Archive of Our Own ^beta

“Chopper, may I have a moment?” Brook found their doctor on the other side of the deck as he exited the dorms, a perfect time to approach him with Luffy or anyone else to overhear. 

“Hm?” Chopper’s ears perked up, looking straight up at Brook as he came to stand in front of him. “What’s up Brook?”

Brook closed the distance further as he knelt down to be closer to Chopper’s height, and kept his voice low. “I don’t want to make a fuss or alarm anyone, but I have a concern about Sanji. I know you patched up his injuries from the escape, but I can’t help but notice our cook hasn’t taken any kind of rest since then.”

Ever since they’d left Whole Cake and Big Mom’s territory, he’d taken to keeping a watchful eye on everyone. With Jinbei absent, and Pedro gone, that left him as the most senior crewmember-in age and experience that is. Being his age, it only felt natural to look after those younger than him. And moreso, he felt it was an utmost duty to look after his crew after the Rumbar pirates. He looked after them until each one slipped from his fingertips, and then those were gone too. With his present crew, their safety and wellbeing meant the world to him. It was his whole world. So he couldn’t let any concerns linger unchecked. Especially the present one. 

Chopper’s lack of expression also concerned him as he nodded. “Mm. He only let me look at his arm, he said he was fine otherwise.” He looked down at the grass, brow knit with worry. “But I know something else is wrong.”

“So you have noticed it.” 

“Yeah,” Chopper nodded again, the guilt and conflict apparent on his face, “but I don’t want to push him. He went through a lot. But as his doctor I can’t ignore my concerns. For now I’ve just been keeping an eye on him.”

Brook hummed, mulling over their doctor’s debate with himself. They were valid points, but he hadn’t broached the topic to debate it. “I’m not sure it would be wise to let this linger.” He began, voice thick with urge. “Sanji is not one to be vocal about his true needs. I would worry he’d even try to hide the moment he does end up crashing.”

“Hmm…..” Chopper regarded him, looking down again in thought. “You’re right. I’ll go talk to him-“ He made to walk off towards the galley on the other side of Sunny, but Brook held out a hand in his path to stop him.

“Just a moment. If you’ll allow it, let me. Perhaps he’ll feel more inclined to open up.” He lightened up his tone and gave his version of a smile with his face as nothing but a skull. “ As a musician I do have a charm for invoking one’s emotions, yoho~”

“Alright,” Chopper accepted, determination in his own eyes. “I need to check on Luffy anyway.”

“Thank you for putting your trust in me.” Brook stood back up, letting Chopper run around him to Luffy’s resting form on the grass. 

As soon as Chopper was focused on Luffy-and Luffy’s focus on Chopper-Brook casually strode across the deck himself and up the stairs towards the galley. To his surprise though, he wasn’t the only one there as someone was already outside the door and peeking into the window.

“Nami.”

His quiet as ever movement startled her as she jumped back at his call to her. “Oh, hey, Brook.”

It didn’t take much to figure out the intention of her action, and it only added to his desire to do something about the predicament as he spared a glance to the door. “I take it you’ve noticed what’s been occurring with our dear cook, as well.”

Nami groaned in frustration with a hand to her forehead. “That idiot. After everything he’s still trying to hide from us and acting like everything’s alright! He’s still wearing the suit for crying out loud!” 

She paced back and forth, face heated in her now vented frustration. She was never one to hold her tongue, but she must have been waiting for someone to say something about this as well. Her fists at her side, she started to stomp towards the door. “I'm about to drag him to his bed-“

Brook held up a placating hand, keeping his voice level. “While I agree with your concerns, I was about to go and speak with him myself actually.”

It worked-thankfully-as the anger vanished from Nami’s face. “Really?” She blinked at him, then raised an eyebrow and placed a hand on her hip. “You sure that’ll work? No offense, Brook, but this is Sanji. He’s as stubborn as Luffy.”

“Sanji is in a delicate state right now, Nami.” Brook softened his tone, but kept it assertive enough to affirm his point. Everyone on this ship cared about their cook’s well being right now and had their own ways of showing it. But this required precision and a certain approach.

“He has been through probably more than what we are even aware of. It is my belief that a more gentle approach may serve better here. We have to let him initiate it and be in control, as something tells me those he was forced to be surrounded by recently took away all of that while he was in their hands.”

He didn’t even want to think much deeper than that on what could have possibly happened when they weren’t there. For someone as brave and headstrong as Sanji to be struck with such fear and emotion as the kind he saw inside Bege’s castle that day on Zou, it frightened even him. Though he kept faith in Sanji the entire time and fought for whatever choice he would have made in the end, worry still rattled within his bones as they fought through Whole Cake. 

Nami took longer than Chopper did to contemplate his proposition. A bit expected, but finally she relented. “Okay….I’ll trust you on this. But if that doesn’t work then I’m knocking him out myself and throwing him in his bed.”

Brook chuckled lightly, as she sauntered away. “Very well~. I will ask you a favor for the moment if you could keep anyone else from entering the galley.”

“You got it.” She gave him a thumbs up, leaning against the railing. 

Entering the galley, he kept his steps light and demeanor pleasant. Putting that pleasantry into his voice he greeted their cook.“Hello, Sanji.”

