Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

"Football is next," Sanji said as they left the side building housing most of the clubs.

"Is there a single club you are not going to check out?" Zoro asked him when they walked away from chess.

"Gotta get the most out of that tuition" Sanji muttered, crossing off the chess club from his list of potentials. Fun as the game seemed, he probably wouldn't have the time to learn all the intricacies of it between school and work.

"Figured you'd take home ec," Zoro said and scratched his head. 

"I am," Sanji said, furrowing his brows over his list. Gymnastics had been interesting but it wasn't as hands free as he liked. Debate club had made his blood boil within minutes…

"You also have a job," Zoro continued and Sanji wondered if he needed a permanent partner for ballroom dancing…

"That I do," he murmured, feeling a smile tug at the corner of his mouth. He only looked up when Zoro scoffed. "I'm just curious about my options. Plus I'd like to add a sport to my curriculum. Football looks interesting but they also offer kickboxing and ballroom dancing…" Sanji said and looked back at his list. He had yet to get Zeff to show him a few moves and kickboxing didn't hold the best memories. 

It still felt wrong somehow, to neglect the skill he had taken such pains to acquire. More importantly, Zoro had invested so much time and energy in it too, when there surely had been better, more interesting things to do than prop Sanji up.

"You could use some branching out too, mosshead. How about rhythmic gymnastics?" Sanji said, instead of engaging with those thoughts that should belong to another him. 

"Oh hardy har har, Curly," Zoro grumbled and  scratched his ear with his pinky. Disgusting savage.

Really, why did Sanji fall for him? "I get all the exercise I need at training and those stupid classes for the junior instructor's license." 

That was news to Sanji though very good ones. "You're finally doing that? That's awesome!"

"Yeah. Been helping train brats since I was a brat myself and since I'm gonna need a day job eventually this one looks as good as any," Zoro said and shrugged and Sanji could well imagine him, herding a bunch of kids with that quiet resolve he got when it came to training. 

Mentally Sanji had to slap himself to get away from the image of the eternally lost moss ball being all serious and authoritative.

"Instructor moss head does have a nice ring to it," Sanji mused and ducked away from the shove he knew was coming. He twisted out of his way and as he turned was blessed with a marvelous sight.

"Ah, there's Nami and another angel, right beside her," he said, quickly running a hand through his hair. Hopefully his uniform wasn't all askew.

"Angel my ass," Zoro muttered and Sanji didn't have time to do more than stomp on his foot before the two beautiful girls approached, with Nami waving from a distance.

"Hey Guys, meet Vivi, the exchange student I told you about. Vivi this is Sanji and Zoro," she said, extending an elegant hand to indicate the girl beside her who was wearing a sweet, demure smile that was making Sanji's heart pound.

"Ahh, it's so nice to finally meet you, Nami has told me so much about you!" Sanji said and nudged Zoro with his elbow

"And you did't get the hint, " Zoro muttered under his breath but then inclined his head after all in greeting. 

"Ignore the mosshead, please. It's such a pleasure to finally properly meet you," Sanji said and tried for his most winning smile.

"Sanji, that does remind me of something," she said with a lovely accent and tapped her lips.

"He's the one that baked the cookies and cupcakes for the welcome baskets," Nami helpfully said and Sanji felt the pleased flutter at the memory of baking those and even more so when Vivi's face lit up.

"Oh, thank you then, they were quite delicious," she said.

"Please that is too kind of you, hopefully I can offer you something else enjoyable in the future!" He said, just knowing that this encounter would put a bounce in his step, even as Vivi's face fell in confusion.

"Our own Sanji is going to be a chef," Nami said with a smile Sanji liked to think was fond. "But I think we should get going, you wanted to check out the chemistry lab and the debating club, right?" She continued and then the two girls were walking off again.

"Oh man, those two are some serious wind under my wings." Sanji turned on the spot when they were out of sight, stretching luxuriously in the early fall sun.

"Really? Looks to me like they ran from you." Of course Zoro couldn't let him have a single thing.

"Did not!" Sanji groused back immediately.

"If you say so." Zoro shrugged then had the nerve to grin. "They were gone pretty damn quick though. Besides, I have a feeling that Nami is calling dibs, so I wouldn't pin my hopes there."

"All my hopes are for their happiness, you neanderthal," Sanji said, scrunching up his nose.

"And I can damn well admire them respectfully from a distance."

"Respectfully. Right," Zoro said, earning himself a kick that he dodged.

Really, kickboxing was probably a necessity at this point. 

He had to keep up after all.

***

"Roronoa!" Zoro grunted in acknowledgement, but did not look away from the clock on the wall. Five minutes. Just five more minutes.

"Good grief, Roronoa," Mr Clover said. "Page fourteen or I'm keeping you another hour!"

That got Zoro's attention and with another grunt he looked down at the page, and then started mechanically reading whatever it was about the middle ages. 

He was not retaining a single thing and Mr Clovers sigh as he walked past him and out the door along with everyone else was promising horrible things for this class. 

But it didn't actually matter right then. Zoro had somewhere to be. 

Of course the home ec rooms were as stupidly far as always, but when Zoro arrived the class hadn't dispersed yet. On the contrary, it looked like people were gathering and who could blame them. 

It smelled fucking amazing in there. He pressed himself through the crowd to get to the Cook for his lunch and felt his mood sour instantly. 

The idiot was looking dopey, surrounded by a bunch of girls, who were giggling and leaning into his space as he stirred his pot. He could just imagine them, buttering him up. 

He also recognized the small blond one hanging on Sanji's arm. The one he'd confessed to within the first month. His so-called girlfriend, even if Zoro wasn't sure he did more with her than make heart eyes and bring her and her friends treats.

He knew that might happen and so Zoro grit his teeth and squared up against the shitty feeling settling in his chest while he approached the station.

"The secret really is giving it time," Sanji said as he stirred, wearing that stupid honest smile.  Then he spotted Zoro and smirked.

"Hey mosshead! Found the room finally," he said and although he was talking nonsense Zoro couldn't help the satisfaction when he gently untangled himself from the girl. He ladled something of the delicious smelling stew into a bowl, adding a thick slice of bread. "Eat up," and as Zoro took his bowl and enjoyed every spoonful Sanji set about cleaning the stations -his and all others in his row while the girls filed out, including his girlfriend after she pressed a kiss to his cheek and bid him goodbye in a disgustingly sweet voice. 

You know she's using you, Zoro wanted to say, but the idiot was whistling, looking so goddamn happy… and he wouldn't hear any criticism of a girl anyway. So instead Zoro settled for watching him finish up and enjoyed the few moments of just the two of them.

In a bit the left-overs were all packed away and the room cleaned.

The Cook turned the lights off, grabbed his bag and then they were on their way. Zoro to training and the Cook to work.

***

"Stop moping and pick a stupid shirt already," Zoro said and Sanji heaved another heavy sigh as he leafed through the offerings. The mosshead probably wasn't wrong about him hurrying. Zeff would have a kitten if Sanji was late to his lesson and he'd promised Zoro that they'd eat something.

"You just don't know what it's like," Sanji still lamented. He was sure Zoro had ever been dumped, honestly didn't think Zoro had ever even been in love, considering his stance on distractions. Certainly not with a girl if Sanji was reading him right.

Finally he picked a shirt in gradient blue and slinked over to the fitting room, still morose.

It had only been a few weeks with Meli but he thought they got along and she'd been so cute with her button nose and bangs. She'd liked the things he baked for her too, he was sure and the single rose he gave her for her birthday. 

And then she broke up with him, just as sweetly, because there was someone else.

Maybe he had not been spending enough time with her after all. But between school and work, helping Zoro with his homework and training he just hadn't managed to squeeze her in. 

