Archive of Our Own ^beta

Elegant fingers gripped around the stem of her wine glass as a far too familiar moss-head pushed past the beaded curtain into the basement bar. Why the hell was he here? Surely there was a cheaper bar around!

Sanji turned her head, spinning on her bar stool. Her wine glass at her lips. She looked down at her cleavage and stuffed bra. Her heeled boots. The navy blue nail polish on her fingers. There was no hiding anything from that dumbass shithead if he spotted her! Sanji just stared at the wall, intending to slip past Zoro out of the bar the first chance she got.

*

Zoro wrinkled his nose in distaste, wondering how the hell he got here instead of the seedy-looking tavern he'd been meaning to go to. Uppity bars like this one only ever had prissy alcohol like wine and other shit. Nothing strong. And something strong was exactly what was needed after spending an unhealthy amount of time thinking about their foul-mouthed, overly loud cook.

"You like Sanji." Luffy had told him plainly, voice holding an obvious "duh" in it.

Zoro snorted at the thought, ignoring the disapproving stares from patrons. Him? Like the COOK? Definitely not.

A head of blonde hair and long legs caught his eyes and Zoro tilted his head. Pretty blondes with long legs, they were fucking everywhere. Zoro shook his head, approaching the bar. He sat down, flagging the bartender over. He blinked, seeing a young androgynous person approach him, their eyelids painted with lilac glitter. He took a good look around him.

A queer place? ...Appropriate.

"Gin please," He mumbled. No matter how fancy, everywhere had gin! The bartender nodded, soon placing a large glass with lime and ice. Zoro resisted the urge to cringe, offering a nod in thanks.

"Stupid captain..." He mumbled to himself. Because Luffy was stupid.

He didn't like the stupid cook. Stupid, shitty-cook was nothing but a pain in his ass!

"Stupid cook... Stupid..."

Zoro's eyes flicked to the leggy blonde. He licked his lips as she slid off her stool, walking towards the women's bathroom. Zoro looked at his drink, considering things. If she was here, then she probably liked girls. But maybe she liked both? No harm in trying either way. He wasn't all that into hookups, but he could accept when they would improve his mood. And right now he knew it would definitely improve his mood! Or at least not make things worse!

He slid out of his chair, dropping a few beri onto the counter and mumbling his thanks. He kept his feet silent as he slinked towards the direction the blond took, wheels in his brain working to think of how to approach this. He didn't want to treat the woman like some kind of whore, and even those in the red light district deserved their respect. At the same time though, it was a lot easier for him to read guys, most of them were-- ironically-- straightforward anyways. Zoro shrugged, resolving to just use that bit of charm he stored away for special occasions. It felt weird, waiting for the woman to come out of the bathroom and trying to look casual about it.

The blond walked out and Zoro perked up, reaching for her hand before stopping short.

Instead, he called out: "Hey, um. Excuse me.”

The swordsman mentally facepalmed. Leave it to him to try for suave and sound like a bumbling idiot.

Sanji stilled at the familiar voice. Terror was shooting down her spine. She shivered, clenching her fists. Staring straight forward. The cook counted backward from ten. There was no escaping this. This was humiliating and, although she hated to admit it, terrifying. But this was just the shitty swordsman. He could say whatever shit he was going to say about her and she could snap right back at him. Finally, she reached 'one.' She took a deep breath and turned around.

Locking her blue eyes on Zoro's one wide eye.

She looked at him, trying to convey confidence and courage. Even if her heart was pumping ice.

"What do you want, moss-head?" She snarled.

Zoro wanted to break into hysterical laughter.

"Cook?"

Seriously? He couldn't get away from the damn chef even now?

He waved his hand, not really in the mood for a fight, despite his adrenaline and meant to turn around, but his eyes betrayed him as something clicked in his head.

This.

This woman was the cook! His eye trailed over blue eyes and soft-looking features, to impressive cleavage and a tight skirt that accentuated the curvy figure Zoro long since noticed the chef possessed. Zoro swallowed because fuck the cook looked good. He had no fucking idea what was going on, but like hell was he going to antagonize the chef. He tried not to stare as he walked past the-- woman; and hoped she would have missed the arousal in his eyes.

Sanji felt her eye twitch. She didn't know what she had been expecting. Laughter? A punch to the face? But Zoro had just walked past like nothing had fucking happened!

That shithead! Before she could comprehend what she was doing, Sanji stormed after him. She grabbed Zoro by his shoulder, spinning him back around. His dark eye shone at her. Face blank.