Sanji had his back turned to him, not even looking up when he did enter the room. Bent over the counters he was hard at work prepping on one side and writing down something on the other. He did react as he called out to him, and looked over his shoulder. “Mm, hey, Brook. You need something? Dinner won’t be for a few more hours but I can whip up an appetizer if you’re that hungry.”

“I’m quite alright.” Brook held up a hand. Always so considerate their cook was. “Perhaps a cup of tea will suffice though.”

Sanji whipped his head back around, hands grabbing the kettle to fill it and put it on the stove. “Coming right up.”

While Sanji went hard at work to prepare a simple cup of tea, Brook took a seat at the table. Folding his hands he rested his chin on them as he observed the workspace of Sanji’s kitchen. There was still a hole in the ceiling from Luffy’s unfortunate attempt at cooking, but other than that the room was in pristine condition. Freshly clean and organized even with all the tools, ingredients, and papers covering the counters completely. Evidence of not a single moment of pause in work. Brook’s gaze wandered to Sanji himself, watching as he moved about the kitchen, barely taking a moment to linger in one place for very long. True to Nami’s statement as well, the white wedding suit was still adorned. Pristine white- a color of purity, honesty, and new beginnings-but in these moments were a blinding overcast. The bandages around his bicep was the only interruption in its form, letting the reality leak through. The pain. 

Brook hummed as a perfect cup of tea was placed in front of him. Tea that no one could make as good as Sanji. “Thank you, Sanji. My you’ve certainly been working up a storm in here.” Start light.

This was the first time he actually got a closer look at Sanji’s face. There was an air of disconnect in it. A shadow in his eyes not just physically. He took a drag of his cigarette, turning on his heel with a neutral tone. “You act like you’ve never seen me work. Besides, gotta make up for missed meals.”

“Indeed,” Brook simply nodded, lifting the cup,  “needless to say our meals weren’t at all the same without you here.”

“Don’t worry, I don’t intend to go anywhere again.” Sanji replied, his back turned to him again though as he went back to his work. 

“That eases these weary bones to hear.” Brook took a sip. Ease in, but be direct. “We did terribly miss you, and not just for the cooking.”

Sanji didn’t reply for a long moment. His body reacted though as Brook noticed the physical moment of pause, shoulders raising up. 

Then finally. “I missed all of you too….” 

It was quiet. Tired. Regretful. It ebbed a sad chord to Brook’s ears. 

“Sanji-“

The opening was swept away as Sanji straightened up and cleared his throat. “Anyway-erm-I actually thought of a great new recipe! Limited pantry always makes for a good creative challenge.”

He could only roll with it as Brook kept his calm and focus. There would be another moment, he must be patient, and the goal was to get Sanji to open up on his own. “Oh, is that so? I must say that’s intriguing. Your creativeness never seems to cease, our dear chef.”

“Chef is for a restaurant and my dad, i'm the cook.”

“Is there really a difference?” Brook leaned forward, tilting his head and resting his other arm on the table. “Your father’s a chef..?”

“Yeah-Zeff.” Sanji answered offhandedly over his shoulder. “You never met him. He’s back in the East Blue.”

“Oh, I see. Forgive my confusion….” As he figured, he couldn’t have meant Judge. Back in Bege’s castle he did recall a mention of another father, but the name hadn’t been spoken then.

“It’s fine.” Sanji brushed off his comment, but there was indeed a repressed solemness. “I never did mention him to you before.” Just like he never mentioned Judge. That inner thought wasn’t spoken aloud, but said in the way Sanji’s voice was thin; a struggle to stay steady. 

“So this Zeff was the one who raised you and taught you to cook.”

“Pft, I was always a cook.” A bit of life came back to his tone, as he switched to washing dishes, dumping a few pots and plates into the sink. “I taught myself and we just ended up with each other.” He paused, head looking up like he was lost in a memory for a second.“But, yeah…..I grew up in his restaurant, Baratie. I was made the sous chef finally around 15, but that position was practically mine since I was ten.”

“Ten you say?” Brook’s brow lifted in actual surprise. “Oh my, you were but a child! I guess I shouldn’t be surprised with your skill.”

There was actual fondness in Sanji’s shoulders as he flipped a clean knife around then into the drying rack. “The old geezer would never admit it. Nor did he ever say anything good about my cooking. Not out loud at least.” The last statement was said with a definite smile. The puzzle of the dynamic was becoming clear, and precious. “But he did teach me a lot and I owe him everything.”

“He certainly sounds like a good man. If given the opportunity I would take pleasure in meeting him one day. He raised a fine chef and an ever finer man. He must be very proud.~”

Sanji’s shoulders slowly fell. His tone didn’t match his single word comment.“......Yeah.” 

Proud? He would be kicking his ass to all the different Blues for what he did in all this. But not like Judge, not out of hate, but of scolding. He could hear him in his ear- ‘what were you thinking, you know better, you should’ve used your head eggplant’. If he’d known he did it because his life was being threatened he would’ve broken the peg over his head.

 “Sanji, I believe the plate is clean.”

 “Hm?” Sanji blinked out of his thoughts at Brook then down to the plate in his hands. Indeed sparkling clean. His fingers were already pruning up and a little red at the tips from continuous scrubbing. “Oh.”