He changed with another deep sigh and couldn't help a grin at Zoro's annoyed groan from the outside. "She wasn't even that great, Cook," he said. "So better luck next time and stop pouting."

This would all be so much easier if Zoro was dating. And gay. And interested in Sanji of all people. 

But that was stupid. Zoro would have said something, Zoro didn't hide.

After all Zoro was still there, still Sanji' friend. Hoping for more was probably greedy.

So Sanji tried to compose himself. He was free now after all, thanks to Zoro. Free to pursue another crush, date another girl- or a boy if he worked up the nerve. And moping really wouldn't do him any good.

He pulled aside the curtain to the sight of a bored looking Zoro and spread his arms to show the shirt.

"Looks fine. Can we go eat now?," he asked and Sanji rolled his eyes and turned back to the mirror. He did look fine, but would it kill the mosshead to be a bit more enthusiastic?

"Yeah, I think I'll take it," he still said.

"Great. Food's on me, so hurry up," Zoro said and Sanji couldn't quite suppress a smile again. 

Not that he could accept that though. "I'm the one with the job," he said. "So it's on me."

"I have money," Zoro muttered as Sanji changed back. 

On his way out the booth he shoulder checked the mosshead. And rolled his eyes. "You get a measly allowance, the rest is in trust. And I'd rather you pay Nami back what you owe." 

"I swear that witch is making shit up," he muttered.

"I'll kick your ass for that comment tomorrow," Sanji said pleasantly and smiled at the girl behind the cash register that was giving them a look.

"You can try," Zoro said and got that expression, all toothy grin and predatory glint. The same one he always got when they were about to spar.

It kind of made Sanji want to start fighting on the spot. 

He settled for shoulder checking Zoro on the way out again, and when the favour was returned qnd they kind of shoved each other all the way out of the store that was no surprise.

***

Zoro liked the Cook's new place. 

It was small, just two rooms upstairs of the Baratie, one with a small bed pressed in the narrow space under a roof window. The other with a low table surrounded by a shitty couch Nami had found and a bunch of beanbags for them to sit and watch movies on the Cook's laptop.

The heating was a little wonky too, but there was more space than in Zoro's shitty dorm room and he had a fridge where he always kept a few beers for Zoro.

Most importantly, Zoro was pretty sure he wasn't bringing girls here. 

Maybe that was because he didn't get a chance before being dumped again or maybe he didn't find the time but for now it was Zoro seated across from him in the homey space and not some girl.

It was Zoro who got to see him with his hair clipped back and in a stupid patterned hoodie and even stupider houseshoes, and with his reading glasses perched low.

And it was Zoro's homework he was reading upside down although he wanted to do research on some recipe. And it was Zoro's struggle with math he was frowning over.

And sue Zoro for being unable to concentrate but apparently he was fucking up.

"No, moss head you have to-" Sanji said suddenly as Zoro was scratching his head again. 

He looked like he was holding back fire and Zoro gave him the stink eye for it. But then he had moved around the table in a flash and was pressing into Zoro's side- like that was going to make Zoro's concentration better.

"Gimme that pen," the Cook barked and Zoro gave it up, distracted by how much the Cook smelled like cinnamon and other cookie shit, probably from the student council christmas thing he'd helped Nami with today. "You need to solve for x, so you have to get this expression on the other side and divide by-" the buzzing of Zoro's phone interrupted the impromptu lesson and when Zoro looked he tried very hard not to roll his eyes.

"What?" Sanji asked, again in that tone and still too close so Zoro pushed him aside by the head.

"Nami says she can't make it at all today," Zoro said over the Cook's hissing at the shove and closed the chat before he saw all the cheeky emojis the witch had sent along with the message.

The lot of them still weren't tired of setting them up on 'dates', apparently.

The Cook didn't get that though and looked crestfallen. Idiot. "Oh fuck, and I was so looking forward to going to the movies with an angel too."

Zoro bit his tongue on the comment about Nami and angels, instead seeing his chance for a much cooler evening. "Can we then at least not watch Storms over Dressrossa? Hate that romantic crap," he said.

The Cook looked up at him and sniffed with that stupid haughty expression he got. "I'll have you know it's a classic with great characters and deep themes of loss and catastrophe."

"Bet it's mostly kissing and cheesy monologues, Cook," Zoro said and as the Cook leaned back it was easier to breathe.

"It's not, but whatever. If your masculinity is threatened we can watch Lone Blade of Wano instead," Sanji said with a shrug.

Which was great, fantastic even. Except. "Oh, my masculinity is just fine," Zoro bit out through his teeth. "And I don't have to look after every skirt passing me to show it."

"I don't do that. And it's not like that's an achievement for you," the Cook said, slumped back into his lumpy seat.

Zoro's heart jumped into his throat and he tried swallowing it back to its original position. "The hell is that supposed to mean?" He asked, proud of how even his voice came out

"Because you are- y'know?" The Cook indicated all of him, wrinkling his brow. "Gay…?," he asked and Zoro didn't now what to say when the blond continued musing like that wasn't a big deal at all. Which it wasn't, but- "Although I guess asexual is also a possibility…," Sanji said. "Or am I completely off base here?"

"You're not…" Zoro answered very slowly, considering if he should take the easy way out, the one where Sanji would never worry about Zoro wanting him. 

But he wasn't a liar. "I'm gay," he admitted. "What gave me away?"

Sanji scoffed and looked at Zoro like he was an idiot. "Gee, I don't know. The time you told Hiroyi Kozuki 'to cut it out' to her face, maybe? Or how Nami does absolutely nothing for you? All the girls cheering at your matches that you never look at? Plus, Ace might have implied it too," he said with another shrug. 

"Bet he did," Zoro muttered and resolved to have a spar with Ace soon, so he could rearrange his ribs some. "So, you freaked out?" He couldn't help asking.

That got him a raised eyebrow and a foot snapping out to kick his thigh. "I knew already, dumbass, and even if not, what's there to freak out over?"

It should be a relief, a burden falling off his shoulders. 

But really, it was an obstacle cleared from a path that never was an option.

He couldn't mourn the loss of his little fantasy however -the one where Sanji would find out, figure him out- and feel the same, not now anyway.

"So you okay with Lone Blade of Wano?" Zoro asked and Sanji rolled his eyes and pointed at the problem before Zoro.

"Whatever, dumbass, now solve for x before I kick your head in," he said but didn't move from Zoro's side.

And that was enough, Zoro reminded himself.

That was enough.

***

Sanji blew out a stream of smoke into the cold winter air, leaned against the railing of Nami's balcony.

Luffy was laughing wildly in the garden below, drawing a crowd as he usually did and Sanji saw Nami sitting with Vivi in an old swing set, Nojiko coming out with a tray of steaming cups to join them.

Beer and sparkling wine had been free flowing all evening and Sanji was pretty sure he was a bit tipsy himself, although he'd started drinking pretty late, after finishing up with the copious amounts of finger foods Luffy's presence demanded.

He'd have to make Nami's mom something nice for letting him use her kitchen like that and so she wouldn't regret giving her house up while she was out on duty.

"What're you doing up here?" Zoro asked just as Sanji stubbed out his cigarette and looked at his phone for the time. So like the mosshead to find Sanji just before midnight. "Thought you'd have found a girl to kiss by now," he said and came up beside him.

Sanji scoffed, then chuckled but accepted the bottle Zoro handed him, apple cider instead of beer. "Wouldn't want to kiss a random girl on New Year's Eve," he said and took a sip. He liked kissing a lot, but some things should be extra meaningful. And after Nami's rather robust rebuffing of even his platonic affections as 'too much' he wasn't feeling particularly flirtatious. "There'll be other years." He tapped his fingers against the bottle, feeling the buzz, eyeing Zoro from the side. Maybe though, it meant something that Zoro had found him like that. Maybe he just needed a hint and Sanji would be kissing someone on New Year's Eve after all. "And you don't date, so I guess we can hang out as friends while everyone else is pairing up."

