Archive of Our Own ^beta

Yawning mightily, Zoro cracked an eye open from his bunk, observing the slit of sunlight in the men’s bunk room. The porthole, half hidden by the lumpy pile of blankets Usopp was hidden under, revealed the still early hours of the day. Only the cook was missing from the room. 

Yawning again, the swordsman swung his feet down, stretching as he stood and began making his way to the deck. He straightened his wrinkled shirt a little, forgoing his boots for the time being but making sure his swords were still secure. The still-cool wood of the ship under his toes helped wake him up, and he followed the familiar sound of pots and pans to the galley. 

“Ah, is it already time for the local plant life to rise?” Sanji said, glancing over his shoulder as he busied himself at the stove. 

Zoro grunted, removing his swords and siding into his usual seat at the bench, still not awake enough for a proper insult. He resisted the urge to rest his head on the table. Neat and tidy in a three piece suit, Sanji was already lively and had likely been so for over an hour. The swordsman didn’t know what the guy was running on, other than cigarettes. Months of sailing together and Zoro had still never managed to catch the cook slacking on his duties due to fatigue. It was honestly impressive. 

“Does the plant life need it's watering?” Sanji asked, placing a steaming cup of tea before the swordsman. 

Once again, Zoro grunted. He reached out half blindly to pull the warm cup towards him, taking a long sip as the cook chuckled quietly. The swordsman didn't mind the early-morning teasing, more than happy to have the rare time alone with the cook before the others emerged from their rooms. Robin lurked somewhere on the ship, usually awake before Zoro and already halfway through a book. 

He sipped his tea as he glanced at the blonde occasionally, hastily looking away every time he caught himself staring. The tea had been made perfectly, strong and bitter but without having been seeped for too long. It was always ready for him before he even had to ask, and ever since Sanji had taken the position of Luffy’s cook, the swordsman hadn’t needed to even boil water. It had annoyed Zoro at first, because he hated being coddled like an infant, but he’d learned that was just the way Sanji was- He liked to take care of everyone. It had made it frustratingly easy to fall for him. 

Not that Zoro had planned to. He liked what he had with the blonde, their back and forth. The last thing he wanted was to mess it up and potentially cause trouble for the crew. His feelings had developed entirely without his permission, somehow avoiding all attempts at smothering and only growing out of hand. Zoro figured the only solution was time, meditation, and booze. Until then, he’d keep his mouth shut and his shit together, pretending he didn't look forward to Sanji’s morning teasing. 

“Move, I’m setting plates down.” The cook ordered, nudging Zoro’s elbow with the dishes.

The swordsman helped him put the silverware down, rolling his eyes at how Sanji pointedly rearranged where the forks were. Robin and Nami entered the room just as the cook was putting down an enormous tray of French toast, greeting the men tiredly. In the time it took Sanji to spout his overly dramatic compliments for them, the rest of the crew had sidled in, Luffy intent on everyone else’s food. 

“Luffy! Stop eating all the bacon!” Nami yelled, stabbing at the captain's hand with her fork. The younger boy just laughed, reaching for Usopp’s plate instead. Zoro wrapped his arms around his plate, intent on getting at least half of his morning meal. Robin managed to keep everything in order at her end, using multiple hands like castle guards around her plate. 

Sanji worked between the table and the stove, occasionally snatching small, bird-like bites of food from his own plate. He refilled Zoro’s tea and then moved to check something in the oven, giving Luffy the opportunity to steal the rest of the bacon. The swordsman narrowed his eyes at Robin, trying to figure out why she hadn’t saved the food. 

“Luffy!” Nami and Usopp yelled, both falling back in their seats in defeat. Why they didn't just eat what they wanted right away and quickly was beyond Zoro, seeing as it was the only thing that ever worked. 

“Oi! Stop taking things from Nami-san’s plate, you rubber glutton!” Sanji said, kicking Luffy lightly on the head. 

“What, but he can take from mine?” Usopp whined. 

A loud, high-pitched cry drew the crew's attention, turning to the door as Chopper burst in. Zoro stood, hand already on his sword before the doctor even needed to say the word. 

Everyone else rushed out after him, the marine ship fast approaching. Grinning, the swordsman untied his bandana and unsheathed his swords. Cannon fire boomed and the battle officially began, Nami running to take the helm as Usopp took aim with their own cannon. Sanji tapped his shoes against the deck, lighting a cigarette next to the green-haired man. 

“Bet I can take out more of those bastards than you can.” The cook said, grinning around the filter in his mouth at Zoro. Zoro grinned right back. 

“You’re on, curly.” 

-o-

As per usual, it was a tie between them. They had both paused to charge the same man at one point, a wannabe swordsman who had managed to make Usopp bleed. Their sniper was no worse for wear, sporting a bandage by the time the cook rushed off to fuss over lunch. 

Luffy and Chopper were kicked out of the galley for begging, sent on a mission to catch Sanji more fish. As Zoro trained on deck with his weights he kept his ears open for the sure-to-come splash of one of the devil fruit users falling in the water. At push-up number 724, Luffy tumbled into sea and the swordsman dived in after him, Chopper unhelpfully screaming. 

Lunch was a somewhat rushed affair as they all approached the new island. Sanji laid out sandwiches for everyone and large salads, with fruit smoothies as dessert. Zoro zoned out of Nami discussing the island's layout and Robin mentioning lore, focusing on eating what he could before it was all gone. He rarely needed to know anything about where they were docking, mostly because he didn't care but also because if something was important then Nami would yell about it in his face. Typically though, it still didn't matter because-

“Alright mosshead, you’re coming with me.” Sanji said, grabbing Zoro by the wrist and tugging him down the gangplank. 

Like with their early morning banter, the swordsman didn't actually mind being the cook’s pack mule. It was another chance to have alone time with Sanji that felt somewhat traditional, and being surrounded by food markets put the blonde in a good mood. If Zoro played his cards right, he’d even get some booze out of the situation. He gave his usual complaints and insults as the cook dragged him around, looking around at the average looking town. No one was giving them the stink eye or running in terror, so he guessed it was one of the more pirate-friendly places they’d been. 

“Oi, stop wandering off and eat this.” Sanji drawled, nearly shoving some sort of bread in the other man's face. 

“Don't tell me what to do.” Zoro replied, grabbing the food and taking a bite. He didn’t know what the hell was in it but it tasted good, something peppery and warm. 

They continued to meander as Sanji finished shopping for the crew, slowing down to examine the other stalls and go over his budget for luxury goods like new spices, high quality meat, and alcohol. The cook occasionally put something in Zoro's face for him to eat, tearing off a small bit for himself just to taste. 

As they circled back towards the harbor, the swordsman caught wind of eyes on him. He slowed his steps, trailing a little more behind the blonde. A short, burly man appeared out of nowhere, swiftly reaching for Sanji's wallet with familiar ease, already stepping towards the side. Zoro's hand enclosed around his wrist just as his fingers tugged Sanji's pocket. 

“What-,” the cook turned as the swordsman pressed down on the bone, breaking it cleanly as the short man howled. 

“You piece of shit!” He cried, clutching his broken wrist. “Ron! Ron get over here!”

“Pickpocket.” Zoro explained to the slightly confused cook. 

“And you couldn’t have just knocked him out?” Sanji grumbled, gesturing to the still yelling man.

He touched your ass, Zoro thought. He’s lucky to be alive.  

A ball shaped thug rushed at them, probably Ron there to defend his thief friend. Sanji kicked him in the head easily, sending him on his way to the ground. Zoro turned to the cowering thief, using the hilt of his sword to knock him out like the cook suggested. 

As the two pirates turned to continue shopping, Sanji paused, turning back to the unconscious men. 

“Actually, let's check their pockets. Might as well use whatever else they’ve stolen to feed Luffy.” 

Zoro grinned, kicking over the short one. 

“I beat this guy, so whatever he has is booze money.” The swordsman said, triumphantly pulling a pouch of beli out. Sanji did the same with the other, grinning over at the green-haired man. 

“Shit, we can get booze and the vanilla I saw back there now. Nami-san will be so happy~!”

Rolling his eyes, Zoro stood back up. He didn't give a damn what Nami thought if he could get some cheap rum out of the day. 

“Whatever. Let’s just find a bar and get back to the ship already.” The swordsman said, walking ahead of the cook. 

“Other way, moron.” Sanji muttered, tugging the other man by the back of his shirt. 

