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Three days ago, Sanji felt his world had fallen apart. Three days ago, the Staw Hat had finally beat Moria and got their shadows back. Three days ago, just after they won, Kuma, another warlord appeared.
They were exhausted. Luffy was unconscious. They were not in shape to fight another warlord this soon, even less win, especially without Luffy.
Then Kuma offered them a deal. “I’m ready to spar your lives on one condition. Give me Straw Hat Luffy.”
Sanji felt his blood freeze and suddenly anger took hold of him. How dare the warlord ask them to give them their beloved captain? Did the warlord think the Straw Hat would accept a deal with the devil and give up their Captain?
Sanji would rather die than betray Luffy.
Sanji like his nakamas and allies had all yelled at the warlord. “Never!”
Kuma sighed clearly unhappy with their answer. He attacked and it was late before Sanji or someone else could do something. Sanji felt himself flying because of the explosion and everything became dark.
When Sanji woke up, there was a heavy silence. He cracked an eye and saw that he was alone. Fuck. He needed to move quickly. Where did that fucker was? There was no way he just gave up and left them unless Kuma took the opportunity of their unconsciousness to take Luffy and leave.
Sanji needed to move now. He needed to find his captain, Zoro, and his nakamas. He had to find them. He couldn’t lose them. He couldn’t lose his family again. He had already lost his mom, he couldn’t lose someone dear to his heart again.
He slowly stood up and looked around. Sanji released the breath he was holding when he saw Luffy. He limped toward his captain. Sanji brushed Luffy’s hair and sighed when he felt the warm skin against his fingertips. He brought his hand on Luffy’s wrist and waited a bit.
Thumps. Thumps. Thumps.
Luffy was alive. Sanji could cry if he wasn’t worried about his other nakamas. He didn’t have the time for a break or rest. Kuma was somewhere, waiting for them to let their guards down and finish them.
Sanji looked around again. He limped toward Franky, the cyborg was under the rubble of one of the towers of the castle. Sanji smiled when he felt his pulse. He was alive. Then Sanji saw a dark curl close to Franky’s shoulder. Sanji bent his head and saw that Franky had used his own body to shield and protect Chopper and Usopp. Sanji passed his hand under Franky’s body and checked their pulse. Sanji was glad both of them were alive. He would need to get them out of the rubble. Chopper will have a lot of work with the number of injured people.
Sanji stood up and kept looking. He had to find the girls and Zoro. Sanji could feel his anxiety growing as he couldn’t see any of them. He looked back at his three unconscious nakamas and tried to wake them up without any success.
Then Sanji saw Usopp’s arm stretch out as if he had tried to catch something. Or someone. Sanji pushed a couple of rubble and sighed of contentment. Nami-san and Robin-chan were safe.
Sanji quickly checked their pulse and sighed. For now, everyone was still alive but he needed to find Zoro.
Sanji couldn’t lose Zoro. He couldn’t.
Sanji looked around again. He felt his heartbeat accelerated. He couldn’t see either his green hair or swords.
Please no. Not him. Not his Zoro.
Sanji limped again and a few meters away he finally heard Zoro’s voice. He smiled, Zoro was okay. Zoro was safe. He limped again and his smile fell when he saw who Zoro was talking to Kuma.
“Take me instead! I offer you my life against his!”
Sanji felt himself dying. Zoro was on his knee in front of the warlord begging him to kill him instead of Luffy.
No. Sanji refused. He couldn’t lose Zoro. Sanji advanced toward the warlord. He couldn’t let Zoro sacrifice himself. Why Zoro couldn’t understand, they can’t lose him. Zoro was so much important to the crew, to Luffy, and to Sanji himself.
Sanji would rather die than lose Zoro.
He tried so hard to convince the warlord to take his head instead but that asshole knocked him out. Sanji fell to the ground, seeing one of his worst nightmares happening in real life right in front of his eyes.
Zoro walked away from him in the direction of Kuma, waiting for the warlord's last judgment.
“Zoro! Zoro!”
Sanji felt tears escaping his eyes as the darkness was welcoming him. Fuck. He didn’t even have the time to tell Zoro how much he loved him.
