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Chapter Text

Sanji was bouncing in his room. He had barely slept the night before, how could he? Today was a big day. Today was the big day. It was The Baratie opening day.

Sanji was standing in front of his mirror and passed for the fifth time his little hands against his white apron. Last night Zeff had given him his entire outfit and hung it on his chair next to his desk. The outfit was simple, a shirt with a vest, pants, and an apron, all white. The only touch of color was the blue tie. Zeff had told him to wear the black shoes they had bought together the weekend before. Sanji watched the clock.

7:30

Zeff had told him to meet him at eight a.m. in the kitchen. He also told Sanji that he needed to dress himself and he wouldn’t have time to help him because he would be too busy. The other cooks had started earlier, around six a.m., to prepare breakfast, check the machines, and do a quick repetition. A month ago, Zeff had sent a waiting list in the village they are mooring for the first day. Zeff had wrote in big and red that people would have the first breakfast free. Sanji said he could be in the kitchen at six a.m. too like the other but the stupid Old Geeze had refused saying he needed sleep. Why sleep when you can cook?

He knew the shitty old man would yell at him if Sanji went down too early so he stayed in his room making sure his outfit was flawless. 

Sanji looked up in the mirror again and gasped. He wasn’t wearing his blue tie. Zeff had said the night before, that the blue tie was important and he needed to have it. Sanji looked around his room. The little eleven-year-old started looking everywhere. He opened his closet and put out all his clothes but no blue tie in view. Sanji looked back at the clock.

7:45

The old man was going to kill him if he was late. Worse, he would tell Sanji he was useless and throw him out. Sanji tried to keep his tears at bay. He couldn’t cry, he didn’t have time for that. He needed to focus and be faster.

Sanji looked under his bed and then at his desk. Zeff had put him an old little wooden desk under his bedroom window. Sanji could write his recipe properly in his cooking book. 

Sometimes he would draw too but he always hides them in the drawer. Zeff would cry of laughter if he saw them. 

One time, a little after Zeff gave him the desk with paper and crayons, Sanji succeeded in drawing his mom. He missed her so much. 

Suddenly someone knocked at the door.

“Sanji? Are you up?”

It was Patty. Sanji looked at the clock.

7:57

Holy moly Sanji was nearly late. He looked back at his bed and saw the royal blue tie lying on his nightstand waiting for him.

Sanji grabbed it and ran to his door. He opened it and saw Patty who was about to knock again.

The retired pirate raised an eyebrow “You’re good kiddo? Your face is red.”

“I’m fine! Old Geeze is in the kitchen?” 

“Yep. You should start running, kid.”

Sanji nodded and ran to the kitchen. On his way, he tried to tie his tie but it wasn’t a big success. Sanji hoped Zeff wouldn’t have time to see it. 

Why did his room have to be so far away from the kitchen? He knew why. Zeff had said it was because he didn’t want the smell of burn and smoke to go into the bedrooms or his office. 

When Sanji arrived in the kitchen, he sent a quick glance to the clock.

8:01

Shit. Sanji bowed his head. He was late. 

The four other cooks had already started everything. The machines were on and ready to bake. Leah was checking kettles and coffee makers and Beth verified the fruits were good while Crane was pulling out the glasses. Leah and Beth were two sisters and retired pirates. They had fought a too-big fish for them so they agreed to go back to a more normal life. Zeff was cooking when Sanji spotted him.

He walked toward him fast but not fast dodging Isaac, one of the waiters holding stacked plates. The day before, Zeff had yelled that the next time he would see Sanji run in the kitchen would be the last time he put a foot in it before his eighteenth birthday.

“Old geezer.”

From what Sanji could see, Zeff was making an omelet without potatoes and a plate was already half ready with two balls of rice. There was also a banana cut into slides and an apple cut into cubes. He kept his gaze on the pan “You’re late eggplant.”

Sanji winced. How could he have forgotten about the tie? Zeff was going to fire him. Now he was sure of it. Last night he had only asked for one thing, to be ready at eight am in the kitchen and Sanji was too stupid and useless to obey a simple order.

Maybe if he was lucky, Zeff would only punch him or lock him in his room. Sanji only wished for two things to not be kicked out and food. But maybe Sanji was being greedy.

Sanji closed his eyes waiting for the hit when he saw Zeff turning toward him. He opened them slowly when he felt a warm breath against his face and fingers against his tie. Zeff was kneeling in front of him, untying his tie. 

Sanji swallowed “What are you doing?”

Zeff adjusted the tie around Sanji’s neck “Your tie is not tied the right way. Hungry eggplant?”

Sanji nodded. Zeff slowly tied the tie again. “Better now.” he stood up. He poured the omelet on the plate and pushed it toward Sanji. “Take it and go eat.”

Sanji looked at the plate and back to Zeff. “You’re not mad?”

“What for?” 

“I was late and didn’t tie my tie right.”

Zeff looked at Sanji and crossed his arms “Do you know how to tie a tie?”

“No.” Sanji bowed his head in shame. He should have known. When Zeff had given it to him, Sanji should have learned how to do it. What an idiot.

“Were you late on purpose?”

“No!” Sanji looked up, face red. Today was important. It was the opening day of Zeff’s restaurant. Of course, he didn’t do it on purpose. 

Zeff smirked “Then why should I be mad for something you didn’t know or didn’t do on purpose? Now move your ass eggplant. Go eat and join me when you’re done. When you better chew it, not just swallow.”

Sanji nodded. “Thank you.” He took the plate and sat at the wooden table next to Zeff.

Once he was done, Sanji looked at Zeff. “So old geezer, what's on the menu?”

Sanji asked even though he knew the menu by heart. Since they were opening they had kept it simple. Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate for the warm drink. Water, gaseous or not. Omelet, fluffy pancakes, or rice for the meal. 

Sanji was dying to eat Zeff's fluffy pancakes. They looked so good.

“You go with me, eggplant. We have something to do before.”

Sanji frowned. Something to do? Zeff gave a couple of orders to the cooks and waiters before leaving the kitchen with Sanji on his tail.

They crossed the empty dining room, walking in the direction of the front door.

Ah. Zeff had probably changed his mind and wanted to kick him out. Old man was kind enough to give Sanji one last good meal before leaving.

They arrived at the front door. Two wooden doors painted orange. Zeff put his hands on the two yellow knockboards. 

“Ready eggplant?”

No, he wasn’t ready. He didn’t want to leave. Sanji thought he had finally found a home, a good one with Zeff.

They had planned everything together. They found the ship together then from the colors of the rooms to the decorations passing by the furniture. Sanji even had the privilege to choose his room. Old man had let him choose his furniture and even how to arrange it in his room. Zeff had chosen his room next to his but it must’ve been a coincidence. 

But Father was right. Sanji didn’t deserve to live, not to mention being happy.

Sanji tried to smile. He was going to be brave. He wouldn’t cry. He would do it later when he would be alone. He wouldn’t beg either. Zeff wouldn’t want to deal with a clingy crying brat. Sanji had already ruined his life, he wasn’t going to ruin his day too. 

“Ready.”

Zeff smiled and opened the two doors. Sanji was dazzled at first because of the sun but then he saw people. A lot of people. Adults, kids, family, couples, or single people waiting in line in front of the Baratie. 

Zeff cleared his throat “Welcome to the Baratie. A restaurant where everyone will eat to their hunger. I’m chef Zeff and this is my sous chef Sanji. We are proud and happy to welcome you to our restaurant. Thank you for waiting, now Eli is going to take your name, and Lauren and Isaac will walk you to your table.”

Eli started taking names and Lauren and Isaac started to lead customers to their tables. Zeff had put his massive hand on Sanji’s shoulder when he had started speaking. He kneeled and looked at the little boy.

“Ready Eggplant? We have work to do.”

Zeff smiled at Sanji. The eleven-year-old took a minute before speaking. He nodded “Born ready shitty old man.”

Zeff’s smile widened. 

———

They went back to the kitchen while the first customers were walking to their tables. About ten minutes later, the first tickets arrived. If Zeff was stressed he didn’t show it. Patty started making the fluffy pancakes, and Carne was preparing the rice. Beth and Lea were taking care of the drinks. Zeff was doing the last checking before Lauren and Isaac took the orders back into the dining room.

Sanji crossed his arms “I want to help too.”

Zeff growled, “You’re helping by not doing anything.”

“I’m the sous chef old man.” 

“I said no.”

Sanji pouted and crossed his arms.

Zeff sighed. He just didn’t want Sanji to cut or burn himself on the opening day. The kid was so stressed his little hands were shaking. Why couldn't Eggplant understand it? 

Zeff glanced at his two waiters. Lauren and Isaac were young, barely eighteen. Zeff had found them under a pounding rain close to the restaurant two weeks before, alone and starving. He fed them up and they told their story. Childhood friends running away from abusing home. Of course, Zeff took them in and offered them the jobs. 

That little eggplant had made him soft.

The two teens were nervous but were doing an amazing job. 

Patty and Carne too. The two retired pirates were loud, brash, and swearing a bit too much for Zeff's liking. He swore a lot himself but for fuck sake, Eggplant was in the kitchen couldn’t they stop saying fuck, shit, or damnit at the end of all of their sentences.

For fuck’s sake.

Zeff looked at Leah and Beth, the two young women were working in sync, they didn’t even need to talk to know what the other needed. Zeff was now sure. The Baratie will be the best restaurant ever. 

Eli came into the kitchen “Boss?” He was young too, barely an adult. Damn without Patty or Carne, Zeff would have thought he was working in a kindergarten. “We need help in the dining room.”

“Someone complains?” Zeff was ready to kick anyone who criticized the food. The ingredients and the cooks were fucking amazing. 

Eli smiled, “No boss, just too many people.”

“Fine. Go back to the welcoming.”

“On it boss!” Eli passed the swing door and went back to his desk. 

Fuck. When Zeff had the idea of the free breakfast, Patty and Crane had complained it would bring too many customers but they were opening a fucking restaurant, they needed customers.

Zeff sends a quick glance into Sanji's direction. Eggplant was still pouting looking at Patty cooking. 

Kid wanted to work. Fine.

“Eggplant.”

Sanji looked up “What old man?”

“You want to help? Move your ass.”

Sanji walked to him “You finally let me cook?”

“Not now. First, you take that plate” Zeff picked the first plate in front of him. Two fluffy pancakes, an omelet, and one portion of rice. “Bring it to table four.”

Sanji frowned, “I’m not a waiter. I’m a cook and the sous chef.”

“It’s not because you’re the sous chef that makes you superior to Lauren or Isaac. So you take that plate or either go take the names of the new customers at the welcoming.”

Sanji quickly took the plate “Table four you said? On it Old Geeze.”

Zeff smirked. He followed with his eyes Sanji holding the plate passing the two swing doors. He went to the round window of the left one and saw Sanji walking nervously to table four. Thanks fuck that Eggplant remembered where the table four was. 

Lauren and Isaac smiled seeing Sanji delivering the plate. Zeff heard him nervously speaking.

“Hello Madam, there is your plate. Two fluffy pancakes with omelet and rice. Enjoy your meal.”

He bowed and went back walking faster, face red. Zeff chuckled, eggplant had learned his lesson pretty well. For the past week, when Zeff was doing his paperwork, he could hear Sanji practicing in his own room.

Zeff went back to the dish warmer checking the other dishes. Sanji passed the swing door “What table now?”

Zeff looked at the dishes and picked a plate. Only rice and omelet. “Table nine.”

Sanji nodded “Table nine. On it.” He took the plate and left.

The rest of the morning went well and before they knew it, The Baratie cooks were already on the dinner shift. At the end of the day, around ten, Eli closed the Baratie doors while Isaac cleaned the tables.

Zeff and Crane were sitting around a table when Patty opened a bottle. Leah and Beth brought with Lauren the meals for the team to eat. Sanji started to doze off around eight p.m. He was now napping on Zeff's lap. Patty was serving wine when Isaac and Eli joined them.

Zeff stayed on water. He had stopped drinking alcohol when he adopted Sanji. He didn’t want Eggplant to grow up with an alcoholic guardian like he did. 

The other kids were smiling, tired but smiling. That day had been long but fuck he had done it. They had done it. They had opened a fucking restaurant. Zeff couldn’t be more proud. 

He curled his arms around Sanji still asleep. He hoped the kid wouldn't have nightmares tonight. Or if he did, that he would come to him. 

Zeff didn’t know what the nightmares were about. Sanji never wanted to speak about it and Zeff didn’t want to pressure the kid. It was already a miracle he would come to an old retired amputated pirate for comfort. 

Zeff got out of his thoughts by Patty elbowing him. “Boss? Everything alright?”

“Yeah fine.”

Leah smiled “Today was rough. Can’t fucking wait to be tomorrow.”

The rest of the team nodded.

Carne pointed to Sanji “Kid helped a lot today. Bring plates in the dining room, and bring us the food from the storage or fridge. He did a good job.”

Zeff smirked “Of course he did. He’s not the sous chef for nothing idiot.”

The crew laughed.

“So are we staying here boss?” Julien said.

“Nah. There are hungry people all around East Blue. We can’t stay in Cozia forever.”

 Beth nodded, “Can we choose the next direction?”

“If you want kiddo.”

Eli stood up “I have a map! I’m gonna pick it up!” and ran to his room.

Patty took another glass of red wine. “Maybe the kid could see other kids. Could be good for him.”

Zeff looked down at Sanji “Probably.”

Eli came back quickly after with the map. After a few minutes, they finally choose their next direction. With that being said, Zeff called up for the night. They will only leave in a couple of days so they have time to prepare everything. 

Zeff picked up Sanji and carried him to his room. Zeff chuckled when he saw the little wooden sign with Eggplant writing on it. For vengeance, Sanji had written ‘Old Greeze’ on his. He opened the door with his wooden leg and entered. Zeff took off the apron, vest, and pants so Sanji could be comfortable and pulled the covers off him.

He sat on the bed and brushed his blond hair. “You did a good job today, eggplant. It’s time for sleep and rest. Have a good night kiddo.”

Zeff hoped Sanji would like the new destination. After all, maybe Sanji could make some friends at Dawn Island.

Chapter Text

Sanji looked through his window. Dawn Island seemed big. He could see a castle in the back and a lot of windmills. He had never seen one in real life, only in books. Father hated when Sanji would rather read books in the library than train. 

Someone knocked. “Can I come in?”

“Yes, Old man.”

Sanji never understood why Zeff would always knock and ask before coming in. Father or his siblings never bothered before. Zeff had talked about respecting his personal space and boundaries. Which made Sanji even more confused.

Zeff entered “You’re ready for the day Eggplant?”

They left Cozia in the direction of Dawn a week after the opening. Sanji didn’t understand why they left, Cozia was great. Sanji looked at Zeff. He wasn’t wearing his uniform but normal clothes. An ugly striped orange and black sweater with red pants and a black jacket.

Sanji raised his curly eyebrow “Where are you going?”

“We need to go to the market today.”

Sanji frowned. The Old man has been weird since they arrived two days prior. Always talking about going outside and visiting. They didn’t have time to visit, they needed to cook.

Deep down, Sanji just hoped Zeff didn't use the market as an excuse to drop him off and leave. 

“We have to?”

“Yes, Eggplant. Come on, you need to see the world. Imagine, you could meet other brats like you and befriend.”

Sanji pouted. He didn’t want to have friends. Other kids were scary and could hurt him like his brothers did. He was fine with living his whole life in the Baratie kitchen. Zeff picked up his coat and handed it to him.  

Zeff smirked, “With that face, people will think I kidnapped you or something.”

“You kinda did shitty old man.”

Zeff laughed loudly. “Come on Eggplant, we need to go before all the good products are gone.”

They passed the kitchen and Sanji saw Leah and Beth turning on the drink machines. Patty was making pancake batter and Crane was cooking rice. Sanji said hi and with Zeff exited to pass into the dining room. Eli, Lauren, and Isaac were preparing the tables and cutlery. For now, The Baratie only had the noble from the island. Sanji didn’t like them. He hated nobles.

Zeff and he left the restaurant and started walking on the island. They first went to the High town, where there was no market but shops filled with the riches and nobles. Sanji felt his skin crawl. 

The old retired pirate looked through the windows at the product and moved on.

“We’re not coming in?”

“They’re bad quality.”

“How do you know that?”

“Look.” Zeff brought Sanji close to him, and pointed to a fruit basket “You see the tangerines?”

Sanji nodded.

“That island doesn’t have the right climate for tangerines so it was brought by boat. Fruits rots pretty quickly. Look, one of them had already rotten and is still in the basket. The seller doesn't care about the product. So it’s shit.”

“Oh.”

“We need to find a good market. Maybe at the Tower Center or the Edge town.”

They started walking again in the direction of the Tower Center. Then something or rather someone caught Sanji's eyes. Two kids were pickpocketing two nobles. One was wearing a red top with black hair and the other one was blond with a blue jacket.

“Look somewhere else Eggplant.”

Sanji looks up at Zeff. “Why? They’re stealing people.”

Zeff sighed “These two kids aren’t fat. The blond one has better clothes but not the other one. Sometimes to eat, you have to do bad things. You and I both know that.”

Sanji nodded to himself. Some nights, he still had nightmares about the rock. About dying there alone, about hunger. 

He went closer to Zeff. Old man was right, when you're hungry you’re ready to do everything. Even bad things. After all, Sanji had been close to killing Zeff for food. 

———

Zeff was pissed and Sanji was too. They haven’t found anything decent in the Tower Center or Edge Town. Sanji was tired and his feet hurt. He wanted to go back to the Baratie. Zeff asked one of the sellers if there was another market and they talked about the Foosha’s village one. 

The village was outside of the city and on the way, Sanji couldn’t stop himself from asking.

“Why do you think a village market will be better than the one from the High town?”

“Because Eggplant, farmers who sell their product at the market directly know the products. They know their fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood better than anyone. The little market from outside of a big city will always be better than a noble shop. And we, cooks, need the best product to make the best food.”

“Why?”

“Would you rather take a bark or a galleon to go on an angry sea?”

“A galleon.”

“Why?”

Sanji shrugged, “Because it can protect us better.”

“Exactly.” Zeff nodded. “Don’t expect to do something great if the raw material is shit.”

“I think I understand.”

“See.” Zeff smirked, “I knew you were smart.”

“Of course, I’m smart shitty Old Geeze!”

———

They arrived quickly at the market. Zeff looked more happy at the product view. He was talking with the seafood seller when Sanji spotted the two kids he had seen earlier. Now there was a third one. Younger than the two others, wearing a straw hat. The blond one was talking to the seller while the two others picked up the fruits.

Sanji tugged Zeff’s jacket. 

“One-second Eggplant.” Zeff paid up and then looked at Sanji “Something wrong?”

“Look, the boys are here too. If they’re hungry should we bring them to the Baratie?”

Zeff smiled “Good idea Eggplant. Want to go talk to them?”

Sanji looked at the three kids. The two black-haired boys had picked up a couple of orange and strawberries. The blond one left the seller and the adult quickly understood that he had been stolen. He tried to run after them but the boys were too fast for him. 

“Eggplant?”

Sanji bites his bottom lips. These boys looked like his brothers. Strong, confident, fast. They seemed close. Maybe siblings. 

Sanji wanted to help them but what if they punched him like his brothers did every time he wanted to help?

“Eggplant you’re good?”

The three boys went to another shelf and picked up meat on the way. Sanji wanted to help them so badly but what if they saw his kindness as a weakness and hurt him?

Sanji's stomach started to hurt. Zeff had called it anxiety one time. Sanji hates it.

“Eggplant? Sanji?”

Sanji jolted. Right, Zeff asked something and he wanted an answer. 

“I think they’re fine, old man.”

“Yeah, I think so too. And if we see them again, we can bring them to the Baratie.”

Sanji nodded. Zeff ruffled his blond hair and they walked to another shelf. Sanji could hear the laugh of the younger one. He sounded happy. Every time they would bump into people, the boys would bow and apologize before running again. 

When they left the market, the younger one bumped into Zeff. He rubbed his head and was about to apologize when he cut himself “You have a wooden leg? So cool! What happened?”

Sanji went closer to Zeff, practically hiding behind his legs. The two older ones went closer to the boy. The blond one helped him to get up while the other one put himself in front of Zeff protecting the two others.

Zeff raised an eyebrow “I cut it.”

“So cool! You're like a pirate! Are you a pirate?”

The blond one shook the younger boy “Lu stop talking and apologize.”

“But Bo, he looks like a pirate! I had to ask! Maybe he knows Shanks!” 

The older one glared at the two others “Will you two shut up!”

Zeff chuckled “Kid is right. I was a pirate. I’m retired now.”

Lu apparently, a weird name if you ask Sanji, had stars in his eyes “So cool! Do you know Shanks?”

“Akagami no Shanks? I do. I met him when he was a cabin boy on Roger’s ship.”

Sanji didn’t know that. Sanji didn’t know that Zeff had met the King of the Pirates. The three boys had three very different reactions. Lu was bouncing with joy while Bo looked intensively at the older one. The older one was frozen in place. His face was pale and Sanji thought he was going to pass out.

Then Lu's stomach growled.

Zeff looked at them “Hungry? Eggplant and I had opened a floating restaurant, could we bring you there.”