Zoro was silent next to him, nursing his beer. Then he extended it for a toast.  

Sanji clinked their bottles together, only a little disappointed. That flicker of hope had been the booze talking anyway. 

When the countdown started, they chimed in together. And then, when they watched the fireworks side by side, it wasn't so bad.

***

"You shut up in there," Sanji hissed at him as they waited in front of the Dean's office to be called inside while Sengoku talked to Franky and the Nico woman. His lip was split and there was dirt in his hair, a tear in his blazer, scrapes across his arms although his hands were pristine, as usual.

Zoro probably didn't look any better and his eyes narrowed. "We didn't do anything wrong," he insisted.

Really it had just been a little fight outside campus when they were on their way to the Baratie for lunch. Over in a flash, and it had been to help some kid that was being threatened too.

"No, but you are up for nationals, idiot. They could bar you. Let me do the talking, I'll take the fall," he said looking so fucking earnest that it pissed Zoro off.

"The hell? Don't you you have your whole emen- whatever because you don't get in trouble?" He hissed back.

"So I'll get someone to sign my shit for a year, mosshead. They won't send me back" he said but Zoro knew that fearful glint in his eye and he also knew how shitty some social workers could be. 

Before he could say more the secretary opened the door and waved them inside. "I'll do the talking," the Cook hissed again before plastering on his fakest customer service smile.

Moments later they were sitting in the small dark room under the scrutiny of their social workers and the dean

"I have to say, Sanji, I was very surprised to get this call," the Nico woman said, her sharp blue eyes sizing the cook up as he squirmed in his seat. "You are well-trained. So you should know better than getting into fights like that."

Sanji bit his lip and hung his head. "I was just trying to help a kid out, it got out of hand. And Zoro was trying to help me. I was the one who pulled him into it"

"That true, Zoro bro?" Franky asked and raised an eyebrow at him. "Not like you to be brought in by the police with a tournament on the horizon. And those guys were pretty bruised up. Stitches and everything."

Sanji threw him one of his demanding looks and Zoro sighed and rolled his eyes. That someone had even called the cops over that minor scuffle. "We were helping out some kid. Those thugs were beating on him, took his camera. We taught them a lesson so they wouldn't do it again. And we were nice about it. They could even still run away from the cops. We could have put them in the hospital too," he said and Sanji groaned into his hands.

"Please don't listen to him, it was my fault and I'm sorry," he said, kicking Zoro under the table. "I should have been more careful with my strength."

There were a few beats of silence until Sengoku sighed. 

"Honestly, I can't really let this slide. Getting into fights like that is against school rules as you well know."

"Then fucking punish me already!" Sanji burst out, jumping from his chair and banging his hands on the large table. God, fuck, he was hot when he got agitated. "I already admitted to being the main culprit, didn't I?" 

"Sit down, Mr Black," Sengoku said and rubbed the bridge of his nose. "I already spoke to Sergeant Smoker from the police station and there are unlikely to be charges since you seem to have acted in the defence of someone and the damage you did was… restrained," he said. "However, for breaking the school rules you'll be suspended for a month Mr Black. And you, Mr Roronoa, report to detention for a week starting today. You are also not to leave campus for that time. I'll let Mr Flam and Miss Nico sort out what other consequences may come of this. Dismissed."

They weren't out the door for a second before Sanji turned on Franky, "It really was my fault Sir, and the mosshead fucking deserves to go to Nationals."

That had Franky guwaffing after a surprised second and he hit Sanji on the shoulders, "I see, I see. But don't worry, ol' Franky is gonna sort this out and to hear you tell it he was barely even a participant in the fight." The idiot winked at Sanji who visibly sagged in relief.

"My, isn't that lovely, but I do believe Mr Roronoa has detention to attend to today and you are to leave the premises, Sanji. Although I feel like there's someone here to talk to you first," the woman said giving them a cryptic smile and when Zoro followed her eyes he saw the kid from earlier. His clothes were still rumpled and he had a few scabs on his knuckles and face and his camera in his hands again.

He was looking panicked, his legs shaking until he caught himself and strode over to them. "T-thanks, you guys," he said and bit his lip. "You really helped me out although of course I had it in hand."

Sanji raised an eyebrow, and looked at Zoro. "Sure you did. So you go here now?"

"Y-yeah, transferred on the design scholarship," he said standing up taller and trying to puff his chest out. "Was supposed to sign in today and- well. Thanks, again. I guess."

"Name's Sanji by the way, and this kelp head is Zoro," Sanji said.

"Usopp. I kinda heard your names at the police station. Thanks to my outstanding testimony you two aren't in trouble!" He puffed his chest out again. 

Weirdo. 

Luffy would love him.

"Well Usopp, you can visit me at the Baratie then, I'll have loads of free time next month," Sanji said. "See ya in a week mosshead, try to eat something that's not protein shakes, yeah?"

He said and then swung around with that stupid face. "And such a pleasure to see you again Miss Robin, may I invite you to lunch?"

Her smile sent a shiver down Zoro's spine. "Hm, I'm afraid that would hardly be a punishment, but I think Mr Flam here and I could accompany you to the Baratie and I can have another talk with your employer. Explain the situation to him?"

The way the Cook's face froze was almost worth a week of campus arrest. Even better, there was no way out for him without contradicting the woman.

A perfect storm for the simping idiot.

Their social workers took off then and Sanji trotted behind them, trying not to look too morose.

Finally they were gone and Usopp turned to Zoro nervously. "Uhm- uh… I gotta sign in I guess." He mumbled and shuffled past Zoro to the admin door. 

Fucking great Zoro said. Now where was that stupid detention room?

***

Sanji fidgeted in his chair as the judge read over a few documents. He'd just made his statement and so had Robin. 

And now only Zeff was left.

"So Mr Redcliff, Mr Black here is an employee of yours?" She asked.

"Yes. I hired him, spring of last year," Zeff said. 

She nodded. "And how would you characterize him at work?" 

Sanji rolled his eyes, anticipating some shitty bitching.

Zeff actually dared huff a laugh. "Punctual, exacting and eager to learn. No complaints except he has a mouth on him and a rather crappy temper." 

That- had not been what Sanji had expected to hear. He was staring, and his ears were pink and holy fuck his jaw was hanging open before he snapped it shut and covered his mouth in embarrassment.

"You have also offered him rooms to stay at the Baratie?" The judge kept pressing and again Zeff nodded.

"Kid needed a place to stay, I had the attic free. Seemed like a no brainer. Offered that he could use my bathroom too but kid's proud. Chose to use the Baratie's staff facilities instead," he said and Sanji went from blushing to glaring. What an ass to tell that!

Not that the judge seemed to particularly care. "According to Miss Nico you have signed up to the foster system and would be willing to cosign with Mr Black until he comes of age, given his mishap a few weeks back. Do you still intend to take on that responsibility?"

Sanji knew the answer to that. He'd mulled it over so much, how to ask, what to offer so he wouldn't be handed through the system. It still sounded impossible to hear the words again. "He's under my roof already, only right that if someone's gonna look out for him it should be me."

They were out of the courthouse not fifteen minutes later.

"You wanted to visit those friends of yours, the gluttonous ones, right?" Zeff asked, the folder of documents making him Sanji's guardian tucked in his jacket against the spring rain. "Get in, I can take you."

"I can walk," Sanji said, only in part because he didn't want to rake up yet more debt. How the fuck was he supposed to clear his head with all of… this?

"You can also just get in the shitty car, kid," he said and just sounded tired in addition to his usual gruff and, well, Sanji'd be an even bigger shit than usual to argue, so he took the passenger seat.