-o-

Dinner was once again the lively affair of fighting for food, but this time with the added treat of whiskey. Sanji had gotten wine for the ladies and himself, and a dessert liquor just for the freshly wounded sniper. The bounty of fresh food put everyone in high spirits, especially Nami, who was able to get some of the money she had lended the cook back. 

“It’s so yummy!” Chopper exclaimed, the fur around his mouth a red, sticky mess from the hotpot broth and chicken sauce. Zoro had spent a good portion of the meal trying to wipe it off before giving up, letting Robin handle it. 

“There’s plenty to go around.” Sanji said, smiling wildly at the crew and easily slapping Luffy’s hands away from his plate. 

Zoro took another long sip of the whiskey, watching fondly as the cook gave in to their captain, passing a plate stacked with pork the younger man’s way. Sanji chuckled as the meat disappeared, the steam from the hotpot making his cheeks pink. Zoro looked away, chastising himself. It wouldn’t do to get caught up in little things like that, letting his feelings just continue their problematic route. 

He stood, bringing his plate to the sink and excusing himself to go train and take the first watch for the evening. 

By the time Usopp came to relieve him of the watch, he had sweated out the usual daily frustrations of having emotions. There was no wanting to hold Sanji’s hand when they shopped, or wanting to brush his soft yellow hair behind his ear when he was close. There was only being first mate to Luffy, and the future world’s greatest. 

At least, that’s what he told himself when he climbed into his bunk, closing his eyes. 

-oOo-

Zoro yawned, rolling over in his bunk. Still dark out judging by the light, Sanji's bed already made up and empty, blanket folded. Luffy snored, mumbling something in his sleep. The swordsman got up, grabbing his blades and running a hand through his hair as he made his way to the galley. 

Sanji had his back to the door, shoulders moving as he worked at the stove. He glanced over at the sound of someone entering, raising a brow at Zoro. 

“Ah, is it already time for the local plant life to rise?” He said. 

Zoro hummed tiredly, sitting down at the bench. There was a few moments of clinking pots and pans and the sound of pouring water, and he cracked an eye open at the sound of footsteps approaching. 

“Does the plant life need it's watering?” Sanji asked, placing a steaming cup of tea before the swordsman. 

The swordsman paused, giving the cook an odd look. Sanji usually had new insults and remarks everyday, and the repetition was out of the ordinary. Shrugging to himself, he took the warm cup and sipped the tea as the cook chuckled quietly. Sanji returned to the stove for a while, then back to the table with his arms full of plates. 

“Move, I’m setting plates down.” The cook ordered, nudging Zoro. 

The swordsman helped him put the silverware down, letting Sanji fuss over where the forks were. Robin and Nami entered the room just as the cook was putting down an enormous tray of French toast, the blonde pausing to spout compliments. The rest of the crew meandered in, Luffy diving for the meat. 

“Luffy! Stop eating all the bacon!” Nami yelled, stabbing at the captain's hand with her fork. The younger boy just laughed, reaching for Usopp’s plate instead. 

Zoro stared at the bacon, then blinked, looking around. Sanji was working between the table and the stove, occasionally snatching small bites of food from his own plate as he worked. As the blonde refilled Zoro’s tea and then moved to check something in the oven, an uncomfortable feeling began in the swordsman’s gut that he couldn’t quite place. 

“Luffy!” Nami and Usopp yelled, both falling back in their seats in defeat. 

“Oi! Stop taking things from Nami-san’s plate, you rubber glutton!” Sanji said, kicking Luffy lightly on the head. 

“What, so it's ok for him to take from mine?” Usopp whined. 

Zoro defended his own plate, pausing as a loud, high-pitched cry drew the crew's attention. Chopper burst into the galley, hooves waving in the air agitatedly. 

“Marines!” He cried, rushing around the table in a panic. 

Huh, Zoro thought. It wasn’t so uncommon for the marines to attack them more than once a week, but usually it wasn’t so back to back. He didn’t dwell on it though, standing with the rest of his nakama and unsheathing his swords, falling into step beside the cook as they rushed out onto the deck. 

“Bet I can take out more of those bastards than you can.” Sanji said, grinning around the filter in his fresh cigarette. Zoro snorted, securing his grip around wado. 

“You’re on, curly.” 

-o-

Zoro sheathed his swords, looking around. All Straw Hats were accounted for, Chopper in the infirmary with Usopp and everyone else present. The swordsman couldn't believe the snipers terrible luck recently, pissed that one of their own was hurt yet again. At least the marine was long dead now, Sanji cleaning him off of his shoes. 

Heading back to the ship, he spotted Usopp leaving the infirmary. Zoro’s eyes fell on the crisp, white bandage on the younger man. 

“Isn't that where you got cut the other day?” Zoro asked, scratching the back of his head. 

Usopp raised a brow at him, looking back at his arm in confusion. 

“Uh, not that I’m aware of?” He said, giving his whole body a once over. 

Zoro let him pass, frowning. He wondered if Usopp had gotten hit in the head during the fight, and silently made a note to mention it to Chopper. The coincidences of the day were odd, but what day sailing with Luffy wasn't? Shaking his head, he wandered back to the others. 

As everyone waited for the cook to get started on a late lunch, Zoro trained on deck. He watched the repeated attempts Luffy and Chopper made to go into the galley and get snacks before they were finally kicked out and told to catch fish. Zoro resisted the urge to groan with the younger boys, not looking forward to interrupting his work out to fish someone out of the water for the hundredth time. 

By the time the swordsman had saved both the devil fruit users multiple times each, Sanji opened the galley, plates filled with sandwiches. Everyone ate, ravenous after the interruption at breakfast.

“Where are we headed today, navigator-san?” Robin asked, gaining everyone’s attention. 

“A summer island called Windre, pretty small place.” Nami responded, one hand unfolding a map as she held her sandwich with the other. 

Zoro stabbed at Luffy’s wandering hand with his fork, growling in warning. The younger man changed targets, going for Nami while she was distracted. Sanji kicked him in the head, gesturing to the untouched salad the captain morosely began eating. 

Docking didn’t introduce them to any trouble, Merry nestled in a spot near a few larger fishing vessels. A few sailors hailed them, no one looking alarmed or suspicious of the new group. Zoro watched the peaceful looking people meander around the docks, Nami threatening Luffy to stay out of trouble behind him. 

“Alright mosshead, you’re coming with me.” Sanji said, grabbing Zoro by the wrist and tugging him down the gangplank. 

The swordsman followed the cook, pausing every now and then to do a double take. There was something he couldn't quite place about the town that put him on edge, like he was remembering a dream he had had a while ago. It annoyed him more than anything, and he allowed himself to zone out as the cook led them around. Maybe they’d been to so many islands that they were all starting to look the same. Sanji pushed snacks into the swordsman’s face, and Zoro ate, wondering at the familiarity of the place. 

Ahand reached for Sanji's pocket though, and that was different in the sense that it wasn't different. 

There was no mistaking the fact that it was the same thief as yesterday. Zoro didn’t always pay very close attention, but he remembered his enemies. Or, he remembered the ones who pissed him off by touching the cooks ass, which was a thankfully small list. The guy was short and stocky, and as the green haired man grabbed his wrist and applied pressure, he was pretty damn sure he already knew what was going to happen. 

The bacon at breakfast, Sanji’s repeated comments, the marines, Usopp’s injury, now this. Had he been hit by a devil fruit user?

“What-,” the cook turned at the commotion right behind, Zoro’s hand still right around the screaming thief's wrist. 

“You piece of shit! Ron! Ron, get over here!” He cried, clutching his broken wrist. 

“Pickpocket.” Zoro explained automatically, swallowing around his suddenly dry throat. 

“And you couldn’t have just knocked him out?” Sanji grumbled, gesturing to the still yelling man. 

That’s what you said yesterday, Zoro thought, panicking slightly. It had been the same exact thing, the pickpocket yelling insults, Sanji confused and then annoyed, and so that meant-

A ball shaped thug rushed at them, Ron arriving to defend his thief friend. Sanji kicked him in the head easily, sending him falling to the ground as Zoro watched, dum struck by what he just realized. Was he going insane? Had something happened where he had injured his head and wasn’t aware? Zoro turned to the cowering thief, using the hilt of his sword to knock him out, following his own previous example. 

He looked at Sanji. The cook was brushing dirt from his jacket, checking to make sure all their groceries were still ok. He placed a new cigarette in his mouth, eyes moving to Zoro. 

