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Three days. This party has been going for three days. Sure, Zoro isn’t adverse to any party, and he sure as hell isn’t adverse to all this booze too, but it kind of seems like a lot when they have plans - not that he’s allowed to do anything in the condition that he’s in right now. It’s a pretty nasty scar from what he can see, but he’s not dead, so what’s the fuss? It’s weird to have so much attention like this, and even worse to be treated so delicately. He’s not even been allowed to train, which is what makes this down time so much more frustrating. The noise is distracting when he’s trying to at least meditate, and Luffy’s been so caught up in the celebrations that Zoro’s barely seen him. It’s just lucky that Zoro can sleep through anything, and in between chugging down whatever’s handed to him, that’s all he’s been doing.
Idly, he wonders where Nami is, if she’s enjoying herself. If maybe she might change her mind, now that everything she’d been fighting for was achieved. She’s a liar, she’s proved that much… but something tells him that she wouldn’t go back, not now that she’s a part of Luffy’s crew. She has a taste for adventure, and violence, the same as the rest - or most of them, now. She’s not going anywhere. Guess it’s fair to let her have this after so long.
With the heat of the party around him, even a now lukewarm beer tastes cold, and Zoro finishes his… who knows how many drinks he’s up to now? He closes his eyes, resting against the hard wall behind him. Maybe he can just rest for a little bit, and the party might be closer to being over, and they’ll all be closer to getting back to normal… whatever their normal is.
Or not.
The footsteps are almost hidden in the din of the party, but the sound of a lighter clicking is not.
“Boy am I stuffed… it’s nice not to cook for a change. So how are you feeling, Zoro?”
It’s tempting to pretend that he’s asleep, but something tells him the cook will see straight through that. In all honesty, it’s a surprise that the cook is even asking him at all, let alone with such familiarity. They’ve not exactly got along since they started this journey - but it’s kind of the cook’s fault that he’s so easy to wind up, and man there are so many things to piss him off over. As tempting as it might be to get some kind of fight going on (before the others kill him for ripping his stitches} he’s relaxed here now, and it doesn’t feel like the time or place. If the cook’s playing nice, maybe he can too. Besides, it’s usually much more fun to annoy him with an audience.
“I’ll be okay, think all I need is some rest.”
“That’s good.” A lot of people might see that as an easy dismissal, a cue to leave, but apparently the cook doesn’t care or notice. Zoro can hear him sitting against the wall opposite, and he gets wafted by smoke. It would be gross, if not for all of the other pirate hunters and pieces of filth in taverns he’s frequented smoking just as much. It looks like he’ll just have to deal with him for now.
Groaning, Zoro opens an eye and looks back over to the crowd. “Seriously, how much longer can they keep this up? It’s been three days now.”
The cook - Zoro refuses to call him by name - shrugs. “Nothing wrong with that… smoke ‘em if you got ‘em.”
It shouldn’t be a surprise that he doesn’t mind, it’s not exactly like he had his own leaving party - and not much freedom either, if that hard headed head chef had anything to do with it. He’s not complained about any of that, despite being so annoying about everything else. It’s a miracle that he’s not out there fawning over every woman in the village and making a nuisance of himself while he has the chance.
It doesn’t really make much sense… unless it’s all performative. It’s not like the rest of the crew are paying attention to his ass now that he’s not cooking. Zoro watches him in the firelight, as he takes a drag of his cigarette and tips his head back. It’s a peaceful silence despite the cook’s volatile nature. These couple of minutes are probably the longest they’ve spent in each other’s company without fighting.
“What?” The one visible blue eye catches his own as he exhales smoke.
“Just thinking how nice it is not to hear your voice,” Zoro retorts without any real bite. The cook scoffs, but stays quiet.
It’s not all that bad, maybe. Being in the company of a crewmate who isn’t forcing him to do something he doesn’t want to, telling him how to take care of himself or talking at him the entire time. It doesn’t even feel like a ceasefire between them, though he has no doubt that’ll start up again soon enough. It’s… hard to explain whatever this is right now between them. Trust, maybe, after the way they fought together at Arlong park. Back to back, almost in sync. The cook is, admittedly, not the worst fighter. If he can keep up with Zoro, then maybe it is worth keeping him around for a little longer.
Opening his mouth, Zoro is about to give an offer he doesn’t usually to… practically anyone else, but before he can there’s a loud bang, and their captain comes shooting into the alley they sit in, laughing loudly with food in each hand.
Zoro tunes him out for the most part, before watching as the cook gets up to leave.
“…dance,” he catches, and the two disappear out of the alleyway. The cook doesn’t spare a look his way.
Well, it’s not like his offer of sparring would have been doable in this condition, anyway.
This whole place has been insane, and that’s saying a lot considering some of their other adventures.
It’s been a pain trying to reunite, but no one looks too worse for wear, just tired. The atmosphere has been bright enough despite that, especially since it’s time for them to get some actual food. Know them, they’ll probably turn it into a whole celebration. Between Zoro and Chopper, they’ve foraged a lot of food, and even if it doesn’t look like enough for a full blown party, the cook will know what to do with it.
As expected, Sanji is already stirring a pot on a fire, face lighting up as the duo approach with their bounty in hand. It’s good to see him less high strung for once; no doubt he’s been a whiny bitch with Usopp and Luffy but evidently he’s got it out of his system enough to behave with the gang. It’s not like Zoro’s had it much easier, with Nami’s nagging. At least with the cook they can just fight it out; Zoro’s pretty sure he’d get murdered by half the crew if he tried to start a fight with their navigator - not only that, she’d add a lifetime of debt on to what he already owes her. No thanks.
“Grabbed some frogs too,” Zoro remembers as he brings his bounty to Sanji after Chopper. Shame there was nothing bigger out there - it would have made the hunt way more fun.
The cook gestures to where he’s stirring. “Nice, it all just goes in the pot.” He wasn’t sure if the cook was going to accept their choice of meat so easily, but he’s resourceful enough to make it work; not that Zoro would admit that. He drops the frogs in without splashing, and eyes Sanji subtly. He’s so laid back, despite finally being around the girls again. There’s been minor fawning, sure, but for the most part he’s being normal. It’s irritating that he can't just do this all of the time; it’s way easier to get along with him like this. Zoro’s not about to ruin this mood by pissing him off, so he plans not to stick around the cook too long. Unfortunately, Sanji has other plans.