"Whatever you're going to say about this, get it over with!" Sanji huffed. She swallowed, folding her arms over her chest. Feeling the breast buds that had been growing since they left Wano. And Kiku-Chan had secretly sold her those magical hormones!

“Don't be ashamed,” Kiku had said to her. “ Stay strong. Don't let anyone tell you who you are.”

Sanji swallowed. Zoro just stared blankly at her. A vein in his forehead bulging.

"I don't care what shit you have to say," Sanji snarled. "And I'm not going to let you blackmail me by threatening to tell the others so-"

Sanji was cut off as she was slammed against the wooden wall of the bar. She stared wide-eyed as a firm torso pressed against her. Zoro staring down at her. The next second, his lips were on hers. The cook stood dumbfounded as those thin lips moved against hers. Tongue tip pressing into her cherry lip balm.

The kiss lasted ten seconds. The time it took for Sanji to get her senses back.

"Stop!" She pushed lightly at him.

To his credit, Zoro backed off. Eye still on her.

‘Shit.' She thought to herself. ‘Maybe he is a bigger idiot than I thought. Or maybe mistaking Igaram's wife for him back in Alabaster taught him a lesson.'

She scoffed, wiping the back of her mouth with her hand. Deciding that the kiss was disgusting and most definitely not interesting or exciting.

"It's me, shithead," Sanji mumbled. "...Sanji..."

"I know." Zoro rumbled, his voice a lot more husky and undone than he would have preferred. He cleared his throat, the reality of what he just did settling in.

"I'm sorry. That was rude. It won't happen again." The formal words ripped their way out of them, real shame bubbling in his guts. He didn't like lashing out. Sexually, violently, or otherwise. Control was what he depended on as a swordsman, so to lose that was infuriating. He inclined his head, before taking in the chef's slightly disheveled appearance. Lipstick was smeared along her face, and on instinct he reached out, trying to wipe it and ignoring the way the cook glared warily at him. Letting out a tsk, he stared at the glossy substance and caught a faint whiff of something like cherry. He fought the urge to pop his thumb in his mouth. Instead, Zoro took off the bandanna on his arm and handed the green cloth to Sanji.

"Here. And um, sorry again. I'll," he paused, then continued. "I owe you one for violating your space like that. Cash in whenever you want."

Zoro turned to walk away before remembering the almost nervous way Sanji has studied him.

"You look, good cook. Really good." He called over his shoulder, before trying to disappear as quickly as possible, ears burning.

Sanji stared after him as Zoro left the bar, hands resting on his three swords. Sanji knew her mouth was hanging open. Her fingers trembling around the bandana. She jumped, feeling a hand on her shoulder.

"Are you okay, ma'am?" The young waiter asked, looking at Sanji with concern.

Sanji sighed at the pretty girl, her beauty slowly bringing her back to herself.

"I'm fine," Sanji insisted. "Thank you, dear." She repressed the urge to fawn over her more, quickly making her way to her hotel room. Bandana still in her hand.

*****

Sanji blinked herself awake. Her body rising up at five out of habit. The Sunny moving gently on the waves. She folded her blanket, leaving it on the galley couch.

She'd been sleeping in the galley since they left Wano. Insisting it was easier to get up for breakfast that way. The explanation had been far easier than the truth. She wasn't a man. She couldn't sleep with the guys. Sanji shook her head, retreating into the pantry. She unbuttoned her shirt, shuddering when she reached for the bandages to hide her breast buds.

She winced, wrapping the fabric tight around her. The feeling making her sick.

But she kept her eyes open. If she closed them she knew she'd think of Zoro. To his credit, the shitty swordsman hadn't told the others. But he had also been too disgusted to even look her in the eye since they'd left the island. Sanji's stomach knotted as she heard the galley door open, but an innocent peek reassured her fears. Seeing Robin cross the galley to sit down at the counter.

Presumably waiting for coffee.

"Good morning!" Robin called, dark voice soothing as always. "I hope I didn't wake you."

"Not at all, Robin-Chan dear," Sanji called, trying to keep her voice even, and not betray her worry.

"That's a relief," Robin called, amusement lacing her tone. "Would you like help with your binder? It is imperative to use it correctly after all. I'd hate to see you hurt."

Sanji smiled, warmed by the concern.

"No no, it's fine Robin.....chan." Sanji trailed off, blanching considerably.

Fuck, Robin was much too smooth and now she outed herself!

"Ah, no, what I mean is-" Sanji tried to explain before a tinkling laugh interrupted.