When Sanji woke up again, he could hear Luffy laughing. He looked around and saw his nakamas safe and sound, looking at their captain. Sanji turned around and felt himself dying when he saw Zoro’s swords next to him. Zoro never went anywhere without his swords, even less Wado.
Wado, Kuina’s swords. Zoro had spoken about her to Sanji one night during a night watch. They were watching the stars and Sanji had asked how he got his white sword. Zoro smiled but Sanji could feel he wasn’t happy.
Sanji had that same smile when he thought about his mom.
Zoro had started speaking about Kuina, the strongest swordswoman he had ever met. She was also the funniest, never the last one to make a prank, especially on the mean boys who made fun of Zoro’s hair color or his late parents.
He had also spoken about Wado’s spirit. Not many swordsmen can’t see and talk to their swords' spirit but since Zoro was close to them, he could do it. Wado was a young person with long dark blue hair. Growing up, after Kuina’s death, Wado had been his only friend for a long time.
Sanji brought the swords against his chest. He needed to bring Wado to Zoro now. Otherwise, the spirit would start stressing out. Sanji knew Kitetsu wasn’t as close to Zoro as Wado but they probably wouldn’t like being away from him for too long.
He looked at the third sword. It didn’t look familiar, Sanji should ask Zoro about this when he find him.
Sanji refuses to think of the possibility of Zoro being dead. He refuses. Sanji kept limping, holding Zoro’s swords and after what it felt like a lifetime, he had found him, barely alive with blood everywhere. Sanji dropped the swords and ran to him. They would probably be angry at him but Sanji needed to see Zoro. To be by his side.
“What happened?”
Sanji couldn’t breathe. There was so much blood.
Zoro blinked. “Nothing happened.” and passed out in Sanji's arms.
He grabbed him and started running again. His legs and lungs were on fire. He grabbed the swords and ran to Chopper. They needed to heal Zoro and quickly.
Sanji could feel Zoro’s heartbeat going slower. He could hear his blood flow on the ground and his breathing going slower.
Zoro was dying. Sanji couldn’t stop the tears from rolling down his cheeks. Zoro was dying and Sanji couldn’t do anything.
“Stay awake stupid marimo. You can’t die. Remember, you promised Kuina and Wado to become the greatest swordsman. You can’t die.”
Zoro hummed. “Luffy?”
“He’s safe.” Sanji swallowed. “He’s safe. I have to tell you something. Marimo, I lo-”
“Shut up Curly. You will tell me later.”
Sanji sobbed. His legs were killing him. He needed to be fast. He had to keep running otherwise Zoro would die. “Chopper!”
Thankfully Sanji arrived on time and thanks to Chopper and Robin, Zoro was still alive and was now in a coma.
Sanji stayed by his side the entire time and only left him when he had to cook the different meals. He knew his nakamas were worried but Sanji couldn’t bring himself to act like nothing happened.
Zoro had nearly died because of him. If Sanji had been stronger, faster, and better, he could have beaten Zoro and took his place. He could have taken Luffy’s pain.
Sanji took a drag and exhaled some smoke. If Chopper knew he was smoking next to Zoro, he would kill him.
Sanji continued pilling his carrots. He had done the potatoes already and the squash were next. The three swords were next to Zoro's unconscious body. Sanji wondered if they knew what was going on. That Zoro was asleep and there was a risk he would never wake up.
Maybe, he should apologize for when he dropped them on the ground.
Sanji exhaled some smoke and pilled the last carrots. “I’m sorry guys. I don’t know if you can hear me but I’m sorry for dropping you.”
He finished pilling the last carrots when he heard a voice.
“Who the fuck are you talking to? Did you become insane Curly?”
Sanji froze. He slowly turned his head and saw Zoro looking at him smirking.
“You’re cute when you wear a hoodie. Especially mine. Should do that more often.”
Sanji felt a blush growing on his cheeks. Since they met Ace, Luffy’s older brother in Alabasta, Sanji had realized he didn’t only love women. He also loved men. Strong men. With the months of sailing, Sanji had started to develop a crush on Zoro and then a weird dangerous game started between them. The game was made of flirt and pick-up lines and unfortunately for Sanji’s heart, the Marimo had surprisingly been good at it. Very good at it.
“I still love my suits.”
