Archive of Our Own

Today is just one of those days for the straw hats— it's a sunny day, one without consequence like the other weird weather phenomena here in the New World. They've just surfaced from Fishman Island, and this is a pleasant break from the constant change of climate and weather so the crew has taken full advantage of it. 

Nami and Robin are laying under an umbrella on the deck chatting amongst themselves as Chopper grinds down some new herbs that he'll use for medicine beside them, Ussop and Luffy are bursting into giggles while trying to singing along to Brook's guitar playing, and Franky has taken his work on the deck fiddling with what seems to be new machinery.

Zoro lays at the garden of the sunny, under one of Nami’s tangerine trees, he listens in on his crew from where he rests, after their separation at Sabaody he can see the growth in each of them and after the crazy weather and climate changes they've faced so far, it's nice to be finally taking a break. He takes a deep breath in and relaxes further just about lulling into sleep.

Inside the galley, Sanji places the mint on top of the cool drink he prepared and is ready to serve them out, he admires his creation before bringing it out to the crew on deck brimming with a smile. 

“Everyone! I made drinks and snacks!” He raises as he walks over to Luffy’s group to set down a tray with some sweet pastries along with some savory chips and pretzels at the side. Franky and Chopper had also joined and they all formed a circle around the food, Luffy's eyes already sparkling and drool drops from his mouth. 

“The pastries are made with recipes from Kamabakka.” He explains but Luffy and Ussop have already started digging in. Sanji also passes them a fizzy and floaty drink. “This is a cola float, with whipped cream, sprinkles and chocolate on top. Enjoy.” He explains.

“Yohohoho~ thank you very much Sanji! I've truly missed your cooking over the two years I'm very excited to dig in!” Brook says as he receives his drink. 

“Yo bro did you say cola?! You're so SUPER for this!” Franky butts in giving Sanji a big thumbs up in gratitude. “Yeah thank you Sanji!” Chopper also chimes in-between chewing, trying to compete with Usopp and Luffy.

Sanji has truly missed this over those two years apart from his crew, he then fixes his tie as he diverts his attention to the ladies. “NAMI-SWAAAANN! ROBIN-CHWAAAAN! Here are your drinks and snacks.” He lowers the tray serving them their drinks first, “For you Nami dear, a citrus blend with mint, perfect for weather like this. And of course I wouldn't forget you Robin my sweet, the same blend with just a dash of Vodka, this one is more minty rather than citrusy.”

He twirls around the two women, servicing them with sweet pastries as well and even offering a massage. “No need, but thank you cook-san. I have also greatly missed your cooking.” Robin praises, to which Sanji brims at. On the other side Nami takes a sip and sighs “Ahh~ this is just perfect! Thank you Sanji~” she says as she lazes more onto the tanning bench. 

“Anything for you beautiful ladies! Should you need more just call me okayyy?” He says devouting himself over the two with hearts in his eyes, before finally leaving them to their own devices.

Sighing to himself he enters the galley once more and picks up from the counter a plate of freshly made onigiri, and he digs the upper cupboard for a bottle of sake. He places it on a tray and pushes the doors out, making his way over to a sleeping moss on the tangerine grove.

As Sanji stands in front of Zoro’s sleeping figure, he really can't help himself and he stares. Sanji's eyes rake over Zoro's torso, which leans against a tree, then his eyes trails to his face, he has his head lolling to the side just perfectly under the shade of the tree. Sanji really can't help but admire how much Zoro’s physique had improved, his eye lingered on the scar on his eye ‘how had it gotten there..’ he had mulled over. 

Sanji hadn't realize but he might have stared a bit too long. 

“Oi shit cook! What do you want?” Zoro grumbles to him snapping him out of his thoughts. With eyes still closed he barks, but really there isn't anything lacing his voice, he's not picking a fight or anything, he's just used to using that tone with the cook— it's their thing. An unspoken agreement and understanding.

“Hmph! Here, snacks.” Sanji says holding out the tray waiting for Zoro to take it in his hands. 

Zoro took it and placed it beside him wordlessly, his one functioning eye still remains closed. Sanji lingers maybe just a few seconds too long but neither say a word before he finally walks away. 

Before he could completely leave though, a voice called out, “Curly Brows!” Sanji swivels his head to turn back. He spots Zoro looking at him this time, his eye opened, he seemed to hesitate for a few seconds before speaking up. 

“Thanks. I missed this.” He smirks taking a swig of his sake, a drop manages to stray from his lips and drips down the corner, the droplet shining in the sun. Which Sanji's eyes totally didn't follow down to his neck.

“Tch, whatever shitty Marimo.” Sanji says gulping down a lump in his throat, ‘why was there even a lump??’ he thought to himself as he entered the galley once more.  

Taking a cigarette from his pocket and lighting it, he closed his eyes as he took a drag, the memory replaying in his brain. He hadn't even noticed the slight tinge of red dusting the tips of his ear. 

He had taken another drag and sighed to himself, “stupid marimo, stupid Island, stupid, stupid” he cusses to himself. Scratching his trimmed nails against the countertop.

Sanji didn't know, he REALLY didn't know why but seeing the stupid moss head relaxing like that made Sanji feel different in his stomach, he would refuse to admit it's anything really— HED RATHER SWALLOW A SWORD! He has kept excusing this for a stomach bug, but really how could a stomach bug only come around specifically at the thought— the sight of that mossball idiot?!? 

This “stomach bug” of his really only started back in Sabaody, when he met up with that mossball. Sanji sighed to himself, slowly breathing in smoke from the stick, the ends blooming with red embers as he did so. 

He still remembers, when he saw Zoro for the first time again in 2 years— 

***

in that green kimono opened in the front to all but flaunt his pecs, which Sanji totally and for surely didn't keep his eyes on! ‘It was hanging out for all to see!’ he thought to himself. Sanji looked at the brute surfacing from below the ocean already wreaking havoc by slicing a ship in half, the boat breaking surface made the ships coating pop and from it, the area around him seemed to be shining, the sunlight bouncing on the drops of water. 

***

Sanji remembers how long he stared for and how he first felt the “stomach bug” as he calls it, and it was accompanied by the tips of his ears getting a tinge of red. Sanji still cringes at himself even now, he still replays that thought on occasion. 

Sanji exhales a puff of smoke, by now his cigarette had grown smaller, he wouldn't admit it to anyone and would take the secret to the grave, but he has to admit, he really did miss the moss head. He shakes his head at the thought. ‘If the old me were to hear myself now, I wonder.. how would he react’ 

Maybe two years ago when he first arrived at that Island all he could think about was the girls, “Nami and Robin of course came first!” He'd say, then as time passed by he learned the news of his captain, he couldn't imagine how he felt and that they weren't there for him. Then he showed up in that newspaper sending them a message. Then he trained, day and night, restlessly running from Ivankov's candies, until he got tired and then he started fighting. All for the sake of his crew, to grow stronger, to be a better cook for them. 

And then when Sanji would have cooking lessons with Iva, he'd end up eating with her on a long dining table, as he ate his food he'd wonder what his crew were up to, how his nakama’s were doing, how Zoro was doing. It came to him as a surprise at first, he'd try pushing it away, devoting himself to Nami and Robin, but he couldn't shake the feeling off. The emptiness he'd feel. 

***

Iva has been teaching him to cook in order to improve the health, energy and overall ability of the person eating his dishes. She'd then taste it and give him feedback just like what she had said a few moments ago before she left the dining room. “Candy boy~ you've done well yes, but there is still something missing from your cooking~ keep improving alright?” And then she left after being called away for something. 

Sanji hated that nickname, he's not some candy boy! He sighed to himself, quickly learning that she wouldn't stop no matter what and he'd learned to take the criticism in stride. He sat at the table, eating his freshly made curry. He looked around the empty room and imagined what would they be up to. He felt a tinge of loneliness here on the Island. Sure, there were a lot of “candies” willing to be with his company ‘BUT THAT'S ONLY BECAUSE THEY WANNA DRESS ME UP!’ He thought it really pissed him off. His “company” here weren't his friends, weren't the people that would laugh and chat loudly with food in their mouths. 

They weren't Luffy or Ussop or Franky charging their food down. They weren't Nami or Robin that ate with manners. They weren't Brook or Chopper that would make jokes and comments that would make everyone laugh. 

‘They weren't Zoro. He'd probably be bugging me, saying “oi cook this food sucks” but still hark it down’ he sighed to himself, really missing the crew. 

He finished his food and went over to the sink to go and wash the dishes. Unconsciously he missed the feeling of Zoro beside him. He'd always keep a distance between them. When washing dishes after dinner Zoro would always, always, stay behind to help. They'd wash the dishes in silence. Nudging each other by the hips from time to time. 

He didn't know when it had started but he got used to Zoro being there when he ate, even outside the ship when they'd go camping, it was always that Zoro and Sanji would find a way to be next to each other at all times. He'd pass food onto Zoro's plate when nobody was looking and in turn Zoro would praise his cooking by humming when he took the first bites, sighing with satisfaction when he'd swallow. 

And it wasn't just when they ate, sometimes when there's free time for them they’d hang out away from the crew. Just the two of them. Maybe it was because of an unspoken understanding with each other. Maybe it was because out of all the crew Zoro would be the only one that could understand him. Maybe because when in the battlefield they'd be able to sync themselves with one another, perfectly dancing around each other's fighting styles.

If both of them were itching for a challenge, they'd rile the other up, then they'd fight. When Zoro needed to spar with someone, he'd go to Sanji. When they'd have a particularly rough fight against enemies, you'd somehow always find them in the company of the other. Throwing teasing jabs but mostly just basking in silence, while Zoro downs some booze that Sanji gave and he smokes beside him. In silence they would find comfort in the other. 