Brook stood up, his tea finished and took a few steps forward up the counter. Test the waters and proximity.“Would you like some assistance? We can get through those much quicker.”

 “No. No need to trouble yourself, Brook.” Sanji answered all too quickly, as he plunged his hands back into the water to grab another dish. “I can handle it.”

“It’s no trouble at all!” Brook made his way around the counter, rolling up his own sleeves. “I know Zoro usually helps you with the dishes anyway, and since he’s not here I can fill in. I can make sure they’re as clean and white as these bones, yohoho!”

 Sanji regarded him for a poignant moment, clearly contemplating the allowance of him into his territory at the moment. But to Brook’s relief, he relented. “Alright, you can dry. Just don’t drop any.”

“Of course!”

They went about the task in silence for a while. Sanji washed and rinsed a dish, then handed it off to Brook to be dried and placed on the nearby rack to be put away later. Patience. That was still the key here. Getting that close to Sanji with his permission was a step closer, but he couldn’t step too far lest everything go awry and worse Sanji recede further into himself. For now as they worked, Brook kept his watchful eye out, and being closer he could notice much more about their cook. Things that added to his concern more. 

It was hidden well in his movements, but the longer one looked it became apparent. The way Sanji’s hands shook. And his face, though half hidden by his hair, appeared flushed in his cheeks and pale everywhere else. The bags under his eyes spoke the loudest. He only ventured into saying something when Sanji fumbled with a heavier pan. 

“Sanji, would you like to take a break? I can continue if you’d like a few minutes.”

“No, i’m fine.” Sanji easily brushed him off, still avoiding eye contact as he had this entire time.  “I’ve handled a lot messier anyway. Still gotta take proper stock of the pantry anyway, see what I can manage to cook and prep until we make it to another island to restock.” He dried his hands, stepping away from the sink and towards the pantry. 

“I believe Nami said there may be a small island between Whole Cake and Wano we’ll make a quick stop at, but we’re still a day or so away. Perhaps the inventory could be done tomorrow then.”

“I can just do it tonight, that way we’re ready. I don’t know everything about navigation but I know that if we can catch any good wind or currents we may get there sooner.” He was struggling with the lock to the pantry and hit the right numbers that he very much knew but seemed equally struggling to remember. 

 “There’s still time nonetheless. No need to rush yourself, and Chopper did say to be careful with your arm.” He was edging into a risky territory now. But his concern was only growing and chipping away at his patience the more he took in Sanji's state-and that was only what was sneaking through his facade. 

“It’s nothing. Chopper just worries.” He tried the numbers again, but clearly hit the wrong one again, stifling a huff of frustration. 

“We all do.”

“You don’t need to.”

“We do anyway. That’s a crew for you, we can’t help it. Just like you worry about all of us.”

Shooting up, Sanji moved over to the lower cabinets; the pantry abandoned. “Where are those candles? I know I had some. Hope they didn’t break in all the commotion.”

“Sanji.”

He was trying so hard to hide. To push away the conversation. Push him away without being rude. Without having to actually acknowledge the sea king in the room.

“Ah, here they are!” He held up a red, glass candle, turning it over in his hands. And while his tone played at lightness, his eyes and brow fought contradicted it. “Hm, a little cracked but should be fine. I think a nice apple cinnamon will be a good scent for in here.”

Brook moved back as Sanji stepped past him like he wasn’t even there, placing the candle on the counter and then searched through his pockets for his lighter. Finding it, he flicked it open to then light the candle. But, he couldn’t seem to get it to ignite. It was apparent the shaking in his hands was the culprit, unable to find purchase on the wheel. Every failure to light it only made the attempts worse, and he could see the frustration increase on Sanji’s face as his lips pressed together, brow scrunching up even more. 

“Allow me.” Brook stepped forward, reached forward to take the lighter from Sanji’s hand. To his relief, he allowed him to. It only took him one try to ignite the flame and then light the candle. Soon the sweet aroma was floating up into the air. 

“Thanks.” Sanji muttered, the embarrassment apparent as he looked away again. 

“No trouble at all.” Brook handed the lighter back. 

Not a moment after the lighter was pocketed Sanji moved away again, finding focus on yet another task. “Okay, tch-the floor needs a good sweep and mopping too.”

“Perhaps that can wait, Sanji.” Brook turned in his spot, following Sanji with his gaze and suggestion. 

“The sooner it’s done the better.” Sanji tried to wave him off. 

“Well yes considering you already did it.”

“Huh?” That made him freeze and look over at him with a raised brow.

“You already cleaned it this morning after breakfast.” Brook confirmed, a knowing raise in his own brow. 

Sanji’s eye flit away and to several spots across the floor, the gears in his head chugging away inside no doubt. He shook his head quickly. “Then it must need it again already. I can already feel some grime under my shoes.”

“Sanji.” Brook asserted his tone a little more. 

Sanji was already moving again. “I need to sharpen my knives. Those need to be ready for dinner prep.”

“You did that last night, Sanji.” Brook poked yet another hole in the less well hidden excuses. He softened his tone for just a moment. A give and take. The precision needed. “Perhaps you should slow down for a moment.”