“What are you staring at, shithead?” 

The swordsman blinked, pointing at the unconscious thieves. 

“Do you remember these guys?” He asked cautiously. 

Sanji raised a curled brow at him, huffing. 

“What, they pirates or something? I don’t remember these idiots.” He said, giving one of the bodies a nudge with his foot. 

So it was just Zoro who remembered then. The swordsman had suspected as much, but it was still disappointing. Sanji was always better at the puzzle shit when it came to tricky devil fruit things. 

“Well let's check their pockets. Might as well use whatever else they’ve stolen to feed Luffy.” Sanji said, attention moving away from Zoro. 

The green haired man grunted half heartedly, looking around with narrowed eyes. He thumbed the hilt of wado, taking comfort in the familiarity of her presence. 

-o-

Now aware of what to look for, Zoro was slightly disturbed by dinner. 

Seeing everything play out in exact copy to what he only vaguely remembered was an unpleasant experience. He felt like he was simultaneously seeing too much and not grasping any of it, watching the rest of his Nakama. 

“It’s so yummy!” Chopper exclaimed. 

“There’s plenty to go around.” Sanji said, smiling wildly at the crew and easily slapping Luffy’s hands away from his plate. 

Maybe it’s a dream, Zoro thought, glancing around for the 10th time. Maybe it was just a really, really vivid nightmare of some kind. He couldn’t rule that out. 

“What was the name of the town?” He asked, eyes lingering on Usopp’s still fresh bandage. 

“Pay attention, I said it was Windre about 4 times.” Nami sighed, giving Zoro a look. Luffy managed to get a small portion of chicken off her plate before she caught him. 

Windre. He hadn’t noticed anything strange about the island, but if the nightmare continued into the next day it would be worth investigating. He could only hope it would be a solution that required fighting of some kind, otherwise he was in for a hell of a time. 

Quickly finishing his meal, Zoro retreated to the crows next for the first watch, eyes peeled open with more attention than usual. 

-oOo-

Zoro awoke with a start, his own snore breaking off into a half cough. Looking around tiredly, he made sure everything was as usual before grabbing his swords and trugging hurriedly to the galley. 

Sanji’s back was to him as he entered. 

“Ah, is it already time for the local plant life to rise?” Sanji said, glancing over his shoulder as he busied himself at the stove. 

Zoro nearly groaned in frustration, worry starting to tease at the edges of his subconscious. He still had the tiniest bit of hope left though, sitting down at the table and eyeing the cook. 

“Does the plant life need it's watering?” Sanji asked, placing a steaming cup of tea before the swordsman. 

Zoro grunted, ignoring his tea. Sanji frowned down at him, looking pointedly at the untouched cup for a moment before huffing and turning back to the stove. 

He watched the blonde swiftly move around the kitchen, cautiously taking a sip of his tea. It didn’t taste any different from yesterday- earlier? Was it technically the same day?

“Move, I’m setting plates down.” The cook ordered, nudging Zoro’s elbow with the dishes.

The swordsman moved, half heartedly throwing the forks down near where they were meant to and letting Sanji go about correcting them with a few muttered insults. Robin and Nami entered the room just as, to Zoro’s dread, the cook was putting down an enormous tray of French toast. Which meant-

“We’re having bacon again?” Zoro asked, already knowing the answer. 

“What do you mean again?” Sanji said, putting the plate down. The rest of the crew meandered in, muttering sleepy greetings. “Do you know how hard it is to hide this from Luffy? It’s been ages since I’ve been able to cook it.” The cook finished, sliding a few more plates of food onto the table. 

Zoro watched carefully as everyone settled into their meal. Nami complained as Luffy stole from her plate, Robin defended her own, Sanji refilled Zoro's tea. When the captain stole the rest of the bacon, the swordsman turned to the door, hand already gripping wado’s hilt. At the first sound of Chopper, Zoro was out the door. 

“Marines! Everyone, mari- Zoro!” Chopper cried, running smack into the man's legs. Everyone had followed the swordsman outside, letting out noises of exclamation as they noticed the marine ship. 

Shit, Zoro thought. 

-o-

Sheathing his blades, the green-haired man ground his teeth. He’d been so distracted by the problem he was facing he’d forgotten about Usopp’s injury, not noticing until, like the other times, the sniper had been cut. If he had been given this small positive opportunity to help his nakama he should have taken it, but no. Too late again. 

He endured the task of watching Luffy and Chopper fish (and fall) until lunch, where he, for once, paid attention. When Robin began discussing the local lore, his ears perked up. 

“-and though it is varied, a few visitors claim to have experienced memory issues. Typically nothing damaging, but what’s interesting is that no local has ever had such an occurrence.” 

Memory issues wasn't technically what Zoro would call his predicament, but it sounded like a decent start. 

“What kind of memory issues?” The swordsman asked, Robin turning her piercing gaze away from her book and onto him. 

“Inability to recall the date, misinformation about events, and general confusion. A few sailors were even said to have gone mad.” She replied calmly, her mouth upturning a bit at the mention of insanity. 

Zoro shuddered. Was that some sort of warning from real events telling him not to blurt out what he thought was happening? His nakama wouldn’t think he had gone insane though, right? 

He pondered his options until Sanji appeared to drag him to the market. Luffy would believe him, but probably not know what to do. Robin could help him, but he didn’t truly trust her yet, not all the way. Nami and Sanji probably wouldn’t believe him very easily, and Usopp and Chopper would worry it was a head injury. Not a great spread of options. 

“Oi, stop wandering off and eat this.” Sanji drawled, shoving some sort of bread at the other man. 

Morosely, Zoro chewed the bread. His head had begun to hurt from thinking in circles, combined with the agitation of all the repetition. Worse, Sanji had seemed to pick up on his bad mood and didn’t seem in great spirits anymore. 

Looking around again for any hint of a clue, Zoro paused at a familiar person. The guy who tried, or would try, to pickpocket the cook. 

“Oi! You!” The swordsman yelled, starting the man. Sanji turned to stare of Zoro, following his gaze. 

“What?” The thief squawked, looking annoyed. He sized the two pirates up, gaze flicking nervously between them. 

“He tried to rob you.” Zoro tried to explain to Sanji. “Yesterday- I mean. He was going to, but I stopped him.” 

“Huh?” The cook looked back at the pickpocket, who was slowly inching away from the area. 

“The other day,” Zoro began, already knowing he had screwed up. “But I- nevermind.” He muttered, hauling the rest of the groceries back in position. A flush of embarrassment burned the back of his neck. 

Sanji gave him an odd look, but gracefully didn’t comment on the strange behavior. He checked over his list, sighing. 

“Guess we don’t have the funds for vanilla this time.” He murmured, pocketing the paper. “And no booze either.” 

The two men trudged along the rest of the way, neither in the mood for banter. Zoro sighed, suddenly exhausted. 

-o-

Without the money taken from the thieves, dinner was less impressive than Zoro remembered. No one else knew different though, and Sanji had worked himself back into high spirits. 

“It’s so yummy!” Chopper exclaimed, the fur around his mouth a red, sticky mess. Zoro tied his own napkin around the little guys neck, hoping to keep some part of him clean at least. 

“The town didn’t have any good paper shops.” Nami complained to Robin. 

“Perhaps at the next island you will have more luck.” The older woman reasoned smoothly. 

If we ever get there, Zoro thought sulkily. Not that anyone else would ever know. 

-oOo-

The moment Zoro opened his eyes he was jumping out of bed, grabbing his swords, and stomping towards the galley. 

“Ah, is it already time for the local plant life-

“What are you making for breakfast?” Zoro interrupted, pushing himself up beside the confused cook, eyeing the things in different pans. 

“What, are you that hungry already?” Sanji asked, clearly thrown off guard. 

Zoro eyed the sizzling bacon with venom, nearly growling at the meat. 

“You made bacon yesterday.” The swordsman bit out, still glaring dangers at the meat. 

“Excuse me?” Sanji began, Zoro shaking his head, pushing forward. 

“You’re going to put the food down on the table, and when you’re not looking Luffy’s going to steal the rest of the bacon. Then Chopper’s going to run in and say the marines are attacking.” 

Sanji stared hard at Zoro, the spatula in his hand held stiffly in a halted motion. 

“Is this a joke?” The cook asked, looking around like someone else might be in on it. 

“If you don’t believe me, just watch. Usopp gets injured right here.” Zoro said, pointing to the spot on his arm. 