“Zoro, you’re not doing anything - I’ve got a little job for you.” He bites down the instinct to reject him instantly, only belatedly realising the words he said - or rather, didn’t. No mosshead today? He must really be in a good mood.
Shoulders relaxing a little, Zoro accepts - until he wishes he didn’t. “My swords were not meant to be used like this.”
“Yeah, but disobey the chef and you don’t eat, so it’s your call.” That’s bullshit, but Zoro isn’t about to call him out on it. No one gets away with not eating when the cook’s involved. Besides, holding this rock between his swords isn’t exactly hard work, and if it’s for the sake of their food then sure, whatever. He’s been looking forward to a good meal, even if stew doesn’t seem as filling as he’d like.
“Like I want to eat your rock water anyway,” he mumbles, with no bite. The cook ignores him.
When the rock is in the saucepan for whatever reason, Zoro is allowed to escape and finds a low ledge to sit on and observe the others. It’s loud, in the usual way that their crew are, and everyone is up to something. Luffy is complaining about the food not being ready yet, Usopp is tinkering with something and the girls are looking at some paper and talking, rather than taking the chance to relax. Closing his eyes, Zoro leans back and decides to get what rest he can before dinner’s ready.
The scene doesn’t look too different when Zoro is interrupted by Robin, as she hands over a box and a pair of chopsticks. Zoro looks from the box to her, eyebrow raised as much as it can be when his eyes have only just opened.
“Cook-san thought you might all be too hungry to wait,” she says warmly before putting the box down. After a moment she leaves and Zoro watches her retreat. He’s still figuring her out, if that’s possible, with all of the cryptic things she says and the way that it’s just so damn hard to read her. Either way, it doesn’t matter right now. She’s obviously just the messenger, though the message is a surprise. Opening the lid, Zoro finds onigiri and some vegetable doused in garlic on top of neat rows of rice. The cook doesn’t exactly have anything to shape these so neat up here in the sky, so he must have done it all by hand. Just when did he have time to make this? More importantly, why? He glances over but the cook is still busy with the stew, not looking over this way.
It’s good, of course. All of the cook’s damn food is good. He gets it, why Luffy asked him to join the crew, no matter how annoying he is. It’s even seasoned exactly how Zoro likes - or maybe Zoro’s just grown to like how he seasons it.
Well, at least he’s useful for something .
That’s an exaggeration and he knows it.
He’s half way through the bento at least when he hears the tell tale sign of tableware being moved around and a scuffling of Luffy and Usopp towards Sanji.
“Soup’s on but it’s ladies first, got it?” Of course it is. The guys never learn. Not like Luffy should ever be offered food first; he’d probably be murdered if there was none of it left for Sanji’s beautiful ladies. Zoro scoffs into his rice.
There’s a commotion, and likely Luffy’s caused trouble already but Zoro doesn’t care enough to see what’s happening. It’s only when he feels a presence nearby that he looks up.
A bowl gets shoved into his face, over his bento, and Zoro blinks. Reluctantly he grabs the bowl, placing it on top of his box and the cook sits down next to him. Vaguely he can hear Nami going over some kind of plan or something, but he’s too zoned out. It’s a pretty big clearing, with everyone spread out. Despite that, the cook’s chosen him to sit next to.
Along with the bento box, he’s acting kind of… amiable. It’s weird. It’s unlikely that he has ulterior motives, because if he ever wants anything from Zoro he either demands it or fights him. He’s being too nice for it to be under someone else's orders too, so what is it? Does he feel guilty over something? Or is this him just finally being civil?
That’s another exaggeration. The cook can be civil sometimes. More so when Zoro keeps his mouth shut. It’s not the first time that Sanji’s sought his company, come to think of it. He hasn’t exactly done it often, but in moments of rest… maybe he doesn’t hate Zoro’s company as much as he lets on. Not that that revelation is going to stop Zoro from pissing him off on purpose, when it’s funny enough to.
Zoro takes a spoon of the stew, even if he’d rather go back to his bento. Looks like the cook’s not letting him get away with it that easily.
“Eat up. Who knows what we’re gonna face. You need more than just carbs.” The cook doesn’t look up at him as he eats, like he can just hear Zoro thinking. He’s selling his own food short; there’s more than just carbs in the bento box, but the small amount of everything else in there can’t compare with all of the crap he’s put in this soup.
It’s not bad; that would be impossible. It’s creamier than Zoro would like, and whatever bits of frog in there aren’t exactly gonna be his number one choice of meat, but it’s more palatable than it sounds. Which, of course it is. It doesn’t take long to finish it, if only because he wants his rice back. The cook doesn’t say anything about how fast he eats - apparently only Luffy gets that and Zoro’s thankful for it. He’s tired enough that he doesn’t need anyone on his ass about minor shit like that.
The way Sanji eats is slower, but maybe that’s because he’s focusing on everyone around them. Zoro doesn’t miss the way his gaze flits from crewmate to crewmate, and then occasionally back to Nami as she speaks. No doubt he’s stuck between telling her to eat before her food cools and letting her have the run of the show. Hell hath no fury like a Nami interrupted. Zoro laughs at the idea.
Next to him, Sanji cocks his head. “What?” Zoro only shakes his head in response. Sanji watches him for a moment, before stirring his stew. “You know, the girls don’t seem too worse for wear after whatever little adventure you guys went on.”
Of course not. It might have been annoying as fuck, but they’ve been against worse. Sanji seems to hold his gaze for a moment before going back to his food, and Zoro frowns for a second. Sanji’s good at this, saying things when he really means something more. A lot of people would probably just take it as an observation, but there’s a tone Sanji has when he’s keeping something to himself.
It’s downright annoying that Zoro can even recognise that.
“What did you expect?” He keeps his tone neutral; he’s not about to give Sanji any ammo for an argument in the middle of a meal, even if he seems like he’s trying to behave himself. He just has too short a fuse, sometimes.