Lu beamed “A floating restaurant? It’s so cool!” he advanced toward Zeff when the older one stopped him. 

“We don’t have money.”

“I don’t care. Now come on. We need to go back before one of my cooks has burned down the kitchen. What’s your name?”

“I’m Luf-”

Bo elbowed him “What did we tell you? We don’t say our name to adults we don’t know.”

The older one nodded “I’m Freckles, this is Blond and Rubber.”

Sanji and Zeff frowned. They understood for Blond because of his blond hair. Freckles had indeed his face full of freckles but Rubber?

Zeff asked, “Rubber?”

Rubber nodded “I ate a devil fruit so now I’m made of rubber.” The boy extended his head with one of his hands. Sanji and Zeff saw his neck stretch out before coming back to normal when Rubber let go of his head.

“Oh dear mother of the seas. Okay so now come on you three. The lunch service is about to start.”

Zeff started walking with Sanji holding his coat sleeve. Rubber was bouncing around asking multiple questions at the same time while Blonde and Freckles were quietly talking to each other. Sanji didn’t understand much but only ‘Dadan is going to be pissed if we don’t come back for lunch’ and Freckles responded by saying it was going to be fine.

Freckles and Blond looked a bit scary. Sanji saw a bandage on Rubber’s arm. He hoped they didn’t hurt him like Sanji’s brothers did to him.

He looked kind.

———

Rubber was bouncing in the restaurant, screaming about meat. Blond tried to calm him down while Freckles had his eyes locked on Zeff. 

Sanji followed Zeff in the kitchen, the chef took three plates and turned the gas on.

Beth raised an eyebrow “We have kids now? Can they pay?”

Zeff growled “No.”

“Cool. What do they want?”

“Freckles want omelet, rice and meat. Blond the same with more omelet and Rubber only want meat.”

Leah looked at Zeff “Freckles, Blond and Rubber? What the hell?”

Zeff shrugged “Kids don't trust adults and don’t want to say their real names. Can’t blame them.”

It took Sanji three weeks before he said his name so Zeff had started calling him Eggplant. When he asked for a last name, Sanji responded that he didn’t have any. He couldn’t take the risk of Zeff knowing about Father or Germa. Sanji would rather die than go back there. Zeff understood he was lying but didn’t push.

Zeff finished the first plate and handed it to Sanji. “Can you serve them?”

Sanji looked at the plate and nodded. He took it and passed the swing door. The plan was simple, go to the table, give Freckles the plate, and leave. Easy.

Sanji arrived at the table, Rubber was doing all the talking with Blond silently listening and trying to calm him down while Freckles kept looking at the kitchen.

Maybe Freckles hated pirates and wanted to hurt Zeff? Sanji hoped not. He didn't know how to fight but he would still try to protect the Old Geeze.

“Here is your plate.”

Freckles looked at the plate and poked at the omelet with his fork.

“I would never poison the food, don't worry.”

Sanji jolted. Zeff was behind him holding three plates. He put Rubber and Blond order in front of them and another plate in front of an empty seat. 

Sanji felt Zeff’s hand on his shoulder “Time for you to eat too Eggplant.” and left. 

Shit. Sanji couldn't leave now. Why did that old man always ruin this plan?

Rubber titled his head “Eggplant? Your name is Eggplant?”

Sanji blushed, “No it’s not.” he sat on the empty seat. At the same time, Freckles bolted and left the table. “What’s wrong? I can leave if I’m the problem.”

Blond shook his head. “He will be fine.”

Rubber frowned “But Old man called you Eggplant.”

“Because Shitty Old man is an idiot. My name is Sanji.”

Rubber smiled “Oh. I’m Monkey D. Luffy and I’m gonna be King of the Pirates!”

Blond shouted “Luffy! We told you to not give your name!”

“But Sabo, Sanji told me his! I had to! Makino said so.”

Sabo sighed. 

Sanji looked at Luffy “You want to be King of the Pirates?”

“Yep. That’s my dream. What’s yours?”

“My dream?”

“Yeah, what's your dream?”

Sanji was not sure. The only people who didn’t laugh at his dream were Zeff and his mom. 

Sanji ate a bit of his omelet. “You’re gonna laugh.”

Luffy frowned “I would never laugh about someone’s dream! Right, Sabo?”

Sabo nodded “We won’t laugh. Promise.”

Sanji bites his bottom lip. He thought about his mom and her smile. He smiled “Did you hear about the All Blue?”

Luffy and Sabo shook their heads.

Sanji smiled. He felt a blush growing on his cheek. “It’s a magical place. It’s the only place where the four seas, North, South, East and West meet. All kinds of fish exist in his ocean. It’s a cook’s dream. It’s Zeff's dream too. One day I will find it and I will open a restaurant there.”

Luffy smiled “It’s so great! I’m sure you will find it! Is that why the Old man became a pirate?”

Sanji nodded.

Luffy beamed “I made a promise with my brothers, when we will be seventeen, we will take the seas to be pirates. I will have the best crews in the world and I will become King of Pirates. You could come with me. You could be my cook!”

Sanji blushed “You think?”

Luffy nodded “Shishishi! I want you as my cook!”

Sanji smiled “I’m still learning but one day I will. I’ll be a cook and we will sail together.”

Luffy smiled. “I hope so! You will be the cook of the King of Pirate!”

Sanji smiled even more. Maybe Zeff was right when he said he could make friends.

———

Zeff smiled listening to Sanji talking about the All Blue. He could see Sanji’s smile despite being on the balcony looking at the sea. That Luffy boy was really something. He reminds him of someone.

He felt that kid's presence before he spoke.

“Don’t like my cooking boy?”

“You knew Roger.”

Zeff turned his head “I did.”

The kid clenched his fist. “What would you do if you knew he had a kid?”

Zeff raised an eyebrow “Honestly?”

The kid was shaking. He nodded.

“Make sure they’re safe.”

The kid gasped.

Zeff fully turned to face the kid and crossed his arms. When he first heard about the Baterilla massacre, he didn’t care much. But now that Sanji was in his life, he couldn’t stop himself from having nightmares of marines breaking down his door and taking Sanji away from him. Every time, he needed to go to the Eggplant’s room, see Sanji sleeping, and breathing, making sure he was okay and safe. 

Now when he thought about the massacre, he couldn’t stop the chill going down his spine. 

The kid had black hair but a lot of people had black hair. He had a face full of freckles too and his hair was wavy. He reminded him of someone too. 

“The navy asshole hunted down an innocent baby a decade ago because of something he couldn’t control. If by some miracle the kid survived, I hope they’re safe.”

The kid frowned “But he’s a monster. Roger was a monster.”

“Roger was a monster to the people who threatened his family. Roger was also kind, funny, and caring. I saw him carrying his two cabin boys to bed more than once and read them bedtime stories. Just like I saw him building houses for villagers after a storm destroyed their town.” Zeff shrugged “We never fought. Roger knew when a fight would be too easy and I wasn’t dumb enough to provoke him. One time I saw him cut a galleon in half after one of their crew members made comments about the cabin boys. He was a good father to them.”

Zeff saw tears in the kid's eyes. He slowly makes a step toward him so as to not scare the kid. He kneeled and slowly wrapped his arms around him. 

The kid let out a sob “I shouldn’t have been born.”

“Because of Roger? Nonsense. He would have loved you.”

“I killed my mom. She protected me in her womb and I killed her when I was born.”

Zeff cupped the kid’s face with one of his hands. “Your mom was Portgas D. Rouge?”

The kid gasped “You knew my mom?”

Zeff snorted “The most famous bounty hunter of my time. She tried to kill me more than once. Roger was her favorite target though. That idiot was so in love with her that he would leave notes so she could find him more easily. Not that she needed that. She was smart, brave and strong. You look like her.”

“I do?”

“You have her freckles and wavy hair. You have her nose too. Maybe the eyes but I’m not sure. You have the hair color of Roger though, her hair was strawberry blonde. She also had a flower in it. Hibiscus I think.”

The kid smiled and whispered to himself “I look like mom.”

Zeff smiled “You do, and don’t think for one second your parents didn't love you. They loved you so much. They’ve done everything, fought life itself to make sure you will be safe. They would be so happy to see you breathing, smiling, and laughing.”

“So, I deserve to be born?”

“Of course you do. I’m sure that your parents are watching over you somewhere and they love you and are so proud of you.”

The kid broke into tears in Zeff’s arms. Zeff waited, his hand moving back and forth on his back whispering “It’s going to be okay.” until the kid stopped crying. The kid whipped his tears and cleared his throat “I should go back before my brothers do something stupid.”

“Of course.”

The kid started walking and stopped at the window door “My name is Ace. Portgas D. Ace.”

Zeff smiled, “Happy to meet you, Ace.”

Ace smiled and turned his head to hide his blush. He walked to the dining room and Zeff chuckled. “I knew your love for each other was strong, but I didn’t know it was that strong.”

Zeff was happy to meet the boy and see he had survived but he was also sad. He knew how much they would love their son. Roger would have spoiled him while Rouge taught him how to fight or cheat during card games. And of course, that silly man chose to name his son after his sword. 

———

When Ace came back to the table, he could hear Luffy’s laugh. He sat back at his place and Sanji blushed at something Luffy said. 

Luffy swallowed his meat “Ace, ne, Sanji will be my cook! He’s my first nakama!”

Ace looked at the blond boy “Really?”

Sanji hummed. 

Ace picked up his fork and started to eat “You know how to fight? Cause Luffy loves trouble.”

“No, but I will learn too!”

Luffy smiled, “Sanji will be the best cook and fighter. Once we’re seventeen we’ll leave together and build a crew and find the One Piece. I will be King of the Pirates and we will find All Blue!”

Sabo nodded “How old are you?”

Sanji blushed “Eleven.”

Ace looked at Luffy “You realize Sanji is three years older than you right? Maybe he doesn't want to wait for you.” He smirked. “That means that if I want, I can ask Sanji to be in my crew and we could sail together.”

Sabo started laughing while Luffy slammed his hands against the table. “No! Sanji is my cook! He will wait for me!  Right, Sanji?” Luffy looked at Sanji. In fact, the three boys were looking at him. Sanji felt overwhelmed. But he looked at Luffy and he just knew that he would be ready to wait years for him.

Sanji smiled “I will wait for you Luffy. Don’t worry.”

Luffy beamed. He looked at his brothers “See. Sanji will be my cook. Don’t pay attention to them Sanji, they’re just jealous because their cooks will be less cool than you.”

Sanji chuckled. “Okay. Captain.”

Luffy beamed.

———

Zeff passed by the dining room and saw that the four boys had finished their plates. Sanji was happily talking with that Luffy boy while Sabo and Ace were whispering to each other. The retired pirate went to his office and opened one of the drawers. He picked up the box and took one of the pictures of him with his old crew when they met Roger’s pirates. He cut it and put a piece back in the box and the other in his pocket. Ace deserved and needed that photo more than him.

He went back to the dining room and Sabo gasped. “Fuck Dadan is going to kill us!”

Ace looked at the clock “We’re so late.”

Zeff frowned “Who is Dadan?”

Luffy bounced from his chair “She’s a mountain bandit.”

Sabo nodded “She’s also our guardian.”

“Where do you live?”

Ace spoke “In the mountain with her and the other bandit. She’s nice. Weird and sometimes scary but nice.”

“Okay. I’m walking you home.”

Sabo shook his head “No thank you, we know the way, we’ll be fine.”

Zeff frowned. Luffy had a bandage on his arm, and Sabo and Ace had bruises on their faces and arms. No, it wasn’t fine. He wanted to have a word with that Dadan.

“I prefer to do it.”

Sabo and Ace looked at each other and Ace nodded “Okay.”

Zeff looked at Sanji, “Eggplant you stay here.”

“What? No!” Sanji frowned, “I want to come with you.”

Luffy nodded “I’m not leaving without my cook!” and the two boys locked their arms together. 

Zeff sighed. He knew a lost battle when he saw one. “Fine.”

———

They were walking in the forest close to the Foosha village. Luffy was happily talking about his future crew with Sanji. Apparently, his son was a future pirate and already had bear allegiance to Luffy.  His boy was going to give him either gray hair or a heart attack before the end of the year. From what he heard, Zeff understood that Luffy wanted ten people, and most importantly a musician. Wonderful.

Ace and Sabo were walking in front leading the way, whispering to each other. Ace was smiling and Sabo glared at Zeff. Ace was touching his face while talking. The kid must be telling his brother about their little conversation. 

Zeff saw the beginning of a house when something or more someone attacked him from behind. He stopped it with his wooden leg and heard Sanji yelling his name. A woman, with ginger curly hair was holding a pipe. 

“You have three seconds to explain why my boys are with you, Red Leg.”

Zeff smirked, “Damn, it’s been a long time since I heard that name.” 

“Dadan stop it!” Ace and Sabo ran to her and tugged at her shirt “Dadan, Zeff is fine! He gave us food!”

“How many times did I tell you, boys! You don’t follow strangers who give you food goddamnit!” Dadan frowned, “If you want money we don’t have any.”

“I don’t care about the money.” 

The pipe pressure on his leg was starting to hurt. 

“Zeff!”

Fuck, Sanji sounded like he was about to cry. He needed to calm the situation and fast.

Luffy shouted “Dadan!” he went to help his brother trying to stop Dadan.

Dadan growled “Then why are you here?”

“Boys talked about having a bandit mountain as a guardian. The three of them have injuries. Just wanted to check.”

Dadan’s face twisted with anger “You think I would hurt my kids?” and pressed the pipe against the wooden leg even harder.

Ace looked at Zeff “It’s not Dadan! Promise! She wouldn’t hurt us!”

Sabo nodded “Dadan protected us!”

“It was Bluejam!” Luffy started crying. “He’s mean! Dadan saved us! Stop it please!”

Zeff and Dadan looked at each other before they both lowered down. Sanji ran to Zeff and clenched his fist against his coat. Dadan put the boys behind her. 

“You gave them a meal?”

“Yes. I’m a chef now and I opened a restaurant. Like I said, I don't care about the money.”

“Good. Did you thank him, boys?”

The three boys bowed “Thank you for the meal.”

Dadan and Zeff kept looking at each other when Luffy tugged Dadan's sleeve “Ne Dadan, Sanji accepted to be in my crew.”

“Really?”

Sanji blushed “I will be Luffy’s cook and I will find the All Blue!”

Dadan smirked “Then kid I hope you know what you’re gotten into. Because my boy eats like a small army.”

Sanji nodded “I’ll be ready.”

Dadan smiled. 

“My sous chef and I need to go. I can’t leave our floating restaurant without any supervision for too long.” Zeff and Sanji started to walk and when they got closer, he looked at Ace and pulled out the half picture “Here. I thought you would need it more than I do.”

Ace took the picture and Luffy and Sabo looked at it with him. His eyes watered “Is it… Is it really them?”

In the picture, Roger and Rouge were side by side smiling. Rouge was smiling at the den den mushi who took the picture and Roger was smiling at Rouge. He had his arm around her waist and her right hand was on his chest.

Zeff nodded “Yes. It’s your mom and dad.”

Ace smiled. He brushed the picture with his thumb. “She’s pretty. My mom is pretty.”

Luffy and Sabo nodded. Luffy smiled, “You look like your mom.”

Ace smiled and looked at Zeff “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Zeff looked at Dadan and nodded.

She nodded back. “Thank you.”

Zeff looked at Sanji “You say goodbye?”

Sanji nodded and waved “Bye Ace, bye Sabo, bye Dadan. Luffy you won’t forget me right?”

Luffy frowned “I will never forget one of my nakamas!”

Sanji smiled “I hope so Captain! Bye, Luffy!”

Zeff picked up Sanji and put him on his shoulder. He started to walk back while Sanji kept waving. 

They walked in silence until Sanji broke it.

“I look like my mom too.”

Zeff nearly tripped. Sanji never talked about his life before they met. It had taken three weeks before Sanji gave him his name and even more for his birthday. Now March 2nd was his favorite day of the year. Hell Zeff didn’t even know if the kid had siblings.

“You do?”

Sanji hummed. “I don’t have a picture of her. But I drew her. You want to see it?”

“Of course.”

Sanji smiled and rested his head on Zeff’s hair. When they arrived, they went to Sanji’s room. Zeff sat on the bed while Sanji went to his desk. He opened the drawer and took the draw. He hangs the paper blushing. Zeff took it and Sanji sat next to him. On the paper, a young blond woman with blue eyes was smiling. Zeff could see the kindness in her eyes.

Zeff smiled “You do look like your mom. Same eyes, same blond wavy hair.”

“Mom was so pretty. Her name was Sora. She was really sick.”

Zeff swallowed. He wished Sora was still alive so he could thank her for bringing Sanji to this world. That boy had saved and changed his life forever and Zeff will be forever grateful to Sora.

“I miss her.” Sanji raised his head to look at Zeff “Jiji?”

“Yes, Eggplant?”

“Can I take a nap with you?”

Zeff thought about the restaurant, the customers in the dining room, and his crew. He thought about how he had barely been in the kitchen the whole day. Then he looked at Sanji, eyes full of tears.

“Of course Eggplant.”

After putting the draw on the nightstand, Zeff laid down in the bed, it was a child's bed, way too small for someone as big as him. He would definitely have back pain but he didn't care. His boy needed him. Sanji curled up against him. He held the little boy close to his chest.

Sanji whispered “I’m gonna be a pirate like you. I’ll find the All Blue and have a bigger bounty than you.”

Zeff chuckled, “I’m sure you will Eggplant. I’ll put your bounty poster in the kitchen.”

“You better do it.” Sanji smiled and slowly fell asleep. 

Zeff whispered, “I’m so happy you were born Sanji.”

Patty had been right when he said that it could be good for Sanji to see other kids. They couldn’t stay at Dawn Island forever so the Baratie will sail again soon. He hoped the change wouldn’t affect Sanji too much.

Isaac had mentioned an island with a famous swordsman dojo last time. Maybe they could visit it. Maybe Sanji will find another friend there.

Chapter Text

The goodbyes had been tearful. The Baratie had moored a week more at Dawn after they met Luffy, Ace, and Sabo but the floating restaurant needed to weigh anchor. Sanji and Luffy waved at each other, crying until they couldn’t see each other.

“Old man, do you really think Luffy won’t forget me?”

“As if we could forget you eggplant.” Zeff ruffled Sanji’s blond hair, smiling.

“You need to teach me how to fight Old Geeze. And to be the best cook! I can’t be the Straw Hat cook otherwise.”

Zeff chuckled, “Of course kiddo.”

After that, Sanji was a bit more in the kitchen with Zeff showing him techniques than in the dining room serving customers. Sanji even did the all-lunch service for the first time. 

The Baratie navigated two more weeks before they could sail to another island. Isaac had been dying to go to the swordsman dojo. Decades ago, a samurai from a distant country had opened a dojo years ago and now the students would be the best of the best.

When they arrived, Zeff, Isaac, and Sanji went to the village close to the port, named Shimotsuki. 

The village was small, with a couple of houses, a school, a hospital, and a market. The village was surrounded by rice mills and streams. At the market, Zeff found a lot of seafood and different variations of rice.

Zeff was paying for three bags of rice to an old seller when Isaac spoke. “I’m sorry, is it true that there is a swordsman dojo in this village?” 

“Of course! It’s the Isshin dojo. Shimotsuki-san is the sensei. It’s above the hill.”

“Thank you so much!” Isaac was bouncing with excitement. “Ne boss, can we go please?”

Zeff sighed and looked at Sanji “Eggplant, you want to go or do you prefer to go back to the Baratie?”

Sanji shrugged. He didn't particularly care about swordsmanship. It was probably just idiots swinging around with a big knife. Sanji was doing that all the time. “Why not.”

Isaac jumped in the air. They walked to the hill and saw the dojo. The students were training in repeating movements with their bamboo swords.

Sanji thought they looked weird.

A man who was watching the kids spotted them and went to meet them.

“Hello. What can I do for you?”

Zeff nodded “Hi. I’m Chef Zeff. I own a floating restaurant. We thought we could invite you for a meal if you want.”

“I’m Shimotsuki-sensei. It’s a wonderful invitation. I have twelve students. Would it be alright?”

Zeff nodded. “Of course.”

Later, Shimotsuki-sensei came with his twelve students for dinner. Eli brought the kids to their tables, four on each. Lauren and Isaac gave the plates full of the foods that Beth and Leah made. Right now, Sanji was with Patty preparing the different desserts. They had finished a cake and the final touch was the buttercream. Sanji had insisted on putting it on by himself.

He frowned “Are you sure to put the cream like that?”

Patty nodded, “Brat, you’re not going to teach me how to do my work.”

“But look! It’s so ugly! If we twist the bag like that it looks like waves. With yours, it looks like you shit on it.”

Sanji swears he saw a vein pop on Patty’s forehead as Beth and Leah tried to stop laughing.

“You fucking brat.”

Sanji exclaimed “But I’m right!”

“Listen little shit, our job is cooking not to make it pretty or play with food.”

“I’m not playing! I'll just make it better!” Sanji took back the buttercream bag and finished the frosting. “See. Better.” Sanji smiled to himself and took the cake to bring it to Zeff and Shimotsuki-sensei's table. Once he passed the swing door he heard Patty swearing at him but Sanji didn’t care. His frosting was great and better than Patty’s. 

