but he soon takes pity on him. That, and Sanji enjoys any excuse to get close and personal with the other man, either to lightheartedly make fun of him or to dote on him. This time, it is both. His hands slide up the jacket's lapels, pressing down lightly on Clive's chest to get his attention, and then he playfully bats his hands away to take over the job of tying the tie for him. ]
A man as skilled as you are with your hands, and it's a tie of all things that manages to best you. [ Sanji gazed up from the tie to the other man's eyes, smiling. ] Would you have preferred a bow tie?
[ Sanji's presence is immediately noticed and welcome by Clive, even if he knows he'll have to admit that he's been bested in combat with a piece of fabric. The frustrated tension washes out of his sinews at Sanji's touch, and he can't even be bothered by the bat to his hands. Instead, he smiles bashfully at his beloved while those skillful fingers work. ]
It's not the same thing as a blade. [ And even with that, he's sure Sanji has more finesse. The man has dazzled Clive more times than he can count in the kitchen, while Clive has settled into doing things like passing over ingredients or cleaning up afterwards. ]
But being bested in battle's not such a sad thing, if I can have such handsome man tend to me in return. [ Clive's hands rise to settle over Sanji's once they're done doing their work. ]
[ Suits and formal attires can be just as complex to wear as proper armor, and the fact that Clive is giving the clothes a try is more than the chef expected. Sanji won't make (much) fun of him for not being able to figure out the tie. Quite the opposite; he likes to pamper him when possible. God knows, Clive could use some more happy moments in his life. ]
I hope not; we're not supposed to fight anyone tonight. Of course, we both know that the universe does not like to agree with our plans.
[ The other man looks really handsome like this —not like he isn't quite the looker on any normal day— and the brief times when Sanji spots his slightly reddened cheeks only adds to the appeal. There's probably something to be said about him and swordsmen catching his eye, but Sanji knows that in the end, his attraction always leans towards those who are good people, despite their possible tough exterior or harsh uprising. People who can be gentle when it matters.
He's still surprised to be at the receiving end of said gentleness or interest, and the warm hands now placed over his own make him pause for the briefest seconds before he smiles again. It's Sanji's cheekbones turn to get tinted pink, as he's more used to being the one doling out compliments than receiving them. ]
Ah, you flatterer. Keep that up, and we won't make it to tonight's event. Not like it would be a big loss.
[ The corners of Clive's eyes crinkle in amusement at the thought of them trading the evening's planned activities for more private ventures. It is tempting... But he'll just have to bottle the demon up for later in the evening.
Clive breathes out a small huff of laughter and brings up Sanji's hands towards his mouth, planting a small kiss against his knuckles.
Sanji is many things - bright, a flirt, skilled in the kitchen, and deadly in combat. On top of all that, he sees more in Clive than Clive is willing to see in himself most days. ]
No, I won't have your efforts in getting me presentable go to waste. Not when this evening's for you. [ They were heading out to a special tasting event that would provide Sanji with some opportunities to acquire special ingredients for cooking, after all. ]
I'm just your muscle for the evening. [ Clive smirks just a touch. ] We can extend that for when we return, if you like.
[ It is very, very tempting, and the look in Clive's eyes doesn't go unnoticed. But Sanji is a chef at heart, and he's looking forward to the delicacies they might taste and see tonight with the anticipation of a kid on Christmas Eve. So it's a good thing that Clive is not easily tempted. And besides, the night is long, who's to say they won't have time to enjoy themselves in private once the event is over? Or maybe during the event.
Poor Clive will just have to deal with him chatting about food, flavors, and recipes nonstop for a few hours, but Sanji will make it up to him somehow. He's surprised that the other man was not only willing to come but that it let him play dress up first. It meant more to Sanji than he could admit, and the kiss on his hand makes him flush slightly. He's not used to being the one on the receiving end of attention, more like the opposite, but Clive really spoils him. ]
It wasn't that difficult, not with such a handsome face to work with. And I like how you usually dress just fine. You make all that leather work.
[ It's not hard to see the good in the other man, and even if Sanji is a consummate tease who likes to praise people, he means every word. Life hadn't always treated them kindly, so he values the good moments like these.
Since his hand is already close to Clive's face, he reaches with his left to cup his cheek and give it a brief squeeze, his thumbs gently brushing the edge of his scar. Sanji smiles before his eyes narrow mischievously. Then he huffs, the grin never leaving his lips. ]
As if I need any help kicking ass. But I appreciate the sentiment. But you've got yourself a deal, mister. I'll make sure that your night is as memorable for you as it will be for me. [ He pulls his hand away reluctantly after a few more seconds so he can finish working on the tie. ] There you go, just perfect.
[ Clive has lived so long as a warrior, a living weapon to be used and cast aside, that it also should have surprised him that he said "yes" to this evening's event. Yet, having once grown up as the son of an aristocrat, maybe he's missed the things he never appreciated as a boy: dress up, entertainment, good company... courtship.
They are an item, but Clive has to admit that he likes doing what he can to surprise Sanji. ]
Perfection crafted upon me by skilled hands. [ Clive takes a step back from Sanji and bows with the subtle flourish of someone who was once trained in manners of a much higher station.
