Chapter Text
Sanji stood in the doorway of their bedroom, watching Zoro as he roughly shoved essentials into his pack. She'd finished the food packs for her crewmates and was now content to admire her boyfriend before their short goodbye.
"Hey, Marimo," she whispered, smiling playfully at him.
"Hm?" he hummed, questioning, but not looking back. "What's up?"
He was irritated, and a bit excited. Going on side missions with Luffy always proved to be fun, but he didn't really want to leave Sanji if he didn't have too. The swordsman let out a breath. He really was going soft. Maybe some distance would do his discipline good.
His girlfriend approached him, running a hand playfully over his back like a spider. The sensation made him shiver.
"I got you a little going away present," Sanji whispered, leaning in to kiss his ear. "You know, so you don't forget me."
"That so?" he rumbled, fixing his eye on the blonde, a smirk twitching over his lips. “It’s rare that you're so generous."
"Shut up!" Sanji slapped the side of his head playfully, before pulling him into a quick kiss. "Any more sass like that and you'll leave the ship without your food supplies!"
Sanji smirked at her own empty threat. She pulled Zoro as close as she could, slipping a red envelope in his hand.
He glanced down, looking at the encasement with raised eyebrows.
"Fancy," he murmured. "Gonna tell me what it is, Cook?"
Sanji growled, pulling him closer.
"And ruin the surprise?" he teased, running a finger over the envelope. "You can open it now or later, just don't let Luffy see!"
"So it’s like that huh?" Zoro said, pocketing the envelope and giving Sanji a heated stare. "You're filthy, you know that?"
"You got any complaints?" Sanji leaned in, biting his lip hard, hands sliding down to grope Zoro's firm, muscular buttocks. "I just don't want you missing me too much. Maybe some island girl will catch your attention when my back is turned and your guard is down?"
Zoro growled, both in arousal and the implication that anyone else could ever gain his attention.
“As if," he whispered, gripping the chef’s waist and biting her neck. "And you? You'll kill whoever the hell tries to approach you, right?"
Sanji shuddered at the bite, turning her head to give Zoro better access.
"I-if I did that," Sanji said, trying to sound as playful as she could with a Marimo on her skin. "I'd wipe out half the population."
He shrugged, leaning back slightly to lick over the wound, before placing a kiss on the shell of her ear.
"So be it. I'm sure Luffy'll understand. Just means more meat for him."
"You fucking, Shitty-Swordsman," Sanji gasped, clinging to Zoro's shoulders as he tugged on her ear lobe.
"Zoro! Adventure!" Luffy screamed from the deck.
Sanji sighed in disappointment, giving Zoro a smirk as she pushed him away.
"To be continued, huh?"
"Yup," The swordsman responded, popping the 'p'. "You gonna see us off?"
The blonde nodded and he shouldered his travel pack, hearing footsteps.
"Luffy you burst inside this room and I'll slice you," He yelled. "I'll be there in a second. Such an impatient fucker.”
Sanji pulled Zoro close by his robe, kissing him softly.
"Hey, Zoro," Sanji whispered. She blushed and looked away. "Please don't do anything... You know... Stupid." She learned closer, not wanting Zoro to see the emotion in her eyes. "I need you to come back... Alive! "
"I'm always stupid." Zoro stated, grinning at the hard kick to his shin. "What? It’s true. You can't make me promise something that’s inevitable. That’s like me making you promise not to find the All Blue." The swordsman watched as his girlfriend's shoulders slumped and his grin faded to something softer. "I'll come back alive. Maybe not in one piece. Maybe half dead. But…I'll be alive."
It was the best assurance he could offer.
Sanji threw her arms around him, squeezing him as tightly as she could.
"You better come back alive," She mumbled against him. "Or I'll kill you!"
"That'd defeat the purpose," He quipped, wrapping his arms around her and content to lose oxygen for a few. Sanji had much more upper body strength than people gave her credit for.
"It’s time to go," He said, when the hug got too tight and his voice came out in a wheeze. "Come on. The sooner I go, the sooner I'm back."