The response isn’t instant - the cook’s got some kind of gears turning, but he shakes his head. “It’s nothing.”
Nothing Zoro’s ass. There was no point saying it unless it was something he was worried about. Did he really think Zoro wouldn’t be able to handle whatever trouble they had and keep the girls safe? “They’re more capable than you think,” he rolls his eyes. Of course his chivalrous ass would think they couldn’t keep up. Zoro might have done some of the heavy lifting, but they weren’t exactly a one man team out there.
Sanji just hums, and they eat the rest of their meal in silence.
The rest of the evening turns into… something a little more odd, but relatively normal in Strawhat crew terms. They have a celebration, because of course they do, and there’s plenty of booze, so Zoro’s not complaining. The wolves are an unexpected addition to say the least, but it’s better to have them join than ruin the newfound peace around the camp.
Most of the Strawhats are enjoying the warmth of the fire while they make merry with their new canine friends, and despite it being a bizarre idea, Luffy seems to make it look natural. The boys are louder than usual - obviously Usopp and Sanji have been at the booze too, with their weak tolerances showing, but it’s been a while since their last party so it’s fair enough. Until Zoro has to be the one to drag them out of trouble at least. Still, it’s good to see them looking so carefree. Usopp’s constant anxieties aren’t fun for anyone, least of all himself, and no matter how much Zoro protects the crew he doesn’t seem to get that everything will be fine. The guy could do with trusting his own abilities a little more, too.
The cook, for once, is not serving or fighting anyone, which seem to be his two favourite things. He’s laughing, and smiling, and leaving the ladies alone. It’s a better look for him compared to the usual - even cooking earlier he wasn’t this relaxed. He isn’t lecturing Luffy or Usopp, and he’s even joining in with their silliness.
Is this the real Sanji, uninhibited by his job and his sense of bravado, or is it only the effect of the drink? It’s hard to get a read on him, with all of the contradictory sides of him that Zoro has seen. The way that his actions don’t actually differ so much towards men and women, only being presented differently to make people think so.
There’s something there, that Zoro gets the occasional glimpse of, that he can respect. It’s something he,,, maybe wants to see more of. He knows that the more he seeks that out, the more the cook pulls away. It’s on Sanji’s terms or no terms and it’s frustrating to hell and back, not knowing what to expect, if the cook is just going to be acting up around him or being somewhat genuine.
“You’re deep in thought,” Robin’s silky voice comes from next to him, and Zoro resolutely does not jump. She hasn’t been with the crew for long so maybe that’s why it’s easy not to notice her but damn does she have a way of inserting herself into the situation without warning.
“Just enjoying my drink,” he tries to brush her off. He’s not a fan of her need to know everything about everyone, and he has no desire to give anything up to her. If she wants to talk to someone, Nami’s right over there.
She doesn’t move though, and Zoro can feel her gaze on him even if he keeps his own on the bonfire in the middle of the clearing. “The crew seem to be enjoying themselves, don’t they? It’s nice to see them having fun together. I’m sure they’d appreciate it if you joined them.” It isn't any of her business if he does or doesn't.
“I’m happy here, they’re happy there. They know that, I know that, that’s it.” It’s hard not to let the irritation show in his voice, but she’s the one intruding here. If it puts her off talking to them, then good.
“I suppose you do have a good vantage point,” she concedes. “They are quite interesting to watch, aren’t they? Especially cook-san. It seems he can let his hair down every now and then.”
Even if he’s been spotted looking at him, he’s not taking the bait. Whatever he thinks about the cook is none of her business. “Crazy what happens when people drink.” He says it as disinterestedly as he can, and Robin hovers for a moment before standing up to take her leave.
“I suppose I will leave you to your own drink,” she dips her head. “Who knows when you’ll next get the chance for another?” It sounds vaguely like a threat, but there’s no point trying to figure her out. If Sanji is complicated, she’s on a whole other level. Crossing his legs, Zoro leans back and continues watching the antics of the other boys of the crew, as Luffy arm wrestles a wolf and Sanji dances with Chopper. Nevermind another drink, who knows when everyone will next be this peaceful again?
The sound of glass hitting the floor makes Zoro’s eyes open before his brain fully wakes up. It’s still warm, and bright, and the fire is still crackling in the distance. The wolves are still there, but the girls and Chopper seem to have left. It’s dark enough that they've probably gone to sleep a while ago. He sits a little higher and turns to the figure he can barely see in his periphery. The cook is not entirely stumbling, but there’s a bottle on the floor not too far from him. Zoro recognises it as one of his own from… however long ago it was before he fell asleep.
The cook gives him something of an apologetic look, but sidles next to him where Robin sat earlier. He offers Zoro a new bottle, as he clutches another by his side. His hair no longer lays entirely flat, stands or hair astray from whatever they’ve all been getting up to. His cheeks seem flushed in the warm light, and his posture is much less uptight than usual. The change from the stuffy suit already made some difference, but he can tell that Sanji isn’t even trying to hold himself any particular way, now.
In all honesty, with the way the rest of the crew were partying, Zoro didn’t expect any other visitors, least of all the cook. It’s not too unusual now for him to seek Zoro out after the meal is cooked and he has nothing left to do, but this is the first time he’s done while already being out there enjoying himself. Sanji fumbles with a cigarette, placing it in his lips before finding his lighter and lighting it. Zoro wrinkles his nose at the smell, even if now it carries with it an air of familiarity.
“Never thought we’d be partying with wolves,” he inhales, as he looks towards their guests. “Then again, I never thought we’d do a lot of things that we’ve done.”
Zoro grunts in reply, as he looks from them to Sanji. It doesn’t matter who you are, once Luffy gets you on board with one of his plans, that’s it.
The cook pushes the hair from his eyes, not enough to finally reveal the other side, but enough to make it look a little more like his usual style. “Are you having fun?”