Sanji was now smoking his cigarette by the window of Iva’s castle, watching the stars in the sky, he caught himself mumbling. “Stupid marimo shit head, are you looking at the same star as me right now?” He took a particularly long drag this time then breathed out, the smoke disappearing into the night sky. 

Little did he know… 

On an Island somewhere in the Grand Line…

A lone swordsman was sitting on the balcony looking up at the stars. He polishes the blade of Shusui in his hand, the glimmer of metal reflecting the moon. 

“Shit cook. Where the hell are you now…” he asks, he doesn't know to whom it's addressed but in recent days he's sought comfort in the thought and memories of that very cook. His thoughts are brought to a halt by a yell— popping through the floor of the balcony Perona’s head yells “ZORO.DINNER.NOW.” before disappearing with a grumble about not being treated like the princess she is. He sighs and breathes in deeply, for a moment he caught a hint of tobacco in his nostrils before it disappeared just as quickly as it came. He sheaths Shusui back and goes to have dinner.

***

Sanji’s thoughts were interrupted by Nami's yelling from out on deck. Sanji then rushed out of the galley on high alert, ‘has an enemy ship boarded?’ he thought. 

When Sanji came out he was unpleasantly greeted by “HURRICANES?!! NAMI-SWAN DEAR WHAT IS HAPPENING?!?” he yelled at the top of his lungs, trying to over power the sound of the waves constantly crashing onto the ship and the aggressive winds around them. It was chaos on deck, one minute they were lounging the next the Sunny's being tossed around by the waves and water hurricanes! 

“CHOPPER, BROOK, ROBIN AND, LUFFY SECURE THE SAILS! FRANKY GET READY TO COUP DE BURST OUT OF HERE! SOMEONE TAKE THE HELM AND WAIT FOR MY INSTRUCTIONS!!” Nami frantically yelled over them, hurriedly giving orders to the crew. “I'LL BE ON THE HELM!” Ussop ran frantically to get the helm steady. Sanji could barely hear Luffy's excited yells and Chopper's frantic scurrying alongside Brooks' laughs. 

They all did what they were ordered to, Nami had climbed the top of the ship onto the crow's nest with her binoculars, Sanji also decided he'd help with securing the sails instead of standing around. As Sanji pulled the rope taut he spotted the man he'd been thinking of. Even in the aggressive winds somehow he still looked amazing, but Sanji brushed those off and yelled instead, “OI SHIT HEAD CARE TO HELP US OUT?!” he barked towards Zoro. In turn he looked at Sanji with a smirk and jabbed back “Nah I'm fine where I am thanks.” Sanji scoffed at him and muttered a “bastard” under his breath. 

The scene played out like so; NAMI spotted a clearing up ahead, told Ussop to steer towards it and so he did, till a particularly huge wave washed over them knocking Usopp away from the helm and sent Chopper's small form almost off board. Thankfully with Robin's hands she caught him in time. On the other hand, as Ussop flew from the helm, the ship’s rudder lost control and sent them all stumbling against one another, Nami from the crow's nest yelled for someone to take over the helm and quickly, to which Zoro hurriedly did so. But, true to fashion, he steered the other way. Sanji yelled, Luffy laughed, Chopper was clutching on to Robin, Brook was fearing for his death— “Although, I'm already dead! Yohoho~” and Nami was furious. 

“YOU STUPID DIRECTIONALLY CHALLENGED MOSS!! WRONG WAY ASSHOLE!” Sanji yelled as he kicked Zoro away from the helm taking it over himself, Zoro had barely managed to right himself on the shaking sunny before crashing down onto Ussop. “WELL HOW WAS I SUPPOSED TO KNOW WE WERE STEERING TO PORT!?” Sanji roughly steered the ship back to starboard side, choosing to ignore the moss’ yelling. After finally— finally steering them to the right heading, Franky unleashed a coup de burst and they flew out of that part of the sea. 

Escaping danger once again, the crew sighed. Sanji slumped into the seat at the helm letting all the adrenaline roll out of his system, it seems the rest of the crew are doing the same, their chatter quickly drowned by Zoro yelling at him. 

“PERVERT COOK! WHAT THE HELL?! WHY WOULD YOU PUSH ME LIKE THAT!?” he said, marching over to close the distance between them. Sanji rolled his eyes and tilted his head to Zoro, “Cause your little moss addled brain couldn't get us to the right direction! YOU STEERED US TO DOOM YOU SHITHEAD!”. They quickly began their usual back and forth, the crew had long gotten used to it by now.

“Shishishishi~ Zoro and Sanji are at it againnn” their captain laughed at the scuffle. While on the other hand Zoro had grabbed Sanji’s collar and dragged him out of the seat. They exchanged blows, Sanji high kicking into Zoro's chest. Zoro deflecting it with a sheathed Wado. Their fighting continued until somehow Sanji had his legs wrapped around the swordsman's head and they ended up on the floor. 

Zoro's breath was all but knocked out from his lungs, and it wasn't because of Sanji's kicks, it was because how had his legs ended up around his head and why did he— feared pirate hunter, freeze up? 

Sanji realized this quickly as well and had unconsciously loosened his lock around Zoro, in turn the swordsman took the opportunity and flipped Sanji over his body by the collar. Now Zoro had pinned the cook under him, his hands were bound by Zoro's own and neither had dared to move. 

Both parties were heaving and panting, their chest falling and rising in turns. Zoro could smell the scent of tobacco still lingering in from his most recent smoke. Sanji could almost taste the sake from Zoro’s breath. Their faces were mere inches apart, their eyes locking in. Between the two of them there was an air of tension, from their eyes alone you could see that neither had wanted to move and both were studying and relying on the other to make the first move. 

Sanji looked at the man above him, he studied the face he'd long been imagining, for every single day on that cursed island his thoughts would return to this very face. His facial expression was unreadable, he looked over his appearance— his eye newly brandished with a scar, his temples twitched from time to time, his eye blinking slowly, the flaring of his nostrils, his slightly gaped mouth, his tan skin, a small mole below his lips, and under his left eye, and his tan which was slightly uneven. Sanji stared— no. He ogled, admired, like he would a beautiful lady. But Zoro wasn't a lady, he was a rugged swordsman, just from his face you could tell. But for some reason— unknown to even Sanji himself, that very face lured the cook in, unlike any lady Sanji has met.

They stayed in that position for who knows how long, it felt so long, so, so long. Their predicament— or whatever was going on— was interrupted by Luffy yelling. “LAND HO! I SEE LAND UP AHEAD!! LETS STOP THERE FOR THE DAY!! shishishishi~” he laughed as he jumped overhead to sit on sunny’s head. 

Sanji was the first to move, he let out a “tch” as he shoved— though it didn't have any power to it at all, Zoro off him. The swordsman in turn didn't say anything just let himself be pushed away and stood up at the same time as the cook. Sanji let out a cough before lighting the stick he perched between his lips. 

If Zoro had followed the motion and his eyes had been glued to the cook’s lips as he took a drag— well that was nobodies business but his.

***

They had made it to the island, docked sunny on the shore and lowered the gangplank onto the sand. The island looked pretty standardardly big. Sanji raked his eyes over and noticed a lush forest going deeper and three volcanoes falling in a row. Nami and Robin had commented that none of them looked active so they had nothing to worry about and headed on. 

Luffy had announced that they would explore the island. “Well.. since it does look inhabited, I'll allow it.” Nami told them. “Everyone meet back here before sundown!” She added. “ALRIGHT! THEN WE CAN HAVE A CAMPFIRE PARTY!! LETS LOOK FOR FOOOOD! shishishishi~” yelled their captain before disappearing into the lush greens accompanied by Robin, Chopper, and Brook. 

“I'm staying in the sunny my bros! I'll look for any damages we might have sustained and I'll also get the campfire ready.” 

“Hmm alright then. Usopp let's go, I wanna draw a map of this island and you need to help me scope it out heh~” Nami said before dragging Usopp into the forest with her. “Nami!! I'll go with you my dear!” Sanji had announced but before he could strut over she raised a hand and yelled back, “No need Sanji, you're on Zoro duty, He's gone!” Before scurrying away with a giggling Ussop alongside her. 

“Why do I have to be stuck on marimo duty?!” He grumbled before walking towards the west. He walked a good distance and had picked up a walking stick. “Hmm this island seems to have good weather. Maybe I could find some ingredients for later..” 

Sanji had continued to trek into the jungle, he'd also been picking up some fruits and edible vegetables and mushrooms for him to sauté later when he passes by a patch of mossy rocks. “oh crap! The moss head” 

He cussed loudly. “I can't even— HEY MOSS! MOSSHEAD! HERE MOSSY MOSSY MOSSY!” he called out, completely abandoning the task of collecting food— he already had enough to feed Luffy and the others anyway— “Moss for brainss! Where the hell are you!” He continued calling out. 

He was deep into the central jungle now, still continuing his search for the other when he heard a rustle. He quickly turned his head towards the direction of the sound and strained his ears carefully— his time with the Kamabakka’s gave him great observation skills— he was getting ready to fight as the rustling got louder, and closer. Although instead of an enemy, what emerged from the shrubbery was none other than Zoro. Sanji sighed a breath of relief when he found him.

“Oh it's just you.” He lowered his leg. “Where the hell have you been huh?” Sanji reprimanded before giving him a once over. “None of your business cook.” The green man, now covered in mud from his ankles, smeared on his face and his green hair being more muted grumbled. Sanji looked at his state and couldn't help but let out a laugh, clutching his stomach and throwing his head back. “What the hell happened to you? HAHAHAHAHAHAHA” Zoro just looked at him annoyed till he stopped. “Finished?” He said, raising his eyebrow. “I was exploring the forest when suddenly a mud pool appeared in front of me.” 

