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ㅤRoronoa Zoro, a man who had the ability to shift into a tiger. And no, he didn't eat a Devil Fruit. (he'd much rather keep his swimming skills, thank you very much.)
Due to this ability, his human form had also distorted slightly. Heightened senses—increased speed, all the like. The green-haired man had genetic distortions from the moment he was born—hence the unusual amount of strength, incredible sense of direction and others.
The bright green hair was his parents' fault—by the way.
ㅤThe first time when he shifted into his tiger form—was back in Shimotsuki Village, where his childhood took place.
Zoro was in the dojo, training with the other children his age—wielding three swords as he always did... They've always found him strange due to his technique.
Then suddenly, poof! Pink smoke every-fucking-where. Coughing kids—and a smaller Zoro. Except. He was a tiger cub?!
ㅤA green one at that. The kids in his dojo had mixed emotions. Some panicked, some were adored by the feline.
It was humiliating for Zoro. The poor guy couldn't speak in his form as well. His teacher, Koshiro—managed to recognize him due to the obviously unique color.
The worst part was, he didn't know how to turn back nor how to turn into a tiger in the first place. Zoro was stuck being a feline—for almost half the day, his training interrupted due to this incident.
The green cub was conscious. His brain was online. He just couldn't speak. Just growling—chuffing (embarrassingly, the truth.), and yowling. As if he was silenced.
The time he turned back into himself, was until the evening. The evening where he laid on the floor of the dojo in silence.
ㅤ"What the heck?" The exact words that left out of his mouth.
From that point onward, he tried to figure out how to activate the form, and how to go back to his human self...
In those following weeks, grunts and exhales were common. However though, he managed to control it... Apparently, it was due to the amount concentration...
Another trick he found out? He could shift forms at will. So—his efforts of grunting, and groaning? All for waste! A bonus? There was a shit ton of teasing and taunting in the dojo though due to that 'simple' accident... He'd gotten called names like "furry" or "meow meow" or had even received expired cat food! It infuriated little Zoro, of course.
He wasn't just some furry! He was gonna be the best swordsman, ever!
ㅤOut of annoyance, he'd mastered his skills—and attempted to scare the kids with the form. But, of course... He ended up being petted. He was a damn cub, what did he expect? For them to cower in fear because a kitty growled? As the ending for this failed prank?
A grouching young, wild cat accepted it... Did it feel nice? Hell no! Well... Maybe.
ㅤThe first time he'd shift into an animal had caused him inexplicable humiliation, and in that moment, he made a little vow to himself to never reveal his form to others. He had a useless cat form—that can't even pick up a sword! Just a useless feline, in a dojo filled with provoking kids...
Well what about him now—now, you ask?
ㅤCurrently, he found another use of this animalistic form. He decided to only turn as a tiger to sleep. So useful—right? Occasionally though, he does use it in some situations... A sprinting situation, or scouting. (the witch liked taking advantage of this for treasure.)
Zoro was unsure how to use the form in combat, hence why he never seemed to use it in fights. Though—he did take advantage of his abnormally mastered senses.
Zoro was last seen entering indoors—yawning and stretching, seemingly sleepy.
Next thing you know?
ㅤThe swordsman was in the aquarium bar, snoring on the booth in his tiger form. Little chuffs that sounded like purrs were released from the green-furred feline, napping in peace. He did his chores—did his training, had his daily argument with the cook, and a drink of alcohol. Overall, nothing was bothering him.
As he ventured into his doze, something was interrupting him... Fingers jabbed the top of his head—and a familiar smell. Rice... And... Spices? The tiger let out a quiet hiss, starting to feel irritated...
Maybe it was Usopp, or Luffy with his shenanigans.
The touch was too snappy to be Luffy though... And he couldn't smell gunpowder... Perhaps it was Franky with that disturbing small hand...
ㅤ"Marimeow. Wake up..." Sanji let out, sarcastically. The blond seemed amused at Zoro... It was like a big cat—but... Domesticated, in a way.
But for the most part, pissed because he now had to clean up the animal hair Zoro seems to shed every time he walks on every single surface! Okay—maybe he was exaggerating, but still. It is NOT fun to pick up hairballs from time to time!