Sanji nodded, sniffling slightly against him. She turned away, wiping at her tears.
"Don't get any ideas," Sanji grumbled. "It's just my hormones again. Not because I'm worried about you or anything!" She squeezed Zoro's hand, letting go to open their bedroom door, wanting to stop Luffy before he found the Bento boxes.
"Of course it’s just the hormones," Zoro drawled, snickering at the middle finger Sanji shot him.
He double checked his belongings, before walking out after his lover. Luffy was sitting at the galley table, a pout on his face that instantly brightened the moment they made eye contact.
"Shhihi, you're finally here! Let’s gooo!"
Sanji gathered up the food supplies, following Zoro and Luffy to the deck. The rest of the crew was there to say their goodbyes, screaming cheers at their captain and first mate. Sanji held Zoro one last time, kissing his cheek lightly before he followed Luffy onto the shore.
Zoro gave a backwards wave, looking at his energetic captain.
"So. What're we doing then?"
*****
Zoro reclined back against the grass, the glow of their campfire still burning, Luffy's snores beside him. He stared at the star filled sky, wondering exactly what Sanji was doing right now. He imagined his girlfriend sleeping alone in that bed and suddenly felt very cold.
Suddenly, the swordsman remembered the envelope. He looked around, making sure that Luffy was asleep before pulling it out and opening it. He cursed lowly as he saw what was inside, legs tightening reflexively to cover his dick.
Of course Sanji would do some shit like this.
The photo was small, but had a lot going on. Sanji was reclining back on their bed, propping herself up on her elbows, staring at the camera with a truly sinful expression.
Her lips were painted Garnet red, grey smokey eyeshadow over her eyes and perfect identical wings of eyeliner. The picture drew great attention to how much longer Sanji's hair had gotten, the blonde curls falling over her shoulders. The way she leaned forward, they were almost touching her perfect, pert nipples.
They had also grown with the hormone treatment, now much more pronounced and darker- Perfect for sucking on in Zoro's opinion! Her already impressive chest muscles had clearly assisted in the growth of her breasts.
The Cook had milky, round breasts. Small certainly but beautiful and almost perfectly shaped.
Her hard abs pulled in along the slight curve of her waist, trailing down to those impossibly beautiful legs! Her right leg was folded over the left, covering Sanji's crotch.
But the position exposed parts of her buttocks, covered only by a pair of very thin black lace panties! Zoro felt his mouth go dry as he stared at the smooth, freshly shaven legs. Every muscle and curve highlighted in the provocative position.
Zoro's first thought, with his head at least, was to murder whoever had taken the picture for her. Because that meant someone else got to see his girlfriend that way. His second thought was that it was likely Nami who helped the blonde out and he relaxed.
His third thought was that Nami liked girls , which meant Sanji ! Which meant that Nami likely got off on that and Zoro was jealous all over again. He held in a needy groan, letting his head fall back.
He really hoped him and Luffy would be done soon.
Three days later found Luffy and Zoro heading back into the forest, the marines hot on their heels. He turned, Wado between his teeth, charging at the first wave to mow them down.
"Zoro!" Luffy called after him.
Zoro turned back to follow his captain, but not before using his swords to deflect a series of bullets shot at them both. Luffy ballooned up, pinging the shots back at the marines. Just before they escaped, one last shot was fired at Zoro. He was able to dodge it before grabbing Luffy's hand, but the bullet went straight through his pack, splitting it open and throwing his belongings over the forest floor.
The marine officer cursed as he watched the two pirates get away. It was insane just how vast their luck was. He looked back at his squad, about to command them to leave when an object caught his eye. He looked over, walking towards the remains of the pack. Noticing a red envelope and wondering what it contained. There was only the captain and the first mate today, so it was possible that the crew was separated. Best case scenario, the letter held coordinates or a location. He picked up the bag and slung over his shoulder, reminding himself to do further examination.
Luffy and Zoro made their way back across the island as quickly as possible.