Sanji, now taking deep breaths in, dusted his suit out of habit and spoke. “It didn't appear out of nowhere dumbass. It's just you were too dumb to notice. You probably got lost.” He said, turning on his heels and sending Zoro a smug look. “Let's go back to the sunny. I need to start prepping.” Making a ‘come on’ gesture at Zoro. Usually Zoro would make a whole fuss about ordering him around, but now he just silently followed. 

On the way back Sanji had spotted more ingredients but had no more means to carry them. “I'll carry it.” Zoro stated and plucked them out based on Sanji's instructions. 

Sanji looked at Zoro, this time with softness. He felt a warm feeling snaking up his neck but chalked it off to be the jungle heat. He observed as Zoro he would pull them up from the ground or how he'd make an effort to reach the ones Sanji had pointed at from below. How his muscles flexed and the grunts the other would make, made Sanji feel something in his stomach. 

Once they reached the sunny they had placed the ingredients on the kitchen counter for Sanji to start sorting through and wash. 

“Marimo, go take a bath. You're filthy.” He commented as he saw Zoro begin to reach for a cabinet. “I'm not, I'll just change my clothes.” Sanji lit his cigarette and went over to the man. “Yes you are.” Before slapping away his hands “and don't touch those yet. Go take a bath. Look at this, you have mud on your hair, your ankles, even your face!” He gestured, his hands reaching to wipe the mud from his cheeks. It was a bit too late for him to respond and only realized when his thumb was brushing over Zoro's cheeks. 

Sanji let out a choked sound and quickly brought his hand back to his side, looking away with red ears. Zoro coughed and turned away, heading for the door. Sanji took a very long drag of his cigarette afterwards and rolled his sleeves up to start cooking. Distracting himself from what had just occurred.

***

Their campfire had gone very smoothly, Franky had chopped up some wood and made a huge fire in the middle, even laying out logs for them to sit on. He had also added a makeshift stove so Sanji could cook over it. 

They had drunk, ate, and Brook played some music, sang and danced around till midnight. Luffy had decided they should camp out on the beach so they had brought down with them some sleeping mats. 

The fun had cooled down now, Luffy was out cold huddled with Usopp and Chopper. Brook had also retired into his mat sleeping soundly, Nami had passed out cold after out drinking an equally pummeled Franky. Robin had also curled up beside her. 

Only Sanji who was putting out the remaining fire and Zoro who's still drinking had been left awake in the night. Sanji looked over to the green haired figure leaning against the log that the two of them just sat together side-by-side on, illuminated by the night sky. It almost seemed crazy but it's as if the moon shined only for him in Sanji's eyes. He took a deep breath in and took a cigarette from the pack, lighting it before sitting down next to the swordsman. 

Sanji sat incredibly close. Close enough that he could feel the heat of the swordsman radiating to him. He leaned towards it, humoring himself. They sat together saying nothing to one another. Just revelled in the others' presence. As if wordlessly communicating. 

Time had passed by quickly but also agonizingly slow, Sanji smoked through the cigarette and finally spoke up. “So.. how have you been?” His voice is low enough for only the two of them. “Tch really cook? That's what you wanna ask?” Zoro said, chuckling lightly. “Yeah you're right. I don't know why I even asked that.” He laughed back. The words ‘I just wanted to talk with you’ were left unspoken. After a beat, “I've gotten better with my swords. Yk, when I came back? I immediately saw how much you improved, you looked better… stronger.” Zoro spoke up and took another swig. 

Sanji felt warm. “Tch, you don't look half as bad too. Maybe now, you can beat me eh?” Replied Sanji, teasing the other man. “Heh, I should be saying that cook.” 

Another silence enveloped them. Zoro had gotten closer to him this time. Their shoulders and arms touching. None dared to move, as if afraid they'd break something. The corner of Sanji's lips nudged upwards, feeling that giddiness in his stomach. His “stomach bug” was back again. Beside him, he heard a deep sigh, he could feel Zoro's shoulders turning lax. He turned to look at his face, both his eyes were closed, then as he wrapped his lips on the rim of the bottle Sanji could almost swear he saw the ghost of a smile on the swordsman's lips. 

‘I must be imagining things now..’ he yawned, eyelids turning heavy. He let his eyes close and let his head fall. 

On the other hand… 

Zoro felt a weight on his shoulders. He looked over to find that the cook had fallen lax and asleep on him. He didn't dare to move or to breathe too hard. Afraid that he might break the person at his side. 

Zoro raked his eyes over Sanji's face. Catching on the flutter of his eyelashes, the way his mouth was slightly parted and his lips— oh they were always so maintained, so moisturized. A stark contrast to his dry ones only softened by licking them. ‘i wonder how they'd tast–’ Zoro's cheeks were warm from his own thoughts. He decided to look elsewhere before he could let his thoughts get the best of him. And when his eyes landed on those eyebrows. ‘curly..’ he'd thought. He was always so curious— no— enamoured by them. He could always see Sanji furrow them when he was focusing. Bent over the stove tasting his most recent recipe, they'd always lift up with excitement when he’d deem the taste perfect. 

Zoro's hand lifted from his sides, slowly creeping towards his bangs. Hesitantly, he pulled them aside— his breath hitched. His eyes widened, for sure he was red. Zoro never really saw Sanji without his bangs covering half his face— he used to steal glances though, when the wind would blow and lift it, when they were sparring and it would slightly brush over, when he would catch Sanji in the middle of his nightly routines. Zoro would unknowingly chase these moments like water to a thirsting man.— He held his breath. He didn't wanna wake the man and ruin this. Zoro studied Sanji's face, ‘its so… symmetrical. Beautiful.’ he thought. He studied how the moonlight caught his cheekbones, how there was a slight hint of freckles dusting his face, the way his brows knitted together on occasion ‘I wonder what you're dreaming about shit cook.’ Zoro took a slight breath in and leaned in closer, his lips barely ghosting over Sanji's forehead. He let out a small sigh, causing the cook's eyebrows to knit together— Zoro didn't dare move.— then he went relaxed again and Zoro pressed a light, just barely pressured kiss on the swirl of his brows before letting the bangs fall into place again. He breathed out contently and leaned his head on top of Sanji’s. He went to sleep with a smile that night. 

Robin raised her head from where she lays and a train of hands led a blanket to the sleeping figures of Zoro and Sanji. Sheltering them from the sharp cold air. She smiled to herself before drifting back to sleep. 

***

“Yohohohoho~ such sweetness, it could make you cry. Although, I don't have eyes to cry with!” 

“Zo-bro and cook-bro must've really hit it off last night huh..”

“I've never seen them this peaceful before…”

“HECK I've never seen them this close before!” 

“HAHAHAHA~ what a bunch of sweethearts. Maybe we should leave them in their own~”

“Shishishishi~ so cute! But I'd rather have breakfast! Sanjiii! food!”

“You dumbass! Don't wake him up!”

Stirring from where he slept he felt a weight on top of his chest. He could also hear the voices of his comrades, rather the voice of Luffy asking for food. ‘What time is it…’ he could feel the morning breeze and the hit of salt on his nose. ‘oh right, we slept on the beach…’ 

Sanji wanted to lift his right hand towards his face to rub the excess sleep off, but something seemed to weigh it down. ‘Looking back I must have fallen asleep against the log..’ his suspicion was confirmed when he reached over and felt the hard log at his back. He forced open his eye being met with; A. The morning sun directly hitting him. B. All his crew surrounding him. C. Zoro laying his head on his shoulder. 

Then it hit him.

‘We never left for our own mats. I fell asleep beside him. I FELL ASLEEP ON HIM.’ panic set in on his face, he seemed to have foam stuck in his ears or something because why was everything muffled. Why is it so warm? Is his face red? ‘crap crap CRAP!’ 

He looked over to the sleeping man beside him and nudged him slightly, his hand shaking in just the slightest bit. “oi shit swordsman. Wake up..” his voice didn't quite have the bark, or the power, still hoarse from unuse. “Marimo! Wake up.” He tried again, this time raising his voice and earning a grumble in return. “Marimoooo. Wake up! And get off me!” He said one final time before pushing him off. 

Well more like a light shove off his shoulder…

Sanji now really felt his face heat up. If he wasn't red before, he really was now— He tried looking at the green haired man with a glare but his face really wasn't doing him a favor, so it looked more like a flustered woman— “What's your problem you asshole?!” Zoro complained. He hadn't yet caught on to the other people around the two of them. But when he did he immediately yelled “What are you guys staring at?!” The rest of the strawhats just looked at him and back at the red faced Sanji as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. “Tch bunch-a weirdos. Cook tell me when you finish breakfast. I'm hungry.” He said standing up and dusting off sand before walking over to the gangplank of the sunny followed by Luffy. 

Now it was just the rest of the crew looking down at a defeated Sanji. Silence overtook them before Ussop spoke up, “so… you and Zoro?” He started before a glaring Sanji looked at him, retreating quickly behind Nami. “SHUT THE HELL UP USSOP.” he yelled at him, showing more bite this time. “Sanji-san, we're all just really curious though. I mean that was the closest we've ever seen you two~” Robin's sweet voice spoke. “Robin dear, please just forget about that. We— I was just really tired last night. I must've fallen asleep here.” He defended, this time much sweeter. “Y’know cook-bro, we wouldn't mind if you told us the truth.” Chimed Franky. “Look, can we just drop it? It was an accident alright? I'll go make breakfast.” And with that he walked away not willing to let the conversation continue.

As he walked up the swaying gang plank, he lit a cigarette. Taking a drag from it he turned to the side and saw Zoro leaning against the rails of the ship with a laughing Luffy beside him. He felt that same feeling in his stomach again. ‘Agh! This damn annoying! I should get this checked with Chopper soon. Stupid stomach bug’. 

As he entered the galley and started breakfast, he wasn't going to tell anyone that as he was flipping pancakes, scrambling the eggs, and slicing the fruit, all that he could think about was the weight of Zoro on him, the smell of iron and musk and booze that drifted off him, the feeling of warmness last night and most importantly, how that was arguably the best sleep he'd had ever since forever.