———

“Thanks, Eggplant.”

Zeff took the plate and looked at the cake while Sanji went back to the kitchen.

“Is he your son?”

“Sort of.”

The cake looked good. The frosting wasn’t the usual one but it wasn’t bad. Eggplant must’ve bullied Patty pretty well.

Shimotsuki-sensei smiled, “He looks like a good kid.”

“He is. Must be hard to teach twelve kids. I only have Sanji and sometimes I feel like that brat is making me lose my damn mind.”

“It’s fine. I like it. Those kids have nowhere to be, I rather have them with me than on the street. And I used to have fifteen kids before so twelve is fine.”

Zeff frowned “What happened to the other three? They got their diploma?”

“No, Saga left a year ago. He went to the navy. Zoro left six months ago with a pirate.”

“And the last one?”

“Her name was Kuina. She was my daughter.”

Zeff swallowed a bite of the cake and looked at the sensei. Zeff had seen the same look in his eyes before. The kind of look of someone who lost a part of their soul. Or a parent who lost their child.

“My condolences.”

“Thank you. I hope Saga and Zoro are okay, they’re kind boys. And the rest of the kids kept me busy. So I’m fine.” He smiled.

Zeff could feel the man wasn’t fine but he was on the way to healing. He couldn’t imagine the pain. He hadn’t known Sanji for long, nearly two years but if something happened to him, Zeff didn’t know if he would have the will to live. 

Once they finished their dish, Shimotsuki-sensei and the kids left. They thanked the cooks and waiters. Shimotsuki-sensei bowed again at Zeff.

“Thank you. Do you know when you’ll sail again?” 

“In a couple of days maybe sooner. The fruit stock is getting lower and there are not a lot of fruits on this island.”

Shimotsuki-sensei nodded “Indeed, the climate doesn’t allow us to have fruits but we brought them to Coconomi Island. Maybe you could go there. One of the villages is famous for their tangerines, especially the Cocoyashi village. Also, I hear a storm is coming for the end of the week”

Zeff smiled “Thanks for the tips. We will probably sail tomorrow if we don’t want to be stuck in the middle of it.”

The two men shook their hands and Shimotsuki-sensei went back with his students to the dojo. Zeff went back inside and saw Lauren and Isaac cleaning the room. 

Lauren smiled, “You can go upstairs boss, we’re handling everything.”

“Thank you, Lauren.”

Zeff passed by the kitchen and walked the stairs. It was well past the Eggplant bedtime so that brat definitely should be in bed. He knocked at the door and heard a little come in.

Sanji was in his pajamas in his bed and obviously not hiding a book under his covers.

Zeff sat on his bed “The cake was alright Eggplant.”

Sanji blushed “And the frosting?”

“Not bad.”

“Did you see the waves? What did you think?”

Zeff smiled and ruffled the blond hair “How bad did you bully Patty?”

“I didn’t bully him. I just said it was shit.”

“Swear word.”

Sanji pouted “You swear all the time. Everyone swears all the time. Why can’t I do it?”

Zeff smirked “You will do it when you are eighteen Eggplant. You know the drill.”

Sanji nodded “One swear word, one day of mopping the kitchen. I know.”

“Good. Now cut the reading and start sleeping. I don’t want my sous chef sleeping off during service.”

Sanji sighed overdramatically before pulling out the dessert book from under his covers and pulling it on his nightstand.

Zeff smiled and ruffled Sanji’s hair again. He stood up “Good. Now sleep, Eggplant.” 

“Good Night Old geeze.”

“Night Eggplant.”

Zeff turned off the light and closed the door.

———

Zeff opened his eyes the second he heard his door crack. The moon was high in the sky and no one was screaming so they weren't attacked. He heard small hesitant footsteps. Eggplant.

“Jiji?”

“Nightmare?”

“Yeah.”

“Come here.” Zeff pulled out the covers and Sanji climbed into the bed. He curled up against Zeff’s chest. 

“You want to talk about it?”

“No.”

“Okay.”

Zeff pulled back the covers and curled his arms around the small shaking eleven-year-old. Tonight must’ve been bad. He felt Sanji rubbing his nose against his shirt. 

“It’s gonna be fine kid. I’ll protect you. You’re safe. Fucking swear.”

He felt Sanji nodding. His little hands clenched on his shirt. After a few minutes, the kid finally managed to sleep. Zeff closed his eyes, hoping the nightmares would leave his kid alone.

———

Zeff slowly woke up in the morning. Sanji was still curled up against him. Zeff knew he needed to get up to prepare the kitchen for the morning service so he slowly moved Sanji. Unfortunately, Sanji started to stretch. He rubbed his eyes.

“Zeff?”

“I’m just getting up, everything is fine. Morning Eggplant.”

“Good morning Old man.”

Zeff smiled, “Ready for the day, Eggplant?”

“Always stupid Old man.”

Zeff ruffled Sanji’s hair. The retired pirate sat on the bed and put on the wooden leg. Sanji got up and yawned. After Zeff changed himself they walked to Sanji’s room so he could change too. Sanji sat on his bed, half asleep and Zeff picked up the clothes from the wardrobe. 

Once Sanji pulled his shirt and pants on he looked at Zeff “When are you going to teach me?”

Zeff smirked “I’m already teaching you. Why do you think I keep a little shitty eggplant in my kitchen otherwise?”

Sometimes Sanji wondered why too. Maybe because he was useful, after all, Sanji would mop, or bring the food from the storage for the cook during the hot services and Zeff wasn’t given a salary like the others. Sanji was a free employee.

But sometimes Zeff looked at Sanji with love and pride. So why? Father had said time and time again that Sanji was unlovable. And because of Sanji, Zeff had been forced to retire from piracy. 

So why did he keep Sanji with him? Sanji didn’t know the answer yet but he knew that he needed to be useful so Zeff wouldn't throw him out.

Sanji rubbed his stomach. “No, I mean fighting. I promised Luffy I would learn how to fight.”

“We can start planning something this afternoon. We will leave in the morning so we shouldn’t have a lot of customers today.”

Sanji nodded. He put on his vest and the apron. Zeff tied his blue tie and they left for the kitchen, ready for work.

———

Sanji looked at the window, arms crossed on the window frame sighing. Zeff was right when he said they wouldn’t have a lot of customers. They sailed after the breakfast service ended and now it’s nearly lunchtime and there was no ship in view. 

Sanji sighed again.

“Eggplant.”

“But I’m bored. So you said we could start planning for my training.”

Sanji hoped Zeff’s training wouldn’t be as hard as Father but he had promised Luffy he would learn to fight. What if Luffy didn’t want him anymore because Sanji was too weak?

Sanji couldn’t lose or disappoint his first friend. 

Zeff crossed his arms “I said after Lunch service.”

“But we don’t have anyone.”

Zeff rolled his eyes “Come on eggplant, I want to show you something before.”

Sanji got up from his seat and followed Zeff to the kitchen. Zeff rolled his sleeve and picked up a bawl. 

Leah and Beth were already in the kitchen preparing the crew lunch while Patty and Carne did the inventory. Zeff should probably check they weren’t drinking the whole wine cave. Isaac, Lauren, and Eli were cleaning and arranging the dining room.

Zeff shouted, “Go pick up your step stool.”

Sanji nodded and went picking up his blue stool. He put it next to Zeff. He climbed on it and now Sanji arrived at Zeff’s shoulder. 

“I’m gonna teach you how to whip egg white.”

Sanji nodded. He took his little notebook out of his apron and a pen. 

“First you need two eggs, salt, and lemon juice.” Zeff picked up two eggs. He broke them and put them next to the bowl. “You broke the egg and separated the yellow from the white. We kept the yellow to do something else because we don’t waste anything in his kitchen.”

Sanji nodded. His handwriting was messy but tonight he could write it again in his cooking book.

“Before whipping, add a little lemon juice and a little salt to the egg white. Then start with a gradual whiplash and then accelerate at a rapid and continuous speed. When your Snow White is well fixed, stop beating, otherwise it will be completely flattened. When a white beak is formed at the end of the whip, foam is formed.”

Sanji looked at the whipped egg. “So cool.”

“You can use it as a dessert with custard, for a cake, or a chocolate mousse.”

Sanji nodded again and went back to writing. 

Zeff pulled the bowl aside. “Want to try?”

Before Sanji could respond, Isaac burst into the kitchen. Leah and Beth jolted at his arrival.

“Boss, we have a problem. We have a customer.”

Zeff raised an eyebrow “And? We are a fucking restaurant, thanks to the sea we have customers.”

“Boss you don’t understand.”

Isaac was pale, heavily breathing, and shaking. Fuck if it’s the marine Zeff was in shit. Deep shit. The retired pirate had a plan, make enough money to buy back his bounty so he could live peacefully and make sure those navy assholes didn't touch a hair of Sanji or the other kids' heads. But his bounty was around three hundred eighty million belly and he had barely made two thousand since the opening.

“Boss, it’s a warlord.”

“Fuck.”

Why the fuck would the marine send a warlord after him? Zeff wasn’t like an emperor or some shit like that and with his missing leg only a vice-admiral would do the work. So why?

Zeff looked at Sanji “Go to your room.”

“What? No! I want to stay with you.”

“No Eggplant. This is serious.” he looked at Beth and Leah “Keep him far.”

The two women nodded and Zeff exited the kitchen and walked to the welcoming while Sanji shouted his name. He swallowed, maybe he could convince the warlord to leave or at least spare the kids' lives.

Fuck. Zeff had thought he could finally live without looking over his shoulder with his son. Deep down, Zeff knew he deserved it. He had been a pirate and not a kind one, he deserved to be punished. But fuck, Sanji, his little Sanji needed him. He already ruined his life by attacking the Orbit. He couldn’t abandon him, not now.

Zeff climbed the stairs and saw Eli and Lauren, hands shaking trying to talk to the warlord. 

He recognized Dracule Mihawk, the marine hunter, a new warlord, and the youngest. 

Mihawk wasn’t speaking and turned his gaze toward Zeff when he arrived. He looked at the warlord’s sword. If he wanted a fight, Zeff was fucked.

“I would like to eat lunch.”

Zeff nodded “Table for one person.” 

Maybe the warlord didn’t know Zeff had been a pirate. It would be a miracle but right now Zeff was looking for one.

Mihawk softly spoke, “Actually three.”

Zeff frowned and looked down. Two kids, probably Sanji’s age, were behind him. One girl with pink hair and one boy with green hair. The little girl looked a bit older though. They didn’t look scared or hurt so the warlord hadn’t kidnapped them. 

Zeff nodded again “Table for three it is. Follow me.” He turned in the direction of the stairs and saw Eli and Lauren’s panicked gaze. “I’ll do the service. Go back to the kitchen.”

The two waiters nodded and walked fast to the kitchen. Zeff, Mihawk, and the two kids went down the stairs in calmness. He noticed the girl was holding Mihawk’s right-sleeve cloak and a teddy bear plushie in her other hand while the warlord was holding the boy’s hand in his left hand. 

Zeff led them to the central table so he could have a view of them in the kitchen. The three customers sat and Zeff handed them the menu. 

He took his notebook from his apron and his pen. “For the menu, there is an omelet with rice, beef, and potatoes or seafood pasta.”

Mihawk looked at the menu “Seafood pasta for me, please. Perona?”

The girl looked at the menu, Mihawk and then Zeff “For me too please.”

Zeff nodded and wrote “Two seafood pasta. And you son?”

“Zoro?”

The boy was looking at the menu and turned his gaze to Mihawk.

He patiently asked, “What would you like to eat?” He raised his thumb, “Omelet with rice,” then raised his index finger, “Beef with potatoes,” and finally raised his middle finger, “Or seafood pasta?”

Zoro looked at Mihawk's hand and showed his thumb.

“Okay, thank you.” The warlord looked at Zeff “Omelet with rice for him please.”

Perona asked, “Can I have a lemonade too?”

Mihawk handed the menu to Zeff “Magic word?”

“Please?”

Zeff chuckled. “Of course.” Sanji had trouble remembering to say please too when he was too excited. It was nice to see that no matter who you are, every parent has the same trouble.

Zoro was looking at the table so Mihawk gently tapped two times on his wrist “Zoro? Want to drink something too?”

Zoro pointed to Perona.

“Lemonade too?”

Zoro nodded.

Perona sighed “You need to stop copying me Marimo!”

“Perona, be nice. It’s not because you’re older that you can speak to Zoro like that.”

“Sorry.”

Zeff noted “So two lemonades.”

“And a glass of red wine please.”

“Noted.”

Zeff picked up the menu and went back to the kitchen. He passed the swing door and saw his crew with tears in their eyes holding pans or knives ready to fight.

Zeff raised an eyebrow “What the fuck are you doing? Come on idiots, we have customers. One omelet with rice, and two seafood pasta. Two lemonades for the kids and one glass of red wine.”

Leah and Beth wiped their tears and turned the gas on to start cooking the seafood pasta. Isaac and Lauren picked up the drinks. Zeff heard Eli trying to keep Sanji’s attention on him in another room. Zeff picked up a pan with two eggs. Patty and Carne came to him.

Patty crossed his arms “So boss, what should we do?”

“We cook food and serve them.”

Carne frowned “So we don’t fight?”

Zeff looked at him “How high do you think our chances are to win against a warlord? His sword will cut the ship in half before one of the pans touches his hair.”

Carne nodded “Okay, new plan, we are leaving.”

Zeff frowned “I’m not abandoning our home.” Zeff will die before they abandon Sanji’s home.

Patty raised his arms in the air “Great so we let a warlord put you in Impel Down and leave us a traumatized crying kid. Wonderful. I love my job.”

Zeff sighed “Go make the rice.”

“Yes boss.” and Patty left for the rice maker.

Zeff saw in the corner of his eyes that Carne was still next to him “What?”

“I think I should make the omelet and you go see Sanji before he has another mental breakdown.”

“Fuck.” Zeff bites his bottom lips “Right. Don’t undercook it like you used it.”

“Yes, boss.”

Zeff walked to the little room next to the kitchen. Eli was sitting at a wooden table next to Sanji. The kid still had tears running down his cheek. He rubbed his nose. Zeff swallowed. He had promised himself to never make Sanji cry after he woke up at the hospital when they got rescued from that damn rock. He still remembers Sanji sobbing, shaking curled up in his arms.

“Hey, Eggplant.”

Sanji turned his head so fast that Zeff thought he would have a whiplash. “Old man?” He wiped his tears and ran to Zeff. He took Sanji in his arms and hugged him tight. “You’re not leaving right?”

“I don’t think so. The warlord hadn’t said anything yet. I don’t think he’s here for me anyways.”

Sanji nodded. He wiped his tears again “Good because I won’t be Patty or Carne's sous chef.”

“Of course Eggplant.” Zeff ruffled his blond hair. “I have to go make the service. You stay here okay?”

Sanji clenched his hands on Zeff’s sleeves “Can’t someone else do it?”

“It’s gonna be okay Sanji. Don’t worry about your old man.” Zeff stood up and nodded at Eli. 

Eli nodded back “Hey Sanji, can you show me your cooking book again?”

Sanji looked at Zeff, he bit his bottom lips. He wiped a tear and went back to Eli’s side. When Zeff left the room, he felt like his soul was being torn apart. He took the plate and Lauren took the drink. They arrived at the table and served the three special customers. 

Lauren went back first in the kitchen and when Zeff was on the way Mihawk stopped him.

“Excuse me, where is the bathroom please?”

Zeff pointed to the hallway with his thumb “Right hallway and then the second door on the left.”

Mihawk looked at Zoro “You think you can do it?”

Zoro nodded.

Perona snorted, “Marimo is gonna get lost again.”

“Perona, I told you to stop calling him that.” Mihawk looked back at Zoro, “I can come with you if you want.”

Zoro shook his head and stood up from his chair. He waved at Mihawk and started walking in the direction of the hallway.

“Five belly he will be lost.”

“Start eating before it’s cold, Perona.”

———

Patty got into trouble with the new ice cream machine and called Eli to the rescue. Sanji took the opportunity to leave and go see the warlord and Zeff. Sanji climbed on a wooden box so he could see the dining room through the window. He could see Zeff talking to the warlord. He looked scary. There were two kids with him. The green-haired one left the table. The pink-haired girl called him Marimo. What a weird name.

Sanji climbed out when Zeff walked back to the kitchen. He was about to go rejoin Zeff when he heard “Eggplant you stay where you are or you will mop that damn kitchen for the rest of the year.”

Sanji sighed. He sat back on the chair waiting for Eli to come back. Five minutes later, Sanji was still alone in the room. Maybe if he went to the dining room to follow the boy, Zeff wouldn’t see him, right? 

What if he tried to kill Sanji or worse, poisoned their food?

Sanji had to go investigate. It was his duty as a sous chef to protect the Baratie.

Sanji walked out and passed in front of the storage room. Weird, the door was slightly open, and the last time one of them had left it like that Zeff had threatened them to kick their ass so hard they would fly to the moon. 

Sanji passed his head and saw the green-haired boy.

“Marimo?”

The boy turned to look at him. Sanji saw that he was wearing a green shirt and pants and had a white sword hanging on his hips. Probably an idiot swordsman again.

Sanji frowned “What are you doing here?”

Marimo showed his right hand. His index finger and thumb made a half-circle shape and his middle, ring, and pinky finger were spread apart.

Sanji frowned deeper. “Can’t you talk?”

It’s Marimo's turn to frown.

Sanji sighed “Okay so you want to go back to the warlord?”

Marimo shook his head and made the hand movement again. Sanji looked at the hand with more attention. The half-circle shape really looked like a C. And his other finger could be seen like a weird W.

Hold on.

Sanji whispered “WC.” he gasped, “You want to go to the bathroom?”

Marimo’s face lightened up and nodded furiously.

“That’s it? It’s on the other side! It’s literally the opposite hallway. Come with me.”

Sanji took Marimo's hand on his own and walked out of the storage room. Sanji double-checked the door was closed before taking Marimo’s hand again. They left the kitchen and crossed the dining room to the bathroom hallway. Once they arrived Marimo bowed and went to the toilet. 

Once Marimo finished, he started to walk in the hallway. In the opposite direction of Sanji.

“Oi Marimo!”

He turned his head and Sanji pointed behind him “It’s this way.”

Marimo walked to him and tilted his head.

Sanji frowned “What’s wrong?”

Marimo pointed to something on the wall. Sanji looked up he started to scream before he could even fully see the spider. He hid behind Marimo.

“Kill it! Kill it! Oh my god, it’s a spider! It’s so big! Do something! Kill it!”

Marimo pulled out his katana and cut the spider. Sanji sighed in relief and then got caught in a spider web. Sanji started to curse and Marimo started laughing.

Sanji froze. Marimo was softly laughing. Freely but a bit too deep. 

“You can talk?”

“I don’t like to.”

Sanji was surprised. His voice was deep and weird. He talked slowly and articulated each word. It must have been months since the last time he talked.

Sanji asked something that had been bothering him since he heard it. “Is your name really Marimo?”

“No, it's Zoro. ‘Rona likes to call me that. Is yours really Eggplant?”

Sanji chuckled “No, it’s Sanji. Patty says it’s a nickname but I think it’s just that Old Man is going senile and sometimes forgot my real name. He’s just too embarrassed to ask.”

Zoro chuckled. Sanji didn’t know why but he was happy to see Zoro smiling and laughing.

Sanji pointed at the sword “Why do you have that? Are you a swordsman too?”

Zoro nodded “It’s Wado Ichimonji. And one day I’ll be the world's greatest swordsman.”

“Is it your dream?”

Zoro nodded.

“I have a dream too.” Sanji smiled. Now, since Luffy, he wasn’t afraid about telling his dream anymore. “One day I’ll find the All Blue.”

Zoro tilted his head.

Sanji smiled even more “It’s a dream’s cook. It’s the only place where the four seas, North, South, East and West meet. All kinds of fish exist in his ocean. And one day I’ll find it.”

“It’s cool. One day I’ll have to leave Mihawk to accomplish my dream.”

“Me too.” Sanji got an idea “Maybe you could leave with us? Luffy, my friend, wants to be the King of the Pirates. Maybe you could come with us.”

Zoro shrugged “Maybe. But I’ll have to ask Mihawk first. Also, I’m not very good at making friends.”

Sanji shrugged too “It’s fine. Me neither. Maybe we could try together.”

Zoro nodded with a smile. 

Maybe all swordsmen weren’t idiots.

———

Zeff looked at Sanji and Zoro befriends from afar when he felt a presence behind him.

“You look surprised.”

Mihawk nodded “It’s the first time I see him speak. I found him six months ago walking around in a forest next to the Shimotsuki village. He wasn’t talking at all. He went to a dojo next to it. He was a student from there. He had been missing after a training session for nearly three days, after his best friend's funeral.”

“Kuina?”

Mihawk looked at Zeff “You knew her?”

“We moored at the island and I talked to the sensei, he also mentioned that Zoro left with a pirate.”

“He went mute after her death. He’s an orphan and wouldn’t leave my side after I found him. ”

Zeff smiled, “I’m glad my boy could help yours.”