"Hey guys!" Luffy called at the Sunny, a bag of treasure-- and food supplies stolen from Marines-- over his shoulder. "We have to leave now!"
Sanji ran to the edge of the ship at Luffy's voice. She sighed in relief, seeing her boyfriend in one piece, only a few new bruises and red bandages to show for the adventure.
Zoro smiled, seeing Sanji. He strolled over, embracing his girlfriend in a rare showcase of PDA.
"Hey there Curly," he growled playfully. "Seems like you missed me."
Sanji mumbled something into his shoulder, but she continued to cling to him, inhaling his familiar scent, feeling his warmth. Cannon fire in the distance snapped them back to the situation at hand.
"What did you fucks do?" Nami screamed.
Luffy only laughed, beginning to run around the ship and set sail.
"We did what we always do!" Their captain exclaimed, offering no further explanation.
Zoro rolled his eyes, stoking Sanji's hair before letting her go, brandishing his katana. Hopefully they'd be gone before the Marines got too close. But still, better safe than sorry.
The crew ran to their stations, pushing the Sunny off from the shore in double quick time. As they sailed away, Zoro could see the marines arrive at the beach, but they were at a safe distance now. Sanji seemed to have noticed too as Zoro found himself slammed against the wall of the Sunny, Sanji's hands in his hair, her tongue down his throat. The Cook ignored Luffy's cries for a feast, content to press herself against her boyfriend, showing him just how much she missed him.
"Excited, huh?" Zoro whispered, laughing when Sanji only pushed herself closer, not bothering to rise to his bait. He let his hands slide under her skirt, pushing it up inch by inch until they were flush against each other, his leg in between hers and the blonde rubbing on his thigh. The silk of her stockings were smooth and the swordsman resisted the urge to rip a hole in them.
"Hey! Save it for the bedroom!" Usopp cried, covering Chopper's eyes.
Sanji ignored him, rubbing her hips against Zoro's. Until Luffy wrapped his long arms around her, desperately begging her for food.
"At least let me fix her clothes you damn idiot," Zoro snarled, pushing Luffy back only to get kicked on the back of the head. Sanji was fuming, face a bright red as she eyed him balefully.
"I can fix my own fucking clothes, moss-head," She grumbled to herself, pulling down her skirt. She sighed, trying to steady herself before giving Zoro a soft kiss.
"One hour," She promised, clutching his biceps. "Then you better fuck me until I pass out!"
He gave a lazy salute.
"Yes ma'am. You got it."
Remembering the photo, he stalked away, looking for Nami. He needed to ask her some questions.
Nami relaxed in her tangerine grove, waiting for Sanji to bring her usual sunshine beverage. She rolled her eyes when she heard the stomping of a certain swordsman's boots across the lawn. She'd been expecting this.
"Hey, Zoro," Nami said sweetly, batting her eyelids at him. "How was your trip?"
"Cut the shit." Zoro dismissed the question quickly. He looked Nami in the eye, noting her smirk. "How long did you see her like that?" The swordsman demanded, cheeks red, stuck between angry and embarrassed at the Cheshire smile that the stupid witch was giving him.
"Oh come on!" Nami teased. "Your girlfriend gives you a sweet, sexy present and that's your first thought?" She reclined back a little. "I hope you took the time away from being jealous to enjoy it!"
"When my best friend, aside from the asexual idiot who leads us, is a hardcore lesbian that took photos of my almost naked girlfriend- then yes. I am jealous." Zoro rubbed his temples, not really upset but still wanting to gripe about it. "How long did your fingers linger on her. How many times did you try to 'fix' something, huh? How many poses did you put her in before deciding?" The swordsman groaned at the thought, not sure anymore if he were angry or aroused. "Did you get her to spread her legs?"
Nami sighed, putting down her book.
"I may have helped her do her make-up," She said calmly. "And helped her pick out her panties. But aside from that, all I did was hold the camera. She chose that pose herself, she wanted to be as enticing as possible for you." Nami reached for him, giving him a serious look. "But you're the only one with the photo and the only one who'll ever see it. That's the important thing right?"