If this was a few weeks ago, Zoro would think he’s only trying to make small talk. Now, though? It almost feels like Sanji genuinely wants to know. He cares about the wellbeing of the crew, not just health wise. It’s been growing more obvious, even when he tries to act otherwise where Zoro is concerned. Zoro knows himself, and knows how to take care of himself; the concern, though somewhat appreciated, would be better aimed at Sanji’s own wellbeing. Zoro sleeps, trains and drinks - he’s taking care of his own needs plenty. “It’s not too bad,” Zoro humours him. He wonders if the cook would give him any answers if he asked right now, but that isn’t what he wants. He needs him to be open in his sober, everyday life.
“Good.” Sanji takes another drag of his cigarette, and leans close to Zoro, though not touching. Is he holding himself back, even now?
Zoro leans in so that their shoulders just about touch, and Sanji says nothing in return, but allows it. With his walls mostly down, would he allow Zoro to pull him closer and trust him with his own vulnerability for once? Zoro isn’t sure where exactly the idea comes from, but he knows it’s a big risk. It has to take a lot for the cook to be as open and possibly real as he is right now, even if this situation would be so normal for most of the other crewmates. It feels like trying to approach a wild animal without startling them, but he’s not going to risk the cook running away.
This is, at least, progress. That’s all he can ask for, despite the yearning to understand him. Maybe one day Sanji will let him in completely, and that idea warms Zoro more than the burn of the alcohol as he takes another drink.
So many things about this situation are frustrating. The moss head’s idiocy, for once, the fact that he knocked Sanji out, and the fact that Sanji wasn’t even awake to see what hells Zoro had gone through. The few witnesses he could find told him what happened when he was unconscious, even if the explanation was vague at best. Zoro should have died.
Hell, he might still do. Chopper is doing his best, as always, but there’s been no specifics as to what exactly is wrong with Zoro and what he needs. Apart from the one moment of coherence when Sanji first found him, Zoro hasn’t even stirred, and he even looks like death. More so than their new walking, talking skeleton friend.
There’s no time for Sanji to overthink it too much with the looming celebrations, though. Everyone here’s in the mood to party, and after a battle like that they could all do with some energy. It’s something that under most circumstances would keep Sanji thoroughly distracted, but between the mountains of meat he’s trying to cook, the image of Zoro surrounded by the bloodstains still penetrates his mind. It wasn’t there before Sanji passed out, and no one else had joined in the battle.
How the hell had Zoro lost that much blood and still been able to stand afterwards?
That damn idiot wasn’t even in a condition to eat right now and replace all of that lost blood; whatever Chopper was doing could only help so much. He just had to make trouble for them even while he was unconscious, didn’t he?
If he didn’t hurry up, the crew and the rest of the partygoers were going to burn through their food stocks before the green oaf even woke up. There was no way he was going to recover with just whatever scraps were left over. If Sanji had to hide some ingredients just in case, then so be it.
This could have been him. It’s weird to see someone like Zoro seem so… fragile, almost. Zoro wasn’t fragile, and he didn’t get hurt like this . He was too stubborn for this. He was too important for this. Luffy needs Zoro - not that Sanji would dare say it out loud because he knows the crew now, but a cook is expendable. A first mate who is going to be the best swordsman is not . If he doesn’t make it, what then?
Sanji isn’t stupid. If he took the fall, he’d be gone. He’s strong, yeah, but nowhere near as sturdy as the jackass he calls a crewmate. If Zoro can barely deal with this then Sanji can admit he wouldn’t.
How would it feel, to give his life for Luffy?
An honour, probably. Something worth finally doing. To save someone like Zoro, too? He’d gladly die.
Who would have thought this is where he’d be? A few months ago, he thought Zoro was stupid for throwing away his life. Guess Sanji is just as stupid… but at least he understands. Some things are bigger than your own life.It feels like it should be scary, but in a way it’s almost relieving. That you can make such a difference in death as in life - not counting people like Brook.
Is that how Zoro felt when he pushed Sanji aside, to take the pain himself? Was it worth it?
He’ll just have to wait and see when - if Zoro wakes up. Realistically, they won’t talk about it. He knows Zoro well enough to know that he’s a man who would just insist what’s done is done and move on, but it’s not that simple for Sanji.
Twice, he’s seen Zoro almost die when he could have saved himself. Twice he’s had to wait helplessly without knowing what the outcome was. Both Kuma and Mihawk are both so much stronger than the Strawhats, and isn’t that such a wake up call? They’ve got so much work to do before they’re even close to Luffy being the king of the pirates, to Zoro being the world’s greatest swordsman. Despite how far they’ve come, it’s never seemed so far away.
There’s no way the crew would change their mind, especially after now with what they consider as a victory. This is one step closer for them, rather than reminding them of their own mortality.
It isn’t like Sanji hasn’t faced that idea before. Being stranded on the rock, helpless and starving, and the dungeons before that, again starving and lonely and made to suffer on purpose - he’s had plenty of chances to die and hasn’t. The difference is, it was never his choice. Now, he’s alive and happy and appreciating every minute of it. It’s frustrating that the others don’t always seem to appreciate that.
Huffing around a cigarette, Sanji rests his forehead against the fridge of the Sunny. There’s no point thinking about this, he reminds himself. Either Zoro comes through it or not, but Luffy isn’t going to give up this lifestyle and if he doesn’t, Sanji isn’t either. There’s no room for regret when he’s sworn himself to this crew.
‘Stop being so melodramatic’ is what Zoro would probably say if he was awake, and he’d be right. It isn’t like the others don’t love their life of danger on the sea. It’s unlikely that Luffy doesn’t realise just how much he risks every day, but he seems to be happier that way. A Luffy keeping himself safe and out of danger doesn’t sound like a happy Luffy at all.
Why are so many of his crewmates idiots?
It's still chaos in the most typical Strawhat way, even as the party wanes a little. It's a shame Zoro's out for the count with this one; he'd appreciate the amount of booze flowing between pirates and citizens alike.