***

It was now mid afternoon, the sun was, to say the least, Burning them. The strawhats have set sail away from the Island shortly after their morning meal and we're now a fair distance from where they started, it was all fine from there, until they were met with the scorching wave of the sun. It was too hot to sunbathe outside, but also too sweaty and bakey for staying inside. 

The solution? Franky quickly whipped up a sunshade on deck, hooking it to the mast, it looked like they had a tent sprouting from the sunny but it helped them. A lot. 

“Namiiiii why is it so hotttt. Even with this thingy the winds are still too hottt!” Wailed Luffy. A panting, sweating and heaving chopper who could barely talk groaned beside him. 

“LOOK CAN YOU STOP COMPLAINING?? WERE ALL HOT AND MELTED OVER HERE TOO!” Nami jabbed back with barely enough power, her face was dripping with sweat and her baby hairs were sticking on her forehead. 

More groans erupted from the people and they were easily shedding off their clothing. Nami and Robin in matching tank tops and shorts, Franky had nothing but his underwear, chopper had shed off his hat and top, Luffy removed his top and changed his shorts in favor of cooler ones, Zoro changed his kimono in favor of shorts and a tank top, and Brook who sports one of Franky’s Hawaiin shirts and some shorts. Ussop and Sanji were currently nowhere to be seen. 

 “It's really scorching hot! Even I'm sweating over here! Although.. I don't have skin to sweat out of… yohohoho~” Brook sounded. It really was just a very very hot day. The heat could even be compared to their journey in Alabasta. 

“Yo bros I have an idea!” Franky chimed before he leaned over the railings and dropped a long tube, a moment later there was the sound of air being vacuumed from the tube and in turn seawater was sucked up. He sprayed it over everyone on deck and over himself. “see bros a quick drench to beat the heat!” 

“YOU ASSHOLE! WHAT WAS THAT! IM DRENCHED IN SEA WATER AND SWEAT NOW!” yelled Nami. “Ughhh Franky… we’re devil fruit users remember? I feel weak now…” groaned Robin. “oh right, Sorry Robin-sis” Franky quickly apologized and stopped. “Well now I'm out of ideas…” he added and slumped back. 

Luckily a few beats passed by and a drenched in sweat Usopp emerged from the hatch of his and Franky’s workshop. “HEY GUYS! After slaving away in that oven of a workshop, I finally found a solution to our problems. Introducing…” he paused for suspense. Everybody has turned their head towards him at the sound of “solution”. They all awaited what he'd say next, “THE COOL AIR-MATRON 1000!! made by the great inventor USOPP-SAMAAA!” he boasted, tapping his nose and wiping his head of sweat before pulling up a quite large contraption. 

It had three blades that were slightly curved and it had a long neck from the floor and was the size of Usopp. “What is that? That won't help at all!!” cried Chopper. “YOU'LL SEE. Wait. See these blades?” He asked and pushed at it making all three spin from the motion, “these generate air for us!” He said proudly. “Hey genius that would be great but the air as you can feel is ALSO hot!” groaned Nami. “BUT WAIT! I know that! So with the same ingenuity I used for your Clima Tact, this tube at the back produces a cool ball, and in turn the spinning blades spread the cool air around us. Heh pretty genius right? So now all we need is for you to generate wind so that the cool air comes out and gets spread around us!” Usopp proudly explained to the crew. 

“HEHEHEHHH!! USOPP YOU GENIUS! OH THIS IS GREAT!!” Nami said already powering the contraption. True to his word, it did release a cool breeze. It was even rotating from side to side! Truly amazing. Everybody had now begun to gather around the area, wanting to get the wind. Everyone had gathered, all except for Zoro who peacefully laid against the side of the sunny. 

A few minutes later, Sanji came out of the galley, hauling out a huge cart. “Everybodyyy! I have some beverages to cool us off! Here we have some cooling drinks, and this is flavored shaved ice! You can use these syrups to flavor the ice! Enjoyyy!” He announced loudly, to which in turn everyone started flocking around him and the cart he was hauling. 

Zoro opened his eye to look at the scene. The room was wearing a tank top that was loose enough on him that it showed his pecs but hung on his shoulders perfectly. Everyone gathered around him wanting to have some shaved ice or the cooling beverage he had made. Zoro looked at him enamoured. He had felt his face getting warm and from a single look you could tell he was red. He grunted and closed his eyes again. “Stupid cook… stupid heat making him… hot.” Zoro mumbled to himself before lulling into his sleep. 

A moment had passed and everyone had quieted up, Sanji had told everyone to serve themselves from then on and he walked over to where the swordsman was sitting against while everyone was busy. 

Zoro felt his presence over him, and he opened his eye. “What do you want?” He asked. Sanji loomed over him, gave him a once over and wordlessly sat beside him. 

“Here.” He said for the first time, and handed him a bowl of shaved ice. “It's syrup, didn't you say? I don't want it.” Zoro said back. “It's not syrup….” He trailed. “Not for you at least.” Sanji added before pushing the bowl to Zoro. On the other hand the man looked at him as if searching for something before taking the bowl and taking some into his mouth. He hummed. It's not sweet. Tastes like sake. He quickly gave the cook a look who was already looking at him almost— expectedly— and nodded before downing it. Sanji himself had a smoothie he drank down.

Sanji looked at the man beside him, eating his shaved ice and couldn't help but crack a fond smile around the straw of his drink. It wasn't rare for someone to compliment his creations, but Zoro never did. No, his was never a compliment, it was different, because he would hum satisfyingly, or slurp down his food with concentration, or hold out his plate for more after finishing it, and clean out every single morsel of the food. For some reason— although Sanji was still grateful for the others feedback— Sanji sought Zoro’s more. He would always observe the other when eating, he would tease at the man when he came back for more to which Zoro would just look away till Sanji was finished refilling his plate. It was their thing. Something that was solely theirs. Like sitting together and revelling in each others presence in silence. 

Sanji laid his hand on the floor beside him. His “stomach bug” was back at it again. Always acting up when he was with Zoro. On the other side, Zoro laid the bowl beside him, finishing Sanji’s food. “Not bad cook… not bad at all.” He said before closing his eyes and going lax again. But not before he dropped his hand to his side.

Landing directly on top of Sanji's.

Both of them noticed, that's for sure. With both their shoulders tensing up. With both of them freezing up. Debating whether or not to move. One waited for the other, and when nothing seemed to happen. Zoro's shoulder went lax again and he let out a shaky yet satisfied exhale. 

Sanji felt Zoro's hand on top of his. It was cold from the ice, but so was his from the drink. It was rough and calloused from his swords and workouts, while his own were well maintained and soft. They were just the complete opposite of one another. But for some reason, they complement the other very well. Amazingly even. Sanji shakily let out an exhale. His body was cooled off already, but his face was heating up again. And the “stomach bug” which never really left had just kept on persisting. The tips of his ears were red again. But he let it be, ‘blame it on the sun.’ he thought before turning his attention back to his crewmates. 

Their hands simply laid there. On top of the other.. unmoving, but firm, safe, content. Right.

****

The moon shined above Sanji, he's having a smoke up on the crow's nest now. The worst of the sun's heat had gone with it, after sundown the cool air had hit them like a blessing. They had dinner down on the deck to enjoy the evening cold after suffering through hell from the scorch of the sun just earlier. 

Sanji exhales deeply, the smoke of his cigarette exiting from his nostrils. He thought back to that scene on their deck, his cigarette pinched between his index and middle finger, he brought his hand down, caressing the area where Zoro's hand laid just this afternoon. Rough hands above his soft ones. “What the hell. Why am I being like this…” he whispered to himself. Ears reddening. 

“What the hell is that asshole doing to me…” he murmured. His eyes glossed over and placed his cigarettes between his lips again taking another drag before shakily exhaling. 

Sanji looked at the hand again, ‘how would his and my fingers feel intertwined..’. catching himself at the thought, he gripped his hair. “Shit shit shit. What the hell am I thinking? That asshole— why would I want his and my fingers intertwined? He's a dumbass.” 

Sanji slumped over on the bench of the crow's nest, feeling defeated at himself. He gripped his stomach, “fuck this shit. Fuck this stupid stomach bug. This marimo is clinging like actual moss…” 

Sanji really didn't know what was happening. These things he'd been feeling. Did Kamabakka mess him up that bad? First it was missing that asshole, then the “stomach bugs”, then these random flushes that come out of nowhere. ‘What the hell is wrong with me?’ Sanji felt hopeless at his situation, and while he was wallowing in his own pity, the hatch to the nest opened. 

Zoro climbed up the ladder and closed the hatch behind him. Placing his swords against the wall on the side. “Cook? What the hell are you doing here?” He seemed surprised. 

Sanji looked up at the man standing before him, ‘shitt why did have to be here now..’ he groaned before standing up straight, crossing his legs over. “I should be asking you that. What are you doing here dumbass?” He exhaled the smoke filling the room before drifting out through the window. 

Zoro grunted before taking off the sleeve of his kimono, letting it rest at his hips. Lifting the weights from the bench with a grunt. “I'm having my nightly exercise. Answer my question first, curly brows.” Zoro continued his reps as Sanji stared, he quickly snapped out of it soon enough when he saw Zoro looking back at him with a smirk. “Ehem— I'm on watch tonight asshole.” 

“Oh really? Watching what? Me?” Sanji could hear the smirk in his voice, it was practically bleeding out. “Please, you flatter yourself.” With a huff the man looked away and crossed his arms. “Tch” Zoro sounded before laying down on the bench, “add more weights for me cook” Sanji looked at the man and walked over to the plates after putting out the cigarette on the tray atop the window. 

Lifting the heaviest on the pile and sliding it into the bar. Zoro grunted at the shift in weight, with a smirk Sanji placed the other one on the opposite side, the bar bending from the sheer weight of it. 