 “I don’t need to.” Sanji snipped, then forced calm again. “It’s fine, there’s just a lot to do. I’ll take the stock now then.” Ah, looped back to the pantry.

“That can wait, Sanji.”

“The sooner-”

“-the better, yes.” Brook finished the repeated sentence for him, nodding. “Your efforts are very much appreciated as they always are. You’re as hardworking as ever, but you don’t have to get everything done all at once. You can take a break, enjoy a quiet moment now that we have it.”

“I’ll take a break once it’s done.” Sanji then decided to busy himself with putting the dry dishes away.

“Will you?”

The clink of plates against one another in the cabinet rattled the room as Sanji paused. “Huh?”

Brook took a step closer to Sanji, but still kept ample space. He couldn’t be crowded or feel trapped, even if he was now choosing to be more firm. “I must ask, Sanji. You’ve been working ever since you returned, and I can’t imagine how you aren’t the least bit tired.”

“I’m not.” His gaze didn’t meet Brook’s with the answer as he returned to putting away dishes, his limbs moving on autopilot. 

“You know, as a musician we learn it’s not words that convey how one feels always. For you as a cook, I’m sure you’re familiar with the concept but with food.”

“Of course,” Sanji shrugged, “cooking is an art just like music.”

“So i’m sure you’ll understand when I say that your vocal insistence of  wellness does not convey it.”

Sanji closed the cabinet, restraining himself to do it gently. His head lowered, obscuring his face further as his bangs hung down more in their curtain upon his face. “Brook, don’t-”

Brook decided to take another step closer. “You don’t have to hide anything from us. Not anymore. I ask you.”

Sanji’s hands had posted onto the countertop, now braced heavily on its edge. “I just need to work.”

“Why?” Brook kept his tone light and gentle, a true ask more than demand. “I wish to understand as I can’t say i’ve ever known you to not rest alongside us after a battle.”

Even if he hadn’t been with the Strawhats for some of their other grand battles, the ones he had been with them for after Thriller Bark there was a routine he easily caught onto. The crew would come down from the high of their battle, their injuries treated. They would heal, rest, and take solace in their victory-celebrate. Every time, their cook had been at the forefront despite whatever injuries he would have if any. A smile on his face to help cook a hearty meal to get everyone back on their feet. Once stomachs were full and the task complete would Sanji then collapse alongside them to rest himself. But this time…….this time Sanji hid away. He slid into the shadows and denied himself that solace. Sanji was happy to be home, there was no doubt about that. So why? Why take this action? What ailed the young man still?

Opening up was never a strong suit of Sanji’s either. As long as Brook had known him, he was quite the contradictory man. He wore his emotions on his sleeve-of love, adoration, anger-and spoke his mind. But at the same time, he bottled up so many other emotions and thoughts; keeping them buried deep beneath a surface he masked so well. The revelation of his lineage and how he reacted all the way back on Zou was enough of a testament. Sanji is kind. Sometimes too kind. And that kindness becomes a cruelty unto himself. 

It was a long moment until Sanji responded, but Brook would’ve waited all evening if needed, as his voice came out much weaker than before. A clear struggle in its delivery. His arms shook against the countertop. 

“I don’t want to. …I can’t.”

“Why not?” Brook repeated. He closed the gap coming to stand directly beside him, speaking softly. “I wish to understand Sanji so please tell me.” Slowly he brought a hand up to rest on Sanji’s shoulder. “Why won’t you allow yourself to rest?”

Up close, Sanji’s jaw and lips were visible as they could be seen trembling. Under his bony hand, he could feel the tremors rise throughout his whole body. He was struggling. Brook’s long decomposed heart ached to see him as such. After everything he’d already gone through, even back home with the safety of his crew he still was fighting with himself. But this crew-he especially- could understand how emotional struggle was never just over like a physical battle. 

The question came to his mind. How long had Sanji held back all of it? How long had he denied himself to let go and let out his true feelings? Reaching out his precious, protected hands to everyone else yet kept himself an island unto his own without them ever knowing?  The way he shook and tensed, the part of him that wanted to be free and let it out was fighting to be kept down. The subconscious screaming to be let out, but old habits collided with it. 

His other hand slipped under one of Sanji’s, unclenching it from its white-knuckle grip against the edge of the countertop, and held it gently. Sanji needed to feel in control still and open up of his own will, but assuring him there was a safety net underneath to do so could help. “Whatever it is, no one will be upset. If anything, just tell me , Sanji.”

Sanji tensed further under his hands, shoulders hunched up more and curling in on himself. But his hand gripped Brook’s more firmly, latching onto that tether. “I-I’m scared.”

“Of what?” Brook took the opening steadily. “If it is our enemies, they won’t catch up. Jinbei and the Sun pirates assured that. We won’t be attacked.”

“No-” Sanji shook his head. “-I know.”

“Then what is it?”

His breath was shaky, shoulders jerking up and down harshly as he took a stifled breath in. His free hand wrenched itself off the countertop’s edge and came to tangle in his hair. Brook didn’t like it but let him go as Sanji pulled himself out from his hands. Brook took a step back as Sanji crossed in front of  him, almost pacing in front of the sink. His foot bounced incessantly as he braced himself on the edge again. 