It's always an easy time, after a party; the stress from the fight is over, or rather the fight allows people to relieve some stress they've been feeling. They celebrate with food and drink that they enjoy, and tensions are at their lowest. It's why Sanji can seek Zoro out without much worry of starting a fight, unless the moss head baits him into it. On the whole, he tends to leave Sanji alone when it's just the two of them. He's noticed, of course; Zoro's as his most annoying when he's around their other crewmates, as if he wants to show Sanji up. Of course, Sanji doesn't need to rise to the challenge but he's not going to just stand there and let the moss head think he can say whatever he wants in front of the others, even if Sanji knows that they don't actually care. it's more of a habit than anything, just a way that he can't stop himself from reacting. Usually it leads to a fight, they get their tensions out, and then Sanji's free to focus on his tasks for the rest of the day - and the swordsman leaves him alone after that.
It should be frustrating that he gives Sanji what he needs to blow off steam; after years of working in a kitchen with other people running their mouths and foul customers, Sanji's always pretty highly strung. He knows this. He has so much less reason to be so on the Strawhat crew, but some habits you can't shake. Maybe it's the defensiveness that comes with the idea of needing anyone else's help, turned into something that pushes people away so that they don't even have the option to. It's messed up, and Sanji's fully aware of that. It's a flaw, but considering his upbringing, it could be way worse.
It's easy to lure Chopper away from the bed of the overgrown moss; the little doctor hasn't had a chance to enjoy the fun as much as he might like while watching Zoro, and they even have a new crewmate to welcome. Sanji insists that he's more than up for taking watch, considering that he's been on his feet all day cooking and just wants to rest. It's partially true, but cooking doesn't actually tire him out. For now, he just wants a little time with the swordsman, as much as the idea might usually make him grimace.
Maybe it's more a case of actively knowing that he's alive. After Zoro and Luffy, Sanji is their next best fighter, and he knows that. The others are formidable, don't get him wrong, but there's a reason he and Zoro fight so well. To his face, Sanji would argue that they're reasonably matched, but he hasn’t trained all day for his whole life or whatever to fight. He's the cook for a reason, just as much as Zoro's the First Mate for a reason. Without Zoro, that's a hell of a lot more pressure on Sanji. Even with his skills, there are fights he'd barely have gotten out of without the swordsman at his back. They're a team, and a damn good one at that. The concept of losing that... well, it's really fucking weird.
Zoro will get through this. He can't not.
The rise and fall of his bandaged chest brings a little comfort to Sanji, and he inhales slowly. It's probably best not to be doing this right in front of the injured man right now, but one cigarette isn’t going to end him. Right now, Sanji needs something a little more grounding.
"Heard Luffy tried pouring some booze on you," Sanji mutters, recalling Chopper's annoyed comments from earlier. "What an idiot. And what a waste of booze. Might as well save it until you can at least appreciate it. Keep us waiting too long and I can't guarantee it'll still be there, though."
That's a lie; Sanji just likes to imagine that Zoro would be petty enough to wake up purely to get some booze in time.
Why he finds himself here waiting for Zoro to wake up is beyond him. It isn't like anything will suddenly change, and it's not like the idiot would even know he's there. As much as he'd like to argue that it is, he's not here for Zoro; he's here for himself.
"Wouldn't be surprised if your consciousness is just lost and can't find it's way back," Sanji laughs humourlessly. He'd certainly believe it was possible with Zoro. "Not sure I can go find you this time, though. I might be able to find your sorry ass whenever you disappear on an island, but just how am I supposed to help you this time? Idiot."
He doesn't usually hate it either; if Zoro's gone off on his own, it means that Sanji gets a little peace and then when he goes looking for the moss head he can try to let off any excess steam if he needs to, unless Zoro has somehow managed to find exactly what they need on the island, or the biggest amount of trouble they can. Sanji might complain, but in all fairness? He actually doesn't mind so much. Sometimes a smaller adventure with Zoro isn't all bad.
Sighing, Sanji puts a tentative hand on Zoro's forehead; it's not hot enough to imply that there's any kind of fever (not that Chopper wouldn't have already checked) so that's at least a good sign. It's just annoying that he doesn’t have enough medical knowledge to know what exactly is keeping him like this, and if Chopper knows then he isn't exactly explaining in a lot of detail. Not that Sanji would necessarily have the skills to help if he did understand, but at least it would put his mind at ease if he could tell himself just how serious it was. Chopper would never lie to them, but if thought he had to say things a little softer to certain crewmates about things, then he probably would.
"Just hurry up and wake the fuck up already," Sanji huffs. "I'm sick of all of this uncertainty. Can't even kick your damn ass as a distraction. At least that's one thing I can usually rely on you for." He inhales then exhales slowly. "You know I've gone through twice the amount of smokes I usually would thanks to you. If you didn't look so sorry right now I'd be getting ready to charge you from them when you're back."
It's not the same as having Zoro actually around, but at least being able to rant at him has soothed Sanji's mind a little, for now. He's still breathing, and he's still Zoro. He will be back. He has to.
Sanji's never been one to turn down hospitality - not because he wants what's offered. but because he knows all too well the joy of meeting someone's needs and being appreciated. It's something he feels maybe not all of the time but often enough at the Sunny. This means that when the chance arises to accept it from someone else, at least in terms of board, he will.
The party isn't over - this has been big for everyone. It has at least died down for today and all is mostly quieter for now. Some of the Strawhats have decided to stay back at the ship; Franky and Robin for definite, but Sanji's somewhat lost track of the others in the last few hours.
It's taken a while to clean up from the party, though the residents have done a lot to help out. Sanji's focus has been clearing any plates, cups, cutlery where he can and assembling them into as many piles as he can in the kitchen before he begins to clean them. Lola in particular offered to help wash them, but he waved her off with a polite smile. He's used to it, he insists, and it throws his routine off if he doesn't do it. She didn't look convinced, but at least left him to it for now. What he said wasn't exactly untrue, but he knows that he won't be able to sleep any time soon, so this serves as both a good distraction and a way to pass the time before his eyes decide to betray him.
The warmth of the water feels nice on his skin - a departure from the constant chill around Thriller Bark. The soap lathers up well, and before long he's beginning to make a small dent in the monstrous amount of plates.
His peace is only interrupted when the door squeaks open, and familiar footsteps come bounding in.
"Sanji! Are there any leftovers? I'm hungry!"