“Can't handle a bit of weight marimo?” He snickered. Zoro huffed loudly before breathing in, deeply. “Tch as if. Talking about yourself dart brows?” He smirked before lifting the bar with only a bit of effort, heaving loudly. Annoyed, Sanji sauntered over to where his head was and raised his hand before slamming it down to the bar, holding it down. 

“Urgh—” the sudden weight change knocked the air out of Zoro's lungs. He glared at the cook before pushing the bar up loudly. “Fuck. Hah— what the hell?” He asked, still bench pressing with the additional weight of Sanji pushing it down. Huffing loudly each time he lifts it. “Let's see just how much you can take… Zo-Ro” enunciating the last part by adding more pressure to the bar. Zoro glared at him sharply, but it quickly transformed into a smirk. 

Sanji pressed down harder this time, ‘lets see how long you can hold that smug look on your mug. Tch’ using both his hands he pushes harder, putting almost all his body weight onto the bar. Zoro lifted the bar up panting heavily as he did so before pulling it back down close to his chest. Abruptly. 

Catching Sanji off guard and he falls forward before gaining his bearings quickly. He was now met face to face with a heaving Zoro. His breath mingled with the swordsmans. Sanji could feel his face heating up. His stomach bug was back. This idiot. ‘What does he think he's doing!’ preparing to glare down the man below him, he looked down, only to find that he was already stupidly grinning up at him. 

He quickly pushed himself off the bar and brushed his coat off. “Dumbass! What are you grinning at huh?” Zoro then lifted the bar so it would rest back on the stand. He swiftly sat up so that he was looking at the cook who lit a cigarette and perched it between his lips. “Your face looks dumb as hell dart brows. You always that red huh?” 

Sanji shot him a glare— a proper one this time— and rakes his eyes over the man. Zoro was man spreading. His hands resting on his knees. He breathed loudly, his chest falling and rising with each one. His mouth was slightly agape and his forehead dripped with sweat. “Shut up.” Sanji managed. 

“Grab me that towel eh cook?” Zoro prompted. To which Sanji looked over to his side where the man was pointing and spotted a yellow towel. He grabbed it and walked over to the man, extending his arm before being met with Zoro instead pulling him closer by the hips. “The hell..” he murmured. 

“Wipe it for me yeah?” Zoro said, his one eye glazing over as he looked up to Sanji, his hands still resting at the latter's hips. Sanji's breath hitched. He swallowed down hard. And wordlessly brought his hand up to the forehead of the man and meticulously wiped the sweat. It seemed to catch Zoro off guard as well because his hands tensed and gripped at Sanji's hips harder. 

When the blonde finished wiping his forehead, his hands trailed down to his neck, then to his chest. Both speechless at the action. ‘hah what the hell am I doing.’ Sanji looked Zoro in the eye. He brought the towel to Zoro's neck and hung it around him. With his right hand he took the cigarette perched between his lips out, and exhaled the smoke directly to the swordsman's face. All while maintaining eye contact. Zoro's grip tightened up even more. 

The hands pushed him aside before the owner stood up. “Dumb cook…” he muttered as he grabbed his swords and headed for the hatch. Before he completely descended down Sanji heard a quick “goodnight” but he wasn't quite sure if he was imagining it or not. 

But when he heard the hatch close, he finally let out the shaky breath he didn't even know he was holding and collapsed down on the bench. Taking a deep inhale of his smoke he muttered. “What the hell… I'm so screwed. I have to get Chopper to check me out…” 

The rest of the watch went well. There was no dangers at sea that night. The only danger was the one in Sanji's head. Boiling thoughts of Zoro replaying in his mind the entire night, threatening him to jump overboard. 

***

It had been a few days since that fateful night in the crow's nest and Sanji had those moments replaying in his head at all times. It really didn't help that for some reason Zoro was everywhere. Sure they were crewmates and lived on the same ship, and around one another at all times. But now, it seemed like he was hyper aware of everything. It also added to the problem that Zoro would just touch him. Everywhere. 

At the most inconvenient times.

Like when he was washing dishes in the galley and Zoro came in. Sweating. Sanji dropped the pan he was washing into the sink as he felt Zoro's chest flush against his back. “Wha— what the hell do you think you're doing?..” he spoke up, weaker and breathier than he would've liked but nonetheless. “Getting booze.” Zoro answered, reaching up to the cabinet above Sanji and grabbing a small bottle of sake before completely leaving the cook all alone. Sanji could've sworn he saw Zoro smirking as he left… ‘or maybe not…’ once again alone in the galley he rested against both sides of the sink, supported by his hands, he took a deep breath. “What the hell…” he clutched his stomach. 

Another time when he was picking oranges from the garden to turn into orange juice for later that night. When he arrived with a basket perched on his hips and a smoke between his lips he found the marimo already there, leaning against one of the trees eating an orange. ‘Why is he suddenly EVERYWHERE!??’ Sanji thought and let out an exasperated sigh. “Well nice to see you too curly. You can't hate me that much can you? After all we're nakama” Zoro said, noticing Sanji's presence. Something about the way Zoro said nakama made Sanji's stomach do flips, ‘again, stomach bug.’ Sanji rolled his eyes at the man and continued his mission. ‘get the oranges and get out. Simple. Zoro being here doesn't change my task or prevent it. Mhm’ He ignored Zoro and continued on. Picking ‘one, two, three, four…’ he started counting to distract himself from Zoro. ‘Twelve… thirt—’ “curly brows. Have a taste.” Zoro interrupted him, he looked down at the man who was holding up a piece of orange. Sanji hummed and took it between his thumb and ring finger, bringing it to his mouth and removing his cigarette before popping it inside. ‘juicy, and sweet. Mixes well with the menthol from my cigarette.’ “hm.. thank you. It's sweet.” He hummed at Zoro before continuing. ‘thirteen, fourteen..’ he heard the swordsman shuffling to stand up, his swords bumping against one another. He felt the man stand at his side, and without warning took the cigarette from between his lips and replaced it with an orange. Zoro's rough fingers brushing against his soft lips. Without much ceremony or another word, he saw Zoro walk off from his peripheral. ‘what the hell…” he wanted to scream at the man, but instead he just sucked on the orange in his mouth. He wanted to cry, to do something. He didn't know. He really didn't know. He finished picking the oranges and brought them back to the galley. “That asshole. He took my cigarette..”

Anyway, these instances and more have now led to why he's inside Chopper's office, sitting on the bed inside the infirmary after he pulled the doctor away due to his… problem.

He needed to get checked ok?

Chopper put on his doctor's coat and placed the stethoscope around his neck. “Looking very professional doctor Chopper.” Sanji commented to which had the reindeer blushing and chuckling. “Oh stop! Ehem— anyway. What seems to be the problem Sanji? It seemed urgent for you to pull me away.” He said, immediately switching to a professional demeanor. He rolled his swivel chair over to Sanji, looking rather cute. 

“Well, I have this really bad stomach bug… it's been a few days— weeks ago— no maybe it started a year ago?.. comes and goes but when it comes ‘round it feels, well like my stomach hurts— like uhm… it's being crushed I guess, my breath gets stuck in my lungs and it feels like I'm about to throw up y’know? Ehem.” he failed to mention how it only happens around one very specific marimo head. 

“WHAT?! This sounds very serious Sanji. Why didn't you come to me earlier? Hmm, lift your shirt please.” Chopper sounded worried which had Sanji a bit worried too, but he trusts that Chopper can diagnose him. He took his blazer off and set it to the side neatly, before lifting his dress shirt. 

“Well there aren't any visible signs so it must be a thing with your gut, let me see…” he brought the earpieces to his and the chest piece against Sanji's abdomen searching for any sounds. Sanji winces in pain from the abrupt coldness of the diaphragm against his skin. “Hmm there aren't any abnormal sounds…” Chopper puts his hooves up to his lower stomach and taps, continuing to listen and then repeating the action all over his stomach. Sanji sits there waiting for Chopper to reach a diagnosis with his tests. He taps his fingers rhythmically to the mattress of the bed he's sitting on. 

“Sanji there doesn't seem to be anything wrong… when was the last time you felt this stomach bug? And how painful was it?” Chopper looks up at Sanji who looks away, his ears must be red as it feels warm but thankfully Chopper doesn't comment on it. “Well… last was just this morning. And the pain, well… it isn't really that painful at all, it's just really uhm weird. My stomach churns, and it feels weird. Like I'm falling or whatever— I don't know. Is there something wrong with me Chopper?” He asks, stumbling over his words but sounding worried. 

Chopper leans back on his chair, he looks at Sanji puzzled. “Sanji… can you tell me about the exact moment you feel this uhm “stomach bug”?.…” he sounded almost… well hesitant and doubting. 

Sanji looked at him weirdly but explained anyway. “Well I felt it last this morning. It was during breakfast in the middle of eating.” His voice felt weaker on his tongue the more they came out. Chopper on the other hand put on his thinking face, “Sanji, can you be more specific? Did you feel like you wanted to throw up?” The doctor inquired more. “Uhm… I didn't want to throw up. It was more like it was harder to swallow. My saliva felt thick on my tongue I guess. Does that help? I can't remember much just that feeling” Sanji thought back to this morning, as much as he pretended, he could actually remember it to the tea, and he was afraid Chopper would see through him. ‘he's too innocent to notice right?’ 

“Sanji… I'm going to give you a hypothesis, ok? Tell me if I'm on track.” Sanji nodded at the reindeer in answer. 

“You said in the middle of the meal. So maybe when Nami and Robin were talking about the most eligible bachelor in the marines featured on the news paper, the conversation drifted onto who is the most eligible bachelor between you guys. Was it when Zoro said that he'd be willing to date you?..” Chopper inquired, to which Sanji let out an indignant squeak at, Sanji quickly saved it with a dry coughing fit. “Ah.. am I right Sanji?” Sanji looked away from Chopper, he bit his lips itching for a smoke, but Chopper forbids smoking or drinking here. 