Straightening himself out, Clive offers his hand to Sanji once more. ]
Let's go. I want to hear every detail of what we're looking for at this tasting.
[ Sanji might be a pirate chef, but due to his own background, he knows about formal manners and fancy places, and lets out a soft, musical laugh after seeing Clive's perfect bow and flourish. He responds with a tilt of his head as he takes the offered hand.
He's not used to this kind of courtesy, much less from a man. Having grown up around ex-pirate captains, cooks who behaved more than thugs than anything, and then the loud and unusual (but very lovable) Straw Hats left Sanji with skewered expectations about manners or gentleness. And yet, Clive always manages to surprise him. ]
These skilled hands are also not done with you. [ It's said in a kittenish voice, practically a purr, and Sanji takes advantage of their proximity to place a kiss on the corner of Clive's mouth. If he does more than that, a proper kiss, he really would be too tempted to leave. Keep that in mind for later. ] Time to go now, you're right. but stop me if I get too distracted.
[ During the event, Sanji is in his element, and it shows. He's checking the food, chatting with other chefs and guests, dragging Clive to the different tables to gorge himself with appetizers and entrées, and always asking for his feedback, even if it's a simple 'tastes good'. He does more sharing and observing than eating himself, but there's also a sort of boyish joy in Sanji that only ever showed up before when he talked about All Blue.
There's wine too, of course, and Sanji comes back to Clive's side with a couple of glasses filled with a blood-red liquid. ]
You need to try this with one of the cheese apricot crostini, the combination will be to die for. The wine's made with Zinfandel grapes. They're savory and rich, with hints of plum, berries, and red currants...ah, sorry. [ There he goes on a tangent again. Sanji gives him a sheepish look and then clears his throat. ] Tired of the place yet?
[ Sanji's distraction is a wonder to Clive. Raised as the son of a duke, pressed into slavery, freed into the status of an outlaw - he's gone from a sort of height of cuisine to depths to bare subsistence. The joy Sanji takes in what Clive has seen as the bare element of getting from one day to the next gives him new ways of considering the world.
He understands only a bit here and there of the subtle varieties of ingredients the chefs discuss, but when Sanji offers him something, he tries it with a mindful analysis. Vegetables suddenly take on delightful notes of bitter, salty, watery, crisp. Fruits sing with sweetness, sourness, and creamy mouthfeels. Flesh, fowl, and fish all present themselves with brazen nudity, or they cloak themselves in sauces and spices like thick winter coats.
All of it, Clive starts to conceptualize because Sanji's joy has come to be his.
Often, 'tastes good' is the only way Clive can verbalize what he lacks the the vocabulary to pin down exactly.
Wine. Wine, Clive can enjoy with a little more understanding and skill. His father had started to teach him some of the differences in varieties just before... well, before Clive became an orphan. He takes his glass of wine to his mouth to prepare it for the crostini. The toasted slice follows, and he swallows down the next in a long list of pure experiences Sanji has given him this evening.
He makes a small sound of satisfaction as the flavors Sanji described blend in his mouth. His eyes open and quickly crinkle in amusement. ]
Not at all. [ He reaches out to tilt Sanji's chin up with his index finger, and he leans in to kiss the chef discreetly. ]
I understand little of the words, but... [ Clive looks around, scanning a variety of professionals and amateurs demonstrating their passion for something that can seem so... simple, and then looks back to his beloved. ]
This world is you. I could never tire of that. [ Looking into Sanji's eyes with earnestness, the flush returns to Clive's cheeks. ] I think the wine's getting to me. Let's walk? And you can tell me what sort of restaurant I should build you one day.
[ Sanji, like any cook, enjoys working with quality ingredients. However, because he almost starved to death on a rock after a shipwreck for almost three months, he's learned to make fulfilling dishes out of anything he can get his hands on. He considers wasting food a crime and would make it quite clear to those who act so carelessly with a foot to the face. Some traumas cling to you like a shadow, even if you try to leave them behind.
He doesn't know the extent of Clive's past and how much he had to suffer, but he's inferred enough, and nowadays, he's even more determined to make it clear to the other man that he's wanted and accepted—let it be by bringing him all sorts of food to try, fussing over him, or simply enjoying each other's company. Sanji is a social creature, always has been, and is always afraid of solitude and being abandoned again, so part of his issues make themselves evident that way.
He considers himself very lucky that Clive's willing to bear with him and even play the part of food tester for the evening. It makes him happy, and it shows, and he doesn't need more than having Clive around for that feeling to take root in his chest and warm his whole being. The pleased sound the other man makes after tasting the wine and the appetizer is enough for Sanji to consider the night a win. The blond is positively beaming at him after that kiss, and he takes a step closer to the other man. ]
That's all right. Knowing the names and words is less important than figuring out if the food pleases you.
[ Sanji makes a mental note to remember to buy a couple of bottles of that brand of wine, to share it with Clive in the future. Clive's words are so sincere and the flush on his cheeks so endearing that Sanji feels giddy in return, a playful smile gracing his lips. ]
You're a sweetheart; I don't know how I got so lucky. [ Sanji reaches out to squeeze the man's hand and then nods. ] Of course. This château has some lovely gardens; we can check them out and get some air.