They were on the road in no time at all, just driving in silence through the spring drizzle.

"Why are you doing all of this for me?" Sanji couldn't help asking suddenly. The job, the rooms, Zeff had even shown him some of his moves from before he lost his leg.

And now this.

The silence stretched between them and for a moment Sanji wasn't sure he'd answer. Then. "You came to my restaurant with a passion for cooking and that shitty look in your eye. Hungry like. So I figured you deserved a shot. Haven't been disappointed yet." He chuckled, a sound Sanji had only heard a few times.

"Plus, I figure it's not gonna be that much work. You did fine on your own after all. Just don't use the kicks I taught you to get into more trouble."

Sanji didn't know what to answer so they pulled up in front of Luffy's building in silence.

"You know the way home. Shift starts at three am, this is a suspension not a vacation so be on time," Zeff said before rolling his window up and driving off.

"Yeah, yeah…" Sanji muttered and lit a smoke, protected in the entrance from the pitter patter as he enjoyed the well needed cigarette before ringing.

Inside there was the usual noise. Usopp and Luffy were totally focused on their game, yelling over each other and Ace was looking haggard over a notebook. Finals really even got to the best of them.

Much more entertainingly Zoro was sitting on a chair, going through his monthly ritual of Nami lightening his hair and reapplying the green colour.

He always looked so disgruntled as the colouring settled and Sanji couldn't help the flutter in his chest. He wouldn't be his mosshead without the green hair after all.

"Woohooo! Sanji!" Luffy yelled and let his controller drop which prompted a cheer from Usopp. "How'd it go? You gonna live with us again?"

Dear fuck, what a little weirdo. "What? No," he said and felt almost sorry for the way Luffy's face fell.

He could feel everyone's eyes though and so sat down on the sofa, sinking into the lumpy pillows he'd slept on this time last year, before he was offered a new home.

"Guess I got a shitty old man looking out for me now."

*** 

Breathe in, out. Just feel the breath, let it happen. Hear the sounds, don't follow them. 

Let the shitty emotions happen too, then let them go.

Zoro grit his teeth and let his head fall back against the wall, just around the corner from the broom closet. 

He tried again, his focus only barely on the hallway in case Mr Paulie came down it so he could warn the Cook. 

He half hoped he would, so he could interrupt the make out session early. But today he wasn't so lucky. His watch wasn't ended by a quick few kicks against the wall, instead by Sanji's low laughter and a giggle that didn't grate, which was almost worse than if it had. 

He stayed where he was, waiting for Sanji to finish with his babbling goodbye, like it was going to be more than a few hours until they would be making out again.

Her name was Keimi and this time it was serious. They had been going out for two months. Sanji had even invited her to his birthday and Zoro kept ending up sitting on her scrunchies and hair clips in Sanji's living room. 

He honestly didn't want to know what else they were doing up there. 

"Oh man, I owe you!" The Cook said as he turned the corner, thankfully alone. Zoro made a noise just to show that he'd heard and tried not to notice too much how the Cook's hair was tousled and how pink his lips were. How good his uniform looked, slightly rumpled. "I'll make you whatever you want for lunch all week," he continued and Zoro followed as he practically bounced through the halls, annoyingly radiant. 

"You know what I like to eat," Zoro muttered before being blinded by the bright grin. 

The Cook prattled on then, happily, all the way to the chemistry lab. About the Baratie's daily menus for the next week, how Zeff was a pain in his ass and his weekend plans that thankfully didn't just include his girlfriend but also sparring with Zoro. 

Once at the chemistry lab the Cook left Zoro to go to his history class and when he was gone Zoro sat and breathed. Meditating came easier now and he used every down moment in class and between lessons to get himself down to some semblance of normal, right up to the point when Nami barged in his room as he was about to change into his training clothes and locked the door behind her.

He tried to complain at her but one look convinced him that the attempt was pointless.

"You have to tell him," Nami said and Zoro raised an eyebrow at her sitting down on his bed.

"What the hell?" He asked. "You know he's not-"

"Yeah yeah, I'm still not convinced," she said and Zoro rolled his eyes as he fell back onto the mattress. "But it doesn't even matter, Zoro. He needs to know he's hurting you!"

"He's not-"

"I saw you. Hell, do you have any idea how miserable you look when he does that kind of shit? Tell him!" She demanded and crossed her arms. "I'll even take ten percent off your debt."

"You know why I can't tell him," Zoro said. 

Nami waved the air aggressively. "Yeah yeah, you are his best friend and you can't risk that. But you're not even giving him the chance to choose you. If he knew he might give it a shot."

"He knows I'm gay Nami. Figured it out all on his own. If he wanted to choose me he would have and I don't want some stupid pity shot that'll fuck everything up," he said and rubbed his face. "But I'll tell him that he can find someone else to stand guard. Usopp maybe." The guy seemed pretty grateful for all the lunches Sanji kept giving him. Large ones too, that Zoro suspected were not just for him. 

Nami was still frowning at him and then hung her head. "I still think you should tell him. But if you at least stop torturing yourself that's a start I guess." 

He hated the concern on her face when he looked up. "You gonna be okay?" She asked.

"Long as he's happy," he said and couldn't help the grin at Nami's frustrated groan. 

"God, you'd be so good together," she muttered into her hands.

"Do I still get ten percent off if I get Usopp to do the guarding?" He asked and somehow was grinning even wider when Nami shot him an annoyed look.

"You wish."

***

The assembly hall was packed, students and faculty milling around between chairs and decorations, trying to find their assigned seating. 

Sanji had arrived early, after helping with morning prep and now he was watching everyone else file in.

Nami was one of the first to arrive accompanied as usual by Vivi, both of them looking radiant in their summer uniforms.

Luffy bounded in not too much later, pulling Usopp along, all large steps and beaming ear to ear even though he was followed by the imposing man Sanji had learned was his grandfather he didn't really get along with.

Of course a few of his ex girlfriends were in attendance too, although Keimi had already left for her exchange to Mariejois, right after they decided to break it off under the circumstances. 

For the better, maybe. Because when Zoro arrived - no tie, windswept still green hair and his stupid new earrings dangling from his ear, the white uniform shirt straining over his chest- Sanji could look without feeling guilty, if only for the few moments before someone was bound to notice. 

The mosshead sat with his classmates, scratching  his head and when he looked around met Sanji's eye, giving him that cocky grin that Sanji could only return.

The ceremony started soon after that and it was easy to tune out the names although some of them were vaguely familiar and to steal glances at Zoro instead. 

At least until Dean Sengoku called the name everyone had been waiting for. 

"Portgas D. Ace." 

The room interrupted into cheers and Sanji along with them as Ace hopped onto the stage, posing like a prize boxer after his win for a solid minute. Finally he bowed this way and that with the broadest grin on his face and only then walked up to get his Diploma.

Dean Sengoku rolled his eyes but even he had to smile as he handed his Diploma to Ace and whispered something to him that made Ace chuckle. To finish off he flipped off the stage to land on his feet in a last triumphant pose that made the room go crazy once more.

Sanji wondered, sometimes, why he didn't have more of a crush on Ace. 

Maybe that was just how it was when there was someone in your life no one could really compare to.

"Just one more year for us," Zoro told Sanji when they were standing in line at the barbeque outside after having almost been crushed by Ace's monster hugs. 

"Yeah," Sanji said, just a little melancholic for how short it had all been. "Any hard plans for after? You get into your trust when school is out right?" 

Zoro gave him that cocky grin. "Gonna keep training I guess. When I win Nationals this year the world is next. Got a job lined up at the Dojo too. Just gotta find a place to live."

Sanji had to grin at that. "Shouldn't be too hard since you have no standards."