“What the fuck?” Sanji turned the heat down on the stove, fully turning to the swordsman. “Don’t say shit like that, it’s asking for trouble.” 

“Just watch, ok?” Zoro pleaded, sighing as Nami and Robin entered the room. 

Sanji did watch, but mainly the swordsman. Zoro felt eyes boring into him during the whole meal, occasionally looking up and giving the cook a pointed look. There were a few more than usual attempts at guarding the food from Luffy on Sanji’s end, but nothing that made a difference. When the plate of bacon was pillaged and emptied, the cook glared at Zoro, shrugging as if to say so what. 

The sound of hooves and high pitched yelling had Zoro keeping eye contact with the blonde, watching as Sanji's face went from stubborn refusal, to confusion, to disbelieving understanding. He turned to the door just as the doctor burst in. 

“Marines!” Chopper yelled, Zoro already on his feet, walking out the door. 

-o-

“Alright, what the fuck, marimo?” Sanji asked, pulling him aside after the fight. 

Zoro had gone straight for the man who had cut their sniper this time, but the sense of accomplishment he was hoping for never arrived. Usopp still ended up in the infirmary, injured by a different marine and throwing the swordsman for yet another loop. The situation was officially beyond him, and he needed help. 

“We’ve been repeating days, but no one else has noticed. It’s just me.” Zoro said, still not sure how to explain it. “I don't know how to make it stop, and I don't know what caused it.” He admitted truthfully. 

Sanji eyed him for a moment, stubbing out his cigarette before sighing. There were little specks of blood on his shirt, and an untidiness to his hair that Zoro thought was bordering on cute. Not that he was looking. 

“Well shit, it's not like you’d lie about something like that.” The cook said. “And you predicted everything accurately so far. Do you remember the entire rest of the day then?” 

“Yeah. It’s actually starting to get pretty annoying.” Zoro said with a shrug. 

“No one else gets hurt, right?” Sanji demanded. The swordsman rolled his eyes. 

“Of course not, I wouldn't let that happen.” 

Not that he actually had much control anymore, but he liked to think that he could figure out a way to help Usopp. Sanji rubbed at his chin, thinking. 

“I think,” Sanji began, looking over his shoulder. “That this might be something Robin-chan can figure out better than me.”

Zoro’s chest tightened. He didn't want Robin’s help, he wanted the cooks. Sanji was smart, why couldn't he just figure it out? 

“I don't trust her for this.” The swordsman growled, crossing his arms and frowning. Even at the moment, he was pretty sure she might be eavesdropping on them. 

“Tough shit. She’s the only one who’s already investigated the history of the island we’re going to, and if it's a devil fruit she’d know about it too. Ah, such an intelligent flower~” Sanji crooned, hands clasping together as his mind drifted towards the familiar route of women. 

“Fine.” Zoro bit out. “But if she says I’m crazy and convinces everyone to lock me up or some shit, I’ll kick your ass.” 

“Try it, mosshead.” Sanji replied, already turning to go find the archeologist. 

-o-

Robin didn't think he was crazy. She did, however, imply he would go crazy. 

“Insanity by its very definition is performing the same act on repeat but expecting different results. I can imagine this particular type of experience would be very similar to torture if it persists for long enough.” She said. 

Sanji and Zoro looked at each other, both clearly not knowing what to say to that. 

“Do you have any idea what might be the cause, my dear?” The cook asked.

“If I had to guess, I would say the island we are approaching.” She said, not surprised or disturbed by anything Zoro and Sanji had previously said in explanation. Sipping her tea with an infuriating calmness, she observed the swordsman steadily. “Windre, the name of the town town, is a type of anagram for ‘rewind’.”

Well that didn't help anything and only annoyed Zoro further. Frowning, he looked back at the cook. 

“How the hell am I supposed to stop it? Tell Nami to change direction?” He asked. Maybe not going to the island at all would solve the problem. 

“Seeing as we’re already almost there, I would say it's too late for that. I’ll do some looking when we dock, and you two can keep an eye out for anything unusual.” The archeologist instructed, once more giving Zoro an attentive look. “Past records indicate that whatever this is, it isn’t permanent. If it was, no one could have recovered and written the records at all. It could be that this is a lesson for chosen few to learn from.”

Zoro stood, done with the conversation. What was he supposed to learn from the experience if he couldn't really change anything? 

He paused a little outside door, thinking about that. The entire conversation with Robin was new at least, and it had happened because Zoro had told Sanji the truth where he had previously said nothing. Maybe there was something to that? 

-o-

“Where did I get the best deal on vegetables?” Sanji asked, shoulder bumping against Zoro’s. 

Once again, nothing unusual stood out to the swordsman about the town. The people looked normal, the buildings looked normal, the stray cats looked normal. A woman called out the price for her potatoes, the best quality in all the seas apparently. 

“How should I know?” Zoro replied. 

“Well this has all happened before, right? Don't you remember?’ Sanji pressed. 

“Yeah, but I wasn’t paying attention to what vegetable you bought.” Zoro grunted. He was a little ashamed to realize he didn't remember anything really about what Sanji bought, mostly because he had been too busy staring at the man himself. 

“Useless marimo.” The cook sighed, looking around.

“Oh,” Zoro said, suddenly remembering. “There’s a pickpocket though, he goes for your wallet and I catch him, and then we beat him and his friend and take their money.” 

Sanji paused and gave him a flat look. 

“I believe you and I know that’s something we would do, but it makes us sound like a bunch of thugs.”

“They were thugs first.” Zoro pointed out. 

“Whatever. When do they try to steal my wallet?” Sanji asked. 

Some time before you tucked some of your hair behind your ear, but after you undid the shirt button at your neck, Zoro thought, internally groaning. He seriously needed to get a grip on himself. 

“Later.” Zoro settled on, earning another annoyed look from the cook. 

“Useless marimo.” Sanji muttered again, turning back to begin the food shopping. 

Zoro did try to pay more attention this time, not just blindly following Sanji around and noticing the little things about him once again. He studied all the food merchants, the people they passed, even the store windows nearby. Nothing stood out even the slightest until Zoro’s arms were filled with bags. 

“Hey, that’s him.” The swordsman murmured, moving closer to the blonde. He gestured with his chin to the short man leaning on the wall a ways away. 

“The thief?” Sanji asked quietly, leaning into Zoro’s space to follow his line of sight. 

The swordsman floundered for a moment as the crowd pushed the two men a little closer, Sanji’s hair brushing Zoro’s cheek gently. He made a noise that he hoped was a good enough answer, stepping back when he had the chance. 

They walked slowly down the road, purposeful this time. Zoro hung back, feigning disinterest in everything as the short man pushed off the wall, steadily making his way towards the cook. The moment his fingers brushed the fabric of Sanji’s pocket, a foot connected with his chest. 

“Nice try, asshole.” The cook said, lowering his leg and grinning at Zoro. 

Zoro grinned back, the butterflies in his stomach making an unwelcome return. Shaking himself, he turned just in time to see the lumbering form of the thief’s friend approach. Shifting the bags to one arm, Zoro elbowed him in the gut with enough force that all the air left the guy's lungs, his body slumping immediately.

“So I know you’ve done that already, but it was pretty satisfying for me.” Sanji chuckled, stepping up beside Zoro to look at the unconscious men. 

Like countless times before, the swordsman forced himself to turn away. His greatest weakness could be the way the cook smiled after kicking someone’s ass.

“I don't mind beating the same idiots over again if it means free booze.” Zoro said, reaching down to dig out the coin pouches of the two thieves. He tossed one over to the blonde. 

“Don't think we’re using all of this just on you.” Sanji said, still grinning. 

“Nah, you wanted vanilla, right? The guy earlier had some.” Zoro said. 

The cook blinked at him, then smiled wildly, teeth showing as the skin around his eyes crinkled adorably. Zoro quickly turned around, intent on finding the stall with the spice they needed so he could then get his much needed drink. Sanji was going to kill him way before any time shenanigans did at this rate. 

-o-

“The locals are very rarely affected.” Robin said, pulling Zoro aside after dinner. “According to them, it only happens to people who need to make changes in their lives, and those residing on the island long ago learned to live with that in mind. It’s actually led to remarkable productivity in the society, everyone doing the things that best suits them and their interests.”

Most of that went in one of Zoro’s ears and then out the other. He gave Robin a look that indicated that. 