[ He gently tugs him towards one of the open doors leading outside, his head tilting towards him in surprise at the last statement. ] You really want to build me a restaurant?
[ Clive holds his tongue back from saying that he's the lucky one. He's been trying to be less self-deprecating thanks to Sanji's loving influence. In his darkest moments, his partner makes him feel worthy of life. He tries to honor that every day, even if he's not sure about how well he's doing it.
He follows along, and when the balmy breeze hits his skin, Clive is grateful that Sanji's choice of dress accounts for humidity in terms of fabric. He takes a deep breath of the air that's been blown up the island from the sea, and feels tension that he hadn't realized he's been holding slip away from his shoulders. ]
Of course. I suppose if you want to keep on adventuring and helping people, that's also a life we could live... but I wouldn't mind settling down somewhere you could keep people alive. Fed. Content. Hungry for life. [ Clive gently guides Sanji down a gravel pathway, arms linked together, toward a water feature made of a ring of carved mermaids and naiads pouring water from amphorae. He pauses to enjoy a moment of the water rippling overitself, crystal clear in sound and color. ]
I think your skill does all that, Sanji. You feed the body, but your zest for food feeds the soul, and you could share that with people. I'd build that for you and protect it.
[ Sometimes, the fact that Clive was- is the son of a duke, a shield of his people, and a knight full of devotion, outshines his persona as an outlaw and companion to pirates. He looks to Sanji, eyes bright and full of the earnestness the most loyal hounds have for their masters, and in a moment becomes self-aware again.
[ It might not seem like it at first glance, but Sanji has his fair share of self-worth issues, mostly because he believes he has no real value as a person due to his uprising before he met Zeff. If anything, it makes him more acutely aware of others suffering from similar problems, and Sanji wants to make sure that the people he cares about know how much he appreciates them.
The proximity of the ocean, the faint sound of waves, and the hit of salt in the air improve his mood even more. Sanji is, and always will be, a creature attuned to the sea and its wonders. He studies Clive's face for a second and smiles at seeing the man become more at ease. He's silent as he listens to the other man, blue eyes widening slightly at how easily Clive talks about having a future, his heart pounding faster in his chest at the realization that he means it. That if destiny allowed, he would honestly want to have a life together with Sanji.
It leaves the cook speechless for a few more seconds, and he's a bit embarrassed that, when he manages to get the words out, they're a little shaky with emotion. ]
I'd like that too. That life, with you. I...I chose the path I'm on now, being a pirate, traveling around...because it meant freedom, it meant helping and growing while learning about others and about myself. [ Sanji squeezes Clive's arm, his eyes on the fountain, admiring the figures and thinking about how he always wanted to see a mermaid up close, to find and swim in the All Blue. These are dreams he still follows, but he doesn't want to do them alone. ] I'm not Luffy, he's not made to settle down; his heart and eyes would always be set on the next adventure. I like adventure too, and I want to help him become the King of the Pirates, but, as you said, I'd also like to create a place people could come back to. A home, like a port in a storm. The restaurant could be that, a source of solace for hungry travelers, and our home.
[ It would be a floating restaurant, like the Baratie, because, of course, it would be. Settled but free at the same time, able to navigate toward new waters when they needed a change of scenery, or to find people who needed them the most. He looks up in time to see Clive's face blooming with colors, his declaration causing a similar reaction in Sanji.
No matter how often Clive shows his love through gestures and words, it always seems to catch him by surprise. It makes him stupidly giddy, like his heart is about to get ripped apart at the seams from feeling so much happiness. It's such a sappy thought, Sanji knows he's ridiculous, but it's the truth. ]
Oh, in that case, I should get you drunk even more often. I don't know how I managed to fool you into loving me, but I like hearing you say it.
[ He gives Clive a smile that could put the sun to shame before reaching a hand up the man's neck to make him lean closer so he can kiss him. They're alone in the gardens, he thinks, but even if there are any other visitors around who could see him putting into the kiss he's giving his boyfriend every emotion he can't say out loud, Sanji wouldn't care. When they break apart to breathe, Sanji still keeps their faces close, their foreheads pressed together, and his voice soft. ]
I love you too. More than anything. I'm so, so lucky I met you.
[ This settles things for Clive, then. He and Sanji have lived this partnership in a haphazard way - keeping close and crossing paths, but mostly traveling the seas apart from one another. Clive's life has been that of an outlaw - not exactly a pirate, but he thinks it's time he choose something more than that, and that means giving up some things. He'll have to become a pirate with Sanji, if he wants to have the world.
His grin sets a warmth growing in his chest, as if he's beaming enough light to glow in the dark between their pressed-close foreheads. ]
A pirate king could use one more ship added to his fleet, don't you think? [ Clive takes a deep breath and gives Sanji a quick peck on the lips, and then another. He's bubbling with emotion. ]
I think it's time I sail with you and Luffy on your quest. I could use a bit of fun, and I don't want to be apart from you any longer. [ They've had moments like this, where they have life on what amounts to shoreleave with each other for a few days. It's time that Clive brave the seas with his beloved.