Mihawk shook his head. “Zoro isn’t my son. Neither Perona is my daughter. I found her in an abandoned village after a civil war and now I’m trying to find a better place for both. I’m not fit to be a parent.”

“That’s bullshit. Those kids choose you; from what I saw, you’re doing good.”

“Thank you. Red Leg.”

“Is it gonna be a problem?”

“If anyone asks, I just went to a restaurant with my two kids.” Mihawk started walking toward the two boys “Zoro?”

Zoro hummed.

“Are you coming to eat?”

Zoro nodded “Coming.”

Mihawk softly smiled. Zoro took his hand and they walked to the table.

Perona smiled, “See, I told you he would get lost.”

Before Mihawk could speak Zoro cut him “Your teddy bear is ugly.”

Perona gasped “I’m your older sister, you owe me respect! I dare you to speak to me and Kumashi like that!” Zoro stuck his tongue in response.

Mihawk whispered to himself “I feel like I’m going to regret this at some point.”

———

Once they finished dinner, Mihawk paid the bill triple. Zeff gladly took the money without questions. Perona was moping and whispering to the teddy bear that her little brother was wrong and an idiot. 

Sanji and Zoro went close to the warlord. Zoro’s voice was unsure “When I grow up, can I go with Sanji and Luffy to be pirates?” Sanji next to him whispered something and Zoro nodded “Please.”

Zeff tried to hide his laugh in a cough while Mihawk raised his eyebrow “Who is Luffy again?”

“Sanji’s friend. He wants to be King of the Pirates. Sanji says he knows Uncle Shanks.”

Mihawk closed his eyes and whispered “Damn Red Hair.” he sighed. “Right. We will talk about it once we’re home.” he looked at Zeff “Thank you for the meal.”

Zeff nodded “No problem.”

“Perona, Zoro, say thank you and goodbye, we’re leaving.”

Perona and Zoro bowed “Thank you for the meal and goodbye.”

Perona went first on Mihawk’s ship and Zoro looked at Sanji. He knew Zoro was sad just by the look on his face and Sanji wanted to hug him but maybe Zoro didn’t like hugs.

Yonji hates it. He would always punch Sanji hard when he asked for one.

But Zoro wasn’t like Yonji. Zoro bolted and tightened Sanji in his arms before letting him go immediately after. 

Zoro’s face was red “We’re friends. So don’t forget me.” He looked at Sanji’s face like he was searching for something “Curly.”

“Curly?”

Zoro nodded “Your eyebrows are curly and you called me Marimo so I have to call you Curly.”

“Fine.” Sanji smiled, “Marimo.”

“Next time we see each other, I’ll be stronger than you, Curly. You will see.”

“What? No Marimo, I’ll be stronger than you! I’ll kick your butt!”

“No, I will!”

Mihawk rolled his eyes and handed a paper to Zeff. “If he wants to talk to Zoro, this is my private number.”

Zeff nodded with a smile “Thank you.” He took a paper onto the welcoming desk and wrote his before handing it to Mihawk.

Zoro climbed on the ship just after Mihawk. Zeff and Sanji watched the boat sail and Zoro and Sanji waved until they couldn’t see each other. 

Zeff put his hand on Sanji’s shoulder “You’re okay?”

Sanji nodded “It’s weird. I haven't known him for long but I’m going to miss him.”

“You have his den den mushi number, you two could call each other if you want.”

Sanji nodded. He waited a bit and then entered back in the Baratie. Zeff saw the team sampled on the chairs. Patty looked at Zeff “Holy fuck that was so fucking stressful.”

The rest of the team nodded. Carne said, “I really thought we were gonna die.”

“Or worse.” Leah took a shot of rum “Be separated.”

Zeff rolled his eyes “Everything is fine. Now everyone goes back to work.”

The team grumbled as they stood up.

Sanji started walking to the kitchen when Zeff stopped him. 

“What old man?”

“Don’t forget to mop the kitchen tonight.”

Sanji frowned.

“I told you Eggplant. You left the room, mop until the new year.”

Sanji gasped “That’s stupid Marimo’s fault! I hate him!”

———

“We didn’t start the planning for training, Old man.”

Zeff sighed. After meeting Zoro, Sanji wanted to train even more.

They entered Sanji's room, the little boy changed while Zeff prepared the bed. Sanji yawned.

“We will see that tomorrow okay?” Zeff said, “I’m glad that Zoro is speaking again.”

Sanji hummed “His voice will be deep and weird for a couple of weeks. He needs to drink water too. A lot of water.”

“How do you know that Eggplant?”

Sanji yawned again. Zeff thought that the day must have been painful for him. Poor kid must’ve thought they would be separated. The last time they got separated without warning was at the hospital. Sanji had a panic attack and screamed when he woke up alone because Zeff had left to do more medical exams for his leg. 

Sanji sat on his bed. He shrugged “Sometimes the guards would tighten the metal jaw to the iron helmet too tight after I finished eating so I couldn't talk until the next meal. It hurts. It sucks too. One time they forgot to give me a meal and I couldn't speak all day. My voice had been weird for hours.”

Zeff froze. Wait what?

He covered Sanji with his covers. “Sanji, what do you mean by an iron helmet? Or guards?”

Sanji shrugged again, half asleep. “You know when I was in the cell. Father hated when I cried so I had an iron helmet on my face. Niji said it was also because Father didn’t want to see me anymore. Father had told the guards to punch me if I made too much noise. They liked doing it when they were bored.” Sanji rubbed his eyes. “I'm glad Zoro isn’t like Yonji. Maybe I could like green again. Goodnight Zeff.” 

Sanji lay down and fell asleep as soon as his head touched his pillow unaware he had completely shaken Zeff’s world.

Zeff absently whispered, “Goodnight Eggplant, sleep well.”

Chapter Text

Three days had passed since they saw Dracule Mihawk, Zoro, and Perona and Zeff was still unable to sleep. It was six a.m. and Zeff was preparing its sixth batch of cookies in the Baratie kitchen. At least the kids were going to love the morning’s surprise. He found himself unable to sleep after Sanji’s revelation. For the past three nights, Zeff would turn and turn in his bed before going into the kitchen when the sun would start rising. He had for now baked buns and croissants and this morning he had chosen to make cookies.

Someone, a monster, had decided to put an iron helmet on his baby’s face and put him in a cell. What kind of person does that? What kind of father does that?

Zeff knew Sanji had been abused before they met. He would flinch every time someone made a rapid movement or raised his voice. One time, when they started living together, Sanji insisted on cooking lunch by himself. By accident, Sanji burned his hand. Zeff yelled at him more because of fear Sanji had badly hurt himself rather than anger. He would never forget how much Sanji protected his face and begged to not be thrown away.  

The timer rang.

Zeff put on the kitchen glove and pulled out the fifth batch of cookies from the oven. He looked at the dough in the bowl and thought there would be at least two other batch

He pulled in the sixth batch.

Zeff sighed. 

He wanted to know more but he didn't want to scare Sanji either.

Sanji had also talked about a Niji and a Yonji. Probably siblings or something like that. From what Zeff understood, Sora had been kind and a good parent to Sanji so the abuse would only come from the father.

Zeff sighed again. He refused to fight with his hands because as a chef his hands were a treasure. His hands were made for cooking not violence. But maybe if he met Sanji’s father, he could make an exception.

Zeff recognized Patty’s footsteps coming closer. The cook yawned as he entered the kitchen. 

“Sup boss.”

“Morning Patty.”

Patty looked at the three bowls full of cookies. “The last time I saw you stress baking was when Sanji had been coughing for two days.”

Zeff growled. At the time, only Patty and Carne were Zeff’s employees. Sanji coughed for two days straight before it stopped by itself. Now that Zeff was thinking about it, Sanji had never been sick even though it was a harsh winter. It was weird but Zeff won’t complain about it. The less Sanji was hurting the better Zeff would be.

Patty spoke again, “When do we arrive at the Conomi Islands?”

“In a couple of hours. Around Lunchtime.”

“Got it. The sensei spoke about the Cocoyashi village for the fruits.”

“That’s the town where we will moor.”

Patty nodded in acknowledgment.

The hour passed slowly. Zeff continued baking his cookies, Patty was checking if the machines were working, and Carne arrived a bit after Patty checked the storage. The other kids started arriving as Patty and Carne served breakfast. 

Zeff went upstairs to wake Sanji. He knocked softly and entered when he heard a sleepy come in. 

Sanji was rubbing his eyes, his blond hair tangled “Morning.”

“Good morning Eggplant.”

Sanji pushed his covers and yawned. He looked tired. Eggplant must’ve spent the majority of the night reading cooking books. Zeff needed to be more careful. He opened the closet and pulled out Sanji’s uniform. When he closed the door Zeff saw Sanji’s door frame. Since they bought the ship, Zeff decided to start a tradition, at the beginning of every month, he would record Sanji’s height. He brushed with his fingers the five little lines. 

Zeff looked at Sanji, it looked like he had grown taller again. He would have to buy clothes soon. His vest was starting to be short on his elbows. His little Sanji was growing up.

“I think it’s time I record your height again.”

Sanji nodded absently, still half asleep. He changed himself while Zeff took a crayon from his wooden desk. The little boy went against the door frame and stood up straight. Zeff was about to trace the line when he noticed Sanji was shaking. He lowered his gaze and saw that Sanji was on his tiptoes. Zeff sighed.

“Foot on the ground Eggplant.”

Sanji pouted and flattened.

“Better.”

Zeff traced the line and noted “Sanji, 11, August.” He looked at the other lines. Zeff had been right, Sanji had grown a half inch in a single month.  

“You’re gonna be taller than me one day.”

“You think?” Sanji smiled, apparently happy at the idea. 

Zeff hummed. He thought back at Sanji’s words. 

“Eggplant?”

“Yeah?”

Zeff wanted to ask about Niji and Yonji. About his father too. He wanted to ask about the cell and the iron helmet. But when he looked at Sanji and his big blue eyes and he knew he couldn’t force it. He couldn’t force Sanji to speak about his abuse. He cupped Sanji’s cheeks with his hands.

“I want you to know that you’re safe. I will never hurt you or lock you in your room. No one will hurt you. I’m your guardian, it’s my job to protect you and I will, okay?”

Zeff wanted to say dad but he didn't know what Sanji would think about it. He probably didn’t want to have a retired amputated pirate as a dad. His boy deserved so much more than that.

Sanji nodded at Zeff’s words. He could see Sanji’s blue eyes watering. 

Sanji whispered, “You promise?”

“I swear to you.”

Sanji closed his eyes as he was trying to not cry. He buried his face into Zeff’s chest. He wrapped his arms around Sanji’s body. The poor boy was shaking like a leaf in a storm. A minute passed before a loud explosion could be heard.

Sanji chuckled, “I think Patty broke the oven again.” 

Zeff sighed “It’s the third time this month.”

“We need to get a new one.”

“You’re talking about Patty and not the oven, right Eggplant?”

Sanji burst into laughter. Zeff didn’t know someone’s laugh could be his favorite sound in the world but it was.

“I really don’t understand why you fix it every time. We could just buy a new one.”

“You know, old people like to keep their stuff.”

Sanji laughed again. The real reason why Zeff wanted to keep the oven was because he baked the first cake he made in the Baratie kitchen in it. Sanji’s birthday cake to be precise. How could he throw it away?

Zeff ruffled Sanji’s hair “I got an idea.”

Sanji smiled, “Your head must hurt now Old man.”

“Brat. After breakfast, I will start training you.”

“Really? Cool! I can’t wait to kick Marimo's ass!”

Zeff snorted. He and Zoro had already called each other four times and would talk for hours. Zeff wondered if he could find Dadan’s numbers. Maybe Sanji would like to talk to his little captain again.

After Sanji finished preparing, they went back to the kitchen together. Carne was putting back the extinguisher at this place. Patty looked at Zeff. “I swear it’s not my fault.”

Zeff hummed “Like the two other times?”

The crew laughed at Zeff’s words. Carne put his hand on Patty’s shoulder “You know the drill, third time's the charm!”

“That would be more Eggplant won’t mop the kitchen today.”

Patty growled as Sanji jumped in excitement. 

Zeff grabbed a pan and started preparing Sanji’s breakfast. Banana cut in slides, apple in cubes, rice, and omelet without potatoes. He trusted his crew with his life but he couldn’t bring himself to trust them with Sanji’s food. 

Patty had teased him for days when he realized it and called him a papa bear. He cleaned every kitchen tool with a toothbrush as a punishment for a month.

After Sanji ate his breakfast and since it was a slow morning with only a few customers, Zeff decided to start Sanji’s training a little sooner. On the way to exit the kitchen, from the corner of his eyes, the old pirate saw the boy stealing a couple of cookies and ate them on the way. They went outside the Baratie, on the deck behind the restaurant.

Sanji was standing, serious, ready to listen but Zeff could see chocolate chips in the corner of his mouth.

Zeff crossed his arms “If you want me to train you, you will have two rules to follow.”

Sanji nodded.

Zeff showed his index finger “First, you never use your hands. You’re a cook, your hands are your treasure so you must protect them. So I’ll teach you to fight with your legs just like I did.”

Sanji nodded “And the second?” 

“The second rule is to never, under any circumstance, beat a woman. Never.” 

Sanji frowned “Why?”

“Because a man should never beat a woman. You will never be a real man if you do.”

“Is that why you never beat Beth, Lauren, and Leah?”

Zeff nodded.

Sanji frowned deeper “But you never do it with Eli and Isaac. Or me. It’s always Patty and Carne.”

“Because you three are kids. I would never beat a kid.”

“Oh. Okay.” 

Zeff smirked, “So, you’re ready?”

Sanji smiled “Born ready Old man.”

———

The training session went well. Sanji was glad. He had been worried when Zeff had talked about rules but thankfully they were easy to follow. Father, he, only had one rule, if you fail, you’re in the cell . 

He didn’t know what the punishment would be in case of failing but Zeff had been a pirate so they must be painful.

There had been books about pirates in the castle library. He had read about punch or starvation. He also had read about abandonment. At least, if it was the two first, Sanji knew them, he knew the pain from it so he could bear with it. Just please not the third one. Sanji would do anything to not be left out. He was finally happy and safe with Zeff.

“Eggplant! Focus on the omelet and stop daydreaming!”

“I’m focus stupid Old man!”

Sanji focused back on the pan. The Baratie had moored around the lunch service at the Cocoyashi village. A couple of residents had come to eat, interested in the floating restaurant.  

Since there weren’t a lot of customers, Sanji was in the kitchen making the table four order. Omelet with potatoes and rice.

Once the omelet was ready, Sanji grabbed a plate. He delicately put the omelet on the plate and closed it to keep the heat and the flavor. He took the rice and with a  big spoon made three circles. Sanji took three little sprigs of basil and put them on each portion of rice. He took three salad leaves and arranged them next to the rice and omelet. Finally, Sanji put a bowl of soy sauce on the plate.

Sanji looked at his plate and was proud of the result. His was definitely better than Patty’s boring one with just the omelet and rice.

He took his plate and put it on the dish warmer.

“Table four order ready!”

Usually, once you finished your dish, you took another ticket and went back to your work plan. But Sanji stood in front of the dish warmer, waiting for either Lauren or Isaac to pick it up.

Lauren passed the swing door and picked up the plate. She froze once she noticed the plate and smiled before walking again. 

Sanji ran to the swing door and looked at Lauren delivering the plate. He went on his tiptoes to see the customer, a beautiful blonde lady's reaction. The lady thanked Lauren and picked up her fork. 

Unfortunately for Sanji, someone grabbed his collar and was taken off the ground before he could see the lady’s face. Instead, he saw Zeff’s frowning face.

“You think you can take some time off during service Eggplant?”

“But Old Geeze–”

“I don’t care! We have three orders waiting so move your ass and stop fooling around.” 

Zeff passed back the swing door with Sanji and gave him a ticket. “Table six, you do the potatoes and I do the beef.”

Sanji nodded. He was finishing heating the potatoes when Lauren came whispering to him “The lady at the table asked me to congrat the chef for the dish. Say it was perfect.”

Sanji couldn’t help but smile. He felt his face heat up. 

Lauren chuckled and ruffled the blond hair before picking up another plate and going back to the dining room.

Sanji put the potatoes on a plate next to Zeff’s beef. “Plate is done.”

“Good. Go put it in the dish warmer.”

Sanji nodded. He put the plate on the furniture “Table six order is ready!”

Isaac passed the swing door “Thanks little boss.” picked up the plate and left almost immediately.

Sanji took another ticket when Eli passed his head “Big boss? I need you at be welcoming, can you come?”

“Why? Asshole?”

Eli snorted “Maybe. The guy says he’s the sheriff.”

Zeff sighed “Oh fuck.” He cleaned his hands and started following Eli. 

Sanji put back the ticket “Wait for me, Old man!”

“No, you stay in the kitchen.”

Sanji frowned and put his fist on his hips “I’m the sous chef so I’m coming with you stupid Jiji!” 

Zeff sighed again and they passed the swing door together. They walked to the welcoming and saw the sheriff, a man wearing a brown uniform. Sanji couldn't tear his gaze away from the pinwheel on his cap. 

The sheriff nodded at Zeff. “Sheriff Genzo and you are?”

“I’m Zeff and this is Sanji, we are the owners of the Baratie.”

Genzo looked around. “And it’s a floating restaurant, right?”

“Exactly.”

Sanji could feel Zeff was refraining from being sarcastic. Since he was a retired pirate with still an active bounty, Sanji could understand why.

Genzo narrowed his eyes “And you’re only here for business?”

Zeff tried to smile but he looked more like a grimace “Yes. We also need to go to the market. Our stocks, especially the fruits, are getting low.”

Genzo hummed. He looked at Zeff and tilted his head “It’s weird. I feel like I know your face.”

Zeff tensed. He put his hand on Sanji to bring him closer “Really? It’s the first time I’m coming here.”

“Weird. Anyway, the market will be open tomorrow. You should give the tangerines a try.”

“Understood. Thank you.”

Genzo was on his way to leave and he stopped. He looked one last time at Zeff and left.

Sanji let out a breath “Dude he’s weird.”

“It’s a cop. Also, I will stay here tomorrow. Don’t want him to recognize my face and call the marine.”

“So that means I can go to the market alone?”

“In your dreams Eggplant.”

Sanji pouted.

———

The next day, Zeff was arm’s crossing, frowning in the kitchen. “Again.”

Patty and Carne sighed and in unison said “We won’t let Eggplant out of our sight.”

“Or what?”

“Or you will kick our ass so hard we will fly to the moon.”

“Good.” Zeff locked at Sanji “And you Eggplant?”

“I’m not leaving Patty and Carne's side otherwise I mop the kitchen till I’m eighteen.”

“Good. Now there is the list and the money.” Zeff pointed at the two cooks. “And you better stay out of trouble.”

Sanji rolled his eyes “I don’t know why you’re so worried old man. We will be fine.”

It was the first time Sanji was going to the market with someone other than Zeff. So he had every right to be worried. Beth and Leah hated the crowded places, Isaac couldn’t be trusted with money and Eli and Lauren would panic if the seller would either start asking questions or won’t negotiate. So Patty and Carne were the only two valuable candidates. Fucking hell.

Zeff looked at Sanji. He was wearing a blue shirt with white shorts and black shoes. Zeff handed his yellow backpack “You be careful okay?”

“Yes of course I will. I’m tired of mopping the kitchen.”

Zeff sighed. He ruffled Sanji’s hair. 

The eleven-year-old boy grumbled and looked at the two cooks “I’m waiting at the welcoming! See ya later Old man!”

Once he passed the swing doors, Zeff looked at Patty and Carne “Anything happens to him and I’m gutting you two.”

Patty nodded “Got it boss.”

Carne smiled “Like the kid said, everything will be fine. Don’t worry!”

Zeff and the two cooks walked to the welcoming. He looked at them leaving, walking toward Cocoyashi's village. He didn’t know why, but he could feel something wrong was going to happen. 

He just hoped Sanji would be safe.

———

Patty was talking to the apple sellers when Sanji spotted an orange cat. He looked at Patty, who was in full negotiation and Carne was a shelf away looking at the different lemons. Most of the adults didn’t like being interrupted and Sanji didn’t want to make a scene.  Zeff told him he could talk to him all the time but Sanji didn’t know if Patty would be like that too. So he left Patty’s side even though he was crossing Zeff’s rules. In Sanji’s defense, the cat looked cute and hungry and Sanji would be so quick, that no one would even realize he would be gone. Zeff would never know.

Sanji started walking toward the cat. “Kitty. Kitty. Hi!” he kneels and starts petting the cat “You’re really cute. Are you hungry?”

The cat meowed and Sanji took it for a yes. He opened his backpack and took out his jam sandwich. Zeff always packed up a sandwich, fruits, and water in Sanji’s backpack in case he got hungry.

Sanji started feeding the cat when he heard someone say “What are you doing?”

He looked back and saw a little girl in a green dress and orange hair.

“I’m feeding the cat.”

The little girl frowned “Why?”

“Because he looked hungry.”

The girl kneels next to him “It’s her and it’s weird. Belli doesn’t like being petted by strangers.”

