Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

Seeing the Prince spending time with all these Lords and other Royalty is not as hard as Zoro has expected it to be. He wouldn't have said anything, either way, it is the King's decision and Zoro has no right to oppose it, but Zoro doesn't have a reason to either. The people coming here and trying to win the Prince's affections were all highly unsuccessful in their endeavors. It's been more than amusing watching them flatter the blond with flowery words and grand gestures that meant very little to the Prince.

Sanji has stayed surprisingly polite, despite the obvious boredom these meetings cause him, but when everyone is gone and it's just him and Zoro, he complains about the dates and admirers that annoy him to no end, and how he would rather spend his time hiding in the kitchens or sparring with Zoro.

The knight reminds him then, why he must do this. He reminds him that the King only tries to find the person that can finally lift the curse. Maybe he also has to remind himself of that every now and then because it is easy to forget when Zoro watches the Lords and Majesties, that clearly have no idea what the Prince wants and what he needs. Not one of them would ever be able to appreciate all of Sanji because they don't know all of him. 

They have never seen the fierce Sanji, the one with fire in his eyes and a short temper, that gives out painful kicks when challenged.

They have never seen the kind Sanji, the one who gives so much and never expects anything in return, the one who is caring and gentle far beyond the politeness that he offers to these suitors.

They have never seen the vulnerable Sanji, the one who worries and doubts, the one who secretly just wants to be able to connect with others the way everyone can but him.

He is the only one who has seen them all, Sanji has never tried to hide any of those sides from his knight because he trusts Zoro explicitly. Zoro can't pretend that this thought doesn't do something to him, that he doesn't feel smug about it whenever one of these suitors pretends like they have a connection with the blond because they will never have a bond as strong as Zoro has with the Prince.

This is the point where he has to remind himself that these dates are for Sanji's sake, a way to find the person that will break the curse. And still, Zoro can't help but feel like no one will be enough to deserve the Prince.

It's been a week since the first one, Duval, came by, and today the date is at the stables. It's pretty early in the morning. Apparently, the Lord visiting today doesn't have much time to linger but wanted to meet Sanji nevertheless, so the Prince agreed to be there, even if it is mainly to make his father happy.

When Zoro steps into the stables behind the Prince, he can see the Lord brushing one of the horses. He would have almost mistaken him for a stablehand if it weren't for the fact that Zoro knows all of the servants at the castle and this man is definitely not one of them.

He has short and dark unkempt hair that he wears with a headband to keep them out of his face. There are dark circles under his eyes and his body is thin, thinner than Zoro would claim healthy. He doesn't look like much of a Lord at all. His hands look rough from work, so unlike Sanji's delicate ones that he only uses for cooking, not because he is too prideful for hard work but because he has sworn to take care of them.

Even Sanji has trouble keeping the surprise from showing on his face when he sees the rather messy man. He clears his throat to mask it and to announce his presence. "Gin, I assume? Is there a title, you would like me to use?" 

The dark-haired looks over at him, a small smile appearing on his lips. He is clearly amused by Sanji's attempt to find out how to address him.

"No, there is no title, sir," the man says. "Actually, I am just a simple man. I own a farm, not far from here."

"A farmer?" For the first time since the King issued these dates, the Prince looks intrigued.

Gin lowers his head slightly but he is still watching Sanji with just as much interest if not more. Zoro doesn't like it. "I am well aware that I am probably not what you were expecting, Your Highness. But I couldn't help myself when I heard about the King's efforts. I have pleaded with him for days now, so he would allow me to see you, to prove my devotion to you. I am confident that I am the one that can lift the curse, for my gratitude and awe for you are unmatched."

Sanji perks up and tilts his head. "Gratitude?" he asks surprised, as Gin bows his head.

"I am sure you don't remember but two years ago you saved me from a tyrant that threatened my farm and my life. I owe you for that, I have never forgotten."

Recognition flashes across the Prince's face, then a smile appears on his lips, a genuine one. That too hasn't happened with any of the other suitors.