"Relax, please. Come out and let me see you. I'm the only one who knows aside from Swordsman-san." The words made her feel both comforted and nervous. Sanji stepped out of her room, flashing the tall woman a tentative smile, which was returned. "No worries. We'll talk when you're ready, and no sooner."

The blond nodded, feeling relieved, beginning on breakfast, before a thought struck her.

"How'd you know about the shitty swordsman? Did he tell you?" Sanji couldn't think of any reason why he would unless it was to go to the woman about how disgusted he was. Robin only flashed her a mysterious smile.

"I knew from keen intuition. As for swordsman-san, well, that will be quite apparent later, I assure you."

Sanji felt the fear creeping back up, but continued cooking, laying out plates and utensils. The scent of coffee filled the air along with pancakes and waffles and syrup.

"Get your asses in here or else!" She called, and the crew bustled in, Luffy hanging around Zoro's neck.

Zoro looked at her for a short while, before turning, amber eyes unreadable.

"Huh?" Luffy called, sounding confused. "You're not gonna fight him?"

"No," Zoro answered back after a while, voice stiff. "I don't feel like fighting Sanji right now."

The kitchen was silent. Everyone reflecting her shock. Except for Robin, who was hiding a smug smile behind her sip of coffee.

"What? Why not!" Luffy exclaimed as Usopp yelled: "Why are you calling Sanji, Sanji?"

Zoro shifted, growing more frustrated.

"Because that's the shitty cook's name, what the hell do you mean?"

Sanji stared in amazement, at first feeling angry because she thought that maybe the swordsman saw her as too sensitive for their usual insults. Except Zoro just called her shitty cook like normal. Which meant.

Oh Sanji should not feel so warm right now, understanding that the swordsman was doing his best to not use any pronouns when referring to her. Not telling the crew her secret, but also not willing to misgender her. It was kind of cute and she immediately tossed that thought away. Instead, she slammed her foot on the floor and cut the commotion short.

“Who gives a damn what he calls me?" She snarked, doing her best to ignore the heat of that stare. "I'm just surprised that the moss-headed idiot even knows my name. Now hush and eat up."

Zoro shrugged, sitting down at the table, pulling a plate of waffles and butter towards him. Batting away Zoro's hand. Sanji stared at him. Gaping wide-eyed.

He did it? He did what she asked? She shook her head, desperately groping for her cigarettes. She lit up, rubbing her temple before reaching for her coffee.

She didn't want breakfast. Just caffeine. And sanity.

"Sanji-Kun!"

She perked up at Nami's voice. Her heart thumping in her chest. Of course. Nami. Beautiful, gorgeous Nami. Who deserved her full attention!

"Nami-Swan!" Sanji grinned, spinning across the galley. Going full melorine. "How can I assist this wonderful morning?"

"Can I have strawberries please?" Nami asked sweetly. Sanji turned back to the kitchen, blowing her kisses. Ignoring Brook asking if he could also have strawberries. She sang to herself, washing and slicing the strawberries. Spinning back to her lovely Nami.

"Here you go, Nami-Sa-" Sanji cut herself off with a gasp of pain. Dropping the plate on the table.

There had been a large twinge of unexpected pain in her side. The plate clattered on the table, not spilling but making noise. Sanji hissed, rubbing her side. The pain wasn't great, but it was unexpected. And startling. A hand came out from her side, gently massaging the spot.

"Come on dear." Robin placed her hands on Sanji's shoulders, leading her away from the boisterous table. "Let's get you fixed up."

Sanji nodded, turning to tell the crew she'd be back. When she met Zoro's eye, however, the words shriveled up as they held contact and he watched slowly as the amber was replaced by a deep black and the unreadable emotion she was starting to recognize as arousal. Luffy caught the way they looked at each other and laughed, nuzzling his face in Zoro's hair.

"Oi Zoro! You're staring at Sanji again shihihihi!" Zoro ripped his eye from her and she watched in amazement as his face bloomed bright red.

"I just couldn't stop looking at that swirled eyebrow is all!" He growled, the insult feeling hollow.

Another pang of pain caught her attention, along with Robin's gentle push. She let herself be taken out of the galley. The last she heard was Luffy's loud laugh, followed by, "So you're finally starting to believe me, huh?"

"Oh shut up!" Zoro yelled back.

*

Sanji felt her heart clench as Robin lead her into the women's bedroom.

"Robin-Chan! I can't-"

"Hush." Robin shut the door behind her, smiling at the cook. "This room is for women, right?"