Zoro nodded, feeling somewhat soothed, and went to pat his coat pocket where the envelope was hidden.
Except that the envelope wasn't there. His eyes widened comically, the swordsman struggling to get his face under control, sweating as he saw Nami's expression darken.
"You DO have the photo. Right? "
Zoro, of course, was no coward. He did not run away.
He speedily walked.
******
Sanji browsed the fruit stand, only willing to pick out the very best she could for Nami's smoothies. She pulled out a large melon, testing its ripeness with her hands. The Cook's eyes snapped upwards when she felt a firm smack against her ass.
From a hand that was definitely not her boyfriend's.
Sanji turned her head slowly to see a greasy, slightly drunk pirate staring at her, with a matted beard and maybe four good teeth. Sanji glared at him, stunned by his forwardness, as his eyes travelled across her cleavage.
"Black Leg Sanji," The pirate growled. "I didn't realize you were such a sexy little thing!" He leaned in closer, Sanji flinching as he grabbed a handful of her buttocks through her too tight dress trousers. "How about we slip off somewhere together and you let me fuck that beautiful pussy!"
"The hell are you talking to?" Sanji growled, teeth bared in a snarl. She raised her leg, preparing to deliver a devastating kick when the man laughed, giving her another once over.
"I thought I was talking to the hot Strawhat slut," The pirate growled again. "Your poster certainly got me warmed up. Come on baby, it would be cruel of you to leave me waiting."
This time she really did kick him. It was a solid hit to the chest, idiot so intoxicated that he could hardly dodge before she placed her foot on his throat. The chef was fuming, confused and pissed all the same.
"What. The fuck. Are you talking about?" The woman growled, applying pressure when the Fuckwad didn't answer. "Hey. Are you a cook?" She asked, and his eyes widened at the change in conversation. Slowly he shook his head and she smiled, a predator.
"Good," Sanji stated primly, before crushing his pinkie under her other foot.
"Don't make me ask again."
"What's going on here?"
Sanji closed her eyes in a sigh as she heard Zoro's voice come up behind her, Kitetsu already drawn. He pointed the blade at the pirate's throat, grinding his teeth with rage.
"Think you can just grab my girlfriend's butt like that!" Zoro snapped at him.
Despite the situation and the crushing pain in his hand, the drunk smiled at them, a large shark grin.
"Why should I keep my hands off such a tight, slutty ass?"
The man screamed soon after and Sanji really couldn’t pity him- even with a sword rammed through his dick.
"I'll kill you," Zoro said, completely calm in a way that did nothing to disguise his rage. The man only spat in his direction and soon there was a large gash in his throat. Too large, and too bloody.
"Let’s go."
Zoro growled, pulling her back.
"Let him bleed to death. There's no saving that asshole."
They walked through the large crowd that formed with little resistance, no one wanting to get between the notorious pirates. All around she could hear whispers and her eyebrow twitched in irritation.
"Really though. What the fuck was that all about."
In a flash, Zoro's face blanched and he was refusing to meet her eye.
"Hey." Sanji cupped his cheek, turning his head slightly, thinking he was worried about Luffy. "Captain will understand, you were 'defending my honor.' Right?"
She smirked at him, tugging on his hair.
"Not that you needed too. I had that situation under control!"
"Sure you did!" Zoro teased back at her, pulling her closer. She sighed, wrapping her arms around her boyfriend.
The couple jumped apart at another slap to Sanji's ass, this time from a tall, wicked looking woman.
"You trying for the title of most beautiful pirate on the sea?" She teased walking on past them. "I couldn't even tell you were a woman in your last posters!"
Zoro gulped. That deep foreboding sensation that shit was really about to be blown out of proportion. The woman must've noticed his expression because she laughed in good nature, giving him a pat on the shoulder.
"Must be hard for you, huh big guy? Knowing you're not the only one privy to such a sight."
Zoro felt Sanji gaze on him, and froze.