"Gin. Yes, I remember now. I am sorry I haven't recognized you sooner. How have you been? Have you eaten yet? I could prepare you some food, you look like you haven't eaten properly lately."

Suddenly, there is a much different atmosphere as Sanji treats Gin with surprising familiarity. Zoro remembers Gin too, and his eyes narrow slightly as his hands come to rest on the hilt of his swords. The farmer had claimed that his crops have been destroyed completely and kindhearted as the Prince is, Sanji left the castle personally to find out what had happened.

The ambush had been expected by Zoro but he hadn't anticipated the farmer to join the fight and attack the Prince.

It was a futile attempt. The Prince knows how to handle himself despite what people think when they see him only in company of his knight. Later, when Don Krieg had been handled, the farmer asked the Prince for forgiveness, he had tried to save his farm that Don Krieg had threatened to burn down to the ground.

Against the knight's better judgment, Sanji did forgive him. He treated the farmer to a meal and helped him replant his crops.

Zoro likes to think he has good reason to mistrust Gin now, as the farmer laughs and politely declines Sanji's offer. "I had something else in mind to spend the morning with you, Your Highness."

Sanji waves his hand dismissively. "There is no need to address me so formally, Gin. After all, you are here as a friend, are you not?"

"I am glad you think so," Gin admits with a smile. He waves his hands toward the horses. "I thought you might enjoy a ride out. Get out of the castle for a while."

Suspicion rises inside Zoro and he takes a step forward. "I would advise your Highness, not to-" he starts but the Prince doesn't let him finish and puts a gloved hand over his arm in an attempt to calm the swordsman.

"It's okay. As I said, he's here as a friend."

Zoro isn't so sure about that but it's not his place to say and there is no changing Sanji's mind either. The Prince walks over to the horses and pulls himself up with practiced ease as Gin does the same. Apparently, Gin didn't ready a horse for the knight but that doesn't matter. It only takes a couple of minutes for Zoro to get his own horse ready, and the Prince knows better than to leave without him.

They leave the castle grounds with Zoro trailing behind a couple of paces. He heightens his awareness in case of an ambush but for some reason, his eyes trail back to the Prince and his companion. They seem to be in deep conversation and it looks like the Prince is actually enjoying himself in Gin's presence.

Zoro probably should be relieved and happy for the Prince. Maybe this is it. Maybe this will finally lift the curse after all, and it's what Zoro wants for him. Sanji should be able to feel things, to reach out to others without having to fear the pain that comes with it.

He still doesn't trust this.

They ride for maybe half an hour before they reach the top of a hill and Gin slides off the horse to tie it to the tree. This place has a beautiful view over the city and the river that runs alongside it, and the sun is in a perfect spot for the water to reflect the light and create a sparkling surface and a gorgeous scenery.

Sanji gets off the horse as well and Zoro follows suit. The knight still keeps a respectful distance when Gin and Sanji sit down in the grass to enjoy the view.

"Do you come here often?" Sanji asks curiously and Gin shakes his head.

"Not as often as I'd like. It is quite a way after all, and I don't always find the time. But it is beautiful, isn't it?"

Sanji turns his head back to the scenery and a soft smile appears on his lips. "It is. There must be thousands of places worth visiting around the world. I wish I could go."

Gin eyes the Prince for a moment. "I could take you there."

Sanji's eyes widen and he looks back at Gin in surprise, not expecting an offer like this. "I- I mean, that's really nice of you to say, but I can't leave. Not as long as this curse isn't lifted, and even then..."

Gin turns his whole body to Sanji now and he doesn't break eye contact even for a second. He looks so determined, that Zoro's immediate reaction is to put his hand over the hilt of his sword again. He frowns.

"You are looking for someone who loves you unconditionally to break the curse," Gin starts again eagerly. "And I know that I do, ever since the day, you saved me. You are always on my mind and I longed to see you again for so long." He leans closer to Sanji who stares at the farmer with bright pink cheeks. The Prince doesn't move away, seemingly too stunned to do or say something.