She sat the bewildered Sanji down on the bed, unbuttoning her shirt. Sanji reached up to stop her, but Robin gently took her hands, lowering them back down. She trembled in shock, letting Robin push her shirt away, the older woman tutting lightly.

"You poor thing," She said sighing, carefully unwrapping the bandages. "Let's get these fixed."

Sanji clutched the bedsheets. Overwhelmed with emotion and embarrassment as Robin revealed her breast buds to her gaze. Using careful movements, giving Sanji the chance to stop her or cover herself as she re-wrapped the bindings safely.

"Robin-chan?"

"Yes, dear."

Sanji swallowed.

"How long have you known?"

Robin smiled, sitting down next to Sanji. Reaching to brush away her bangs.

"For a little while darling," Robin admitted. "I've had my suspicions for a while."

Sanji squealed. She felt emotions bubble inside her. Fretting over her encounter with Zoro. Robin not looking at her any differently. She couldn't hold it in any longer. She burst into tears, water streaming down her face as she buried her face in her hands.

"It's okay, darling." Robin wrapped her arms around her friend, pulling her in close. "I'm here. It's going to be alright."

Sanji took solace in Robin's comfort, grateful for her friend's support.

"Could you.." she started, trailing off before beginning again. "Could you show me how to do it properly?"

Robin smiled at her, gentle and motherly.

"Of course."

***

"Shut up!" Zoro growled angrily.

No way was he going to admit that Luffy had been right. So what if he liked the cook and those long legs and foul mouth and strength and...why the hell was everyone staring at him?

"You said all that out loud swordsman-bro," Franky told him with a sympathetic pat.

Zoro let his head fall to the table in a loud thump.

"I hate you all."

The table broke out into laughter and Zoro snorted as he caught Nami and Usopp exchanging beri from under the table.

"Oi oi oi! What were you two betting on?"

"Nothing!" Usopp exclaimed while Nami counted her new stack of money and laughed. "How long it'd take for you to realize your growing feelings."

There was something very strange about being on a crew that knew him better than he knew himself. He set his head back down and pointed a threatening finger at them.

"Any of you tell the cook and no one will ever find your bodies."

They just laughed at him.

Fuckers.

Zoro stormed his way to the crow's nest. Deciding to work out until he couldn't see. That at least would distract him from the image of the cook in her tight little skirt showing off those damn legs... The swordsman shook his head. He lifted up his weights, hanging them over his shoulders. Beginning a deadly series of squats.

"Stupid captain... Shitty long nose... stupid witch!"

Zoro lost count after two thousand. His eyes shut tight. The taste of cherry on his lips. He growled, throwing the weights across the room. Falling to his knees to bury his face in his hands.

"Um..."

His eyes shot up, seeing the cook staring at him wide-eyed through the hatch.

"Shit... I'm..."

He stopped himself before he apologised. Turning away, arms folded. Sanji sighed. She hated Zoro. She hated him so much she wanted to kick him across the world! But it still hurt to see the disgust in his eyes.

"I'm sorry," She said, stepping into the crows nest with a tray of onigiri and a pot of green tea. "I just came to... I know you don't want to be around me. And that's okay. Just..."

Sanji reached out. Zoro's bandana in her hand.

"I washed it for you."

He turned tentatively, seeing Sanji holding out the bandanna.

"Thanks," he said, forcing himself to look her in her eyes. Because she was being kind when he didn't deserve it. Just like the shitty cook would!

Zoro bowed and closed his eyes.

"I'm sorry again. I... shouldn't have kissed you without consent. That was wrong of me." Zoro stood up and flashed Sanji a crooked smile. "What a coward I am, huh? Can't even look at you because I'm so disgusted with myself?"

Sanji's brow creased.

"Wait... what?"

"I'm sorry," Zoro whispered.

He turned, kneeling down in front of her.

"There's no excuse for what I did. I won't try and make one. I just hope we can still be Nakama."

Sanji felt warmer than she had days. She swallowed, still processing what the swordsman had said. She felt a small smile twitch at her mouth, the cook extending a hand to help Zoro up.

"It's alright."

"No. No, it's not."

"Shut up!" She grabbed Zoro's shoulder. Hauling him to his feet. She gripped his shoulders. Staring into his eyes. "I accept your shitty apology."

Zoro saw the sincerity in her eyes. Relief spreading through him.

"Thank you. It won't happen again."

Sanji nodded. She didn't know how to feel. Standing in front of her rival. A rival who had shown great vulnerability to her. She hugged herself. Feeling the bandages through her shirt.