“I didn’t say to throw them away. Your suits suit you very well, especially the pants. I just say you should wear my clothes more often.”
Since Zoro had been in a coma, Sanji had started to wear Zoro’s hoodies to feel closure to the swordsman.
Zoro raised an eyebrow “So now, who did you apologize?”
“To your swords, I dropped them.”
“You did what?”
“I dropped them after I found you half dead.” Sanji couldn’t stop himself from shouting. Zoro acted like literally nothing happened when he had nearly died. “You almost died, idiot! Why did you do that? Why didn’t you let me do it?”
Zoro frowned. “I had to. I couldn’t let Kuma hurt you.”
“Why not? Why couldn’t you let me do it?”
“I’m the first mate, it’s my job-”
“Your job is to be by Luffy’s side when he will be crowned King of the Pirates! Your job is to be there. Your job is to become the world's greatest swordsman. My job is to cook. You’re more important than me stupid Mosshead.”
Why Zoro couldn’t understand? Why couldn't he understand how much their nakamas were heartbroken when they saw him? They had passed three days without hearing Luffy’s laugh or Usopp’s jokes. Three days without seeing Nami-san or Robin-chan smile. Three days of stress for Chopper as he triple-checked Zoro’s injuries every thirty minutes and saw Franky quadruple-checked the machines he built up last minute to create an operation room because Zoro was dying .
Sanji whipped his tears. “You can find another cook way more easily. You’re more important. I’m not.”
“You are.”
Sanji raised his head and saw Zoro with tears in the corner of his eyes.
“You’re important to me Curly. To all of us. I couldn’t let Kuma hurt you, because I love you so much I couldn’t bear seeing you hurt. I would rather die than live without you.”
“Me too idiot. I would rather die than lose you. I love you more than anything.”
Sanji advanced and captured Zoro’s lips. The swordsman kissed him back and they parted, Zoro snorted.
Sanji started worrying. Was he a bad kisser? Did he read it wrong and Zoro loved him only platonically? “What’s wrong?”
“Wado said, how about no one dies? By the way, they’re not mad at you. And they’re going to lecture me. Great.”
Sanji chuckled. “I’m glad. I’m not the only one who cares about you, Moss. Also, they’re not the only people who will lecture you. Prepare yourself for the lecture of your life with Chop.”
Zoro closed his eyes and rested his head against Sanji’s shoulder. “I can’t skip it right?”
“Nope. Poor Chopper, he has been so worried. He worked hard you know. The operation lasted seven hours.”
“He’s going to kill me.”
Sanji put a kiss on Zoro’s hair. “You will be fine. Wait a couple of minutes and yawn. He let you sleep.”
Zoro chuckled. “Thanks for the tips Curly.” he raised his head and kissed Sanji. “Fuck. If I knew your lips tasted like that, I would have kissed you months ago.”
Sanji smiled and kissed him. “I want to spend the day kissing you too but I have to get up and warn Chopper.”
“You have to?”
“Yes.”
Zoro growled as Sanji chuckled.
“Don’t worry Moss, I’ll come back.” Sanji stood up and Zoro caught his forearm. He hummed.
“Can you- I mean, can we wait before telling the others about us? Just for now.”
“Sure.”
“Great.” Zoro smiled. “See you later Curly.”
Sanji left the room wondering why Zoro didn’t want to tell the crew. A part of his mind knew it was the right thing. They should start slow and take their time. But an ugly small part of it wasn’t agreed. What if he didn’t want to tell people Sanji was his boyfriend?
What if Zoro was ashamed of him?
Sanji shook his head. It wasn’t that. It couldn’t be that. Zoro was never ashamed of anything. Maybe it was something else and they would announce their relationship in a couple of days.
Sanji only hoped so.
— — —
It’s been a week now and today was the day. It’s been a week since everything changed in Sanji’s life since his world had turned upside down. It’s been a week since he wanted to run everywhere screaming, crying joyfully, and tell every person who would listen to him.
It’s been a week since Sanji started dating Zoro.
Sanji had slowly but hopelessly fallen in love with Zoro. The loud and rough barbarian who thought showering was a waste of time.
It’s been a week since Sanji wanted to scream his love and how proud and happy he is about dating Zoro. Sanji wanted to tell his nakamas so badly but Zoro preferred to keep it private.
