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Chapter Text

You've Become a Fire for Me

Chapter 1:

I Think I'll Go Down in Flames

Judge Vinsmoke, the king of Germa was a man of science and magic, he was not a family man. He had a family, but they were merely pieces on the chess board to maintain and grow his power. After the death of his wife, there was no one to keep his hunger for power in check. She left behind five children: four boys aged eight and a girl aged nine. The dirt on her grave had not yet settled before he turned his experimentations to his children.

Bastardizing both science and dark magic, he had created his perfect children, no, his perfect soldiers. Using his young children he altered their bodies. Through surgeries, their bodies were altered to be stronger, faster, and smarter. They were strapped down, sedated, cut open, parts were replaced, and they were injected with various fluids of origins known only to Judge.

A glowing blue magical mixture was produced and blended with mortar and pestle by the palace wizards. The substance was used as paint to create the final touches. The glowing magic was used to draw on and imbue two dark glyphs in the shape of spirals, applied to the corner of each eyebrow to contain the magic inside.

The first glyph contained a healing magic, to keep his perfect soldiers from falling easily in battle and help replenish their stamina to keep fighting. The second would be a unique attack skill for each child, diversifying their destructive capabilities. Each one glowed and then dulled to black as the magic settled and was accepted upon each child’s brows.

 Unfortunately, for the King’s ambitions, a mistake was made on his third son, Sanji. The wizard applying the glyphs put them in the wrong direction, she was immediately executed for her mishap.

The boy's magic was still there but they did not know how to reach it. This type of magic requires a bargain. The trade was made: emotions in exchange for power. Four of the children had unleashed their full potential. The third son, was still emotional, magicless and useless.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Years passed and Judge sought to fix the problem and release the magic though impossible training and harsh punishments to the third son for his inferiority. The beatings from his siblings, being locked in the dungeons, starving, and other creative punishments bore no fruit. Nor did the harsh trainings.

As he ignored the child’s audacity to cry in front of him, Judge had to admit defeat, that the boy would always be useless.

A 14-year-old Sanji was training with his brothers and sister out in the courtyard. A normal part of their training regimen. The training grounds were surrounded by a large track where Sanji and his siblings were currently running. The sun beat down and the air was dry. He wanted to quit and tell them he was done. This was not a possibility, he had tried in the past, he would instead have to train until he was given leave. Which was only granted after he failed to keep up with his siblings.

Sanji was struggling to breathe and unable to keep up, as always. He still had his scientifically created enhancements but not the magic healing his stamina to keep going. He hated training, he would rather be sneaking around in the kitchens with the servants. Which angered his father to no end.

Attempting to run 20 miles, while keeping up with his siblings was not happening. Sweating and panting, his legs gave way and he fell down. Their trainer came over and gave the same speech about how weak he was. He was embarrassed and sidelined, meaning he could finally rest. He sat on the hard hot stone bench when a young servant girl brought him a glass of water, he guzzled it down. The girl's name was Cossette, she was one of his friends from the kitchen that kept his love of cooking secret.

He politely asked for another when a wave of blue electricity came flying in his direction. No, their direction. Cossette was next to him. He didn’t know if she could survive such an attack. He moved to block the attack with his leg, the head palace chef Zeff taught him long ago that his hands were only for cooking. The fear for Cossette’s life welled up inside of him and from his leg burst flames that kicked and deflected the attack.

The fire inside warmed his heart for a moment before vanishing. “What was that?!” The trainer yelled out. Sanji looked up to see everyone staring at him. For being on fire, his clothes and skin were unharmed. Meaning it was a magical fire, one he controlled.

“Thank you for saving me!” Cossette cried out, bowing to him. If they were in the kitchen, she would hug him, but she remembered she could not do so in public.

“Oh? You’re welcome.” Sanji replied still in disbelief of the fire that had surrounded his leg a moment ago. He almost told her that he was glad she was safe, but he found he didn’t care if she was safe. The idea confused him. If he didn’t care, then why did he save her?

The incident was immediately reported to his father. Sanji was brought to the lab once again. They took fluids, hooked him up to machines, and ran test. They could find nothing different. Sanji himself knew better than to share anything with those that held none of his trust. He remained silent about the mystery.

In the training yard his siblings ganged up on him while the adults watched. He took every hit both magical and physical until he lost consciousness. He awoke in the infirmary to his father yelling at the others to fix him and put him back in training, so as not to lose any progress.

Still bandaged and injured, but able to stand, he was back on the hot dusty training field. The difference today was that Cosette was tied up to a pole, surrounded by his cruel siblings. Sanji balked. “She has nothing to do with this! Let her go!” Sanji ran to her and tried to undo the ropes that bound her.

“Nonsense, she must have done something to trigger your powers, and she will do it again or die trying!” Judge called from his soft and silk laden seat on the sidelines watching his children about to torture a girl who worked for them.

“Please, father. You can’t-”

“I AM KING! YOU DO NOT TELL ME WHAT I CAN AND CANNOT DO!” Judge screamed so all could hear him. He refused to be talked back to by his own failure of a son in front of their servants. “BEGIN!”

All at once, his siblings shot their own unique magic towards Cosette and Sanji in a deceptively beautiful prismatic attack. Sanji couldn’t let them hurt her. She was his friend. The burning in his heart returned and an eruption of fire surrounded them and blocked the attacks.The heat from his flames was not like the heat of the sun, instead it was comforting like an embrace from Cosette.

Yonji threw a punch and Sanji blocked it with a flaming leg as he recalled the way Cosette smiled at him every morning when they made breakfast together, her joy spread to him easily. Ichiji shot a beam of light towards them. A wave of fire deflected it and Sanji remembered how warm Cosette’s hug felt, safe and comfortable. Reiju stepped in and swept a leg to trip him. He hopped over and sent a wave of heat to push her back. Another memory of Cosette complimenting his food played in his mind, he was so proud of his hard work paying off. Niji covered himself in blue electricity and dove at them, with little plan or coordination. A fiery round house kick sent him flying. Cosette, he recalled, always comforted him when she found him crying, she helped him feel calm.

The fight went on for a few hours before he had taken out all of his siblings and Judge proudly declared him the winner. Had he done more than defense the fight may have ended sooner. Cosette was crying and thanking him.

Sanji looked at her and tried to remember why he fought so hard to help her. She was his friend he told himself. But why? He felt nothing for her. She was just some girl he knew.

Turning his back to her, he left her there, tied to the pole and asked his trainer if they were done for the day. They agreed to end the day’s session since his siblings needed to visit the medical wing. Walking away he could hear Cosette calling out to him. The noise wasn’t important, not to him. He continued to walk away.

Early the next morning he snuck into the kitchen, like always. He didn’t see Cosette. He wondered briefly if she was still tied up outside. He shrugged off the thought and started helping with meal prep.

The head chef, Zeff, stomped over to him. “Hey, Eggplant! Yesterday you did good protecting Cossette. She’s taking the day off. The whole thing really shook her up. We made her favorite tarts. Why don’t you go and deliver them to her?”

Sanji cocked his head to the side in curiosity. “Why?” There was no reason he had to deliver the food, anyone could. He wanted to cook. “Make someone else do it.”

A foot came down in his head, leaving a lump. “Because she’s your friend, Eggplant! You should always take care of your friends and ladies, which she is both. It’s like you haven't been paying attention to me over the years. Give her the food and ask how she’s doing. Then you can come back and cook.”

Sanji sighed and took the tray of tarts. He was doing this for Zeff, whom he loved and respected. Not for Cosette, who was his ...friend? He guessed. He remembered all the times they spent together, the memories just held no meaning, no feeling to them. The only thing that remained was disinterest, at best.

The thoughts stopped him in his tracks. He could clearly remember everything they had done together.

How did he feel about her?

How should he feel about her?

There was an emptiness that surrounded those memories. There was once something there, a picture he created that encompassed everything that Cosette was to him. When that fire spread though him it licked and bit away at that image over and over, leaving nothing but ash. Leaving her as nothing more than an acquaintance in his mind.

But if he knew that, then he could overcome it. He hoped. Feet moving on their own, he found himself at the servant's quarters and let himself in to Cosette's room. She was still sleeping. That wouldn’t work. Zeff said he had to talk to her. He kicked the bed and she awoke startled. “Oh! Sanji, it’s just you.”

With a smile that did not reach his eyes, he handed her the tray. “How are you doing?” He asked, fulfilling Zeff’s request.

She started talking about how she was still upset and the rope burns hurt and blah blah blah.

He shook his head and forced the smile to stay and pay attention to whatever boring thing she was talking about. When she was done complaining, he nodded, and left without another word. That wasn’t so bad.

Back in the kitchen was very routine. It calmed him and gave him time to think. He could use his powers now, and all he had to give up was however he felt about Cosette. Surly, she would understand since he had done it for her sake. Maybe they could build their friendship back? Making new memories. Things like that just happen naturally, over time. Didn’t they? Nothing to worry about.

There was actually much to worry about. Judge, the wizards, and scientist came to the same conclusion that he had. Trading emotions for power, it was the original trade after all. This time a new servant was tied to the pole; it was one that Sanji was less familiar with. It was the man who drove their carriage. Having gone out so rarely he didn’t know him well.

Using his powers was becoming easier, but with fewer emotions to draw from made him weaker. The man suffered a few minor injuries despite Sanji’s efforts. The session ended when Sanji could no longer muster up a single spark.

The session was enough for Judge to determine Sanji was ready to join his siblings on the battlefield, at age 14. He was given his own raid armor. Each time he entered a battle another servant was threatened, maimed, or killed to motivate him further.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Years passed. Battlefields changed. Sanji won battles at the cost of himself. Germa gained further renowned and captured more land from their neighbors. Other kingdoms came together and created an alliance to take down the cruel Germa kingdom.

They recently lost Reiju and Ichiji in different battles defending their stolen land. They had spread themselves too thin to protect all of their growing territory. They were losing all that they gained. Yet, Judge insisted they needed more. The entire world should be under Germa’s rule or perish.

Judge called a meeting with his remaining children to discuss battle plans to take out the other kingdoms forces, to regain the lands lost, and secure what they still have. The meeting room was decorated in Germa flags lain across stone walls. They sat around a long table with two empty seats.

During the meeting servants brought in lunch. In a single bite of pasta, Sanji knew something was off. It was overcooked and mushy with too much seasoning to make up for lack of skill. He hadn’t been home in over a year but he knew Zeff would never let his food quality drop to this substandard rate.

“What happened to Zeff?” Sanji asked. The old man had been used as a threat and had one of his legs chopped off, because one-time Sanji disobeyed. Since then, he kept his distance to protect him by pretending that all those feelings were gone.

Distancing himself had become his policy over the years, Judge can’t hurt those he cares for if he cares for no one. An easy feat when the ashes of those feelings had long since blown away in the winds of battle.

His world had become ashen grey and desolate, a place where nothing could grow. The hope of its revival was another emotion long lost.  A dream vanquished by fighting Judge’s never-ending wars.

His emotions were mostly depleted but in return the magic he wielded was even more powerful than any of his siblings. Even so, he took some of those feelings and held them dearly and closely, locking them away in what was left of his heart.

The love he felt for his mother and Zeff was compacted from the remaining scraps of affection, sizzling at the ends. Small, fragile, flammable. The only piece of himself he cared to protect. He clung to it the way he did as a small child to his mother's lap or Zeff’s leg.

“He got uppity about you being on the battlefield for so long, so I had to kill him. It’s not as though you were getting anything from him anymore. You burned those feelings some time ago after all. What good was he to me? I agree this chef is worse. I’ll have to find another before I kill him. So, be patient. Now, back to our plans.” Judge said thinking the issue was simply about the food quality.

Judge’s voice became static in the background of his thoughts. Everyone that he used to care for was gone.

Zeff was dead.

His mother was dead.

Why was he still here?

The fear of his father was burned up the first day he joined Judge’s war against the world. So, it begs the question once again: why was he still here? There were no more threats Judge could use to shackle him here.

All at once it occurred to him: he had no reason to stay with no one left to protect. He could just leave. No, it wasn’t that simple. In lieu of emotions, he had become overly rational and calculating. Something that had served him well on the battlefield. He considered the options while half listening to the meeting.

He could kill his family and make himself ruler. Ruling a warmongering nation was not a task he wanted to pursue. If he did not rule then he could still kill them but it would leave a power gap and possibly make room for a worse ruler.

Being in the middle of a power struggle would not be beneficial. He could kingmaker someone of his choosing and ask for whatever he wants. That would take many years of planning and not something he wanted.

The better question is instead: What does he want?

Does he want to rule? No. Wage his own war? No. He wants...peace. At least, his own.

He wants to cook, to read, stay off the battlefield, to answer to no one and all while keeping at least a fraction of his current standard of living. He knew the importance of having money and power as he had seen many peasants without. He need not live like a king, but he would toil less as a noble with a title and lots of money.

Was there a place that would accommodate his needs to live peacefully? What he needed was a moderate to small town with access to goods that he would need for cooking and other hobbies. Somewhere with good imports but with enough space for his much-needed privacy. The place he chose would need to offer some protection and be far enough away from any ongoing land disputes between any of the concerning people in power.

He remembered that he once dreamed of opening his own restaurant with Zeff. Or maybe it was Zeff’s dream? Singlehandedly, he was able to siege a castle with the feeling of that dream. He often wondered what that emotion was like. Or who’s dream it was. Did he ever have dreams or aspirations? If he had, they were simply mere kindling devoured by his fire.

How did it feel to have a dream?

What other dreams did he have that were used to pay for Judge’s war? Would he ever know the total cost he had paid? What fees were still due?

Maybe, he could open a restaurant. Maybe the dream coming true would bring back that mysterious feeling he knows he once had. Long ago he had tried to reignite lost emotions, to no avail. Or maybe it had worked and they burned away before he could put a name to the feeling.

When out fighting for their kingdom they wore their Raid Armor, that had the added bonus of hiding their faces. They also only used code names. It was by design, for the times when they would need to spy on their enemies. No one knew what their family looked like outside of their armor. If he faked his death, only his remaining family would be able to recognize him. There were also the servants, but they only left the castle in body bags.

When the meeting was concluded, Sanji visited the library and gathered some materials to help him make a plan and a few others to conceal his intentions. Sanji visited the library frequently, so his visit was not unusual.

Sanji poured over the contents of noble families and their lineage. Creating a new identity was the easiest task. Finding what he was looking for, he gathered the necessary information. Count Blackleg. He was killed by Sanji’s own hand.

On a mission, Sanji had discovered the Count gave money to support a rebellion against Germa. Their house burned down with husband, wife, and all their servants inside, as Judge requested. It was many years ago. Judge would not care if he had missed a family member in the fire, he simply wanted to send a message to others. He doubted Judge even remembered the names of any death’s he ordered.

The man and his wife had been recluses and did not participate in high society, for reasons unknown. They were blonde, so he carried some resemblance to the family. They had no children, but given their hermit like lifestyle, they could have had children that no one know about.

With access to the proper materials, Sanji was able to forge documents for their child: Blackleg Sanji. A count title was in the middle of the hierarchy for nobles, enough power to be left alone, but not enough power to rouse interest. He even found a history book for the family. With some effort he matched the ink color and his quill carefully added bits of his new alias inside to help sell the lie.

Next, he checked the royal coffers and associated ledgers. There he discovered some discrepancies between what was listed in the notebook and the contents of the massive treasure in the palace safe. Curious, indeed. This could be an unseen opportunity, if he stole away his own chunk of the treasure, then the person responsible for stealing first could be blamed. He needed to be sure first to know how to proceed.

Sanji owned an amulet of invisibly, a gift from his father to assist in his spying. Gifted only to him and his sister. Their brothers did not care for such delicate matters and would rather destroy than learn. Strung around his neck he pulled the amulet out and looked at the intricate carving of a fox with its mouth open, chasing a hen. Twisting the back moved the hen into the fox’s mouth and he vanished.

Sneaking into the treasurer's office, he watched the man work for about an hour before he looked around the room suspiciously. Sanji remained seated on the floor in the corner, quiet and watchful. Satisfied no one was watching he took a key from his robes and moved a tapestry from the wall to reveal a hidden safe. The man added a notebook inside and closed it. He locked it up before leaving for the night.

Sanji waited twenty more minutes to be sure he was not returning for the night. He took his lock picking tool kit from his satchel. Though he was quite skilled with a lock pick, this one was a bit challenging. This was a well-made safe, but not uncrackable. Nearly an hour later Sanji opened the door of the safe and sorted through the notebooks inside, ignoring the money and dagger.

The theft looks to have been going on for the last five years. Starting small and then becoming far bolder as time went on. It was almost comical how easily this man had been robbing them. After all, the spoils of war had been monumental. Their family could live lavishly for a thousand years and their gold would never run dry. If it had, Judge would just attack someone richer and take what he needed. Five years and they never noticed because Judge simply assumed that no one would dare to rob him. Were Sanji still capable of such a feeling, he would have laughed.

Sanji could not see where the missing money went. This was an answer he needed to make certain it would not be an issue for him at a later date and to make it work to his advantage. Carefully putting everything back in its place he re-locked the safe and left. He would need to learn more.

Starting the next morning, he began following the treasurer. A boring task but one that was fruitful. A week later at midnight the treasurer dawned a dark green cloak and snuck though a secret passage with two large brown sacks he pulled out of a separate safe in his bedroom. The day before, he had seen the man bring these two sacks from Germa’s coffers and put them inside the safe.

Sanji was familiar with all the Germa castles secrets, and he waited at the passage’s exit to the outside. Other corridors intertwined with the passage, but he determined the gold was leaving the castle not simply moving it around, especially since he had not been able to find any sign of it. The night was quiet save for the sound of crickets chirping. A half moon was all the light that illuminated the night.

Two cloaked figures exited, each carrying a sack. The man had met with another accomplice inside of the palace. The second figure wore a dark blue cloak.  A wagon pulled up half an hour after the treasurer left his room. A man wearing a light brown cloak jumped off the wagon and helped the other two load the sacks into the wagon under some loose hay and covered it back up.

The mysterious figure wearing a dark blue cloak spoke up, “Make sure one bag is used to purchase seeds and equipment for crops. In a few months it will be planting season, and I don’t want to miss it like last year when they focused too much on buying magical weapons and armor.” Sanji knew that voice, it was Cosette.

When his powers had awakened, he lost interest in her. Likely it was what saved her. His father stopped threatening her when he saw it did nothing to Sanji. In the past, Sanji had considered trying to rekindle their lost friendship, but seeing Judge ignore her reinforced that she was better off without him. So it begs the question: why was she out here putting herself in danger?

The man from the wagon replied. “Yeah. Yeah. We know it’s important but fighting Germa is more important. When we finally defeat them and take back our lands, then we can focus on rebuilding. Until then, we need all the weapons we can get to arm our soldiers.”

“Your soldiers won’t be any good to you if they are starving!” Cosette rebutted. Sanji was in agreement with the statement, he still remembered everything Zeff taught him. From first-hand experience, he knew that starving made one weak and frail.

There was a time that Judge thought if Sanji was in survival mode his magic would activate to save him. Sanji was locked in the dungeons with an iron mask covering his face to hide his identity. He starved for nearly a month before Judge decided it wasn’t working. It was not an experience he wanted to repeat.

The experience was one of the reasons he stayed and obeyed, fear. A fear he burned out years ago but the memory remained to remind him of what Judge was capable of, if he was not obedient. It was also why he knew he could not simply leave.

The conversation went back and forth until the man with the wagon agreed to talk to the leaders about her suggestion. Enough was said for Sanji to realize that this group was possibly the resistance group that was slowly becoming a thorn in Judge’s side. Now he knew who was funding them, Judge himself was the unwilling donor. The smallest smile of satisfaction twitched at the edge of his mouth.

Waiting until both parties left, Sanji returned to his room. He went to sleep that night with plans and ideas stirring in his head. With the plot of leaving, there was a spark of some emotion he had long lost the name for. He filed it away for possible later use, that is all emotions are good for after all, ammunition.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

The next day he began putting his plan into action. Taking an information gathering mission from his father, it was approved for him to leave in a few days. He set up as though he was leaving normally. The wagon he would take was loaded and that night he added a few of his own boxes. Taking crates of beri, wines, books, and some of his favorite personal items that did not reveal his identity. Literature was far easier to whisk away, as he and Reiju had been the only ones to visit the library. Some books were too rare to leave behind. Others could be replaced.

Some books were filled with knowledge he wished to learn more about, such as history, economics, cooking, and farming. Others were for his continued magical research. Magic made life easier, and he had even created a few inventions and spells of his own. Lastly, were books of fiction, their titles and genres varied.

Sanji always took some novels with him on long missions. Long ago he discovered that he could immerse himself in stories and sometimes it would stir an emotional response from him. Small though it may be, it was better than the dull nothingness that consumed him. Which he would use to stroke the embers of the magic inside to keep the flame from devouring what little he had left. An offering to turn its hungry gaze from what remained of the fragile love he held for his mother and Zeff.

A magical stone was attached and hidden inside of the wagon. It contained a spell to lighten any load. The stone was created by using magic to add weight to another item to equal the amount to be subtracted from the container attached to the magical stone. Most people, like Sanji, used a plain rock to add weight. His brothers made theirs using the palace staff and slowly crushing them to death.

Soon after awakening his powers, Sanji learned the cost and shared his fears with Zeff. They knew that he would lose the feeling but not the memory. To help combat this, Zeff had helped make what they called his irrefutable rules. These rules were not to be questioned and held the beliefs he knew that Zeff and his mother would be proud of.

The number one rule was not to kill outside of battle unless it was unavoidable. A second was to always treat women and girls with the upmost respect. These were not the only rules, but they were the most important ones. They also had the added effect that the servants in the castle trusted him, or at least did not fear him as they did his siblings.

He never laid a hand on the servants or peasants and would often get between them and his brothers twisted games, like crushing people to death. Sanji would get their attention and fight them instead. Even when his powers were unlocked, his brothers never accepted him as one of them. Sanji only killed on the battlefield or when his father commanded it. Otherwise, he had no taste for senseless death. Even if it wasn’t the number one rule, he would still avoid it.

The cart was packed, and Sanji made the journey, making several detours before his destination. He visited the villages on his list of possible new homes. The first was nothing but burnt ruins, a dud. The second was looking promising. There was plenty of farmland outside of a nice sized town with plenty of imports due to crop failure.

The land was called Wano and it was tentatively under Germa control. There had been a Germa factory here that created what was called smile fruits. They were named such because it stole all emotions but joy and those were the duds. In some people it took all emotions but anger, igniting a berserker state where the person would fight until they died with a sickening smile plastered on their faces.

The factory poisoned the lands and nothing grew here, thus the vast imports. The great wizard Ceaser, who created the smile fruits, was killed by the rebels last year. Making the factory useless without his oversight. No one had been able to replicate his work exactly. The sovereign his father put in charge was a man named Orochi. He was a loyalist and an idiot. He was losing control of the land and had asked Judge for help maintaining the land over two months ago.

Sanji came up with a simple plan to help restore the land and help the people by including his own recipe for a magical fertilizer. It was easy to make and find the ingredients that even the lowest ranking magic user could create the mixture.

Once the land was healed, cleaning the water required very simple magic every magician worth a damn knew, but you can’t clean the water when it gets re-polluted by the land. The fertilizer would quickly replenish the lands and make them not just usable again, but they could thrive.

Presenting the plan to his father had only angered him. The idea was punished by Judge beheading Sanji’s personal servant. An older man whose only crime was showing Sanji kindness by caring for his needs and the occasional small smile. Judge explained the lands were Orochi’s responsibility. With the land being poisoned already, Judge deemed them unworthy of being worth his time.

Sanji asked what they would do if they lost those lands and Judge said that Wano could be retaken after they took every other piece of the world map. Making it a possible safe haven from the King, right under his nose. Sanji cared little for who owned the land he lived on, so long as they left him alone and Judge could not find him.

Seeing the land for himself, he could see that the people living here were still surviving despite the circumstances. Many of the citizen's smiled at him as he drove his cart into the town. The town its-self was a bit run down but otherwise in good shape. There were only a few buildings that looked condemned. He paid to have his carriage watched and horses cared for at a stable and made his way through the town. He got a hotel room and spent the next few days exploring the town and the land outside.

Wano was perfect match for his needs, and he was able to find the land he wanted for a restaurant and to make his home. The plot of land had space for growing crops and a small run-down shack with a collapsed roof, that looked as though no one had been there for years. The land was close enough to town to walk there and far enough away that no one would come this way unless they were specifically coming to visit him or enter the forest several hundred yards off.

Making the decision that this was an acceptable place to settle, he spoke with a clerk at the office of Lord Orochi’s to make an appointment to purchase the lands he desired.

The clerk was a red headed woman. “If you just want to purchase some lands you can do that with me. No need to meet with Lord Orochi. He actually prefers to not waste his time with such things. I can give you a tour of some of the lands that are for sale.” The woman smiled up at him from her desk. “My name is Nami and I run most things in town. Lord Orochi leads only in name.”

“A pleasure to make your acquaintance Miss Nami.” Sanji said returning a practiced smile. He then pointed on the map of the town to what locations he would like to purchase. “I would like to build a restaurant here in town and I would like to build a home for myself here right outside of town.”

Nami looked at the map in consideration. “That is a perfect spot for a restaurant! A premium spot that is going to cost extra. But for the house.... There are other places I could show you.”

“What’s wrong with this land?” He asked not wanting to give up the spots he had chosen.

“Actually, a friend of mine lived there. He joined the war efforts and has not yet returned. He may come home one day, or he’s already passed. Maybe...If you really wanted the land, I would accept you paying double so that if he returns, he will be able to buy his own land and rebuild. I would of course hold onto the money, for my dear friend. That or we look at other land.” Nami said looking forlorn for her friend.

Sanji noticed she did not say what side of the war her friend joined. It was a safe strategy as she could not know what side Sanji supported. He wondered if she really had a friend who lived there or if she wanted more money. If it was true, her friend was likely dead by now. Judge’s war had claimed many lives. If it was a lie, he was paying extra for no reason. It was judge’s money, and he really wanted the land.

“I’ll agree to pay double for the land, if you can introduce me to a carpenter to help build my house and restaurant along with some magic users in your town. There are some magical luxuries I want for my home.” Sanji asked. One of the luxuries was having indoor plumbing and some magical appliances. He also had another reason for wanting to meet them.

“Yes sir! I know just the people you need to meet!” Nami held her hand out and Sanji shook, sealing the deal. Sanji paid for the land, the fee for the missing and presumed deceased friend, convenience fee, and commission fee. He was certain he was getting conned out of more money than necessary for the purchases.