Zoro also stares and it takes him a moment to realize what Gin is saying so suddenly. For some reason, it feels like a stab in his chest, and when Gin raises his hand to Sanji's face, the knight moves on his own accord. He catches Gin's arm in an iron grip and the farmer freezes in surprise. When he looks up at Zoro, it looks like he just now remembers that the knight is there.

"You are not wearing gloves," Zoro reminds him coldly and Gin has the guts to reply easily: "I know."

Zoro's grip tightens and something in him is pleased to see Gin flinch a little, but then Sanji's voice cuts through the air: "Zoro, that's enough."

He looks back at the Prince who returns the gaze so intensely that Zoro has to swallow. He lets go of Gin and steps back again but he doesn't regret interfering. Keeping Sanji safe is his job after all, and just because Gin confessed his love, it doesn't mean that he's allowed to step over these boundaries.

Although, rationally Zoro knows, one day he will have to let someone get close to Sanji after all. Someday, his services won't be needed anymore, and Sanji will have someone else by his side instead. The thought comes with a bitter taste in his mouth, just before a surprisingly strong feeling of longing hits the swordsman and he sucks in a sharp breath. The feeling is always there but it never was as apparent as it is now. He wants the Prince, but he can't have him. It's not his place to even utter a wish like that.

He has to force himself to pay attention to Sanji's next words that spill over those beautiful lips.

"Gin..." The name spoken so softly, grounds Zoro again and he forces the feelings back down and locks them away. Sanji's cheeks are still a light pink and he looks like he is trying to find the right words. "I'm... I'm incredibly flattered you think so highly of me. I didn't think I'd make an impression like this on anyone, and you speak of... love." He blushes ferociously again. Zoro realizes it's the first time someone has put his feelings for Sanji so boldly into words. The first time, Sanji has heard that someone loves him.

And it wasn't Zoro who spoke those words.

"I... I am glad you took the chance to meet me," Sanji continues, trying to regain his composure. He avoids Gin's eyes for some reason. "And I am grateful for your honesty. But I don't think-... Well, I can't-..." The Prince is fidgeting with his hands and stumbling over his words, and Zoro realizes he is about to let Gin down.

It surprises Zoro because he thought they got along very well, and it's so obvious how much Sanji wants to lift the curse. Zoro thought he would at least try it with Gin. After all, he takes every chance to try and force Zoro to take that step.

Gin must have realized the same thing Zoro had because his smile almost looks forced and there is a painful expression behind those eyes. "You don't have to say anything, Your Highness," he assures the Prince, falling back onto using the proper title. For a moment, Gin's eyes move up to Zoro and stay there. "I understand. I was mistaken, it might not be me who is destined to lift the curse after all."

Zoro turns his head away from Gin. The staring is making him feel uncomfortable. As if Gin is trying to say something.

The dark-haired farmer gets up from the grass now and offers the Prince his hand. "I think it is time to head back. I do not want to steal more of your time."

Sanji takes the hand - since he is still wearing gloves himself - and lets Gin help him up, although the words cause him to frown and he looks a little guilty. "I'm sorry, Gin. I still consider you a great friend, please don't forget that."

"I know, and I am honored you do," Gin replies with a reassuring smile. "You have a kind heart, but it does not belong to me. You have obviously given it to someone else already."

Again, the Prince starts to blush quite quickly while Zoro is left wondering what the farmer is talking about. If Sanji has already given his heart away, shouldn't he be the first to know?

Sanji doesn't respond to that and instead, they mount their horses again and make their way back to the castle.

Compared to before, the journey back is far quieter but Zoro can't say that he minds that much. It gives him time to think, although it doesn't seem to result in anything quite useful. There is not much he can do to change the current situation, no matter how badly he wants to. Zeff has entrusted him with his only son and Zoro cannot betray that trust by doing something foolish just because the Prince completely turned Zoro's head. How would he defend himself when he ends up hurting the Prince? 'I am helplessly in love and I thought it would matter.'