It came out soft, like that of a mere, timid child. The vulnerability but more so the finally spoken words made the musician’s figurative heart sink as Sanji’s whole voice shook. “If-If I let myself stop……If I close my eyes, i’m afraid it won’t be real. That everything was just a dream and i’m gonna wake up back in-”

Sanji buried his head in his hands, clutching at the hair atop his head, holding back sobs. Unbeknownst to the musician of the castle images, the memories that flashed behind those hidden eyes. But their ghosts  leaked into the air through Sanji’s body and voice. “-I don’t want to go back!” He calmed again, voice so weak. “....if I don’t go to sleep then it’s still real.”

“Oh, Sanji.” Brook murmured woefully. Stepping forward again, he gently returned a hand to his shoulder, coaxing him to turn around. As he drifted around, the shadow that had been hanging over his face was darker than ever. Full of guilt, shame, and haunting. 

Firmly, but gentle still, Brook put his hand on Sanji’s other arm, facing straight in front of the other. “I promise you that it’s not a dream. You are here, home with us on the Sunny. That nightmare you were trapped in is over, and if you were to allow yourself reprieve it will still be the truth.”

Sanji could barely look up at him for a moment before looking down again and his hands fell away from his hair. “I want to believe you, Brook, I should, and a part of me knows it is real but…..” His hands clenched into fists at his sides. 

Brook leaned in a little, nodding. “I understand. It is hard to believe when a dark curtain you’ve been behind for so long is pulled back. I felt the same way when I became a part of this crew. Suffering for so long-alone-there were moments I was hesitant to believe it was real. That I may have just been imagining things again and it would disappear leaving me back on my old ship.”

In his short monologue, Sanji’s gaze had lifted to his. Brook looked him straight in the eye, enforcing that connection as he continued. 

“But I put my trust into hope, and it was indeed real.” His hand drifted down, not breaking eye contact to unfurl Sanji’s fist and lift the hand up in his own. “You can put your trust in me, Sanji, in all of us. You can stop, and you can rest.” 

Sanij tried to shake his head, exhaling and lifting his head back to keep tears from forming or falling. “I swear I can feel it. I can hear it. Any moment it’ll all turn out to be fake. I’ll blink and Judge will be there.”

“If i’m being frank,” He retorted, but carefully, “you will start to see and hear things when you become so sleep-deprived. Even at that your body can’t hold out forever with this, and we don’t want to see any more hurt inflicted upon you, especially by yourself.”

Sanji looked down again, brow knit and shoulders falling. “I still can’t believe why you all would do so much for me. After everything.”

Brook laid his other hand overtop of Sanji’s in his. “Because we’re friends. A family. And you would do the same for us, you already did.”

“No I didn’t.” Sanji scoffed. “All I did was cause a mess.” For simply existing.  

“You wanted to protect us. You tried to take everything on your own shoulders, and you still are. But you don’t need to any more. A crew is there to catch you when you fall.”

“I don’t want to burden any of you.” Sanji whispered.

Brook gave a short squeeze to his hand between his own, speaking firmly. “It’s never a burden to be there for someone you care about.”

It broke his still nonexistent heart to see the way Sanji’s tired eyes widened and brow furrowed. Had no one ever said these words to him? Hearing how Judge spoke about him he unfortunately could believe that. A desire to cut down all those that would dare inflict such cruelty onto Sanji coursed through Brook; to see how a man who cared so selflessly for others couldn’t believe that own kindness was deserved by himself. He could cut and freeze all of them, but here in this moment Sanji did not need a blade of severance. At this moment he was his refuge, the safety net. 

He could see the resistance leave his body. His shoulders sagged, and eyes became much heavier and distant. The exhaustion, everything he had denied himself and held back, was allowed to slow all through him, slowly taking over. 

“Why don’t we go sit down.” Brook suggested as he put an arm around his shoulders to lead him out of the kitchen.

“Yeah…” Sanji nodded, his voice already seeming far away. “…..that sounds like a good…..idea…”

They didn’t even make it a step as Sanji began to drop to the floor right there, his body evidently deciding to take that suggestion too literally. 

 “Oh-!” Brook caught him before his knees could even get near the ground. Slowly, he lowered them both down, easing Sanji to sit against the cupboards. “Alright.” 

“Sorry…” Sanji blinked, dazed. “...guess I am a bit tired…..”

“You’ve been through a lot.” Brook knelt in beside him. “It’s only natural you’re exhausted.” Something itched at the inner chamber of his skull, especially as he looked Sanji over. Something that he hoped wouldn’t have the answer he worried about. “Sanji…..when was the last time you properly slept?”

“Um…” Sanji paused, blinking again. Like he actually had to ponder it. “…probably back on Zou….”

Brook had to stifle a gasp, but the concern couldn’t help but rush into his voice. “You didn’t sleep at all while you were gone…?” How Sanji had stayed standing up til this point then was unbelievable. 

“I couldn’t.” Sanji’s eye looked up and far away. “I just couldn’t. I mean I did sleep a little but,” he shrugged, “not sure being unconscious counts.”

“Wha-when-?” Brook breathed, eyes widened in confusion. “I thought Bege and his crew were ordered to not lay a hand on you.”