Sanji shrugged. Luffy and Zoro were two great friends but Sanji didn’t know if he could push his luck and tried to have a third one.

She looked nice.

“I’m Nami.”

“Sanji.”

“What are you doing here Sanji?”

“I’m the Baratie sous chef. It’s a restaurant. We’re looking for fruits.”

“Really?” Her eyes widened. 

Sanji nodded.

“Me, Nojiko and Bell-mère have tangerines. They’re the best in the entire town. You could come and see.”

Sanji looked at Patty and Carne still talking to the different sellers. Maybe they wouldn’t notice he was gone more than a minute or two.

“I would like to, thank you.”

Nami smiled. They started walking out of the markets. “We’re living a bit outside of the town.”

Sanji nodded.

He wasn’t comfortable talking to other people from the Baratie. His hands clenched on his backpack strap. While they were walking, Sanji noticed Nami was holding a book.

He tilted his head “It’s a book about maps?”

Nami nodded “Yep! I love maps, I’m trying to finish one before the end of the day but I needed more information.”

Sanji nodded. They continued walking until Sanji saw a tangerine field. Once they crossed it, Sanji saw a small house. 

Nami shouted “Nojiko!” she started running to the house “I brought someone!”

A little girl with light blue hair came out of the house “Nami? You were supposed to go to the market with Bell-mère.”

“I know but look! I found the book I was looking for! I can finish my map of Cocoyashi now.”

The little girl raised an eyebrow “Did you find it or steal it?”

Nami stuck out her tongue in answer. 

The girl looked at Sanji “Did she rob you too?”

Sanji shook his head.

Nami hid her book under a blanket “He’s Sanji. He works at a restaurant. We could go eat there.”

“Nami, we don't have money for a restaurant, you know that.”

“Oh come on Nojiko! We have never been to a restaurant. It could be fun!”

Nojiko sighed. “No, I told you we don’t have money for it. And Bell-mère will be mad if we steal food.”

Sanji softly said, “Zeff won’t care if you can’t pay.” 

Zeff repeatedly said that it didn’t matter if someone couldn't pay, if they were hungry they were going to eat. 

Nami smiled “See! Free meal!”

Nojiko frowned, “We don’t want trouble.”

Sanji shook his head “You won’t, I promise.”

Nojiko sighed “Fine, but I’m only coming to watch over you.”

Nami smiled “If you say so! Come on Sanji!”

They exited the house and started crossing the tangerine field. Once they arrived at the market, Sanji remembered Patty and Carne. He hoped to see them to present Nami and Nojiko but they were nowhere to be seen.

Sanji hoped they hadn’t come back to Baratie. Zeff was going to be pissed.

Nojiko said, “It’s your parents' restaurant?”

“No, it’s Zeff.”

“Who is Zeff? Your grandpa?”

Sanji snorted. Zeff was old but not that old. Sometimes, or more all the time, Sanji would call Zeff's dad in his head but never at loud. He didn’t know how the old man would react. He would probably be angry or disgusted. After all, who would want Sanji, useless, idiot Sanji for a son?

Certainly not Zeff. He deserved better than that.

“Zeff is just Zeff. And you’re leaving with Bell-mère?”

Nojiko nodded. 

“She’s your mom?”

Nojiko nodded, “She adopted us when we were young.”

“Nojiko found me and then Bell-mère found us.”

“It’s nice. I was working on another ship when Zeff found me.”

Nami smiled “Oh so you’re adopted too?”

Sanji nodded.

They arrived after a couple of minutes of walking at the Baratie. Nojiko and Nami were looking at the outside menu. 

Nojiko frowned “Are you sure it’s fine if we can’t pay?”

Sanji nodded. 

Nami elbowed her sister “Stop being so worried, it’s gonna be fine.”

“Nami, I’m your older sister, it’s my job to worry about you.”

Nami rolled her eyes.

Nojiko was so different from Reiju. She would never openly be worried about him. She would only help Sanji when Father or their brothers weren’t looking. The only time Reiju helped Sanji was when she sent him on the Orbit. He wondered what would have happened if she had helped him more. Maybe she could have come with him.

Sanji hoped she was fine.

She probably was. She wasn’t weak like Sanji.

They entered and Sanji saw Eli at the welcoming. 

“Hello, welcome to the Bara- Oh thank god you’re okay! Do you know how worried we were? The big boss is losing his mind right now. Go to the kitchen before he’s having a cardiac arrest.”

Sanji nodded. Damn, he really thought Zeff wouldn’t notice. Nami and Nojiko followed him, once they arrived at the swing door Sanji could hear Zeff shouting. He was furious.

“I gave you one mission! You two had one fucking job, watch over Sanji so how on fucking earth did you manage to screw up!”

Patty and Carne were bowing their heads. Patty spoke first “I swear he was right next to me I don’t know what happened.”

“I don’t care about your excuses, what I want is for Sanji to be home!” Zeff’s face was red, his fist were clenched and he was shaking. Sanji had never seen Zeff being this mad.

Carne bowed even more “We looked everywhere. We thought he just got bored and came back here.”

“You really thought Sanji could be bored with food and the market? Do you even know my boy?

The two cooks winced. Sanji steps up. Zeff was going to be so mad at him but it wasn’t Patty or Carne's fault if he left. It was his fault, he deserved to be punished.

“I’m home.”

Zeff froze. He turned around and saw Sanji. He quickly walked toward him and Sanji thought he was going to punch him for disobey. That’s what Father always did when he would cook or give food to the mice. Sanji closed his eyes, waiting for the hit but instead, Zeff grabbed Sanji and held him tight against his chest. He heard Zeff whispering multiple times “Thank you.” Zeff was on his knees, in the middle of the kitchen holding Sanji. Then Zeff cupped his face.

“Are you okay? Did anyone touch you or hurt you?”

Sanji shook his head.

“Where were you?” Zeff looked desperate.

“I saw a cat. She looked hungry.”

Zeff closed his eyes “Of fucking course.” he put Sanji’s head against his chest. 

Sanji muffled “I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. You’re safe and that’s the most important thing.” Zeff glared at Patty and Carne “You two, be useful and call the others to come back home.”

Sanji frowned “Everyone left? Where did they go?”

“They left looking for you Eggplant, what else?”

“But why?”

Sanji didn’t understand. Back in Germa, no one cared when he would leave even less looking for him. And when he “died” people just forgot about him.

Zeff brushed Sanji’s blond hair and cupped his face “The Baratie can’t work without his sous chef.”

Oh. Of course. They needed him back because he was the sous chef and not because they cared about him. It’s more logical now.

Sanji looked at Zeff “I made friends.”

“Really?”

He nodded and presented the two girls “This is Nami and Nojiko.”

The two girls waved.

Zeff smiled, “Are you two hungry?”

———

Zeff came out by the back door and went to the deck behind the restaurant. He needed fresh air. Sanji, Nami, and Nojiko were happily eating lunch together in the dining room.

When the two idiots came back without Sanji, Zeff thought his heart stopped beating. That little Eggplant wasn’t going to leave his sight before his thirtieth birthday. At least.

He thought about everything. Kidnapping, him getting lost, or worse Marines. Zeff didn’t know what he would have done if the Marines had taken Sanji away from him. Probably burn everything down.

He took a deep breath when he heard a distinct sound behind him. It’s the kind of sound you never forget when you’re a pirate. Rifles type 64. Marine’s shotgun.

“Where are my daughters Red Leg?”

Oh fuck.

Goddamnit.

Zeff raised his hands. How on fucking earth he had managed to moor on the island where Bell-mère lived?

He felt the gun pressed on the back of his head.

“I won’t ask twice.”

“I don’t have your daughters.”

“Bullshit!”

Bell-mère pressed the gun even more. She and Rosinante were one of the best marine teams he had ever seen. They were called The Smokers. They had been a pain in Zeff’s ass more than once. If she was there, Rosinante wasn’t far. 

He wouldn’t hear Rosinante until it was too late. Zeff hated devil fruits.

He knew he couldn’t fight the both of them, it was already complicated before but now Zeff was too rusty for that. Especially if Bell-mère and Rosinante both thought he had kidnapped their daughters.

Zeff slowly shook his head. He understood her. He would be angry too at her place. “I swear I didn’t take your daughters. I’m retired now. I’m a chef and I stopped piracy.”

He heard her swearing. “It’s two little girls. One with orange hair and the other one has light blue hair.”

Zeff closed his eyes and swore in his head. Of fucking course Sanji became friends with Bell-mère’s daughters. That boy was going to kill him one day.

“My son, Sanji, got lost in the market and met them. They’re eating in the dining room. I swear to you I didn’t harm them. I didn’t know they were yours.”

“Turn around.”

Zeff turned slowly. 

Bell-mère was frowning, a cigarette in her mouth, still pointing the gun to his face “I know you Red Leg. I know you don’t hurt kids. But if I see a scratch on their head I’ll kill you.”

“I’m gonna walk you to them. I’ll just ask you to lower your gun. My boy hates guns.” 

Bell-mère lowered it but kept close to her.

Zeff nodded to thank her and started walking to the back door. They walked into the restaurant and Zeff walked her to the dining room. 

Nami, Sanji and Nojiko were eating and Nami laughed. Nojiko was the first to notice the two adults and she ran to Bell-mère.

“Bell-mère! Sanji’s dad invited us to eat! It’s really good! Nami and I took beef and potatoes, it’s so good! Sanji took seafood pasta and it told us that Zeff’s is the best in the world!”

Bell-mère smiled, “It’s great.”

Zeff watched her subtly checking her daughter’s face to see any type of injuries.

Nami ran to them too “Bell-mère! It’s so good! You have to try!”

Bell-mère nodded. “Sure. How about you two go back to the table and finish while I arrive.”

The two girls nodded and ran back to the tables. 

“So what do you want to eat?”

“Nothing. I’m not hungry.”

At the same time, Bell-mère's stomach growled.

She blushed, “I don’t have enough money for the three of us.”

“I don’t care about the money.”

Bell-mère snorted.

Zeff rolled his eyes, “I don’t care now.” he hung a menu to her “Just tell me what you want. Is Rosinante coming?”

Bell-mère took it and then looked at her daughters. She gave it back “Nope it’s just me and my girls. And just like them, thanks.” she smiled and walked toward the table.

If back in the day, someone had told Zeff he would serve Bell-mère a plate, he would have died of laughter.

———

Bell-mère was so cool. Sanji was looking at her, smoking and talking to Nojiko about what she bought at the market. 

Maybe he should try smoking too. It sounded fun.

Nami had left for the bathroom a while ago and now that Sanji was thinking about it, it was quite weird. Maybe she was like Zoro and couldn’t tell the difference between left and right. 

Sanji had cried with laughter when Zoro told him that.

“I’m going to the bathroom.”

Bell-mère smiled “Sure sweetheart.”

Sanji blushed and left the table. She reminded him of his mom.

He walked to the bathroom and found them empty. Sanji walked around but couldn’t find Nami. He was about to give up when he saw a glimpse of orange hair by the window. He passed by the door and found Nami sitting looking at the ocean. 

Sanji sat next to her “Are you alright?” 

Nami nodded. She was drawing on one of the menu backs. 

“It’s a map?”

Nami nodded again. She looked at the ocean and went back to her draw. After a few minutes, she smiled. “I’m done. I finally finished that side of the island.”

“You really like drawing maps.”

Nami blushed, “Yes and one day I’ll draw a map of the world.”

“Is it your dream?”

“Yes, do you have one too?”

It was Sanji's turn to blush “I want to find the All Blue. It’s the only place in the world where the four oceans meet. We can find all kinds of fish in it.”

“It sounds cool!”

Sanji hummed “One day, I’ll leave with my friends, Luffy and Zoro and we will find the All Blue together.”

“If I want to accomplish my dream, I will have to sail too. Maybe I could come with you.”

Sanji frowned. From what he understood, Bell-mère was a marine, he didn’t want Nami to have problems. “Luffy wants to be the King of the Pirates and Zoro wants to be the world’s greatest swordsman. So we will be pirates.”

“Oh, then I will have to ask Bell-mère. She probably won’t like it. But even if I can’t, we still can be friends.”

“Really?” Sanji blushed. He was so happy to have a new friend. Luffy and Zoro would probably like her. 

———

It was late. Zeff and Bell-mère were sat on the deck behind the Baratie. The sun was starting to set. Nami and Nojiko were sleeping on Bell-mère laps while Sanji was asleep curled up on Zeff’s.

Bell-mère was smoking and had a beer bottle next to her. Zeff was drinking his lemonade.

“What happened to your leg?”

“I cut and eat it.”

“Seriously?”

Zeff hummed.

“Damn.”

He snorted. “I attacked the ship Sanji was on. We got caught in a storm and we found ourselves on a rock in the middle of the ocean. We’re the only survivors. It took months before we got rescued.”

Bell-mère hummed “The kid made you stop piracy.”

“Sanji deserves a good life.” He swallowed “I know he deserves better than me but I’m a pirate. Pirates are selfish, they keep their treasure close to themselves.”

“I feel you. I know my girls deserve better than a poor traumatized marine but I want to throw up when I just think about leaving them.” Bell-mère brushed Nami and Nojiko's hair “I found them in an abandoned city. I’m the only survivor of a battle between marines and pirates. I just took them and came back home.”

“So that’s why Rosinante isn’t with you?”

“No thanks the sea. My Rosi left for an undercover mission two months prior. I wonder how he is now.” she snorted, “Maybe he finds himself a kid too.”

“He had a soft spot for kids.”

“Maybe they could get along.” she chuckled “I wonder how the girls would react if they had another sister. Or a brother. My Rosi would love and spoil them so hard.” She took a sip of her beer “Fuck I miss him.”

Zeff smiled. He looked at Sanji sleeping. He brushed his blond hair.

Bell-mère took a tap “Yours never ask for siblings?”

“No.” Zeff thought back at Sanji’s words about Niji and Yonji. “I think he likes being an only child.”

Bell-mère smiled “If someone would have told me Red Leg would have put himself away to raise a kid, I would never have believed it.”

“Me neither. Believe me.”

She snorted.

Slowly Sanji started to stir. 

Zeff sighed “It’s not that I don’t like you but I have a boy to put in bed.”

“Yeah me too.”

They walked back inside and Zeff walked them to the welcoming. The two adults said goodbyes and Zeff went to Sanji’s room.

He opened it and put Sanji’s in his bed. The eleven-year-old boy slowly opened his eyes. “Zeff?”

“Everything is fine, I’m just putting you to bed, Eggplant. Today has been quite eventful.”

Sanji, half asleep, nodded. “Nami and Nojiko are nice.”

“They are.”

Sanji rubbed his eyes, “I wish Reiju was more like Nojiko.”

Zeff froze. He slowly sat on the bed “Reiju?”

Sanji hummed. “She’s my older sister. I have brothers too. Ichiji, Niji and Yonji. But they were mean to me. All the time.”

“What would they do?”

“They would punch me or kick me. Reiju wouldn’t but she wouldn’t defend me. She didn’t want trouble with them. I think she was scared of them.”

“I’m sorry Sanji.”

“I don’t know why they would be so mean to me. Reiju said it was because I was too kind.” He looked at Zeff, his eyes full of tears “Should I stop being kind?”

“Never.” Zeff cupped his face “It’s your greatest strength.”

“But I disobeyed today and left Patty because I thought the cat was hungry. I scared you and bothered everyone. ”

“You will never, ever bother us. And I’m proud of you for helping that cat. If you see someone or animals hungry, feed them. I would have done the same thing. Now, I just want you to warn someone before leaving okay?”

Sanji nodded. “I’m sorry.”

“Don’t apologize for being kind, never. Do you remember when I started training you? I told you there were two rules.”

“Never fight with your hands and never beat a woman.”

“Now there will be a third one. Never stop being kind.”

“Okay.”

Zeff pulled Sanji’s against his chest “I’m proud of you.”

“Can you stay with me tonight?”

“Of course.”

Zeff lay down next to Sanji. Time passed and Zeff thought Sanji had fallen asleep when he heard whispering.

“Goodnight Old man.”

Zeff put a kiss on Sanji's blond hair and brought him close to his chest.

“Goodnight Eggplant.”

———

They stayed a week at the Cocoyashi village. Sanji would either work in the kitchen or go to Bell-mère house to help with the tangerines.

Zeff thought he was going to have a heart attack when he saw Sanji smoking a cigarette. Apparently, his boy wanted to look cool.

Stupid boy.

When they left, the three kids tried to keep their tears to themselves while the two adults shook their hands.

“I don’t thank you.”

Bell-mère rolled her eyes with a smile “Oh come on old man it’s fine!”

Zeff growled “Because of you my kid is smoking! Do you realize it could destroy his pallet?”

Bell-mère chuckled, “He will grow out of it.”

“I fucking hope so.”

“Do you know your next destination?”

“I heard the kids speaking about the Gecko Islands.”

“Really? I heard the Syrup village is great.”

Zeff nodded, “Lauren, one of my waiters is from there.”

“It’s great!”

They said goodbyes and Zeff gave Bell-mère his den den mushi numbers and it was only after hours of sailing that Zeff realized she hadn’t given hers. It was fine, Nami would probably call soon. Apparently, Sanji had recruited her into Luffy’s crew. Bell-mère nearly had an aneurysm when Nami told her she was going to be a pirate.

Take that marine.

Two weeks later, Zeff read an article from the World Economy News Paper saying pirates had moored at the Cocoyashi village. Zeff wasn’t worried though. Bell-mère would handle it.

Chapter Text

Sanji was walking back and forth in his room. It was late, the moon was high in the sky but in a couple of days, it will mark the six-month anniversary of the Baratie opening. How could he find sleep while he still hadn’t found out what to give to Zeff to celebrate it?

Maybe Sanji could cook something? Zeff adored spicy chicken wings but he wasn’t sure if he had all the ingredients.

Sanji went to his desk and pulled out his cookbook. He turned the pages until he found the chicken wings pages.

Zeff’s spicy chicken wings

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 2 teaspoons kosher salt

• 2 teaspoons garlic powder

• 2 teaspoons onion powder

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 2 teaspoons ground paprika

• 1 ½ teaspoons cayenne pepper

• 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ½ teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

• ½ teaspoon dried thyme, crushed

• 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips discarded

Sanji frowned. He was sure he had seen everything in the storage except the paprika, cumin, and peppers. The old man had said they would moor at the Syrup Village in a couple of hours so maybe if he had luck, he could buy it at the market.

The only problem was that now, after what happened at the Cocoyashi village, Old man wouldn’t let him leave his sight. The next day, Sanji couldn’t even go to the bathroom without Zeff. 

Maybe he could convince Patty or Carne to come with him. Or give them the list but these idiots would manage to screw up again.

Sanji bites his bottom lips. He wanted to do something special. 

Zeff deserved it.

Sanji jolted when he heard the knock. 

“Can I come in?”

Zeff. Crap.

Sanji closed his book and ran to his bed. He pulled his covers on himself. “Yes.”

Old man opened the door. “Everything alright?”

Sanji hummed

Zeff looked at the desk and saw the cooking book. “Sanji, it’s two a.m. I know you love reading cooking books but you need to sleep. If you don’t sleep enough, it will cause you problems.”

“Like what?”

“Migraines, tiredness. And the worst one, not growing. Now imagine the next time you see Zoro, he’s taller because he rested more than you.”

Sanji gasped. He couldn’t let that idiot Marimo be taller than him. He nodded furiously “I’m sleeping, promise promise.”

Zeff smiled “Good. Now goodnight Eggplant.”

“Night Old Geezer.”

Zeff closed the door and Sanji fell asleep the second his head touched the pillow.

———

Sanji was awakened by the sound of the den den mushi. He opened his eyes slowly and picked up the call.

He yawned “Morning Marimo.”

“Morning Curly. Did I wake you up?”

“Of course not! You up early.”

“Rona woke me up.”

Sanji giggled “She pranked you again?”

“I hate her. She wants to give Mihawk a gift.”

“Why?”

“I don’t know! I said we could give him a sword and she said it was stupid because he already has two. It’s stupid! Three swords are so much cooler than two.”

“So what are you going to give him?”

“She wants to buy a hat.”

Sanji frowned “A hat? Doesn’t he already have one?”

“That’s what I said! But apparently, you can have multiple hats but not swords. She’s stupid.”

Sanji laughed. He couldn’t see Zoro but he knew he was pouting.

“Also Mihawk said we could go see Luffy.”

“Really? That’s great! He’s wearing a straw hat, you can’t miss him.”

“Do you have news from the girl?”

“Nami? No, I’m kinda worried now but Old man says she must be busy.”

Sanji jolted when he heard the knock. “Eggplant? You’re up?”

“Coming!” Sanji looked back at the den den mushi “I have to go.”

“Mihawk is calling too. Try to not burn down the kitchen Curly.”

“I never burnt anything thank you very much, idiot swordsman.”

“That's what you said, stupid cook.”

Zeff knocked again “Come on Eggplant hang up and hurry up. Say hi to Zoro for me.”

Sanji rolled his eyes “Old man said hi. Bye, Marimo.”

“Mihawk says hi too. See you later Curly.”

Sanji hung up and opened the door. “I’m almost ready, old man.”