"Zoro..." Sanji said slowly, noticing that the larger man wasn't snapping at the woman. "What's going on?"
"Sanji-Kun! Zoro!" They both turned to see Usopp running towards them, sweating buckets, his long nose trembling. He stopped in front of them, his feet skidding on the ground.
"What is it?" Zoro growled. "Marines?"
Usopp shook his trembling head. He looked at Sanji, blushing furiously before handing a piece of paper out in his desperately shaking hand.
"I found it downtown," He said quickly. "Please don't kill me Zoro!"
Zoro was more worried that Sanji would kill him . He stood stock still as her hands shook, knuckles turning white under the pressure.
"Roronoa," She said and oh hell, Zoro was in deep shit now. "Explain."
If he believed in a god, this is the moment he would've prayed.
"I um...," Zoro said, trying not to panic. "I must have lost it."
"'Lost it?'" Sanji mimicked back. "I can see that!"
She stared down at the familiar picture, focused in on her upper body, small black crosses over her nipples, but nothing else preserving her modesty. The inner maiden screamed! Sanji felt her skin tingle as the eyes of many more perverts leered at her.
"Usopp." Sanji spoke calmly, but the sniper still jumped. "Escort me back to the ship. Walk behind me, I don't want my butt smacked again!"
"Wait!" Zoro reached out, forcing himself not to flinch when Sanji slapped his hand away. "What about me?"
The swordsman asked, voice uncharacteristically small. She fixed him with a withering glare, Usopp letting out a squeak even though it wasn't directed at him.
"You!" Sanji felt her legs flame up as she shoved her list and shopping allowance in the swordsman's hands. "Can finish up here. Mess up any item on the list and I'm making Sunny a teetotal ship!"
She turned on her hot heels, snapping her fingers for Usopp to follow close behind her, the poster still clutched in her hand.
Zoro felt his heart plummet. He sighed, sheathing his swords and making his way back to the market, slicing down the wanted posters as he saw them.
Sanji speed walked back to the ship, Usopp trailing behind her. Tears of utter humiliation stung her eyes. She received several catcalls on the way, making her cringe, but she continued her beeline back to the Sunny.
"Sanji-San, Usopp-San," Brook sang as they climbed back onto their ship. He didn't seem to notice the fire in Sanji's eyes or Usopp's trembling. "Madame Cook, may I please see-."
Sanji kicked the skeleton across the deck, not even turning from her path to the galley.
"You or him, watch the ship," Sanji ordered. "I don't want to be bothered until dinnertime so stay out of my way!"
She slammed the door behind her, not waiting for a response. She grabbed a bottle of wine, heading to her room, making sure to lock the door in case Zoro returned. Sanji collapsed on the bed, screaming into the pillow, trying to yell her rage out, but the feeling in her heart didn't cool. How could she think to trust the damn Marimo with something that personal? Of course Zoro would fucking lose it! The damn clumsy-
Sanji forced herself to take a deep breath. That wasn't fair. She loved Zoro and he hadn't meant for this to happen. Zoro didn't even like their Nakama seeing her less than dressed. He was probably as pissed as she was!
Zoro sighed as he double checked the list, making sure that everything was on it correctly. He lugged the bags over his shoulder and headed back to the ship, the city for once not moving around on him. He knew Nami would be on his ass and grit his teeth in frustration. He really had no right to be mad, since he was irresponsible and lost something that important.
"Hey Zoro!" Nami stuck her head out of the clothing store, running after her friend. Zoro winced, trying to pretend he hadn't heard, but Nami was persistent. She ran up beside him linking their arms together. "You figured out how to walk in a straight line, huh? Good for you!" She stared at his stoic face. "What no witty come back? Guess you saw the posters, huh? About time Sanji-Chan got a cute one!"
Zoro was stuck somewhere between wanting to laugh-- because Nami was fucking RIGHT -- and wanting to kill everyone who saw it-- because it'd been designed to be private.
"I'm killing every marine and bastard who even thought of jacking off."