Titles in hand and business concluded, Nami took him back into the town and stopped at a shop near the seaside called ‘Super Designs!’ The building stood out with it’s elaborate carvings of various ships sailing through crashing waves spiraling along the wooden pillars outside. There was also a large smiling lion’s head next to the sign, it’s mane was a bright orange halo bright as the sun. Instead of intimidating, the lion looked friendly and inviting. It was the nicest looking building on the street, a testament of craftsmanship. Nami had certainly brought him to the right place.

 Inside the shop was a woman with long black hair sitting at a desk and reading. There were sounds of a hammer banging coming from behind the house. Nami called out when they arrived. “Hey Robin, is Franky here?”

The woman looked up from her book with sharp blue eyes and smiled at Nami. “Yes, he will be in shortly. He’s nearly finishing building a table for a client. How may I help you today?”

Nami put a hand on Sanji shoulder. “This gentleman is Count Blackleg Sanji and he just purchased lands. He wants to build a house and restaurant. He said he also wishes to add some magical conveniences in both.” She turned to Sanji. “This is Robin, she’s the best Witch in town. She can help with all of your magical needs. Her husband is Franky and he’s the best carpenter around. He can build anything. I’ll leave you to your business and come back to me with any of your needs sir! I know everyone in town and can help make introductions, for an appropriate fee.” Nami waves as she makes a quick exit.

The difference between a Witch and Wizard are that Wizards are formally trained and schooled, while Witches are self-taught. Judge called them ‘the poor man's Wizard’ and refused to hire any. A Witch’s level of skill varied from person to person. Sanji would have to see for himself if she was skilled enough to understand his work or if he needed to find and hire another person.

“A pleasure to meet you, Robin. Your husband is a lucky man to be married to woman of so many talents. What is your experience with farming magics?” Sanji gave his pleasantries with a smile and asked the question he needed to determine if Robin was the one he needed to meet with.

“Ah. I take it you already know of our land's plights.” Robin said eyeing him. “I had doubted that Nami told you about it before selling the lands.”

“I’m sure she was too excited with the sale to tell me. I had heard of your plight before arriving. I am a bit of a practicing Wizard myself. My main interest being food related, thus my interest in farming and your plight.” Sanji had already decided he would share this tidbit of information, otherwise they would not trust his research. From his notes, it would be hard to hide that he had formal magic training. Being a noble it would not be suspicious to have formal training.

“I see. I have also been researching a way to revive our lands. Some treatments have been applied but it will be a few years before we see any progress. Until then, we have many imports to our town that you can request from the dock master. Who Nami can introduce you to as well.” Robin said looking towards the back door as the noise had calmed a bit.

“It sounds like I have found the right person. If it’s alright, I would like to share my own notes with you about the possibilities of revitalizing the lands.” Reaching into his satchel he pulled out some papers and handed a few to Robin. She took them and her eyes immediately started to pour over the information with determined interest.

The back door opened and a very large, dusty, man with blue hair styled into a pompadour entered the room. The man had body modifications visible on his arms and legs, easy to notice in the speedo he wore. Metal infused his skin with magic runes used to increase strength and shield from harm.

Sanji recognized the modifications as the types used to help treat the injured who suffered severe injuries. In this case, the loss of limbs. If the man was as skilled at building and his wife as skilled at magic as Nami claimed, then likely they made these bodily enhancements themselves after a grievous injury. The man was unlikely to have access to healing potions and had to make do with his own ability. They looked very skillfully made. Making Sanji believe he had come to the right place.

Healing potions were far rarer and more expensive than magical body repairs. Creating healing potions came at a high cost. A person or animal’s health is drained and put into the potion to create the effect. Minor healing potions are the most common because when making them the person can recover usually in a few days with cold like symptoms. The minor healing potions can heal minor wounds with no scaring and minor illnesses. On larger wounds and illness they help somewhat but medical attention would still be needed.

For the production of major healing potions animals are not enough, or the lives of several large, strong animals would need to be used, or the life of one healthy human. These potions were powerful enough to close most wounds, fix broken bones and cure most illnesses. The ordeal not only took livers but the main ‘ingredient’ was put in extreme agony before their ultimate demise.

The cost of production was too high for decent people, meaning Judge was exempt by his lack of such morals. He used healthy prisoners of war to produce major healing potions, instead of executions. Judge saw this as a strategic use of resources. The rest of the world viewed it as war crimes for the suffering caused to create the potion.

There were other ingredients to create healing potions such as a cerulean grass that only grew by the seaside in the summer. Were it not for such rare ingredients, Judge would be pumping out major healing potions in bulk. Instead he could only create approximately 50 per year. His useless third son was reminded of this often, because he had to use them on himself quite a few times as he could never unlock his healing abilities. Judge hoarded some for himself and gave others to his most important generals.

“Oh, hey bro! I’m Franky. This is my Super shop!” On the word ‘super’ the man posed with both large mechanically laced arms in the air together matching two star tattoos, making a single star.  “I haven’t seen you around before. How can I help you?”

Sanji looked to Robin for a moment to see if she would introduce them. “She’s busy bro. My wife always gets Super into whatever she’s reading.” Franky said standing between Sanji and his wife. Sanji wondered if the man thought Sanji was trying to make a move on his wife. The man certainly seemed the overly protective type.

“Nice to meet you. I am Count Blackleg Sanji. Today I purchased land in town with the intention of building a restaurant and just outside of town to build a home. I would also like in the future to build stables, a chicken coop, and barn. But those can come later. First, I would need the house built with the furniture specified and then restaurant. After those are complete the other structures will need to be built.” Sanji pulled out the blueprints he had worked on for all of the mentioned buildings along with more for the furniture and appliances.

Franky smiled and took the papers. “You came Super prepared, Bro!” With a similar level of concentration as his wife, Franky looked over all the paperwork he was handed.  The only difference being that he grabbed a pencil and started making corrections. He explained how some of these ideas could be better. Sanji was not a professional carpenter, but he could get the sense he was talking to one.

Hours passed as they went over every detail. Once they were done, Robin invited him to stay for dinner. He graciously accepted and continued the conversation over a satisfying meal. Their home was above the shop. It was quite spacious and beautiful with intricate designs and patterns throughout, showcasing Franky’s work.

The food was perfectly fine but a bit lacking. He could cook something far better, but he knows better than to insult a woman’s cooking. Something he learned from Zeff.

When all of the work was finalized and fees paid and agreed upon, Robin spoke up. “This research of yours shows a deep understanding of our plight. I am happy to report that your magical fertilizer should do exactly what you say. I would like to make an offer to purchase this recipe from you so that it may be used throughout our town. I do not have much to offer and I would still need some left over to buy the ingredients.”

The deep understanding Sanji had was due some insider information about how the smile fruit was produced. He knew his proposal would work. What he needed was for someone else to do the work while he finished his own plans. Not just on his land, he needed his neighbors to grow crops and raise animals as well, so he could purchase what he himself did not produce. Fixing the farming crisis in his new hometown was a no brainer.

Sanji pretended to consider the offer. Normally, a wizard would sell the patent of a creation like this, but he would not need the money. He needed the work done, the sooner the better. “I have a counter proposal.” Sanji offered looking at a nervous Franky and Robin who held a poker face. “I will give you the recipe for free. It is specifically for this situation and would not be useful elsewhere for me to make any more money. I will also give you the funds needed. It should be more than enough to gather all of the ingredients and for the manpower you will need to produce and spread it en mass to all the lands affected. Is this acceptable?”

Franky looked about to jump out of his chair in excitement, his wife’s hand on his shoulder was all that kept him in his seat. Robin gave a small smile, revealing nothing. She replied, “And what are you getting out of this deal, Count?”

A good question and she said his title to emphasize his status. Those with status rarely did anything that did not satisfy their own greed, at least in Sanji’s experience.

“Please call me Sanji. We are about to be neighbors and possibly work together on more projects. I am getting to move into lands that will no longer be polluted, where everyone, including myself, will be able to grow food to cook. If you wish to repay me then please do your best in helping me build a future here.” Sanji hoped the last part sounded sentimental enough that they both could trust him and not ask any follow up questions about why his research was so detailed.

The couple looked at each other and their eyes met in secret conversation. Robin nodded releasing her hand on her husband. Franky shot up out of his chair, knocking it over. “Sanji-Bro! That’s Super nice of you!” Franky said tears pouring out of his eyes. He grabbed Sanji into a hug. Sanji tensed up ready for a fight, that didn’t come. How long had it been since someone hugged him? Just as he thought over how warm the hug felt, the man released him.

Several bags of beri were handed over to the couple as all plans were finalized. The work would take a few months but still far less time than Sanji had expected. In the meantime, he would continue his escape plan. If fortune favors him, the house will be done when he returned, and he would have somewhere to start his new life right away.

“Thank you for your business and I hope that this is the start of a strong friendship.” Robin said as she waved him off.

“Were already friends in my book, Bro!” Franky said through more tears.

“Thank you both. I do hope to earn your friendship and your business once I open my restaurant.” Sanji replied with a small wave goodbye.

Sanji stayed the night in a hotel. Late that night, he used his amulet of invisibly to sneak the crates onto his new land. He picked a spot out of the way of any construction, but still on his land. Using a shovel along with his advance strength he dug deep into the ground. He buried the crates to get later. He was planning to steal more but this would be enough if the next part of his plan failed.

In the early hours of the morning, he left the town and headed to the destination of his mission. It was not long before he discovered what Judge sought here. The location of the rebel's base. This was a problem. If the King of Germa knew this information he would attack them and eliminate what appears to be their main base of operations.

Sanji needed the rebels to keep Judge busy and not asking questions that are inconvenient, he falsified his report.

Chapter Text

Chapter 2:

Wouldn't Ask You to Join Me,
'Cause That Would Be Insane

Returning to Germa castle, Sanji gave his report and continued with his plan. Which involved much waiting, watching, and patience, for a few months, the time frame in which Franky said his new house would be completed.

Using his forgery kit, he prepared and adjusted necessary paperwork. He took inventory of items to bring and ones to be sure to leave behind, such as anything with a Germa insignia or anything that could reveal his true identity.

He made arrangements to get carts to transport everything and a storage unit in a town on the way to Wano to have his boxes stored, under Count Blacklegs name. A second storage unit, a few miles away from Germa castle, was rented by a false alias and in disguise. This second unit would house the initial theft to be moved later.

All the labor was done himself, as he had no one he could trust.

He also rented a hotel room in the town with Count Blackleg’s storage unit and visited, when possible, to make an appearance as his new persona. He pretended that he was in the process of moving homes, that he had to have much work to do, and that he wished to remain undisturbed in his room. This would create a history of Count Blackleg existing before the 3^rd prince’s demise.

He continued to follow the Treasurer and Cosette to learn their routines. They were consistent in their thievery, meeting at the same time and dates twice a month.

On top of his own secret work, he had to keep up with the incoming reports and planning meetings. This too was a part of his escape plan, finding a scenario in which he could kill the Germa soldier Stealth Black. With the killings of Reiju and Ichiji, it was not a stretch for another of Judge’s children to die in battle.

A few months later, while pouring over battle plans and reports he found one that could work for his purposes. He put together a report to give to Judge and request that he handle the situation himself. Writing out the report a thought occurred to him: what would Judge do if he lost three of his five magical soldiers? Would he make more?

He felt indifference about the outcome, but that was the problem, wasn’t it? Possibly creating more like him? Long ago he learned to think more critically if he could not use his feelings to make a choice. Logically it may cause him problems down the line if Judge made more soldiers like him. Judge would make more people suffer this forced magical ailment.

He, himself was going through so much effort to escape. No, he could not allow this to happen to another person. It had to end with him and his siblings. He reasoned it was a calculated move, not an emotional one.

Judge had killed all the Wizards that created him and his siblings over the years for perceived petty grievances, likely because he wanted to keep the secret of their powers to himself. He knew where Judge kept the only copy of the research. He added another item to his to do before leaving list.

From his spying he learned that the treasurer did not take the gold from the treasury until the day before the delivery. Otherwise, he only visited the enormous Germa safe when there were payments to be made. Those visits were often consistent as well.

The safe was guarded by magical means, no guards were needed. It could only be opened by a certain key, of which there were two. One for the treasurer and one for Judge. This may seem like weak defenses, and they were, but it was due to Judge’s hubris. The King believed his fortress impenetrable and his law absolute.

The treasurer knew the game he played, and he was a master of the sport. Soon he would learn that another had learned the rules and the game would be ending.

A few days before the next scheduled visit to the safe, Sanji slipped a sleeping potion into the treasurer's late-night tea. He slept soundly as Sanji slipped the key from where he wore it around his neck. There was a simple spell on the key that only the owner could remove it. Using the man’s own sleeping hand, he stole away the key.

Getting into the safe was easy. He began his work packing crates, spreading his invisibly across the cart and crates, and transporting them with his boots of flight into town to the second rented warehouse. One piece in the large room caught his eye. A portrait of Queen Sora, his mother. It wasn’t large, just 9x9 but it captured her kind bright blue eyes and tenderness so completely that he could not leave it behind.

Several hours later he returned the key, with the treasurer none the wiser. He continued this same work the next night until he had emptied the safe to his satisfaction.

Pretending to be in his room working, he invisibly visited the second warehouse during the day to sort and move the crates. Using invisibility and his boots of flight, he took crates to the rented warehouse a town away from Wano for him to transport to his new home later. He visited the rented hotel room and Count Blackleg made another appearance before returning to his room. Then Sanji returned to his work.

A majority of the crates were left in the warehouse along with two carts, fully loaded and with magical stones to lighten the load. Horses were purchased under another fake name with a disguise. They were cared for at the stables, until the day he was ready, then he would prepare them for the next journey. A journey not his own. This work took only a few exhausting days for him. He was ready for the treasurer's final visit.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

On the day that the treasurer was to visit and take his bi-monthly stolen goods, Sanji worked in the kitchen in the afternoon. When he snuck in to work there, and the staff knew to hold their tongues about his hobbies. They were more likely to be punished as a way to punish him. Cosette was one of the few who still smiled and welcomed him.

Carefully he slipped poison into the food meant for the treasurer and Cosette when she was on her break. Normally, Sanji would follow Zeff’s irrefutable rule of ‘Never mess with, waste, or poison food’ but there was another of Zeff’s rule above the others. This irrefutable rule was: the only exception to the rules was if it was to help someone. This situation counted.

He did wonder if he should feel badly about what he was doing as he poisoned the food without hesitation.

A few hours later, Cosette had to excuse herself as she was feeling unwell. He also heard that the treasurer was sick as well. It seems there was also another servant feeling unwell, it was not Sanji’s doing, but it would help to ease suspicion. Sanji commanded the chefs to bring their food and leave it at their doors and not to enter, to prevent spreading the sickness.

That night the treasurer forced himself out of bed to fill his sacks with gold. Entering the safe he was astonished to find it empty. The look of shock and despair on his face was evident. He looked around while having a deep rough coughing fit.

Sanji turned the back of the amulet and the hen left the fox’s mouth, restarting their chase. Instantaneously he appeared while standing between the man and the door behind them. “Hello, we need to talk.” The treasurer's eyes went wide and he dropped to his knees and began trying to defend himself saying it was not his doing and begging for his life.

Sanji tried to stop the man’s babbling. He had planned to take a gentle approach, but he wasn’t being heard. “QUIET!” He shouted. The man stopped, nodded and trembled. “I have seen the books that you cooked, and I know a lot about cooking. You have been stealing from Germa for the past five years and Cosette has been-” Sanji started his prepared speech as the man lunged at him with a hidden dagger.

The man was no warrior, and Sanji slapped the dagger from his hand. He cried and scrambled away until his back was against the wall. Sanji sighed. “You are wasting time. There is too much to do and it will only be a matter of time before Judge investigates what happened for himself. It does not matter who took the treasure, you will be blamed. Do you understand?”

The man nodded. “Please just punish me! Leave the girl out of it! She’s like a daughter to me. I took her in after Judge killed her mother and father. Please, I beg you! She said you were her friend. Please please-”

“QUIET!” Sanji was now getting a headache. Why couldn’t people just be rational like he was?  “Cosette has been helping you to fund the rebels and their cause. You take two sacks of treasure twice a month and meet with a man the day after to take him what you stole. I am not here to punish you. I’m here to help you and Cosette. As you said she is my friend.”

The man looked up at him sniffling, snot and tears covered his face. “I have made arrangements for you and her. You are leaving tonight. Now, we are returning to your room to quickly pack and then getting Cosette for the same. I will explain more when she is with us. I will not suffer to explain myself twice.” Sanji gave a look that said he would not allow any discussion. Sanji picked up the dagger and handed it back to the man, who took it cautiously.

The man became compliant but cautious as he followed Sanji through the secret passage to his room and he quickly packed, taking both ledgers with him. Entering Cossette's room they found her sleeping. The man gently shook her shoulder and put his finger to his lip to keep her silent. She woke and nodded as she coughed.

Slowly waking, she rubbed her eyes and stretched her arms, then froze seeing Sanji with his finger to his lips, imitating the signal that worked before. She smiled and nodded. It was a smile that said she trusted him. All packed, cloaks dawned, they snuck out through the secret passages.

Reaching the outside, Sanji held their hands and he poured his own magic into his amulet of invisibility to extend the field. It was taxing and cost him the small joy he found in the plot of an interesting book series, he read earlier about pirates fighting for freedom and dreams. He had enjoyed it and now it was the fuel to give an old friend her freedom and help find his own.

Making their way into the second rented warehouse Sanji could now speak. “In these crates are the contents of the royal coffers and some items from the armory. Weapons, armor, and other magic items. I could not take much without being noticed immediately.”

Sanji and his siblings had their own keys to the armory, as did a few other generals of their armies. It was easy for him to steal from and hide his tracks. He signed the items out to a general who had left the day before and had not planned on returning for a month. But if someone looked too closely, they would become suspicious of him taking too much and items that did not match his mission’s purpose.

“The armory is checked more often and it makes our timeline unclear. I checked your books, and you are not due to visit the treasury until next week. You have until then at the most. But exercise caution because you could be discovered at any time. Do you have a way to contact your accomplice to assist you in moving these crates?”

The treasurer looked at him shocked, whatever he had been expecting it was not this. “Yes...but how do we know this isn’t a set up for you to follow us and report it to your father?”

Before he could speak up, Cosette hugged him. “Because we’re friends! I told you! He kept his distance to keep me safe! We never stopped being friends, right Sanji?”

They had been friends, were they still? Overthinking it could be saved for another day, now he needed their trust, or his plan would not work. “Yes.” He replied simply and to the point. “Following you is pointless. I already know that you are working with the rebels. I discovered the location of their base of operations months ago. It’s in Momoiro.”

The treasurer’s eyes went wide, confirming the location of the rebel base.

Sanji ignored him and continued. “I falsified a report saying there was very little rebel activity there. They are a thorn in Judge’s side. I hope with this donation they flourish to become the knife in his back.”

There were two carts filled up with crates and the horses were already attached and ready to leave, he had been by a few hours before to get the horses and prepare them. He pointed to the carts and explained this to the two rebels. He got out paperwork and handed it to them both.

“These are your papers for identification so you can disappear. Judge will be looking for you two.” He points to the treasurer. “You are now Count Zachariah Cook.” He points to Cosette. “You are now his daughter, Cosette Cook. This is a book of your family’s establish history. This will help keep you hidden. Judge is far less likely to scrutinize noble families that already exist.”

The paperwork was something he had put together with Zeff for the two of them to escape. Unfortunately, he had been sent to war and the hope the plan brought had been burned up in battle. When he returned, he did not care to follow through and now Zeff was dead. It was the loss of his mentor that made him follow his last wish to leave. This paperwork would not work for him anymore, as it had an adult and child. It was not difficult to change the name and change a son to a daughter.

“You are not sick. I poisoned your food to make it appear you are sick. By the morning you will be fine besides a scratchy throat. The staff were informed to leave your food outside the door to give you more time to escape. I will return to the castle and do my best to run interference and give you more time. You have at most a week but be aware that you could be discovered at any time. Are there any questions before I leave? You will not see me again.”

“How can we thank you?” Cosette Cook asked him with tears brimming her eyes.

He thought it over a moment. He needed nothing from them. What would Zeff want for them? “Thank me by keeping some of the treasure for yourselves and follow your dreams. Escape here and live well.”

This answer earned him another hug from Cosette and a kiss on the cheek. A warmth spread on his cheeks. Something stirred in him that he could not identify, except that he had somehow chosen the right answer.

Released from her grasp, Sanji gave but a single nod before turning the back of the amulet. The fox overtook the hen and he disappeared.

If they were quick and wise, he would never see them again. If not, he would be forced by his father to see them again, one very final time.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Uneaten food was left outside their respective doors for four days before the other sick servant got better. Still, no one invaded the rooms, but there was worried gossip around the castle.

On the fifth day, Sanji snuck into Judge’s office while he was away and broke into his safe. Again, Judge’s arrogance left his defenses weak. He took all of the notes from his and his sibling's experiments and left falsified records of non-sense. So long as Judge did not open the notebooks, he would not notice.

Later, Sanji looked over the notes himself and committed them to memory, his enhanced brain able to hold the information easily. He did not know if he would ever need it. He would rather have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.

Within the notes he discovered something that he had not expected. The secret ingredient of the magic placed upon their brows, was love. On her death bed, Judge found one more use for his wife: the love for her children. It had been removed as she lay dying. At least she was unconscious and dying, he reasoned. Anger bubbled up and he quickly used it to thoroughly destroy the books. Along with the feelings of the injustice done to his mother.

The last of their mother’s love, placed like a gentle kiss upon their brows, mutated into a weapon for Judge to use against the world. It was for that very reason Sanji could not understand the meaning of the sorrow that quietly burrowed into his heart and nestled next to his delicate, shielded, tiny remaining feeling of love for his mother.

Dwelling on it not long at all, he returned to his room and his duties. Were he a sentimental man, this information would have made him irrational and emotional. Things he would never be.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

On the sixth day, he submitted his report and request for a meeting. In the meeting, Sanji had to give his reasoning for the suggested mission that would mean his escape. “We have a warlord known as Arlong, who runs the Conomi Islands for us. A few weeks ago, he requested help dealing with rebel activity.”

“Yes, and we denied him because he needs to run it by himself, or we will find someone who can.” Judge vocalized his annoyance.

“Yes, and we told him as much. Now, there are reports that he is planning to break away from Germa and claim the territory for himself.” Sanji finished.

Judge’s face was red as beet, he slammed his fist on the table. “I do not abide having traitors in my midst! Your request is granted. Find if there is any truth to the reports and remind him to whom he bows his head. If he does not agree, bring me his head and he will be replaced by someone loyal!”

“Understood father. I will leave within a few hours.” His father nodded and dismissed him to prepare for his journey.

Taking one last meal in the dining hall with his remaining siblings before leaving, the meal was disturbed by a commotion. The meal had been filled with Niji telling them how he attacked a stronghold in the rain with his electric powers, thus amplifying them. Niji did not appreciate his story being talked over. He grabbed the nearest servant by the collar and demanded an explanation.

“I-I-I’m sorry sir! W-W-We just discovered that Richard and Cosette are missing!” The servant stuttered out.

“Who are they?! And why is it so important that it disturbs our meal and my story?” Niji asked.

“C-C-Cosette is a chef and Richard....he’s the royal treasurer.” The man said looking like he wanted to escape before Niji figured out why Richard going missing was important and took it out on him.

Niji threw the man to the floor. “Stop wasting time and tell our father!”

The man ran away quickly. Sanji knew this was coming and showed nothing on his face as he finished the last few bites of his meal. “We should head to the meeting room. Father is certain to call a meeting about whatever happened.”

He had planned to leave before the discovery, but he had needed to wait. He waited until after Richard, Cosette, and their allies had emptied the warehouse entirely. He had been spying invisibly to make certain he did not need to warn them away or try to delay the discovery.

Sanji and his brothers sat in the meeting room for about twenty minutes before Judge shoved the doors open with a resounding bang. “Treachery! Scoundrels! We have been robbed! The traitors have stolen all of our funds, some weaponry, and magical items from the Armory. I have a general doing inventory to discover what was stolen from the armory.” Judge said all this while tossing furniture and papers in a tantrum. Sanji and his brothers sat in unmoving, uncaring, silence.

“But these fools will be found and tortured for their crimes! We will get back what is rightfully ours! Yonji, you will take this and track them down! They thought themselves clever, but they left one tracking device. It has been set to track several of the stolen goods. They may have sold one or two but it’s likely that many are together and can be found. Kill anyone who bought from them or collaborated.” Judge smiled madly holding up the magical tracker.

The magical tracker was a compass that was linked to several items in the vault and could be used to find them. All items that Sanji separated into their own crate. As it was a tracker, it was easy to find which items were linked. Sanji followed the path taken by the escaping servants. Then he chose a location for the crate far from their and his destinations.

Sanji had taken a short and easy mission and pretended that it took longer than it had. He then went to several locations and each marked item was buried in the ground to deter anyone from moving them. Everything was still going according to plan. Maybe it was good to stay to make sure Judge found the tracker.

They were given their leave and Sanji was ready to leave for good. Everything had been wrapped up. He left behind the life he knew with no lingering feelings. The place had been more prison than home. His freedom was hard earned, so why did he still feel nothing upon his departure?

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Reaching the Conomi islands, he had to take a boat to reach the island. He bought a ticket and made a show of the Germa warrior Stealth Black, in full raid armor, boarding a boat for the village Arlong was reported to currently be staying on: Cocoyasi village. Often times he would instead sneak up on an enemy but this time he wanted to be seen as an ally checking on one of their territories. A move his father would approve of and one to serve his own purposes.

The plan had been to meet with Arlong and start a fight, kill the man, find a corpse, fake his death, then stealth away. However, someone beat him to the fight. The town was a wreak, there was fire spreading across the town. Oh right, the rebel activity in the area that Arlong had asked assistance for. This could still work.

“Help! Please!” A woman with blue hair was trapped beneath a wooden beam from a burning house. It appeared she had been running out of the house but had not made it in time. There was no one else around, most probably having fled the chaos.

One of Zeff’s irrefutable rules was to treat women with respect, he avoided missions where he would fight a woman. A feat made easier by the fact that with his intelligence and loyalty proven, his father let him select his own missions. He stopped and considered if this counted. Very rarely were any of his fights near civilians and when they were, he allowed them to flee but he had never outright helped one before.