“Good cause we're gonna moor in two hours, just in time for the breakfast service. So move your ass Eggplant. Meet me in the kitchen”

Sanji nodded. He closed the door and changed himself. He walked quickly to the kitchen and as he entered, Zeff gave him his breakfast.

The Old man went back to the oven preparing the others cooks their breakfast. Sanji looked at him or more at his chef hat. It was a regular chef hat. Not big or too small. Just a little worn.

Maybe Sanji could make the chicken wings and buy Zeff a new hat. He only needed Zeff to accept him going alone at the market.

“Hey, old man. I want to go to the market.”

Zeff raised an eyebrow. “And we are. We need to buy spices and meat.”

“I mean. I want to go alone. Or with Patty and Carne.”

“Sure.”

“Really?” 

Zeff smirked “No. You aren’t leaving that restaurant alone or with one of these two idiots in that decade.”

“You’re not fucking serious right?”

“You’re already mopping that kitchen til you’re eighteen. You want to do more?”

Sanji sighed as Zeff started laughing.

Damn stupid Old man.

———

When the Baratie moored at the Syrup village, a lot of people were at the beach. Zeff could understand them, after all, it’s not every day you see a floating restaurant.

An old man said, “Hello I’m Mornin and you are?”

Zeff nodded “I’m Zeff and this is Sanji my sous chef. We are holding a floating restaurant the Baratie. If you want to eat you can address Eli. Lauren and Isaac will bring you to your table.”

The villagers nodded and started looking at the menu. Lauren and Isaac started guiding the first customers to their table when someone, a little boy with a long nose and curly hair walked to Zeff.

“Why is your leg a wooden leg? Are you a pirate?”

Zeff locked down. The kid was holding a green slingshot.

He cleared his voice “Yes I was a pirate.”

The kid gasped and started running into the town screaming “Pirates! We’re been attacked! Pirates! Pirates!”

Zeff slowly turned to the other villagers. Maybe he could negotiate to at least go to the market for supplies before they leave. Why couldn't people understand that he was retired?

One of the villagers, an old woman, sighed “Usopp come back. The man is joking.”

A younger man looked at Zeff “Sorry sir, Usopp likes to play pranks and jokes. He loves running around screaming for pirates.”

The older woman spoke again, “We’re very sorry. Just ignore him. He’s a bit weird. The father was a pirate and he left years ago. The kid still thinks he’s going to come back.”

“Oh. It’s fine, I’m not mad.” 

Zeff looked at the kid still running and probably shouting. He hoped he would be okay.

———

“You’re gonna screw it up, kid.”

Sanji frowned, his eyes focused on the pan and his hands gripping the handle. Patty had dared him to flip a fluffy pancake. He couldn’t screw it up. Patty would never let him live after that. 

Patty was crossing his arms behind him. “Kid I told you, you can’t flip it. I mean sometimes I even wonder why you’re the sous chef 'cause you barely cook so really, let the professional do it.”

Sanji didn’t know why he was the sous chef either. Maybe Zeff had given him the title as an honorary one because he didn’t want to hurt his feelings.

Everybody beside him would have been a better option. So why?

He heard Patty snorting. “Are you gonna flip it now or in the next decades?”

Sanji shook the pan and flipped the pancake. He beamed when he saw the pancake falling perfectly back in the pan. He turned around to see Patty and show off but the cook was lying on the ground with a big bruise on his head. Sanji looked around but the only person beside them was Zeff and the old man was too far away to even hear them.

“Eggplant, go start change, we're gonna go to the market.”

“Got it, old man.”

Sanji put the pancake on the plate and put it on the warm dishes. When he passed Patty he whispered, “I told you I could do it.”

Sanji started climbing the stairs when he heard Patty say “Sorry boss.” 

Sanji chuckled. Maybe Zeff had heard them after all.

———

Five minutes later, Sanji changed from his uniform to more civilian clothes. Zeff was waiting for him at the welcoming with a big empty bag and his yellow backpack. Sanji put on his backpack while Zeff gave Beth and Leah the last orders.

On the way to the market, Sanji noticed Zeff was holding a list of groceries. “Can I see the list?”

Zeff raised an eyebrow “Why do you think you know my kitchen better than myself Eggplant?” 

“I mean you're old, Old man you probably forgot a couple of things.” 

“Brat!”

Sanji giggled as he stole the list. He read it rapidly and saw the chicken, peppers, and cumin.

“See I told you you would forget something. We need paprika. Sometimes I wonder what you would do without me.”

Zeff rolled his eyes with a smile. “Stupid brat.”

They continued walking for another ten minutes and they finally arrived at the market. It was crowded so Zeff curled his fingers on Sanji’s backpack upper handle. 

After three shelves, they bought beef, lamb, and chicken. Sanji had felt Zeff’s gaze on him when he insisted on picking the piece of chicken himself. 

They were walking to the spice shelves when something caught Sanji’s eye. A man was joking with his son then the little boy put his hand in the man’s hands. They started walking holding hands together.

Sanji looked around and saw multiple families and kids holding their parents’ hands.

Mom was too sick to do that and Sanji wasn’t stupid enough to try it with Father.

He wondered if Mom’s hands were warm but they would probably be cold because of the sickness. But maybe Mom wouldn’t have wanted to hold his hand either.

The kids looked happy. It must be nice to hold someone's hand.

Sanji looked at Zeff’s hand. His hand wasn’t on his backpack anymore but still close to him. It was big, bigger than Sanji’s head. There were calluses too. He wondered what Zeff would say or do if Sanji tried to hold it. Probably yells or pushes his hand with disgust.

Sanji bites his bottom lips. 

He really wanted to hold Zeff’s hand now.

Someone bumped on him and Sanji caught the closest thing to him so he wouldn't fall.

“Oh sorry kiddo you’re okay?” The man looked sorry. 

“I’m fine thank you.”

“Okay sorry again.”

The man left and Zeff spoke, “You’re sure you’re okay?”

Sanji nodded and suddenly realized he was holding Zeff’s hand. He pulled out his hand and brought it to his chest. “Sorry old man.”

“Why?” Zeff shrugged, “It’s fine.”

“Oh. Really?”

Zeff hummed.

They started walking again and Sanji looked at Zeff’s hand. He slowly advanced his hand so he could hold Zeff’s. He felt Old Man tense but quickly he gently squeezed Sanji’s hand. His hand looked so tiny in Zeff’s hand and it was so warm. 

Sanji smiled. It was nice to hold someone’s hand.

———

Once they came back from the market, while Zeff and Carne stored the groceries, Patty started teasing Sanji. 

“It’s nice to see that the little Eggplant hadn’t got lost this time.”

Sanji smirked “Yeah apparently only Old Geezer is capable of not losing a kid.”  

Carne started laughing as Patty got angry “Hey, you left while I was busy!”

“Because I saw a cat! It’s not my fault if a cat is better company than you!”

Carne laughed so hard he fell on the floor. Zeff rolled his eyes and grabbed Sanji by his collar and started walking to the back door. “Come on Eggplant, we’re gonna train, we wouldn’t want Zoro to surpass you right?”

“That Marimo will never surpass me!”

———

Sanji thought he was going to pass out. He was sitting on the deck trying to calm his breathing. They had been training for the past hour and he had finally found the balance to kick with one leg without falling. Finally. 

“Good job Eggplant. We’re gonna take a break alright. You need to drink water and eat.”

Sanji shook his head. “I can train more.” 

Father’s training would last four hours. If it was less, Father called it a waste of time. Sanji could handle more, he was used to.

“No Eggplant. If you train too much you can hurt yourself. A nap would be good for you.”

“No! The lunch service is about to start, I can't rest.”

 Zeff sighed. 

He could do it. Sanji could train and cook, he knew he could do it. He had to. He had to prove Zeff he was capable of.

He wasn’t weak or useless. He wasn’t. So why did Zeff keep being gentle? 

Sanji stood up.

“Eggplant you need a break.”

“No, I don’t. I still can train. I’ll prove it to you. Kick me.”

“Eggplant if I kick you you will fly across the restaurant. Probably the town too.”

“No, I won’t.”

“Eggplant stop.”

Sanji froze. Zeff sounded mad. 

Zeff kneeled “Sanji, what’s going on? We did our hour training and it’s over. Now you need to rest. It’s fine.”

Sanji felt tears coming to his eyes “I’m not weak.”

“I know.”

“So why don’t you wanna train me more?”

Zeff brushed Sanji’s hair “I’m training you so you can defend yourself and your friends. Not because I want you to be a child soldier. You’re a kid. Be a kid.”

Sanji closed his eyes so Zeff couldn’t see his tears. 

“Come on Eggplant. You’re gonna take a nap, when you wake up you will eat and then you spend time in the kitchen okay?”

Sanji nodded. Zeff carried him to his room and after he changed and cleaned himself Sanji took a nap. 

A couple of minutes later, he woke up hearing something. Sanji cracked an eye and looked out the window.

Someone was throwing rocks at his window. 

Sanji got up and went to the window. He climbed on his chair to see better and saw the little boy with a long nose and the curly hair. The little boy was weaving at him, holding a slingshot. Sanji opened his window.

“Yes?”

“I’m here to save you! Don’t worry, the great captain Usopp and his eight thousand men are here to save you and protect you!”

Sanji frowned “Save me? From what?”

“The old man pirate idiot! I saw you crying because of him but don’t worry! Captain Usopp is here to save the day! I will hide you at the castle of Princess Kaya.”

Sanji frowned deeper. The kid looked younger than him so how could he be a captain and have eight thousand men?

“Wait for me! I’m coming!”

“What! No, you stay! Captain Usopp is coming to save you!”

Sanji closed his window and left his room. He passed quietly in front of the kitchen so Zeff wouldn’t see him and ran again to the back door. He went to the deck behind the restaurant. Usopp was on the land just next to it.

Usopp frowned “Are you okay?”

“I just need to rest.”

“So the pirate was mean to you?”

“Zeff?” Sanji tilted his head “Old geezer didn’t hurt me.”

“Oh.” Usopp seems relieved “So Zeff is a kind pirate like my dad.”

“Your dad is a pirate?”

Usopp hummed “He’s a brave warrior of the sea.”

“That’s cool. You said you knew a princess?”

Usopp nodded “Princess Kaya of the Syrup village. She’s smart and so kind.”

Sanji smiled, “It must be cool to be friends with a princess.”

“Princess Kaya is my best friend.” 

Then Usopp’s stomach growled.

“Are you hungry? You can come to the restaurant, the lunch service is about to start.”

“I don’t have money on me.”

“That’s fine!”

Usopp smiled a bit. He walked to the deck and with Sanji entered the restaurant. They went to the kitchen and Zeff raised an eyebrow at the two boys. 

“This is Usopp and he’s hungry.”

“Okay, then what does Usopp want to eat?”

Usopp tried to hide behind Sanji “I don’t know.”

Zeff crossed his arms “Fried eggs and rice?”

Usopp nodded slowly.

Sanji smiled, “Can I cook?”

Zeff nodded “You do the egg and I do the rice?”

Sanji beamed. He ran to the storage room to pick up the eggs. When he started cooking Usopp spoke again.

“So you’re a cook?”

Sanji hummed “I’m the Old man’s sous chef.”

“And you can fight?”

“I’m training because I want to find the All Blue with my friends.”

“What’s the All Blue?”

Sanji smiled “It’s a dream place for a cook. It’s where the four oceans meet and we can find all kinds of fish in the world.”

“Oh, that’s sound magical. And you’re going to find it with your friends?”

“We’re going to be pirates. Luffy will be the captain. There will be Zoro too and probably Nami if her mom says yes.”

“That’s great!”

When Sanji and Zeff finished cooking the two boys went into the dining room to eat.

“The restaurant is great.”

“Thanks. In a couple of days, it will be our six-month anniversary. I want to give Zeff something. Probably a hat.”

“Like a chef’s hat?”

Sanji nodded “You know where I can find some?”

“No, but,” Usopp smiled, “Princess Kaya knows everything. So she’ll probably know.”

“I have to convince the Old man now.”

“It’s fine! Let the great captain Usopp do it!”

———

Zeff was finishing a plate when the boy with a long nose came into the kitchen with Sanji behind him.

“Hi. We-we-I mean Sanji wants to come with me to town.”

Zeff raised an eyebrow. He looked at Sanji who was nodding furiously and back at the first kid.

“And for what?”

“It’s-it’s top top secret sir.” Usopp swallowed.

Zeff frowned.

Usopp quickly spoke again “I mean we’re going to see my friend, Princess Kaya. She lives in the castle. Sanji will be okay. My eight thousand men will protect us.”

“Eight thousand men?”

Usopp nodded “I’m also friends with giants warriors and I fought God so don’t worry I will protect Sanji too.”

Zeff frowned deeper “Fought God?”

Sanji exclaimed, “You’re friends with giants?”

Usopp nodded “The great captain Usopp is super friends with giants!”

Zeff thought he needed to talk with Lauren. She had never spoken about a royal family and the villagers had told Zeff, that Usopp liked to prank people and make jokes.

“First you eat your desserts and we will discuss it again.” 

The two boys nodded and took the two plates Zeff hung to them. Strawberry pies with whipped cream.

“Thank Old Geezer!”

The two boys passed the swing doors as Lauren came in.

“Lauren?”

“Yes, boss?”

“Come here for a minute.”

Lauren walked to Zeff “Everything alright?”

“Is there a royal family here?”

Lauren snorted “No why?”

“The kid said he’s friends with Princess Kaya.”

“I can assure you boss there is no princess or royal here. I mean there is a rich family a bit outside of the town. Maybe the kid considers them as royal.”

“Probably. Thank Lauren.”

“Sure boss.”

Lauren picked up two plates and went back into the dining room. Zeff looked through the swing door window and watched Sanji and Usopp talking and laughing.

Zeff wanted to help Sanji to open himself to the world but his safety was more important.

———

“No.”

“Please, Old Man.”

“I said no.”

Sanji angrily sighed “I will be fine!”

Zeff crossed his arms “You asked me and I said no.”

“Why! I just want to go to the market with Usopp and see Princess Kaya!”

Zeff kneeled “Sanji. Usopp doesn’t know giants. He didn’t fight God either. He’s nine. The villagers told us he lies all the time.”

Sanji clenched his fist. He knew Usopp didn’t fight God, he’s not an idiot. He just wanted to buy the chef’s hat. Zeff was running his surprise without knowing it.

“Look if you want we can go back to the market together.”

Sanji closed his eyes trying to keep his tears at bay. “Why don’t you trust me?”

“I trust you. Of course I do but I want to protect you.”

“You taught me how to fight. And I could go with my den den mushi and call you if something goes wrong.”

Sanji bites his bottom lips. He needed to convince Zeff. He had to. 

Zeff looked at him for a second before sighing. “You promise to call?”

“Yes.”

“Just like you promised to stay with Patty and Carne last time?”

“But I saw a cat! Belli was hungry. And if I don't, I won't ever leave the Baratie. Ever. Promise.”

Zeff snorted “Fine. Go pick up your den den.”

“Yes! Thank you, Jiji!” 

Sanji ran to his room, grabbed his den den mushi, and ran back to the kitchen. Zeff hung him his yellow packback and he passed the swing door.

“Usopp! Zeff said yes!”

Usopp smiled “See I told you the great captain Usopp could convince everyone! See one day I convinced a mermaid princess to give us food and she did.”

“A mermaid princess?”

Usopp nodded “A giant mermaid princess.”

“So cool!”

The two boys walked out of the restaurant in the direction of the market.

“Should we see Princess Kaya before?”

Usopp looked away. “Actually, Princess Kaya is really sick so it’s possible we can’t see her.”

“Oh.”

They walked across the town to find a giant house. Zeff would have called it a manor but it looked more like a castle. Usopp walked in the direction of a tree next to the castle and Sanji followed him. 

The two boys climbed the tree and Usopp knocked at the window. A minute passed before a young blond girl opened it.

“Usopp?”

“Hello, Kaya! This is my friend Sanji.”

Sanji blushed “Hi.”

Kaya smiled “Hello. Did you need anything?”

“Actually yes, Sanji wants to buy a chef’s hat for his dad. Do you think you could help us?”

Kaya nodded “Sure. There is a store called Hats Off Syrup in town.”

Sanji beamed “Really? Thank you so much!”

Usopp smiled, “Is today a good day or a bad one?”

Kaya coughed before smiling “I would say a bad one. I’m sorry Usopp, I wish I could come.”

“It’s okay Kaya. You need to rest, your health is more important. You need to take your meds and drink water. Maybe drink soup, Mom was always better after a soup.”

“I’ll try, thank you Usopp.”

Usopp smiled at Kaya. “We should go, you need to rest. Go take a nap.”

Kaya nodded “I’ll Usopp. Maybe tomorrow it will be better and you could tell me stories again.”

“Of course! Don’t worry Princess Kaya, the great captain Usopp will come back tomorrow!”

Kaya gently chuckled. “Bye Usopp. Bye, Sanji.”

Usopp waved while Sanji nodded “Bye Kaya, take care of you.”

She closed the window and the two boys climbed off the tree. They were walking in the direction of the store when Sanji spoke.

“Kaya sounds really sick.”

“She is. On good days she can come out of her room and go in the garden for an hour or two.”

It reminded him of his mom. But even on good days, Mom couldn’t go in the garden. She was too sick for that. She just looked less tired.

He wondered if Mom would have liked to go in the garden. She probably would have. Mom loved flowers.

Sanji and Usopp arrived at the store and Kaya was right. It was full of hats. They entered and Sanji immediately found the one. It was a tall chef hat. Really, really tall. Sanji wondered if the hat would even pass the Baratie walls.

It was perfect. 

Sanji looked at the price tag. 180 bellis

Perfect. Sanji had more than enough. “We can go back to the Baratie! I have the money in my room.”

Usopp nodded and the two boys went back to the restaurant. When they arrived, Sanji frowned.

“It’s weird. Eli isn’t there.”

“Maybe he went on a break.”

“No. Eli is always there.”

They entered the restaurant and climbed off the stairs. The dining room was empty and glass was everywhere. 

“Old man? Zeff? Guys?”

Sanji passed the swing door, Usopp tailing him. “Old man!” Zeff was sitting on a chair with the rest of the staff around him.

Zeff grumbled “Everything is fine, go start cleaning the dining room. We need to be ready for the dinner service idiot.”

Beth crossed her arms “You’re sure boss?”

“Yes! Get out!”

Lauren, Isaac, and Eli went back to the dining room while Beth and Leah picked up the cleaning kit. Only Patty and Carne stayed. 

Sanji frowned “What happened, Old man?”

“Nothing. How was your trip? Did you find something?”

Patty spoke, “An angry customer started yelling at Lauren and Isaac so boss went to calm down and that asshole kicked Boss's leg.”

Sanji frowned and looked at Zeff’s legs. He gasped. “Old man, your prosthesis!”

The wooden leg was completely broken and only the metal part grafted on Zeff’s leg.

“It’s fine Eggplant. I have crutches upstairs. I will use them in the meantime.”

Carne nodded “I’m gonna get them. They’re in the office?”

Zeff nodded and Carne left. Zeff looked at Sanji and ruffled his blond hair. “Hey, I’m gonna be fine.”

“But you can’t walk.”

“Since when not walking has stopped me from doing something.”

Sanji whispered “Never.”

He still remembers Zeff crawling on the floor in their hospital room because he wanted to go to the bathroom and said the nurses were too slow.

“Good. So your afternoon. Did you see Princess Kaya?”

Sanji nodded “She’s kind.”

“Good.”

Carne arrived with the crutches and Patty helped Zeff to stand up. He took a couple of steps. “See Eggplant. I told you it would be fine.”

Patty crossed his arms “I don’t think there is a prosthesis shop here, we just have to hope there will be one at the next island.”

Usopp whispered, “Sanji, we need to go buy the hat before the store closes.”

“Right.” Sanji looked back at Zeff “Is it fine if we go out again please?”

Zeff nodded, “Sure, call if you need anything.”

Sanji nodded back and went to his room with Usopp. He pulled out a box from under his bed and opened it. He took the money and pulled it into his backpack.

Usopp frowned “How can you have so much money?”

“Before Zeff found me, I was working in a restaurant called the Orbit.”

“Are you sad you’re not working in it anymore?”

Sanji paused. He had liked the Orbit because it had been the first safe place he had lived in but for nothing, he would go back there. The Baratie was his home in a way the Orbit or Germa couldn’t be. 

“No.” Sanji smiled, “I’m happy here.”

Usopp smiled back “Cool!”

They left the room and passed by the kitchen. Usopp passed the swing door first and before Sanji passed them he looked at Zeff. The Old man was trying to cook and stand with his crutches but Sanji could see he was struggling.

He passed the door and found Usopp at the welcoming. Once they arrived at the town, they passed in front of a wood shop. 

Sanji looked at the different types of wood. He felt Usopp coming closer to him. 

“You know, the great captain Usopp is great at inventing things.”

“Usopp stop. This isn’t funny. It’s important.”

Usopp swallowed.

Sanji bites his bottom lips “Old man can’t walk anymore. Yes, he has his crutches but he can’t cook with them.”

“I can do something. Please Sanji believe me.”