"Yourself included?" Nami quipped, a knowing smirk on her face. Zoro didn't miss a beat.
"If that's what it takes."
"Hey." Nami pulled in closer. "In all seriousness, don't kill yourself! We need you. For lifting and shit." She leaned in, giving him a tender kiss on the cheek. "Has Sanji-Chan seen it yet?"
Zoro let out a dry laugh.
"If looks could kill." He glanced at Nami with a wry expression. "I'd be so far under that even your memories of me would cease to exist."
"Oh Zoro." Nami tugged on his hand. "Come on, let's get a drink."
Zoro stared at her, then the docks. Would Sanji be more pissed if he went to a bar with her shopping? Not that that seemed possible!
"What about the groceries?" He asked and Nami gave a small smile.
"You know she won't yell at you if you're with me. Well, she might, but it won't be as bad."
It felt like the cowardly way out, using Nami as a shield, but he was sure Sanji wouldn't want to see him any time soon regardless.
"Alright, let’s go. And I've had enough of perverts for one day. Someone even looks at you wrong and a family will be missing a member."
"That's the spirit!" Nami pulled him into a nearby bar, walking straight up to the bartender.
She reached into her bra for some money, ordering them a bottle of sake, securing them a discount with her charm. She noticed Zoro's fists clench.
"Calm down, big guy," She said, pushing a tokkuri towards him. "What's done is done."
"Yeah, but it shouldn't have happened." Zoro sighed, taking a sip. "I'm not one to complain witch, but it feels like the cook and I can't get a break. Not together, not by ourselves. And for me to be the one who fucked it up this time. Just makes the whole thing worse."
"You're not the one who fucked up," Nami insisted. "Out there is some pervert who found a beautiful present and turned it into something ugly. You lost it, but you didn't mean to. Whoever decided to make a wanted poster out of such a picture did." Nami refilled his freshly drained glass. "Sanji will forgive you. She loves you too much to break up with you over some other perverts decision."
"I know," Zoro said. "Sanji's not like that. She wouldn't leave." The swordsman snorted, staring into the clear liquid forlornly. "Sanji forgives. It’s her nature. As long as she leaves me the moment shit hits the fan, that’s all I need to know. Some shit doesn't deserve to be forgiven."
"She's never going to leave you." Nami leaned over squeezing his hand. "There's nothing you two can't handle. Someday, things will be simpler for you two. You can grow old together and all that gooey shit!"
Zoro wrinkled his nose in distaste at the thought of being all old and even sappier than he normally was.
"Yeah. Something like that," He said, giving a small laugh. The swordsman gave Nami a side glance. "I'm glad I see this side of you now, while I'm taken. If I saw this side beforehand, I might've fallen for you."
"Oh yeah?" Nami leaned in, pushing her breasts together with her forearms. "In another lifetime and another world, I can only imagine what filthy things we're getting up to! Things that would make Sanji's new poster seem tame."
"I wouldn't be so sure." The man scoffed, flicking Nami's pouted lips playfully. "You and the cook might be pretty even in terms of unthinkable horny."
Nami just poked him hard in the ribs before sitting back to continue with her own drink.
They returned to the ship over an hour later. Nami ignored Usopp's warning, leading a nervous looking Zoro into the kitchen to help him restock. Since the navigator generally knew where Sanji kept things. Locking the fridge, Nami turned to see Zoro staring mournfully at the door to Sanji's room.
"Will you just go talk to her already?"
Zoro squared his shoulders, throwing a middle finger over his head that he knew the witch would know doubled as a thank you. He knocked on the door, listening to the silence with sadness before going to turn the knob, finding it locked.
"Cook, open the door," He said softly.
Sanji stared daggers at the locked door, reaching to stub out her cigarette.
"Why the fuck would I do that, Marimo?" she hissed. But she got up and headed to the door all the same.
Zoro stared at the disarray that his girlfriend was in. He took a respectful step back, and looked into her eyes.
"Can I come in?"