But- they have the evening before them. Clive goes in for another kiss, finding himself hungry again, and eager for the taste of Sanji upon his lips, and the scent of their breath mingling. ]
[ He had never brought up the idea of Clive traveling with them before because he didn't want to interfere with the man's freedom. No matter how much time he wanted to spend with Clive, Sanji's romantic daydreams of a future together, and how much it always hurt to say 'until next time'; he couldn't simply ask and be that selfish. Being a pirate is risky too, and he didn't want any harm to come to his lover. Now that it's so clear in Clive's bright smile that he wants this as much as Sanji dreamed of, it feels as if one of his dreams has already been fulfilled. ]
Yes, for sure! [ Sanji kisses him back, twice as well, and then wraps his arms around Clive's shoulders to keep him close. He's not sure what his face is doing, but it's probably something embarrassing, smiling like a lovestruck fool as he is doing. The tips of his ears feel hot, but he doesn't have it on him to feel embarrassed when he's so happy with how the night turned out. ]
Luffy already adores you; he thinks you're really strong. But I'm going to apologize in advance about the Mosshead. Zoro's going to be insufferable once he sees you use a sword and probably asks to fight you. Please kick his ass and let me watch.
[ Everyone who joined Luffy's crew had done so, in the end, of their own volition, with more or less prodding from the younger captain. Luffy makes it very clear when he wants someone aboard, but in the end, he lets people choose what they really want to do. It took Sanji a lot to make that choice, but it's one of the few he's made in his life that he doesn't regret. He can only hope that Clive doesn't, either.
There's so much Sanji wants to say; he wants to sing Clive's praises and ask more about his own dreams, but now they are not running against time anymore. From now on, they will have all the time they want to spend together and talk until late at night without worrying about leaving early in the morning. He welcomes Clive's new kiss with eagerness, closing his eyes and pressing their lips together, faintly tasting the wine from before and humming into the man's mouth. ]
[ Could Clive admit that he's giddy? Wandering a garden with someone he loves, kissing them and tasting wine on their lips, planning a future... It's all the sort of things he should have been doing years ago as a young knight in his father's service. He's older now, though, and these things carry weight, but it's the sort of weight now that grounds Clive as much as it elates him.
He savors the moment with Sanji, letting their kiss continue past the point of propriety for a somewhat public place. The world begins in this garden, and the future lies before them.
The kiss ends, but Clive lingers close, his breath hot as desert winds and mingling with Sanji's. He brushes his nose along Sanji's. ]
If we keep this up, we might have to find a bower somewhere to take things further... [ Clive is so tempted... and yet...
He presses his forehead against Sanji's. ]
We could head back inside... [ His eyes linger on Sanji's, bright and questioning. ] I still want you to teach me more... Or we could head home, because I also want to taste every inch of you.
[ Sanji would not make fun of him if he did. God knows he feels just as excited at the prospect of future plans together. He never thought he would be able to have something like this; life has never been that kind to him, and as a kid, he wasn't even sure he would make it to adulthood. Perhaps this is the universe's way of compensating them for all the misery Clive, and he, went through in the past.
Sanji's mind and body get hyper-focused when he's kissing Clive, it just feels too good to pay the rest of the world any attention, but it'd probably be for the better if he managed to reign in those feelings and keep his composure. He takes a slow, long breath when they part and smiles at the light brush of Clive's nose against his own. ]
It doesn't sound like a terrible plan to me. [ He's been feeling hot and bothered every time he looked at Clive dressed up to the nines, and Sanji's self-retraining can only go so far. He always tries to be a gentleman, though, and will listen first to what Clive would like to do. He keeps eye contact with his boyfriend as he gives the option some thought. Frankly, the choice is easy, and he bites his bottom lip in a show of wanting for a brief moment. ]
I could teach you more about food tomorrow morning when I bring you breakfast in bed. [ One of Sanji's hands slides over Clive's front, a finger curling around his tie playfully. ] Let's go home so I can make sure you don't go hungry.
[ It's cheesy and a bad food joke, Sanji knows it, but he can't help saying it with another grin. ]
[ The way Sanji grins when he's delivering such a cheesy joke couldn't be more alluring to Clive. It reads as a kind of confidence that magnetizes him. ]
Bold of you to assume I'd let you out of bed long enough to cook for me. [ Clive lets his true hunger take a hold of him, and his hands drop possessively to Sanji's hips. He tugs Sanji flush against his body and brings his mouth to Sanji's neck. He finds a spot where he can feel Sanji's pulse and scent the mingling of fragrance and Sanji's skin. His lips press over that spot, and he leaves what will turn into a small bruise with his kiss - the first of many Clive intends to leave on Sanji this evening. ]
You better guide us home, or else I'll have you in this garden, my beloved. [ Clive's voice goes hot and husky, but he loosens his grip in an attempt to be "good." ]
[ This is why they work so well together. Sanji can be his silly self sometimes, and Clive doesn't think it's too embarrassing to handle. Or, if he does, he's kind enough to humor Sanji, which works for him. It only makes the cook more enamored with him because Sanji is a sucker for casual displays of patience and kindness like those, too. ]
Oh, promises, promises... [ Sanji feels his body heating up, as if the temperature has gone as soon as Clive's gotten his hands on him. Even those sorts of touches are enough to get him riled up, he's down so bad for the other man.