“Yeah they didn’t.” Sanji droned. Any inhibitions were now gone. “But Germa themselves weren't excluded from that.”

“The Vinsmokes?” Brook murmured. “Your own….?” He wished for anything for it to be wrong. 

Sanji’s brow just lifted, unemotional, head resting back against the cabinets. “Judge didn’t like being stood up to-or at least when I tried to the first time. Neither did my brothers. But I should’ve expected it sooner or later from them no matter what I did…”

“They hurt you?” Brook’s hand hovered at his shoulder, leaning in breathless. “Why didn’t you-?”

“Say anything?” Sanji’s eye remained distant as he just shook his head. “It didn’t matter, besides it’s almost healed by now.”

He said it like it was nothing. But that wasn't the most concerning thing in that statement. “Almost healed?” Brook’s brow furrowed even further in question. “But you don’t look….”

A light of realization flashed across Sanji’s face for a moment. “Oh yeah…..I forgot.” Reaching up, suddenly Sanji peeled….something off his face; transparent and thin.“It’s not as bad as it was. It actually hurt a lot more to put that on.”

Brook couldn’t stop his jaw from dropping open in horror. What was once Sanji’s face was now a mottled mess of discolored bruising, cuts,  and remnants of blood. 

“Oh, Sanji…!” Brook anguished. His hands immediately flew up to Sanji’s face, cupping it with the lightest touch. “When did this happen?”

Sanji just shrugged again. “It was before you all got there. There wasn’t a need to make a big deal of it on top of everything else.”

Brook’s hands carefully prodded his face, peering closely at the unfathomable sight. If he still had a heart it would surely be broken by this point. The fears and possibilities he hadn't wanted to imagine were true. Sanji had been hurt. He’d been this hurt this whole time and probably hadn’t planned on saying anything. He would’ve let himself suffer in silence with this pain, and the fact that those that were his own blood inflicted it upon him. 

“You need to have this properly treated before anything else. I’ll fetch Chopper.” He went to stand up but Sanji’s hand caught his wrist. 

“No-”

“Sanji, you need to-”

“I know, just…” Sanji’s brow tightened, lip quivering. “...don’t leave…..”

Brook settled back down, understanding. “I see. Luckily I have a fix for that. Please, just sit tight for a moment and i’ll be right back-spiritually speaking, yo ho~.”

~

Flying through the walls and out onto the deck, it thankfully didn’t take any time to locate Chopper. He was sitting on one of the benches around the masts, nose deep in a book. 

Floating up, he cleared his throat-not that he actually had one right now. “Ahem, Chopper.”

“AHH!” Chopper screeched, launching his book out of hand and slamming back against the mast before settling down as he blinked and saw him. “Oh, Brook. What is it and why are you in your soul form?”

Brook kept his voice down still with Luffy in the vicinity. “Chopper if I may request your presence in the galley please. It’s of the utmost importance.”

“Is everything alright?” Chopper stood up, brow furrowed. “Is there something wrong with Sanji?”

“He does need your attention.” Brook confirmed for him with a nod. “ But I don’t wish to say anymore while not being behind closed doors.”

Chopper’s face lit up in understanding before he nodded and hopped off the bench to grab his pack.“Okay, i’ll be right there!”

~

Back in the galley, Brook returned to his body. His hand came back to life within Sanji’s reaffirming the light grasp. “Alright, Chopper will be here in a moment.” Sanji just nodded as his eye blinked heavily again. At this point, it was Brook holding his hand up from the floor. 

Not too long later there was a knock at the galley door and Chopper’s voice sounded from the other side. “Brook? It’s me.”

“Please come in, Chopper.” Just at the door’s edge could the bright orange of Nami’s hair be seen. True to her word, still keeping watch but letting their doctor pass. 

The moment the door was shut, Chopper hurried over. “What happened? Sanji, are you okay?”

“Hey, Chopper.” Sanji greeted. “I’m uh…..just a bit tired.”

Of course that statement didn’t hold true long as Chopper came close enough and his eyes fell upon the sight of Sanji’s face as well. Their doctor wasn’t as reserved as Brook as his whole face contorted in unfathomable shock and dread. “WHAT HAPPENED?! Sanji?!”

Immediately his pack was flung off and he pattered up and began fussing over him. His hooves prodded more methodically than Brook at the wounds. “Th-these look old, when did this happen? I don’t understand!”

Brook took it upon himself to answer, his voice quiet and dark; a hint of anger at its edges. “It would appear the Vinsmokes have cruelty we weren’t aware of. Sanji says these injuries were acquired before we ever arrived, and he had some sort of mask that was able to hide them.”

“I wish you would’ve said something!” Chopper cried. His voice was distraught and slowly morphing into anger of his own. “These shouldn’t be left without proper treatment, I don't care what science that Germa has! Whatever that mask was, it can’t replace actual medicine!”

“I kind of forgot I even had it on.”

Chopper frowned at the all too calm answer, but pressed on. “You said it was worse before this? Was it only your face? And did you lose consciousness at all when this happened?”

Sanji took a moment to answer, like he was having to properly recall again.“No. And yes, both times.”