Having seen him and his Germa attire, the woman looked fearful and then a fierceness crossed her features. “Of course, the only one around is one of the Germa monsters! I’m sure you just want to watch me die! By leaving me here you’re basically killing me yourself!”

That answered that question. Zeff’s irrefutable rule number one was not to kill unless necessary. If leaving her was like killing her himself, then he was not allowed to do that. He kicked off the wooden beam and pulled the woman out. Even though he was helping her, she fought and hit him, each hit bounced off of his armor. He ignored the pitiful attempt at hurting him and set her down away from danger.

“I-I-I can’t walk! You can’t leave me like this!” She shouted at him.

There was the possibility she could die like this. Her legs did look broken and badly burned. He tossed her the bag he planned to leave behind with his corpse. “Inside is a healing potion. Take it and leave. It’s not safe here. Tell no one I helped you. Say you stole it while I fought. Telling the truth would do you more harm than good and no one would believe you.” It would be inconvenient if she told anyone but not ruin his plans. He did not trust her not to talk but he was right, no one would believe her anyway.

The blue haired woman tore the bag open and peered inside and her eyes went wide. Inside was a small pile of gold (a gift for Arlong if he had been found to be loyal and to pretend, they weren’t broke), some healing potions, and his notebook with some secret Germa information and communications inside (something he normally took on missions).

Drinking one of the potions, it worked instantly, her legs straightened, and the damage faded into perfectly smooth skin. “Thank you!” She cried. “I’ll never forget what you did for me and-”

“Don’t thank me. Forget it. Leave.” Stealth Black demanded as he left. No reason to stay.

He had one last thing to do as a prince of Germa.

Stealth Black had to die.

Using his boots of flight, he took to the sky to get a view of the battle. Many fishmen were fighting various soldiers in a variety of armor. The mismatch armor was due to the rebels taking whatever they could to further their cause, which did not constitute matching armor. Arlong and his crew were entirely composed of fishmen.

There were some who hated fishman because of their species. The Minks of Zou were another species that were treated badly for being different. Judge’s prejudice was that his family was genetically superior to everyone else, regardless of species. Prejudice was not something Sanji could comprehend, why did it matter that they were different? Was this an emotional thing he never learned?

He spotted Arlong, who was in a battle with a man about Sanji’s age who was not wearing any armor at all, but holding his own against the man. The man had a straw hat and wore a red vest and shorts. He did not see any magical items either. Interesting, but not his purpose here.

Throwing himself directly into the fray, he made his way to Arlong. He tackled Arlong and shouted, “Traitors to Germa will be punished!” With the momentum from the dive, he launched himself and Arlong away from the battle and broke through a wall into a burning building. Inside there were no living civilians but there were a few bodies.

“What the-?! Why are you attacking me?! I work for Germa you fool!” Arlong yelled in outrage after seeing who tackled him.

Was he lying ? Had he really not betrayed Germa? It didn’t matter, because he needed Arlong to be a traitor for his plan to work. “You lie! I have proof you planned to break off on your own and claim this territory as your own!” Sanji lied. They only had rumors.

“You have nothing! We’re on the same side! Help me crush these rebels!” Arlong said pointing to the direction of the battle outside.

From outside they could hear someone shout, “Gum Gum Pistol!” Then the straw hatted man from before unleashed a barrage of punches through a wall and pummeled Arlong. The man’s arms stretched like rubber bands and snapped back into place. Ah, so the man did possess some type of magic or body modifications.

The man busted in through the crumbling wall and grabbed Arlong and tossed him back outside. “Thanks! You’re strong, you should join my crew!” He said as though Stealth Black was not the notorious third prince of Germa, decked out in Germa regalia, and their enemy. “I’ll take on Arlong!” The man shouted.

Was confusion a feeling? Because that’s all Sanji had in him to try and think up a response. He failed to reply. Without waiting for a response, the rubbery man ran outside. “You can fight these guys instead!”

Several fishman had followed the rubbery man inside the building and now they had Sanji surrounded. They had heard what he wanted them to hear, and they attacked him for it. Perfect. He delivered well-placed kicks and bursts of fire from...he could not recall from where the feelings had come from or what they were because they burned up far too quickly this time.

Was this a sign that he was nearly depleted?

Making quick work of the fishman he killed off the last one and started searching the bodies of the civilians that had died inside the building. He found a human man’s body that had been nearly decapitated.

He used his observation haki to look around for prying eyes. Haki was a form of meditative energy that even those without magic could use. It took training and practice to master.

No one was around. He had to move fast. Finding a broken chunk of a pillar he crushed the man’s face until it was unrecognizable. He threw his own helmet nearby, cutting the chin strap to appear an enemy had removed it. The man was stripped, and his clothes were tossed into a nearby fire. Sanji removed his armor and a small bundle of clothes in a wearable pouch, and redressed the man, in these spare clothes from his own closet.

Sanji was now wearing clothes of a peasant that he had on under the armor. The evil Stealth Black was dead at his feet. He needed to be sure that no one would investigate too hard into his death. He searched for something in his memories and found what he sought. Warm hugs from Cosette and a large man named Franky. The Stealth Black facsimile was embraced in the warm hug of magical flames.

Satisfied with his work he turned the back of his amulet and the clever fox bit into the slow hen and he vanished. Sneaking away was harder without his magic boots. On his way out he heard cheering as Arlong was down and the Straw hat man stood victorious. Sanji boarded a boat that was taking civilians to safety.

Reaching land, he took off and ran for days, stopping only to drink stamina potions from his pouch, until he reached the town just outside of Wano. He snuck into his rented hotel room, bathed, rested, and then left wearing noble clothes and paid to end his stay.

He took a meal at the local tavern. He made small talk with a few friendly locals. He made up a story about moving to a new town to get away from the fighting and his crates being full of furniture and personal items. There were many understanding nods and others sharing their own stories of resettling.

Retrieving his horses from the stables he loaded two carts with his crates from the warehouse and closed and paid out all of his accounts. The overly full carts moved easily with the magic stones taking on the extra weight.

Sanji slowed his horses as they crested over a hill, and he took in a grateful vision: fields of golden wheat were starting to grow. Atop the small hill on the road, he views the sight before him, there were other signs the land was healing. The water stream flowed clear and inviting, grass was growing, crops were planted and soon Wano would be thriving. Spring had painted the lands in beautiful bright greens. Robin was truly a talented woman to get this all done in a few months and in time to start planting.

Reaching the town, he first made his way to ‘Super Designs!’ It was fairly late, but the lights were still on. He opened the door and saw no one. He called out, “Hello, are you still open?” So as not to seem rude. There was the sound of footsteps on stairs as the married couple appeared.

“You’re back, Bro!” Franky said scooping him up in a too tight hug.

“Am I correct in assuming that you noticed the changes as you entered our lands?” Robin asked with a small smile.

“Yes. I must have you and your hard work to thank for revitalizing the land for us. Thank you for your diligence.” Sanji said as he was released from the arms of the large man, who was crying again.

What must it be like to cry so readily and easily?

“We should be thanking you, elsewise many would have slowly starved to death.” Robin replied morbidly with her unchanging smile.

“You give me too much credit. This town has vast imports and could have survived without my interference.” Sanji was trying to dim his own accomplishments, not needing anyone making the mistake of thinking he cared.

Caring equals involvement and he did not want to be involved with the people more than necessary. Best to keep his head down and not raise suspicion. He would only assist in so far as it benefited him. Maybe his mother or Zeff would have cared but that feeling had been burned out of him at a young age. It was so long ago that he forgot what it felt like to care about others.

“Bro, you're a good guy but I guess as a noble you may not know this, but imports can be Super expensive and not everyone can afford it.” Franky explained.

“I see.” Sanji thought it over, yes it made sense. One of Zeff’s irrefutable rules was that EVERYONE deserves to eat. He had plenty of beri to spare, so that was not an issue. The restaurant was being made to follow Zeff’s dreams, not make money. He had enough money to live several lifetimes in lavish wealth.

“I was not aware. Thank you for the insight. I have a policy that everyone deserves to eat. Do you know somewhere I could set up a small booth to provide food until my restaurant opens? Free of charge of course.” This did not count as caring, only as following the rules.

The couple exchanged looks in their secret way. Franky was crying harder and Sanji was pulled back into a hug. Sanji thought about how this man had given him more hugs than anyone else in his lifetime besides his own mother. A record that he will surely surpass at this rate.

“You’re such a Super Bro! I can have something set up by tomorrow. Come by the shop in the morning. The restaurant should be done in about two more months. Your home’s been finished. Do you want to go now and see it?!” Franky released him and was bouncing with excitement to show off his work.

“Thank you. I do need to settle in for the night.” Sanji smiled back. Franky hugged and kissed his wife goodbye and the two set off, riding in the front of Sanji’s carts.

The house was an immaculate, large two-story mansion. Franky was proud to show off the extra details he added for free, because Sanji was such a Super Bro. There were resplendent carvings in the railing, crown molding and on the furniture. Franky knew a painter who could add some color to the place as well. He didn’t want to start before asking because he did not know what colors he liked.

The appliances were impressive as well. To which Franky gave credit to his Super wife for the magic that was imbued in each item, including the lighting. His kitchen was the place where the work mattered most to him. Franky had followed his directions closely with adding a few of his own ideas that only added to its majesty. This was his own kitchen, one where he would not need to hide or sneak around to do what he...once loved.

Maybe love could grow again?

Franky explained that his dwelling, as well as the entire town, now had indoor plumbing. This was one of the other features that he had apparently paid for with his funds. “Everyone is super thankful to you for that. We had started the project years ago and had it all planned out until the water was poisoned along with the land. Another thing we have to thank you for helping fix.”

Sanji just nodded. “Yes, I suppose I gave Robin far more beri than she needed and she put it to good use. She is a smart and hard-working woman. You and this town should be thanking the people who put in the work more than the one who put in the money. Speaking of your work, it is stunning and commendable. I look forward to seeing you finish my other commissions. Now it is late, and I wish to rest. I will see you in the morning, Franky.”

With another hug they said their farewells and Sanji was left in his large house alone.

 The plan had worked, and he was free.

He spent the night unloading and unpacking. Unburying the other crates, he brought in the ones to put away and reburied three crates of beri and other treasures, in case of emergency.

Unpacking the crates he put away the wine in the cellar, books in the library and other items found new homes. The beri, jewelry, magical items, and other expensive pieces were locked in the massive safe room for which only Sanji had a key. The key was put on a string and around his neck. The string had a spell to be alerted if it was taken off or broken.

He ran into an issue with the portrait of his mother. Where to put it? He could not leave it out on the very slim chance it gave him away. Judge had pictures and statues of himself in every town he owned and a few had portraits of him with his wife. Judge said it was to remind the people to whom they bow to. Sanji hung the portrait on the wall in the safe and covered it with a blue length of cloth.

Now he just needed to finish up purchasing needed items, like cookware, bedsheets, and other necessities. He slept on a bed without sheets or pillows, another purchase for tomorrow. He preferred comfort but there were many times when he was on the march with the Germa army and had slept on the ground. Despite the lack of bedding, the night was more restful than any before. Was it that his plans were complete?

Perhaps freedom was the relaxing sensation of being unburdened.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Waking with the sunrise, Sanji made his way into town and met with Franky. He was outside his shop setting up a booth. They decided to let Sanji use their kitchen and then serve it outside.

“This will work. Now I will have to meet up with the lovely Nami so she can introduce me to the dock master. We will need to get food to serve people and there are many items I am in need of.” Sanji said as he was shown their kitchen. They had what he would need to make some simple food to feed people. Simple was important since they had been starving.

“I can introduce you. He’s a bro of mine!” Franky offered. Sanji suspected that everyone in town was a ‘bro’ of the overly friendly man. “Nami’s gone right now. Visiting her hometown. Let’s Gooooooo!” Franky took off and Sanji followed behind.

The docks were hustling and bustling even this early in the morning. There was a dark-skinned man with thick curly black hair tied back in a ponytail wearing a bandanna shouting orders. His long nose that was his most prominent feature. “Usopp, Bro!” Franky called out and the man turned and smiled at them. “This is Sanji. He’s the one that moved into the house I finished and he’s gonna run the restaurant I’m building. He needs to make some orders. Can you help him out?”

“You can leave it up to the great Usopp! I’m Usopp by the way.” The man offered out his hand in friendship. Sanji took it and shook it with a poised smile.

“Nice to meet you. I have three lists. One list contains items to be sent to my home and can wait, the second is for my restaurant that will be opening in about two months so there is no rush, and lastly this list has things I need now.” Sanji handed him the lists and he looked it over.

“The list for today I can happily say I can get all of these. The other one... Some I can get you today and the rest we will have to order. The restaurant list will take some time so thanks for giving it to me now. It will take a few weeks to get it all.” Usopp stopped a few people and gave orders. To one he gave the ‘today list’ and the smiling woman grabbed a cart and started loading it. Usopp quoted the prices and Sanji handed over the beri. They made arrangements to drop them off at his home, which Usopp assured would remain untouched because of the town was very safe.

This was a man of business and was very straight forward. Sanji could respect such work ethic. “Why do you need so much food on your today list? Got a family?”

“No. Just me. I’m...promoting my restaurant and giving away some free food until it opens.” Sanji tried to emphasize that his reasons were more selfish before he had another person misunderstanding.

“That’s really nice of you! My wife, Kaya, and I had been donating food when stock gets close to expiring to help people keep going. It’s not much but it’s what we can offer. My wife and I run the docks but she’s off today. Glad to have another kind soul like my wife in town.” The man was another too friendly personality like Franky, it seemed.

“Oh! Did Franky tell you? I’m also the handy man around here. You need something fixed you can call on either of us. I do all sorts of odd jobs! I’m a jack of all trades and master of all, as they say! Franky said you might want some painting done.”

Sanji thought over the idea of painting his home. It is what normal people did; he was trying to be normal and not suspicious. “Yes. Both my mother and a mentor of mine loved the sea and instilled in me the same love. Can I trust you to pick some colors to help spruce the place up?”

“Absolutely! No one has a better eye for interior design than I do! I can also help you pick out some items to decorate your new home! Leave it to the great Captain Usopp!” Usopp tilted his head up and back in pride while pointing to his chest with his thumb.

“I can agree to that once I see how the paint job looks. I am amenable to assistance in making my house a home.” This was a great idea. Usopp could make his home look like someone who cared lived there. He had not considered decorating because it was unnecessary, but it would make him look less like a retired, emotionless, Germa prince.

 Sanji paid his beri to buy some paints, set a time with Usopp to start the work and Franky helped push the cart back to 'Super Designs!’. Franky also helped to unload the cart. Sanji was about to refuse but then remembered he was pretending to be a normal man now, not a genetically modified super solider. He accepted the help.

Learning to accept help, he asked if there was someone in town, they could trust to help hand out the porridge and fresh squeezed orange juice. While Sanji started the meal, Franky left then later reappeared with a beautiful dark blue haired woman in a yellow kimono. Her name was Kikunojo, Kiku for short, she was demure and polite.

Perfect, now he would not have to deal with everyone thanking him constantly. Sanji handed off the breakfast food and started working on prep for the rest of the day. In his down time he read a book that he had brought with him about farming.

After a few hours, Kiku returned and helped him clean the kitchen. She told him how thankful the town’s people had been. He nodded. Sanji helped with lunch as well, remaining in the kitchen away from the crowd. For dinner he repeated the process and left once Robin and Kiku assured him that they could finish cleaning up without him.

Sanji snuck out the back door and walked the town and stopped at a few places. The town was very friendly, even though he was a stranger, most people smiled at him. There were even children running around, smiling, laughing, playing. Their childish joy was something Sanji had never experienced himself. He wondered what it must feel like to experience such unbridled joy.

The town had its own culture, and some forced on it from Germs. He went to a tailor’s and was fitted for some suits, Germa style, and some yukatas, fashion from Wano. He wanted to blend in. He also bought other clothing items and accessories.

He also purchased some cigarettes, a pipe, and tobacco. It was a habit that he picked up from some soldiers in the army he was leading years ago. Back when he wanted people to like him, he would copy what they did in an effort to be more normal.

The new habit angered his father. Which was all the encouragement he needed to continue, but he still did it in secret. Now he could smoke, drink, cook, or do whatever else he wanted without the watchful eye of Germa’s King.

Returning home there was a delivery waiting for him. As luck would have it the delivery contained bed sheets and pillows for his bed and all the guest beds. There was no plan to host guests, but it was expected in some cases, so it would be necessary.

There were other rooms in his home that were deemed necessary for nobles that Sanji had no intention of using but was worried it may be odd to not have. One being a large ball room. He anticipated he would never be asked to actually host a ball. He did not want to host one either. Too much work, too many people. But he had the room if it was required of him.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

The weeks passed much the same with making meals at Robin and Franky’s kitchen and Kiku assisting. He started to pay the young lady a wage, despite her refusing at first because she just wanted to help. Was it not sensible for a person to be paid for their work?

It took him telling her he wanted to hire her as an employee at his restaurant and this was training wages, for her to accept. After that Sanji was introduced to more people that were looking for work. First, he wanted to resist. Then he remembered that he would need to train and hire staff, so why not now? He hired and paid them all. The borrowed kitchen was becoming crowded with him training his soon to be staff.

Returning home after a long day, he sat in a large comfortable chair, smoking a pipe and reading a book. Finishing the last page, he sat the book on the coffee table.

What should he do now?

That really was the question, wasn’t it? He was waiting for his restaurant and the other structures to be built. Usopp had finished painting and decorating his house. He had done an outstanding job. His home looked quite cultured. There was little else to do at this time. Once the restaurant was open, he could start a new routine and just...live his life.

He could do whatever he wanted. He wanted to...He tried to conceptualize what he wanted to do with his life, his freedom. Weeks had passed and everything still felt like...nothing...

It felt like nothing. Just things he was doing. The fire inside had been doused from lack of use and a fuel shortage. Sanji had wanted to add to his emotional reserves and to leave them unused. Cooking for others had not done it.

He wanted to feel...something again. That was one of the reasons he left. To feel and to stop burning it all away. To feel...human.

He wanted to have what every person in town had accused him of: caring. Maybe he had waited too long, and it was no longer possible. Just like he waited too long to save Zeff. If he had left when asked would it had made a difference, or had he already passed the point of no return?

Were his emotions so thoroughly destroyed that nothing could grow in his heart again? Like his siblings. All this work and effort, months of planning, betraying his family, faking his death. He endeavored for nothing. A life of solitude and appeasement, instead of the pandemonium of battle.

He would have to accept it was all he would get.

It was enough.

It had to be.

Sanji put out his pipe and went through the motions of his bedtime routine. Washing his face upstairs in the master bathroom, he heard loud banging from his front door. Who would visit at this hour? By the level of urgent banging, it sounded like an emergency. The banging became louder and more urgent. He quickly made his way downstairs into the foyer. Before making his way to the door there was a powerful CRASH of splintered wood as his door was kicked in.

The destroyer of his door was a green haired man wearing a green yukata, with three swords at his hip. He had a long scar down the left eye and three golden earrings in his left ear. He was filthy and angry. “OI! Who the fuck is in my home?!” The intruder asked stomping his way inside.

The intruder was getting dirt all over his clean floors. “This is my home! I had it built just for me! Meaning, you sir, are either very confused or very stupid!” Sanji shouted back. How could this house possibly belong to another? He paid for it to be built himself.

“Nah. This is my land, and you parked your crap here! That makes it my crap now! You can’t just move onto someone’s property without buying the land.” The man looked him over, sizing him up for a fight, hand on the hilt of a sword.

Sanji gritted his teeth, grinding as his jaw tightened. This man was rude as hell! But he would still try and reason with him. “I’m sure this is a shock to you. But I bought this land from a woman named Nami who works for the lord who presides over Wano. I overpaid so that you would be given enough to purchase your own land. I can offer you some beri to get a hotel for the night until you see Nami and resolve this issue. Now please leave. You are making a mess.” A perfectly reasonable response. Surely the man will take the money and leave him be.

“Why don’t you make me leave, Curly Brow? This is my property and I’m not leaving! Thanks for leaving all your crap here. Go stay in the hotel you obviously have beri to spend on!” The man said while kicking off his shoes in a show that he wasn’t leaving. One boot flew into a vase smashing it. The man grinned in a wide challenging smile, asking Sanji to fight him on it.

“CURLY BROW?! What the hell does that mean?”

The infuriating man smiled and pointed to his eyebrows and the swirled magic rune engraved into the skin. The magic was alive, crawling, and burning across his skin begging to ignite. It was too risky, using his fire magic may give away who he was. “Your eyebrows look like a dart board! Dart Brow!”

“My name is Sanji! Most civilized people introduce themselves when first meeting. Or is that too hard for your peanut sized brain to grasp? This is my house and I’m not leaving!” Sanji had had enough! Patience gone and anger rising, Sanji launched into an attack and kicked at the rude man in his, now dirty, foyer. The man blocked the attack with one of his swords.

A sword swung and cut his silk pajama shirt open. It had been a soft, comfortable, imported shirt, that could take a week to get replaced. Another kick and Sanji landed an attack to the man's side.

“Fine, I’ll give you my name so you can remember who kicked the ass of the rich asshole who thinks he can take whatever he wants, if he throws enough money around! It’s Zoro! Want me to carve it into your fancy walls?” Sanji ducked as a sword sliced above his head and cut down a picture of a lighthouse that Usopp had picked out and Sanji had approved.

“Stop wreaking my house, Asshole! Is the moss on your head growing from out of your brain? Why can’t you just be reasonable?!” Sanji screamed back having completely lost his cool.

In response Zoro screamed at him and swung his swords at a coat rack, cutting it in half.

This brute was destroying everything he worked so hard to build. Also, his feet were somehow dirtier than his shoes and he left dirty prints with every step.

“You destroyed my house! It’s only right I wreak yours! Asshole! Thief!” Zoro shouted back, blocking another kick.

The fight continued and they matched blow for blow. His house fared less well, as the list of broken and destroyed items increased as battle went on. “What house?! The only thing on this land was a dilapidated shack with a sunk in roof. Nami thought you were dead when she sold it, so did everyone else! I still overpaid just in case you were alive so you could buy a new place! That’s pretty fucking generous, Marimo head! I bought this land fair and square, then Franky built me a house on it!”

Zoro paused. “Wait! Everyone thinks I’m dead?”

Still fuming but wanting the fight to stop, Sanji lowered his leg. “Yeah. Nami and the others didn’t think you were coming back. Ask them why. It’s not my business.”

Zoro slumped down to the floor. “Damn. I think I need a drink.”

“What you really need is a bath. You reek and leave filth like a pig who took a roll in mud and its own shit.”

“Well, sorry Prissy Princess!” The tone was sarcastic enough for Sanji to believe he was not in the least bit sorry. “I was fighting to protect this town and everyone here, who apparently thinks I’m too weak to survive a war. We don’t exactly have luxury baths to keep up with your high noble standards! What would you know about living your life on the battlefield?”

Actually, Sanji knew a lot about it, not that he could share that. Taking a second look with fresh eyes he saw a man who was tired, dirty, who his friends thought he had died and given up on him. Zoro’s stomach growled loudly. Everything about this asshole was loud and demanded to be heard.

“Fine, maybe I don’t know what you’ve been through, but I do know what it’s like to be hungry. I’m a chef. Go upstairs and use the bathroom and bathe while I make you dinner.” Sanji pointed up the stairs. “First door on the left.”

Zoro huffed and was about to say something then pursed his lips and stomped upstairs. With each step he stomped hard and left footprints on the stairs. Sanji was breathing heavily, not from the fight but from how pissed off he was.

Sanji stormed into the kitchen and started making chicken with mixed vegetables. While he was cooking, he got lost in his thoughts about the uninvited sentient Moss in his upstairs bathroom. Who was very certainly making a bigger mess! How could that brute of a man just kick in someone’s door and demand they leave a house they built?! Sanji was fuming, he thought there may even be smoke coming out of his ears.

Zoro made Sanji feel infuriated, annoyed, disgusted exasperated and...

Zoro made Sanji FEEL.

Not only that, but those feelings were also so intense that they thrummed through his veins, igniting something thought lost. Something he had given up on finding. A powerful response in such a short amount of time. For years he would scrape together mere morsels to feel even the smallest tingle of...something that he would struggle to name. With these emotions came a yearning to take back more of the emotions he had never thought to claim again.

He could hear the man stomping down the stairs, again loudly. Zoro appeared in the kitchen wearing pajamas that were too small for him, Sanji’s pajamas. The shirt was left open, revealing a broad chest wrapped in bandages. Sanji grimaced at the other man having the audacity to go through his things and wear his clothes, but he said nothing and set out the food for him.

Zoro did not so much as sit but slam his large body into the chair. RIIIIPPPPP! Sounded throughout the quiet kitchen. “It’s not my fault! They're too small. I couldn’t even get the shirt closed.”

“That wouldn’t be a problem if you wore your own damn clothes and didn’t steal mine!”

“Mine are too dirty! I thought you wanted me to be clean in your unsullied fancy-ass house!” Zoro crossed his arms.

Sanji glared at him. “Where did you leave your dirty clothes?”

“Floor.”

“There is a basket in the bathrooms for dirty clothes and linens. You heathen! Just- Just eat your damned food already!” Sanji said pushing the plate none too gently towards the other man.

“No drink?”

Sanji threw his hand out palm up next to a glass of water. “There’s a glass of water next to the plate. Are you blind in both eyes?”

“Tch. I meant booze. Guy like you probably has some posh booze that’s older than your great gran. You love flaunting your wealth so much why don’t you show me more of your generosity?” Zoro said pointedly.

Sanji was mad that Zoro was right. Mad. He felt mad. Without a word he went to the cellar and returned with a wine that would pair well with the meal. Pouring a generous amount in a wine glass he set it down in front of the ungrateful man and gave a sarcastic bow and scowled. Sanji sat in the chair across from him.

Zoro took a long drink and continued until it was empty, then he held the glass out like a child asking for a refill. “No, eat some of your damn food first. Are you a child who has to be told to eat and not fill up on treats and drinks?”

With a glower and making direct eye contact, Zoro used his hand to pick up the plate and the other to scoop the food down his gullet. Sanji shot up out of his chair. “What the fuck?! Are you really some caveman who doesn’t know how to use a fork?” He was ignored and Zoro kept sloppily eating.

“Answer me, Marimo! Do you know any basic manners?! At all?! Any?!” Sanji wanted to kick the man again and start another fight, the damage his house would suffer stopped him from acting on the emotion.

When finished, Zoro set the plate down and gave his answer: a booming belch, then he used the back of his sleeve to wipe some of the food from his mouth. All while scowling directly and at Sanji, challenging him to say more.