It only gets worse —or rather much better— when Clove's mouth is only him. Sanji lets out a small, broken moan and tilts his head back to offer him access to the column of his throat. His mouth feels a little dry now. ]
A-ah. But home feels so far away from here. [ He's not sure he can make it there without jumping Clive mid-way. His hand slides up the muscular back, and he digs his nail in slightly when the other man seems to be moving away. Not enough to hurt Clive, but to make the possessiveness clear. ] I'm sure this château has a few empty rooms, we could borrow one for a few hours. Everyone's distracted by the food anyway, they won't miss us...
[ Clive weighs the options, but not with a clear or level head. How could he deny such a tempting offering from his chef?
He reaches up and starts to tug at the knot of Sanji's tie, wanting to bare more of the man's neck to his mouth. He finds where Sanji's jugular meets his collar and runs the tip of his tongue along Sanji's pulse. ]
I think I'll have you... [ He glances up quickly- scanning their surroundings, and he sees a knot garden: lower hedges grown into an intricate knotted pattern. The spaces in between are full of a fragrant blossom he recognizes: snow daisies. If they keep low... well, the flowers can be a good enough cover.
He draws back to look into Sanji's eyes, smiling as he nods his head in the direction of the knot garden. ] ...among the flowers.
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bakerstreet2024-03-15 08:39 pm
hiori yo ( blue lock )
Nishinoya Yuu ( Haikyuu!! ) OTA
Falco Grice | Attack on Titan
Hubert von Vestra | Fire Emblem 3 Houses | OTA
Maedhros | the Silmarillion | OTA
Sanji | One Piece Live Action | Netflix |OTA
no subject
That was all well and good as a romantic gesture that had even brought a gentle flush to the warrior's cheeks, but now he stood before a mirror completely unsure of what to do with the damn thing. He had watched Sanji dress a few times by now, seeing the deft way his fingers manipulated the satiny fabric into a finessed slash of elegance. It might as well have been arcane manipulations of a secret ritual.
Clive grunted softly as his fingers failed a third time at getting a tidy knot that would slide easily up towards his neck. ]
At least I won't be able to weave the noose to hang myself, I suppose...
no subject
Blue eyes crinkle a little with amusement as he sees him try and fail to handle the offered tie, but he soon takes pity on him. That, and Sanji enjoys any excuse to get close and personal with the other man, either to lightheartedly make fun of him or to dote on him. This time, it is both. His hands slide up the jacket's lapels, pressing down lightly on Clive's chest to get his attention, and then he playfully bats his hands away to take over the job of tying the tie for him. ]
A man as skilled as you are with your hands, and it's a tie of all things that manages to best you. [ Sanji gazed up from the tie to the other man's eyes, smiling. ] Would you have preferred a bow tie?
no subject
It's not the same thing as a blade. [ And even with that, he's sure Sanji has more finesse. The man has dazzled Clive more times than he can count in the kitchen, while Clive has settled into doing things like passing over ingredients or cleaning up afterwards. ]
But being bested in battle's not such a sad thing, if I can have such handsome man tend to me in return. [ Clive's hands rise to settle over Sanji's once they're done doing their work. ]
no subject
I hope not; we're not supposed to fight anyone tonight. Of course, we both know that the universe does not like to agree with our plans.
[ The other man looks really handsome like this —not like he isn't quite the looker on any normal day— and the brief times when Sanji spots his slightly reddened cheeks only adds to the appeal. There's probably something to be said about him and swordsmen catching his eye, but Sanji knows that in the end, his attraction always leans towards those who are good people, despite their possible tough exterior or harsh uprising. People who can be gentle when it matters.
He's still surprised to be at the receiving end of said gentleness or interest, and the warm hands now placed over his own make him pause for the briefest seconds before he smiles again. It's Sanji's cheekbones turn to get tinted pink, as he's more used to being the one doling out compliments than receiving them. ]
Ah, you flatterer. Keep that up, and we won't make it to tonight's event. Not like it would be a big loss.
no subject
Clive breathes out a small huff of laughter and brings up Sanji's hands towards his mouth, planting a small kiss against his knuckles.
Sanji is many things - bright, a flirt, skilled in the kitchen, and deadly in combat. On top of all that, he sees more in Clive than Clive is willing to see in himself most days. ]
No, I won't have your efforts in getting me presentable go to waste. Not when this evening's for you. [ They were heading out to a special tasting event that would provide Sanji with some opportunities to acquire special ingredients for cooking, after all. ]
I'm just your muscle for the evening. [ Clive smirks just a touch. ] We can extend that for when we return, if you like.
no subject
Poor Clive will just have to deal with him chatting about food, flavors, and recipes nonstop for a few hours, but Sanji will make it up to him somehow. He's surprised that the other man was not only willing to come but that it let him play dress up first. It meant more to Sanji than he could admit, and the kiss on his hand makes him flush slightly. He's not used to being the one on the receiving end of attention, more like the opposite, but Clive really spoils him. ]
It wasn't that difficult, not with such a handsome face to work with. And I like how you usually dress just fine. You make all that leather work.
