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Zoro walked through the galley hoping the cook wasn't there. They had a big fight and Zoro couldn’t understand the reason behind it so Sanji wasn't talking to him. Zoro’s solution to that was to avoid the cook, at least that would hurt less. That was what he told himself but he knew he was lying to himself. He entered further into the galley once he saw that Sanji wasn't around, that was his mistake because a few seconds later the cook appeared from behind the countertop. They both froze in each other's presence. Zoro was the first one to snap out of it, he scowled as he turned around to leave the galley.
"Wait, Marimo!" Sanji called out, moments before Zoro opened the door.
"So now you're talking to me again?" Zoro replied with bitterness to his voice, not turning around to face the cook. He hated being distant with the cook but he was still mad at Sanji for not being honest with his feelings and lashing out instead.
There was a beat of silence before Sanji spoke again, "Zoro I..."
The swordsman turned around at the mention of his name. Even though they were together, they barely called each other by name.
"I'm sorry," Sanji sighed, "I get in my head about stuff and I said some things I didn't mean. I knew I had to say something when I saw how much I hurt you, I made it seem like it was all your fault but it's all on me. I guess I don't deserve someone like you," Sanji rambled, unsure of himself. He grabbed at his hair in frustration.
Zoro softened once he heard Sanji's apology. He made his way to the cook with determination and gingerly led the cook’s hands away from his hair. He grabbed Sanji’s shoulders in a soft manner, not wanting to invade his personal space in such a delicate moment.
"I’m not the best with words but I’ll try my best, cook. I was mad that you lashed out at me and I didn’t understand the reason behind but now that I know that you didn't mean those things, I forgive you. But…I’m not going to lie, it hurt like hell when you didn’t talk to me so I avoided you too, I’m sorry”. Sanji seemed relieved with Zoro’s words but the sadness and regret didn’t seem to want to leave his eyes.
Zoro took notice and even though he wasn’t the best at talking, he would try, for Sanji, “Listen to me cook, I don't want you putting yourself down like that. You're so important, not only to me but to a lot of people," He assured him and instead of replying, Sanji pulled the swordsman into a tight hug. Zoro melted into the touch and sighed in relief, until he heard sniffling next to his ear and felt a drop of what he assumed was tears on his shoulder.
"Why do I have to break the things I love? I don't want to lose you Zoro" Sanji said weakly as he sniffled into Zoro's shoulder.
Zoro caressed the cook's hair with soft touches, "Hey, it's not your fault okay? I'm still yours cook so it's going to be fine," He put his hand under Sanji's chin and lifted it so that he could look at him, "Even if you lose your mind, or break my heart, you're all I want and I will love no matter what, you got that... Sanji ?," The cook's eyes widened at the mention of his name coming from Zoro's mouth. He couldn't hold back any more tears and he started fully sobbing.
"You mean it?" Sanji managed to ask between tears. Zoro chuckled, endeared.
"Of course I do, you know I don't say things I don't mean," Zoro replied, matter of factly.
After the swordsman held him for a while, Sanji managed to calm down and they finally shared a kiss after days of not talking to each other. The kiss wasn't hungry, instead it was passionate and full of longing from both of them. Zoro felt like he died, was taken to heaven, and then came back. On the other hand, Sanji was relieved that Zoro would love him and kiss him with such passion after everything he said. Eventually, Zoro led him to the couch and they settled into a cuddling position as the swordsman caressed him, and Zoro was about to fall asleep when Sanji turned to look at him. His breathing had settled into a nice rhythm, his earringd jingled as he moved, and a small drop of saliva was escaping from the corner of his mouth. Sanji chuckled at sight and couldn't help but feel grateful for the mosshead.
"Marimo," He said softly so as to not startle Zoro.
Zoro slowly opened his eyes, "Hm?" He hummed in response.
"Thank you for loving me," Sanji declared, his tone laced with gravity and longing.
The swordsman, now fully awake, smiled, "No, thank you for loving me , Sanji," He replied, making sure to put emphasis on the name of the man he loved.
Sanji couldn't help the blush that crept up his face, "You should say it more often," he said, and even though he didn't specify he knew that Zoro would know exactly what he was referring to.
"Nah, it's special. I don't want to wear it out," Zoro sealed the deal with a kiss.
"Fine, I'll accept that excuse," Sanji replied, faking indignation. Zoro chuckled and nodded before closing his eyes again, easily falling asleep. Sanji only took a few minutes to follow suit.
Later, the rest of the crew would find them both asleep as they cuddled in the couch of the galley but no one would question how they made up and instead they would be happy that their crewmates were loving each other like before, or actually, better than before.