"So why did you kiss me?"

Zoro felt his mouth move. His discipline failing him once more. Apparently seeing the real Sanji was enough to break everything he'd trained for.

"Because I'm in love with you."

And that . Was not what he meant to say. Love? Love ? He just got used to the idea of LIKING the shitty cook. He did not love her! He shuddered realising how badly he'd failed. Sweeping away into some dumb romantic moment like in one of Franky's ridiculous books!

But even as he stood in silence, Zoro knew the words were the truth. And even if they weren't, they could become the truth and that's what stopped him from correcting himself.

Sanji was staring, wide eyes and Zoro fought the urge to shuffle his feet like a nervous cabin boy. He was a grown man for crying out loud and yeah, so maybe he just professed his love for the woman he didn't even know was a woman until recently and that he kissed and it felt really nice despite being pushed off and without consent and-- Zoro had no idea where his thoughts were taking him. Sanji had yet to move, seemingly stuck as if trying to comprehend his words. And maybe Zoro was going to have to go back in training because now he was speaking again, and rambling really didn't suit him.

"I went to the bar to blow off some steam. Luffy had cornered me and asked why I hadn't done anything to get you yet, then proceeded to tell me I liked you. Which I found to be utterly untrue. Except then I couldn't stop thinking about you and I kept watching you and then I NOTICED things about you and then I realized maybe I did like you."

Zoro took a deep breath and continued.

"So the moment we found an island I left, hoping to get a certain infuriating blonde out of my mind. I get a drink, realize I'm in a queer bar, and think that means my probability of getting laid just skyrocketed. Women, actually tend not to go for guys like me. " He added by way of explanation and a bitter laugh. "Can't trust a guy with nipple piercings and his chest out not to be a fag, you know?" Zoro shook his head, hoping to fill up the silence. "Anyways I got my drink when I notice a really hot blonde. And then I think to myself 'why can't I get away from them?' Right after that I see some really nice legs that remind me of yours and just like that I'm horny. And this woman isn't the cook which means I have a MUCH higher chance of getting my rocks off." Zoro laughed dryly. "Except the really pretty woman IS the cook, and she's staring angrily at me with those blue eyes and I never told her but her rage is a huge turn-on for whatever reason so I can't help but push her against the wall and kiss the life out of her. In other words. Royal screw up. So yeah."

Zoro's face was on fire and he did his best to hold on to the eye contact he made with Sanji.

"Sorry." He squeaked in an uncharacteristically small voice.

Sanji crossed the small room. Her face was in disbelief. She sat down on the bench, looking for all the world like she'd seen a ghost. She couldn't comprehend any of what Zoro had said. Zoro loved her. Or had feelings for her. Her rival, the shitty swordsman. He had feelings for her. For her.

"You..." Sanji felt her throat go dry. She'd never been on the receiving end of this before. "You really...?"

Zoro rubbed his brow. He swallowed his pride and sat next to the damn woman.

"I do."

Sanji nodded. Her arms trembled. She didn't lookup.

"You... You know I'm a woman?"

Zoro looked at her. Eyebrow raised.

"Are you not?" He asked. "Do you want me to call you something else?"

Sanji shook her head.

"No. I'm a woman."

Her heart burst in warmth. She had to stop the grin that burst out over her face. It just felt so good to say it out loud.

"I'm a woman I just never thought you, and Robin I suppose. I never thought you'd be so okay with this."

"Why not?" Zoro folded his arms, leaning back. Bewildered that this was the first civil conversation the cook and he had had in months.

"Because it's..." Sanji shuddered. "Weird."

"And a rubber captain with a bottomless stomach, a reindeer physician, and a singing skeleton? That's all plain sailing, right?" Zoro smirked. "Given the literal cyborg and the ex-assassin, I'd say you're one of the more normal ones, Cook."

Sanji tilted her head. When Zoro put it like that...

"I guess you do have a brain in there, huh?"

"Haha." The swordsman rolled his eyes in mock irritation. "Very funny."

They sat in silence, and surprisingly, it was comfortable. Zoro wasn't expect anything from her. The realization hit Sanji and she shot a side glance over to the man, watching as he breathed, eyes closed.

Zoro would be okay with her not reciprocating. He'd practice that self-control and keep his distance if she asked. Sanji wasn't sure how to feel about this revelation. She stared down at her hands, letting everything wash over her.

"I um..." She coughed. She looked at Zoro. Seeing him in a completely different light than she normally would have. For once not letting her temper get the better of her. "I think I need a little time. I need to talk to the others. See what they think about this. Then, if I still have a place on the ship, I'll consider... How I feel about the rest."