There's no stopping the eye roll as Sanji sighs into the sink. "No, you ate all of it. And no, I'm not making you any more. We'll have no supplies left at this rate, especially if they insist on partying tomorrow too."
It's easy to feel Luffy's presence as it gets closer, and Sanji leans out of the way as Luffy searches the empty plates next to him for any leftover morsels. As much as Sanji respects him, he'll never not be put off by Luffy's gross habit of eating literally anything, but at least it means that no food is ever not wasted. It counts for something, he supposes.
"Wow, you sure cooked a lot. You know they offered to cook for us too, right? Though, nothing anyone else makes could compare to Sanji's cooking!" He laughs, even as his search brings up nothing. It might, maybe, make Sanji feel a little warm inside.
"I like cooking," he answers, and as true as it is, it's not the entire reason he decided to spend so much of his time inside the kitchen today.
"You want to keep busy," Luffy suggests, looking over towards him as if he knows exactly what Sanji is thinking. Sanji keeps his gaze trained on the dishes he's washing.
"This is my job, Luffy. I cook."
The arm suddenly around his shoulder jostles him uncomfortably. "But it's a party! Sanji can party too!"
Sanji scrubs a little harder. "I'm just not really in the mood for it. I'm happy doing this instead."
"You're worried," Luffy says solemnly. His arm squeezes Sanji tighter. "Zoro will be okay, you know. Something like this isn't enough to kill him!"
He wouldn't be saying that if he knew the state that Zoro had been in just after the fight. Even the memories make Sanji want to hurl. 'Something like this' probably would have killed almost anyone who tried to.
"Of course not." Sanji just agrees with little emotion. He's not about to argue with Luffy. Even if he hates what Zoro did, he knows it's best to keep quiet. The last thing either of them would want is for Luffy to feel guilty, or like it's his fault.
"You know him as well as I do," Luffy starts. "When have you ever known Zoro to give up? I know that he's doing his best to come back to us. He just needs some time is all!"
"He better hurry up," Sanji mutters under his breath. Luffy stills hears it, and laughs.
"We miss him too," Luffy pats his shoulder.
Sanji scoffs, and glances over for a moment. "I don't miss his dumb ass." That one is a lie, too. Because he does miss him, doesn't he? He may be shitty company, but Sanji knows that he can be too. That doesn't stop them from having the occasional moment of companionable silence, or the fights that do wonders for Sanji's mood. He misses knowing that with Zoro around, he doesn’t have to worry so much about the rest of their companions. Hell, he misses Zoro helping with drying the dishes. He's useful, sometimes, and that quiet proximity away from anyone else is... an odd comfort. As annoying as he is, maybe he likes having Zoro around.
"You two are so funny!" Luffy straightens up, his search for food a failure. "But it's okay, because I know that you're friends really. And you can start being you again when Zoro's back!"
"I am being me," Sanji protests, but Luffy's already disappearing out of the room. It's hard to argue against his captain though; Luffy just says things as he sees them. It's true that Sanji and Zoro are something akin to friends, even if neither would likely admit it. It's true that he misses him. It's probably true that Sanji isn't quite acting like he usually would at a celebration, too, but he's not going to until the swordsman is awake. It's only a matter of if, not when. If Luffy believes in Zoro, then Sanji will too.
And there they are, all at it again. The party is back up and running again, and it's a good job he got through the mountain of washing last night. He's allowed the townsfolk to help a little more in the preparation of the food, and Sanji even sits with Usopp and Franky for just one drink. From across the room, he spots Luffy grinning at him with a thumbs up. Sanji tries to ignore him, but he can't help the little smile that grows on his face. He doesn't stay too long before excusing himself back to the kitchen. If he makes and stores a little more food than he needs to, well, his captain doesn't need to know about it just yet.
There's an extra little treat for Chopper too, as Sanji offers to take over his watch Zoro duty for a little while. The reindeer seems relieved, and takes the plate with a big smile.
"He's doing better," Chopper says happily as he hops off his stool. "He still hasn't woken up yet, but his wounds are healing nicely and he seems to have a lot of his colour back! I think he's definitely on the road to recovery now!"
“Good. It's all thanks to your hard work," Sanji says smoothly, and Chopper wiggles around as he denies the compliments, before joining the others to eat his food with.
As he takes over on Chopper's seat, Sanji nudges the bed slightly with his foot. "It's about time you showed some more signs of life, idiot. I'm not going to forgive you so easily for worrying me, you know." He shakes his head as he watches the sleeping Zoro, unable to hear him. It feels good to be honest with himself, after Luffy forced him to confront it last night. He always has been good at ignoring his emotions and finding ways to fight past them.
"As if I actually miss a sentient piece of moss." He scoffs, but that doesn’t stop the small smile from slowly spreading across his face. "You best hurry the fuck up so that we can get out of here and I can buy some more cigs already." As he says it, he lights up another one, and smokes in a calm silence as he watches over the swordsman. The tension melts away a little as he thinks about the positivity in Chopper's voice and Luffy's insistence that Zoro's fighting his way back.
It isn't that Zoro couldn't take a fight from Sanji in his newly awoken state; it's that Chopper would probably kill him if he tried. Yeah, that's it. That's why Sanji hasn't visited him while he's been awake yet.
Besides, they still have the party going on, because of course Luffy started another round of celebrations for Zoro awakening.
The kitchens are... more relaxed to say the least, this time around. It's less of a distraction, and Sanji can cook with the knowledge that everything is, or should be back to normal. the mountains of rice he serves are sent off with the usual smile, instead of the desperation to get back into the kitchen. It's like a weight has disappeared from Sanji's shoulders. He won't have to take the responsibilities of both wings of Luffy now, and he knows that he doesn't have to watch his own back so firmly now anymore. That's the reason he feels so much better, of course.
...It's a good job he doesn't have to talk about it out loud, because even Sanji can see how transparent that excuse is. It doesn't matter anyway, because Zoro is fine, and here, and no one else needs to know how damn much he might have been scared of losing their idiot swordsman.
