In an OPLA verse version of the “Zoro and Sanji met and started dating before the Straw Hats formed” premise, the reveal of their relationship would go like—
they behave totally as they do in canon up to when Sanji brings the Straw Hats their drink orders.
then Sanji intentionally starts shit with Zoro (“You know, we do also serve food here.”). they start bickering (there are reaction shots from a wary Nami, a raptly interested Luffy, and an increasingly alarmed Usopp) until Zoro legitimately draws Wado and takes a swing at Sanji.
Usopp and Luffy both start out of their seats but Sanji blocks Zoro’s swing easily. there’s a beat of total silence—even some of the nearby tables are watching, stunned—and then both Zoro and Sanji crack up. Zoro sheathes Wado and just fuckign. does the scoop-up-and-twirl-around-into-a-big-ol’-smooch maneuver on a grinning Sanji right there in the middle of the dinner service (reaction shot of the other Straw Hats, looking various degrees of flabbergasted).
(here’s the dialogue I wrote for it by the way:)
Sanji: [writing on his order pad] You know, we do also serve food here.
Zoro: [looking off into the intermediate distance in that Way he does] No thanks—heard the best cook in the place got kicked off the line again. [quick cut to Sanji, still looking at his order pad, now smiling a little] Still haven’t figured out how to work from a menu?
Sanji: I guess not. [finishes writing; looks at Zoro] Still haven’t figured out how to sit in a booth?
Nami: [half-stifled laugh snort]
Zoro: [eyes flick over to Sanji]
Sanji: I mean, those are removable, right? They’re not just decorative?
Usopp: [quietly, to Luffy] Ooooh…
Zoro: They’re real. [puts his right hand on Wado’s scabbard and releases the guard lock] Want a demonstration?
Sanji: [pseudo-apologetically] Ooh, sorry, we mop the floor after closing.
Zoro: [lunges from his seat, drawing Wado and swinging her at Sanji’s neck]
