"Damn," Sanji mumbled as he lit up a cigarette. "Didn't expect to end up stuck here." 

He closed the lighter, placed it back in his pocket and puffed out a cloud of smoke. Glancing around the area he stumbled into from the cave, it would be pitch black if Franky hadn't given them flashlights. Shining the small light around, Sanji noticed the various chains and burned-out torches that hung along the wall. 

"This place gives me the creeps," the blond commented glancing away from the chains. Looking at the torches, he grabbed one of the torches off the wall and lit it up. "Let's find a way out of here, Nami and Robin are probably scared without me."

Silence walked with Sanji, echoing each footstep he took. The trail of his cigarette fed the fire he held, puffing out a cloud of smoke occasionally. Just as he thought of switching directions, Sanji heard the sound of sniffling. Abandoning silence, Sanji followed the sound and discovered you sitting in a curled-up ball, chained to the ground by your leg.

"Hey, are you alright," he inquired, crouching to your level.

You lift your head, staring at him with wide eyes. Registering what he asked, you shook your head. The lighting revealed the streams of tears running down your cheeks, still wet. Sanji growled to himself, how could anyone abandon such a beautiful lady here?

"I'm going to get you out of here," Sanji reassured you and stood up. He stomped on the chain attached to your leg and it crumbled to pieces. "Well, that was easy."

He held his hand out to you but instead of taking it you jumped to your feet and hugged him. Sanji blushed immensely, clearly not expecting your hug. Your silent cries snapped him out of his daze, and he patted your head while your tears soaked his shoulder.

"Hey, it's alright, I'm here," Sanji comforted you, even though your tears were joyful. You pulled back and Sanji used his thumb to wipe them away. "Can you tell me your name?"

You shook your head and he gave you a puzzled look. You brought your hand up and tapped your throat, bringing your large scar to his attention. His eyes widened and his jaw fell open, the cigarette dropping to the group. He placed a hand over the scar, tracing the outline carefully. Growing uneasy, you step back and Sanji stopped.

"Sorry..." he apologized. You gave him sad smile in acknowledgement. Returning the smile, Sanji stuck out his arm to you. "Come on, I'll lead you out of here m'lady."

You gladly link your arm with his and let him escort you. Despite the silence, a warmth settled around the two of you. Growing cozy, you rested your head against Sanji's shoulder, a large smile on your face. He gazed down at you, happiness fluttering in his heart, this felt right.

Voices began to echo down the passage, familiar voices talking about a glowing light. They were referring to you and him. Sanji perked up, letting go of your arm and quickly pacing forward.

"Heyyyy! Luffy! Is that you and the others?" Sanji called.

"SAAAAAANNJIIIII!!" 

'Yup, that's definitely Luffy.' Sanji smirked, listening to dashing footsteps heading toward the two of you. "We're safe-"

"Who're you talking to Sanji?" Luffy asked scratching his head.

"What do mean? I'm obliviously talking to-" Sanji turned to gesture to you but when he looked behind him, you were nowhere to be seen.

In your place, gold shackles remained.