Thinking back to earlier on… Chopper was right on the money. 

***

The crew slowly poured into the galley as Sanji served the food onto the table. Nami entered and chatted with Robin, they both seemed to be enamoured in the morning paper. “Nami-swannn, Robin dear, here are your morning coffee's. Made with love.” He swoons over the girls, pouring them their coffees from the pot. The first and freshest pours, only the best for the ladies. After pouring them their cup he set the pot on the table. 

“Sanjii why not pour us coffee too?” Luffy pouts at his seat. “Shut up Luffy, I only serve the ladies. And you don't even drink coffee!” He yells over the table. He sits down at the seat beside the swordsman. His heart pounds as he remembers the feel of Zoro's fingers on his lips. He pours himself a cup of orange juice and eats. 

Mealtime continues as usual until Ussop asks “what's with you two Nami? You and Robin have been so into that paper, what's so interesting about it?” Before harfing down his eggs. 

“Oh, well the paper features an article discussing who the most eligible bachelors are from the marines. So me and Nami have been discussing who might be a good bachelor between you guys~” Robin chirps, the topic piques Sanji's interests. He immediately chirps in. “Well if we're talking about bachelors then that would be me. Wouldn't you agree Nami?” He swoons at the ladies again when he hears Zoro beside him. “Tch as if. You'd probably creep them out nosebleed.” 

“Shut up moss. I would not. Maybe YOU would be the one creeping them out, ‘cause who'd wanna be with a talking green gorilla?” He sneered back. They went on to argue while everyone around them debated on who they'd deem most likely to be a bachelor type. When it came to it Ussop asked Zoro, “Hey Zoro, who would you date out of all of us guys?” Zoro snickered at Ussop and looked directly into Sanji's eyes. “Curly brows over here.” 

His answer had everyone around them stunned. Including Sanji. “Oi, what the hell are you on about.” He said, his eyes twitching. Zoro's gaze remained on him, an unbreakable eye contact. Everyone started looking at them both, Sanji could hear whispers from Nami and Ussop, he paid it no mind. His gaze still affixed on Zoro. 

He edged his face closer to Zoro, “Answer me you big gorilla.” His words are full of bite. In reality, his head was racing through a million thoughts, his heart was pounding, if he let loose his breath would become as erratic as his heart. And his stomach, shit the bug is back, ‘this swordsman really makes for the most inconvenient feelings.’ it feels like his stomach is doing flips and for some reason feels like fluttering. He chooses to ignore the last part of course. ‘this bastard, what the hell is he on about…’ Zoro smirks at him and brings his head closer, leaving minimal space between them. Not even a fly would wanna get in between them at this point. 

This is normal. It is. They fight like this all the time, forehead to forehead, no space left between them. But this time… it's different to Sanji. Is it the same for Zoro?

With a whisper, lowering his voice just enough so that nobody else could hear, he speaks. “I meant what I said. If I had to date anyone? It'd be your dumbass, second-rate, sous chef self…” trailing off with a chuckle. And for some reason this really riled Sanji up. It made his blood boil. He let out a shaky exhale, he could feel the asshole's breath on his face with how close he was and if it didn't rile him up more, he doesn't know what would. He doesn't understand what's going on with his stomach. His heart is erratic, his breathing is unsteady. This swordsman completely throws Sanji off. 

Feeling outraged, he clutches Zoro's collars tight and pulls him closer. “You fucking asshole.” He gritted out. On the other hand Zoro seemed to be enjoying this. ‘I can't believe this man. Gah! He's insufferable!’ Before they could do anything though to Nami's credit, she stopped the two of them. The rest of breakfast was spent normally with chatter. Although everything just muffled together with Sanji's heart beating in his ear and with his stomach sinking in on itself. 

***

“Ehem— Why does this matter Chopper?” Sanji darted his eyes to the linen. ‘wow it's suddenly the most interesting thing in the world. I never noticed how white it was. Amazing…’ Chopper shook his head and rolled back to his desk. “Sanji… this stomach bug of yours… It's not really a stomach bug. I think— I think you might be— uhm… well I think you like someone. Not just any someone. Zoro.” He busied himself with writing something down on his clipboard, though it looked more like he was just panicking and writing down random things. 

Sanji turned to the doctor. ‘what.. no. I can't be. Me? That stupid swordsman who has no sense of direction and doesn't take baths? The alcoholic who thinks with his blades? The mossball that's been plaguing his mind? Me? Like him?’ Sanji's thoughts raced in his brain. Because there is no way. Not in a single lifetime. Not in this one! There is absolutely no possible way of that! Liking Zoro? It was like walking on air! ‘wait no. That's a bad example. I can walk on air.’ Sanji's brain was a mess. No way.

“Thank you. Chopper. I'll take my leave now.” He said courtly before grabbing his blazer and grabbing the door. Before walking out he turned back to the reindeer. “Don't ever tell anyone. Alright? Keep quiet.” He set his pace up to long strides to the galley. On the way he passed Ussop who he thinks just went up to say hi but he yelled something about ‘it's just a stomach bug’ and slammed the galley door. He really can't take this anymore. 

He beelined directly to his pantry, he opens it and grabs multiple ingredients, he's not really sure if they'd work together and he doesn't care. He just needs a distraction. Everything is blurring together, his head feels like it's underwater. He takes a cigarette and places it between his lips and lights it. Taking a deep breath in, he finally feels the nicotine calm his nerves down. Chopper’s words replay in his brain. ‘Zoro? Mossball? Him? Hah!’ Sanji would rather get eaten by a sea king! 

‘I mean— it's not really an issue that he's a man. Of course, I've tried it, once maybe twice while on the baratie. I remember hooking up with the delivery boy's who'd come by for restockings every 3 months. It's no problem!’ 

Sanji wasn't one to discriminate. He understands that there are people with preferences. He doesn't mind if it's a man or a woman! He just prefers women more because they're easier— maybe growing up surrounded by men who were very comfortable with each other and being raised to never define people by anything other than what they bring to the table had him open to many a possibilities— but look. One thing he won't be open to is Zoro. And that's that. 

Sanji frantically julienned the carrot he had on his chopping board, what was he to do?! He took another inhale to calm himself down, almost smoking the cigarette down. At this point he'd probably shove the nicotine down his lungs if he could. 

Sanji sighed to himself. There was just no way he liked the marimo. He was just too— too much! He would always get lost easily! ‘Although I'd always bring him back.’ But he would always raid Sanji's sake cabinet! ‘Tch, I let him get away with it though..’ But that asshole is reckless! ‘I have to clean up his messes, all the damn time. But he's strong, and responsible… when it counts, and he cares for the crew, he makes sure that they— no we— are safe’

Sanji lets the knife in his hands fall. He lights another cigarette, smoking the first one through and throwing it away. He grabs a bowl, pours in his dry ingredients then mixes. 

He hates Zoro! ‘Maybe not… I don't hate my nakama, not at all.’ Zoro and him might not get along on the outside but they respect each other. It's just their way of showing it that puts people off. In reality, he enjoys Zoro's company. He enjoys the way he and Zoro fight and bicker and banter endlessly. He enjoys the feeling of childish giddiness he gets when sparking up a fight with him. He enjoys their time spent together when going on grocery runs, although he has to drag the man by his sleeves to the right way, it's just their thing. He enjoys it when he and Zoro eat beside each other. He enjoys it when Zoro trusts Sanji to protect his back. He enjoys when they dance seamlessly on the battlefield. He enjoys the silence they share when bandaging each other up after a fight. He enjoys them taking care of each other after they get released from the infirmary. He enjoys the way Zoro has been constantly in his mind. 

“Crap.” He swears aloud while placing the carrot cake mix inside the oven. Sanji swallows. His saliva thick in his throat. “I think… I do like him.” He whispers. Sanji slides down the floor beside the oven. Throwing his head back hitting the cabinet. “Crap crap crap crap crap” he mutters to himself. Will this affect the crew? Their relationship? Their dynamic? He doesn't wanna lose this. He doesn't wanna lose them. He doesn't wanna lose him. These stupid feelings only get in the way. ‘They only serve to make me miserable.’ he clutches his golden locks and buries his head into his knees.

Sanji doesn't doubt that the crew will treat him any less or any differently. Nami is already open that she doesn't like men and nobody could care less, they even tease her about the pretty women. But what if it ruins his and Zoro's dynamic, what then. Sanji doesn't do well with feelings. Everything he's felt for women has no strings attached. Just attraction and respect for the ladies, they're the most wonderful thing in this world, of course he worships them. 

Just as he wallows even more because, how does Zoro manage to drive him impossibly insane? The devil himself— the man Sanji has been dreading to see, the man plaguing his thoughts, the one making him feel all these feelings— appears. “Cook? You here? ‘gonna take some booze.” He calls out before rounding the counter and seeing the cook on the floor, red faced, disheveled hair, and glassy eyed. “The hell? Why are you on the floor?” When he called out, Sanji could swear the other man was worried— ‘I'm being delusional.’ 

“It's my kitchen! I do what I please!” Sanji answers, his voice sounds weak. “Well… are you… alright?” The man inches closer to Sanji. He feels quite warm, is it just him? Is he crazy? ‘Shit Zoro. It's all your fault!’. He speaks up, realizing Zoro is waiting for an answer “‘m fine.” Zoro raises his brow but lets it go. Sanji watches Zoro walk over to the front of the sink and reach for the cabinet above it, grabbing sake and two bowls. Sanji raises his brow in question. 