[ It's not hard to see the good in the other man, and even if Sanji is a consummate tease who likes to praise people, he means every word. Life hadn't always treated them kindly, so he values the good moments like these.
Since his hand is already close to Clive's face, he reaches with his left to cup his cheek and give it a brief squeeze, his thumbs gently brushing the edge of his scar. Sanji smiles before his eyes narrow mischievously. Then he huffs, the grin never leaving his lips. ]
As if I need any help kicking ass. But I appreciate the sentiment. But you've got yourself a deal, mister. I'll make sure that your night is as memorable for you as it will be for me. [ He pulls his hand away reluctantly after a few more seconds so he can finish working on the tie. ] There you go, just perfect.
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They are an item, but Clive has to admit that he likes doing what he can to surprise Sanji. ]
Perfection crafted upon me by skilled hands. [ Clive takes a step back from Sanji and bows with the subtle flourish of someone who was once trained in manners of a much higher station.
Straightening himself out, Clive offers his hand to Sanji once more. ]
Let's go. I want to hear every detail of what we're looking for at this tasting.
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He's not used to this kind of courtesy, much less from a man. Having grown up around ex-pirate captains, cooks who behaved more than thugs than anything, and then the loud and unusual (but very lovable) Straw Hats left Sanji with skewered expectations about manners or gentleness. And yet, Clive always manages to surprise him. ]
These skilled hands are also not done with you. [ It's said in a kittenish voice, practically a purr, and Sanji takes advantage of their proximity to place a kiss on the corner of Clive's mouth. If he does more than that, a proper kiss, he really would be too tempted to leave. Keep that in mind for later. ] Time to go now, you're right. but stop me if I get too distracted.
[ During the event, Sanji is in his element, and it shows. He's checking the food, chatting with other chefs and guests, dragging Clive to the different tables to gorge himself with appetizers and entrées, and always asking for his feedback, even if it's a simple 'tastes good'. He does more sharing and observing than eating himself, but there's also a sort of boyish joy in Sanji that only ever showed up before when he talked about All Blue.
There's wine too, of course, and Sanji comes back to Clive's side with a couple of glasses filled with a blood-red liquid. ]
You need to try this with one of the cheese apricot crostini, the combination will be to die for. The wine's made with Zinfandel grapes. They're savory and rich, with hints of plum, berries, and red currants...ah, sorry. [ There he goes on a tangent again. Sanji gives him a sheepish look and then clears his throat. ] Tired of the place yet?
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He understands only a bit here and there of the subtle varieties of ingredients the chefs discuss, but when Sanji offers him something, he tries it with a mindful analysis. Vegetables suddenly take on delightful notes of bitter, salty, watery, crisp. Fruits sing with sweetness, sourness, and creamy mouthfeels. Flesh, fowl, and fish all present themselves with brazen nudity, or they cloak themselves in sauces and spices like thick winter coats.
All of it, Clive starts to conceptualize because Sanji's joy has come to be his.
Often, 'tastes good' is the only way Clive can verbalize what he lacks the the vocabulary to pin down exactly.
Wine. Wine, Clive can enjoy with a little more understanding and skill. His father had started to teach him some of the differences in varieties just before... well, before Clive became an orphan. He takes his glass of wine to his mouth to prepare it for the crostini. The toasted slice follows, and he swallows down the next in a long list of pure experiences Sanji has given him this evening.
He makes a small sound of satisfaction as the flavors Sanji described blend in his mouth. His eyes open and quickly crinkle in amusement. ]
Not at all. [ He reaches out to tilt Sanji's chin up with his index finger, and he leans in to kiss the chef discreetly. ]
I understand little of the words, but... [ Clive looks around, scanning a variety of professionals and amateurs demonstrating their passion for something that can seem so... simple, and then looks back to his beloved. ]
This world is you. I could never tire of that. [ Looking into Sanji's eyes with earnestness, the flush returns to Clive's cheeks. ] I think the wine's getting to me. Let's walk? And you can tell me what sort of restaurant I should build you one day.
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He doesn't know the extent of Clive's past and how much he had to suffer, but he's inferred enough, and nowadays, he's even more determined to make it clear to the other man that he's wanted and accepted—let it be by bringing him all sorts of food to try, fussing over him, or simply enjoying each other's company. Sanji is a social creature, always has been, and is always afraid of solitude and being abandoned again, so part of his issues make themselves evident that way.
He considers himself very lucky that Clive's willing to bear with him and even play the part of food tester for the evening. It makes him happy, and it shows, and he doesn't need more than having Clive around for that feeling to take root in his chest and warm his whole being. The pleased sound the other man makes after tasting the wine and the appetizer is enough for Sanji to consider the night a win. The blond is positively beaming at him after that kiss, and he takes a step closer to the other man. ]
That's all right. Knowing the names and words is less important than figuring out if the food pleases you.