"Not everyone can be a picky princess like you," he said and only the filled plate in Sanji's hand kept him from starting a fight, although he did step on Zoro's toes with emphasis. They shoved each other all the way to the tables where Luffy wrapped his arms around them and Nami took a few more pictures.

Sanji'd have to ask her for the set later.

***

Zoro could feel Koushiro watch his every move.

For good reason maybe, seeing as his evaluation for the trainer's license was up and it was the junior class.

Still kind of stupid, considering that Zoro had been helping others train since he started out himself, taking a leaf out of Kuina's book although she'd always been surly about being helpful. 

He'd never forget it though, how she helped him build the one constant between orphanages, social workers and foster homes - until he met Sanji.

"Feet a little further apart, Tama," he said and showed her how to adjust her stance for more stability. "Then if you move forward it's stronger." She nodded and Zoro watched as she adjusted and went through her stances again. 

Better. Good actually, although it still was like watching a kitten paw at air. 

He glanced at the time. It was almost the hour and the kids still needed to change. He weaved through them to the front of the class, clapping his hands. "Okay everyone!" He said. "Class is finished. Line up, bow."

He watched them file out then, following them to the lot where their guardians were already waiting.

It was always a pain chatting with them, answering annoying questions about progress and costs or whatever. 

But at least it let him get a feel for how they were treating their kids. If any of them needed help.

Not too much talking today thankfully although one of the boys was still there, sitting on the stoop so Zoro joined him. "Waiting for your grandma again, Chopper?" He asked and the kid nodded and turned his face away. 

"She's a doctor, so she's busy a lot," he said after looking at his phone, swinging his feet. He was always a little clumsy, but always respectful and attentive. Real nice kid, even if he looked sad too often. "So I'll wait,"

Zoro stretched out beside him. "Waiting doesn't have to be a bad thing." He grinned at the kid. "Wanna see something cool?"

Chopper nodded, wide-eyed and when Zoro brought Wadou out to show him his eyes went wider still. 

"Woah, a real one… so cool," he said when Zoro unsheathed her to show the hamon

"Yeah. She's my treasure, you know, given to me by the best fighter I ever knew," he said 

"That's so awesome!" Chopper said and his grin was infectious as he jumped up and hopped through a few stances. "I wanna be amazing like that too!"

"Sure you will be, kid," Zoro said and watched him jump around until his grandmother's convertible pulled up with a roar. 

"Hop on in, Chopper," she called and saluted Zoro while the kid scrambled onto the passanger seat. "Thanks for watching 'im," she said and was gone with the engine revving as quickly as she'd come.

By the time she was gone a familiar blond was jogging up the street, "Man, it's always a track up here, " he said as he swung past Zoro adjusting his sunglasses and only glancing at Wadou as he went. "Can't wait to get my driver's license."

"What's your girlfriend think about you spending time on that?" Zoro asked, following Sanji to the changing rooms after putting Wadou back on her stand.

"Viola doesn't mind. She's mature that way," he said and Zoro just about kept himself from retching at the self satisfied voice and leaned against the locker, pointedly not looking as Sanji changed. "Zeff wants me to, for supply runs and shit," he said "And I think I can squeeze driving lessons in around my saturday shifts." He banged the locker door closed and shoulder checked Zoro on his way out the door.

"More importantly, I think I'm gonna kick your ass now."

Zoro rolled his eyes and tripped him up as they walked to the sparring room they always used. Shoulder shoving each other into the walls all the way.

***

"Man it's so awesome that you could make it," Ace said between bites of a sandwich before stretching out on the picnic blanket they had spread on the camp ground, right in front of the hut and not too far from the brook babbling by.

"Roadtrip with a personal chef. It doesn't get much better than that."

"I'm not a real chef yet," Sanji said as he pulled a water bottle from the cooler and took a sip against the oppressive heat. "But thanks. Gonna do my best. Where are we headed next?"

"I was thinking Selkirk, there's a waterfall on the way there and maybe Ring Island after," he said and stretched himself even longer, spreading his limbs far from himself and making the muscles in his upper body ripple in a way that had Sanji look away and bite his lip.

"Don't worry we'll be back before your vacation's over. I have a few more people to hang out with before my flight," Ace said.

Sanji scoffed at that. "Don't think the old man would mind. Practically kicked me out." 'There's labour laws for minors and you're due for some off time. Go play, eggplant,' he'd said, in fact, when he'd accepted the invitation for him. Sanji could still hear Zoro's snicker, was still fuming about the stupid nickname too. He'd have to paint Zeff's protestic pink or something, in revenge.

Although maybe it wasn't so bad travelling through nature for a bit with the guys. 

Except for the bugs. 

And the heat. 

And sharing a pickup truck with four other guys when they could only shower every few days. Especially when one of them was Zoro, who refused to forego his daily training routines.

Speaking of, the trio had been gone for a while to gather wood while he and Ace set up the tents. "You think they're gonna be okay? This is Luffy and Zoro we are talking about here," Sanji asked, squinting into the woods.

Ace shrugged in his prone position but then pushed up on his elbows with a grin. "Eh, I trust Usopp to bring them back. And it's nice to get you alone for a sec. You're always so busy," he said and there was something in his voice that made Sanji reach for his cigarettes.

"How do you mean?" He asked and lit up.

"Okay, this may sound a bit weird. Would you go on a date with me before I leave?" Sanji almost inhaled his cigarette and Ace was nice enough to wait until the violent coughing fit subsided.

"You are bi… right?" He asked and Sanji coughed some more and then took a deep drag to steady his nerves.

"Ace… fuck. This is, so, so fucking flattering, and you're probably the coolest guy I know," he said, then tapered off.

"But?"

"But I- I'm not really, y'know…," Sanji started, thinking about his recently broken up relationship. "I've been talking to Viola and we still might work out and for the- the being bi I don't really know if I wanna-" he bit his lip. Was it a lie if he knew what he liked but it just wasn't gonna happen because Zoro didn't date? "It's just not really applicable to my life right now if that makes sense?" He finally settled on.

"Hey, it's okay. Just figured I'd ask before, y'know, I'll be out of the country for months," he said and gave Sanji a grin that had his freckles dance. God, maybe he should rethink the whole thing. Give it a shot. "You're pretty cool yourself for what it's worth."

They sat in silence until Ace hopped to his feet.

"Wanna help me check the truck? She was making weird sounds earlier," he asked, clearly agitated and Sanji got to his feet too.

"Sure, why not," he said and watched Ace lift the hood of the ancient car. "Could you-?"

Ace chuckled. "Hey, secret's safe with me. But you know that it's not gonna be a problem for any of them, right?"

"I know and that's not it. Just-" He knew he was being weird about it. He knew. Just-

"Thank you."

"Oh, not for that," Ace said with a chuckle. "Can you get me the oil from the trunk?"

Sanji did and if the others noticed an odd mood when they returned, they didn't comment. 

And then Usopp and Luffy were presenting their fucking collection of bugs and Sanji wished he was anywhere else in the world.

***

"Congratulations on your recent win."

Zoro did not jump a foot in the air like Reiju no doubt wanted him to. Instead he turned with a frown to where she stood, half hidden in the entrance to that coffee house only a block from the Baratie that Sanji liked.

"I trust your school year has started well?" She asked, that eerie smile just as Zoro remembered it.

"What the fuck are you doing here?" He asked and crossed his arms in front of his chest.

"Using a carefully carved out timeframe," she said and nodded to the cafe. "My dear brother doesn't come off his shift for another half hour. Sit with me?"

Despite himself Zoro sighed and followed her inside and into a private booth in the back.

"How is he?" She asked without preamble

"Why the hell don't you ask him yourself?" Zoro muttered. "Obviously know where he is. Sent him that fancy tea for his birthday too, didn't you?"