Just then his thoughts, or lack thereof, was interrupted by a ding. Cake was ready. Sanji stood up and grabbed the oven mit, opening the door and pulling the small round cake pan out, made for one or two people. Sanji lets it rest on the counter and searches for the other man again. He's sitting on the barstools now, pouring sake into his bowl and another before nodding his head to Sanji. “Sit next to me won't ya’ curls?” 

Sanji swallows thickly again. He grabs two forks from another drawer and sits beside Zoro handing him the utensil. “It's not sweet, it's carrot cake, without the glaze on top.” He murmurs to the man next to him and takes a slice for himself. He hears Zoro gulping down his bowl and then taking a piece for himself. 

They sit like that in silence, eating and drinking together. Elbows brushing against one another from time to time. Zoro might have bumped his knees on Sanji's. Sanji might have brushed his fingers against Zoro's. They might have sought for contact from the other but that's only between them and the cake and sake they shared that afternoon. 

***

Sanji was holding his breath. He was smoking the cigarette like it was water. He was shakily scrubbing the dishes. He took one plate, scrubbed, rinsed and then handed it to the man next to him. Then repeat. Simple.

That's what he told himself at least.

The silence was suffocating, the air seemed heavy to him and it was warm. Oh, so very warm. “cook.” Grab, scrub, rinse, hand. “Cook.” Grab, scrub, rinse, hand. “Sanji.” He turned his head to the man calling his name, his stomach was at it again. The warm feeling snaked up his nape and to the tips of his ears a dusting on his cheeks as well. “Hm?” He hummed, trying to open his mouth as little times as possible. “What's wrong?” Zoro asked and Sanji froze. “What? Nothings wrong.” He answered, ‘you're what's wrong! What I feel for you is wrong! But why—’ 

“You've been wincing.” What. He looked at Zoro confused. Had he? He didn't notice. “Was not.” He answered and grabbed another plate “tsk.” Ah.. he had been. He didn't notice. Zoro raised furrowed his brows. “What's wrong?” Again Sanji thought that Zoro sounded worried. “Nothing! Why do you care?” Sanji was about to dip his hands into the soapy water when he was grabbed by the wrist. 

“What happened to your hands cook?” Zoro furrowed his brows even more, he looked.. mad? No, concerned… Sanji wished he would be swallowed by the ocean. He wishes the floor just let him sink into it. “That? It's just what happens when you constantly wash dishes. The soap. Dries my hands out.” His heart was beating in his chest. How had it gotten this bad.

Zoro looked at the soapy water as if he was accusing it. Like he wanted to cut it down. Sanji let out a soft chuckle. “It'll go away in a few days, maybe a week tops. I just ran out of moisturizer, I need to get one the next time we dock.” Sanji was done for. This feelings thing is gonna be what kills him. He tried pulling his hand back from Zoro. He needed to let go or what comes next could be anyone's guess. Zoro only tightened his hold though. “No.” He brought Sanji's hands under running water and gently washed them. 

Oh no. Oh no. Oh no. Sanji's stomach might as well be a professional circus performer. He breathed out, shakily, uneven, he swallowed thick, he held his cigarettes between his lips very tightly. His heart was gonna beat out. He can't explain the feeling. He has never felt this way about anyone before. He— he didn't know what to do. Then Zoro spoke “Aren't your hands the most important thing to you? Why do you— why didn't you tell Chopper? I'm sure he has something for this? Or maybe ask the witch for some of hers? She has a shit ton anyways, always buys whole bags at every island.” Sanji stared at him dumbfounded. He didn't know what to do. 

He looked at Zoro's face, his closed eye was twitching. His lips in a small pout and his hands, shit— his hands were slowly caressing Sanji's knuckles. ‘stupid marimo.’ his breath hitched, he held it. Waiting. 

Then an explosion. 

The sound quickly snapped them out of the trance. He turned his head to the door and looked at the other. He pulled his hands back and ran for the deck, Zoro following behind him. 

He grabbed at the railings when he felt the ship get carried by the waves, a huge splash emerging on his right. Then another explosion, he was about to stumble when he felt a hand on his hips. Oh no. He looked at Zoro who was looking to the front, as if it's just not his hands on Sanji's hips. 

“Another one!” Yelled Usopp, he snapped his eyes to the cannonball flying directly towards them this time. “Oh no. Not again! Gum-Gum… Balloon!” Yelled their captain before inflating and sending the cannonball back. He looked at the source and found a ship, two times bigger than the sunny, the figurehead had a black bull with a golden nose ring. And then who he assumes is the captain spoke up through a loudspeaker. “Strawhats! Surrender before I send your ship to Davy Jones’ locker! Hurhurhurhur” 

“No way! And what's with that weird laugh huh?!” Their captain yelled back, puffing his cheeks out in anger. “Ussop, Fire!” Luffy ordered and from the side of sunny came out a cannonball, it hit directly on the sides of their ship, leaving the enemy stunned and their ship slowly drawing in water. “Heh! That's the power of the mighty USOPP!” 

The enemy captain didn't seem amused and yelled for his men to board the ship, and two massive chains hooked on the sunny, making a huge hole on the deck as it anchored and lackeys started crawling over. “HEY! That is not cool bros! What'd you do to poor sunny huh!?” Franky screamed at them before pointing his right hand at the men, “Just for that, take this! Coup de Vent!” And a strong wind blew out from his hand. On the other side, the second half of the lackeys made it on deck. “Time to fight! Come on Marimo!” He said running to aid them on deck. 

He threw some vicious kicks that made the enemies spit out blood. Zoro cleared the half with his tatsumaki and him with his diablé jambé. The rest of the crew seemed to take care of the others as well. And then the captain of the other ship let out an indignant shrill. “NO! A BUNCH OF USELESS— THE BULL PIRATES WILL SHOW YOU STRAWHATS! REAPER! CARNÉ!” he yelled. “He must be calling for more of his men!” Zoro addressed their captain. 

“Hm Let's take the fight over to them! Zoro! Sanji! With me!” And away their captain went, flying over to the other ship as he grabbed their rails. “Captain! Bring back their gold! I bet they have plenty! With that stupid golden nose ring on their figurehead!” Nami yelled before letting out a bolt of lightning from her clima-tact. Sanji then followed Luffy's orders and followed suit, “Sky walk!” Sanji soon followed and looked down at the green haired man. “Hah! Try to get there on time, shit swordsman!” He teased walking over to the other ship. “Tch just watch me cook!” Zoro wasted no time following him and soon the battle was taken to the Bull Pirates’ deck. 

The fight went on with Luffy duking it out the captain. Him with a guy named Carné who kept repeating his name after every attack. And Zoro with Reaper, who had a giant scythe he swung around, it caused them trouble as every time he swung it at Zoro, Sanji and Luffy were also getting swung at from the sheer size of it. They made quick work of it though like always and bled them dry of their gold and their food stocks. The ship was halfway in the water by now so they decided to head back to the sunny. The three of them had two sacks of gold and food on their backs respectively and were preparing to return to their ship when the captain of the bull pirates, weakly and hoarsely yelled. 

“Y— you scumbags! Augh— you— you're going down with me!” And just as he finished his hook shot out from his hand. It was heading straight for Zoro who still had his back turned. And in one split second, they heard the sound of flesh ripping.

Sanji felt a pang of pain strike his abdomen. He could feel his heart rate spike up. He was suddenly so aware of the pain in his hands, the dry cracks of skin on his palm. He was still conscious enough to see Zoro turn around to see him with a hook impaled through his stomach, he heard blood trickling down on the wooden floor, Zoro sending out an attack at the captain, Luffy yelling and then everything went black. 

***

Sanji slowly opened his eyes. It was dark, he felt a sharp pain in his abdomen and winced loudly. ‘the pain must be catching up..’ He looked around the room, it was dimly lit by a small oil lamp on the desk, and a little cold. Sanji had goosebumps littering his skin. He looked around and sighed upon noticing that it was the familiar med bay in the sunny. Next he noticed that he was no longer in his previous clothing, he was instead in patients clothing, striped pants and a long sleeve that opens from the back. Lastly, he noticed a green mossy head at the side of the bed, laying on his arm hunched over. 

Sanji's heart skipped a single beat. ‘Well that looks uncomfortable. How long had he been there for?...’

“M— Marimo?” Sanji hoarsed out, his voice rough from the un-use and lack of water. Zoro immediately stirred awake at the sound. “Hng… cook? You awake?” He said sitting up and giving him a once over. “Mhm” Sanji resorted to humming. Once Zoro processed the information he immediately straightened up and walked to the door muttering “I should call Chopper. Wait no, he's sleeping… wait he said to wake him up if you woke up. Wait no, do you need anything?” he went back and forth before Sanji spoke up. 

“I could use some water.” He forced out again, his throat was really killing him. Zoro then walked into the adjacent door to the kitchen and he could hear glass clinking then water flowing and then he heard the door open, Zoro then came in with two glasses of water and held them out for Sanji. Sanji took one glass and gulped it down quickly, deeming it wasn't enough he grabbed the other glass and downed that one too.

“Should I get you more?” Asked Zoro, “No need, that was fine, thank you marimo.” Sanji spoke, this time sounding much better. He saw Zoro walk towards the door leading out again and stopped him before he could. “Hey— don't wake Chopper up. I'm fine. I just needed the water. Come back here.” He tapped the empty space beside his legs, moving over to let Zoro sit.

Zoro hesitated, but after giving him a once over, he gave in and sat on the empty space, his body facing Sanji. Zoro seemed to scan over Sanji's entire body with furrowed brows, looking for something. Sanji felt his ears and nape get warm again and coughed. Wincing in pain when he did so. Zoro's eye widened when he made the sound, hands shooting to his side and hovering over his bandaged abdomen.

Sanji raised his arm in front of his face, waving Zoro's hand off. “I'm fine— Hah. I'm fine, just coughing was a bad idea, that's all.” Zoro hesitantly drew his hands back on his lap. “How— hah— how long have I been out?” Sanji asked, taking deep breaths. 