She balled her hands. She wouldn't deny she'd been curious about, well, men. Especially since starting her hormones. But Zoro?

She supposed if she separated his shitty personality he was attractive. If one liked green pubes. But then again he was also Nakama. She knew him so well already. And they already lived together. She wondered if the stakes were too high for any sort of relationship. Even if she hypothetically could like him.

"Is that... Okay?"

"Do whatever you need to feel settled, Cook," Zoro murmured. "Don't let me stop you."

He hoped she knew he meant everything. He wasn't there to be in her way, or make her feel obligated. Sanji's life was her own.

"Oh yeah." He mused, spotting the plate of food she'd set down on the ground.

"Thanks for the meal curly. Hope it tastes better than most of the shit you serve."

The kick to his side was strong as usual and made his body fly all the way to the hatch of the crows nest. Zoro could stop the laugh bubbling out of him though, as he reached over to the tray and grabbed a riceball.

Sanji reached for a cigarette. She needed five but would settle for one for now. She could barely comprehend the last ten minutes. Or ten hours?

She had no idea how long she was in there. But if today had taught her one thing, if the dumbass-swordsman could put aside his pride and say he had fucking feelings for her.

Well, maybe it was about time for her to be brave.

Sanji knocked on the door to the navigation chamber. Teapot shaking in her hands. Nami responded cheerfully, the cook relaxing knowing her friend was having a fairly positive, at least Luffy free day.

"Nami-San," Sanji mumbled. Peeking around the door."Can we... talk?"

Nami perked up, tilting her head.

"What is it, Sanji-Kun?" The woman paused, blinking in even more confusion when the chef winced at the sound of her name.

"I..think you should sit down Nam-swan."

The navigator narrowed her eyes, taking a seat. It was strange to see Sanji this serious, normally used to the chef being overly flirtatious. Sanji poured her tea, and then sat down across from her. Their blue eyes were dark and intense.

"There's something that you should know about me."

"Alright."

Nami looked across at the cook suspiciously, folding her legs. She recalled the events of Whole Cake Island. After that, there didn't seem to be any bigger secrets Sanji could possibly be hiding. It was making her very cautious.

Sanji's nerves certainly weren't helping the situation. The blond fiddling with their lighter, flicking it on and off. Taking slow drags from a cigarette.

"Nami-San..." Sanji lowered their head, burying their face in their palm. "I know I've always tried to be a proper gentleman. Tried to be manly and protect you and Robin-Chan."

"Um-hum." Nami resisted the urge to chuckle as she thought of Sanji's perverted nature. The pink apron and hair straightener. Sure, men could have both. But she never thought of Sanji as an overly ‘manly man.'

"But the truth is... I'm tired of being a man. Tired of pretending. It's just too much for me Nami-San. After we left Whole Cake, since then, it's been harder to ignore it. Then in Wano, I met people who were comfortable and happy with who they were. It was hard for me, but also relieving. It helped me accept parts of myself I’d tried to hide." Another deep breath. "Because... I'm not a man. I'm a woman."

A long silent pause.

"I see..."

Sanji dropped her head at Nami's blank stare.

"I understand that it's weird, but I'd appreciate it if you could accept me."

There was silence then: "Does Zoro know?"

Sanji blinked in confusion before answering slowly.

“He does..."

"And how'd he react?" The navigator's voice was hard, flint in her dark eyes and it made Sanji swallow nervously.

“He was fine with it. Even encouraged me."

Nami stared at her for a long moment, before melting into a large smile.

“Fabulous! I thought I was going to have to murder our swordsman for a moment there! I'm glad it's okay."

The redhead leaned over, lacing her fingers with Sanji's.

“Of course I accept you, love. Whatever makes you comfortable."

“Nami-San..." Sanji squeezed her hand back. Tears pricking her eyes again.

"Oh come here!" Nami wrapped her arms around Sanji's shoulders, pulling her in close. "We're family, right?"

"Right."

"And it'll be nice having another girl on the ship!"

Sanji giggled. Pulling back to wipe her eyes. Three down, six to go!

The cook blinked. She tilted her head.

"Why do you care what Zoro thinks?" Nami gave her a look. A look that made the cook blush furiously.

"I assure you, Nami-San! Nothing is going on between me and the Marimo!"

"Sure..."

"I mean it!" Sanji squeezed her hands tight, raising them to her lips to kiss them. "I may be a woman, but you still have my heart. Our love will transcend all social constructs and cast off the shackles of-"

"Shut up Sanji-Kun..."