Sanji whipped a tear. It was his fault. If he hadn’t survived, Zeff wouldn’t be in trouble now.

Maybe he should have stayed in Germa. Zeff wouldn’t have stopped piracy, lost his leg, or abandoned his dream.

Zeff would have been happier without him in his life.

Usopp went closer to the showcase. “The oak is a good material but it’s expensive. I could make something. It wouldn’t be perfect but it could work for a couple of weeks until you find something better.”

Sanji looked at the price. 200 bellis.  He just had enough for the wood but if he bought it he couldn’t buy the hat.

Zeff probably preferred a new leg then Sanji’s stupid hat.

“You’re sure you can do it?”

Usopp nodded “Promise.”

“Okay, I believe you.”

The two boys entered the market and bought the woods. Usopp told Sanji his workshop was at his home and it wasn’t far. They walked to the house and Usopp opened the door with his keys. 

Sanji looked around and found the house pretty empty and there weren’t any adult belongings then he remembered Usopp’s dad was a pirate.

“Your mom doesn’t live with you?”

“She’s resting. She’s sick.”

“Like Kaya?”

Usopp nodded “But she doesn’t have a lot of good days.”

“Oh. I’m sorry.”

“She needs to rest so we can’t go see her.”

“That’s fine.”

Usopp showed Sanji a new room “It was my dad’s workshop. You can leave the oak here. Do you want to go to the hat shop?”

“No thank you.”

“Okay. When is the anniversary?”

“In two days.”

Usopp nodded “Got it. I’ll finish it, don't worry.”

The two boys smiled at each other. Zeff had called Usopp a liar but Sanji trusted him. He will succeed.

— — —

Two days passed and Sanji was bouncing with energy. Usopp had called saying he had finished the leg and Sanji could come pick it up. Now Sanji just needed to make the spicy chicken wing and everything would be perfect. 

After the accident, Zeff had been assigned to desk work so Sanji was free to cook anything he wanted without the Old man catching him. 

Sanji changed himself and ran to the kitchen. The morning had been slow so he took the opportunity to prepare his ingredients. He brought the spices to his workboard when he saw Patty looking at his chicken.

“Stay away from it!”

Patty raised an eyebrow “What are you doing brat? We don’t have chicken on the menu.”

“I know idiot. It’s not for you, it's for the old man. It’s the six-month anniversary today.”

“Yeah I know, with the others we’re gonna bake a cake.”

Sanji rolled his eyes “Old geezer prefers chicken wings to cake. So I’m gonna make his spicy chicken wings.”

Carne arrived next to them “It’s a good idea Sanji. Did you pick up a gift too?”

“Yeah Usopp helped me to make a new leg but.”

Beth crossed her arms “But what kiddo?”

“Well, I saw a chef hat but I don’t have enough money anymore.”

“What was the price?”

“One hundred eighty belli.”

Leah nodded “If we all put a part, we will have enough.”

Sanji frowned “What? Wait, no I can’t buy the hat, it's fine I promise.”

Carne nodded at the girls “I'm gonna ask Eli, Lauren, and Isaac.”

Leah nodded back, “I’m gonna check in our room.”

Patty put his hand on Sanji’s shoulder “Once we have the money what should we do?”

Sanji frowned “What do you mean?”

“You’re the sous chef brat.” Patty smirked “You’re the one who gives direction when the boss is not there. So? What’s the plan?” 

“Oh.” Sanji hummed “I need twenty minutes to prepare and forty minutes to cook. So once we have the money we need to go in town, pick the leg at Usopp’s house then go to the store so Old Man doesn’t start yelling that lunch is late.”

“Got it mini-boss.”

Ten minutes later, the Baratie crew reunited the one hundred eighty belli. Patty and Carne left with Sanji in town while the rest of the crew kept the restaurant and most importantly Zeff in check.

The trio walked fast to Usopp’s house. Sanji knocked at the door and Usopp opened it smiling “I did it!”

Sanji smiled seeing the leg. “Now we need to go to the store.”

“You have the money?”

The two chefs smiled “Of course we have it.” 

They walked to the store and entered it. Sanji walked directly to the hat. Patty and Carne frowned.

Patty tilted his head “Brat, are you sure this is the one you want?”

Carne nodded “Yeah, hate to break it to you but I think the hat is too tall.”

“Nope.” Sanji smiled, “It’s perfect for Old man.”

Patty sighed “Fine. If Mini-boss wants it.”

They bought the hats and walked back to the restaurant with Usopp. Once they arrived Sanji asked Usopp and Leah to wrap the present with Patty and Beth would cook for the clients and Sanji for Zeff.

Sanji prepared his ingredients and started to cook. He placed the wings in a large bowl and tossed in 3 tablespoons of spice rub. Then he tosses the wings with tongs until they are thoroughly and evenly coated. Finally, transfer to a baking rack set over a parchment-lined sheet pan. He put a little more spice rub over each wing and let sit for 15 minutes.

Once he was done he put the chicken wings on a plate. Beth walked to him holding a box “Hey mini-boss if you want you can make a remoulade sauce. We have everything.”

Sanji looked at the ingredients. He had never made a sauce without Zeff controlling it but he could do it. He nodded and started making the sauce.

Once he was done he looked at the plate and added a salad leaf. 

“I think it’s ready.”

Patty smirked “You think or you’re sure?”

Sanji looked at his plate. He had followed every step of Zeff’s recipe. 

He nodded “I’m sure.”

“Good. Now go bring it to the big boss before he starts yelling.”

Sanji took the plate and saw Usopp next to the stairs “It looks really good! I’m sure he’s going to like it and it’s the great captain Usopp who tells you.”

Sanji smiled “Thanks Usopp. Thank you so much.”

He started climbing the stairs and walked to the office. He knocked and heard Zeff grumbling.

Sanji entered and Zeff was frowning “For the fucking hundredth time I can go eat in the kitchen.”

“Whatever you say old man.”

Zeff saw the plate and raised an eyebrow “Spicy chicken wings? Who made it?”

“I did Jiji.”

Zeff looked at the Sanji “They’re better be good Eggplant.”

Sanji nodded and waited for Zeff to start eating.

The old man picked a wing and looked at him “You know it’s rude to stare at people eating Eggplant? Get out and leave me alone.”

He nodded and left the room. Sanji was disappointed, he had really wanted to know what Zeff would think about the dishes. A small part of him was worried about Zeff hating it.

Maybe Zeff would realize Sanji wasn’t a good cook and he had wasted his time with him.

When he grabbed the door handle Zeff called him. “What do you want, Old Geezer?”

“Go grab your plates and come back. It’s been a long time since we ate together.”

Sanji nodded. “You’re sure?”

“My dish is gonna be cold.” 

Sanji nodded and opened the door. He ran back into the kitchen and saw that everyone was waiting for him.

“He said he wanted me to eat with him.”

Beth hung him a plate, of spicy seafood pasta and Usopp said “I can bring the gifts with you if you want.”

Sanji nodded “Yes thank you.”

The two boys walked back to the office. Sanji entered first and put his plate on Zeff’s desk and Usopp put the gifts next to Sanj’s chair before leaving quickly.

“Who made your plate?”

“Beth.”

They started eating in silence after Zeff hummed. Sanji kept glancing at Zeff, looking for any expression. 

“So, what do you think?”

“The sauce is too thick.”

“Oh.”

“But it’s good. It's really good Eggplant.”

Sanji blushed, “Thanks, old man.”

“What did Usopp bring? Gifts?”

Sanji nodded. “Yeah, it’s the six-month anniversary of the Baratie opening so I thought I could give you something.”

Zeff hummed.

Maybe Sanji had made a mistake with the gifts. Maybe Zeff didn’t like anniversaries. 

They finished their plates and Zeff crossed his arms. Sanji picked up the first one and hung it to Zeff. The old man opened it and saw the wooden leg.

“You bought it?”

“Just the wood. Usopp made it.”

“I’ll try it later with the two idiots.”

Sanji nodded and gave him the second gift. Zeff opened it slowly and pulled out the chef hat.

“It’s big.”

Sanji chuckled.

Zeff looked at Sanji. “It’s the biggest you found?”

“Yep.” Sanji giggled “You told me the bigger the hat the better the chef is.”

“I also told you people with big hats are showing off.”

Sanji laughed.

Zeff shook his head sighing. “What am I going to do with you?”

Sanji smiled “Do you like it?”

“It’s not bad.” 

Zeff smiled so Sanji thought it was good.

“Actually Eggplant, I have something for you too.”

“Really?”

Zeff nodded. He opened one of the drawers and gave Sanji a package. He opened it and found a small chef hat. It was worn a bit but the hat looked nice.

“My captain gave it to me back when I was your age. It’s my first hat.”

“And you gave it to me?”

“Of course. Who else?”

Sanji took the hat and put it on his head. The hat was a bit too big for him and Sanji had to push it back so it would not cover his eyes 

Zeff titled his head “It’s a bit worn out so if you don’t want it it’s fine Eggplant.”

“No!” Sanji grabbed the hat and pulled it against his chest “You gave it to me so it’s mine now!”

Zeff chuckled.

“Thank you, old man.”

“Thank you, Eggplant.”

———

Sanji was eating his jam sandwich with Usopp next to him on the deck when they heard Zeff shouting and swearing. Sanji giggled. It was good to hear and see the old geezer back in the kitchen.

“Is he always like this?”

“Always.”

“I was wondering, how long are you going to stay?”

“I dunno. Probably a week or so. Old man loves too much sailing and the sea to stay on land.”

“Oh.”

Sanji looked at Usopp. He was eating his sandwich too and Sanji could see on his face that he was sad. Maybe Luffy, Zoro, and Nami would like him.

“When I grow up, I’ll be a pirate. Luffy, my friend, dreams to be the King of the Pirates. Zoro and Nami, my other two friends will come with us too. Zoro wants to be the world’s greatest swordsman and Nami wants to draw a map of the world. If you want you could come with us. I’m sure Luffy would say yes.”

Usopp slowly smiled “You think? I mean of course I would come, every crew needs a captain and the great captain Usopp would be glad to accept your offer but only if I can be the captain of course.”

Sanji hummed “I would have to ask Luffy but I think he really wants to be the captain.”

“Really? That’s too bad, but I’m not worried. Once Luffy sees I'm a great warrior, he will want me to be the captain.”

Sanji giggled. He didn’t want to hurt his friend’s feelings but knowing Luffy, he would never let anyone but him be the captain of his crew.

“You’re a great inventor. Thank you for the leg.”

Usopp blushed “Thank you. For believing in me.”

“Of course. I’ll always believe in a friend.”

———

Zeff covered Sanji with his blanket. Usopp had gone back home earlier in the day and now it was time for the little Eggplant to sleep. Zeff sat on Sanji’s bed when he whispered.

“Usopp’s mom is sick.”

“I’m sorry for her. Is she sick like your mom was?”

“I don’t know. He said she doesn’t have a lot of good days. Mom didn’t have either. We never walked together holding hands.”

Now Zeff understood why Sanji had been so hesitant back in the market. 

“I don’t mind you holding my hand. So if you want we could do it again.”

“Really?”

Zeff hummed. 

Sanji smiled “I’m glad.”

“Me too. Also, Patty told me you did a great job in the kitchen.”

Sanji smirked “You’re impressed?”

“No. I know my sous chef is good. I wouldn’t trust my kitchen with anyone but you.” Sanji giggled as Zeff ruffled his hair. “Thank you for the leg. And the hat of course.”

“You like it? I didn’t know if you would want something.”

Zeff smiled. He had kept everything that Sanji had given him. From his hospital bracelet to a rock or a seashell he had found pretty. Maybe one day he would have the privilege of seeing more of his drawings.

“I’m proud of you. I knew you could do it.”

Sanji blushed “Thanks, old man.”

“Now you should sleep. And no reading at two a.m. We don’t want Marimo to be taller don’t we.”

“There is no way Marimo is gonna be taller.”

“Goodnight Eggplant.”

“Night Old man.”

Before he closed the door, Zeff whispered, “I’m glad you’re here Eggplant.”

He thought Sanji had already fallen asleep and wouldn't have heard him, so he jolted when he heard “Me too Old man.”

Zeff smiled to himself. Sometimes he wondered what his life would be without Sanji. Probably sadder.

Chapter Text

The Baratie was burning. Customers were screaming. Zeff was lying on the ground, heavily breathing. His prosthetic leg was in pieces. Marines were everywhere. Two wooden beams were on him blocking him completely. In the corner of his eyes, he could see Beth unconscious with Lea by her side crying, begging to wake up. Patty and Carne were floating in the ocean probably dead too. Isaac and Eli were on the ground in the dining room not moving either.

“San- Sanji.”

Zeff heard a laugh and saw boots in front of him. He raised his gaze and saw a marine admiral smirking.

“It’s over Reg Leg.”

“Fuck you dipshit.”

“Zeff!”

Zeff’s eyes widened “Sanji!”

Beside the admiral, marines were taking Sanji away from the Baratie, from him. Zeff tried to move but the wooden beams were too heavy. Sanji kept shouting and fighting. He managed to bite one of them and let him go by surprise. He saw Sanji running to him but unfortunately, the admiral captured him.

“Don’t touch him!” Zeff growled. He didn’t care if he didn’t sound human anymore, one of those monsters was touching his son.   

The admiral stared laughing again “It’s too late Red Leg. You were too weak to defend this ship like you were too weak to defend your previous crew. The Baratie will sink at the bottom of the ocean just like the Cooking Georges.”

Sanji was fighting like a little devil, kicking the admiral in the face. Zeff couldn’t let him take Sanji away. He already had lost too much. His crew, his dream, his leg, his new family but he couldn’t lose Sanji. He wouldn't survive it.

Zeff opened his mouth to scream but no sound came from it. He saw Sanji’s figure disappearing in the marine ship. Then a part of the Baratie broke and fell into the ocean. A storm started. Soon Zeff will die, failing his crew a second time.

“Zeff! Zeff! Zeff!”

He could still hear Sanji, his little Sanji screaming. His son in any way but blood. 

“Zeff! Zeff!”

Zeff really had screwed his life. First, because of him, Sanji had known starvation and fear and now the Marines had destroyed his home.

“Zeff! Zeff!”

He had felt so blessed to be a part of Sanji's life. To watch him grow up. He loved that boy so much. He would be ready to fight and die for him.

“Zeff!”

He had to fight and fucking get up. His baby was counting on him. 

“Zeff!”

Suddenly Zeff opened his eyes and sat in his bed. His breathing was harsh and fast. He looked around and recognized his bed and his wardrobe. He also recognized Sanji next to his bed holding a duck plushie Zeff had bought him the previous week.

No one was screaming, nothing was burning. Sanji was alive and uninjured next to him.

A nightmare. Zeff had a fucking stupid nightmare again. 

Zeff closed his eyes and calmed his breathing. He opened them again and looked at Sanji. “I’m alright Eggplant.”

“I heard you screaming. I was worried.”

Sanji was clenching his duck plushie close to his chest. His blue eyes were full of tears and Zeff noticed his little hands were shaking.

“Sorry. You had a nightmare too?”

Since Usopp's mom passed away two weeks ago, Sanji’s nightmares have been frequent. He would scream and kick until Zeff would wake him up. Patty and Carne had both told him he wasn’t supposed to wake up Sanji but Zeff couldn’t bear hearing his cries. 

His son had begged to be free from the cell, from the iron mask. Damn, he apologized for existing and Zeff was supposed to do nothing? Fuck that.

Sanji nodded slowly at his question. Zeff pushed his covers back and the young boy climbed into the bed. Zeff curled up his arms around Sanji and covered them with the blanket again.

“You want to talk about it?”

Sanji didn’t answer. Zeff knew the kid hated talking about his nightmares. He slowly brushed Sanji’s blond hair. He could see Sanji’s chest rise up and down from his breathing. Sanji brushed his nose against Zeff’s shirt. He whispered so low that Zeff had thought he had dreamt. 

“I didn’t know you had nightmares too.”

“I do. A lot of people have nightmares.”

“You called my name.”

“I dreamt Marines were attacking us. They were taking you away from me.”

Sanji frowned “Why?”

Zeff brought him closer to his chest “Because someone taking you away from me is my biggest fear. You’re” he swallowed. He wanted to say son, but Sanji’s father was his nightmares causes. He didn’t know how Sanji would react if he said he wished to be his dad. So Zeff chose another word. “Important for me.”

Sanji didn’t respond, only pressed his face against Zeff’s chest. Time passed and Zeff thought Sanji had fallen asleep again but he whispered.

“You’re important to me too. I- I dreamt Father came here and took me away from you.”

“That man won’t touch a hair of your head.”

“Promise?”

“Fucking swear. I will kick his ass before he even looks at you.”

Sanji smiled. “He will fly across the restaurant?”

“Yep. Now sleep Eggplant. Otherwise?”

“Zoro will be taller than me. I know but don’t worry old man, that marimo will be so small we will need glasses to see him.”

Zeff snorted. Sanji fell asleep first and a couple of hours later Zeff did too.

———

“And then we will find the One Piece and I’ll be King of the Pirates.”

“It’s gonna take us forever.”

“Sacred of a challenge marimo?”

Zeff slowly woke up hearing Sanji’s voice. His boy was trying to whisper but Zeff could feel his was too happy to talk to his new friends. 

“Never stupid cook!”

“Stop yelling marimo. You’re gonna wake the old man.”

“Stop worrying Curly.”

Zeff fought the urge to roll his eyes. Mihawk, Zoro, and Perona had arrived at Dawn Island a few days after they arrived at the Syrup village. Since then, Sanji had passed hours on the den den mushi talking to Zoro and Luffy.

“Shishishi! I can’t wait to be a pirate!”

“Me too. Usopp said he saw a mermaid. Maybe we could see them too?”

“You think? It would be so cool!”

“You really think mermaids exist Curly? What’s next giants?”

Zeff snorted. Of course, mermaids existed just like giants but he wouldn’t say anything. Zeff wanted the kids to see the world by themselves. He wondered what would be their reaction once they researched the fisherman island. They would have to sail across Paradise first and it won’t be easy but they would have to if they were really determined to accomplish their dream. 

Weirdly, Zeff wasn’t worried. If someone on this ocean was capable of finding the All Blue it was his little Eggplant.

“I wonder how is Nami.”

“I’m sure she’s fine don’t worry.”

“I agree with Zoro. And if she’s not, we will go help her! It’s our duty as nakamas!”

“Right Captain.”

Zeff opened an eye and looked at the clock. The breakfast should be served soon. He started to stretch.

“Morning Old man.”

“Good morning Eggplant.”

“Good morning Zeff!”

“Good morning Big mustache old man!”

Sanji and Zoro giggled at Luffy’s nickname. Zeff rolled his eyes. “Come on Eggplant, service is gonna start soon.”

Sanji nodded “I have to go! We talk again tonight?”

“Of course Curly.”

“Go show idiot cook one and two who is the best cook! See you tonight Sanji!”

“See ya marimo! See ya captain!”

Sanji hung up and got out of the bed. Zeff put on his prosthetic leg and stood up.

“Old man?”

“Yes, Eggplant?”

“Your mustache is a little disheveled.”

Zeff looked in the mirror and the little eggplant was right. His mustache was messy. He raised an eyebrow “Want to brush it?”

Sanji didn’t respond, instead, he ran to Zeff’s bathroom and came back holding a brush and elastics, smiling.

The retired pirate sighed with a smile and sat back on the bed. Sanji climbed and pulled off the two elastic. He brushed gently Zeff’s mustache. He started braiding them. Zeff had noticed that when Sanji was really focused, during cooking or training he would stick a bit his tongue out. He tried to not laugh when he saw him doing it again. Once Sanji was done with the first braid, he did the second one. He was now an expert at braiding. Zeff had shown him during one of the many days they spent at the hospital.

After Sanji was done he smiled at Zeff “It's way better now Old man!”

“You’re right. You go change in your room and you meet me for breakfast in the kitchen? Or do you need me with your tie?”

“Nope, I can do it by myself now, but thanks, old man!” Sanji left the room holding his duck plushie and his den den mushi.

Zeff smiled, his boy was growing up.

———

The breakfast service was slow. Enough customers so that everyone was working but not enough to be overwhelmed. Zeff was glancing at Sanji, the little boy was making his fourth plate since the beginning of the shift.

“You’re not doing bad Eggplant.”

“Thanks, Old man. Could I make the pancakes next time?”

“Like the batter? You’re sure to take responsibility? It’s important you know.”

Sanji hummed. “I think I’m ready.”

Zeff smirked “Think? I need more than that Eggplant.”

“I’m ready to make the batter Old man.”

“Prefer that. How was the boys?”

“Luffy said he, Ace, and Sabo finally beat the tiger and Zoro said he’s better at the two swords style but he wants to invent the three swords style.”

“Three? Where is he gonna put it?”

Sanji frowned like he was disgusted “In his mouth.”

Zeff burst into laughter “That kid will never stop impressing me.”

Sanji finished his fried egg and onigiri and put the plate on the dish warmer. He took another ticket when Zeff called him out “It’s time for your break.”

Sanji nodded and went back next to Zeff to look at his cooking. He was cutting the tuna when Sanji spoke again.

“I’m worried about Nami. She hadn’t called yet and it’s been weeks.”