He didn’t even clean his face right and now he might stain his pajamas sleeve. Grabbing the napkin, sitting right next to the plate, Sanji harshly rubbed Zoro’s face like an insolent child and cleaned him up. He smiled that smug annoying smile back to him. “Thanks, Pretty Brow!”

“Pretty Brow? What kind of insult is that, Marimo?” Sanji asked, his anger still peaked.

“Oh, Marimo is so much better? Thanks for the food. It’s the least you could do.” The green haired man pushed the empty plate away from him.

“The least I could do is kick your ass again and leave you outside like the untrained dog you act like! I only stopped because I got tired of you wreaking MY house! Before you start shit again, I’m going to graciously allow you to spend the night in the guest bedroom until we find a resolution to your problem! Second room on the left.” Sanji said pointing to the stairs.

Pushing his chair back and to the ground, Zoro stood up. “Thank you for being so damned gracious and letting me sleep on MY land! Thanks for the shitty food, Shit-Cook!”

When Zoro got up, Sanji saw the tear in the pants along the seem of the butt, his pants, that Zoro was wearing. He was greeted to a full moon. “Are you not wearing underwear while wearing my clothes?!”

“They’re dirty!” Zoro stomped back up the stairs and went into the first door on the right.

“You’re dirty! Second door on the left!” Sanji said following him upstairs and pointing to Zoro’s left.

Zoro opened the second door on the right. “I know!”

“Do you?!” Sanji grabbed Zoro’s shoulder and shoved him at the correct door. Zoro slammed the door close behind him.

Sanji was still abuzz with newfound emotions and energy. He decided to clean up. Sanji saw dirty footprints all over the floor. The upstairs guest bathroom was untouched, his personal master bathroom was a mess. How the fuck did he get dirty water on the ceiling?! That had to be intentional! He cleaned up and threw the dirty clothes in his magically powered washer and dryer, thankful that Robin and Franky knew how to build them.

That night Sanji thought back over the events of the night. Until now everything had felt muted, faded, empty. In a few hours, Zoro had brought color to his life again, given that color was him seeing red, and green with his annoying mossy hair. Green and red are still more brilliant colors than the misty grey that distorted his view of the world. What other colors would Zoro bring to his life?

What Will Tomorrow Bring? What more will Zoro bring out in him?

His body still trembled from the excitement for tomorrow. For spending more time with Zoro. For the first time in many many years, Sanji was eagerly anticipating the future. Somehow, he needed for Zoro to be a part of it.

Chapter Text

Chapter 3:

But You Could Warm Your Hands

Zoro awoke as he crashed to the floor from a strong kick. Zoro rolled into a fighting position and unsheathed his sword to see the asshole from last night glaring down at him. The blond has some skill to be able to sneak up on Zoro, even sleeping he was difficult to take by surprise. He chalked it up to the comfortable bed and full night's sleep, he got too comfortable, too soft, too vulnerable. He couldn’t let that become the norm.

“It’s time to wake up asshole.” The blond said ignoring the swords poised to cut him down. He pointed to the dresser where his clean clothes lay on top. “I washed your nasty clothes. You're welcome, not that you know how to be thankful. Dress, in your own clothes, and come down for breakfast.” The blond then exited and closed the door behind him.

Zoro changed out of the torn clothes. He took the shirt off and used it as a tissue to blow his nose. Smiling at the glob of snot he left; he then crumpled it up and tossed it on the floor near the basket likely used for laundry. The torn pants were thrown and landed on the floor near the dresser.

The blond bastard already thought he was a ‘heathen’ then he would sure as hell live up to his expectations. Rich noble assholes were what was wrong with this world. They avoided the war that they started and put anyone without a title before their name on the front lines.

Those types would never understand the sacrifices that he and others had made. Zoro lost an eye to this war and nearly his life. All while the rich got richer and watched from afar sitting on their mounds of ill-gotten gains.

Usopp was born poor but married rich and earned a title that kept him from fighting. Zoro could understand because Usopp had married for love, he was also a coward who likely would have died the first day. Franky was exempt for the fact that he was technically disabled despite his self-made modifications. The two still found ways to help others.  Zoro could still hold respect for them.

Zoro had finally been given some leave after their victory over Arlong. His commanding officer, Captain Luffy, had insisted that he return home, to Wano, where they can regroup and Zoro can heal. Had it not been for nearly bleeding out, from the battle before Arlong and the injuries from fighting Arlong’s crew, he would have stayed to help rebuild Cocoyasi village.

Zoro fought that day despite his injuries. Not only was it a decisive victory over another piece of Germa territory and defeating Arlong and his cohorts, but there was also another unexpected victory over Germa: the death of one of Germa’s top soldiers, Stealth Black. One of the King’s five monstrous children.

Luffy had claimed that Stealth Black was fighting against Arlong, who called him a traitor. The resistance was happy to let Germa fight amongst themselves. It was unknown who dealt the final blow nearly cutting off Stealth Blacks head and burning him to a crisp. If he ever found out who killed the bastard, he would buy them a drink. Now three out of five of Germa’s top warriors were dead. Spread too thin and unable to hold territory, Germa was weaker now than they had ever been.

Zoro’s only regret is that he hadn’t delivered the killing blow to the Germa monster himself. His swords itched to take out their righteous anger on the Germa royal family. Once those monsters no longer walked this earth, then they could find peace.

After the fight with Arlong, they were regrouping to make plans to regain some of their lands. Zoro hoped there was talk of defeating Germa once and for all. The enemy still had two strong warriors left and a large army. It had taken Luffy and Zoro working together to defeat Sparking Red. In theory, if they could separate the last two Germa warriors then they could take them out as well.

Luffy forced Zoro to return before him due to his injuries. He was reluctant to leave but followed his Captain’s orders. The forced medical leave allowed him to at least return home and relax before the next fight. Or so he thought. Instead he found another fight in the form of an arrogant trespasser.

He arrived in town last night, having taken a carriage back a majority of the journey, he walked the rest of the way home which took twice as long as normal, they probably changed to roads while he was gone. He was happy to see that Robin must have been successful in her experiments to revive the land. The growing crops of wheat were a beautiful golden flowing sight to behold.

He had been astonished to see a large two-story house on his land and his home nowhere in sight. All he had wanted was to make it home and fall asleep in his small hay-stuffed bed.

Instead, he had been greeted by one of the rudest rich assholes on the planet. Zoro delighted in destroying the assholes house. How dare he just buy the land right out from under Zoro’s feet, all while Zoro was fighting a war to protect assholes like him! Then he had the audacity to act like Zoro was the rude one!

 The noble asshole even tried to throw money at him to make him leave, like some cheap whore. Zoro owned very little in the world to include his three swords, the clothes on his back, and the land passed down to him from his deceased parents. Above all of that he had his pride, which was not so easily bought off. A lesson this noble blond asshole is going to learn the hard way.

Changing into his new clothes he noticed they smelled nice and were soft as well. These types of luxuries weren’t necessary in Zoro’s opinion. He could just bath in a creek with his clothes on and clean himself and his clothes at the same time. It was far more efficient in his opinion.

Making his way down to the kitchen he found the blond was eating already. There was a plate of food for him. It was some type of pie looking thing. Zoro picked up the slice of pie and looked at it dubiously.

“It’s a quiche.” The blond informed him in a tone that you would use for a child to explain a new word to them.

Zoro sneered at the man before shoving the slice in his mouth. The crust was crisp but flaky and the filling was warm and creamy, melting in his mouth. Unintentionally he let out a small groan of approval. The blond looked at him and raised an eyebrow and the edge of a smile played on his lips.

Zoro had thought last night that he had eaten the best food of his life only because he was so hungry but now, he knew that the food really was well made and worthy of praise. Praise this asshole doesn’t deserve. “Taste like shit, Cook.” Zoro commented with a mouth full of food.

The small curl of a lip that played at being a smile disappeared, the blond stared back at him with a look of disbelief in the functioning of his own ears. The guy was probably used to others kissing his ass. “I’m a chef, not a cook.” The blond corrected. “I apologize that my cuisine is not up to the standards of your usual slop. Perhaps next time I can serve it to you in a trough, outside with the other animals.”

“At least I would have better company, Shit Cook.” Zoro said while shoving the remaining of the delicious food into his mouth. He got up and grabbed another slice.

“If it’s so bad then why go back for another slice?” The blond asked eyebrow raised, and head tilted.

“I'm still hungry and no reason to waste food. Us peasants don’t just throw out food if it tastes bad. We eat to survive.” Zoro replied with a sneer and a mouthful of quiche.

The ghost of a smile pulled at the Cook's lips before disappearing. “I can appreciate those who do not waste food. When you are finished, we will head into town. I have some shopping and errands to do. Can I trust you to investigate our predicament on your own?”

Zoro swallowed downed the last of his food with some water. He would have to buy some booze when he was in town. “Pshhh. If you’re asking if I can solve it on my own, I can. I’ll meet up with my friends, get this sorted out, and get you off my land. I may even be so generous as to let you stay the night on my land again until you move your crap off my land.”

“What a magnanimous host you have been thus far! I look forward to your continued generosity.” The cook retorted. Zoro did not know what magnanimous meant but he knew that he was being insulted. The sooner he was rid of this bastard the better.

On their way-out Zoro noticed the remainder of the door had a blanket hung over it and a coffee table propped up against it to discourage any wildlife from making themselves at home. Zoro smiled at his handy work from the night prior. They exited through the still intact back door.

Making their way into town in the early hours of the morning their first stop was the docks. The sun was cresting over the hill, and the birds sang in the trees to mark the start of a new spring day. The walk was pleasant despite the two bickering the entire walk.

It was like the blond wanted Zoro to be pissed off at him with the way he talked to him.

“Zoro! You’re alive!” Usopp called out while leaping at Zoro and pulling him into a hug.

“Yeah, yeah, I lived. The better question is: why the hell does everyone seems to think I died?” Zoro asked.

Usopp looked nervously around before answering. “Oh, uh...well...I think that’s a better question for Robin! You know how she likes to keep her ear to the ground for news. When you can maybe have a private chat with her about it. Anything you need to order from me today?” Zoro nodded in reply.

Zoro understood the context immediately. Robin had some magical means for spying and receiving news. She must have heard something about him and got the wrong read on the message. A private chat with Robin was code for something involving rebel activity, so they needed to meet in private, to discuss it.

“Got any good booze?” Zoro asked.

“Got beri to pay for that booze?” Usopp shot back.

“Tch, yeah I’ve got some.” Zoro pulled out a small bag and counted out some beri and put it in Usopp’s outstretched hand.

“For this...I can get you one bottle of something good or three bottles of something decent or five bottles of cheap moonshine.” Usopp offered.

Ever a master of arithmetic Zoro knew that he wanted quantity over quality. “Five bottles of the cheap stuff.” It still surprised Zoro that Nami thought he was bad with money when he made good deals like this.

 “Good day to you Usopp!” The Cook chimed in. “Before you complete his purchases, I would like to remind the sentient Moss that he still needs to pay for the damages to my home.” He handed a piece of paper over to Usopp.

Usopp handed the note over to another worker who began filling the order. “He damaged your house? Why would he-” Usopp’s face shifted to fear. “Oh! Oh! Right! Sorry Zoro, you should speak to Nami! Yep, Nami was the one you should be mad at not me! I had nothing to do with the sale!” Usopp handed Zoro back his beri.

Zoro tried to shove the beri back into Usopp’s hands. “I’m not paying to fix his damn door! Just give me my booze!”

Usopp shoved the beri back. “Sorry, I’m not getting involved in your dispute. Come back after you figured it out. Maybe Franky will give you a good deal and you can use the remainder to buy alcohol. Speaking of, where is Franky this morning, Sanji?”

“I came straight here this morning. I’m sure we can manage to carry the order back on our own. Would you mind helping carry some packages to Franky’s workshop with me this morning, Moss?” The blond looked at him expectantly, like Zoro owed him. An opinion they did not share.

“Nope. Carry your own shit. I’m not your pack mule.” Zoro crossed his arms and looked at the many boxes that were starting to pile into a cart in front of them.

The blond let out a sigh. “Usopp add the five cheap bottles of booze to the order. Is that enough incentive to enlist your help?”

“Why not five bottles of the good stuff? You suddenly a cheapskate, Money Bags?” Zoro sneered. Might as well get as much as he can out of the deal. Were it one of his friends he would do it for free, but this asshole was gonna have to pay him.

“Oh! Suddenly you have a refined palate! Fine, let’s play it your way! Usopp give me ten bottles of the good stuff.” The Cook pointed a finger in Zoro’s face. “You can earn one bottle for hauling the cart to Franky’s. The rest I will keep as incentives to offer up when I am in need basic human decency from you.”

“I see you aren’t above bribery to get your way.” Just like every other noble Zoro had ever met.

“Ha! More like treats to help train a mutt.” The Cook handed over one bottle of sake to Zoro.

Zoro took the sake bottle and tucked it into his haramaki. “Woof!” Zoro shouted, startling the Cook making him jump slightly. He grabbed the full cart and started pulling it.

Usopp shouted at the retreating forms. “I’m glad you two are getting along! Tell Franky I have the thing he ordered ready. He’ll know what I mean.”

A hand stopped Zoro and pulled the cart down another street. “Franky’s shop is this way.”

“I know where Franky’s workshop is! That was a short cut!” Zoro yelled back.

“Really? Because shortcuts are supposed to be shorter not take you in the opposite direction!” The cook kept one hand on the cart to steer it in the right direction.

Arriving at Franky’s workshop they saw him setting up some tables outside. Upon seeing Zoro, Franky ran over with tears already leaking from his eyes in streams. “Zoro-Bro! You’re alive!” Franky shouted as he scooped Zoro up into a too tight hug.

Hearing the noise Robin came out to join them. “Zoro! I suppose this means news of your demise were premature.” Robin wrapped her arms around them both in a small group hug. She leaned closer to his ear. “Come by after business hours and we will talk more.”

Zoro was finally released from the tight squeeze of affection from the married couple. “Right. Usopp said he has your order at the docks.”

“Before you leave, I am in need of a new door and a few home repairs, maybe even a little touch up on the paint. Mosshead here busted it open last night. Since he broke it, he’s buying it.” Sanji said pointing at Zoro with a very accusatory tone for a single finger.

Zoro leaned into the other man’s personal space until their foreheads were touching and growled back. “It’s your fault for putting your crap on MY land! I’m not paying for anything to be fixed in your shitty house. The damages were the result of your trespassing!” He was getting really tired of defending his actions of defending his home.

The married couple exchanged a look. The two had a way of talking without talking. Zoro often wondered if Robin was secretly communicating with her magic in some way or Franky was waiting for his wife’s reaction before speaking.

“Bro, I get you’re mad but none of us knew you were alive or if you would ever find your way back here.” Franky defended the bastard's actions of encroaching on his land.

Zoro broke the physical contact with the Cook. He expected a smug look but instead his face was blank and unreadable.

“It’s true. There was reason to believe you had perished. We are happy to learn it is untrue. Nami made the decision with the knowledge that she had. I believe she will have the beri for you after she returns.” Robin explained.

“Returns from where?” Zoro asked dreading the answer.

Ever the source for information, Robin continued. “She returned to her hometown: Cocoyasi village. There were rumors of fighting breaking out there and she needed to make sure her sister was alive and well. She also planned to stay to help rebuild. So, we do not know when she will return. Until then, where have you been staying and can you extend your stay?”

Both Zoro and Sanji answered simultaneously.

“No.” Zoro said firmly.

“Yes.” Sanji said just as firmly.

The answer took Zoro by surprise. Didn’t this asshole want him out of his house? That was the entire point of every fight they have had since meeting the night prior.

“He stayed in one of my guest rooms last night. I have the space for him to stay until Nami returns and we find a solution.” Sanji replied. Zoro watched his face closely and saw nothing of note. His poker face could give Robin a run for her beri.

“That’s super kind of you Sanji-Bro!” Franky said embracing the blond. “I’ll even replace the door for free this afternoon. It’s the least I can do for my bro Zoro.” When Franky hugged him the blond’s arms were stiffly at his sides and his hands were clenched into fists as though waiting for a fight. Once he was released from the hug, his tension eased, fists unclenched, and his blank face remained.

“That is considerate of you, thank you Franky.” Sanji replied with a smile now plastered on his face as though it had been painted on. “I have work to do before the day begins. Please excuse me.” Once he turned to head inside, the smile disappeared as though it had never been there. Sanji vanished into Franky’s shop. He gave no space for Zoro to argue or ask why he would let him stay at his place when they obviously hated each other.

“I’m going to go see Usopp and get our order!” Franky kissed his wife on the cheek and ran off.

“I’m glad you two are friends.” Robin said with a small chuckle.

“He’s not my friend, he’s an asshole!” Zoro retorted. He didn’t want anyone thinking that he liked the arrogant bastard. Though his actions had left him a bit dumbfounded.

“Hmmm...Consider that perhaps your dislike is colored by your situation rather than something he has done intentionally.” Robin offered her wisdom as always.

“No, he’s just...asshole…colored!” Zoro wasn’t sure how to explain that the guy was the worst when he just showed fake kindness in front of his friends.

“I see. Well, while Sanji has been here, he has been polite and done much to help the town. The tables here are set up because he has been feeding the town three free meals three times a day. All because I mentioned that there are some people here that are struggling to eat. Let’s end the conversation here for now. I’m sure you have important business to do today. Such as visiting our doctor to have your bandaged wounds looked at.” Robin said eyeing his loose bandages that he applied himself after his bath last night.

“It’s fine. I don’t need-”

Robin cut him off before he could finish. “That was not a suggestion. You will visit the doctor and let him check on you. You will return after business hours to talk more. We are done here. Goodbye.” Robin spoke leaving no room for argument and left before Zoro could try to start one. There was no avoiding going to see the doctor now that Robin demanded it, she had ways of knowing if he didn’t go. Mostly being a good friend of the doctor.

Zoro decided he would indulge before visiting the doctor. He knew that he would be forbidden from drinking after the visit, but he couldn’t forbid him from imbibing before the visit. Zoro sat down across the street on the dusty ground to watch a few villagers bring out trays and dishes.

While drinking he pondered the Cook’s actions and words. The only conclusion he could come to about why he would allow him to stay is that he was putting up a front. Everyone in town was already kissing his ass. He pretended that he was some charitable noble. An oxymoron. That must be why he acts so friendly with everyone and throws his money around. If the others hadn’t been there he would have been fine with throwing Zoro out on his ass, like he had intended to last night before their truce.

The sake was good, and Zoro savored the flavor instead of downing it quickly. Maybe there was something to be said of quality over quantity, sometimes. He had watched most of the town come out for free food in the morning and the sun was now high in the sky signaling the afternoon. New food and a new line emerged.

Zoro was feeling a bit peckish and lined up and got food for himself. He never saw the Cook come out. He sat back down in a different spot to watch the shop but one that had shade from the heat. The meal was a bowl of ramen. It looked like something anyone could make and surely, he made some cheap version to feed the poor masses. One bite told him otherwise. The broth was rich with flavor, the noodles were firm but chewy and the other ingredients sang with the same flavor.

Ok, the idiot could cook. It was probably just another ploy to get the town to like him. If that was the case, then why wasn’t he out here serving it himself? Zoro knew the answer: because serving was work for servants and he didn’t want to see the poor dirty people he was serving. Typical noble asshole behavior.

Finishing his food and sake, he decided to go to the doctor's office. Zoro entered the Wano Health and Wellness Center and asked for an appointment, hoping that it was for another day. Unfortunately for him, he was being seen immediately.

He was ushered into a small room; he sat down on the bed and awaited the doctor. The room was small but welcoming with toys in the corner for children, donated by Kaya, and the walls painted with different friendly looking animals, all done by Usopp’s hand.

A tiny reindeer with a blue nose walking on two legs with a blue and pink hat entered with a clipboard, which he dropped when he saw Zoro. The small reindeer jumped into his arms and hugged him with tears in his eyes. Is everyone going to cry and make a big deal out of him coming home?

“Zoro, I heard you died! Ahh! You’re still injured! We need a doctor!” Panic was setting into his voice.

Zoro sighed at the expected reaction. “You are the doctor.”

“Oh, right!” Dr. Chopper hopped down and began his examination. Zoro told him about his injuries and Chopper scolded him for his lack of care and not coming to him as soon as he got into town.

Reapplying the bandages Chopper let him know that he was mostly healed but he made him take some medication to prevent infection and told him that he could not drink alcohol while on the medication. “I mean it Zoro! No alcohol while on the antibiotics! Just a few days without alcohol. I know you can do it!”

He could do it; he just didn’t want to. Zoro was glad he had the foresight to drink beforehand. Curious Zoro asked for a second opinion on the new Wano resident. “Have you met the new guy that moved into town yet?”

Chopper wrote down some notes as he talked. “No, not yet. I need to so that he knows he can come here when he’s sick or injured. I’ve heard about him from others in town. He’s been feeding everyone who wants food. It’s nutritious stuff too! I’ve seen many people in town whose health improved by eating his food, not just because they were previously malnourished. He seems to hide away somewhere, so I never get to see him. Have you met him yet?”

“Yeah, he’s a real asshole. Bought my land while I was gone and he’s allowing me to stay on my own land until Nami gets back and we can clear it up and I can kick him out.” Zoro gave him the quick version of his grievance with the man.

  “Zoro, that makes him sound nice. Why don’t you bring him by when he’s free so I can schedule a checkup for him and get to meet him? Then you can show me that he’s the asshole you say he is.” Chopper handed him a slip of paper. “Give that to Robin and she can mix it up for you.”

Zoro smiled and patted the little doctor on the head. At least Chopper was willing to believe him and give him a chance to prove the guy was awful. “Yeah, I’ll do that. Thanks, Doc! I know I can always count on you to have my back.”

“Shut up! That doesn't make me happy idiot!” Chopper said while wiggling around in happiness at the compliment.

After leaving he went to meet up with Robin who gave him a look. The look said I don’t want to talk about that topic right now. He handed her the doctor’s note and she smiled taking it. “It will take about an hour to mix up. Do you want to go upstairs and take a nap while you wait?”

Zoro took her up on her offer and went up to their home above the shop. He could hear noise coming from the kitchen. The pleasing aroma told him that the Cook was inside working. He saw the Cook moving with fluid motions adding ingredients to a pot, stirring a bowl, flipping something in a pan. He was in his element and had an intense focus on his tasks like the rest of the world did not exist while he was working.

He was cute when he wasn’t talking. Zoro pushed that stray thought away and refused to examine it. He had known from an early age that he liked men. It was clear to see that the Cook was an attractive man and- shit he was examining it, the thing he said he wouldn’t do. Time to take a fucking nap.

Zoro laid down on the couch and fell asleep to the smell of food perfuming the air with a bouquet of delicious fragrances.

Chapter Text

Chapter 4:

Yeah, and Stake Out Your Place Right Here Next to Me

After what seemed like not enough time, Zoro was awoken from his nap to the Cook’s voice. “Hey, time to wake up, Mossy! Someone must have watered you because it’s leaking out of your mouth.” Groggily Zoro opened his eye and rubbed at his mouth and wiped the drool that had been spilling.

Sitting up he saw that Robin had completed his medicine and it was sitting on the table next to a glass of water and some onigiri. “Make sure to eat and drink with your medicine. Robin’s orders.”

Zoro took an onigiri and bit into it with a moan. “Mmmmm, this is good.” He was still too sleepy to remember that he hated the bastard and would need to stubbornly insult his cooking despite the appetizing flavor.

“Yeah, you like onigiri?” The Cook asked.

His mother used to make it as a snack for him almost every day when he was a kid, before she died. This was better than his mom’s onigiri, he hated to admit it, so he wouldn’t. He decided he wouldn’t fight on this so that he could eat it again. Zoro nodded smiling; it was his favorite after all.

He saw the Cook smile, a real smile, not the quickly disappearing faint smile he usually gave. For once, it looked genuine. As though every other piece of joy before this had been manufactured for the sake of niceness to the town’s people. This smile seemed to sneak up on the Cook, like he didn’t know he was doing it. Zoro could tell because a hand rose to the Cook’s mouth, concealing the sentiment as though it hadn’t happened.  He turned away back to the kitchen without a word.

Weird, the guy was really weird.

Zoro took his medicine with water wishing it were sake instead. He looked outside and saw that it was dark. He made his way to the kitchen to see what the Cook was working on. He was making and canning various jams. Seeing his interest, Sanji took a spoonful of a red jam and offered it out to Zoro. He opened his mouth and accepted the offering.

“Too sweet. I don’t like sweets.” Zoro grimaced sticking his tongue out. Despite the sweetness it still tasted good. Chopper would love it. There were enough jars that Zoro could probably snatch one and give it to the little Doctor.

Sanji nodded. “Noted.”

Zoro sought out Robin. After searching various rooms and closets, he found her downstairs locking up. She smiled at him. “Is Sanji still working?” She looked up towards her home.

“Yeah, he’s canning jams. Looked like he was done cooking, he was just putting them away.” Zoro replied.

“That’s right and I just finished up.” Sanji answered sneaking up behind him. How the hell did he keep sneaking up on him? He was starting to think it wasn’t his sense dulling that it was just the Cook was some kind of stealthy bastard.

“Thank you, Sanji. If you are done you can leave for the evening, and we will clean up. I’m having some friends over soon. We all want to catch up with Zoro after his absence. Also to make sure everyone knows he is not deceased.” Robin came to Sanji’s side and put an arm around his back to slowly and gently push him towards the door.

“That’s nice. Would you like me to prepare some snacks for your guests?” Sanji asked, not taking the obvious hint for him to depart.

“Oh no, you have done enough, we appreciate all your hard work. We will see you tomorrow.”  Robin was now opening the door and gently guiding Sanji out.

“I see. Feel free to enjoy the jam and some of the fresh baked bread tonight. I can always make more tomorrow.” Robin was about to close the door when Sanji peeked back in, glaring at Zoro. “Moss, I’ll leave the door unlock, so don’t you dare break our new door! I’ll give you a key tomorrow. Enjoy your time together. Goodbye.” As Sanji said goodbye Robin closed the door with a smile.

Robin turned towards Zoro and closed her eyes and crossed her arms over her chest. “I'm letting Franky know that he can bring everyone over now.”

“Ha! I knew you guys could talk in your minds or something.” Zoro said having discovered the reason for their secret stares at one another.

“Hmm yes or something.” Robin said still keeping it a mystery.