[ Sanji makes a mental note to remember to buy a couple of bottles of that brand of wine, to share it with Clive in the future. Clive's words are so sincere and the flush on his cheeks so endearing that Sanji feels giddy in return, a playful smile gracing his lips. ]
You're a sweetheart; I don't know how I got so lucky. [ Sanji reaches out to squeeze the man's hand and then nods. ] Of course. This château has some lovely gardens; we can check them out and get some air.
[ He gently tugs him towards one of the open doors leading outside, his head tilting towards him in surprise at the last statement. ] You really want to build me a restaurant?
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He follows along, and when the balmy breeze hits his skin, Clive is grateful that Sanji's choice of dress accounts for humidity in terms of fabric. He takes a deep breath of the air that's been blown up the island from the sea, and feels tension that he hadn't realized he's been holding slip away from his shoulders. ]
Of course. I suppose if you want to keep on adventuring and helping people, that's also a life we could live... but I wouldn't mind settling down somewhere you could keep people alive. Fed. Content. Hungry for life. [ Clive gently guides Sanji down a gravel pathway, arms linked together, toward a water feature made of a ring of carved mermaids and naiads pouring water from amphorae. He pauses to enjoy a moment of the water rippling overitself, crystal clear in sound and color. ]
I think your skill does all that, Sanji. You feed the body, but your zest for food feeds the soul, and you could share that with people. I'd build that for you and protect it.
[ Sometimes, the fact that Clive was- is the son of a duke, a shield of his people, and a knight full of devotion, outshines his persona as an outlaw and companion to pirates. He looks to Sanji, eyes bright and full of the earnestness the most loyal hounds have for their masters, and in a moment becomes self-aware again.
He flushes, but can't help grinning. ]
Feel free to blame the wine, but I love you.
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The proximity of the ocean, the faint sound of waves, and the hit of salt in the air improve his mood even more. Sanji is, and always will be, a creature attuned to the sea and its wonders. He studies Clive's face for a second and smiles at seeing the man become more at ease. He's silent as he listens to the other man, blue eyes widening slightly at how easily Clive talks about having a future, his heart pounding faster in his chest at the realization that he means it. That if destiny allowed, he would honestly want to have a life together with Sanji.
It leaves the cook speechless for a few more seconds, and he's a bit embarrassed that, when he manages to get the words out, they're a little shaky with emotion. ]
I'd like that too. That life, with you. I...I chose the path I'm on now, being a pirate, traveling around...because it meant freedom, it meant helping and growing while learning about others and about myself. [ Sanji squeezes Clive's arm, his eyes on the fountain, admiring the figures and thinking about how he always wanted to see a mermaid up close, to find and swim in the All Blue. These are dreams he still follows, but he doesn't want to do them alone. ] I'm not Luffy, he's not made to settle down; his heart and eyes would always be set on the next adventure. I like adventure too, and I want to help him become the King of the Pirates, but, as you said, I'd also like to create a place people could come back to. A home, like a port in a storm. The restaurant could be that, a source of solace for hungry travelers, and our home.
[ It would be a floating restaurant, like the Baratie, because, of course, it would be. Settled but free at the same time, able to navigate toward new waters when they needed a change of scenery, or to find people who needed them the most. He looks up in time to see Clive's face blooming with colors, his declaration causing a similar reaction in Sanji.
No matter how often Clive shows his love through gestures and words, it always seems to catch him by surprise. It makes him stupidly giddy, like his heart is about to get ripped apart at the seams from feeling so much happiness. It's such a sappy thought, Sanji knows he's ridiculous, but it's the truth. ]
Oh, in that case, I should get you drunk even more often. I don't know how I managed to fool you into loving me, but I like hearing you say it.
[ He gives Clive a smile that could put the sun to shame before reaching a hand up the man's neck to make him lean closer so he can kiss him. They're alone in the gardens, he thinks, but even if there are any other visitors around who could see him putting into the kiss he's giving his boyfriend every emotion he can't say out loud, Sanji wouldn't care. When they break apart to breathe, Sanji still keeps their faces close, their foreheads pressed together, and his voice soft. ]
I love you too. More than anything. I'm so, so lucky I met you.
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His grin sets a warmth growing in his chest, as if he's beaming enough light to glow in the dark between their pressed-close foreheads. ]
A pirate king could use one more ship added to his fleet, don't you think? [ Clive takes a deep breath and gives Sanji a quick peck on the lips, and then another. He's bubbling with emotion. ]
I think it's time I sail with you and Luffy on your quest. I could use a bit of fun, and I don't want to be apart from you any longer. [ They've had moments like this, where they have life on what amounts to shoreleave with each other for a few days. It's time that Clive brave the seas with his beloved.
But- they have the evening before them. Clive goes in for another kiss, finding himself hungry again, and eager for the taste of Sanji upon his lips, and the scent of their breath mingling. ]
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Yes, for sure! [ Sanji kisses him back, twice as well, and then wraps his arms around Clive's shoulders to keep him close. He's not sure what his face is doing, but it's probably something embarrassing, smiling like a lovestruck fool as he is doing. The tips of his ears feel hot, but he doesn't have it on him to feel embarrassed when he's so happy with how the night turned out. ]
Luffy already adores you; he thinks you're really strong. But I'm going to apologize in advance about the Mosshead. Zoro's going to be insufferable once he sees you use a sword and probably asks to fight you. Please kick his ass and let me watch.