“You need the repeating events to change, and for that to happen you have to make the change yourself. It’s up to you to figure out what, precisely, you want to change though.” She explained. 

“I don't want anything to change.” Zoro said stubbornly. 

He wasn’t lying either. His life made him happy, sailing with Luffy and the others. He was on track to being the world's greatest swordsman, he loved his nakama, and he believed wholly in Luffy’s power as the next pirate king. There was nothing about any of that he wanted to alter in the slightest. 

“Clearly you want something to be different, or at least the unknown powers of the island believe so.” Robin pointed out. 

Zoro snuck a glance across the deck at the galley door, where inside the cook was doing dishes. Of course there was something Zoro wanted to be different, but that didn't mean it would be. 

“You have the time to figure it out at least.” The archeologist said softly, slipping away towards the women’s room, leaving Zoro in the dark. 

He watched the lights in the galley go off, Sanji done for the evening. The galley door opened, the cook approaching him with the red glow from a cigarette. 

“What did Robin-chan have to say?” He asked the swordsman, leaning against the railing. He let out a puff of smoke, the cool night air blowing it away in a stream. 

Zoro learned back on the railing as well, looking up at the night sky. What if he really did go insane, repeating the same day over and over again?

“I’ll figure it out.” The swordsman said, not really answering the other man.

“Well yeah, obviously.” Sanji replied dryly. “But are you gonna be ok?” 

Zoro looked back over at the cook. He could say anything in the world and the next day Sanji wouldn't even remember. He could even kiss him and it wouldn't really matter. 

Except it would. Anything he did would hold a disingenuous weight to it if he started thinking like that. The Sanji in front of him wasn't any less real than the Sanji of yesterday or the day after, and Zoro wasn't going to treat him like a trail run. To do so would be cruel as well as dishonorable. 

“I’ll be fine, cook.” He said softly, watching the embers of the cigarette fly off into the sea, extinguishing. 

-oOo-

“Luffy.” Zoro called across the table, grabbing the younger man's attention even as he continued to stuff food in his mouth. “Don't eat all the bacon today.” 

The captain chewed, keeping eye contact with his first mate as he seemed to mull the words over. Zoro understood how the words don't eat probably didn't make sense to Luffy. 

“Yeah, like that’s gonna work.” Nami mumbled from beside him. 

Luffy and Zoro stared at each other for a while longer, the captain swallowing his food as he made a thoughtful noise. 

“Can I still eat a lot of it?” Luffy asked. 

“Yeah.” Zoro replied, nodding.

Luffy hummed, scratching at his head. 

“Ok.” He said, nodding back with a tone of seriousness. He went back shoving pieces of French toast in his mouth with gusto. 

“What!?” Sanji cried, looking back and forth between the first mate and the captain. “I tell you not to eat all the food every goddamn day but mosshead asks you once and you listen?” 

“Zoro’s being serious though.” Luffy said with a shrug, snagging the rest of Usopp’s eggs off his plate. 

“Oh well if he’s serious.” Sanji mocked, flopping back in his chair in defeat. 

Zoro needed to test what Robin had said though. Not with Sanji, because he still wasn't sure how he would go about that or even if he should, but in general. What kinds of changes could he influence around him exactly? Why hadn’t he been able to save Usopp the other day?

Luffy didn't eat all the bacon, which was in Zoro’s opinion, the greatest miracle of the entire year. Granted, he did eat most of it, but Nami and Usopp got enough to be satisfied, albeit slightly horrified at the powers the swordsman had demonstrated in restraining the gluttonous boy. Sanji was immensely frustrated at that as well, muttering to himself as he picked at his food. 

The marine fight went as it had the day before. Despite taking down anyone that so much as looked Usopp’s way, the damage was eventually done. It left Zoro confused and annoyed, mulling it over as he waited for Luffy and Chopper to fall overboard while fishing. 

“Why do you have to sit on the railing while you fish?” Zoro grunted, tossing Luffy back onto the deck, taking off waterlogged boots. 

Luffy gave a garbled response about the importance of tradition or something, to which the swordsman rolled his eyes. There was only so much he could do when it came to preventing the stupid things Luffy got up to. 

Lunch was eaten quickly as everyone prepared their own agendas for the island. The women would be around town shopping, and Usopp staying aboard Merry to work on a project while Luffy and Chopper ran all over the island. Same as yesterday. 

Was he not supposed to go with Sanji to the market? He didn't think so, but what if he should explore the island with Luffy and Chopper? Even if that was what the island itself or whatever bullshit in charge wanted, the swordsman wasn't going to let the cook get robbed because he was alone. And screw it, he wanted to spend the time with Sanji.

There it was again, always coming back to the cook and his feelings. It couldn't all come down to Zoro telling the other man his feelings, right? There was no way the island was playing matchmaker because it sensed the swordsman’‘s ridiculous pining. Sanji probably didn't return his feelings anyways, and that was reason enough to remain quiet.

But what if, the little voice in his head went. He smothered the idea quickly, stuffing a sandwich in his mouth. 

-o-

“What are you cooking for dinner tonight?” Zoro asked Sanji, the two of them making their way to a dairy farmers stall, a large display of eggs for sale.

“Dinner?” The cook asked, clearly surprised by the swordsman's interest. “I was thinking something with hotpot. Why?”

Zoro paused for a moment, pretending to be interested in the cheese display. The day before he had changed events by telling Sanji about what was happening, and at breakfast he had convinced Luffy not to eat the bacon by asking. Usopp had still gotten hurt, but Zoro hadn’t said anything to try to prevent that. What would happen if he asked the cook to make something different for dinner?

“Can we have fish and onigiri instead?” The swordsman asked, cautiously glancing at the other man. 

Sanji blinked at him.

“What’s wrong with hotpot?” He asked, immediately taking on a defensive and somewhat aggressive tone. 

“Nothing,” Zoro quickly said. “It’s great, I just, really like fish and rice.” 

Sanji eyed him for another moment, somewhat skeptical, then turned his attention back to the farm stand. He picked up a jug of milk, inspecting the contents. 

“You never make food requests.” He muttered, not looking at the swordsman. 

“Why should I? Food’s always good.” 

Sanji nearly dropped the milk, fumbling with it for a moment before calmly putting it down and turning back to Zoro.

“You've never complimented me before either. Are you sick or something today?” He asked.

Zoro frowned, thinking back. 

“I’ve complimented you before.” He muttered, scratching the back of his neck. He must have at some point at least, right? 

“Calling me an idiot cook isn’t a compliment, dumbass.” Sanji said flatly. 

“Well you’ve never complimented me.” Zoro argued, feeling like the dumbass he was being called. 

“That’s because you’ve been insulting me since day one!” 

Oh, right, he had done that. 

“That’s because you were drooling all over Nami like an idiot.” Zoro reasoned. 

“Ah yes, because your first impression was so great.” Sanji mocked. “Getting filleted by a psychopath, bleeding and snoring for a few days, and then waking up to demand food and call me names.” 

“Well, yeah,” Zoro conceded, “But that was before I knew you could fight.” 

Sanji stared at him incredulously. 

“You still called me names after you knew that!” 

Well shit, he’d done that too. If Zoro was remembering right then he had started really pushing the cooks buttons the second he had come to the realization that he had a crush on the guy. Immature, yes, but with absolutely zero knowledge of flirting it had been his only option. 

“Ok, I did do that, but that’s because it was fun to fight with you.” He admitted, the tips of his ears burning. 

“What are you, a toddler? The only way you know how to get attention is to provoke someone?” Sanji drawled. 

Hit the nail on the head with that one. Shrugging, Zoro figured he’d already gone down the rabbit hole, might as well see where it leads. 

“I mean, kind of.” 

Sanji stared at him, brows furrowed. 

“A lot of things just started making sense.” He muttered, still looking at the swordsman like he was trying to solve a puzzle. 

Zoro shrugged again, not sure what to say. He didn't even remember how the conversation had started, only that he was now feeling fairly embarrassed and out of his depth. What had he been trying to accomplish? 

Right, dinner. Changing dinner. 

“So can we have fish and rice for dinner?” Zoro asked once more.

Sanji sighed heavily, turning back to look at the milk. 

“Fine. I need to pick up some extra rice now though.” 

The cook turned around, leading them back the way they came. Distantly, the swordsman realized they wouldn't cross paths with the thieves this way. Whether that was a good thing or a bad thing, he had no idea. 