It wasn’t long before the others came up. By then Robin had taken Sanji up on his offer and there were slices of bread and jams out for everyone. Nearly all the friends he had left in Wano were there: Franky, Robin, Chopper, Usopp, Kaya, Kiku, and Hiyori surrounded Zoro with hugs and tears in thanks for him returning alive.

Robin looked around, closed her eyes, and crossed her arms. “Ojos Fleur!” Robin spoke as eyes popped up around them and hidden in places below in the shop. She searched for spies and stragglers, finding none she kept her arms cross but opened her eyes.

Everyone took seats in chairs, on the couch, crowding together, Chopper sat on Zoro’s lap. “Now that we have all gathered, we will get started. Yes, there are those not with us today, but they are on missions or with Luffy cleaning up in Cocoyasi village and will return soon. Please enjoy the snacks that Count Blackleg Sanji made for us this evening.” Robin waved her hands over the spread on the table to showcase the snacks.

“Zoro, I know you have many questions but let me speak first about your supposed death.” Robin waited for Zoro to respond, and he nodded for her to continue.

“The last news that was reported to me before you arrived was that you were in critical condition and not expected to survive the night but if you had you would live. When we did not hear any more news about you for two weeks, we assumed the worst. I still received reports but not about you. I asked for a death report to see if you were on it, they sent it, but it was never received. We believe it was intercepted. We all apologize for the current situation you find yourself in with the loss of your land.” Robin bowed low in apology.

“Yeah, thanks. What are we going to do about it? I still want my land back.” Zoro waved his hand upwards asking Robin to get up. She complied and sat down next to him on the edge of the couch arm.

Robin looked back at Zoro. “We will get to that later. I do understand your concern. There is another related matter to discuss first. We need to talk about Count Blackleg Sanji. He is odd and we need to keep an eye on him.”

Zoro slapped his legs, stood up, and threw up his arms and fisted hands in victory. “Finally! I was going crazy because you all thought he was so damned nice! He’s weird as hell! He acts like it’s his first day being human! He has no human decency, or he’d get the hell off my land!”

“Yes, his behavior is quite odd.” Robin agreed.

“When I give him a Super big hug, he looks like I’m trying to hurt him! I half thought he was going to fight me the first time. I was too caught up crying before I noticed.” Franky offered his insight.

Usopp included his own analysis. “He ordered so much from the docks that I thought his house and everything had burned down. It's like he didn’t own a single item up until now. Setting up his house, he had no personal effects. He also just agreed to whatever I suggested to decorate his house. Who doesn’t have any opinions about their own home?”

Kaya added, “Yes. He placed an order with us for several books. He could simply have a variety of interests, but it was odd that there was no rhyme or reason for the vast variety unless he is creating a vast library. It also included some books that are banned, and he said it so casually like he didn’t know. I simply told him I didn’t know if I could get them.”

Chopper paused from shoving a piece of bread with a mound of jam into his mouth. “I haven't met him yet, but hardly anyone in town has actually met him. He helps feed people good food. Really good food. But he never stops to talk to anyone unless he needs something. He only comes to town when he needs something or when he’s feeding people.” Chopper finished talking and shoved the rest of the food in his mouth smearing jam around his mouth. Robin used a napkin to wash his fuzzy face.

Kiku spoke up. “I have been working with him since he moved in. He is very skilled and knowledgeable in the kitchen. I’ve asked a few personal questions, but he brushes them off or finds a distraction to end the conversation. It is so kind of him to help feed the village everyday, but it’s odd that he does not want anyone to thank him. When you try to thank him, he backs off like he’s been physically burned. Then he brushes it off with an excuse about why it’s not a big deal.”

Robin picked up the conversation. “Yes, his behavior is odd, but we are not sure what it means yet. Much of his actions tell me he is an ally.” Zoro gave a derivative snort at that suggestion.

Robin ignored him. “When he arrived, he had a solution for the plague that ravaged our lands. He created a fertilizer that saved us. The concern is that it was far too detailed. I have no proof, but it is likely that he would need more intimate knowledge of how the smile fruit was produced to create this product. Even I could not have created it with the knowledge that I lacked, despite all of my very many sources and vast network.”

“That’s right! Robin is Super knowledgeable about all types of magic!” Franky added.

 They all knew that Robin was in hiding due to her carrying such knowledge. She was considered the most knowledgeable Wizard in the known world, and many sought her capture to help create weapons for war. Luckily, the resistance found and hid her. In return, she helped them without creating weapons. She pretended to be a simple small-town Witch instead of a wanted Wizard criminal. Her wanted poster was out of date, only showing her as a young child. It made hiding easier.

“He also commissioned us to build magical items that only a small number of people know how to make, myself included. Like the washer and dryer. Germa is the most advanced nation in science and magic, but they don’t share that information outside of their territory and much of it is classified. Only the highest-ranking Wizards, carpenters, and engineers in Germa know it. Or those whose wives stole their schematics and gifted it to them for a Super birthday present!” Franky leaned over and gave his wife a kiss.

Robin returned a kiss to her husband and smiled before continuing. “We have discussed a few scenarios. One is that he is a Germa spy and knows that we are part of the resistance and is planning to get close to us to report back to Germa. Another is that he is going to replace Orochi and is gaining the populaces trust before taking over. Or he is going to take the place of Caesar Clown and his fertilizer is but one part of the experiment and he is waiting to see how well it goes before he begins producing smile fruits again.”

Zoro shot up out of his seat at that. “I’ll kill him before I let him hurt people and destroy our lands again!”

Robin smiled. “Yes, if he is an enemy we will eliminate him. But there is the possibility that he is not. These are just speculations at this point, we have not yet confirmed if he is an ally or an enemy. If he is an ally, he would be a powerful ally. So, we cannot act too hastily.”

Zoro sat back down and crossed his arms. It would be so much easier if he could just kill the bastard. All of his immediate problems would be solved.

“Hey, Zoro Bro if it makes you feel better you can be the one to kill him if he turns out to be evil.” Franky said to comfort Zoro, patting him on the shoulder with a large metal hand. Zoro nodded agreeing that he wanted to be the one to do it.

“I can agree to that unless there is an immediate danger.” Robin remarked. “Now, the other possibility is that he is an ally. We have checked out his background and we did not find any holes but some oddities. The Count Blackleg family were allies of the rebellion. For this the husband, wife, and their staff were all killed in a fire by Stealth Black. They were extremely reclusive people. It is unknown if they had any children. It is reasonable to assume they had a son they hid away to keep safe.”

“My other thoughts are that he was possibly in hiding because of his vast knowledge like I was and kept away from the public eye and lived as a recluse. My last assumption is that he was captured as a child and forced to work as a Germa Wizard.”

“Despite all of our intel, we have no intel on what happens inside of Germa castle. We know that King Judge will kidnap and enslave any person of interest. We only know this from a few bodies that have left Germa castle who we previously believed killed years ago.”

“It is clear to me that Sanji is extremely knowledgeable of Magic and about Germa’s inventions. He may have even created some of them himself. He tries to hide how much he knows but his knowledge could even rival my own. If he is an ally, he could be of great help to us.”

 “All of these scenarios could explain his odd behavior if he had been in hiding, who knows where and away from most people, most of his life. Many people also considered me very creepy and odd when I first came here. There is certainly an adjustment period for being with no one to being surrounded by many people. In this way he reminds me of myself.”

Zoro remembered when he first met Robin he felt similarly creeped out by her behavior and demeanor. It took him the longest out of everyone to learn to trust her. Now she was a trusted friend. Even if she was still a bit weird. Damn what if she was right and that’s why Sanji was weird like her?

Robin continued sharing her speculations. “He has tried to diminish his contributions. To me this speaks of someone trying to still hide, but who wants to help. I would like to go in with the best intentions because we could use powerful allies. We also don’t want to scare him back into hiding and lose a potential ally. I am proposing cautious optimism while we gather more intel on him.”

Robin looks to Hiyori who swallows a bite of food with water before speaking. “Yes, I spoke with Robin earlier. I haven’t met him yet. He hasn’t visited the Geisha Hanamachi or the tavern. We are going to find a way to invite him. As you know we are very good at getting information from our customers. He may spill secrets when he is...comfortable and distracted. Afterwards I will report anything we learn.”

Zoro remembers getting a free invite as well, once. It was a common recruitment technique they used as many clients were talkative to the skilled Geisha. Zoro had enjoyed much free sake and Hiyori’s company as she played the Shamisen beautifully. He had chatted with her the whole night and passed whatever test they had for him and he was asked to join the rebellion.

He agreed to the proposal and Hiyori had enjoyed his company so much that she had her own proposal. She was pretty pissed to find out that the handsome green haired gentlemen only liked men. That night she was the one to get drunk off sake and talk his ear off. She had even confided in Zoro that every gentleman that she found herself interested in turned out to be gay. After that night, over several drinks of sake, they became close friends.

“Thank you, Hiyori.” Robin said taking back the reins of the meeting. “We are presented with an interesting opportunity with you, Zoro. He has agreed to let you stay with him in his home while your ordeal is resolved. Given your current predicament we believe you have a unique opportunity to get to know Sanji and discover his intentions. We want you to stay with him until we make a decision. Nami will be informed to make an excuse when she returns so you may continue to rely on his kindness and stay with him, until then.”

Zoro shot up out of his chair again. He was getting a lot of exercise with all the surprises they were throwing his way. “Oh, hell no! I’m only there until Nami gets back and we kick him out! I came here to get help kicking him out! He sure as hell hates me and I hate him! I don’t even know why he agreed to let me stay!”

Robin replied to his question, “Given what we have discussed about the possible reason for his behavior: Do you think that maybe he is lonely? From my own experience I pushed everyone away despite wanting company and it was Luffy who forced his friendship on me that pulled me out of that loneliness. He brought me to meet all of you and it took time for me to let you all in. I’m very glad I did. I think he deserves the same chance. Zoro you are the only person he engages in conversation, outside of necessary discussions. No one else can do this.”

Zoro slumped back down into his seat. “You bunch of traitors.” He grumbled with his arms crossed. He knew they were right about everything. Robin was smart and her analysis had often been correct or close enough that her input was very helpful. If he did this, it would either protect his friends from danger and he could kill the bastard, or he would gain them a powerful ally.

Letting out a long sigh Zoro agreed. “Fine! But know it’s under protest. I refused to be nice when he acts like a jackass. I’ll keep an eye on him, but you guys try and befriend him. He might be lonely, but he clearly hates me.”

Robin gave another smile. “Thank you, Zoro. Protest noted. We will assist you, but I think you are wrong about him hating you. But that is for you to discover along with his intentions. Now that that conversation is complete, we need a report from you Zoro about what happened at Cocoyasi village.”

Zoro gave them all a detailed report about what happened up until he got home. Then he told them about his encounter with Sanji, which was less of a report and more simply complaining.

“Zoro, no wonder he’s mad at you!” Chopper announced and the others agreed. “Try being a little nicer!” Zoro slumped further down and grumbled more. Great, now even Chopper was against him.

“Stealth Black was killed?” Robin said the question as more of a statement. “That means we are one step closer to defeating Germa once and for all. I only wish we knew who did it. If they are strong enough to take out one of the Germa Royal family, then that is another ally we need to gain.”

“We should celebrate!” Usopp poured everyone a glass of sake.

Chopper intercepted Zoro's sake and gave him water, reminding him of his medication. “This is bullshit, we’re celebrating it doesn’t count!” Zoro said grumpily taking the glass of water.

“Yes, it does, idiot!” Chopper scolded Zoro.

Usopp raised his glass of wine, and the rest followed raising their sake, except for Zoro and Chopper who raised their waters. Usopp called out, “Here’s to Zoro being alive and the Monster Stealth Black being dead!”

Glasses clinked together as they all shouted, “Konpai!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 5:

They Will Come from Miles Away, ‘Cause it’s Cold Outside

Sanji woke up early in the morning in a good mood. The fact that he woke up in any type of mood was an improvement. He got out of bed and cleaned up a bit before beginning to make breakfast for two.

The previous day Robin and Franky had asked for Zoro to stay with him, something Sanji wanted but did not know how to ask. Sanji had agreed but Zoro protested. The conversation had been dropped, and Sanji was nervous that the swordsman wouldn’t want to stay. He was determined to find a way to encourage the man to keep living with him.

Last night he returned home to a fixed door. He stayed awake in his room reading and used his observation haki to see if Zoro was going to return. It was quite late when he returned but he did return. The green haired man had wondered around a bit before finding his room and going to sleep.

Sanji had not realized he was nervous about Zoro never returning until he did, and he could relax. Even the tight nervous coil in his stomach was a welcome feeling. He had been worried that Zoro would not return home. Now that Zoro was home, he woke with a sort of fluttery feeling in his stomach. He didn’t know the name of the emotion, but it made him feel light and airy.

Finishing breakfast, he went to Zoro’s room and knocked on the door, just like the previous day he didn’t answer. He opened the door to see Zoro was cocooned in the covers and snoring away. Watching him sleep for a moment he noticed how peacefully he slept.

They guy could be an asshole, but he wanted him to stay so he shouldn’t kick him awake anymore, unless he really deserved it. He called out to him to wake up for the morning, “Hey Mossy, time to emerge from your cocoon and turn into an annoying dusty Moss colored moth.”

One grey eye fluttered open and looked at him before stretching his arms out and yawning while sitting up. The covers fell and Sanji could see the bandages wrapping his chest. Zoro swung his legs over the side of the bed and threw the covers off.

Sanji's eyes went wide at the brash display of nudity. He turned around. “Why are you naked?!” He shouted at the unabashedly naked man behind him.

“Don’t have any more clothes and you were sleeping. Didn’t want to wake you.” Zoro replied casually. Sanji could hear him get up out of bed. Sanji darted out of the room and closed the door behind him to give the man privacy that he seemed to not need.

Sanji had been taught that only his personal servant who dressed him could see him in such a state. Did non-nobles not learn this or was Zoro just that ill-mannered? Sanji assumed it was the later. More likely the latter.

Zoro met Sanji down at breakfast with a smile on his face as he ate. Sanji asked about his meeting with his friends and all he said was “It was good.” Not much of a conversationalist himself, Sanji did not know what else to ask to continue the conversation.

Once they were done Sanji gave him the medicine Robin told him Zoro needed to take every day with food for a week. Zoro’s face grimaced as he took the medicine.

As they were leaving Sanji handed Zoro a house key. “Here. Since you live here too, I expect you to stop destroying the place on purpose.”

Zoro took the key and put it in a pocket. “You only live here temporarily until we sort things out. Until then I don’t mind having a live in cook as a servant.”

Sanji almost argued about it being his house, not Zoro’s, or the servant comment, but the smile in Zoro’s face made the remark about being his personal cook feel adjacent to a compliment. Maybe it was a compliment to his cooking skills? Compliments were not handed out in Germa, it made one weak. The occasional good word from Zeff was a rare treat, but not the norm. He let it slide. “Yeah, sure. We’ll get it figured out eventually. You coming into town with me today? I could use the help carrying supplies to Franky’s shop.”

“Only if you bribe be with some more of that Sake.” Zoro smirk grew at the thought of more of the good stuff.

“Sorry, I can’t. Doctor’s orders. How about some more Onigiri as a snack later?” Sanji offered another consolation prize.

“I’ll take it but once I’m off these meds I’m emptying as many bottles as I can. Might even break a record.” Zoro said following him out the door.

“You’ll probably get so wasted you end up tripping and breaking your skull.”

“I can handle my liquor. Tiny guy like you is probably a light weight.” Zoro snuck behind him and grabbed his slender hips to make his point.

Sanji flinched but allowed the contact; it did not seem like an attack. He had recently been allowing more people to touch him, and he was finding he did not mind the contact. Especially, Franky, he was starting to think that Franky gave the best hugs because of his large size and eagerness. “I take it back. Your head’s too thick to break that easy. I don’t really drink anyway. But I bet I could match you.”

The truth was he had drank once, given to him by a few soldiers under his command. Someone reported to his father, who viewed inebriation as a weakened state of mind making one vulnerable for attack. To teach him the lesson he was beaten by the some of very soldiers that gave him alcohol. Judge must have suspected because after the beatings he again asked where he acquired the alcohol. Sanji remained adamant that he found it himself. Despite the betrayal he knew they could not disobey the King’s orders any more than he could. He was no better then them, following the King’s orders to kill, in order to save lives of those he cared about, like Zeff’s.

Maybe if he had stopped caring sooner he could have left sooner, or if he hadn’t stopped caring he could have left sooner? It was difficult to understand the emotional context of the past, it was like trying to hold smoke in his hands, ever moving, dissipating, leaving only the smell of what once was.

Zoro removed his hands and Sanji found he missed the contact. He wasn’t sure why; he was finding that he had become emotionally illiterate. He was starting to have more feelings, but was frustrated by not understanding their meaning. Even without the knowledge, he still wanted those unnamed feelings to keep coming. To keep changing and become the man Zeff and his mother believed he could become. Whoever that was.

One emotion he understood was greed. Something that he saw often in his father’s eyes with all that he coveted. Because Zoro made him want more from him, more of every emotion he could bring out in him. The greedy feeling told him to keep the man close and never let him go. Another emotion was fear of what Zoro would do if he knew. Probably run far away. He had not felt fear in years, but had felt it everyday for many years before losing it. Fear was a familiar companion, whose tendrils knew how to grip at his mind and squeeze. It was a grip he had not felt in a long time, but welcomed the familiarity. His greed demanded the revival of all his lost emotions to feel whole, to feel human.

The thought of Zoro leaving caused an unusual pain that had no physical wound. A strange feeling. He was learning that emotions could have physical reactions associated with them. Zoro was becoming his best teacher. What else could he teach him? Sanji was an eager student.

“That’s a bet! Next week, I’m drinking you under the table, Curly Brow!” Zoro flicked one of the curled runes on his visible brow. “What’s with the weird eyebrow tattoos anyway?”

Sanji was caught off guard. His hand shot up and started to fiddle with his fringe of hair pulling it further down as though to hide the marks entirely. No one had asked him about the marks before and he hadn’t thought them unusual as he had them from such a young age. No one had ever pointed them out, because every other person he had met had been respectful, a trait Zoro did not own. He couldn’t let anyone know that they were magic runes. They appeared as dull ink unless active, so no one had questioned them being Magical.

He was in his head over how to respond for far too long because Zoro was looking at him strangely. That feeling of worry was coming back, the worry Zoro would leave him. He had to say something else-wise it would be suspicious. Maybe a half-truth was the best solution?

“They are...tattoos my father marked me with as a child. I have tried to remove them, but it is not possible. I do not know why he chose to mark me.” Sanji had done much research to try and have them removed but nothing seemed to work. He was stuck with them and all he could do was live with the consuming magics.

“They’re...unique. They’re...you.” Sanji could almost hear Zoro saying another word like ugly or stupid so unique was a surprise.

“What’s your father like?” Zoro asked continuing the conversation Sanji wanted to drop.

“He was an awful man and I’m glad to be rid of him. Anyone who knew him personally surely hated him. I do not wish to talk anymore about him.” Sanji replied trying to end this line of questioning.

“Dead then, huh? Well, if he was a bastard I’m glad he’s dead too.” Zoro replied with the answer Sanji wanted him to assume. “What about your mom?”

“She was beautiful. In body and spirit. She loved to sing and play music. Unfortunately, that was why my father forced her to marry him. I was often told I look like her. She died when I was young.” Sanji’s hand moved to his heart, and he grasped at his shirt trying to hold that last piece of aching love he held for her.

“What about your parents?” Sanji asked trying to get off the topic of his own life.

Zoro smiled at the memory of his parents. “I loved both of my parents, they were amazing! My mom loved to cook like you do, she would make me onigiri for a snack most days. It was my father who taught me how to fight but he left for war and that was the last time I saw him. There was no body, but his sword was returned to us. After he died, my mom was listless. She died a year later, doctors say it was heart break. She didn't want to be without my father.”

Sanji liked how Zoro’s face lit up talking about his parents. Did he look like that when he talked about his mom. A peculiar thought struck him when Zoro said his mother died of heart break. Was that possible? Could someone die from losing a loved one? When Sanji’s mom died, he wasn’t given any time to grieve because her death was the catalyst for Judge’s horrific experiments on him and his siblings. Sanji had wanted to die during that time from the pain, but his father would not allow it. How much of his pain was grief and how much was physical? Did he ever grieve his mother at all?

Zoro lift one of his three swords from his hip, it had a black sheath with red circles down its length. “This is Shusui, he was my father’s and has been passed down in my family for generations.”

He lifted another that had a mostly red sheath. “This is Sandai Kitetsu. This one I bought at a shop because it has a strong curse on it. He’s a bit of a problem child but it’s become a part of me like the others.”

Zoro lifted the last sword that had a white sheath to match the handle. “This is Wado Ichimonji. She belonged to one of my best friends, my cousin, and strongest rival Kuina. She died in an accident when we were children, and her father gave me the sword. We were in competition that one day one of us would be the strongest swordsman in the world. If she was still here, I’m sure she would still be able to beat me. Now I carry that dream for both of us.”

He carried another person’s dream. Was it the same as how Sanji was now carrying Zeff’s dream? Did the dead want to give over the burden of their dreams to the living?

Sanji noted that Zoro had talked about each sword as if they were people he cared for deeply. The swords were thrumming with magical power, cursed energy. He had heard others talking about magical items as though they have a personality of their own. It’s not something Sanji had ever experienced himself, but he had read many accounts of it as well leading him to believe it was a real phenomenon.

Cursed items were filled with unruly magic frequently created by accident. Magic still exists around those who cannot wield it, sometimes it has a mind of its own that even the best Wizards do not understand. They were created by very strong emotions from the owner, even if the owner was not a magic user. The theory behind their creation is that people can become attached to items, thus pouring meaning, feelings, and personality into them.

Cursed items were difficult to create with intention because each one was so unique. It was known that it was not easy to predict the outcome of unintentional magical creation, many would even attack the owner. There was always a danger, which is why they were called cursed.

More often than not, cursed items were weapons, but not always. This is because when weapons are used people are usually fighting for their lives, creating very strong reactions that bleed into the weapon its-self, sometimes literally. Multiple people can contribute to their creation or only a single person.

In the past, Germa collected them for study. Then the policy changed, right before the creation of Germa’s perfect soldiers, to destroy these items when found. They were determined too dangerous to wield. It was deemed those that could control their power were a force to be reckoned with and should be eliminated upon discovery along with the cursed item. Creating a rarity.

Zoro had not one, but three cursed swords and wielded them like it was nothing. Truly an impressive feat. A man of lesser spirit may have been killed or driven insane by the curses. Zoro was becoming more intriguing as he learned more about him.

There was no known way to uncurse an item. Instead you needed to destroy the item to undo the curse. Not many studies were done because destroying them was an such an easy solution. Sanji had demolished a few in his time with his fire. A few times he could have sworn he heard them scream, but it could have come from the chaos around him instead.

 Sanji had only recently discovered that the research from these cursed items were a part of what he discovered in Judge’s notebook about his experiments on his children. It was reckless and dangerous to impart this style of wild magic on a person instead of an item, which is why no one would assume it had anything to do with the creation of Germa’s perfect soldiers. To King Judge his children were his weapons to be wielded and he turned them into such.

The process to create the swirls on his brow was a backwards process of the curse, emotions were removed from a person, instead of instilled into an item. Sanji was the opposite of a cursed item, a cursed human. Even a cursed item was more of a human than what he had become. It was like being compared to a more successful cousin.

“I can see they are all of great importance to you. Thank you for introducing them to me.” Sanji gave a small genuine smile to be let in on such personal parts of Zoro’s life. It made him happy. This happiness was a warm and comfortable feeling like a fluffy blanket wrapped around them both in a shared moment. It only made him want to get closer and pull the blanket tighter around them both.

Sanji leaned down a bit towards the swords. “It’s nice to meet you all. You are also welcome in our home. Thank you for helping protect this idiot.” He didn’t know if the magic in them was able to understand language or just emotion, but it could not hurt to try. If they did understand him maybe they could put in a good word for him and make Zoro stay.

Zoro’s face turned red for some reason, and he turned his head away from Sanji. A weird reaction maybe the swords did say something about him. Hopefully something good.

Zoro swallowed a lump in his throat. “I...that’s...that’s why the land is important to me. My parents left me Shusui and that plot of land. It’s all I have of them.” Zoro looked back to Sanji.

Sanji stopped walking. That was why Zoro’s been so pissed at him. The land was where he grew up and held memories of his parents. “Oh. I hadn’t thought of it like that before. The place I grew up was hell. I wanted to leave it behind when I left. It wasn’t...dear to me the way your land is to you. Thank you for helping me understand. When Nami gets back we can figure something out. I am truly sorry for the distress, but I hope we can stay together until we resolve the issue in an adequate and mutually acceptable way.”

Face still red, Zoro stared at him a moment as if he was thinking over the information. “Yeah...I...uh...It's fine...I mean it’s not, but it’s fine. We’ll figure it out later. There’s no rush right now. I can wait until you get your own place or move your stuff or whatever. At least we can agree it’s my land but it’s your house.”

Ever the reasonable one, Sanji wanted to show Zoro that he understood his intentions but also for him to understand he still wanted his company. “I can agree to that and yes it will likely take time to resolve. Until then, let's stop fighting over the ownership and just call the place our home. I hope when I move you will continue to grace me with your company.”

Zoro’s hand scratched the back of his head, and he turned away. “Ha...a...yeah...um...I’d like that too.” Zoro looked ahead and shouted, “Hey, Kaya we have an order for you!” Zoro ran on head.

Sanji had been so lost in their conversation he hadn’t noticed they were nearly at the docks. They were still a bit far off for Zoro to be calling out to Kaya. It seemed that Zoro was eager to end the conversation. Sanji was feeling worried again he said something wrong.

Items purchased, Zoro helped him take the cart to Franky’s shop. Zoro was quiet the rest of the trip, further worrying Sanji. He hadn’t even complained about compensation for helping pull the cart. Once everything was unloaded Zoro said he had things to do and took off. At least now he has a house key and can return home at any time.

In the middle of the day Franky and Usopp insisted that Sanji come with them to see the progress of his restaurant. When he felt comfortable enough to leave Kiku in charge he followed the two to his new restaurant. Kiku was becoming very efficient in the kitchen to a point he could trust her to fulfill her duties without watching her too closely.

Sanji had seen the outside in passing but this was his first time entering the establishment. At the moment, the inside was mostly empty. But he could see it was beautifully crafted. Franky ever proud of his work, took him on a very detailed tour.

“The building is complete. I’ve working on the appliances you asked for and Robin is doing a super job of imbuing them with magic. I’m also working on all of the furniture now. So, we may get done earlier than expected.” Franky was grinning and looking expectantly at Sanji.

