The next morning.
The sun had just peeked over the horizon, and the Going Merry was moored by a shore where the waves shimmered. Faint golden light streamed through the window into the quarters.
Lina had just woken up. She pushed off the blanket and sat up, then saw Sanji standing before the full-length mirror in the corner, carefully fixing his hair.
Lina, Sanji, and Brook all cared about their appearance, so the sight wasn't anything unusual.
But today, Sanji's eyes held a hint of good cheer.
"Looking pretty happy first thing in the morning."
Lina swung her feet off the bed and stood, then sauntered over lazily. She ran a hand through Sanji's blond hair, smoothing it back, and asked,
"Heading out?"
"Yeah. Before we said goodbye last night, I made plans with Pudding to go over and exchange cooking tips today."
Sanji answered casually. As if confirming what he'd said, he murmured to himself, "I didn't realize Miss Pudding was such an amazing pastry chef, too."
"Exchange tips, huh?" Lina couldn't keep the grin off her face. "You've got plenty of excuses. Isn't that just a date?"
"Shut up!"
Sanji's face reddened. "I made breakfast for you all in the dining room. I'll be back before lunch!"
"It's fine if you don't come back."
Lina continued to tease him mercilessly. "If you've got what it takes, you can even spend the night at her place."
"Who are you saying doesn't have what it takes?"
"What! You really want to spend the night at her place?"
"Hey! When did I ever say that, you bastard!" Sanji hurriedly protested.
Perhaps the noise had woken them. Usopp, Franky, and the others sat up in their beds one after another, rubbing their eyes as they looked over and joined in the teasing.