They arrive back at the stables after a while and Zoro is still lost in thought when the Prince leads the horses inside and Gin is suddenly facing the knight with a hardened expression on his face.

"He doesn't need a protector," he says and at first, Zoro is taken aback by the boldness of his words, and his eyes narrow. After all, it is not a farmer's place to question Zoro's duties. But before he can say anything, Gin already continues: "He needs someone to hold him close, someone who will not hold back his affections."

Zoro swallows again and he grits his teeth. That message is clear enough, although it is pretentious of Gin to offer advice to the captain of the knights of all people. It almost feels like he's trying to say that Zoro isn't doing his job.

Sanji steps back out after he has passed the horses onto the stablehands that will take care of the animals, and Gin says his goodbyes without acknowledging Zoro's presence again. Zoro barely pays attention when the Prince promises Gin to keep in contact.

Gin's words have not helped to quiet down the knight's thoughts and his movements are more mechanically than deliberate when he starts to walk back to the castle, which is why he doesn't check to see if the Prince follows him. He only stops when he can't feel Sanji's presence beside him anymore, and turns to see that the Prince is looking out back to the hill. It's barely visible from here. He must be thinking about Gin and his confession. Maybe he regrets turning him down after all.

Zoro pushes down the selfish feelings that begin to arise again and instead steps closer to the Prince. "Are you alright, Your Highness?"

"Can we take a walk?" Sanji asks without turning his head. "I don't want to go back yet..."

Zoro frowns but then he nods. "There is no reason not to. You are not expected back yet anyway."

They start walking through the garden together. It's big enough to take a 30 Minute stroll without going in circles, and it's not uncommon for the Prince to be found here. He likes the garden plants and the animals that nest here because he claims it to be peaceful.

It's still quiet between them, which is also not uncommon but it feels different now. It's probably just Gin getting to him, he really doesn't like the guy, but Sanji also seems to be lost in thought and Zoro would give everything to know what's going on in his head. Unfortunately, Zoro is not in a position to ask.

"Do you think I should have risked it?" Sanji suddenly speaks up and it almost startles Zoro. The question overwhelms him for a moment because he doesn't know how to answer it without saying too much or overstepping his boundaries.

"I'm not sure I can be the judge of that," Zoro decides to say. "I am not the one who will be hurt if it doesn't work out... It's your risk to take."

Zoro almost takes a step back when the blonde suddenly turns around and gets up right in his face. The look in his eyes is so intense that Zoro isn't able to look away. It's this fierce glowing that Zoro adores and respects, and that sometimes sends a shiver down his spine.

"Then why won't you finally let me take the risk?" Sanji asks and it almost sounds like a challenge. Zoro clenches his fist and suddenly it's hard to keep eye contact with the blonde but Zoro doesn't back down.

It takes an embarrassingly long moment for it to click, then Zoro blinks a couple of times.

"What?"

"Don't tell me, you don't know," Sanji says accusingly. "I've been very clear about my intentions, but you just won't let me." His eyes go soft and he smiles a little, boldly putting his hand on Zoro's chest plate. "I do appreciate how careful you are and I know you don't want to hurt me. It's what I love about you. But I can't keep tiptoeing around. I need to know."

Zoro's eyes widen at the admission. The Prince is still close, he can feel the body warmth despite the armor, or maybe it is just in his mind. His heart clenches and he raises his hand to Sanji's cheek. Even though he hardly feels the touch through his thick gloves, Zoro is still incredibly worried to hurt the Prince, so his fingertips barely brush over the skin.

'He doesn't need a Protector.'

Zoro can see the blond swallowing and he puts his hand over Zoro's, his eyes never leaving those of his knight. Zoro's pulse is racing now as he cups Sanji's face between both his hands and imagines how it must feel to press his lips against the Prince's. Something he never dared to think about and he shouldn't be now either.