[ Everyone who joined Luffy's crew had done so, in the end, of their own volition, with more or less prodding from the younger captain. Luffy makes it very clear when he wants someone aboard, but in the end, he lets people choose what they really want to do. It took Sanji a lot to make that choice, but it's one of the few he's made in his life that he doesn't regret. He can only hope that Clive doesn't, either.
There's so much Sanji wants to say; he wants to sing Clive's praises and ask more about his own dreams, but now they are not running against time anymore. From now on, they will have all the time they want to spend together and talk until late at night without worrying about leaving early in the morning. He welcomes Clive's new kiss with eagerness, closing his eyes and pressing their lips together, faintly tasting the wine from before and humming into the man's mouth. ]
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He savors the moment with Sanji, letting their kiss continue past the point of propriety for a somewhat public place. The world begins in this garden, and the future lies before them.
The kiss ends, but Clive lingers close, his breath hot as desert winds and mingling with Sanji's. He brushes his nose along Sanji's. ]
If we keep this up, we might have to find a bower somewhere to take things further... [ Clive is so tempted... and yet...
He presses his forehead against Sanji's. ]
We could head back inside... [ His eyes linger on Sanji's, bright and questioning. ] I still want you to teach me more... Or we could head home, because I also want to taste every inch of you.
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Sanji's mind and body get hyper-focused when he's kissing Clive, it just feels too good to pay the rest of the world any attention, but it'd probably be for the better if he managed to reign in those feelings and keep his composure. He takes a slow, long breath when they part and smiles at the light brush of Clive's nose against his own. ]
It doesn't sound like a terrible plan to me. [ He's been feeling hot and bothered every time he looked at Clive dressed up to the nines, and Sanji's self-retraining can only go so far. He always tries to be a gentleman, though, and will listen first to what Clive would like to do. He keeps eye contact with his boyfriend as he gives the option some thought. Frankly, the choice is easy, and he bites his bottom lip in a show of wanting for a brief moment. ]
I could teach you more about food tomorrow morning when I bring you breakfast in bed. [ One of Sanji's hands slides over Clive's front, a finger curling around his tie playfully. ] Let's go home so I can make sure you don't go hungry.
[ It's cheesy and a bad food joke, Sanji knows it, but he can't help saying it with another grin. ]
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Bold of you to assume I'd let you out of bed long enough to cook for me. [ Clive lets his true hunger take a hold of him, and his hands drop possessively to Sanji's hips. He tugs Sanji flush against his body and brings his mouth to Sanji's neck. He finds a spot where he can feel Sanji's pulse and scent the mingling of fragrance and Sanji's skin. His lips press over that spot, and he leaves what will turn into a small bruise with his kiss - the first of many Clive intends to leave on Sanji this evening. ]
You better guide us home, or else I'll have you in this garden, my beloved. [ Clive's voice goes hot and husky, but he loosens his grip in an attempt to be "good." ]
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Oh, promises, promises... [ Sanji feels his body heating up, as if the temperature has gone as soon as Clive's gotten his hands on him. Even those sorts of touches are enough to get him riled up, he's down so bad for the other man.
It only gets worse —or rather much better— when Clove's mouth is only him. Sanji lets out a small, broken moan and tilts his head back to offer him access to the column of his throat. His mouth feels a little dry now. ]
A-ah. But home feels so far away from here. [ He's not sure he can make it there without jumping Clive mid-way. His hand slides up the muscular back, and he digs his nail in slightly when the other man seems to be moving away. Not enough to hurt Clive, but to make the possessiveness clear. ] I'm sure this château has a few empty rooms, we could borrow one for a few hours. Everyone's distracted by the food anyway, they won't miss us...
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He reaches up and starts to tug at the knot of Sanji's tie, wanting to bare more of the man's neck to his mouth. He finds where Sanji's jugular meets his collar and runs the tip of his tongue along Sanji's pulse. ]
I think I'll have you... [ He glances up quickly- scanning their surroundings, and he sees a knot garden: lower hedges grown into an intricate knotted pattern. The spaces in between are full of a fragrant blossom he recognizes: snow daisies. If they keep low... well, the flowers can be a good enough cover.
He draws back to look into Sanji's eyes, smiling as he nods his head in the direction of the knot garden. ] ...among the flowers.
Charles Chevalier ( Blue Lock )
Yamaguchi Tadashi | Haikyuu!!
Ferdinand von Aegir | Fire Emblem: 3 Houses | OTA
Rock Lee ( Naruto )
Chrissy Cunningham | Stranger Things
reiner braun | attack on titan | m/m
stealcurl up in )sandalphon ☕️ granblue fantasy
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Never mind, then. I didn’t know that.
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I might have something else that fits you better anyway, some of my clothes are oversized.
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I’m just going to hope you’re eating proper… but sure. I’ll take that at least.
The Swede | Our Flag Means Death | OTA
Vanessa | Luminous Arc | OTA
Mihawk | One Piece | ota
Bucky Barnes | mcu
Theseus | Hades
Aether | Genshin Impact | ota