“I like it when you make me onigiri.” He blurted out, causing Sanji to whip around. “That’s a compliment.” He pointed out awkwardly. 

Sanji gave him another inscrutable look, narrowing his one visible eye. 

“That’s a shit compliment.” The cook said, turning back around. 

He glanced over his shoulder a little, one blue eye catching Zoro’s gaze for a split second before returning to the road ahead. 

“I’ll take it though.” The blonde muttered, blind to the small grin on the swordsman’s face. 

-o-

What if it was all as simple as asking, Zoro thought. Everything coming down to him just opening his mouth and saying a few words, rather than waiting, or fighting, or watching. What if being a man of action wasn't quite enough anymore, now that he wasn't some lone bounty hunter. 

He stared at the onigiri in front of him, picked one up, and took a bite. 

-oOo-

“Is that for me?” Zoro asked, staring over at the counter in disbelief. 

Sanji looked over his shoulder at him, pausing as he flipped the bacon in his pan. 

“Who else, moron?” He said, returning to his work as the swordsman continued to stare. 

Every morning had been exactly the same so far. Wake up, get tea, wait for everyone to arrive and Luffy to steal the bacon. This, though, was new. 

The little plate of onigiri was almost the same as last nights, breakfast portioned and set down next to his usual cup of tea. It was the last thing Zoro expected to see, mostly because he hadn’t expected anything to have changed. 

Sitting down as Sanji brought over the rice balls and tea, the swordsman tried to understand. Something had worked the other day, and whatever it was clearly had something to do with the conversation he’d had with the cook. 

He continued to mull it over until Usopp trudged in, tiredly rubbing at his eyes. 

That was something he still needed to figure out. Or maybe he didn't need to exactly, but he damn well wanted to. The sniper wasn't usually a short-distance fighter though, always running away as a defense. His way of engaging in a battle was almost polar opposite to Zoro’s, making it hard to come up with a solution. 

“What if your slingshot was longer?” He muttered, half to himself. Usopp turned to him, still waking up. 

“Huh?” 

“Like Nami’s staff,” Zoro continued, mostly thinking out loud. “If it was longer, could you use it as defense?”

Usopp looked at Zoro, surprised. 

“You think I should alter my slingshot?”

“Maybe?” Zoro replied, feeling less confident than before. “Do you think it would help?” 

The sniper thought about it for a moment, looking much more awake than before. He offered the swordsman a smile, spooning eggs onto his plate. 

“I think it's worth investigating, yeah.” He said. “Thanks, Zoro.” 

He piled his plate with food, standing and asking Sanji if he could take the plate to the men’s bunk room to get started on his new project. Dashing out, Zoro watched Usopp leave, hoping he was on the right track there. Luffy reached for the plate of bacon, the swordsman stopping him with a look. 

“Don't eat all the bacon today, Luffy.” 

-o-

“Zoro!” Usopp called, waving what looked like a long piece of wood and tape in the air. He was grinning triumphantly, and to the swordsman’s relief, uninjured. 

“You tried it out?” Zoro asked, stepping closer to examine the elongated slingshot. 

“Yeah! Although it was a pretty hasty job.” The sniper replied sheepishly, looking at his quick craftsmanship. “Really though, thanks for the suggestion.” 

“Glad it worked for you.” Zoro replied. 

Usopp left to continue working on the weapon, and the green-haired man watched him. Even if it wasn't the key to continuing the normal time flow, Zoro was proud of himself for helping the younger man.

He performed the inevitable task of fishing Luffy and Chopper out of the water as they fished, convinced that was an event that wasn't changing. He ate his lunch with the other, half-listening to the repeated conversations, half thinking about his progress. 

“You need help with the groceries?” Zoro asked the cook, interrupting his rant about wanting to find vanilla. 

Sanji stared at him like he’d grown a second head, then seemed to shake himself. 

“I’m not turning down free pack mule service.” He replied, somewhat confused. 

Zoro grinned, returning to his sandwich, uncaring as the way Sanji gaped slightly at him. 

-o-

“How did you know I liked onigiri so much?” Zoro asked the cook as they headed out towards the food market. 

Sanji started a little, nearly dropping his match as he lit a cigarette. He turned to give the swordsman an odd look. 

“Any cook worth his salt knows the tastes of his crew.” The cook answered, looking over at a stall of vegetables. He scanned a few onions before grabbing two. 

“But I never said anything.” Zoro pointed out, curious about the answer now. Sanji huffed and bought the two onions, handing the small bag to the swordsman. 

“If it's on the table, it's the first thing you reach for.” The cook explained. “And you eat it like a chipmunk, stuffing your cheeks with the stuff as soon as you get your hands on it.” 

Zoro spluttered, face red. Beside him, Sanji laughed at his expense. 

“It’s the only way to eat it before Luffy does.” Zoro said defensively, fighting down his blush. 

“Still, it's hilarious.” The cook said, chuckling softly. 

Zoro scowled at him, trying to regain his composure. Sanji looked so content in the market, so natural with the leftover grin on his face that it made the swordsman ache to keep it there. 

“What’s your favorite food?” He asked, somewhat desperate for the conversation to keep going, to keep that smile on the cook's face for just a little longer. 

Sanji hummed, picking through a display of carrots before selecting the ones he wanted, watching the grocer bag them and then handing them to Zoro. 

“I’ve always been partial to seafood. Fits with being a cook of the sea and all.” He said, that sweet smile still stretching his cheeks. “You can get all the nutrients you need from the ocean, you know. There’s kelp and seaweed with vitamin c in it, and plenty of fish have the proper oils in them, and did you know-

Zoro let him get worked up into a rant, watching as the cook gained excitement talking about seaweed. He went over the fat contents of different eels, properly talking the swordsman’s ear off as they flitted to different food stalls. 

Had it always been this easy to talk to him? Zoro knew it was fun to tease the cook, and even more fun to fight with him, but god. He hadn’t been prepared for how amazing it was to make the cook smile. The sense of pride that filled him up to the brim at the way Sanji kept looking back at him, happily chatting about fish that Zoro didn't give a shit about. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad, to do this everyday. 

Startled at the thought, the swordsman shook himself somewhat. He wasn't going to let himself get comfortable in the loop, would never be satisfied with it as a life. There was no way to move forward like this, and, worst of all, Sanji wouldn't remember anything the next day. The entire conversation they had where the cook was so happy, gone in an instant. 

“-imo? Earth to mosshead.” Sanji said, startling Zoro out of his thoughts. 

“What?” The swordsman grunted, his good mood falling flat. 

Sanji opened his mouth, closing it again almost instantly. He turned away quickly, looking around at the market. 

“I didn't mean to start ranting. We should hurry up with the groceries.” He said stiffly, quickly walking towards another stall. 

“No, it's fine,” Zoro rushed. “Cook-

“Shit!” Sanji hissed, patting himself down frantically. “Someone stole my fucking wallet.” 

-oOo-

Zoro woke up slowly, lying in bed for a few moments before dragging himself upright. He glared at his boots, wiling them to just appear on his feet. 

How many days had it been now? 7? 9? Was anything he was actually doing making a difference? No wonder people go insane, he thought grumpily, dragging himself towards the galley. 

At least there was onigiri again. Zoro told Usopp about changing his weapon, stopped Luffy from eating all the bacon, and stood when Chopper burst in. He killed marines, watched the cooks back, made sure their sniper was uninjured and everyone else was safe. He cleaned the blood off his swords. The previous things that had been a problem were now solved, but nothing felt better. 

Telling Sanji and Robin again wouldn't give him any new insight, but telling Luffy might. Even if the brunette couldn't offer sage wisdom, he could offer an opinion that might help solve the puzzle. 

As Chopper and Luffy set about fishing over the railing, Zoro left his weights where they were, approaching his captain. 

“I’m stuck in a loop.” The swordsman said, watching Luffy fiddle with his bobber. 

Luffy turned to him, tilting his head to the side. 

“A fun one, or a bad one?” He asked. 

“Bad one.” Zoro answered. “And I want to get out.” 

The captain thought for a moment, tossing his line in the water beside Choppers. 

“You gotta do something different then, right?” Luffy said, turning back to him. “Go do something different, Zoro!” 

“Yeah, go do something different, Zoro!” Chopper repeated, nearly toppling over into the water. The swordsman steadied him quickly. 

“I already did that. It wasn't enough.” Zoro explained with a sigh. 

“Really?” Luffy asked, rubbing his forehead. “I guess you gotta do something really different then.” 