'He needs someone to hold him close.'

Sanji closes his eyes and he frowns while his fingers clutch Zoro's hands, nails digging into the leather of the gauntlet. His voice sounds hoarse when he whispers: "It's not enough... Please, Zoro..." There is the sound of deep longing in Sanji's words and Zoro wishes so badly he could give him what he so desperately craves.

But he can't, so he breaks away and takes a step back. "I'm sorry, Your Highness, but I don't think this is a good idea."

Zoro can see the exact moment, Sanji's heart breaks. He clenches his fists and lowers his head, so his bangs cover his face completely, but for a brief moment, he saw the expression on Sanji's face. He looked so hurt that Zoro hates himself for doing this to him.

Maybe this is the reason why Zoro dislikes Gin so much. He was able to put into words, what Zoro has trouble even allowing himself to think. Gin made Sanji feel special whereas Zoro only hurts him.

Gin actually had the chance to make the Prince happy, and Zoro ruins it.

The Prince doesn't move from the spot, he doesn't say anything, and Zoro swallows a lump in his throat. How is he supposed to save this?

"I'm sorry," he repeats helplessly, and he has the urge to explain that it isn't Sanji's fault. God, the Prince is perfect, this has nothing to do with him. "Anyone who catches your interest is one of the luckiest person in the world, but I'm... I'm your knight. I will always be at your side, but it would be pretentious for me to assume-..." He stops, not sure how to explain his feelings without sounding like an idiot. He probably already does.

He's really ruining this right now. Years of close friendship and secret adoration are ending in heartbreak. There is no way Sanji is not going to hate him after this, and Zoro can't even blame him.

For a moment, Zoro fears that the Prince is crying and his heart stops. Guilt is probably written all over his face, but when Sanji finally raises his head again, he looks just furious. The fire in his eyes has returned even more viciously than before.

"I hate you so much, you jerk!" Sanji spits out and only Zoro's willpower and self-control are keeping him from flinching away when Sanji once again steps into Zoro's personal space to jab his finger against Zoro's chest.

It doesn't hurt physically because of the armor, but Zoro can still feel the stabs, and he bites his lip. He deserves this, though. He brought it on himself, it would be spineless to turn away and avoid Sanji's harsh words now.

"You and your stupid, unnecessary chivalry!" He suddenly grabs Zoro's face with both hands, just like the knight did before, and he stares at Zoro with determination. "Just kiss me already, you dumb moss!"

And what kind of a knight would Zoro be if he refused an order from his Prince?

Zoro feels his resolve breaking away and his body is leaning towards Sanji by itself. He stops shortly before he reaches Sanji's lips, feeling the other's hot breath on his skin. Sanji's eyes are half closing and his own breath is quickening.

Just for a moment, Zoro stays like this, feeling the pull toward the Prince growing. He's wondering how he could ever ignore this and carry on like he's not totally crazy about the blond.

And then Sanji pushes forward and closes the space between them.

Zoro closes his eyes as he tastes Sanji for the first time. He can't think about anything else, there is only the Prince, the hotness of his mouth, and the taste of spices and citrus. His lips feel so soft against Zoro's own, and a hand moves up to his neck, pulling him closer when Sanji deepens the kiss hungrily.

Sanji's other hand grabs Zoro's wrist and he pulls away for a moment, only to breathe against Zoro's lips: "Lose the gauntlets and touch me, Mosshead."

Zoro doesn't think about it, he slides the gauntlets off his hands, and soon after his fingers are sliding over the skin on Sanji's neck and his chin and his cheeks. Sanji sighs into the next kiss and he seems to melt under Zoro's touch. He leans into him, craving more, and it takes everything in him not to undress his knight right there. He wants to feel every little area on Zoro's body, wants to explore his whole body with his own ungloved hands, but the armor is in the way.

It takes a couple of minutes before the full force of feelings hit him and he gasps for air, pulling away from the kiss when his throat suddenly closes up and tears prickle in the corner of his eyes that soon threaten to overflow. A strangled sob escapes him and he presses a hand over his mouth.