However, as the days passed Zoro was becoming bolder and bolder.
He would steal Sanji's kiss in the galley when they would do the dishes. Or put his arm around Sanji’s waist when the cook sat next to him on the deck before quickly taking his arms off when one of their nakamas came closer to them. One time, after they finished the dishes, Zoro even danced with Sanji in the galley.
Sanji couldn’t hold it anymore. He had to ask Zoro.
Later, during the night, after they spent hours discovering and rediscovering each other bodies, Sanji was lying down next to Zoro his head resting on his scarred chest. Zoro passed his hand back and forth on his pale naked back.
“I was thinking about something.”
Zoro smirked. “Your head must been hurting then.”
Sanji slapped Zoro’s chest as the swordsman snorted. “Like I was saying, I was thinking about something. Maybe, it’s time we tell the others about us.”
Zoro tensed. “Why do you want to do that?”
Sanji felt his blood freeze in his veins. Was Zoro ashamed of him? He shrugged. “I want to be able to kiss without worrying about being seen.”
“I want that too, it’s just.” Zoro blushed. “I know the others are going to tease us and that stupid witch is gonna be insufferable.”
“Oi!” Sanji slapped Zoro’s chest again. “Don’t talk about Nami-san like that.”
“But it’s fucking true! Also.” Zoro pinched his lips and Sanji could feel something was bothering Zoro.
“Also what?”
Zoro swallowed. “I don’t want them to talk about us. Like, They’re going to tease us and Nami will explain how lucky I am and how I don’t deserve you because you’re way out of my league.” he shrugged. “I just wanted to keep us private a little bit more. But if you want to tell them then we will do it Curly.”
Sanji frowned. “Of course you deserve me and even if you didn’t I don’t give a fuck. I love you. I’m not going anywhere Moss, you’re not gonna get rid of him that easily.” He took Zoro’s hands in his and interlaced their fingers. “We’re together, I don’t care about what the other says.” Sanji captured Zoro’s lips and whispered. “I love you. Nothing is going to change that.”
Zoro softly smiled. “I love you too. But you know, if you want to tell them, we have to tell Luffy too.”
Sanji snorted. “That was the plan Mosshead.”
“Then we have to talk about what will we do in case he disapproves.”
Sanji frowned. “What? What are you talking about?”
“The Captain’s words are the law. We don’t know Luffy's policy about dating. Maybe he’s against it.”
Sanji raised an eyebrow. “Luffy doesn’t care about that. Look at Nami-san and Vivi-chan, they’re dating and Luffy is happy about it. He probably asks for a feast.”
“It’s different. Vivi isn’t-”
“Mosshead if you finish your sentence by Vivi-chan isn’t nakamas, I’m going to kick you really hard and break your face.”
“I was going to say, Vivi isn’t on the ship. We need to talk about it even if you don’t like it.”
“Then what do you suggest? What we- we broke up?”
Zoro didn’t respond.
Sanji felt his heart squeeze. “Are you serious?”
“If Luffy disapproves, we will have to make a choice. Either we leave the ship or we stop for now and wait for each other until we accomplish our dream. And if you didn’t fall out of love for me, than we will get back together.”
“I will never fall out of love for you Moss. I love you. I’ll wait a lifetime for you.”
“Me too Curly.”
Sanji felt tears coming to his eyes. Zoro looked sad too. He refused to think of the possibility of Luffy disapproving of their relationship. Luffy was so kind and joyful. Luffy will be happy about them.
Sanji cupped Zoro’s face. “But it’s not going to happen. Luffy will be happy about us. I’m sure of it. There is nothing to worry for.”
Zoro didn’t respond and kissed Sanji. Deep down, Sanji knew Zoro had every reason to be worried. They were Luffy’s right and left hands and Zoro was his first mate. Luffy was their captain and most importantly a dear friend. His opinion mattered a lot to them.
Zoro put a kiss on Sanji’s forehead. “We can tell them tomorrow.”
Sanji nodded with a smile. “You’re sure? I don’t want to pressure you.”
“You said it yourself Curly” Zoro smirked. “There is nothing to worry for.” he captures his lips. “I can’t wait to kiss you on the deck.”