Sanji sighed, running a hand through her disheveled hair. She was still furious with Zoro, but she also needed him badly. He was the only person who could make her feel better. Slowly she stepped aside, letting Zoro in, shutting and locking the door behind her. Immediately, she fell into Zoro's arms, screaming into his shoulder.
Zoro threw his arms around Sanji's shoulders awkwardly, still not used to the chef's excessive emotions.
"Sorry cook," he murmured, letting his fingers part hair gently. "I'm sorry."
"Sorry?" Sanji screamed back at him. "You're fucking 'Sorry?'" She pushed away, trying with all her willpower not to kick his shins. "Do you have any idea how humiliating this is? What's Zeff going to say when he sees it? Or more importantly, what do you think he's going to do to you when he finds out you lost the fucking picture?"
Zoro grit his teeth, temper starting to flare. He growled, before letting out a breath and began to untie his swords from around his waist. He laid them gently on the bed, then looked at Sanji square in the eye, feeling as though he were drowning in that sea blue. The swordsman knelt down on one knee, then again on the other, before crouching down and letting his forehead come to rest on the floor.
"You're right."
Sanji paused, tears streaming down her face. She watched Zoro. Watched him bare himself to her in a way he never had before. Fuck, he must really feel bad. Sanji sighed, stepping back and taking a fresh cigarette out of her bra.
"Thank you, Marimo..." She mumbled. "Please... You can get up. I'll..." She sighed again. "It's not your fault."
"It is," Zoro insisted calmly. "It's my fault."
He held his eyes downcast, staring at the wooden floor and feeling shame roll over his back in waves. He told the voice in his head to shut up, squandering it as it screamed he was a disgrace for being in such a submissive position. Sanji deserved to see him in a vulnerable state. It was the very least he could do, in the grand scheme of it all.
Sanji reached down to the floor, kneeling next to Zoro. She slowly placed her hands over his, holding them, the unlit cigarette hanging from her lips.
"Zoro," She whispered. "It's not just..." Sanji shut her eyes, pain welling up inside her. "Could you do me a favor? Well, not exactly a favor but... Yeah I suppose a favor."
"Sure," He said, still not moving. "Whatever you need. Whatever you want. Always."
Sanji reached for her lighter, finally pressing the flame against the end of the cigarette.
"You mentioned a while ago that you'd thought about us getting married someday..." She paused, inhaling deeply. "When we do- shit ! I mean if we do... Could I please take your name?"
Zoro's brain shut down, melting so fast he thought it'd leak through his ears.
"You want... my name?"
Sanji nodded. She reached down, cupping Zoro's face.
"It's so stupid," She mumbled. "But seeing the poster... Seeing 'Vinsmoke Sanji'... It's still so much more shameful than having my tits out! The navy acknowledges that I'm a woman, but they still won't..." Sanji swallowed, pulling herself together. "They're not my family. You're my family! I want my name to show that."
The swordsman felt his cheeks heat and heart swell. He reached and grabbed Sanji, bringing her down so that she straddled him. He brought their foreheads together.
"I love you. I love you so much," Zoro whispered. "Roronoa Sanji is a kickass name."
"It really is," Sanji sighed, losing herself in Zoro's eyes. "The fearless pirates Roronoa Sanji and Roronoa Zoro..."
Her heart warmed at the thought, wrapping her arms around Zoro. She held him close, breathing deeply. Everything would be okay. With Zoro here, it was all okay.
A loud knocking at the door started them both.
"Hey Sanji!" Luffy cried. "That old Chef Pops guy is calling."
Sanji's eyes widened.
"Shit!"
"Suppose I should tell Luffy he'll have to look for a new swordsman," Zoro joked darkly. He would never admit the way his stomach churned in fear, but Sanji saw right through him anyway.
Sanji rolled her eyes, pulling him up from the floor.
"Come on, shitty Marimo," She said with a small grin. "Let's get this over with. If you really want to marry me someday we can't escape my father."
"We sure as hell can try." Zoro muttered, following Sanji out into the galley. He mentally prepared himself for the verbal ass kicking he was about to get.