He can touch Zoro. He can finally feel the heat of another body on his skin, and it doesn't actually burn him.

Zoro is a little shocked when he sees the tears but he only pulls Sanji closer and holds him, placing a kiss on Sanji's hairline. Sanji is shaking in his arms, clinging to Zoro's shoulders and burying his face into the crook of Zoro's neck, not prepared to let go of his knight any time soon.

The longing for Zoro doesn't weaken one bit after they kissed. He needs the knight, needs to feel Zoro's skin on his own. He needs to make sure this isn't a dream, that this is real.

"I'm here," Zoro speaks softly and runs his fingers through Sanji's hair affectionately. "I'm not going anywhere. Sorry, I was pretty stubborn, hm?"

Sanji chokes out a laugh between his tears and shakes his head. "One could say that..." He can't even be mad about it now, he's just so thankful that Zoro finally faltered. That idiot...

"Your Dad is going to kill me," Zoro mutters, and realizes soon after that it's the first time he referred to Zeff as Sanji's Dad rather than the King.

"Don't worry, I'll protect you", Sanji murmurs back and a soft smile reappears on his lips. "I hug him and you run away. He will be too stunned to follow you for a while."

Zoro laughs at that and he puts his fingers under Sanji's chin to tilt his head upwards to face him again.

"You have to think of something better, because I won't leave your side now, Sanji." His heart skips a beat at his name on Zoro's lips, spoken so softly and with so much warmth.

"I love you" Zoro whispers and he presses his forehead against Sanji's and closes his eyes. There is nothing holding Zoro back now, he's going all in. He doesn't care about his status anymore, he doesn't care that he failed his duty of protecting the Prince because Gin was right, Sanji doesn't need a protector. They should have taken this risk long ago.

Sanji still can't keep the tears from falling but he's smiling so much, that it almost hurts. "I love you too," he breathes back, not daring to raise his voice lest it betrays him.

Someone clears their throat and Zoro's head raises in alarm only to be met with the stern look of the king who is standing less than 10 feet from them and watches the whole scene. Zoro's cheeks immediately start burning but he realizes that Zeff's gaze is locked on his son.

"You brat. You finally found him, did you." Despite the brute language, there are tears in Zeff's eyes as well.

Sanji bites his lip and he lets go of Zoro, only to take a couple of shaky steps in the direction of his father. Both of them look incredibly tense when Zeff raises his hand. There is a moment of hesitation, a moment of worry before Zeff puts his hand on his son's cheek for the first time in over a decade. Sanji doesn't flinch back. Instead, he leans into it and the tears are coming back harder than before. Zeff huffs out the breath that he's been holding and all the tension seeps away when he pulls Sanji into a tight embrace. If Zoro saw tears falling from the King's face as well, he never speaks about it.

Zoro waits patiently and quietly while father and son remain in the embrace for a while, but then Zeff pulls back and his gaze drops onto Zoro. His eyes narrow dangerously.

"You better plan on buying a ring soon, I won't give you the chance to bail on this."

"Dad..." Sanji looks at his father pleadingly. He doesn't have to put Zoro on the hot seat just yet.

But Zoro doesn't break eye contact even for a moment. "I wouldn't dare to," Zoro says with sincerity and conviction. "I want to spend the rest of my life with him."

Sanji's heart leaps to his throat and he has to bite his lip again, to keep himself from letting out an embarrassing noise that might have sounded too similar to a squeal. Zoro is going to be the death of him if he keeps that up, and somehow Sanji knows Zoro means every word he says.

"Well then..." Zeff nods seemingly approving of that answer and turns around. "Let's head back. There are some dates to cancel."

Zoro and Sanji share a look, then a smile before they follow the King back to the castle, side-by-side this time. Their hands brush together for a brief moment while they walk, then they interlace their fingers and when Zoro squeezes, Sanji squeezes back.