Sanji smiled against Zoro’s lips. “I want to hold your hand when I’m reading in the library.”
“I want to cuddle you in the aquarium room.”
“Tomorrow.” Sanji smiled. “We will do that tomorrow.”
They fell asleep in each other arm’s dreaming about tomorrow and everything they would do together.
— — —
The next day passed in a blur. Sanji was excited. He wanted to tell his nakamas so badly. They agreed with Zoro to tell them over dinner. He finished the different meals and opened the galley’s door.
“Guys! Dinner is ready!”
Sanji washed his hands and prepared the table. Everyone sat at their usual place except Usopp. The sniper was about to sit next to Zoro when Sanji stopped him.
“Can I sit there today?”
Usopp nodded. “Yeah sure!” and went to sit next to Luffy, at Sanji’s place.
They started eating and when they arrived at dessert Sanji cleared his throat.
“Moss and I have an announcement to make.” Sanji could feel a blush growing on his cheek. His hands were resting on the table and his blush grew even more when Zoro put one of his hands on his. “Moss and are dating. We’ve been dating since the past week.”
Sanji waited for the questions and congratulations but before anyone could speak, Luffy spoke. “No.”
Sanji felt his heart dropping in his stomach. “What?”
Luffy swallowed a piece of meat. “No.”
Sanji felt dying. The air in the galley became suddenly cold. Zoro took his hand back and Sanji felt cold. He missed Zoro’s warmth. He needed Zoro’s warmth.
Zoro bent his head. “Aye Captain.”
Sanji imitated him and bent his head too. He bit his bottom lips and tried to keep his tears to himself. “Aye Captain.”
He sees Zoro clenching his fists and abruptly standing up. Zoro left the galley, probably in the direction of the crow’s nest and a deafening silence fell in the room. No one knew what to say or do.
Nami-san pinched her lips. “Luffy, did you hear what Sanji-kun said? He and Zoro-”
“I heard what Sanji said and no.” Luffy was now frowning, unhappy with their instance.
Nami-san looked at Sanji and he could see how sorry she was. It was fine. He wasn’t mad at her. He wasn’t even mad at Luffy.
Of course, Luffy wouldn’t want his two strongest fighters in a relationship.
In a fight, Sanji knew he would have been more focused on Zoro’s well-being than probably the fight itself. They couldn’t mess up the crew dynamic just because of their selfishness.
How Sanji could have been so dumb? He should have listened to Zoro more carefully.
Sanji saw his nakamas standing up and leaving the galley one by one. They all passed next to him and put their hands on his shoulder for comfort. Only, Sanji didn’t want their comfort. He wants Zoro. He wants to hold Zoro’s hands and hears his laugh when Sanji kisses or brushes with his fingertips or lips a ticklish spot. He wants to see Zoro blush when Sanji compliments him and wakes up and falls asleep smelling his body odor made of steel, sake, and sweat. He wants to spend the rest of his life tasting Zoro’s lips.
Luffy stood up and looked at the table. “Does Sanji need my help to do the dishes?”
Sanji bites his bottom lips. “No thank you Luf.”
“Okay! See you later Sanji!” and Luffy left the galley without looking back as if he hadn’t broken Sanji’s heart.
Sanji is alone in the galley and he can’t stop his tears from falling. He releases a sob when he’s sure no one can hear him. He buries his face in his hands.
He really had thought that he would have the chance to be happy this time.
— — —
Luffy loudly yawned. He had just woken up from his afternoon nap on the Sunny figurehead. He rubbed his cheek while thinking. Today was weird. Like really weird.
Zoro and Sanji looked sad and unhappy and Luffy didn’t know why. Now that Luffy was thinking about it, it’s been a week since they looked sad. He hoped nothing bad had happened between them.
It’s been a long time since they haven’t spent time together. Luffy had noticed they weren’t doing the dishes together anymore and Zoro was now only sleeping in the crow’s nest and wasn’t coming to eat in the galley either. Sanji smoked even more than before and looked a lot in the direction of the crow’s nest but never went in it.
Luffy knew that something was really wrong when they docked at an island and Sanji had gone to the grocery alone. Normally, Zoro always went with him and Luffy always made sure of it. He knew they liked each other and Makino had said once that couples needed to spend time alone.