Sanji laughed, amused by their banter rather than saddened by the playful rejection.

She tilted her head, before whispering, "He did confess to me though."

Nami leaped forward, eyes shining in excitement!

"He did?? I thought that idiot would bring his feelings to the grave!"

"You knew?"

"Damn right I did." Nami nodded her head. "I was worried he might treat you differently when you came out to me just now, but it seems all is well. Besides, this is about you."

The navigator laced their fingers together.

"Would you like me to accompany you to the others?"

"Maybe." Sanji took another drag, stubbing her cigarette out underneath her shoe. "I think... I think I'm at my limit today."

She breathed out. Suddenly feeling very tired.

"That's understandable." Nami hugged her again. Holding Sanji as she felt how vulnerable the cook was allowing herself to be. "How about you take a nap and we'll try again tomorrow?"

Sanji shook her head.

"I can't. There's still laundry to do."

"Usopp will do it," Nami insisted. Encouraging Sanji to lie down. "Worry about yourself more."

"I'll try." She murmured, closing her eyes. "I'll try."

Nami rubbed her arms, making her way towards the crows nest. Inside, Zoro was finishing the last of his meal. He glanced up at when he heard the hatch open, narrowing his eyes when Nami waltzed in.

"Why're you here, witch?" He growled, not liking the Cheshire smirk the woman wore.

"I just came from seeing a very special lady."

Zoro raised his eyebrows, before sitting back. "So she told you then."

"Yep." The navigator laughed. "And you should've seen the way she blushed when I brought up your name."

He stayed silent, choosing to ignore his pounding heart. Zoro took a deep breath, trying to center himself.

"Don't do that," he whispered.

"Do what?"

"Give me hope," Zoro stated simply, not bothering to open his eyes. "I don't deserve hope."

"What are you talking about?" Nami sat down next to him, unbearably close.

"You really think she doesn't see you the same way?"

"Doy!"

Zoro growled at her. He settled down on the floor to meditate. Hinting heavily that he wanted her to leave. But his friend just sat opposite him- the biggest grin on her face.

"You're not the only one who reacts with such passion to everything she says," Nami continued. "She's just as ‘passionate' about your fights as you are. No one lets someone they don't care about affect them like that."

Zoro sighed, knowing Nami wasn't going anywhere. He reached for his bottle of rum, pulling the cork out with his teeth.

"Look, and I'm not saying she does, but if she did feel the same... She certainly doesn't anymore. Okay? I'd rather just move on and forget it."

"Oh?"

Nami raised an eyebrow, swiping the booze from his hands with a speed that was frightening.

"And what's that supposed to mean?"

"It means," he stressed, hissing the words through his teeth. "That I happened to run into her at a bar with long hair and even longer legs and all I could think about was wrapping those legs around my waist and pulling that hair until her back bent."

Zoro paused, before rolling his eyes at Nami's gesture to continue.

"And that was before I realized the cook was the cook. And when I did realize it was her, I lost control."

"You kissed her." The navigator stated and he nodded stiffly.

"I kissed her. And it wasn't even like it was gentle or sweet or any of that romantic shit the cook likes. I shoved her against a fucking wall ."

"Did you want more?" She asked and Zoro made eye contact for the first time since speaking. It was almost enough to make Nami shrink under his gaze.

"Fuck.I wanted so much more." He looked down at his hands, voice dark. "Honestly, I don't want to talk about the possessiveness I felt."

"But you stopped when she told you." The woman said and Zoro shot her an incredulous glare.

"The fuck? Of course I did, witch! The cook would have killed me. And even if it was some random woman, consent and control are things that I value. I fucked up and that's all there is to it."

Nami's small smile didn't change.

"Did she kiss back?"

Zoro felt like his intestines were twisting themselves into knots. He shut his eye. Thinking about the kiss. Sanji's body stiff against his. Her lips soft and smooth. She had pushed back and that was the only thing that should matter. But as Zoro thought about it, he could feel the cook's lips moving against his. If only for a moment. He looked up at Nami. His friend smiling triumphantly.

"Shut up, witch!" Zoro reached to snatch the bottle back. "That doesn't mean anything."

"I disagree." Nami edged closer, wrapping her arms around her waist. "You shouldn't have kissed her without asking, true. But you also stopped when she said so. Maybe she was just overwhelmed with everything?"

Nami leaned in, kissing his cheek.

"Don't lose hope big guy!"