"And ruin his day? Please," she said and accepted her coffee, while Zoro got the green tea he hadn't ordered himself.

She didn't say more, just sat there under Zoro's scrutiny until he relented.

"He's running himself ragged between school and work and all the other shit he likes to pile on himself," he started, thinking of all the birthday food Sanji had been cooking this year. The dance classes he took with that girl and all the new recipes he had them taste test for menu suggestions. How he smiled so brightly in the moments between being harried from one duty to another.

"But that's how he's happiest, working, cooking. You know, all the shit your asshole family wouldn't allow him to do," he said but if Reiju took note of his hostile tone she didn't show it, instead taking another dainty sip.

"Girlfriend?" She asked and Zoro scoffed.

"Sometimes, as you know," he answered. This shit was getting boring and he could not figure out what her damage was to sit there and pretend to not know these things.

"No one serious then?," she pressed.

Zoro's teeth clacked together as he thought of Viola, the dancer and how even he didn't know if they were on or off right then. Or how serious they had gotten. 

Fucking hope not, "No," he answered.

"And I see your interest in him has withstood the vagaries of time?" She finally said and he swore that expressionless smile turned sadistic as he leaned forward, shushing her and looking around.

"Shhhhhh, are you insane? We hang out in this neighbourhood!" 

She stifled a disturbing giggle behind her hand but when she smiled at him it was almost human. "Still so shy…," she said and got up, placing a few bills under her cup.

"Please take care of him, and good luck."

And gone she was. Fucking weird.

He finished his tea quickly and hurried down the street just in time to catch Sanji smoke in front of the door, chatting with one of the regular customers.

"Well, I hope you'll enjoy the special Mr Iceburg. I gotta go now," he said and stubbed his cigarette out against the bottom of his shoe before throwing the butt away and approaching Zoro, righting his coat against the wind.

"There you are mosshead," he said and nodded to the door, just the way Reiju had done earlier. "I'm going dancing with Viola tonight, but I have a few hours to go over the math you missed while you were conquering the world."

Zoro could hear the smile in his voice as he led the way up the stairs. "Just the country for now," he answered but couldn't hold in his smug grin either. Arrogance was a pitfall as he knew too well. But a bit of pride should be permitted. 

Especially if it helped him keep it together when Sanji prattled on about his girlfriend.

***

Viola was warm in his arms. 

Her lips were soft as they pressed onto his again and again and her hair fell through his fingers beautifully as he ran a hand through it while they were kissing on his bed.

He wrapped an arm around her middle to pull her closer and seriously had to pull himself together when her chest pressed against his. 

Fuck, he loved boobs. 

He loved kissing.

He was pretty sure he loved Viola too, she was so refined and beautiful and mature although there was only a year between them. 

And he'd seen her boobs so that should help. 

And yet. He carefully separated and brushed her hair from her shoulder to kiss her neck carefully, apologetically.

She sighed into the contact but he could hear her frustration. "Still not ready?" She asked and Sanji bit his lip.

What fucking shit. "It's not that I don't want to-"

"I know, we've talked about it before, you're just not… ready. And that's okay," she shoved him onto his back and wrapped around him and it felt like heaven as he played with her hair. 

He didn't get it, what made him hesitate like that, or maybe he was lying to himself and knew how unfair he was being, his mind already wandering to Zoro's next match and what he was going to make for the lunchbox.

***

Zoro could never decide whether having Sanji in his class was better or worse.

It didn't do his concentration any favors, that was for sure. He could never help himself from stealing glances at Sanji's face as he was taking his notes, all focused or mouthing the words to himself as he read, playing with his hair as he thought.

And days like this when he was being swarmed by girls and even the guys hung around him were extra annoying. Even if it was just because he'd gone on a baking spree and now everyone wanted their portion of his bucket load of cookies.

Everyone but Zoro that is.

Instead he watched the Cook rotate in place passing out boxes, grinning at the girls, scowling dismissively at the guys.

Idiot.

It seemed to take forever until everyone dispersed back to their normal groups and Sanji hopped over to him with another box, taking a seat on his table. 

"Y'know I don't-"

"Like sweet stuff, yeah, yeah. Of course I know. You've been complaining about that since I met you. So I tried to make some you'd like," he said.

Stupid, stupid idiot.

But Zoro accepted the box all the same and when he opened it it still looked like cookies to him. His long suffering sigh got him a light kick to the thigh but when he grabbed one of the star shaped treats and bit into it, it was… Really good. 

He couldn't say what was in there, but there was definitely dark chocolate and cinnamon, but instead of being cloying and sweet it was… earthy and comforting. 

"Good?" Sanji asked with that stupid smug grin as Zoro took another, purposefully chewing with his mouth open before he swallowed.

"Gross," Sanji said.

"'S what you get for gloating, cook," Zoro said and considered another. "They are okay though."

Sanji laughed at that. "You are so full of it," he said and Zoro, instead of denying it, took another cookie.

***

"Single again, are we?" Zeff asked as they stood in the kitchen, preparing pasta for the birthday lunch to soak up the booze from Ace's birthday party. 

"What gave me away?" He asked and kneaded just that bit more aggressively to show he wasn't going to take any bullshit. 

"If you had a girl you'd be all fluttery right now. Instead you are your normal pissy self," he said and Sanji scowled at him.

"Viola didn't… it didn't work out, this time for good I think." 

You're not opening up to me, she had said and Sanji didn't even know what she meant by that.

There were a few minutes of silence as they worked. Just enough for Sanji to start relaxing until Zeff started with the bullshit questioning again. Like it wasn't bad enough that Sanji had been dumped again. 

"You sure you are looking in the right place, string been?" He asked and Sanji almost dropped the dough.

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" He asked, eyes narrowed.

"You run after all these girls, bringing them home after a week or two. And you fawn and trip over yourself and they are good girls," he said. "Just doesn't look like they are special to you. They're bound to notice that."

Sanji was staring, mouth open and his mind raced. He hadn't been bringing that many girls here. He'd been with Viola for half a year and maybe he'd met someone else once or twice when they were on a break again. But he had tried his best! With every one! "What the fuck. I-"

"-do all the shit you'd do anyway, kid. You like taking care of people and ye're good at it, but it's not special treatment from you to cook or bake at the ass crack of dawn. Or to check in when you don't have the time, which you never do. Not for actually just meeting a girl anyway." The look he gave Sanji dared him to deny it. 

And Sanji… couldn't.  "If I brought someone special home, you'd know?" He asked instead, Pasta forgotten as he picked at his cuticles.

Zeff gave him a long hard look, before he spoke. "I already do," he said. "You fucking fall through the whole kitchen covered in flour and dough for that brokkoli head, just so you can start bickering a few seconds sooner. Doubt you'd let any girl see you that way."

Silence again and Sanji didn't know why he was still expecting the sky to fall after it hadn't happened yet.

"And that's okay?" He finally choked out.

"Can't say I was jumping for joy when I figured it out," Zeff admitted and went back to his dough. "Decided that it doesn't really matter though."

"Yeah, guess it doesn't," Sanji agreed and stared at the innocent ball of dough before him. His mind was still racing and suddenly he was mortified.

But Zeff knew no mercy. "You plan on telling him?"  He asked.

"He doesn't date," Sanji said at once.

"I bet he doesn't," Zeff muttered and before Sanji could ask what the fuck that was supposed to mean went on. "Go get changed before your friends get here. I'll finish up."

Sanji didn't really have a choice, cutting it pretty close already. And anyway it was hard to argue with Zeff when his steps felt so light.

***

"You think Conis will like this one?" The cook asked, holding up a black and white patterned shirt. Zoro just blinked and sunk deeper into his beanbag, wondering how Ace had been so off base when he urged Zoro to ask the Cook out, right before getting on his plane. He usually had a good sense for these things.