Sanji realized that he was waiting for a response about his work. “It looks super Franky.” He replied. Using the man’s own common vernacular, he intended to show that he was being friendly.

Franky started to cry, as if on cue he pulled Sanji into a hug. This time Sanji leaned into the hug and enjoyed it’s warmth. Franky really did give the best hugs. Cautiously he raised an arm and patted Franky’s back hoping to show he was reciprocating the hug this time. Before he could wonder if Franky noticed he heard the man cry harder. He noticed.

A few too many minutes later Franky released him, warmth retreating. Usopp cleared his throat. “I’m here because you really seemed to like the work I did decorating your house, and I was hoping you might hire me to do the same for your restaurant before we move in all the furniture.”

“Yes, I would love that Usopp. You truly breathed life into our home and I’m sure you will do the same here. Do you have any ideas or should I-”

“I have so many ideas! I’m the master of ideas!” Usopp opened a tattered brown notebook and started going over ideas Sanji. There were notes and impressive drawings scrawled across the pages. With input from all three men, they were able to make some decisions on how to design the restaurant.

Sanji even had on him his own notebook he pulled from a satchel with the ideas Zeff had for how to decorate and his own about the menu. It was a notebook that he and Zeff had both contributed to over the years, it shared both of their handwriting, ideas, and dreams. At the end Sanji thought Zeff would be proud of his choices and that made his heart feel full as though it was well fed.

“Who’s Zeff?” Franky asked. He pointed to the name in his notebook. At the front the notebook that said ‘Zeff and Sanji’s Dream Restaurant.’ A small detail that Sanji had missed.

Well, it wasn’t like his name was that well known as he had been a prisoner of Germa before Sanji was born. Maybe people should know about Zeff and what an amazing person he was. “He was a chef at my home growing up. I would always sneak away to the kitchens, and he would tell me stories and teach me how to cook. He even taught me important lessons about what it means to be a man, like how to take care of people, and how everyone deserves to eat. Building this restaurant was his dream and he let me be a part of that dream. He always said we would run it together once we...um once I was old enough. But he...passed away before that. I decided to follow his dream and make it my own. Ha, I guess that sounds pretty selfish, huh?”

Suddenly, Franky pulled him into another hug, and he was crying. “That’s not selfish! That’s Super admirable, Bro! It’s ok if that’s your dream now, Bro! I'm sure he would be Super proud of you too, Bro!”

Was it his dream? Was he allowed to claim it again as his own after losing it so many years ago? Usopp handed him a handkerchief. He took it curious why he had handed him such a thing. It was then he noticed that he felt something wet roll down his cheek. Water? No. A tear, he was crying.

It was small, a single fallen tear. He had never felt so fragile before, that he could recall.

More threatened to spill and he was unsure if he should. Would tears steal away the feeling like the flames?

Usopp was now hugging him as well. The hugs were warm, so so so warm that he hadn’t realized he had felt cold before this. A coldness that kept him from feeling the beating of his own heart. The ice had been slowly cracking since he had arrived.

“Hey, go ahead and let it out man. No one here would fault you for it.” Usopp comforted him with words in the same way Franky comforted him with his large arms every morning.

Permission was the key that opened the flood gates, spilling and rolling down his cheeks. The grief of losing Zeff, his mother, and himself; all hit him at once. Grief came out in broken sobs in the arms of two men that he hoped would be his friends. His list of people he wanted to keep by his side was growing. There were more people that could help cultivate these newfound emotions within him.

For the first time he wondered if some of these feelings had still been there, buried deep in his heart, but he had held them too tightly afraid to lose them. When he finished crying and cleaned up he was glad to feel that ache of loss was still with him. A small throbbing reminder of those of loved.

Those feelings had not washed away from the tears. The ocean had always reminded him of his mother and Zeff. He allowed himself to float on the waves as the two other men kept him from being swept away.

He had always preferred water to fire.

Chapter Text

Chapter 6:

And They Need a Place to Rub on Their Hands and Feet

A little over a week had passed since Sanji had spilled his emotions onto Franky and Usopp’s shoulders. The two had acted like nothing happened, but did seem to act more friendly towards Sanji. He hoped it meant they were friends, but he did not know how to ask someone if they considered him a friend or a mere acquaintance.

A few days ago, Kaya had included a few extra books in his order that she said were over stock. He was glad to take more reading materials. Within the bundle he found a children’s book about emotions. At first, he worried she knew something. If she had, she did not looked scared of him.

The book was surprisingly informative. There were illustrations of different emotions along with simple explanations of what each one felt like in your body and what it looked like on your face and physical reactions one could possibly have.

He had a perfect memory, and the book was filed away with other vitally important information. Regardless of his perfect memory, he still looked over the book several times as though it would teach him something new. As though, it contained some hidden secret to being human.

His relationship with Zoro had also improved. Putting their dispute on hold by naming it ‘our home’ had been the right move. Zoro would blush when Sanji called it that. Blushing was the word for when a face turns red or pink. Blushing was sign of embarrassment.

He wasn’t sure why some of his words or actions made Zoro feel embarrassed. Zoro was such a proud man  that it humored Sanji to be the one to make him blush. He also used a dictionary to learn more, like: proud meaning satisfied with one’s own achievements, something that defined the man well. He was determined to learn what was causing the blushing, so he could do it on purpose.

They still quarreled but Zoro no longer looked like he wanted to murder Sanji. A huge improvement. Sanji had even encouraged Zoro to decorate the guest room, which he was starting to call ‘his room.’

Once when Zoro tracked in mud after coming in from training outside in the rain he started another fight, making a bigger mess. From then on Sanji insisted that he exercise inside on rainy days. Zoro argued that there wasn’t enough space.

After talking it over, he and Zoro, with Franky’s help, refurbished the unused ball room into a work out room and gym. Sanji ordered some workout equipment and training dummies and whatever else Usopp recommended for the newly renovated room. It also gave them plenty of room to spar without getting dirty or wreaking the house. A win win for both of them. The house was quickly becoming more and more their home instead of Sanji’s house and Zoro’s land.

They tested out the new gym with a spar. Zoro asked if he wanted to fight him, this was different than previous fights between the two that were initiated through anger. Sanji agreed reluctantly. Every past training session had been a painful reminder of his inadequacy compared to his brothers or a way to make some poor member of the castle staff suffer to bring out Sanji’s potential.

He only agreed because of what he now recognized as a tremor of excitement at the idea of fighting the green haired man. There was also the knowledge that only they would be in danger and not others. Before their sparring had been just a few hits before they stopped, this would be a real test of their skills, but he knew he still had to hold back and not use his magic. Fiery kicks were a signature move from the deceased Stealth Black.

With plenty of space, a grey padded firm mat below them, and roof above to protect them from the elements, they began their first spar in their new gym. Zoro wasted no time in getting out all three swords, one of which went in his mouth. Sanji chuckled at the sight but stifled it quickly as the swordsman lunged at him.

The first strike was kicked away as Sanji moved to the swordsman’s blind side on his left to deliver a well placed kick to the ribs, only to be blocked. It was a mistake to think that the half blind man had a weak spot. Several more blocks later Sanji kicked one of Zoro’s hands making him drop Sandai Kitetsu. It skittered across the floor, Sanji was feeling confident. It felt good, like he was on top of the world.

In his over confidence he went in for a round house kick to the sword-less side. The attack was deflected by Wado, the sword in his mouth. Shusui hit him with the blunt side, he went down. Before he could get back up Zoro dashed forward and was on top of him with two swords pointed in his face. “You surrender yet, Dart Brow?” Zoro said somehow through the sword in his mouth.

“I surrender!” Sanji shouted in reply, knowing that the fight was only over when the winner was bored. Instinctively, he moved to protect his hands and face by curling up in the fetal position. He wrapped into himself and waited for the blows that were certain to come from the winner. Eyes pinched shut, he awaited the beating to follow. All of his healing potions were given away, he needed to minimize the damage Zoro took as his reward.

The sound of swords clattering to the ground caught his attention enough that he pried one eye open to check what punishment Zoro would inflict. Zoro was crouched down and cautiously put a had on his back. “Hey, hey, it’s over. Are you hurt? What happened? Can I see?” Zoro asked in a strangely soothing tone.

“No. Not yet. I lost so I was waiting for you to…you know…take your free hits while I’m down.” Sanji said peering up, now with both eyes open, still awaiting the pain of losing. His words, like his prone form, trembled while trying to hide the growing fear. Zoro looked like he could cause some serious wounds.

Zoro looked angry with his heated face and vein popping in his forehead. Sanji curled back in tightly ready to absorb the hits. The hand on his back started making small calming circular motions. “No one with any honor with a damn hits someone while they’re down! Sparring is about helping each other get stronger. Sometimes you can get hurt but that’s not the purpose. If you ever get hurt tell me and I’ll stop. Same goes for me.”

Zoro moved from a crouching position to sitting next to the distressed blonde man. A few more facial reactions, that Sanji could not name, played out across Zoro’s face like he was chewing over his options. Making a choice after some deliberation, Zoro pulled Sanji into his lap and continued to rub and pat his back.

The sudden closeness and lack of violence surprised Sanji into silence. He could not remember the last time he had been held in such a way, or if he ever had been. The position had him sitting in Zoro’s lap with his face pushed into Zoro’s broad chest. It was much softer than it appeared to be. Maybe it was the closeness, the gentleness, or the melting of his heart, but he found himself once again crying in another man’s arms.

“I’m sorry…I…It’s just… I-” He began an apology only to be interrupt.

“Shhhh. Don’t apologize. Whoever made you think sparring was about hurting someone is who should apologize.” Zoro replied in a soft voice as he continued to rub and pat his back.

Sanji allowed himself to get out years of tears that his younger self had never allowed to spill for fear of retaliation. Ah, an old feeling he had buried even from himself. The burden of that old pain was so much lighter with another person there to help carry him through it.

When he had calmed Zoro never spoke about it or used it against him. The only thing he asked of Sanji was what was for dinner that night.

Zoro didn’t drop the incident entirely, he had tried to pry more into his family’s history and in lieu of trying to answer uncomfortable questions he had offered the book of his family’s history. The Blackleg family’s history. He noticed that Zoro brought it with him and showed Robin, maybe there were some words he couldn’t read in there or it was just Robin’s love for books that made her curious.

When Zoro gave the book back he talked about how boring it was and that his family’s history was way more interesting. He then told the story of the time that his great grandfather fought a dragon, creatures that died out over one hundred years ago. Sanji had asked why Zoro’s family didn’t have a history book and he explained that only nobles do that. Sanji insisted that anyone could and convinced Zoro to start writing his family’s very interesting history down.

Sanji bought a nice green leather bound book and they spent many of their nights together with Zoro telling him every story he remembered and Sanji helped dictate them, using bigger and more descriptive words.

Sanji had shown him the library and other hobbies he had collected and allowed Zoro to browse and enjoy the collection. Zoro still hadn’t gotten the hang of chess, he kept forgetting how the pieces move, but he was enjoying playing none the less. Zoro taught him how to play Go.

It had become a habit at the end of the day for the two after eating dinner together: Sanji would have a smoke and help write Zoro’s family history as he told him more stories. Other nights they would spar, read, or play games. Life had started become more comfortable, like a large blanket draped around them or like the hug Zoro gave him the day of their first spar.

Zoro had taken a few books here and there from the growing library. The bad part was that Zoro was rough with the books. Pages got dog eared, small tears would appear, stains from food of drinks were the norm.

Worst was that one of the novels, loaned to him from Robin, had a few pages stuck together with streaks of some type of white sticky adhesive. He didn’t know what sticky foods Zoro was eating, nothing Sanji provided, but that was the worst to fix. Sanji had to carefully take the pages apart and use a magical cleaning solution he created himself, using vinegar water and a touch of magic, that was safe for books, to repair the books.

He shared the ordeal with Robin. She laughed at the story of the pages stuck together. When he shared it was a novel she loaned him called ‘The Swordsman’s Secret Broad Sword Technique.’, which had a picture on the cover of a shirtless muscular man in a loin cloth holding a very large sword between his spread legs with his head thrown back and his long blonde hair blowing behind him, Robin only laughed harder, instead of getting angry. He didn’t find it funny, and she wouldn’t share why she thought it was. Later she retold the story to Franky, who also laughed. Maybe it was some inside couples joke? It was her book, after all. Franky at least commented, “Ha, Zoro would enjoy this one!” Makes sense, he does love swords and the man on the cover seems to love his sword as well since he appeared to be polishing the sword in the awkward position.

He shared with Robin the recipe for his page cleaner. She wanted to purchase it, but he again gave it away for free stating that books were precious and needed to be preserved. She was delighted that they shared the same love for books. In return she taught him a simple spell to unwrinkled pages. Good-bye dog eared pages!

After that, he and Robin began borrowing more books from one another, usually magic books. Occasionally, he would order books from the docks that he thought Robin would like, so he could trade them with her. Robin had even started joining him between meal prep for tea and discussing books. Zoro would join and add his own thoughts if he read the book, or he would take a nap on Robin’s couch.

Another new routine was Zoro stopping in for onigiri in the afternoon. He was happy he could drink again. The bandages were also removed. Sanji caught sight of a large diagonal scar across his chest. It was likely the wound that had needed care.

One such afternoon, Zoro came early while he was still cooking. “I was just at the doctor’s office, and he said he wanted to meet you. When are you free?” Zoro leaned against the wall watching him work.

Sanji used a small tasting cup and took a sip to try the clam chowder he was stirring. He nodded to himself, it was perfect. “Hmm...In maybe an hour? I have to finish prepping and then I can trust my staff to take over. What type of food does the doctor like?”

“He likes sweets.” Zoro replied. Sanji got into the fridge and pulled out Zoro’s afternoon onigiri and handed it to him. Zoro sat down on the couch. Sanji also poured him a cup of sake. “I also let Robin know we aren’t sticking around for tea today.”

“Thanks for that. I’m gonna make the doctor a treat too.”

“Sounds good.”

After Zoro finished the meal, he called out. “I’m taking a nap. Wake me when you’re ready to go.”

“Yeah, Sure thing, Moss head.” The Cook replied still not looking at him and continued to cook.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

“Wakey wakey Mossy Moss. Time to visit the doctor’s office. Maybe we can ask about this unusual growth.” Sanji’s voice woke Zoro along with the feeling of long fingers brushing his hair. Zoro opened his eye to see Sanji’s face very close to his face.

Zoro shot up from the couch, causing him to head butt the man in his personal space. They were both rubbing their heads when Kiku peered around the corner from the kitchen to see what the commotion was about. Her laughter eased the situation. Zoro mumbled an apology.

“At least I’m about to meet the doctor. I’ll ask him to check for infectious spores.” Sanji replied to his half-spoken apology.

Zoro’s face broke out in a small blush at the close proximity that he awoke to see.

Zoro was supposed to be getting to know the man and see if he was trustworthy. He was trying to remain impartial until they knew if he was an enemy or an ally. Zoro was NOT supposed to be developing a crush on him. Those feeling were being pushed down, for now. Hell, he didn’t even know if the Cook liked men. Or if his flirting was intentional or not because he hadn’t made any kind of move on Zoro yet.

Ever since they had that talk that ended in a truce over the land dispute, Zoro had started to see the man in a new light. He still wanted his land back, but he had become comfortable with his new roommate and home.

The house itself was warm and comfortable. Sanji had even agreed to changes to make it more homely for them both. Zoro wasn’t sure he could give up the soft bed to go back to sleeping on one made of hay. It was refreshing to not wake up to rain on his face and instead to a handsome man calling out to him that a delicious breakfast was waiting for him downstairs.

Sanji was an amazing cook, took good care of the house, often helped others and asked for nothing in return, Zoro enjoyed their conversations, Sanji’s words were as sharp as swords making verbal spars just as fun as physical ones. They had gotten in a few more physical fights here and there, but they were more fun than serious. It was rare that Zoro found someone that could match him.

Zoro was struggling, as those feelings refused to stay buried and could resurface simply by Sanji waking him up, or cooking for him, teasing him, sparring, talking, looking at him. Instead of six feet down where he planned to plant those feelings, they were on the surface covered by the thin veil of pretense that he still didn’t like the man. A cover that he wasn’t sure anyone, even Sanji, believed anymore.

The pretty man had become a real problem. Because Zoro was falling too hard too fast for someone who may be a danger to him and his friends. Zoro’s gut was telling him that he could trust Sanji. Normally, he trusted his gut instinct, but he was worried that the message was coming from his dick instead.

All he needed to do was wait until Sanji was determined not to be a threat. Until then, he dealt with those feeling in the privacy of his bedroom and some novels that Robin suggested. Damn, did Robin know? She always seems to know everything, maybe it’s a magic thing or just a being nosy thing, two skills she excelled at.

"I forgot to say the Doctor is a reindeer so don’t be an ass about it.” Zoro informed him. He didn’t want the Cook to upset the little guy because he was surprised.

  The Cook nodded and gave no other reaction to being told that the doctor was a reindeer. A normal person would have at least a few follow up questions, if not that then at least a look of surprise at minimum. But he gave away nothing. His face rarely gave away any intent, he gave him great satisfaction that he was able to pull out a few scarce reactions from the man. The lack of expression was frustrating enough on its own, but doubly so for him trying to determine if the Cook had any interest in him romantically. He gave away nothing, either because he hid it far better than Zoro, or there was no interest at all.

They left for the Doctor’s office. The Cook was carrying a box. “You have a nice bribe there to make the doctor like you?” Zoro joked pointing to the box.

“Well bribing my Mossy with booze and onigiri has been working out pretty well. Why not continue the trend?” Sanji smirked back at him.

The words ‘my Mossy’ caused a blush to creep up Zoro’s face. Sanji gave a small smile at the reaction.  Zoro was starting to think the man was doing it on purpose. Maybe he was, because it kept working.

Most of Curly’s reactions had still been fairly small but sometimes he would let himself go and act like a normal person. Robin’s analysis of why he acted weird, helped Zoro appreciate even the small reactions from the other man. It made him want to rile up the other man to make him blow his top. There was a sense of satisfaction at strong reactions and knowing he caused it.

At the doctor's office Chopper came out to greet them and they gave introductions. Sanji once again had that fake smile pulling at his lips in an unnatural way. Zoro hated those smiles; he wanted to give Sanji those real smiles that he tried to hide.

Sanji gave Chopper the box. Inside were some chocolate chip cookies and a jar of small candies.

Chopper quickly took a big bite of one cookie. A huge smile broke out across his face, and he stuffed the rest of the cookie in his smiling mouth. “MMM! These are soooo good Sanji! How did you know I like sweets?”

“Zoro told me. He really cares about you and told me to be nice to you. Those are a hard wagashi candies. They aren't as unhealthy as some other candy. You could use them to hand out to children for being brave. When you need more just let me know. When I open my restaurant, you’ll have to stop by and try out our dessert menu.” Sanji told the small doctor, who looked excited at the invitation.

“Thank you, Sanji! That’s so nice! Sometimes the kids get scared, and this will help calm them down.” Chopper hugged Sanji and looked at Zoro over his shoulder as if to ask what he thought of Sanji. Zoro just smiled back at him.

“Now that you’re here I can give you a checkup! I insist that everyone in town get yearly checkups!” Chopper said taking Sanji's hand and leading him back to his office.

“Oh, that’s not necessary! I’m perfectly healthy but I will call upon you if needed.” Sanji snatched his hand back from the doctor like it had been burned.

Zoro put both of his hands on the Cook’s back and pushed him into the room with a grin. “Nope, I had to do it and so do you!” The Cook shared his aversion of going to the doctor's and Zoro was going to enjoy watching him squirm. He considered it revenge for locking all the alcohol away in the basement for the week he couldn’t drink. Time for the bastard to get a taste of his own medicine.

Sanji turned around and pushed back and the two started a small brawl until Chopper transformed into his Arm Point form and grabbed Sanji. The transformation did surprise Sanji. Chopper pulled, Zoro pushed, and Sanji struggled. But in the end, he was forced into the room for his exam. The door slammed shut.

Zoro sat outside with his back to the door to keep the Cook from escaping. He laughed at the sounds of protest coming from the room. There was something about getting these strong reactions that Zoro loved. The small revenge had lifted his spirits significantly.

When the door finally opened Chopper looked like he had just wrangled an angry wet cat. He was grinding his teeth together and frowning. “Next time, I’ll tranquilize you! You’re worse than Zoro! It was just an exam! You act like I’m about to perform surgery without anesthesia!”

Sanji’s clothes and hair were ruffled, and he was trying to straighten them and put himself back together. Zoro laughed at the sight. “Hey Curly, do you need a candy for being a brave boy?”

“He doesn’t get a candy! He bit me!” Chopper showed his arm that had a human teeth shaped bite mark on it. “You’re done and can go home how. I have to treat a bite!”

“Give yourself a rabies shot Chops! Who knows where he’s been!” Zoro’s laughter was filling the small waiting room. Sanji glared at the both of them as he stomped his way out the door. Zoro ran after him.

Sanji was outside putting a cigarette in his mouth and flicking a match to life. Zoro was still laughing and started to pat Sanji on the back roughly as he hunched over in laughter. Seeing the normally stoic Cook acting like a scared child was hilarious to the swordsman.

Patting Sanji’s back caused him to drop the match to the ground. Sanji kicked him in the stomach. Zoro punched him back in the same spot. Sanji dropped his unlit cigarette and sent another kick out that Zoro blocked. A cloud of dust was kicked up as their brawl intensified. Zoro was still smiling as the fight was exciting him. The Cook was a good fighter, and Zoro had been itching for another match.

They were both punched in the head by Chopper, pausing the fight. “I said go home! I can hear you fighting inside and so can the whole town. If you don’t stop...I'll..I’ll make you both...get a prostate exam!” With that threat the fight was decisively ended with Chopper as the winner.

Brushing himself off, Sanji once again composed himself. He looked disgruntled at the state of his clothing. He was even more disgruntled looking at the state of Zoro’s clothes. Sanji sighed. “Please tell me you have more clothes somewhere. Clean clothes.”

“Nope.” Zoro said popping the ‘P’ on his lips. “Guess I’ll have to borrow yours again.”

“Nope. Nuh uh. Not again. I’m not letting you ruin my clothes again because you like to play in the dirt.” Sanji commented while taking Zoro’s hand and dragging along with a mission in mind. Zoro gently squeezed the soft hand in his, savoring the feeling of the precious tool belonging to the Cook.

“Ha! You say that like you’re not just as dirty!” Zoro pointed out, bumping his shoulder into Sanji’s.

“Whose fault is that?” Sanji glared at him. They entered the tailors shop and Sanji pulled him inside.

A worker greeted them. “Hello again, Mr. Blackleg and hello to your partner. My name is Inazuma. How may I help you today?” The tailor had white and orange hair with a matching outfit that were both split down the middle by the colors.

“Excuse me. I need several sets of daily clothes, night clothes, and shoes for this stubbornly underprepared muscle-bound idiot!” Sanji said using both hands to wave at Zoro’s dusty stature. He frowned, not at the insult, but at the loss of the hand in his.

“I don’t have that kind of money, Curly!” Zoro said leaning in towards Sanji. Zoro didn’t want to buy more clothes. He didn’t need them. He was wearing his clothes. What was his problem? If he was so mad about him being dirty, then Zoro could just hop in the bath with his clothes on and the problem would be solved. That’s what he had been doing and it worked just fine!

“I’m paying. It’s far cheaper than replacing all of my ruined clothes! I don’t have the time or inclination to keep wash your one set of clothing. Oh, I also need to order replacement pajamas that this oaf destroyed! They were disgusting and irreparable by the way!” Sanji’s pointer finger was digging into Zoro’s cheek. He smirked back, proud of ruining the nightclothes, because the reaction he received was like a gift.

Inazuma smiled and pulled out a tape measure. Zoro found himself pulled back and wrapped in a whirlwind of measuring tape before he could protest. Inazuma worked quickly with the grace of an expert. Zoro’s arms and legs were pulled, pushed, extended, bent and he was measured over every part of his body. When the dance was done Inazuma was taking notes. Zoro was handed a catalog that Sanji snatched out of his hands.

Sanji began pointing out outfits. Zoro needed to protest now before Sanji had him dressed up in uncomfortable rich people clothes. He pulled the book back and looked it over with the Cook. The book was pulled back and forth as both men pointed to different outfits and argued over what to purchase.

Inazuma watched, listened, wrote notes, and nodded. Eventually, Inazuma pulled the book back from the two before they could damage it further than a few wrinkled pages. “Alright here is your total.” The tailor showed Sanji and number, and he nodded. "I will have them all ready in a few days. You can leave with a few outfits tonight that should fit well enough. Please bring them back if adjustments are needed.”

Sanji thanked them and gave them the beri. A few packages were placed in Zoro’s hands, and they were physically pushed out the door. “Thank you for your business!”

They stood outside staring at the store in a daze. Zoro looked at Sanji for answers. “So…what did you end up ordering for me?”

“I have no idea.” Sanji replied meeting his confused stare. They looked down at the boxes in their arms hoping they were at least clothes for Zoro.

Zoro was the first to break the spell as he snorted and laughed. Sanji’s mouth twitched and trembled before a small chuckle escaped his lips. Both hands flew to his mouth as if he could physically catch the chime of amusement that left his mouth. Both hands clenched over his mouth.

Zoro nudged Sanji playfully in the arm with his shoulder. “Oh, come on Cook! Just let it out! Remove the stick from up your ass and let loose! You look like you’re trying to stop blood vessel from bursting every time you have a little fun!”

The Cook’s face paled a moment, blood retreating in horror. Not the reaction that Zoro had expected but nothing about the man was what he expected. He was weird, but in an interesting way.

Every reaction Zoro pulled out of the other man was a prize he had won and he wanted to keep winning.

The Cook put his head down and shook it. Looking back at Zoro his face was back to that blank unexpressive hundred-yard stare. “Sorry...It’s difficult at times...It’s just...It’s not how...I was raised.” Sanji got out each word while holding back whatever it was that he really wanted to say.

“Damn...” Zoro wasn’t sure what that meant. He knew that nobles had a more ridged upbringing, and his dad sucked, but it didn’t make sense to the extent that Sanji behaved. Even with Robin’s reasoning, his behavior was unnatural. He acted so inhuman then was surprised when he acted like a normal person. The surprise then turned into repression of any expression and he pulled back. “Maybe you were raised wrong.”

Sanji’s eyes went wide then darted around for a moment seeking out an invisible enemy. “Yeah, maybe you’re right.”