“5 days.” He widened his eyes. “5 days?” Parroting the words back. “Mhm. Don't worry, I've taken over washing the dishes and Nami and Robin share the burden of cooking.” Zoro assured Sanji, and upon hearing those words Sanji let out a sigh of relief and slowly let himself lay back down on the bed, one hand on his abdomen now covered in bandages. 

“Chopper stitched you up, he said it won't scar though.” Zoro trailed off. Sanji sensed he wanted to say something more but didn't know how to proceed. And with carefulness he spoke up again. “And you? How are you? I mean I did have to take a hook to the gut for you y'know, would be nice to know if you didn't get hurt.” 

Sanji laughed breathily, careful not to overdo it, the pain was ever present but any strain or movement that was too much hurt like hell. Zoro was quiet for a while, and when Sanji looked over his fists were balled up, clutching the blanket. “Hey marim—”

“Shut up.” Zoro gritted out, Sanji raised his brow and attempted to speak up but was quickly shut down again. “Shut up. Why— why'd you have to do that huh? Why'd you jump in front of me? Why'd you take the brunt of the pain? Why? I'm not weak! I could've taken it!” Zoro's voice started getting louder. It irked Sanji.

“Can't you just be grateful?! You asshole! I took that for you and you what? Yell at me?!” Sanji said angry— how could he? ‘This is the thanks I get? Tch!’ 

“I didn't ask for you to do that!” Zoro yelled. And silence enveloped them again. Till after a few beats he heard Zoro breathe, shaky. “I— I never asked you to protect me. You got hurt— you got hurt because I wasn't paying attention. If— If I'd just paid attention, You wouldn't have had to take the—” he choked on that last part. Looking away from Sanji. 

The blonde man sat up, his hand supporting him. With his other hand he took Zoro's fisted up hand and slowly carded his thumb. Feeling it loosen under his touch, he spoke “it was my choice. I could've just let it hit you— but I didn't. And it was my choice entirely. And look.” He forced Zoro to look at him. “Look. I'm fine now, a little hurt. But I'm fine now. Hm? So don't do that— don't do the thing where you blame yourself.”

He caressed Zoro's hand with his and using the one that supported him, he brought it up to his cheek. Maybe Sanji was imagining it, but Zoro leaned into the touch. Sanji's heart skipped another beat at that. 

Zoro let out a shaky exhale and took the hand that caressed his into his own. They stayed silent. Sanji had held the swordsman's face multiple times already, but this— this time it was different. This time it's gentle, intimate, filled with feelings, careful, and loving.

Sanji's thumb traced through the scar on Zoro's eye, then over his eyelids. Sanji let out an exhale. ‘beautiful..’ Sanji thought. He made up his mind. ‘You may never know my feelings Zoro, you can't. If you did, you'd resent me, you'd scorn me. I don't want that. I'll keep whatever feelings I have about you close. I'll savor this relationship we have. I'd rather have this than nothing at all…’ 

Zoro grabbed the hand that was on his cheek and pulled it away. Sanji's stomach sank. ‘ah.. right’ he was ready to be shut down, pushed away, told not to be weird but instead— instead Zoro held it. Both his hands held it into his own, slowly caressing his palm. Sanji looked down at their hands, he noticed that the dryness was gone, only traces of it, cracked, but only a little. Zoro noticed him staring. 

“I put lotion on them.” He commented before standing up, Sanji had yet to process the words when he came back, holding a bottle. He pumped twice on his hand and rubbed them together. ‘smells like oranges…’ Spreading them before on his palm before bringing them to Sanji's and massaging them into his skin. It felt nice. Soothing. Comfortable. 

“Hm.. while I was asleep? You— what? Ah.. where did you even?” Sanji was speechless. Out of breath almost. Sanji's heart was racing, now more than ever. He didn't think that his heart could beat any faster than it ever has in this moment. “I got them from the witch, this big bottle. Had to pay for it but… it was worth it.” He ended with a squeeze. He looked up at Sanji and nodded. “Yeah, worth it.”

Sanji looked at Zoro. They held each other's gazes, hand in hand, the room was silent. The waves crashing against the sunny made it rock back and forth a bit and made for a comforting sound Sanji had grown to love. Back at the Baratie he'd listen to the waves as he let the slow rocking of the ship lull him to sleep. Or he'd stay up with a smoke watching the night sky dreaming of the all blue and the grand line. Now, he was sailing the grand line with the people he loved, his second family, the waves comforted him even then. 

And at this moment, with Zoro holding his hand, the ship rocking, the sound of the waves, he couldn't dream for anything more. The Grand Line, The New World. What once seemed like a distant blur, now became his reality. And he hopes that when he reaches the All Blue, it will be with his crew by his side. With Zoro by his side. 

Zoro squeezed his hand which drew Sanji's attention back to reality. “Cook…” Zoro's voice seemed weak, barely a whisper. Sanji looked at him. His breath caught in his lungs for the nth time, “I— I don't wanna lose you. I don't wanna have to go on with this journey without you. Don't ever fucking do that again. I don't wanna fulfill my ambition knowing that you can't. So don't be fucking reckless. Don't go putting yourself in danger. Not for me, not for anyone.” He squeezed harder. Sanji looked at their hands then back at him. 

“Tch. You dumbass. I'd never fucking put myself in danger for nothing. In fact shouldn't I be saying that to you huh? I still remember that stunt you pulled in Thriller Bark.” He pulled his hand away and gave Zoro a small punch on the shoulder. Then held it, making eye contact with him. Sanji furrowed his brows “The crew can't lose you. I can't lose you.” Zoro chuckled. Deep, low, it made something in Sanji churn. He used his free hand to tuck Sanji's bangs behind his ear. 

For a moment the world stopped. Sanji held his breath as he felt Zoro's brush against his cheeks. Zoro's face dusted red and in the dimly lit room, it was painfully obvious. Which made Sanji realize how red he must be as well. 

“I guess we can't bare losing each other huh?” Zoro sighed. “Let's promise never to lose each other. Let's promise never to give up on our dreams. Let's promise to reach our ambitions… together.” 

Sanji looked at him. ‘I care so much for you, you dumb marimo.’ he chuckled. “Let's promise to always come back to each other. Alright marimo?” He smiled, tenderly. Sanji would engrave this moment in stone, he'd have it tattooed in his mind if possible. Because what he's seeing. Must be a gracious gift from the heavens. If he didn't actually die, then he must be now. Because in front of him. Zoro. Roronoa Zoro, the feared pirate hunter, demon of the east blue, is smiling at him. The most tender, soft, and genuine smile. All for him. 

Call him greedy, but he will never share this with anyone. They could pry it from his cold dead body. He will keep this all for himself. 

And as if the world hadn't already stopped for Sanji. Zoro leaned in— Zoro was leaning into him. Face to face with barely any space left. Forehead to forehead. Not even air could squeeze between them now and ruin this. He felt Zoro's shaky exhale on his lips. “If you don't want this. Push me away.” Zoro whispered to him, making eye contact. Sanji didn't do anything. Sanji stayed still. He blinked at the swordsman. And without missing a beat. He put their lips together.

It wasn't aggressive. It wasn't hurried. Their lips just rested against the other. Just smashed together. Sanji had blown his eyes wide but soon softened up and closed them. He leaned into the kiss and their lips just slotted together. As if it was made to be there.

Like missing puzzle pieces that found their way with each other again. 

Sanji was lying before. There was a possibility for his heart to beat faster. He was sure his heartbeat could power about 3 thousand sunny's right about now. Sanji felt fireworks explode. The world stopped. He's sure of it. It paused and left them in this moment, together. Without question. 

Zoro pulled away and smiled. “I promise to always come back to you and be by your side as we achieve our ambitions.” Zoro said. 

Sanji surged forward again, slotting his lips back with Zoro's. He hummed in the kiss, and felt the other man smile into it. He placed their foreheads against one another and let out a breathy exhale. “Yeah… I promise to be there with you. When you become the world's greatest swordsman and when I find the All Blue. We'll be with each other. When Luffy becomes pirate king, we'll be standing at his side.” 

Zoro pulled him away by the shoulders and smiled. “I have never seen you smile this much Marimo.” He commented. “Well I just can't stop smiling when I see you curly…” and Sanji swore he was dead then. ‘This can't be real. Can it? Hahah no way.’ 

“Curls.” Zoro took a deep breath. “I'm only saying this once. Pay attention.” And Sanji nodded dumbly. 

“I love you. I have for as long as I can recall. Maybe even back when I met you I thought you were full of yourself.” Sanji raised his brow. “But… let me finish. When I saw you fight alongside me at Alabasta, something clicked, then it kept happening. Again and again. And then I realized I had completely fallen for you. Beyond saving. These two years were hell for me. Missing your cooking. Missing your presence. Missing you.” 

All in one breath Zoro professed everything. Sanji stayed silent. Not knowing what to say until he was popped out of blissed and stunned bubble. “Well. Say something asshole” 

“I love you too. I have for a long time. But for an even longer time I denied it. Y'know I only just accepted it only a few days ago. And a moment ago I was hell bent on not telling you. I was scared. Scared that it would change us. I said that I'd rather have you like this than none at all. But I guess we were both being dumb huh?” Sanji chuckled, face flushing. “Scared about what the other would feel when all along we felt the same thing. The two years were torture Zoro. Everyday I imagined you. Everyday I'd look up and hope that you were too. Everyday I looked forward to seeing you once again.” 

Zoro chuckled. And then leaned forward. Trapping Sanji in a tight hug. And without hesitation, Sanji returned it. He felt the world end and be made anew again when he was with Zoro. He felt everything was right where it was supposed to be, with him. He didn't know what he'd do without Zoro. And frankly?He didn't wanna find out. 

“I love you.” Whispered Zoro.

And with utmost certainty. “I love you too.” Replied Sanji.