"Oh why am I even asking you. You wouldn't know or care," the Cook groused when Zoro didn't answer and changed into it all the same.

The thing was erratic and it should look terrible. But somehow it worked on the cook, emphasising his waist and the curve of his ass, the way his shoulders were filling out. "Look fine," Zoro said and knocked back the rest of his beer before he started having bedroom appropriate fantasies again.

"Thanks but I'd like to look more than fine," the Cook said and fumbled with the shirt, then with his hair, then rubbed at the bit of scruff on his chin.

"Dunno if you've noticed but it doesn't ever seem to work out for me… so I need better than that."

Zoro stared at the ceiling, wondering just how the fuck his life had turned out this way. He'd only ever wanted to be the best. Never asked to fall in love. 

"What for? It's not been that long, so what do you even want?" He asked and hated that he could imagine the answer if the Cook was primping like this.

"To not be dumped, for once?" He muttered and was now trying on hats, one dumber than the other.

"And you think some dumb shirt is gonna make that not happen," Zoro asked getting yet more comfortable.

"Can't hurt to try," the Cook said and combed his hair again "but you don't know that because you don't date."

God fuck he was so frustrating. "And thank fuck for that. Looks fucking exhausting," Zoro said through his teeth.

"You're fucking exhausting," the Cook answered, original as always.

"Whatever," Zoro said and checked his phone for the time. "Is this gonna take a lot longer? I have some shitty meeting for the training trip."

"A month in Kuraigana, huh?" The Cook turned to him with a frown before changing back out of the shirt and into what Zoro called his comfort sweater.

He got another beer for Zoro and one of his own sodas for himself before sitting down as well and putting his glasses on so he could read over his homework. "Kinda close to finals."

"Yeah, but it's not like I really need to pass," Zoro said and couldn't help the grin at Sanji's annoyed expression.

"I got my path with or without that piece of paper," he added with a shrug.

The Cook glared some more, then sighed. "Guess that's true, meandering though that path may be," he said and then raised an eyebrow at Zoro. "At least try though?"

"'M not planning to fail, Cook," he said. "That'd be stupid."

Beyond that it would suck not to graduate together. But the Cook didn't have to know that so Zoro nursed his beer some more while he listened to the Cook's complaining about t-shirts before he had to go to his meeting and the Cook back to work.

***

Another sigh escaped Sanji as he walked up to Usopp's building.

He knew he shouldn't be this morose.

It was a nice day, he was seeing Conis later. Zeff was finally putting his lemon mousse on the menu.  Nami had asked him to make something for her student council farewell party. And with Ace in town and Luffy vibrating in excitement the rest of the month should be passing in a flash. 

None of that brought Zoro back around though. Sanji should be used to it, but a month was longer than usual and the three remaining weeks seemed like an eternity, especially because the bootcamp Zoro picked for training didn't allow phone use.

That was Zoro's path though, as he liked to say and Sanji had his own duties, so he breathed and put his game face on when Usopp buzzed him in. 

The way to the apartment was familiar by now, even if the gorgeous rendition of a caravella wasn't there to mark the slightly ajar door.

Inside gentle music played, as it usually did and the walls were as covered in art as always. Works Sanji recognized as Usopp's interspersed with designs for clothes. 

There was even a mannequin in the hall today wearing a lovely blouse, no doubt Banchina's work, now that she was a little better.

Usopp stumbled from his room, still in his painting overalls. "Hi Sanji."

"Hey man," Sanji said, keeping his voice low and handing over the cooler box.

They walked over to the tiny kitchen and Usopp stored the boxes in the fridge. "Mom's awake, so you don't have to whisper."

"That I am," the gentle voice said from the door and Banchina gave him a smile despite how tired she looked. "Can I offer you some tea, Sanji dear."

"Please, and you look lovely today, Mrs- I mean Banchina," he amended at the dark look she gave him and sat down waving Usopp off to sit too. 

"Oh, ever the flatterer," she said with a light laugh as she set the kettle. "It's so lovely to see you, and you are sure you don't need any sewing done? You graduate soon, do you not? And a handsome young man like you should have something perfectly tailored to wear for such an important day."

"Mom, are you sure-" Usopp started but was silenced with a firm look.

"Thank you, but I actually haven't even bought a suit yet," Sanji said and cupped his hands around the warm cup as she put it down in front of him.

She sat down across from him and rested her chin on her hands. "Well if you do I'll be happy to do some altering as needed. You and the Baratie have been a godsend these last few months and I'm so happy that Usopp has found such a good friend," she said and Sanji could feel himself blushing.

"Okay mom, I think that's enough. You know how shy Sanji gets," the traitor said and Sanji carefully kicked out under the table to catch his shin as he took a few sips of tea.

"Oh nonsense," she said. "The truth should be told, always." And now Sanji was really trying to hide behind his cup as she chuckled.

"I have another project to finish, but please have whatever you like and I'll have the payment squared away by the end of the week. Have fun today meeting your friend!" And with that she was gone and Usopp chuckled.

"Man, if she knew how potty mouthed you usually are…," he said and grinned at Sanji. 

"Not sure I like confident Usopp," Sanji muttered and finished his tea.

"Well, you'll have to deal with the great master of confidence, Usopp, like it or not," he said with a flourish and a bow. "But first give me a second to change and then we can go."

They met up with Ace, Luffy, Nami and Vivi at Hacchan's diner with the table full of fries and burgers already and laughter ringing through the place. 

Fun all around- but no Zoro.

Ace's hugs were as firm as Sanji remembered though and luckily there was no residual awkwardness. On the contrary, Ace had so much to tell that time was flying and for once Sanji actually needed his alarm to remind him of his meeting with Conis after her internship.

She was as radiant as always, smiling at him sweetly as he offered her his coat for the way to the lovely little Italian place he'd found by the waterside when Zoro had gotten them hopelessly lost again.

The food had been good enough that even the mosshead had found some proper praise though, and the day had been worth it although Sanji missed both training and dance class.

Sanji put the thought out of his mind, and focused, really focused on the lovely girl in his company and the fantastic food.

She was truly angelic in the low candlelight and even more so when she accepted his invitation to prom. 

And when he kissed her, for the first time all week the mosshead really retreated to the back of his thoughts.

***

"That one's gonna be too small," the Cook said, at once when Zoro dared touch one of the suits in this stupid shop where everything looked the same. How he was so sure when he had his back to Zoro, he didn't fucking know. "Try these," he suddenly said and put half a dozen hangers on the rolling waggon along with the ten or so options he'd chosen for himself.

Zoro balked at the very sight. But the Cook was looking so excited to try all this shit on. It was equally attractive and annoying and Zoro made sure Sanji heard the big sigh as he trudged after him to try the suits on.

"Isn't this shit way too expensive?" He asked, examining the tags while Sanji went into the fitting room first no doubt to make a whole production of the thing the same way Nami always did. Damn her going and meeting Vivi's dad just when Sanji needed a fancy shopping buddy.

"Uhm, no, you neanderthal," Sanji said and then strode out in the first suit, turning this way and that and fuck it all, he actually looked pretty good when he should be looking uncomfortable as fuck. "A good suit is an investment and these are very reasonably priced. Plus, I saw what Franky allotted you, it should be fine."

Zoro was only half listening, instead watching as Sanji pulled on the suit this way and that, then hummed. "Not my colour," he determined and then went into the cabin again, only to repeat the procedure endless times.

If you were to ask Zoro, he looked great in all of them. Taller somehow, and confident in ways that weren't good for Zoro's resolve to leave well enough alone. He didn't really ask for Zoro's input either, commenting himself on the colour or the fit. 