“You’re not there anymore, Cook. Stop overthinking so damned much. When the feeling strikes you, just let it out. Think you can try doing that?” Zoro asked with a look of concern.

Sanji nodded. “Yeah, I can try that. Thanks, Mosshead.”

Zoro snorted. “For what? Giving you shit all the time?”

“Yeah. Thanks for just…being you. Let’s head home. I need to water my dirty Marimo.” Sanji joked. Zoro blushed and Sanji let out the laugh he had pushed away earlier. Zoro found himself laughing along with the soft chuckle. It was a song he wanted to hear again, and he wanted that song dedicated to him.

Chapter Text

Chapter 7:

What Better Time and Place Than Here?

Sanji had been training more of his staff to cook the reciepes that will be on the menu and assigning more duties to his workers, leaving him some free time to prepare for opening the restaurant. With that new free time, he had been spending it with his friends, he now was feeling more confident in using that word as they were happy to see him and would seek out his company. Which seemed to be the definition of the word friend.

He was surprised to find that there wasn’t enough time in the day to do everything he wanted to do. There was so much he wanted to do now. He could not remember the last time he wanted something instead of simply meeting his needs. Leaving Germa castle had been considered a need not a want. He had even started a small garden at their home with Zoro’s help. If it was successful he could make it bigger next year, maybe even start bee keeping, to have fresh honey.

Franky had started on the stables already so that he could take his horses home from the rented spot at the stables. He made certain to get approval from Zoro for every addition to their home, it was his space as well after all. Zoro not only approved, but he was happy to help. Usopp even helped set up the garden and gave them tips. The man didn’t know any magic, but he could have fooled Sanji with how well all his advice had helped their little garden sprout.

Zoro had been acting like he was happy with Sanji staying forever. He was happy with the arrangement himself. He did worry about the future. If Zoro got married, his wife would surely want Sanji to move out or Zoro would leave.

Selfishly he hoped that Zoro would not marry and stay with him forever in their home. Sanji doubted that the reverse would ever happen. He never seriously considered marriage. He knew how trapped his mother had been married to Judge. Nor did he desire to have children, he was never around them and thought that they would not want his company, thus making him a poor parent. He had made massive improvements in his emotional inventory but feeling romantic love was not one of them. He wasn’t sure what romantic love looked or felt like, which left him with no interest in marriage or courtship either.

He had built a happy life for himself here. Happy was one of those new emotions that made him feel it was enough and more than he would have ever thought possible.

One evening Franky said he had a special treat for him. He took Sanji to the local Geisha house. Sanji tried to protest but Franky wouldn’t hear it. “No getting out of it, Sanji-Bro. We all want to thank you for all of your help, but you won’t let us, so we are forcing you to take this gift.”

While they were outside Sanji smoked a cigarette while Franky explained what a geisha was. “Most outsiders think it’s just a brothel but it's not like that. Geisha are entertainers. They will play games with you, play music, dance, or enjoy conversation, and no one is going to make you do anything you don’t want to do. They offer other intimate services but that’s up the the Geisha to offer, not you. You’re going to meet a friend of mine named Hiyori. She’s nice and I told her a bit about you. Just relax and have fun tonight. Bro, you Super deserve it!”

Sanji allowed himself to be taken inside where he was escorted to a private room. He sat down and waited. He noticed the room was immaculately decorated with art and tapestries adorning the walls. There were some game boards and instruments inside the room. Just like Franky told him about. It helped put him a little more at ease. He didn’t know what to expect and was feeling nervous.

The door slid open, and a green haired woman bowed to him before entering. The Geisha was wearing a pink kimono with yellow flowers and a green obi wrapped around her, she had golden hair ornaments dangling from her hair and blossoming out from large pink flowers. Sanji bowed in return, not sure of the proper etiquette. She smiled at him when she stood up and made her way over with a tea set.

Sanji thought she looked beautiful, in the the same way a flower that was carefully cultivated to have not a single petal out of place was beautiful. He could appreciate her beauty the way one appreciated the beauty of a sunset; the sun painting the sky in a beautiful farewell, but it was so far out of reach that there was no point in trying to touch it.

“My name is Hiyori. It’s a pleasure to meet you, Count Blackleg. I have heard much about you from mutual friends. Be assured it was all good things.” The Geisha explained with a smile while pouring them both tea.

“Thank you, please call me Sanji. I’m not really sure what to do with our time. Do you have any suggestions?” Sanji asked hoping she would offer a form of entertainment to pass the time that he could enjoy. Having private entertainment might even be fun, It’s not something he had considered for himself before.

Judge had captured entertainers but they were only there for his amusement, not theirs. So he never was able to see any performances himself, nor knew of the type of entertainment offered.

“Yes, I am well known for playing the Shamisen if you are interested in hearing it.” She used the palm of her hand to point out a three stringed instrument in the corner.

“I would like that. Would you like to drink your tea first, so it does not get cold?” He asked.

“Thank you for your consideration but I would like to play a song first while it cools for a moment. Would you like that?” She asked.

“Yes, whatever you are most comfortable with, dear. I would love to hear you play.” Sanji gave her a small smile.

Hiyori played a tune so lovely that Sanji closed his eyes and let the melody wash over him. Maybe Franky was right. The music was putting him at ease, and she was very proficient with the instrument. A more complete smile spread on his face, the music reminded him of when his mom would sing him to sleep as a child as he lay on her lap. When she finished, he opened her eyes.

“Your skill with the instrument flows through your fingers, strumming the instrument as though it was a part of your soul. I would love to hear more, but for now I hope you will join me for some tea now that it is cooled.” Sanji complemented.

Hiyori smiled back at him. “Thank you for the compliment I love playing and not every patron wants to hear it. You did not need to wait for me to drink the tea.”

“No, but I would not drink or eat when someone else cannot. Speaking of, you may have heard I have a restaurant opening soon. I do hope you will come visit us and give me a chance to serve you.” Sanji said taking a sip of tea. “Mmm...you also know how to make a delicious cup of matcha. If you ever wish to change professions, I’m sure I could find you employment at my establishment.”

“I have heard, and I am certain that I will be by to visit. Possibly with another patron but please know that I consider you all important to me.” Hiyori took a drink of her own tea.

“I would never think ill of someone who is earning their living. I am also aware that you are paid for your services here tonight. Your company may be transactional, but I do hope to be good company for you.” Sanji took another sip.

“You are very kind and considerate Sanji. Much like I have heard from others.” Hiyori took another sip and eyed him over her tea.

“You mentioned earlier that we have mutual friends. I know that Franky is one as he introduced us. May I ask who else is a mutual friend of ours?” Sanji was curious to know if anyone else had helped set up this meeting tonight.

“Yes, I believe at this point we are both well known by many, even if not everyone has met us. Zoro for example is a close friend of mine and he visits me when he has the beri to do so. Despite closeness I must make a living as you say.  If we become close friends, then my company will cost you an appropriate amount of beri as well.” Hiyori watched Sanji for a reaction.

Sanji let out a small well-practiced chuckle. “Of course I would dear. I imagine that Zoro spends all his beri drinking sake with you.”

Hiyori laughed a little too loudly for her polite facade. “That’s very true. Zoro is more of a drinking buddy than anything else. I have heard from him about your living situation. I do hope things are going well between the two of you.”

“Actually, lately we have come to an understanding and have been getting along splendidly. We haven’t yet had a chance to share a drink though he has asked. Once you get to know him, he grows on you like invasive Moss. Hard to get rid of but he has made our house feel like a home.” Sanji smiled at the statement he had really meant. Going home every day without getting to see Zoro would be too lonely.

Hiyori’s smile grew wide. “I understand. He is a good friend to have. You should share a drink with him someday, I think he would like that.”

Sanji agreed and had been looking for the opportunity, but he had always been too busy or too tired in the evening. “I will make sure to find the time. Thank you for the advice.”

Hiyori refilled their teacups. “I heard it is your first time at this type of establishment. How are you feeling about your visit here thus far?”

“I was surprised by this meeting today and-” Sanji had begun to offer his complements when the sound of a woman screaming for help was heard from another room. Sanji jumped up and ran out, then barged into the room where he heard the sound.

In the room was a trembling, naked, pink haired woman with her arms up in front of her face. Her naked body had long bloody gashes on her stomach and arms. There was a man standing above her with a sword smeared with blood.

Sanji was still unfamiliar with the culture or the services offered, but he did not like the look of the situation. “Miss, do you need help?” Surely this was not a form of entertainment that they offered, but he still felt the need to check.

“YES! HE’S GOING TO KILL ME!” The woman screamed. The man turned to look at him with a look of malice in his features.

“Mind your own-” The man started to say as Sanji kicked the sword out of his hand, then delivered another kick to the gut knocking him on his ass. Connecting another sharp kick to the head, the man was knocked out.

Hiyori and another woman were surrounding the injured woman and staunching the bleeding with rags. “Someone get a doctor!” Hiyori called out. Sanji used a nearby blanket to cover her nudity and staunch the bleeding. He lifted her up and swiftly ran through the low light of the evening sun falling below the horizon. He ignoring other patrons, geisha, and passersby asking about what was happening, until he reached Chopper’s office.

Sanji threw the door open and called. “CHOPPER! EMERGENCY!”

Chopper ran out and took in the situation quickly. He motioned for Sanji to follow him into a room. Sanji set the woman down on a bed and Chopper asked Sanji to leave while he worked.

Sanji returned to the waiting room and sat down. In this sort of situation, he believes that it would be the polite thing for someone to be here when Chopper is done. Firstly he found a restroom to clean himself of the woman’s blood, then he sat and waited. The waiting room walls were painted with beautiful green landscapes that he recognized at Usopp’s work. Last time he was here he did not take time to enjoy the colorful work.

Hiyori and another women ran into the office about twenty minutes later. They were panting and out of breath. “She’s in with the doctor now. The wounds did not appear to be fatal.” Sanji made the two sit while he got them some glasses of water from the waiting room fountain. He mused for a minute that it looked newly installed and likely was the work of Franky and Robin.

After catching her breath, Hiyori spoke. “You move very quickly. Thank you for your help. This work is rarely dangerous, but there are a few times when patrons are dangerous. He is tied up and awaiting to be arrested.” Both women bowed deeply to him.

Sanji had forgotten that he needed to run slower to pretend at being normal, but he was only thinking of the injured woman who was bleeding out. “Thanks are not necessary, it's what anyone would have done in that situation. I apologize for not just kicking his head in immediately. I paused because I did not know if it was consensual or not. I confess I do not have experience in such places.”

Hiyori smiled at him. “It was very considerate of you. In the future none of us would consent to being cut like that. That man is a monster. I hope he is severally punished.”

“I do as well. That is no way to treat a woman.” Sanji agreed.

Chopper came out of the room and looked them over. “Osome is going to make a full recovery.”  The two women let out a sigh of relief before Chopper continued talking. “The bad news is that it will leave scars.”

Both women looked horrified and begged Chopper to do more. The little doctor just sadly shook his head.

Sanji was a little bewildered at the response. Shouldn’t they be happy that she will recover fully? “I’m sorry, but are a few scars so terrible if it means survival?” Sanji had several of his own because, if the wounds were not fatal Judge did not allow him to waste a healing potion. This rule was consistent both before and after awakening his powers.

The other woman with Hiyori was a bit older than her and had blonde hair like Sanji’s. She was wearing a black kimono with yellow flowers scattered in an artful wind and a turquoise obi. She spoke up. “I am the owner of the establishment. My name is Black Maria, and I appreciate your assistance. I too was once an outsider here, so I can understand how you do not know the ways of a Geisha. No one wants a Geisha with scars, and no one wants to hire a former Geisha. Her life will be full of hardships now. We will do what we can but-”

Sanji interrupted not wanting to hear about hardships that Osome will go through because of something so insignificant as scars. “Pardon me for interrupting, but I am currently hiring at my soon to open restaurant, and she has a job offer to work for me once she recovers. I pay well and there are different options based on what position she wishes to take...That is if she wants the position.”

The two women and even Chopper were speechless. Black Maria and Hiyori exchanged looks. Black Maria spoke up first, “Are you certain? If it is known you have a former Geisha working there you may earn a bad reputation before you even open.”

“The quality of my food speaks for itself. I don’t care about those who would fault someone for something as harmless as being a present or former Geisha. Those who do, can go elsewhere to eat and miss out on a better-quality meal. I have been giving out free first-rate food for weeks and already built a strong reputation for my restaurant before opening. I mean to say that I have no qualms about her working for me, so long as she can do the work.” Sanji stated matter-of-factly. He had made time to eat at the few other food establishment in the Wano and he knew his food outshined them all.

Both women bowed to him once again. The bowing was starting to make him uncomfortable. “Thank you, again. We will all pull together and do what we can to support her while she is recovering and will give her your offer when she is ready to hear it.”

Sanji thought over Osome’s situation. “Chopper how long before she recovers enough to start working?”

“It will be about 1-2 weeks for a full recovery. In that time, she will be on bed rest, then she will not be able to perform her duties until I deem her ready. I had some magically imbued sutures that speed up the healing process.” Chopper supplied the answer with a curious look.

“Hiyori, I did not pay for tonight. How much would it cost to pay for a geisha’s company for a day?” Sanji asked.

Black Maria was the one to give him the beri amount. Sanji did the math in his head and pulled out his bag of beri and counted out an amount and handed it to Maria. “Here this is for Osome’s company for the next three weeks. Please use it to take good care of her and inform me if you need more for her care. Otherwise, please send her to me if she chooses to take my offer when she is recovered. There is no rush, her health is more important than her beginning work.”

Again, the two bowed deeply and thanked him. The bowing was too much, should he bow back? He didn’t think so…Maybe he just needed to get used to the bowing like he did to Franky’s hugs, which no longer cause discomfort.

Black Maria smiled at him. “We are eternally grateful for your help tonight. Please return with Hiyori and take another free hour with her company.”

Sanji began to protest until Hiyori spoke up. “Black Maria will stay here with Osome. I insist that you return with me so I can show you how very thankful we are to you Sanji. I will not accept no for an answer.”

Sanji sighed heavily. Hiyori was kind and he did appreciate have a sophisticated conversation with a cultured lady, but it was late, and he wanted to return home to Zoro. He gave in and agreed so as not to be considered rude. “I’ll agree, but only if Chopper allows me to see Osome, so I can see with my own eyes that she will recover. Is that acceptable?”

The three agreed and Chopper began talking to the two women about Osome’s recovery plan.

Sanji closed the door to her room behind him and looked over the sleeping woman. Chopper had told him he gave her medicine to help her sleep. Sanji waved a hand over the wounds and felt the magic in the sutures that Chopper mentioned. He was surprised to see that they contained cerulean grass, known for it’s healing properties. He did not know where they found such a rare and expensive ingredient. They were very likely made by Robin. Robin was very knowledgeable, but Sanji’s magic was far more powerful due to his magical runes.

Sanji took the feelings of pride and accomplishments in seeing Wano healed due to his help, and he used it to charge up the sutures. He hoped to increase the healing speed and ability by giving them a boost of power. Perhaps it may even lessen the scaring.

Usually one person’s health is traded to help another heal. Sanji’s ability was unique in that he could barter his emotions for whichever magic he needed, the price of his emotions was a higher price and paid off more than other offerings. While he had never been able to tap into his healing powers, he could increase another person’s healing spell or already created potions with his magic, he simply could never create his own healing magics. The ability had always evaded him.

Times like these, he wished he had his healing magics. Sanji had awakened his fire ability but his other rune for healing and stamina recovery had never activated despite all, and Judge’s, efforts. That was why he had always carried healing and stamina potions on him. But he had given them away to the blue haired woman in Cocoyasi. There were many times he wished he could heal to save a solider under his command or lessen his own pain. Nothing had worked.

The magic imbued sutures were quite cleverly made and not something he had encountered before. He would have to ask Robin about them at their next get together. He finished and returned to the waiting room.

Black Maria ushered him and Hiyori out the door. The walk back was nice as the stars were shining above them. The geisha wrapped her arm in the crook of his as they walked. Sanji pointed out different constellations to Hiyori along the way. When they arrived, he tried to count the walk as time, but Hiyori was not having it.

Hiyori prepared them more tea and they chatted while they settled in. Hiyori then came around to sit beside him, leaning close to his face and look into his eyes she asked him a question, “Sanji, as you know we offer many services here. You have enjoyed some of our entertainment. We also offer intimacy. It is always the Geisha’s choice who she offers this service to, and I would like to offer them to you tonight.”

Sanji knew little to nothing about intimacy and sex, except that it was something done with a man and woman and it could potentially result in creating a baby. Him and his siblings were ordered to never engage in intimacy or sex without Judge’s express command, because it could result in an unwanted child. That was the extent of the education Judge allowed them to have about the subject.

He did not understand why Hiyori would want to risk having a child with him, but he knew he did not want a child if he was not capable of loving them. The only ones he had ever loved were Zeff and his mother. He wanted to unlock those feelings again, one day, to learn to love again, but the love he had from the past was enough to keep his heart warm even if he never felt it again.

Sanji smiled at Hiyori and turned down her offer, “That is very kind of you to offer, dear. You are quite lovely, but I am not interested in being intimate with you. I’m sorry. I hope you are not offended. I would instead, love to hear you play your instrument again and chat with you over tea.”

Hiyori smiled back at him and shook her head. “You have nothing to apologize for. I am not offended. Not everyone comes here for intimacy. I would love to do as you ask.”

The rest of the night with Hiyori was enjoyable. She was good company. As they said their goodbyes, she asked him to visit her again sometime. She said that she counted him among her friends but warned him friends did not get a discount. Sanji laughed at that and gave her a hefty tip, well over the cost of the free hour. She tried to decline but Sanji did not allow it. Sanji insisted this time, “You had a scary night my dear and then you still had to work with a smile. This is well earned. Please take care of yourself tonight.”

Sanji returned home late into the night. Entering their home, he found Zoro sleeping on the couch with a book open and bent awkwardly in his grip. Another one that Sanji will need to repair.

Sanji wondered if Zoro was waiting up in the front room closest to the door to hear when he got home. Sanji naturally moved around stealthfully out of habit. He had mastered it so well that haki users struggled to find him, even without his amulet of invisibility. Many times, he had eliminated enemies without them ever knowing what or who had killed them. It was what had earned him his name: Stealth Black.

He grabbed a blanket and covered Zoro up before quietly making his way up to bed. He drifted off to sleep thinking about the new friend he made and about Osome, hoping his magic helped her heal with minimal scarring. His final thoughts before sleep took him were on Zoro, waiting for him to return to their home. He didn’t know if it was the comfortable wrap of the blankets or the stirring of some unnamed feeling that warmed and comforted him into the lull of sleep.

Chapter Text

Chapter 8:

They Will Come from Miles Away, In Your Honor

Broken furniture and bloodied bodies lie in the wake of Judge’s rage. Like a predator seeking blood, not prey, he stalked the halls of his own stronghold. A once white rug was soaked with the red of former slaves working in the castle. The news of Stealth Black’s demise had set off a tantrum from the Germa King. Niji was helping put down some rebel activity, and Yonji was tracking down the stolen goods. This left the King to his own devices and his madness.

His Viser asked about putting together a funeral for the fallen soldier, Stealth Black, the way they had for the deaths of his other two fallen children. Now Judge no longer had a Viser, but there was a smear of something vaguely human shaped on the palace grounds, above a very very tall tower.

Because of their lack of funds, the King had them pillaging their own nearby territories like common thieves. The people of his territories were compliant, but the corpses had once been defiant. Soldiers were given a pay cut due to ‘failure to perform up to standards.’ For the first time, Germa was scrimping by, on funds, soldiers and place workers.

Judge had his assistance writing up proposals for refilling their coffers. The plans that Judge approved of were increasing taxes, cutting pay, and attacking other kingdoms and taking from them. Plans that were simple and should be inviting new revenue very soon. His advisors disagreed with these measures.

One assistant argued that the tax increase of 50% was far too high and very few providences would be able or willing to comply. The assistant’s head was now rolling around on the ground before coming to a permanent stop. Another assistant suggested waiting to attack another kingdom until they had regathered their forces and not to cut the pay of their armies or their resources. Judge’s sword cut him from stomach to neck and he bleed out on the conference room floor. The cleaners grumbled about the mess within earshot of the King, forcing his hand and adding to the mess. New cleaners were called, who made not a sound of protest for the viscera they cleaned, least they add to the stains.

The King called for another assistant but there were none. A butler, who knew how to write, was promoted to assistant. The man floundered in his work, but he did not disagree with Judge. His work ethic was encouraged by the still warm bodies on the floor at his feet.

When lunch came it was a simple meal, too simple for a King. The head chef’s arms were cut from his body, and he died on the kitchen floor. The remaining two chefs worked together to fill his role.

The King could not understand why he was surrounded by such idiots!

Judge had his assistant add to their battle plans that they would need to ‘acquire’ more competent palace staff and to draft more soldiers regardless of age or gender. If they were old enough to hold a sword, they were old enough to fight for the glory of Germa.

His current ill mood was from his generals asking for more supplies and support. If they were competent, then they would make do with what they have. Many generals asked for one of his children to assist in taking new lands. There were only two left, and they were on important missions.

Germa had spread themselves too thin and now had fewer resources to hold what they did have, according to a former advisor, who Judge retired from life. This was everyone's fault but his own, so Judge, the King, deemed. They could and would recover from this. Germa would be great again!

A few weeks later brought more bad news from Yonji. He had tracked down every one of the missing pieces of treasure marked by the tracking spell. They had all been buried in different places and spread far apart. Whomever had done this had known what they were doing. Yonji’s investigation had run cold, and he had no news or evidence of the whereabouts of the traitors or their treasure.

Judge came up with a plan and called his remaining three Wizards. He gave them his secret notebooks and demanded that they recreate the experiment that created his perfect soldiers. It angered Judge that the new soldiers would not be his own flesh and blood, but these were desperate times.

Judge had women from all over his rightful kingdom brought to his chambers and granted the honorable roles of concubines to the King. Some begged to return to their spouses, others fought back and had to be tied down. All were ungrateful for being chosen by the King. They were pretty things, despite their disgusting lack of royal blood, but his seed did not take regardless of the use of common magical fertility rituals. The women were blamed and executed for their infertility and for making Judge look poorly. The palace doctor determined that the reason was Judge’s age and health, he was no longer fertile. There were options to fix his particular issues, but the materials would cost an enormous amount of beri, that they did not have. Nor did they have the time and resources to gather all of the materials themselves.

They were already on a time limit to regain their power, and a new child would also take years to grow into a solider. Thus, he would create a few soldiers from his stock of peasants and use them until his family could regain their footing.

Once he found a competent assistance, they will make arrangements for his remaining two sons to marry and create him grandchildren to increase their power and continue their noble bloodline. It would require suitable noble ladies for each of them. He would also need to hire a royal tutor to teach them the husbandry responsibilities of marriage, something he did not allow his children to indulge in, because he did not want any illegitimate bastards to track down and deal with accordingly.

A few more weeks passed and Judge’s meeting with the Wizards left him with only one remaining Wizard. The other two had said that the notes were nonsense, but it was clear to Judge they did not see his brillance. They were killed by Yonji and Niji. Judge wasn’t stupid enough to take on a tricky Wizard by himself.

The final Wizard insisted he could decipher the work done by the previous Wizards and it was simply in some type of code. A code cracker was assigned to work with the Wizard. They had shown Judge the book and even he was stumped, not that he would share such a weakness. Instead, he insisted that the code could be cracked with enough time and incentive. The incentive Judge gave them was their lives.

There were too many things falling apart all at once. There had already been two traitors in his midst. Surely there must be more. That’s why everything had been falling apart, an unknown traitor or traitors. It must be traitors, what else could be making his life work crumble so quickly? What little trust he had was diminished. A poison taster now ate his food before he did. He wore his armor everywhere to a point he even wore it to sleep.

New ‘employees’ were set to work in the palace, and he knew that they were just here to betray him. He killed the entire roster of new workers and demanded more. In a meeting the General who had brought the prisoners, or employees, was upset with Judge because of all the effort it took to capture so many skilled people and bring them to the castle alive.

Judge asked if any of the others felt this way. The General stood alone in his protest. The rouge General had the audacity to strike at the King with a slash from his sword that came far too close to hitting the King. The King demanded the other generals prove their loyalty. The General was executed by his former comrade, the red haired General Evening Shower. His final words were, “The King’s lust for power, that he does not wield, will be the downfall of us all! We must end his rein now before-” Then his head left his neck and rolled to the ground.

No one had ever raised a hand, much less a sword, to Judge before in his entire life. This was the first time Judge felt real fear. For the first time he felt far too mortal for a King. Judge ordered his remaining generals to leave the room immediately and they complied with his order.

Tears streaked his face as Judge’s knees wobbled and the King toppled to his knees as piss ran down one of his legs. He would find the traitors and they would pay dearly, then Germa will regain its footing from this small stumble and take its rightful place as the world’s ruler.

Chapter Text

Chapter 9:

In Their Sunday Best of Sleeveless Shirts and Winter Coats

Zoro met with the resistance group about once a week and gave them updates. This night Franky was late to their meeting and Hiyori was absent. He thought little of it until Franky updated the group that he dropped Sanji off at the Hanamachi to meet with Hiyori.

Too many intrusive thoughts occupied his mind with the knowledge that Sanji was with the most beautiful woman in Wano. A geisha at that. Would she offer to have sex? Would Sanji accept? What were they doing together?

“Zoro?” Robin asked him expectantly. He was yanked out of his thought spiral at the sound of his name and the feeling of every set of eyes in the room on him. The surprise on his face prompted Robin to repeat her earlier question. “I was asking for your report on Count Blackleg. What is your opinion of the man? Everyone else has given their report.”

“Yeah, sorry. We got off on the wrong foot, but I think we can trust him.” Zoro reported on the last few weeks holding nothing back about his interactions with the man, only hesitating and choosing not to add his own growing feelings into the report.

“I see.” Robin replied politely. She gave Zoro a look that said she was hearing the words he wasn’t saying. “We have all come to the same conclusion thus far. Tomorrow we will have Hiyori’s report about his actions with her tonight.” Zoro clenched his fists thinking about what ‘actions’ the two were up to right now.

“Luffy and the rest of the crew will be arriving soon. Ultimately, Luffy will make the call on whether or not to bring Sanji into our group. For now we continue to observe Count Blackleg. On to other news, Nami sent a message that they have new information about Germa, from her sister Nojiko, that could be a great help. She could not elaborate for fear of the message being intercepted, but it sounds promising.” Robin updated them on troop movement, supplies and other necessary information that Zoro could not focus on at the moment.