If Brook’s bones weren’t already white he surely would’ve paled more.

“Times?!” Chopper shrieked. “How many times did this happen….?”

“Just two times.” Sanji shakily held up two fingers with his free hand before it fell into his lap. “I was only out for half an hour after trying to fight Judge. I just got the wind knocked out of me then. I think it was a few hours after my brothers though, but not entirely sure….that’s where most of-” He lifted his hand again to vaguely wave it around his face, “- this came from.”

Chopper’s frown deepened, disturbed by the revealed events, something Brook mirrored on Sanji’s other side. “Sanji…….I need to do a full examination, i’m going to take a look at your chest and back. I have to make sure there’s no other internal injuries.”

“If I had any, I wouldn’t be standing still.”

“You’re not even standing right now!” Chopper rebuked him in disbelief. “And don’t try to tell me any doctors there told you otherwise. They did the bare minimum to treat you in the first place. They left you like this-!”

“I’m okay, Chopper.”

“No you’re not!” Chopper cried. His voice wobbled and tears sprung at his eyes as he pressed his hooves against Sanji’s body, but not too hard, still mindful of possible injuries. “It’s not okay for someone who’s supposed to be your family to do this to you!”

In no time at all with Brook’s help, Chopper had Sanji’s vest and shirt off. Underneath even there were more bruises and cuts, echoing those of his face. Working quickly he had salves applied, medicine injected, and bandages to be wrapped around Sanji’s abdomen and chest. All the while he continued to rant. “They treated you like this and you still asked us to help save them, and everything that guy Judge said to you when we left-”

Sanji winced as the wrapping was pulled a little too hard.“Chopper. A little tight.”

“Oh-” Chopper’s ear perked up then flattened in guilt. “Sorry.” 

Once the bandages were secure he moved onto Sanji’s face. He only grimaced and flinched slightly under the more intent prodding and touching. “Okay, luckily there’s nothing broken and these cuts don’t need any stitches. Definitely going to give you something for these bruises though and bandage the cuts. You feel a little warm too.”

“It would appear our dear cook also hasn’t had any actual sleep since leaving Zou.” Brook spoke up, still holding Sanji’s hand. It was an important factor that their doctor should be aware of. 

He wondered if Chopper would get any gray hairs from the stress he kept showing today just from this as his eyes bugged out of his head again. “Ah?! No wonder you’re exhausted, you’re sleep-deprived! You’re going straight to bed, Sanji!”

“I need to cook dinner.” Sanji of course tried to protest even as he remained sagged against the cabinets. 

“Someone else will cook tonight, you need to rest!” Chopper insisted, pointing a hoof up at him. “I’m ordering you to!”

“Chopper is right, Sanji.” Brook echoed the sentiment. “It’ll be alright for you to take the night off.”

“I’ve already missed my duties enough.” With a stifled grunt, Sanji actually tried to get up, pulling his hand from Brook’s. He managed to heave himself up by grabbing onto the counter, but couldn’t even make it more than a step before stumbling and crumbling down again. This time both Brook and Chopper caught him together, holding him up. “I can make dinner, then i’ll sleep.”

“Sanji.” Brook began. “Which do you really want to do right now? Not for us-for you ? Cook or sleep?”

“I’m really tired……”Sanji sighed after a contemplative pause. It spoke volumes of his exhaustion to admit it without a further fight. 

Chopper reverted from his Heavy Point, pleased but focused. “Let’s get you to bed then, and into some fresh clothes too. Brook, can you bring him this way? I can get the infirmary bed ready.”

“If I can-” Sanji held up a weak hand as Brook went to steer him forward. “I'd rather sleep in my own bed.”

“Okay.” Chopper nodded.

Sanji paused again, frowning. “Might need some help getting there though…”

“Of course.” Brook reaffirmed his arm across his shoulder and hands on his arms. “We’ll take it slow just in case.”

~

“Where’s Sanji at?” Luffy leaned forward on the table, his chin in his hands. 

“Sanji’s resting.” Chopper answered, then sighed. “Finally.”

“Our cook certainly needs it after everything.” Brook commented as well, sipping another cup of tea in his own chair. “He was asleep before he even laid down in his bunk.”

“He’s okay?” Luffy looked to Chopper, concern in his brow and slight frown.

“Yeah, Luffy, he’s fine.” Chopper nodded in assurance. “I just checked on him. He has a bit of a low-grade fever but it’s not worrisome. Poor Sanji, he practically made himself sick with how much stress he was probably under.”

“That’s a thing?” Luffy questioned, brow raised. 

“Mhm. I’m just glad we were able to get him to rest. If we hadn’t he would’ve kept going until he collapsed.”

Nami sighed as she and Carrot set plates in front of each of them. “That’s Sanji for you. He’s always looking after and doing things for all of us. He doesn’t always think about himself……”

“Indeed.” Brook nodded with a somber sip. 

Luffy pouted, sitting up straight and folded his arms. “Well he better get better real soon-we just got him back and I want his cooking!”

“He just cooked for us yesterday, Luffy.” Nami gave a flick to his forehead. “We’ll be fine for one more day while he does get better. I’m sure he’ll be even more than happy to make something for you when he’s back up. Now sit down and eat what i’ve made.”