Maybe it was that. Maybe they needed to spend more time alone.
Luffy frowned. He needed to talk to someone. He looked around and saw Usopp and Chopper fishing together. Perfect. He jumped from the figurehead to arrive on the deck and walked toward them. Luffy sat next to Chopper.
Usopp smiled. “Done napping Luf?”
He nodded. “I was wondering. Don’t you guys find Zoro and Sanji weird?”
Usopp tensed. Luffy could feel Usopp wanted to speak but didn’t know how to approach the subject. Usopp’s face was blank. That was weird. Usopp wore his heart on his sleeve. Luffy knew what Usopp was thinking just by looking at him. He knew when he was sad, happy, angry, or scared. Usopp never hid anything from them even less his emotions.
It was like Usopp was worried about Luffy’s reaction.
Why?
Luffy thought Usopp trusted him again. He thought they had forgiven each other after their fight.
Usopp clenched his fists. “They’re not weird. You know, two men can be in love with each other. There is nothing weird about it.”
Luffy frowned. “I know.”
Of course, Luffy knew. Back at Dawn before Ace started his journey, Luffy had seen his older brother flirt with girls and boys. Ace had explained he liked both so of course Luffy knew.
“It’s just, they look sad.” Luffy saw Chopper bend his head, hiding his eyes with his pink hat from him. Why Chopper was hiding his emotions too?
Usopp looked away. “Because they broke up.”
Luffy’s eyes widened. “What? Why? What happened?”
Usopp glared at him. “You know what happened.” he stood up. “I don’t know what you’re playing at Luf, but it’s not funny. I’m going to my factory if someone needs me.”
Luffy didn’t understand. He looked at Chopper and before he could speak, the young doctor stood up. “They’re really loved each other you know. They were both smiling. Zoro was more peaceful and Sanji was happy. It’s not fair, so please stop.” and left the young captain alone on the deck.
Luffy was even more confused. He needed brains. He needed smart people. So he stood up and walked toward the library. Luffy knew that at the beginning of the afternoon, Robin liked to read and Nami to work on her maps. He knocked and entered.
“Luffy?” Robin raised her eyebrows. “Did you need something?”
“Something bad happened.”
Both of the women were alarmed by the serious tone of their captain. Nami stood up from her chair. “What happened? We’re attacked?”
Luffy shook his head. “No, it’s worse. Zoro and Sanji broke up. We need to fix this.”
Nami frowned. “You’re not serious right?”
“Of course I am! Nami you don’t understand, Zoro and Sanji are sad and unhappy and Usopp told me they broke up! We have to fix this so they can be happy again.”
Then Luffy saw Nami's face twisted with anger. She was furious and Luffy didn’t understand why.
“You really don’t know why they broke up?”
“Of course I don’t!”
“Luffy,” Robin advanced “Maybe we could sit on the couch.”
Luffy nodded and followed Robin. She had always been kind and patient with him. When Luffy didn’t understand something, she explained very well without yelling.
They both sat and Robin spoke. “So, Usopp told you they broke up.”
Luffy nodded. “And we have to fix this.”
“Why?”
“Because they’re unhappy. Zoro is even more alone and Sanji has stopped smiling. I don’t want my nakamas to be sad.”
“So you really don’t know why they broke up?”
Luffy shook his head.
“Luffy,” Robin put her hand on his. “You disapproved of their relationship. They had no other choice.”
Luffy frowned. “What?”
“A week ago, they announced their relationship and you said no. The Captain’s words are the law. You disapproved so they had to break up. Otherwise, they should have left the ship.”
Luffy frowned deeper. “I didn’t.”
Nami crossed her arms. “You did. Last week they had announced they had started dating the week before during dinner and you said no.”
“Because it’s wrong.”
Robin tilted her head. “But if it’s wrong, why do you want to fix their relationship?”
“Because they’re unhappy!”
Why neither Robin nor Nami was listening to him? Zoro and Sanji had broken up and they were sad so Luffy had to fix it!
Suddenly Luffy stood up and left the library. Both Nami and Robin called after him but Luffy needed to fix the situation and since no one wanted to help him, he would do it by himself. He stretched his arms and grabbed the crow’s nest ladder. When he arrived, he stormed into the room.