Glad as Zoro was about being left alone and good as the Cook looked, this was getting boring fast, at least until he made a pleased sound that stabbed right through Zoro.

His eyes shot open and he was looking at the cook in yet another suit but this one… fuck, it was like the thing was making him glow or something. "This is the one. Colour's perfect and the extra tailoring should be minimal." He said and righted the cuff. Zoro didn't know what could be improved, Cook looked fucking edible. All the lines of his lean, fit frame hugged by the dark fabric, his hair even brighter than usual and his eyes shining.

"I'll change back real quick and then it's your turn, mosshead," he said and Zoro did hear the threat in there, even if he was a little slow to react at that moment.

He made sure to look unhappy about it, but he did get in there and he put on the first one finding it less terrible than he had expected.

"Not bad, mosshead. Spin," the Cook said, leaning back in his seat like the imperious bastard he could be.

Zoro scowled and turned. "Slow-ly, mosshead." He said and Zoro reluctantly obeyed but still gave him the finger. "Hmm, it's good, but I'd like to see the onyx one." 

"The what?" Zoro asked and dodged the shoe Sanji kicked at him

"Just try them all," he said leaning his head to the side when Zoro kicked the shoe back.

And with that the torture began as Zoro had to change from suit to suit and endure the Cook's endless babbling until he was satisfied and made Zoro try the third one again.

"Yeah, I was right. Onyx is best," he said. But instead of releasing Zoro he bounded up and started adjusting the cuffs and collar while Zoro froze in place. "And I'm sure Banchina will be happy to perfect it for a small fee for you too," he said more to himself than to Zoro who could barely even make sense of the words with the Cook's quick warm hands on him like this.

Finally he was done and when Zoro looked in the mirror and smoothed his hair back he could admit that he looked pretty damn good too. A bit dangerous ina good way.

"It's cool, I guess. Don't see the point though when we're just gonna get hammered as fuck," he said and shoved Sanji for the eyeroll, prompting him to fuss with Zoro's collar again before he started holding ties to the suit and then his hair.

"There'll be pictures before that part," he said. "And this suit is casual enough. You can wear it to other occasions. Provided you don't train yourself out of it within the year."

"No promises," Zoro said and kind of had to grin at that. Maybe he should try just for the heck of it.

"Try not to before graduation at least," Sanji said and seemed to have settled on a tie although Zoro was not gonna wear one.

He still bought it, along with the suit, two extra dress shirts and the shoes the cook had liked on him.

***

When Nojiko turned down the music it was long past midnight. Sanji, tired as he was, was also happy. Prom had been kind of lame, as expected but the results of a much cooler afterparty were littering the room. Crumbs and bottles and unused coasters all over and the a few blurry instant polaroids between the garbage. 

Sanji had a few of those too, safely tucked away in the inner pockets of his suit jacket.

And with lovely Conis curled into his side on the sofa, half asleep and murmuring, the world seemed alright. 

He kissed the top of her head and carded his hand through her sweet smelling hair as they waited for her dad to come get her

She was so pretty and Sanji's heart fluttered in his chest. Maybe if they weren't so drunk and if they hadn't agreed to go slow, tonight might even be the night to go further, he thought.

But then she stirred as her phone rang and the spell was broken. Sanji helped her to her feet, kissed her nose and lips gently. He wrapped her jacket around her, helped her take the few sleepy steps into the pleasant summer air and to the car where her dad was waiting.

Sanji lit a smoke as he waved after her and not even the sound of cicadas could ruin his good mood.  He went back inside with his heart still aflutter, carefully stepping around a mess in the doorway, just to stumble over a bottle on the living room floor instead.

When he looked around Luffy was dead asleep, wrapped around Usopp in an armchair and Sanji knew for a fact that Nami and Vivi had disappeared to Nami's bedroom early and not come out since. 

His cheeks heated at the thought and he tried to rub the smile from his face unsuccessfully, remembering his own makeout session in the guest room. 

Maybe they should have locked the door too, although he'd been too distracted to really note who had walked in on them and then slammed door so violently.

After stumbling again he tried to pick his way through the hall more carefully, now that almost everyone seemed accounted for. 

He found the guestroom and with it the mosshead, snoring on the bed and starfishing all over it.

Sanji sighed, suddenly annoyed and dropped into the chair by the window, taking in the bottles on the nighttable.

Holy fuck, could the mosshead drink.

"The fuck are you doing here..?" Came the slurred mutter from the bed, just as Sanji had closed his eyes. "Shouldn't you be getting laid right now?"

Somehow that made Sanji scoff. The fucking irony of it. "Yeah, maybe. Didn't turn out that way."

The mosshead laughed into the mattress and Sanji could feel the vein on his forehead pop.

"The hell are you laughing about?" He asked.

"Nothing," Zoro said but kept fucking laughing as he sat up, looking at Sanji blearily. "Just thought you'd get some with all the…" He made a vague notion with his hands that might have been indicating curves and raised an eyebrow.

Somehow Sanji thought he didn't really look amused, all scowl instead of the grin that evened out his brow and made him look younger.

"Like you're one to talk. Not like you even look at people that way," Sanji mumbled, trying to pull one of his knees in but thinking better of it when he almost tumbled off the chair.

"Not true," Zoro said and when he looked at Sanji he seemed weirdly lucid, despite the slow blinking. "You just don't know." Was that anger or was Sanji just drunk.

"And why the hell not, mosshead?," Sanji said, the buzz overtaking his brain, or maybe it was the shock, realising that he'd just assumed that because Zoro didn't date he didn't look either and if he did…

"Cuz it's- I'm beneath your fucking notice, Cook," he spat. "Always so busy with the girls, don't notice a single fucking thing else."

"Uhm, not true," Sanji echoed. If only Zoro knew how how not true.

"Yeah true," Zoro muttered and dropped back into the duvet, still wearing the white dress shirt Sanji made him buy although it was unbuttoned to his abs. "Y'just don't get it."

Maybe it was the drink or the early hour or knowing that his school days were over, but for once Sanji was really looking at him. Zoro was frowning but it only added to his features and his hair was that stupid green and his earrings glinted, even in the shitty low moonlight and he was stupidly muscled and he was so hot and-

"I'm bi, Zoro," Sanji said. "So explain."

Once more the sky wasn't falling.

Instead he got a blank look for that, Zoro blinking at him for a few moments before he scoffed, shook his head and turned, snoring within the minute.

"You are so blitzed," Sanji muttered to himself, trying to not be too disappointed as he staggered to his feet to pull a blanket over the big lug. 

He only had time to shrug out of his jacket and toe off his shoes before falling back into the padded windowseat and then the world went dark.

It came back, bright and spinning and loud.

"Oi cook, wake up." 

Sanji groaned and rubbed his face against the light, squinting at the obnoxiously grinning Mosshead. Tried to rotate the crick from his neck only to feel his head pound even more.

"Can you shout quietly?" He asked, curling up more.

"Lightweight," the mosshead said and Sanji groaned at feeling something cold against his forehead before blindly grabbing the glass of water Zoro was offering him.

"I was not the one to pass out like the dead in here," he muttered and hid his blush behind his drink when he remembered just what he'd finally told Zoro, even if the reaction had been a bit less than Sanji had… expected? Hoped?

"Sure that happened? Cuz you're looking like the dead now and I feel fine," the mosshead said, still grinning. And Sanji like an idiot, was still waiting. Not for the sky to fall anymore, but for something to happen. "Guess you can crash a little longer and have Nami and Nojiko clean all by themselves, though," the mosshead said, instead of releasing the tension in Sanji's chest.

"Ass," Sanji answered, and rubbed his face once more before his feet found the ground and he stood up tall.

No point in waiting any longer either.

No reaction was a reaction too, after all.