He sighed but leaned into her embrace anyway.

"Whatever witch. We'll see how it all goes down I guess."

*

Sanji looked in her makeup mirror. Brushing her cherry lip balm over her lips. She sighed looking at her face. Feeling more relaxed than she had in weeks.

She was ready.

Ready to go back out and live with her head held high. She adjusted her bra strap. Relieved to be able to wear it around her Nakama. She reached for her hormones, pouring her usual dose into her palm.

The door opened and she felt that familiar presence, knowing it was Zoro.

"Oi. What're you doing here mosshead?" She called, eye twitching when there was no response. She stepped into her skirt, pulling the zip up the side as she called out again. "If you steal any of the good booze I will kill you."

The statement managed to drag a snort from the swordsman, but nothing more. Growing frustrated, Sanji stepped out of her room, prepared to snarl at the swordsman when the sight before her made her falter. Zoro was standing in the middle of the galley, head turned to the side but doing nothing to disguise the red blooming on his face. Almost as bright as the large bouquet of roses in his hands.

"For you," Zoro murmured, thrusting his hand out, still not looking at her. "To say thanks for putting up with me and my feelings. I know it must have been weird."

Sanji felt her breath hitch. She stepped forward, heels clicking as she stared at the bouquet of flowers. Flowers! No one had ever given her flowers before.

"Marimo..." She took the roses carefully. Expecting them to burst into flames or a swarm of angry wasps or anything. "Thank you..."

"You're welcome." Zoro cleared his throat. Sanji smiled at him, waiting for whatever ramblings would come out this time.

She couldn't deny she liked having that effect on him.

"Cook. Even though my actions that night were inexcusable, I want you to know I meant what I said. You looked good. You still look good and-"

Zoro felt himself being slammed against the galley wall. Long legs pinning him. His eye went wide as soft lips moved against his. Adrenaline and stranger feelings shooting through him. He didn't move, almost melting as this beautiful woman kissed him with heart and passion. He almost collapsed as Sanji pulled away. Giving him a devil's smirk.

"There." She licked her lips. "Now we're even and you can stop apologising."

"Oh." Zoro breathed, feeling dazed. "Yeah, okay."

He lifted his fingers, bringing them to his lips and shivering when they came back red and sticky with whatever makeup Sanji was wearing. He tilted his head to the side a bit, a hopeful smile making its way to his lips.

"How about another one? To really get me back?"

Sanji rolled her eyes.

"You said you owed me one, shitty swordsman and that's all I'm giving," Sanji teased. But even as she spoke she wrapped her arms around his shoulders. Pressing as close to him as she could get.

Zoro couldn't stop himself from leaning into the touch. Bumping their noses together, before their lips met each other again. It was slow and sweet. The kiss Sanji deserved. Two bodies coming close and pouring their feelings, for once, into a healthy gesture. Sanji shivered as she pulled away. Resting her forehead on Zoro's.

"I think I need to take this slow," Sanji admitted. Reaching to take his hand. "We can experiment with this, but there is a lot I’m not quite ready for. I’ll get there, but it’ll take me some time. Do you think you can do that?"

Zoro nodded, his throat bobbing.

"I can do anything you want if it means you'll stay." He blinked, scowling when he felt something wet slide down his face. "Shit." He buried his face into his shoulder. "It's just. I'm glad."

"Hey!"

Sanji pulled him into his arms, running her fingers through his hair.

"It's okay. What the hell? You're the badass swordsman right?"

Zoro just nuzzled her neck, breathing in her scent. It made him feel so good. He returned the embrace. Holding the woman he loved tight.

"I was prepared to never get your affection, you know," Zoro mumbled into Sanji's neck. "I was prepared to watch someone else steal your heart and I was so surprised but how much it hurt to think that way."

Zoro squeezed her hand tightly.

"Let's go as slow as you like. Anything to make you comfortable. Anything to make you love me."

Despite everything, despite her rival pouring his heart out in front of her, Sanji laughed. She kissed Zoro again, cupping his cheeks to show that she wasn't going anywhere. Not without him.

"Didn't think I'd see this sappy side of you swordsman," She murmured against his lips. "I quite like it."

Zoro huffed, turning his head. Cheeks pink.

"Whatever, Cook."

"There's the moss-head I know!" Sanji kissed her cheek. Picking her roses back up off the table. "How about I get these in a vase. Then maybe we could try a date?"

Zoro perked up and damn, if he had a tail it'd be wagging.

"Yeah, a date!" He smiled widely. "A date sounds good.”