To further discuss though... His fur was weirdly fluffy as well... Maybe Sanji could shave it when he's asleep and ask Usopp to turn it into a pillow to flex his victory... He giggled.
Absentmindedly—he began to pet the marimo's head, trying to feel the fur.
ㅤVelvety, as expected. Like a woman's fur shawl... Sanji cooed. His fingers then moved to the back of his ears—scratching the spot. Oh, what a lovely feeling this was.
Who knew the stinky Zoro could have such a nice coat? Hell—might be better than Chopper's. Perfect for a carpet...
Before he could process it, he was sitting next to the furred Zoro—petting away as if he was indeed a cat.
ㅤ"Pussycat." He let out, unable to tell if his own words were out of fondness or annoyance.
Sanji had to pause as he heard Zoro make another noise... Another chuff...
Well, the chef decided to take it as a sign to continue. Sanji took one of his paws—secretly finding them cute... It was rough—yet squishy.
"Hellooo—earth to mossy..." Sanji retorted, giving the green puss a shake for him to be awake.
Zoro was awake. He just liked the attention—and liked the petting... Will he admit that? No.
Will Sanji admit he likes petting the swordsman? No.
ㅤEither way—it'd be better if he stayed asleep... He'll either eat his onigiris or feed it to Luffy, then resume petting the kitty in secret. "Damn cat..." He beamed, his earlier grumbling now turned into a silent satisfaction.
Sanji continued his innocent touching, his hands now going to the ruff of the tiger. As to everyone's surprise—it was even fuzzier in that area.
Zoro let out another happy sound, mostly sounding deep due to this form. Sanji was quite delighted himself—his own skin feeling euphoric due to the softness.
Unexpectedly, the big cat rolled over—presenting his belly...
ㅤ"... Zoro likes belly rubs." His mind registered. The cook was gonna have a field day with this. But right now—perhaps, that could be reserved for tomorrow.
He patted the area a few times, before giving the swordsman a few well-deserved tummy rubs. After all—there was something about dangerous creatures being quite... Friendly? In a way, Sanji found it ironic.
Meanwhile, the one receiving kept letting out happy purrs.
The right-hand man of the soon-to-be king of the pirates, acting quite silly and enjoying the affection.
ㅤThe scar that Mihawk had given was still there... As well on the one on his left eye. What a weird ability to have—and to think this man didn't even eat a Devil Fruit...
Zoro wasn't even hiding that he was awake—and he forgot about his snacks at this point. Perhaps Sanji was enjoying too much—not even realizing the silly animal was already conscious.
"This is fuckin' awesome." Zoro twinkled in his thoughts, and it felt like a reward had been given to him just for existing.
ㅤAnd for a moment, neither of them moved—Sanji, still petting; Zoro, still purring. The bar buzzed softly around them. It was quiet. Warm. Peaceful... Hell, he'll consider befriending him at this point...
"Wait... What—what the fuck?! Were you awake the whole time?!" Sanji practically let out a scream, face flushing. He'd just got caught, by his sworn enemy! The disgusting musclehead that doesn't bother to shower!
Poof! Pink smoke surrounded them, and Sanji started coughing due to it—despite being a notorious chainsmoker.
ㅤ Gold earrings sparkled—and a faint rustle could be heard through the smoke.
Zoro had already sat up—face to face with the dart-brow. "Thanks, cook." He smiled happily, and it possibly might've been the biggest smile Zoro had ever shown to Sanji. His dimples were showing—his eyes crinkled up at the corners, a pure glimpse of emotion on the moss's face.
Zoro looked around, and saw his afternoon snack there on the table—waiting to be consumed. Zoro was practically giggling. Gross.
ㅤBlessed, absolutely. The lords loved him. Zoro moved away from Sanji, officially feasting despite how cold it got... Oddly enough, it made him feel warm either way.
"Are you high out of your mind, you dumb prick?" Sanji grouched—scratching the back of his neck, looking away in both embarrassment and bashfulness.
Zoro only gave him a grin in response. Absolutely nasty!
ㅤZoro didn't seem ashamed at all, despite Sanji, aka his foe, being the one who pampered him. Of course—as expected of a muscle-head...
There was no way there was a single thought behind that head of his... Dumb—idiotic, intellectually challenged marimo!
How come he was the one shameful in the end? Truly unfair.