~

Chopper’s face lit up as a disheveled, but awake Sanji came out of the dormitory rubbing a tired eye and squinting at the sunlight.“Oh, Sanji you’re up!”

There was a tuft of hair still sticking up as he stifled a yawn and blinked the rest of drowsy sleep away. “Yeah….what time is it?”

“One in the afternoon.”

That woke him up as he floundered. “What?!”

“You slept almost a whole day!” Chopper just smiled up at him. “You really needed it.”

“Man….sorry.” Sanji ran a hand down his face, hissing and wincing remembering the healing bruises were still there. “I missed three meals.”

“Don’t worry, we took care of it!” Chopper jumped up to grab at his hand. “We just ate lunch actually and there should be some left for you in the kitchen.”

The mewl of love sang in Sanji’s voice and bloomed in his smile as he let Chopper lead them up towards the galley. None would admit it, but it was a relief to hear and see the fawning from him again; true normalcy returning with their cook. “My sweet Nami, you made food for me?~”

Nami rolled her eyes, crossing their path just before they reached the top of the stairs. “I made food for everyone . Now go eat. If you miss another meal i’ll start charging it to your debt.”

“Anything for you, my dear!” Sanji gushed. “And i’ll be back with something for you in return in no time!”

Nami smirked contently with a hand on her hip.“I expect nothing but the best.” 

But then she pointed a finger down at him. “Just don’t push yourself too hard, alright?” Her hand actually reached down, cupping his face ever so lightly. “These aren’t hurting still right?”

“You’re so thoughtful to worry about me!” Sanji melted under her touch, attempting to lean into her hand for a moment. “But don’t, it’s fine. They’ll heal up in no time.”

“Good.It’s preferable with those not there.” Nami quipped, then actually rested her hand more firmly upon his cheek. Actually right where she had slapped him before……Her thumb rubbed softly against his skin for but a second. Then her hand pulled back and she was standing back up straight, turning on her heel and heading for her charting room. “I’ll be at my work desk.”

Sanji remained stunned for a moment. But a pleasant warmth blossomed through his chest slowly. The perfect drink and desert was already coming to mind. He tugged at Chopper’s hand, playfully pulling him up and swinging him over the last step, earning a joyous giggle. 

Stepping into the galley, Luffy and Brook were already there. Luffy seemed to just be finishing his meal, and his eyes lit up at seeing them. 

“Sanji! Finally!”

Sanji lifted a hand in greeting, returning the smile as he approached the table. But Luffy’s arms stretched out to wrap around him before then, and yanked him forward. The notion earned a squawk from Chopper who was unfortunately launched from Sanji’s grasp as the man lurched forward. 

“Sanji, can you make those bentos again? I can’t stop thinking about it!”

“Hey-!” Chopper staggered up, pulling himself up onto the table. “Careful Luffy! He’s still injured and you are too! And let him eat first!”

“Okay, okay.” Luffy laughed, unwrapping his arms from around Sanji, turning him around and actually making him fall down into the chair at the head of the table.”

“It’s fine.” Sanji placed a hand on his head, shaking away the brief dizziness of being spun around. “I have other plans for dinner tonight, but i’ll make ‘em tomorrow. How’s that sound?”

“Yes!” Luffy cheered. “Man, I missed you!”

Sanji actually smiled, resting a hand against his cheek. “Ever the glutton.”

“Yohoho, you’re in much better spirits. I’m glad to see it.” A plate with sandwiches was placed in front of him. Sanji stared up at Brook for a moment, regarding his words, a bit of shame ghosting his face. 

“Thanks.” He picked up a sandwich, biting into it. Luffy tried to sneak bites throughout the meal, and Sanji tried to hand him bits of vegetables earning frowns from his captain. He only smirked, continuing to eat. 

By the time he was finished Luffy had ventured back outside with Chopper, leaving only him and Brook. As Sanji gathered his plate and cup, taking them to the sink he regarded their musician still lingering in the room, seemingly going over some sheet music. A few strums of the guitar sounded every so often. He paused as he set the dishes into the sink, taking a breath. 

“Brook.”

“Hm? Yes, Sanji?” Brook glanced up. 

Sanji took a deep breath, closing his eye for a moment, then opening it again to look squarely at Brook. “Thanks.” 

A simple thanks probably wasn’t enough in his mind, but Brook hummed in contentment, eye sockets bright in happiness. “Of course, Sanji. But your thanks isn’t required. Truly I am just happy to see you well again.”

“Still,” Sanji looked away, rolling up his sleeves and moving around to gather ingredients. He needed to get started on Nami’s promised snacks. “...thank you.” He paused as he took a cocktail glass out of the cabinet, setting it on the counter with a curt but quiet clink. 

Brook was quite the stealthy person as Sanji blinked and suddenly Brook had managed to walk up right beside him without him noticing. He blinked again as Brook then embraced him with a single arm, his hand cupping the back of his head while he pulled him close, leaning down a little bit to match his height. “That’s what we’re here for. Truly it is good to have you home.”

 He gave one last small squeeze before pulling back and turning on his heel, strumming his guitar as he gathered his sheet music and sauntered outside, humming all the way. His world was right again. A jovial tune was coming to mind finally.