Zoro was training with his weight. “Luf? You need something?”
Luffy looked at Zoro. He looked sad, tired, and heartbroken. “We going to talk to Sanji.”
Zoro’s eyes widened “What? No, I prefer to stay here.”
“No, we’re going into the galley and talking to Sanji.”
“Luffy I told you no-”
Luffy didn’t wait for Zoro to finish his sentence and grabbed him. He stretched his arm again and flew to the galley. They enter the room under Zoro’s insults and Luffy sees Sanji.
Sanji was preparing snacks, with one of his cigarettes on his lips. Just like Zoro, he looked tired, sad and heartbroken.
Luffy saw Sanji’s eyes lighten when he saw Zoro but the glimpse of joy disappeared as fast as it came.
“Marimo? Luffy? What’s going on?”
Zoro got out of Luffy’s arm. “Nothing, I’m going back to the crow’s nest.”
Luffy frowned. “No. No one is leaving.” His gaze drifted to Sanji and back to Zoro. “Why did you break up? Sanji, I know Zoro is smelling bad but I swear if you change the shampoo and ask nicely he can make an effort, and Zoro I know Sanji smokes all the time but you drink sake all the time and Chopper said that his lungs are perfect so it’s okay.”
Sanji frowned. “Luffy? What are you talking about?”
“You guys broke up. Why? I’m sure we can fix this! Makino always said communication is the key, maybe you two just have to talk about it. Is it because Sanji flirts with girls? Because Zoro you have to know Sanji loves so much even when he does that. He always looked at you and sat close to you. And Sanji, if it’s because Zoro naps a lot, it’s because he does a lot of night watch but we can change the schedule and I can do more of them so you guys spend more time together.”
Then Luffy sees both Sanji and Zoro freeze. It looked like Zoro had stopped breathing and Sanji was close to passing out.
Sanji turned off his cigarette. “Luf, you know why we broke up. You disapproved.”
“Robin said that too but I don’t understand. You looked so happy together.”
“Luffy, it doesn’t matter. The Captain’s words are the law. And I understand you know,” Sanji smiled but Luffy only saw sadness in his blue eyes. “We will wait until we finish our adventure. If Marimo agrees of course.”
“I told you Curly, I will wait a lifetime for you.”
And Luffy is even more confused. He could see all the love they have of each other so why did they break up?
“But it never stopped you before.”
Sanji frowned. “What?”
“You guys have been dating for so long now, why do you want to wait now?”
Zoro frowned too. “What? Luf, we only dated for a week.”
it was Luffy's turn to frown. “What do you guys mean? You’ve been dating since we left the Baratie! Makino calls it love at first sight. It was great seeing you two go on dates and saying and doing nice things to each other.”
Zoro raised an eyebrow. “Go on dates?”
Sanji sat on one of the chairs. “Since the Baratie? Luffy, you think we’ve been dating since the Baratie?”
Luffy nodded. “Did Sanji forget when you and Zoro started dating?”
“We started dating after Zoro woke up at Thriller Bark. Then we dated for a week and announced our relationship to the crew but you said no.”
“I said no because Sanji lied. You said you started dating in the past week when you guys have been dating since we left the Baratie!”
“But we didn’t!”
Luffy looked at Zoro. “You didn’t?”
“No.”
“But I don’t understand. Then why did you break up?”
Zor advanced. “Because you said no. The Captain’s words are the law, you disapproved so we broke up.”
“But why? How could Zoro and Sanji have thought I would be against their happiness? Promise me to never do that again. That next time you will fight me.”
Both Sanji and Zoro smiled. “Aye Captain.”
“Good. So are Zoro and Sanji still in love with each other?”
Zoro smiled at Sanji. “Of course I am. I always will.”
Sanji smiled back. “Like I could stop loving you, Moss.”
Zoro kissed Sanji and Luffy could hear him whisper. “I missed you” and Sanji whispered back “I missed you too.”
Luffy left the galley smiling hearing wet kisses, clothes being taken off and I love you being murmured. In the window, he saw Zoro and Sanji going down the floor. Luffy made sure to close the door and left for the Sunny figurehead.
He lay down and felt the warm sun on his face. Luffy put his hat on his face and thought that in the end, today was a good day