“Bell-mère probably needs her with the tangerines or she’s drawing new maps. You know how Nami can lost in her head when she maps.”

“I know but still. Usopp hadn’t called yesterday either. Zoro said I worry too much.”

“You worry because you’re a good friend. Just give them some time.”

Sanji nodded. He looked at the dish. “What are you making?”

“Tekkadon. It’s made with tuna, nori, scallions, sesame seeds, rice vinegar, and uruchimai. I was thinking of adding it to the menu.” He picked a fork and made Sanji taste the tuna.

“It’s good.”

“Glad to hear that Eggplant. There is a small island, famous for its fish close by. Tomorrow when we will moor, you and I will go to the market to see if they have more tuna.”

Sanji nodded. “After the service, you’re still training me?”

Zef hummed. “Once I’m done with the tekkadon.

“Okay, then I’m gonna go change.” 

Zeff finished the dish a couple of minutes and Sanji came down the stairs wearing more casual clothes. they went on the deck behind the restaurant. Thankfully the island close by had a summer climate so both Sanji and Zeff could stay in t-shirts.

“Today I’m gonna teach how to kick in the neck. Ready?”

Sanji nodded “Born ready Old man.”

———

The training session had gone well, and Sanji was proud of himself. He couldn’t do the kick perfectly yet but Zeff said it was fine and that he needed time so Sanji believed him. Once they were done, Sanji took a small snack and went to his room to rest.

After a quick nap, Sanji went to his desk below the window. First, he took his cooking book. For now, he only had a few recipes. When they opened the restaurant, he only had four recipes: the spicy seafood pasta, the spicy chicken wing, and an omelet with rice. 

Now thanks to his travel and his new friends he had added more. Beef, onigiri, tangerine cakes, and fish and chips. Sanji couldn’t wait to add more.

Sanji made a mental note that he should ask Zeff for more dessert recipes. One time, he tried cotton candy. Maybe he could bully Zeff until he would give up and teach him.

He closed his cooking book and put it back in the drawer. Sanji saw blank paper and crayons. It’s been a long time since he had drawn. He took a piece of paper and started coloring.  First, he wanted a blue background then he looked at his crayons and his full blue background. He smiled, Sanji was going to draw the All Blue. The last time he had drawn it, he was back in his room at Germa. Father had burned it when he had found it. Sanji wondered how Zeff would react.

Sanji smiled when he finished his drawing. At the same time, he heard a knock on his door.

“Yes?”

“Can I come in Eggplant?”

“Yes, Old man.”

Zeff opened the door “Lunch service is about to start, you’re coming?”

Sanji hummed. “In a minute.” He opened his drawer to put his crayons and his draw in it when Zeff spoke again.

“Did you draw?”

Sanji slowly nodded. Father said once that drawing was for weak people. Zeff hadn’t said anything against it when Sanji showed him his drawing of his Mom. Maybe Zeff could like this one too.

“I draw the All Blue. You want to see it?”

“Of course.”

Sanji showed him shyly his draw. Zeff took the paper, tilted his head, and pointed to one of the fishes “Is it supposed to be Powder Blue Tank?”

Sanji nodded. “Why?”

“It’s more yellow at the top. And the yellow-tail clownfish only has two white strips.”

“Oh.” Sanji took back his crayon and colored again. 

Zeff smirked “It’s better now. You did a pretty good job Eggplant. Want to frame it?”

“Frame it?”

“Yeah. We could put it in the kitchen but maybe because of the smoke it could attack the frame. Also with Patty and Carne, you never know. One of those idiots could break it by accident. My office would be a better option.”

“You kidding right old man?”

Sanji couldn’t believe it. Why did Zeff was acting like he actually liked his draw?

Zeff raised an eyebrow “Of course I’m serious. Unless you want to keep it.”

Sanji thought for a minute. Zeff looked like he really liked his draw and he wasn’t the kind of person who hid their true feeling. Maybe he really liked the draw.

“You can keep it.”

Zeff smiled “I’m glad. I think I have an empty frame in my office. You’re coming?”

Sanji nodded. He followed Zeff to his office. On his desk, there were papers, ink, and pens. There were also three framed pictures. One was with Zeff’s old crew, the second with the crew in front of the Baratie when they opened and the last was only him and Sanji. They had taken the picture on the opening day too. Zeff looked in one of the boxes he had next to his wardrobe and found a frame. He put the drawing in it and then put it on his desk next to his and Sanji's picture.

“It’s not bad, right Eggplant?”

Sanji looked at his frawmed draw then at Zeff and back at the draw. Zeff was smiling like he was truly happy to have Sanji’s draw on his desk. He had the same look in his eyes as when Sanji would cook or train. Or when he would smile or laugh. Zeff looked like he was proud of him.

“Yeah, it’s not bad Old man.”

Sanji wondered if he gave Zeff another drawing, would he liked it, and if he would frame it too. He looked back at Zeff and by his smile, Sanji thought he probably would.

———

The next day, they moored around the lunch service. After that, Sanji and Zeff went to the market to look at the product and most importantly find more tuna fish. 

Sanji looked around the shelves, they were colorful and sellers were yelling for their products. Zeff was looking at the different tuna whispering in his mustache. They already had bought eggs, kinds of rice, beef, chickens, and flour. Zeff was holding all the bags in his left hand and holding Sanji’s hand in his right. 

Sanji tugged his hand “Something wrong Old man?”

“I think we should buy four pieces for now in case the dishes don’t work. But I’m afraid they won’t have more pieces in a couple of days.”

Sanji shrugged “We could buy five pieces, it would give us a week to try the dishes. Like that, we will have enough feedback to see if we should keep going or not.”

Zeff drifted his gaze to Sanji “When exactly did my little Eggplant become so smart huh?”

Sanji smirked “I’m always been smart, you just didn’t pay attention.”

“Brat.” he looked at the seller “We’ll take five pieces please.”

After Zeff paid and took the bag, he and Sanji started walking again.

“Will you teach me the recipe?”

“Only if you stop bullying Patty for making the pancakes.”

“But my batter is better! Patty doesn’t know what is good or not anymore. He’s too old.”

Zeff burst into laughter. Sanji joined him but stopped when he heard another laugh. Sanji froze. It was a laugh knew too well. Sanji looked behind him and saw two Germa soldiers laughing together not too far from them. Sanji recognized them quickly. Those two were the meanest ones. Always mocking him and kicking him when he was in the cell. They adored saying horrible things to Sanji and mocking his mom. They also find it funny to tighten the metal jaw to the mask a bit too much.

If they were here, Father was probably too.

Sanji clenched his grip on Zeff’s hand.

“Everything alright Eggplant?”

Sanji looked at him “Can we go home?”

He didn’t want to cry. He didn’t want to alert Zeff and bring the soldiers’s attention to them. He only wanted to go home and hide himself in his bed.

“Sure. You want me to carry you?”

Sanji nodded not trusting his voice. He could feel the tears growing in his eyes. Zeff put him on his hips and Sanji buried his face into Zeff’s neck and put his arms around it. 

Sanji could hear Zeff whispering “It’s okay Eggplant, it’s alright. We’re going home it’s okay. No one will hurt you. I’m here Sanji. I’m here.”

Sanji let out a sob and tightened his grip around Zeff’s neck. Soon he will be home. Soon he will be safe.

———

Sanji wasn’t safe. Zeff could feel him shaking in his arms. The retired pirate was walking as fast as he could. He glanced around and saw people wearing black and white uniforms with the number sixty-six on them. Zeff tigheten his grip around Sanji. 

Once he arrived at the Baratie, he could see a big ship next to it with also written the same sixty-six. 

Zeff didn’t know who they were but he didn’t like it at all. The second he and Sanji will be on the Baratie, Zeff will order to sail.

He saw Eli at the welcoming, the kid looked terrified. 

Zeff frowned “What’s wrong?”

“There are soldiers in the dining room. All the customers left.”

Fuck.

Sanji left out a whimper.

“The second they’re done eating we’re leaving. I’m putting Sanji in his room.”

“Yes, boss.”

Zeff climbed down the stairs and quickly went to the kitchen. Beth and Lauren were cooking while Patty and Carne were baking. 

Patty frowned when he saw them “What’s wrong with the kid?”

Zeff doesn’t respond and only puts the bags on one of the workplan. He climbed the stairs and walked to Sanji’s room. He walked in and put Sanji on his bed only Sanji didn’t want to let go.

“Eggplant it’s okay you’re safe.”

Sanji shook his head.

“Eggplant, it’s okay.”

“No.” Sanji let out a sob “They’re here. They’re gonna take me away.”

“Never.” Zeff brushed Sanji’s blonde hair and cupped his face “No one will take you away from me. I promised you that remember?”

Sanji nodded.

“You stay here and I’m gonna deal with them okay?”

Sanji started crying “I don’t wanna go.”

“You’re not leaving.”

“What if my father is here?”

“He doesn’t matter. I won’t let anyone take you away from me.”

Sanji started sobbing “I’m scared.”

Zeff pulled him into a hug “I know, it’s really scary right now but I promise it’s going to be okay.”

They hugged each other for what Zeff felt hours. Then someone knocked. 

Zeff answered “Yes?”

The door opened and Carne passed his head “Sorry big boss, we need you. It’s important.”

Zeff looked back at Sanji “I’m sorry I have to go. You stay there and you don’t move until I get you okay?”

Sanji nodded. 

Zeff whipped Sanji’s tears. “Maybe you could call Zoro or Luffy?”

“Luffy doesn't have a lot of signals. Maybe Zoro won’t be training at this time.”

“Good, try to talk to little Marimo. You two could work on the new prank for Perona he talked about this morning.”

Zeff’s sentence manages to make Sanji laugh “She put glitter in his shampoo. He’s so mad.”

“Go call him. I’ll be as fast as I can.”

Zeff left the room as Sanji walked to the den den mushi. He only started walking in the hallway when he heard “Curly? You’re good?”

“What’s the situation?”

“The asshole guards are saying shitty comments to Lauren so Patty went helping Isaac and Eli for the service. The so-called king commanded that his and his kids’ plates be made and served by the chef. How is Sanji?”

“Bad. I want them out yesterday.”

Zeff arrived in the kitchen, Beth and Leah looked at him “What should we do? Kick them out?”

“No. When I opened the restaurant I had something in mind. Both me and Sanji went through starvation. How can I consider myself a good parent if I let my kid see me refuse to feed someone? So what do those fuckers want?”

Lauren gave him the ticket “Three beef with potatoes, one fried egg and rice and one seafood pasta.”

Zeff nodded and started to cook. Once he was done with the five plates he went into the dining room to serve. Zeff walked to the loudest table at the center. A tall man with long blond hair was frowning with four kids. Three boys and one girl. The three boys were the loudest people in the whole restaurant. Yelling, kicking in the chairs, laughing. 

Stupid brats.

Zeff put the three beef with potatoes in front of the boys, the fried egg and rice in front of the man, and the seafood pasta in front of the girl. Zeff looked at her. She looked sad like she didn’t want to be there. She also had a purple bruise on her left wrist and cheek.

Zeff could recognize an unhappy abused kid a mile away.

He growled, “Once you’re done eating, you’re leaving.”

The man raised an eyebrow “Don’t you know who am I?”

“I don’t care.”

‘I’m Vinsmoke Judge you peasant. Show me some respect!”

“Eat your plate and get out.”

Judge looked at his plate “The food seems bad but I shouldn’t expect for more. After all, I would hardly call this place a restaurant but more a tiny shithole. Those tables and chairs are hardly elegant. Also, these curtains are hideous.”

Sanji chose the tables and chairs before they were even agreed on the ship. Sanji had talked for hours because he couldn’t decide which curtains between the yellow and the blue one he should choose. Zeff ended up buying both.

“The silverware is of poor quality too.”

Zeff had chosen that specific silverware because it was the lightest one. After months of starvation, Sanji had barely enough muscle to walk let alone carry a fork or a plate. He wanted his boy to be comfortable, he wanted him to be happy to eat and not treat it like a chore because he wasn’t strong enough yet.

“The eggs and rice are low-end.”Judge took the plate and slowly turned it making the food fall on the ground. “So no, I won’t eat anything.” He started to laugh and the three boys laughed even louder.

Sanji and he had chosen the fresh eggs themselves at the island farm in the morning. Sanji was the one who gave the bellies to the seller and took the eggs with a smile. His boy even greeted the chicken. They had chosen the rice together the previous day.

Zeff saw red.

He kicked Judge in the stomach and sent him into the closest wall. The boys stopped laughing as Judge growled. 

Judge rubbed his head “Ichiji, Niji, Yonji. Take care of him.”

The three boys stood up.

Zeff raised an eyebrow “You’re asking your kids to fight your battle? Pathetic.”

The three boys tensed and Judge growled. Zeff looked at the three kids. The asshole had called them Ichiji, Niji and Yonji. Sanji had told him that was the names of his brothers. It couldn’t be a coincidence, also they had the same curly eyebrows had his Sanji. Zeff looked back at the man. He tried to see an ounce of resemblance in the man face’s but couldn’t. Sanji must have taken after his mother Sora.

Judge stood up and started walking toward Zeff. “You’re going to regret this.”

“You wish.”

“Zeff?”

Zeff widened his eyes. What the fuck was Sanji doing here? He quickly glanced and saw Sanji between the swing doors. He could see that his boy was worried and biting his bottom lip. Then he looked back at Judge and saw him turning his head toward Sanji. No. He had promised Sanji his father wouldn’t see him and he attended to fulfill it.

Zeff kicked Judge in the knee and then into his ribs.

In the distance, he heard Patty growling walking toward Sanji “Mini boss what are you doing? Go back in!”

“But I heard something crash. I want to see Jiji!”

He kicked Judge again and again until a final kick made him fly across the restaurant, breaking multiple tables. The three boys ran to their father while Zeff made sure he was blocking Judge’s view toward the kitchen.

“Get. Out.”

Judge wiped the blood from his mouth. The three boys looked at their father. “I can kill him, father!” “Me too Father, it would be easy!” “Father we will make that peasant understand he shouldn’t have messed with us!”

Judge didn’t tear his gaze from Zeff. The man stood up “We’re leaving.”

The blue-haired boy gasped “What? Why?”

“But Father he would be so easy to kill!” added the green-haired one.

Judge turned his back “Those peasants aren’t worth being killed by the Germa 66. It would be just a waste of time and energy.”

Judge could say everything he wanted but Zeff knew the truth. The retired pirate only saw one thing in Judge’s eyes. Fear.

Judge started to walk toward the stairs with the three boys on his tails screaming and kicking. He glanced back when he realized the teen girl had stayed at the table.

“Reiju!”

She whimped and stood up. She started to walk toward them when Zeff put his arm in front of her.

“You don’t have to follow them. You can stay. You will be safe.” 

Reiju didn’t respond and looked at her father. He growled, “Reiju now!”

She whimpered again. 

Zeff growled, “She won’t follow you.”

Judge looked at her down “You’re just a wasting potential. You’re not worth my time.”

Reiju whispered “Father.”

Then Zeff heard noises from the kitchen and in the corner of his eye saw Sanji coming out of the swing door and ran to the girl. Zeff put himself in front of them shielding them with his own body. Sanji put his hands on her face and that’s when Zeff noticed she had started to cry in silence. 

“It’s okay.” Sanji smiled “You can stay. Zeff is gonna make things okay, he always does.”

Judge looked disgusted “They’re pathetic.”

Zeff crossed his arms “They’re stronger than you will ever be.”

“It’s impossible. We’re the Germa 66. We’re the best in everything. One day, you will realize they’re wasting your time Reg Leg. ”

“The only person wasting my time is you. Not my kids. Now get out before I kill you.”

Once Judge, the kids, and the soldiers left, the crew celebrated it. Patty came with alcohol and Isaac and Eli both stopped looking like they were going to pass out. Beth and Leah high-fived each other while Carne and Lauren started to clean the dining room.

Zeff looked at the kids and saw that Sanji was upset. “What’s wrong Eggplant?”

“They wasted food.”

“I know, I’m angry too. But I think Reiju is still hungry so maybe you could go make something?”

Sanji beamed “Yes!” he took his sister’s hand “I’m gonna show the kitchen!” and they started to run toward the swing doors. Zeff calmly followed them.

Sanji had started to cook the seafood pasta while Reiju looked at her little brother. She whispered, “So you’re happy here?”

“Yeah, I’m happy. It’s my home.”

Once Sanji was done cooking, he served her the plate. When she finished eating Reiju smiled “It’s very good.”

Sanji beamed “Thanks. Zeff taught me.”

———

“Come in!”

Sanji was already in bed when Zeff knocked. The retired pirate came in and sat on the bed.

“Your sister is already sleeping.”

“Reiju had always liked sleeping early.”

Zeff, Carne, and Lauren had transformed the empty storage room in front of Sanji’s room into a bedroom for Reiju. Tomorrow they will go shopping for new furniture and clothes.  

Zeff sat on the bed “Today had been eventful.”

Sanji nodded. 

Zeff frowned “Why did you come down? I got worried when I heard you. ”

“I heard a table break. I thought he hurt you or broke your leg.” Sanji bites his bottom lips “I got scared.”

“Well, I’m fine okay Eggplant. You don’t need to worry about me. It’s my job to worry about you, not the other way around.”

“Maybe we could worry about each other?”

Zeff looked at Sanji. He seemed so small in his bed. He wrapped his arms around him. “Let’s do that Eggplant.”

They stayed in each other’s arms in silence for a couple of minutes until Sanji broke it. “I’m glad you found me.”

“Me too. Believe me, me too Sanji.”

“Would you.” Sanji swallowed “Would be okay if I called you dad?”

Zeff smiled “Of course son.” he ruffled his blond hair “Now it’s time for sleep.”

Sanji nodded and lay down. He pulled his cover to his chin. When Zeff was at the door, he smiled “Goodnight son.”

Sanji smiled “Goodnight Dad.”

———

Years later

Sanji was packing. First his suits, then his cooking books. He put papers and crayons in last. He closed his bag and double-checked if he had his cigarette packs in his pockets. Someone knocked. Reiju passed her head. She had dyed her hair blond a week after she started living at the Baratie.

“You’re ready little brother? Luffy and the boys are ready to go save Nami.”

Sanji nodded “Of course I’m ready.” he put his bag on his shoulder “Where is Old man?”

“In the kitchen, baking.”

Sanji frowned “Again? He’s been baking since Luffy called to pick me up two days ago. Also, remind me to kick Marimo's ass. I can’t believe that idiot lost his denden mushi six months ago.”

“You’re cute when you’re worried.” Reiju chuckled “Are you stressed?”

“Not at all. I’m gonna be the chef of the Straw Hat pirate and I’ll find the All Blue you will see.”

“I hope so. Now you need to move, everyone is waiting for you.”

Reiju left with Sanji behind her. When he passed the door, he brushed all the lines Zeff had made each time he had recorded his high. He looked back at his room and his desk where he had drawn or written in his book. He was going to miss his little room. 

He closed the door and started walking in the hallway. He went first into the dining room where everyone was waiting for him. Beth and Leah ruffled his hair while Lauren and Isaac were openly crying. Eli was trying to hide his tears but Sanji could see it was hard for him.

Patty and Carne were on the side close to the kitchen. When Sanji approached them Carne wrapped him in a tight hug. 

“Don’t do anything we wouldn’t do okay kiddo?”

Sanji nodded “Of course.” then he looked at Patty.

“Brat.”

“Idiot cook.”

Patty gently punched his shoulder “Be careful out there okay?”

Sanji smirked “Don’t burn down my kitchen.”

Patty rolled his eyes “Go see the big boss before I kick your ass.”

“In your dream.”

Sanji passed the swing door and found Zeff making cookies. He walked toward him and rolled his sleeve. He took some dough and started making a ball. 

“Luffy is here.”

Zeff growled, “I know. Your captain ate half of our stock.”

Sanji bites his inside cheek “I’ll write every two weeks if I can.”

“You better, brat.”

Sanji and Zeff finished the batch in silence. When Zeff put it in the oven he crossed his arms. “What’s the rules.”

“Never hit women, never hit with your hands.”

“And the third?”

Sanji swallowed “Never stop being kind.”

“Good. Remember them. Otherwise, I’ll cross the fucking Paradise again to kick your ass Eggplant.”

Sanji chuckled “Got it Old man.” he bites his bottom lips “I have to go.”

“I know.”

Sanji nodded and started walking toward the swing door. He stopped. “I’ll come back. I will show you the All Blue. I promise.”

“You better.” Zeff smiled “You will always be welcome at the Baratie son.”

Sanji let out a sob. His idiot too kind son. Zeff was so proud of him.

Zeff pretended he didn’t see Sanji putting two bags full of cookies in his pockets

Sanji whipped his tears and raised his head. He proudly passed the swing doors. Zeff walked to the main deck where everyone was waving at the Merry sailing away. Sanji was waving at them back. 

Zeff shouted, “Don’t catch a cold idiot.”

The retired pirate snorted when he saw Sanji starting crying again. And if Zeff left a few tears rolling down his cheeks, well his baby was leaving the nest. Who could blame him?

He couldn’t wait to see the All Blue with Sanji, his son. His greatest pride.