“Like what?” Zoro asked tiredly. He grabbed the back of the younger man's vest, preventing him from falling. 

Luffy shrugged, dropping his fishing rod. They both stared at the floating piece of bamboo, the bobber bouncing in the waves next to Chopper’s. 

“What do you wanna do?” Luffy asked him, turning away from the sad fishing pole. 

Zoro kept staring at the wood, watching as it started to steadily get swept away by the current. What he wanted was for things not to change. He loved sailing with his nakama and their adventures, and he was happy with what he had with the cook. And if things changed, if he shared his feelings, no matter what it wouldn't be the same. 

That scared the hell out of him. 

“I don't want to mess anything up.” Zoro admitted softly. 

When he looked back up, Luffy was giving him a critical look. He tilted his head to the side again, eyebrows slightly drawn down. 

“That’s not doing something.” The captain argued. “That’s doing nothing.” 

The swordsman clenched and unclenched his hands, looking back towards the galley. 

The whole time he’d been sailing with Sanji, he’d never been able to get past a certain point. They’d never gotten an opportunity to walk around talking about little things, or tease each other without it being mean. He never would have known the bits about the cook that he had learned the past couple of days if he hadn’t taken a risk and tried. 

“You know what you wanna do now?” Luffy asked, giving him a grin. 

“Yeah.” Zoro swallowed, still looking at the galley door. “I do.” 

Swordsmen are brave, he reminded himself don't be a fucking coward. 

“Good! I’m gonna get my fishing rod.” Luffy said. Before Zoro could snag the back of his vest again, he splashed into the water below, laughing like a maniac as he went. 

-o-

It's just a couple of words, Zoro chanted mentally at himself. It’s just a couple of words. 

The few he wanted to say would have more of an effect on his life than most blades did though. Palms sweating, the swordsman watched the cook examine produce as they walked around, occasionally offering a smile to the vendor and asking prices. 

“Oi, cook.” He grunted, shifting some of the bags in his arms. They had gotten almost everything they needed, so it was now or never. 

“What? Don’t ask for booze, we don’t have the money.” Sanji retorted, still looking at the produce. 

“It’s not that.” Zoro grumbled, inching closer. The other man finally looked up at him, waiting.

Shit, it was so much harder with Sanji looking at him. 

“Can we- get dinner? Together?” 

He mentally cursed at the disjointed sounding phrase. He was pretty sure that it was supposed to sound smoother. 

“I’ll make dinner later, mosshead. We’re not done shopping yet.” Sanji said, lifting an eyebrow at the obviousness of that. 

“No, I mean,” Zoro took another deep breath. “Let’s go out. To eat.” 

Sanji gave him another critical, slightly confused look. 

“Why the fuck would we go out to eat? I need to cook for the crew and we don’t have any money.”

Zoro ground his teeth, looking around for inspiration. He really wasn’t good at this sort of thing, he had never needed to be before the cook. He’d read a book once where a guy got a girl flowers, but he wasn’t sure if that would lead to a kick in the head or not. Plus, the cook was right- they didn’t have any money. 

But, he remembered where he could get money. 

“Wait here.” He muttered, throwing a few of the bags at the cook and placing the rest at his feet. 

Sanji cursed, yelling something after him that he ignored. Just a little ways ahead, leaning on the wall, was the man who had previously tried to rob them so many times. 

Having gone through the whole thing so many times, Zoro didn’t hesitate before punching the guy square in the face. Whether it had happened that particular day or not, the man had at some point still touched the cooks ass. As far as the swordsman was concerned, he was still being nice by not killing him. 

“What the-,” what’s-his-face round man turned the corner, catching the sight of his friend slumping to the ground. 

Not giving him the chance to retaliate, Zoro elbowed him in the gut like he had so many times before. Both men lay on their backs, out for the count as the green haired man made quick work of grabbing their money.

Finding the cook again wasn’t as easy as it should have been, the bastard had probably moved around. It took several more turns and circling back before he managed to spot the bright yellow head and smoke. 

“Finally! What the hell algae-brains?” Sanji fumed, hands on his hips. 

“Had to get the money for dinner.” Zoro explained.

The cook gave him a startled, annoyed look. He took a deep inhale of his cigarette, blowing the smoke out in the swordsman's face. 

“And who the fuck is going to feed Luffy?” He pointed out. 

Zoro coughed, waving the smoke out of his face. 

“Just tell the crew to eat in town like us.” 

“With what money!? And where did you get money!?.”

Sanji was looking more confused by the minute, running a hand through his hair. Zoro picked up the groceries, hoping it would placate the chef. 

“Fine, then cook something for them but come out to eat with me.”

Distantly, Zoro realized he was failing pretty spectacularly at the whole ‘asking out’ thing. He was pretty sure the person you were asking out shouldn’t look so pissed. 

“What, so you don't want to eat my food now?” Sanji asked, biting down hard on the filter of his cigarette. 

The swordsman decided a change in tactics was needed. Thinking back, he tried to remember where he had been able to gain progress with the cook where he wasn’t now. What had he said that had led to that bright, honest smile on Sanji’s face? 

“When's the last time you ate something you wanted to eat?” He asked, words coming more confidently as he spoke them. 

Sanji looked at him blankly for a long moment. 

“I- what?” The cook spluttered, once more thrown for a loop. 

“You always ask us what we want to eat, but what do you want, cook?” Zoro pressed. 

How many times a day combined with every day did Sanji ask the crew what they wanted? As far as the swordsman knew, there hadn’t been a single moment when the cook hadn’t fulfilled every request. He spun around the ship refilling drinks and bearing gifts, disappearing only to make more. 

When’s the last time someone had even asked Sanji what he wanted? 

“It doesn't really matter-,” Sanji began, looking dumbstruck.

“It matters to me.” Zoro pressed. “You made me onigiri without me even having to ask, and now I’m asking you to tell me what you want.”

Sanji took a small step back, looking around like he was searching for the physical exit to the conversation. 

“I don't- Zoro it's fine, really-

“Just tell me!” 

“I don't know!” Sanji exploded. “I don't know how to answer that! I want to find all blue and I want to cook for everybody, ok? Anything else, I just- I don't know!”

Both men stared at each other, somewhat distressed. Zoro didn’t know what he was expecting, but Sanji looking upset wasn't it. 

The unfortunate truth dawned on the swordsman, reminding him that there was a good chance none of their conversation would be remembered by the cook. And what they were saying now was important, Zoro knew that. He was learning who Sanji was just a little better, and he wanted to continue to, but to do that meant getting out of the loop. 

He was messing up again, and running out of time. And they still have to finish shopping on top of it all.

 The cook took Zoro’s silence to awkward retreat from the topic, and he stiffly lifted some of the groceries. The green-haired man followed suit, keeping a steady pace behind the man as he finished gathering the crew's food. Silently, the two men returned to Merry, the coin purses an unwelcome weight in Zoro’s pocket.

-o-

Being a warrior often meant persistence. It meant getting back up when you were struck down, holding your own even when you were injured, and protecting others despite personal danger. It meant not giving up. 

Zoro volunteered to help with dishes. The cook threw up protests that the swordsman ignored, stomping his way to the sink and taking up a sponge. Everyone else fled the scene, picking up on the obvious tension between the two crew members. 

The last thing the swordsman had wanted to do was make the blonde nervous or uncomfortable, yet he had succeeded in both. Sanji stood with his drying cloth like a man held at gunpoint, stiffly keeping his eyes on the dishes. Zoro watched his long, elegant fingers clench and unclench around the cloth, the fine bones white at the knuckle. 

“Cook,” He began, softly so as not to startle the other man. 

Sanji made a small, unhappy noise to show he was listening. Soap bubbles landed on the sleeve of his shirt, popping at the contact. Zoro paused to dry his hands, then slowly reached over.

He unbuttoned the cuffs at the cook’s wrists, gently tugging the slightly damp fabric until it was folded up in an inelegant push. It wasn't as precise or pretty looking as when Sanji did it, but it did the job. Zoro nodded to himself, then looked up.

Sanji watched him with an unreadable expression, one vivid blue eye steadily taking Zoro in. He exhaled slowly, like he had been holding his breath. 

“I know you said you don't know what you want, but what if I could offer something?” The swordsman said slowly. 

Still watching Zoro carefully, the cook narrowed his eyes.

“What are you on about now?” He murmured tiredly. 