-
The cool evening air is a nice contrast to the stuffy air of the kitchen, no matter how used to it Sanji is. It isn't too chilly that he can't enjoy it, especially with the crackling bonfire that sits out in the open. After lighting a cigarette and taking a small drag, Sanji finds himself in a small nook, away enough from the crowds but close enough to still be able to watch the celebrations. Luffy, Usopp and their tall new skeleton friend are of course back into the action, Luffy still eating leftovers from the meal earlier. Thankfully Sanji had the foresight to lock enough provisions on the ship before everything was used for the party so that when they finally set sail they won't have to rush to find more supplies. For the time being, a nice sail with no trouble and no chance to lose crew members - apart from possibly Luffy to the sea - is exactly what he's after.
It's likely that they won’t stay too long now after all of this. With everyone back on their feet and little else to do but eat and drink, he can't be the only one itching to get back out onto the open waters. Nami won't know how much supplies they have left yet either - no doubt she'll be wanting to check and budget for the next island as soon as she can.
Cooking for so many people has never been a chore, and it never will, but Sanji's had to cook recently in a way that has to be filling enough to everyone and not catered to individual tastes. It's not too different to the Baratie, with their fixed menus rather than Sanji being able to create his own dishes better suited to customers. While it still feeds them, it doesn't compare to making his crew something that makes specifically them happy. Tangerine tarts, creamy coffee cakes, fried salmon onigiri - not that he hadn't made some of the latter for today's celebrations, but rice goes far, and it's filling. It's maybe pretty good for someone needing to build up their strength again, sure, but that is just a coincidence.
Who is he kidding, really?
Even Sanji can't help but shake his head at himself. They've fought for so long that even as a crew it's hard to say out loud how much attention he puts into anything Zoro related. It wasn't hard to discern his tastes, and seeing the swordsman help himself to seconds of Sanji's food? That right there is enough to validate Sanji.
It's easy to argue that he doesn't need any validation, thank you very much, but isn't that why he's always chasing after Nami and Robin's whims, even when it isn't food related? There's a lot that Sanji won't admit, or couldn't, but the last few days with the future so uncertain has pushed a lot of thoughts out into the open that Sanji never really wanted exposed. He's always been good at lying to himself, but that makes these times where a little honesty is needed really become so tough.
One palm at his temple, Sanji allows himself to lean down, gaze on the floor. This whole situation doesn't have to change anything, but should it? He likes Zoro's company, at least some of the time. He enjoys their quiet moments together, and the trust between them. He nearly lost it, so should he start making the most of it while he still has it? But then, changing something that doesn't need to be changed is a sure fire way of destroying that. He knows he can be intolerable and hot tempered at times; forcing Zoro to deal with that more even if he might want to might make him change his mind about ever putting up with his company, even if the moss head is dense and infuriating and just as annoying as Sanji is.
Footsteps interrupt his thoughts, but before he lifts his head up and pushes his hair back up, a solid body sits down next to him, beer in hand.
Speak of the bastard. He's even sitting on the side of Sanji's uncovered eye, so it's not like he can even pretend not to see him.
"Nice of you to finally show up for the party," Sanji scoffs. The next drag of his cig conveniently covers up the small smile threatening to show.
"I was just waiting for you to finally cook something fucking decent," came the slightly raspy reply. Right - he's probably not spoken much in what, five days now. His throat must feel like sandpaper, but knowing him it's not even water that he's using to remedy that.
"All of my food is way more than decent, asshole." There's no bite to Sanji's response; he knows that right now, Zoro isn't really trying to rile him up.
Zoro isn't looking at him, just gazing towards the party like Sanji was earlier as he hums a little. It's hard to tell if it's a noise of agreement, or just his way of waving off that conversation. They stay quiet for a little while, Zoro occasionally rolling his shoulders and cracking his joints. He must be stiff, sleeping for that long when his body is used to constant exercise. A fight probably would be good for him, but now's not the time, as much as Sanji would enjoy it.
It's a nice quiet - one that Sanji missed, and doesn't want to take for granted, but... it's hard not to think, and overthink, and compare him now to the bloodied and nearly dead Zoro that he saw not too long ago. He wants to shout at him for what he did, to make him promise not to do that again, to tell him his importance to the crew, but that isn't what came out.
"We fucking missed you, you know. Idiot." He turns his head away - that's more information than he wanted to give away, and he knows that Zoro won't miss the use of 'we', rather than just saying the crew.
"'M here now," came the gravelly reply, and Sanji wants to kick his face in. Now isn't enough.
It's tempting scream about him risking himself and nearly changing the dynamic of the entire Strawhat crew. To explain his worth to the swordsman and how Sanji just can't fill his shoes. Point out that Zoro is the one he trusts to have his back always, and he doesn't want to lose that. "I - "
"I'm not here to apologise or argue," Zoro cuts in, and Sanji huffs. He's sure as hell gonna give him a piece of his mind later, at least.. The swordsman leans back on the wall behind them; it's almost reminiscent of all the past parties where Sanji has sought him out, except this time Zoro has come to him. Evidently it's not for booze, and it's definitely not to pick a fight with him otherwise they'd already be at each other's throats. Maybe he just got used to their quiet post-victory moments too, where they stayed civil and maybe, if even possible, friendly. The times that maybe Sanji might have wished he'd appreciated more, in light of recent events.
Glancing over at Zoro, Sanji takes everything in; the tiredness of his eyes, the bandages covering probably half of his body, the places that he remembers seeing so much blood drip from. It's hard to imagine what exactly he went through that day, how painful it was. Despite not even knowing the depths of it, he still did that for their crew and it pisses Sanji off that he still feels at least somewhat grateful for it. "I should kill you myself for what you did," he flicks some ash off his cigarette. "But after a little thinking, I figured we'd rather have you stick around, so. Don't do it again, or whatever."
When Zoro looks back at him, he feels weirdly... seen. It's hard to explain, coming from Zoro of all people. He doesn't roll his eyes at Sanji like he usually does, and the eye contact he makes is much more intense than that moment that their eyes meet when they're ready for a fight. "I'd rather have you stick around too, so I won't if you won't."
Sanji averts his gaze; what exactly do you say to that? It's too soft coming from Zoro, and it's weird when their relationship has never been built on words like that. Yeah, he started it but that's because Zoro nearly died. He didn't need to say it back. "Just because I feed you," Sanji mutters in an attempt to wave it off.
"Cook - Sanji."
Well, that gets his attention. Zoro's said his name a grand total of zero times since they've known each other. Hearing his name out of the other man's lips makes his chest do something weird, and Sanji isn't sure if he likes it or not. It makes him feel... vulnerable. He turns back to look at Zoro - it' probably important if he's actually using Sanji's name. Though, for what is hard to imagine. Zoro is still looking just as intently, but Sanji holds his gaze.
"You're a stuck up, perverted asshole who worries way too much about what others think." And wow, what a compliment. Sanji furrows his brows; there’s no way this got so serious just so that he could be insulted. "But you take care of this crew without wanting anything in return. Even for me. I know you always took over for Chopper when he was patching me up and needed a break."
Chopper, that bastard. Why did he have to out him to Zoro? "Can't have our doctor wearing himself too thin. You gave him a lot of work." There was no need to tell Zoro, damn it.
"And you made sure he had less," Zoro shrugged. "Anyway, what I'm saying is, the crew needs you for more than just your cooking. And, I guess, some of the crew likes you for more than that too."
It would be easy to doubt that, but deep down Sanji knows that sometimes, that's true, and Zoro would never lie to him. Annoying asshole he might be, he never beats around the bush. "Where the fuck's this all coming from anyway? I'm not the one who nearly died here." He nearly pulls back as Zoro's shoulder brushes against his own, ever so slightly. It's hard to tell if it's on purpose, but in a situation like this it feels way too intimate.
"Because it needs saying, alright? You're so in your head about everything that you don't see it clearly."
"Don't tell me how I don't see, you - "
"I like you for more than that, too." The words die on Sanji's lips; that's about as close to a compliment that Zoro has ever given him. He's never admitted that Sanji is anything more than an annoyance, even with their few moments of peace. It's not something that Sanji would have ever chosen to assume because he knows that the way he acts to many isn't exactly likeable, but then he knows their fights have never really been fights. It's... something that only the other can give them, really. Their own, weird way of saying what can't be said with words.
"You could be worse," Sanji admits. Zoro makes a noise of impatience and leans a little more into Sanji's space. Sanji doesn't retreat.
"You're not listening." And, that's bullshit, of course Sanji's listening even if he's deflecting these compliments and other weird sentiments. "I like you."
That's just what he said already, right? Just like the crew, and that doesn't need reiterating, so he doesn't need to say it again unless it means something different and, and what else would he mean? This is Zoro. He doesn't just say things like that, and he can't mean what Sanji thinks he means, because that's insane.
Except, the way that he's looking at Sanji might suggest otherwise. The way that he notices the things that Sanji does, and allows them their quiet moments when no one else is watching. Zoro doesn't show interest in people, not really, but he sure as hell spends a lot of time stealing Sanji's attention even if it is to fight or argue. But, it doesn't make sense - Sanji is an asshole to him on purpose, very often, and he knows that he irritates the hell out of Zoro all of the time. He delights in it, really. He's done nothing to earn any kind of feelings like that. Zoro can't like him.
The swordsman's knee knocks into Sanji's own before moving back into place. "Don't overthink it, cook. I'm not asking for anything back, I just want you to understand."
"How," Sanji huffs, "am I supposed to understand that?"
Zoro shrugs, even though Sanji is probably ruining his confession and really, Zoro confessing? It doesn't feel real. Maybe Sanji's actually the one who fought and died to Kuma. "I trust you, and you can keep up with me, and you might challenge me in different ways but I like that."
Well, sure, that's their relationship in a nutshell. It's not one Sanji's had with anyone else, but, as cheesy as it sounds, Zoro isn't like anyone else. He makes Sanji's blood boil more than Zeff ever did, and even their fights make Sanji feel more alive than he's ever felt. Being himself doesn't push Zoro away, and maybe that's why Sanji keeps going back. Because he does, doesn't he?
"I like it too, I guess," Sanji mumbles. It's something he never wants to lose, even when their goal is achieved. It's funny to think that without the necessity of being on the same crew, Sanji would still choose to have Zoro there with him. It's almost like having another half, except that sounds terribly romantic, doesn't it? "...I don't hate your company either. And the way you keep me in check, sometimes." It's hard to reply with the same words that Zoro did because for all the bravado and flirting, it isn't something Sanji actually knows much about. With the way he's purposefully built up his obsession around women, he isn't too sure what an actual crush or even love would feel like. But in all of the stories they speak about wanting to spend the rest of your life together, and bringing the best out in each other too. Zoro checks those boxes. So... does he like Zoro?
Humming, Sanji lets his own knee knock back against Zoro's, but doesn’t yet reply.
Something about Zoro's expression looks hopeful, but he doesn't move any closer. "You don't have to like me just because I like you. I know you're into all of that romantic crap, but real life doesn't always work that way. I'm good if you don't."
"I know it doesn't all work like that," Sanji snaps. "But that doesn't mean I'm going to trick myself into thinking I do just for you. I'm just looking at the facts, and I feel different towards you than anyone else, but it's just never occurred to me why, and maybe I like spending time when it's just the two of us. So, I might like you too."
It’s quiet for a moment as they look at each other, and even with this intensity, Sanji doesn’t want to look away. His eyes flit over Zoro’s features, as if he’s just taking him in for the first time.
"If you ‘might’ like me, can I kiss you?" And, okay, that coming from Zoro just sounds so unbelievable and insane, and Sanji's already bridging the gap between them without even meaning to.
It's somehow soft, romantic, as if Zoro is actually capable of that. His hand cups Sanji's jaw lightly, and it's like he's on a rollercoaster where the floor suddenly disappears and he's falling down without being able to catch his breath. It's terrifying but exhilarating, and everything more than he thought just one kiss would be.
They should have been doing this the first time Sanji cornered Zoro at a party and began their tradition of alone time, damn it, but Zoro is here, and alive, and they’re going to make use of every moment until inevitably one of them does something stupid like this again.