Strange how days of seeing the same thing over and over revealed themselves to Zoro in Sanji’s body language. The way he hunched his shoulders like a thug, but it was really more of a self-conscious tick. Hands always lighting a cigarette because they needed something to do. Very human things that the swordsman would have never thought to look for. 

“I could put something out there, and if it sounds like something you might want, then great. If not, that’s fine too.” Zoro said slowly. 

Sanji sighed, looking back at the plate in his hands.

“Sure. Why the fuck not.” He muttered, drying the plate with a little too much force. 

Zoro licked his lips, pausing to put his own plate down. If he was about to get punted out of the galley then he didn't want to break anything along the way. 

“Well, what if- you and me?” 

“You and me?” Sanji repeated, clearly confused. He didn't look back up, still intent on overdrying his plate. 

“Yeah.” Zoro continued. “Together.”

It took Sanji a moment to grasp what Zoro said, stuttering to a halt in his movements before dropping the plate in his hands.

The cook turned to him, a bright shade of pink dusting over his cheeks and eyes wide. Unsure what to do with himself, Zoro turned back to the dishes, fumbling with the sponge as he tried to retain some semblance of calm.

The calm eluded him. Sanji stared at him silently for the few more minutes it took Zoro to finish the dishes, stacking the plates awkwardly beside the frozen blonde. The cook continued to remain unmoving and staring, so the swordsman wiped down the table, rubbing at the bench stains that Luffy and Chopper had left. When that was done, he gave Sanji a long look. 

He was wearing his stupid pink apron that Zoro hated because it made him look sweet, which was too distracting for the swordsman’s heart. It matched the blush on his face, soft and boyish. Zoro was pretty sure that if he didn't leave the room right that minute, he would do something insane like try to kiss the man. 

“Just, think it over.” He murmured. Then he turned, slipping out the galley door.

He practically threw himself up into the crows nest, heart beating wildly against his ribcage. Zoro sat for an unknown amount of time, mechanically moving when Usopp came for his watch, climbing down the ladder and into the men’s bunk room. He quietly shuffled into his hammock, trying not to look at the dark lump that was the sleeping cook. 

He lay awake for a long while, wondering if maybe he should try to stay awake. Wondering if that meant the next day wouldn't be able to repeat. Wondering if maybe it would be better if it did. 

-oOo-

When Zoro woke up, he immediately rolled back over and closed his eyes. 

He didn't know what would be better; a brand new day with Sanji’s rejection served fresh and hot, or once again the torture of never being able to move forward. If it was the same day, he was at an utter and hopeless loss for what to do. Maybe this was just his life now, he thought bitterly. 

Moping could only last so long though. He listened as the other men slowly rose from their hammocks, working their ways tiredly towards the promise of food. Luffy poked him on the way out, chattering excitedly about meat and smacking his sandals on the wooden floor. With a heavy sigh, he rolled over, following his nakama to the galley. 

The smell of bacon grease hit him like a brick as he entered the room, slapping him upside the head and then giving him the finger while it was at it. He was tempted to just walk back to his hammock and sleep for the rest of the day. 

But there was a little plate of onigiri already on the table, set next to a steaming cup of tea. 

Sitting down heavily, Zoro looked at the rice balls. They had been his first clue that he was on the right track, so maybe the whole thing was about food? But everything about food meant Sanji, so then what the hell was Zoro supposed to do? He stuffed a piece in his mouth, deciding that whatever time bullshit had in store for him could at least wait until after breakfast. He’d just have to keep trying, as exhausting and frustrating as it was. 

“Luffy, you better not eat all the bacon again.” Nami warned, shielding her plate with a hard frown. 

Zoro head snapped up. 

“But I didn't eat it all!” Luffy cried. “Right, Zoro?” 

The swordsman stared at the younger boy, then the plate of meat. Then, slowly, he turned to Nami. 

“What town were we in yesterday?” He croaked. 

“Weren’t you paying attention?” Nami chastised. “I must have told everyone it was Windre about a hundred times.” 

Zoro blinked, then turned back to the bacon. He watched dazedly as the pile very quickly disappeared, the last piece getting snatched up by Luffy’s quick fingers. The following smack as Nami hit him echoed around the room with the sound of silverware clinking against plates. A hand appeared in the corner of his vision, placing a fresh cup of tea down beside the swordsman, and he looked up. 

There was the same gentle blush on Sanji’s face as last night, increasing in color as their eyes briefly met. The cook’s gaze flickered away quickly, his cheeks going from subtle to blindingly red in a matter of seconds. Zoro knew for a fact that his own face probably matched. 

He took an overly large sip of tea, coughing a good amount of it up and soaking his shit, causing Chopper to rush to examine him. 

“Zoro! Did you inhale wrong? Are you choking? Breathe slowly!” The little doctor instructed, tilting Zoro's head up and down. 

Utterly embarrassed, The swordsman waved him off quickly, ducking his head at the spluttered chuckle from the cook. He kept his head down for the rest of the meal, Chopper berating him on the importance of small bites and sips. 

For the first time in what felt like a while, there was no chaos after breakfast. Everyone left for their own tasks, no marines appearing to disturb them. Zoro had one hand on his sword before he realized he didn’t need it, awkwardly dropping his hand as he stood in the galley, alone with Sanji now. 

“You gonna help or what?” The cook drawled, gesturing with soapy hands to the rest of the dishes. 

The invitation surprised him. He had assumed the cook wouldn't want to be alone with him for a bit, and judging from the way the blonde furiously attacked the food bits left on the dishes, he wasn't entirely relaxed about the concept. Still, the invitation made Zoro hopeful, and he stepped up beside Sanji, taking a cloth to begin drying. 

The silence that followed wasn't as awkward as it could have been. Zoro took the offered plates, drying them carefully and laying them down beside the sink, the room filled with the quiet noise of the water sloshing and the silverware clinking at the bottom of the sink. Sanji stole a few small glances at the swordsman, and Zoro let him, waiting for the other man to begin the conversation. 

“You asked me what I wanted yesterday.” The cook began slowly, still not looking at the green-haired man. “And I still don't know how to answer that.” 

Zoro followed the cooks example and kept drying the dishes, keeping up the appearance of normalcy for his sake. Sanji was washing an already sparkling fork, scrubbing at it fervently as he continued. 

“I’m not good at asking for things I guess. And what you’re offering is- big.” 

Zoro nodded, knowing the cook was watching him out of the corner of his eye. They both knew the swordsman wasn't the type to give anything less than his all, and Sanji wasn't an idiot. If they did this, it wouldn't be casual. 

Carefully, the cook reached out towards the other man. Zoro stilled instantly, watching with bated breath as Sanji slowly took his hand in his soapy, warm grip. 

“But, I think I would like this.”

Zoro watched with wide eyes, lips twitching as his mouth curled into a smile. He squeezed the damp hand in his, reveling in the way color traveled up the back of Sanji’s neck. The cook finally turned to look at him, flushed and stubborn looking, probably getting ready to throw insults to cover his embarrassment. 

The swordsman didn't let him get that far. Pushing his luck, he raised the hand in his grip and pressed a small kiss there, recoiling at the soapy taste instantly. Sanji laughed at him, a startled little chuckle that seemed to slip out all at once. 

“Maybe at that next island we could get that dinner together?” The cook said, grinning around the words. 

“Yeah. Whatever you want, cook.” Zoro replied dazedly. 

Sanji laughed again quietly, blush still high on his cheeks and ears. His thumb rubbed over an old scar on the swordsman's knuckles, gentle and sweet. 

“You know, I can't remember the last time someone asked me what I wanted.” He murmured, looking at their interlocking fingers. 

Zoro had suspected as much already though. As troubling as that was, he could try his best to guarantee the cook would always have what he wanted from now on. 

“I should have asked sooner. Would have saved us both a lot of time.” The swordsman replied. 

Sanji didn't remember some of that time of course, and maybe one day Zoro would tell the crew, but for now it didn't matter. Sanji was finally bright and happy the way the swordsman had been fighting so desperately for, and it was because he had finally decided to open his mouth and take a chance.

As frustrating and terrible as it’d been, Zoro never would have said anything about how he felt before. He would have gone on in his life trying to push away his feelings for Sanji when, in the end, all he’d had to do was ask. Just a few words, holding the power that his swords never had. 

Sanji leaned forward, brushing his lips across the warm skin of Zoro's cheek, and something inside the swordsman finally fell into place and settled.