Before leaving, Franky informed him that the stables were complete. Franky accompanied Zoro in getting Sanji’s horses from the rented stable, everyone in town was aware they were living together and the stable owner had no problem releasing the horses to Zoro. The two led the horses to their new home. As always, Franky did a superb job on the stables and Zoro found there was plenty of space for other animals. Franky explained it was more a barn so he could have cattle or other animals as well. They said their good byes and Franky returned home to his wife and Zoro to his and Sanji’s too quiet house.

That night he sat in the room closest to the door to await Sanji’s return home. His visit with Hiyori was only for an hour. One hour only. He started at the clock on the mantle like it had wronged him personally. It was now an hour past the time the visit should have ended. Once Sanji got home he could ask how it went, causally, not that he was worried about anything. Another long hour passed, then another…

His body had other plans as he hadn’t noticed exactly when he drifted off to sleep.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

With an undignified snort, Zoro woke up to the smell of food and Sanji sitting down next to him on the couch. The night had somehow passed and morning was pouring soft rising sunlight through the windows. Sanji chuckled, “Good timing. I was about to wake you up before your moss infects the couch. You looked comfortable so I thought we could eat here this morning. Today’s an important day so eat up, so we can get going. It’s the last day before our soft opening.” It was also around the time when Luffy and the others were supposed to return.

After few bites of an appetizing breakfast, Zoro spoke up, “Soooooo…how was last night? Franky said you went to see Hiyori?” Zoro said as casually as he could without blurting out the question he wanted to know the most: Did you have sex with Hiyori? Anyone else would have noticed the awkward crack of his voice at the question. Sanji heard nothing beyond curiosity.

Sanji smiled into his food, Zoro felt a sudden, sharp, pang of jealousy at the smile. “Hiyori was excellent company and plays the Shamisen with the grace of an expert. Our night was disrupted by a miscreant harming one of the ladies. I dealt with him and took the injured woman to Dr. Chopper. After she was patched up, they insisted I take another hour after we returned. I’m sorry that I wasn’t there to make dinner last night. I hope you were able to scrounge something up to eat last night without me.”

“Yeah, I ate.” He lied. Last night his mind was too busy to remember to eat. “What did you do together?” Zoro asked. The curiosity cracking at the edge of his voice was once again overlooked.

Sanji thought it over before answering. “She played music and we chatted over tea. It was enjoyable. I may even visit her again from time to time. She told me you are her drinking buddy and suggested I take you up on sharing a drink together.”

The answer was unsatisfying, he hadn’t confirmed or denied Zoro’s fears. Just because he wasn’t saying it, doesn’t mean it didn’t happen. He didn’t know how to ask without being obvious about his disapproval. There was one more person who could answer his questions. Scarfing down the last of his breakfast he quickly got ready. When they went out he surprised Sanji with the news of the barn and his horses in their new home. They fed them, watered their garden and started towards town.

He followed Sanji to town, like every morning, but there was less chatting this morning on Zoro’s end. The questions tugged at his lips in a small frown, but he did not spill the accusations. The quiet was kept by knowing they could be unfounded, or if true, Sanji owed him nothing.

Oblivious to the sour mood, Sanji was happy to fill the conversation about the soon to be grand opening of his restaurant. He spoke of the menu options, the designs done by both Franky and Usopp, and about meals he thought Zoro would like to try. Zoro nodded along, not trusting his words. Zoro followed along and went through the motions on their morning jaunt into town.

Hiyori could not easily come and go from Hanamachi, which is what really prompted Zoro into becoming her drinking buddy. He used the time to update her and get information from her in return. Black Maria and the other Geisha were all in on gathering information for the rebel resistance. They knew very little about who the information was going to, only that it was to fight the wretched Germa and benefit Wano. Only Black Maria and Hiyori knew who received the reports.

It was normal for the Geisha to gossip and Hiyori was the queen of gossip. Thus, making her the perfect agent to gather and pass on the information. Despite wanting to help, Black Maria didn’t do freebies for the resistance, she had a business to run and her girls to take care of. Making Sanji’s story of a free hour sound odd. Whatever help he provided must have been deeply appreciated.

Convincing Robin to give him the money to see Hiyori was easy, as she too wanted to know about the events from the previous night. The town was alive with gossip about what transpired last night.

Zoro had to wait for Hiyori to become available before he had his time with her. Entering the room he saw that the geisha already had a bottle and two cups ready. The friendship that bloomed between them was not fabricated, even if the reason for his visit was.

A few cups of shared sake later, Zoro had the whole story of what transpired last night between Osome and the man now sitting in jail. He wasn’t surprised that Curly offered the injured woman a job and to pay for her recovery. The casual kindness and not wanting credit for it, all felt so much like the Cook. The geisha had shared their conversation, with few details. Something she often chose to keep to herself if it did not pertain to the mission.

Zoro, feeling unsatisfied, still had a few more questions itching to get out. “You told me what happened last night but you haven’t told me what you think of the Cook. Or maybe what other services he might have requested or you offered.”

“Oh? Could you truly not tell my thoughts on the man after I told you of his kindness? He asked for me to play for him, to drink tea together and enjoy mutual conversation. I offered myself to him, if that tells you anything.” She paused to take and small, slow sip of sake and let the information sink in. Zoro’s fists tightened further into the grip on his pants. Any tighter and they will need to be repaired. “I had no intention of making the offer when we set up our meeting. I would not have offered if I did not judge him to be a man of good character. Please tell Robin that he has my approval and eternal gratitude.”

Tired of tip toeing around the subject he decided to blatantly ask the real question he came to learn. “Did he take you up on the offer or from any of the other geisha?”

With a sip of sake and a playful smile she snarked back, “That is between myself and Count Blackleg. Sorry, I should call him Sanji now, after we grew closer last night he told me to call him by his first name. Why do you need to know? You only came to get my report, right?” The queen of being casual continued to sip at her sake like she hadn’t just intentionally riled up the man with three swords and a growing scowl.

“I- I live with him! Maybe…Maybe he’s a bad guy and we need to know if you’re…ya know emotionally involved with him. For the mission!” Zoro fumbled over his words for an excuse and came up with something so flimsy that Hiyori saw his argument had no ground to stand on.

“Oh? You are worried that I’m emotionally involved?” Hiyori put a finger on her cheek and gave an innocent smile and curious tilt of her head. “I wonder what it would look like if I were? Hmmm…. Perhaps I would be demanding to know if a geisha shared a night of carnal lust with him? Maybe I would act like a jealous husband? I know what jealousy looks like and you are oozing it. I’ll make you a deal. Tell me honestly what you feel for him and I’ll answer your question. Deal?” Hiyori said looking up from her long lashes as she sipped at the sake with a wicked smile.

“Tch.” Zoro made a irritated sound and decided how to answer. “The Cook has my approval as well. I think we can trust him.”

“Nope! You know I wasn’t talking about the mission. You are being awfully cowardly, Mr. Swordsman. What could be making you act like that, I wonder?” Hiyori said with a pout and putting her finger to her lip and rolling her eyes up, as though she was thinking about an answer she already knew.

Gritting teeth he answered. “I like him, he’s a nice guy. Now answer the question.” He took his cup and swallowed a deep gulp.

“Hmmmm…Nope!”

  Slamming the sake cup down he shouted back, “Bullshit, I answered the question!”

Hiyori ignored his outburst and looked at her nails with disinterest in Zoro’s mood swing. “I said to tell me honestly and you haven’t been honest with me. I’m waiting for you to say it. You always make an appointment after meeting with me to meet with one of our male geisha, but not today. I already know the answer, do you? Our times almost up! Do you not want an answer?”

Zoro knew the real answer she was seeking, admitting it to someone else was another matter. “Fine! I like-like the idiot! Is that what you wanted to hear?!”

“HA! I knew it!” Hiyori said raising the sake bottle to pour herself and her guest more. “He turned me down, said he wasn’t interested. The man seemed completely uninterested in having sex with me, but he did spend a lot of time talking about you. Don’t worry, I didn’t share anything about your activities here beyond being your drinking buddy. I learned about how very well you two get along.”

“He asked about me?”

“He did. I think you have a real shot with him. Here’s some free advice from an expert on love. He’s very reserved but his protective shell is slowly cracking. Take it slow with him and don’t treat him like one of your back alley hook ups.” Hiyori cautioned, “Time is up!”

“We hardly drank. Can I take the bottle with me?” Zoro asked grabbing for the bottle.

“Nope! It’s the cost of my love advice. Plus you never tip. Now leave before my next client arrives. Good luck with your Cook.” Hiyori smiled as she pushed Zoro out the door.

Zoro was on his way to visit Robin but was interrupted by two boys shouting at him. “Big brother!”

Turning he saw Michael and Hoichael running towards him. They jumped up and he caught the two young boys in his arms. The embrace was warm and welcoming.

“You’re back!” Hoichael shouted.

“Why didn’t you come see us first?” Michael asked.

“I was busy. How’s Auntie and the other kids?” Zoro asked curious how their family was doing in his absence. He should have reached out sooner but he was distracted.

“Toko’s sick, Mama’s watching over her. She keeps throwing up whatever she eats. We were going to see Robin and get her medicine. I heard you’re friends with the guy that gives us free food. Can you ask him to make her food you can’t puke?” Hoichael asks holding up a script from Chopper.

“Ummmm….I don’t know if there’s food like that, but I’ll ask him and bring it over.” Zoro put down the boys, they each took a hand, turned Zoro around, and led the swordsman the correct way.

Like every afternoon, there was a long line of customer outside getting lunch and the cook was, once again, hiding inside. Zoro and the boys each grabbed a plate of food. They handed off the script to Robin on their way inside. Upstairs he found the Cook in the kitchen. He was cleaning up, having finished lunch. Seeing Zoro his face lit up and he took a plate from the fridge and handed it over to the swordsman, his daily onigiri.

Zoro handed the onigiri off to the boys, who sat down and began hungrily eating their food and his.

No reason to put it off, he asked for the favor. “Cook, do you know of a food you can’t puke? There’s a sick kid that can’t keep her food down. If you make her something I can take it.”

Wasting no time pots were put back on the burner and the cook dug ingredients out of cabinets. “I have a recipe for rice porridge that is easy on the stomach. Shouldn’t take long.”

“Thanks. It’s a big family. It’s one woman who takes care of all the orphans in town. She even took me in after my mom died. I was a teen at the time but she insisted that I needed family and kinda forced me into her family. But she’s a good person. The kids love her too.” Zoro shared a bit more of his past.

“What’s her name?” Sanji asked curious.

Zoro shrugged. “Don’t know. Everyone in town calls her Auntie and the kids call her Mama.”

“Well, if there’s more kids there you should bring some extra food. I’ll make some extra for you to take.” Sanji called out to Kiku, who peaked around the corner of the kitchen, and gave her instructions. She smiled and got to work helping.

“We’ll tell Mama you’re coming!” Michael shouted. The two boys ran down the stairs to get the medicine from Robin and ran home leaving Zoro alone with the Cook. They left behind empty bowls, plates, and not a even a grain of rice leftover from the onigiri.

Zoro watched him work as he ate. The blonde man easily accepted that someone needed to eat and set out to fix it. Zoro hadn’t needed to explain more or beg for a favor. Sanji just helped because someone needed it. But he never accepted thanks or met the people he helped everyday. It was a norm that needed to change.

When he was done and the food was packaged up he handed it off to Zoro. Taking the package Zoro decided to show Sanji how he was effecting the town. “Do you want to come with me?”

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Going himself had not occurred to Sanji. The food was getting there, so why was he needed? But if it was an excuse to have more of Zoro’s company… “Sure Mosshead, let’s go together. I’ll prep some things for Kiku to handle dinner without me.”

On their walk Sanji suddenly shouted out. “Watermelon! It’s good for hydration and Kaya tole me she got some in recently. We need to make a detour.”

Several other detours later, thanks to picking up watermelon and Zoro’s directions, they made it to Auntie’s house. The house was in clear disrepair as there were burnt and cracked boards nailed in place by dried mud to various places to seal up cracks and holes. The door was missing a knob and one of the hinges. Zoro carefully opened the door. Sanji was pursing his mouth shut like he wanted to say something.

“OI! Auntie! I brought some food and a guest.” Zoro called out while entering the home. He held up the bags of food like a peace offering.

A red headed woman holding three babies peered up at them from where she was sitting on the floor. “Oh? Is that my oldest son? Finally decided to come and visit your Mama?” She beamed at them with a wide smile.

Inside the home was not much better. No furniture was in sight and the ceiling was leaking. The floor was worn and splintered. There appeared to be about ten children in the home, but it was hard to count when most refused to stand still.

“Yeah. Yeah. It’s me. This is the new cook in town who’s been feeding everyone.” Zoro slung an arm around Sanji.

Sanji bowed to the family. “Thank you for having me. I’m happy to meet with some of Zoro’s family. We brought enough food for everyone and stopped to get some watermelon. If Zoro would be so kind, he can cut it up outside to avoid a bigger mess.”

“Watermelon, what a treat! Thank you! What a kind friend you have.” Auntie grinned at her oldest son. “Toko took her medicine as soon as the boys brought it back, so we’re going to hope she can keep some food in her tonight.” She gave a small sad smile.

“Yeah, he’s alright. I’ll be back. Who wants to watch me cut watermelon with my swords?” Zoro asked to cheers as most of the children followed him outside.

A young girl with pink hair lay on the floor with a single worn and hole ridden blanket over her. Sanji made his way over and sat down and began unloading the food. “Hello little lady, my name is Sanji. I heard you’ve been sick. I’m a chef and I made a special meal just for you.” He handed her the bowl of rice porridge with a spoon.

In the girl’s weak arms rested a poorly made stuffed Hedgehog wearing a shoddy bandanna with purple polka-dots. Sanji recognized the toy as a cursed item. Magic thumped like a heart beat through the toy. He went to reach for it and the girl hugged it tighter. “That was the last gift her father gave her before he passed away.” Auntie informed him. Sanji nodded in understanding. The girl was attached to the toy in a way that spoke of missing her father, meaning the curse was not likely to be dangerous, but he would keep an eye on it and destroy it when she was asleep if it caused her harm or prevented her from recovering from her illness.

The girl smiled up at him and struggled to lift her head. Too weak from illness and an empty stomach. Sanji looked over to Auntie for advice. She was balancing holding three babies while feeding them all bottles propped against her chin for support. “Do you mind being a dear and helping Toko eat?”

Sanji smiled in reply. He was the only adult here that could help at the moment. He lifted the small girl up. With nothing else in the home to prop her up, he put the child in his lap. He lifted a small spoonful of warm rice porridge to her mouth. She ate it slowly. A large smile lit up her face. “It’s good.” Toko opened wide for another bite. Sanji accommodated and fed her another bite and another and another until it was all gone.

The meal spread warmth and nourishment into the young girl, key components in helping her recover. Sanji had not eaten a bite of the food but something warmed deep in his heart that didn’t burn him. “You did good, Toko.” He told the small girl in his arms.

Zoro returned with the children and several slices of watermelon. The children were already digging into a slice each. Sanji helped the young girl in his lap eat one that Zoro had cut into smaller chunks for her.

While he was still helping feed the girl he could hear snickering from Zoro and the other children. He looked over and Zoro looked away. The children covered their mouths as if if could hide the reason for their laughter. He turned back and then he felt it, a small, wet seed hit his cheek. He raised his hand to his cheek to see a watermelon seed. Moving his hand up further he found another in his hair.

Looking over at Zoro once again made the children burst into laughter, even little Toko chuckled. Zoro grinned like a mad man and spit another seed at Sanji. Hitting it’s mark it landed in his hair. One boy spat seeds at another boy, who spit them at a girl. The room turned into chaos as all the children, and Zoro, were spitting seeds at each other.

Sanji was about to yell at Zoro for being rude until he felt another seed hit under his chin. He looked down to see the sickly girl weakly smiling and chuckling at hitting him with the seed. Smiling he took a bite of watermelon, puckered his lip, took aim, and landed a direct hit to Zoro’s forehead, dead center. Zoro laughed and returned fire.

There was now an all out watermelon seed war. Even Auntie was spitting seeds rapid fire at all the squealing, laughing children. It was the most fun battle Sanji had ever experienced. As well as the most chaotic.

There were no sides, no winners, just messy fun. By the end Auntie had the children use old rags to clean up the debris from the long battle. She had them gather up the seeds to plant. The children were excited at the idea of growing their own arsenal, or as Auntie put it,  food.

Toko’s complexion was much improved, either due to the medicine, the food, or the fun. More likely, it was a combination of everything. The large found family sat down on the floor and happily shared food with one another. The children talked about everything while their mouths were full of food. Normally, the lack of manners would bother Sanji, but he was more focused on the fact that they were eating a well balanced meal. He never knew that filling others bellies could make himself feel so full, not with food but some other feeling he knew he would cherish.

At the end of the meal, he knew they should soon leave for the evening. But Sanji found himself reluctant to put the sick child back on the floor with the thread bare blanket. Something in him could not bring himself to set her back down.

He thought back to the day he took pastries to Cosette after the training day she was tied to a pole. This was the feeling he was supposed to feel towards her. Children were supposed protected.

A memory emerged from long ago, he was maybe 5 years old at the time, his mother counting against a tree while him and his siblings were running to hide. He giggled looking for a spot only to have Niji grab his arm and pull him behind a bush. Niji smiled putting a finger to his lips. He nodded back, smiling. Their mother soon found them and pulled them into a hug. Then the sound of their father yelling at them. Smiles turned to fear.

Another time around 6 years old, Reiju was braiding all their hair. Yonji had made flower crowns for everyone, picking daisy's for Sanji because of his pretty yellow hair. It was yanked off, along with a few strands of hair by their father. All the crowns were destroyed and Yonji was crying.

At 7 years old, they were at the beach building the biggest sand castle ever. All the siblings worked together. It was grand. Yonji and Reiju were making a moat, Niji and he were adding a room on different sides, and Ichiji was decorating it with leaves and shells. They all made up stories about the people who lived in the castle. The King and Queen were kind and everyone was happy and everyone got to play everyday and everyone had the best toys. The kingdom’s happiness was short lived as a large boot of an invading king stomped out all the dreams of the happy kingdom. Then he kicked water atop the castle washing it away, along with their smiles. The invader turned his outrage towards the ruined kingdoms creators. Their mom stood in front of the children before she took a fist to the face and fell down. Then the boot came down on top of her again, again, again, and again. Their mom stopped moving, but the boot stomped until it grew tired and walked away leaving one red footprint in the sand. The water would wash the sand clean, but not the memory, that would always carry a red stain.

When he was 8 years old, they lost their mother. Soon after receiving the news they were strapped to operating tables. He was closest to Ichiji, who was crying and saying his wrists hurt, he could hear the others crying too. His own voice begged for their mother, asking her to come back. The only answer was heavy footstep from boots that stomp out dreams and joy. That day their childhood was cut away with scalpels, runes, and their father’s ambitions of a Germa dominated world.

That was the day Judge killed his children and built his soldiers. The Reiju who wanted to be a hair stylist and the the Ichiji who wanted their kingdom of sand to be pretty, are dead. The Niji who laughed with him and the Yonji who loved flowers, were gone in a different way, in a way he didn’t think he could ever repair.

How could he, when he didn’t even know how to fix himself? Sanji knew people could mourn the dead, but in this moment he learned you could also mourn the living. It was a deep dark feeling that felt hopeless.

How could his father look at his own children who were so full of joy and see that as something to be snuffed out? Their father never saw them, nor his people, as something to protect but to exploit.

They weren’t children to him, they were soldiers.

If they weren’t children to him, then he wasn’t a father, was he? No. He was a monster and that is what he wanted them to be.

They had wanted to be protect. Like his mother tried to before she died. Though he had no power, Zeff had tried to protect him as well.

Zeff was his real father, wasn’t he? Not in the biological way, but in a way that mattered far more. He wished he was still here to call him that.

He wanted to protect Toko for all the children he couldn’t protect: Cosette, his siblings, and even the child he once was. As an adult he wanted to be the protector they had needed, who Zeff and his mother tried to be. Protectiveness was one of those feelings that affected his body, he felt like he was strong enough to be the shield that stops the boot from stomping on sandcastles.

Zeff had told him not to kill children and he had avoided it but this was different. The rules needed to updated: Children should be protected.

Using a handkerchief, that cost more than anything this family owned, he wiped a stray seed sticking to Toko’s cheek. He wanted her to get better, he wanted the children to have beds, and a warm home. He needed them to have safety and he could help make it happen. He would make it happen.

Maybe children simply have that effect on adults? Well, not Judge, but other adults.

Before he realized what he was asking, the words left his mouth without consideration, without his normal amount of over thinking about the consequences, “Maybe…Toko…Could she stay with us while she gets better? And maybe-”

Before he could finish one of the children spoke up, “I wanna sleep over too!”

“Slumber party!” Shouted another child.

“If Zoro and your Mama are comfortable with it, yeah you could all sleep over for a few days.” Sanji asked looking to the older woman and his roommate for answers. He silently pleaded to bring this family somewhere safe while they helped them.

Zoro smiled. “Yeah, we have the space.”

Auntie stood up and walked over to Sanji and scooped him and Toko up in her arms along with the 3 babies in a tight hug. Sanji wasn’t sure how the woman could hold him and so many children all at once. But that’s who she was, someone who could hold the weight of the world if it meant caring for as many children as she could carry; she was a Mom. The strength of a loving parent is truly something to behold. For a moment Sanji felt like a child himself, held in his mother’s warm loving embrace.

When she set them down, she stood back up and began barking orders about what they needed to pack. “Alright if we’re going to stay over at big brothers Sanji and Zoro’s home, we are all going to be on our best behavior, right?”

“RIGHT!” Shouted back several excited children.

Bags were packed and children were carried, with Zoro having no less than 3 children hanging on him at anytime during the walk home. They walked back to their home as the sun was setting over the horizon. Sanji had missed the dinner rush but everything was prepped and he knew he could trust the people he hired to handle it without him.

The children immediately scattered like roaches seeing light as soon as they entered the mansion. Every room was explored and the home was filled with delighted shouts at new discoveries.

“This house is ginormous!”

“Look at all the books! Read me a book, Mama!”

There was the sound of something shattering on the floor. “Oops! Sorry!” One of the older children ran towards the sound vowing to clean it up.

 They divided the children and Mama into the guest bedrooms. Sanji was worried about making the children share beds, he had not anticipated they would be excited to simply have a bed. Sharing a bed was infinitely better than sleeping on the floor.

Toko was given a bed by herself, due to her sickness, with Auntie right next door with the babies. Even with 5 bedrooms, it was cramped. “What if you big boys bunk up and free up another bed?” Mama asked seeing Sanji fretting about the space issue.

“That’s not-” Zoro’s protest was interrupted.

Sanji thought it was a very sensible idea. “That’s a great idea. Moss and I can ‘bunk up’ together and free up another bed. We still need some more pillows and blankets. I’m going to run into town and pick up some more necessities for your stay. Please make yourselves at home. Marimo and I will be back shortly.” Sanji grabbed Zoro by the arm. Several small hands excitedly waved them off as they walked towards town. They waved back until they were out of sight.

“Hey Cook, you really fine with sharing a bed with me?” Zoro asked red in the face.

“It will be fine, Mossy. I’ll try to refrain from strangling you in your sleep. No promises.”

“How do you know I won’t be the one strangling you in your sleep?”

“Because you sleep as heavily as an algae covered rock.You wouldn’t even notice I was trying to strangle you until my hands were wrapped tightly around you and you drifted off to a forever sleep.” Sanji put one hand on the back of his neck and gave a small squeeze to emphasize the threat. Zoro responded by jumping forward out of his grasp and turning a shade darker red than Sanji had seen before. He chuckled at the reaction.

Zoro must really think that Sanji was just playing and not a real threat. Pulling his hand back he recalled the times he had killed men in their sleep. He shook his head to try and shake off the memories of a past life of violence, of Stealth Black.

It was late in the evening but Kaya was still at the docks and more than willing to gather what they needed after they explained the situation. “Could you be a dear and also add some…” Sanji struggled to think of how to phrase what he was asking, “Things that children are entertained by?”

Kaya cocked her head a moment to think. “Yes, we can add some toys and books to your order.”

“Zoro, can I leave you to this? I need to ask Franky something before we head back.” Zoro agreed and Sanji handed over the coins needed and some extra telling Zoro to get himself a treat for helping. Booze was still a good reward/motivator for the green haired man.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Once Sanji was well away, Kaya asked Zoro, “How did your talk with Robin go today?”

So much had happened that he had forgotten that he was supposed to report to Robin after talking with Hiyori. “I forgot. I’ll talk to her after I get everything.”

“That means you haven’t heard yet. Luffy and the others are back. They’re meeting with Robin and the rest now. Usopp is there too. Make sure to go there afterwards. I’m sure they’ll be happy to see you.” Kaya handed Zoro a bottle of sake that had become his new favorite. One that Sanji often bought him.

He smiled at the bottle. Sanji had been bribing him with them, then simply gifting them to him when he asked. Sanji, who is going to where his friends are holding a secret meeting where Sanji is one of the secret topics. He paled. “I need to go! Can someone deliver this back to the house? Here’s the beri. I need to go.” He shoved over the beri and bottle into her hands, then ran off before she could reply.

If he hurried, he could catch the cook before he arrived. Turning down a familiar street, he took the wrong turn away from his destination. Taking three lefts, eventually, put him back on track.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Super Designs was closed for the evening after the dinner rush was cleaned up. The clean up was a bit earlier than usual. The door was open and he quietly entered, the downstairs was dark. Sanji wondered if they had evening plans, he was not sure what the polite protocol should be for coming inside of a place, that he was working at, when they may or may not be expecting his return. He opted for his practiced silence, so as not to disturb anyone if he was in the wrong, then he could leave without them knowing he was ever there.

Using his observation haki he noted upstairs were some familiar people, like Robin and Franky, along with several unfamiliar people. Years of habit had him listening into the conversation before making a move to make his presence known.

One voice rung out as familiar, despite meeting the woman only once. Nami was talking to everyone in the room. “With these new Germa tax hikes, I don’t know what we’re supposed to do. Orochi ruined Wano’s finances on his parties for himself and his rich friends in the Flower capital. There’s only so much I can do to keep us afloat! The longer we wait to pay, the King will become more suspicious. The last letter Orochi sent was warning Germa about us! Bastard! I’m glad he’s-”

Nami was interrupted by Robin clearing her throat loudly. The room went dead quiet. Sanji knew that he was caught. He didn’t know how, but no room became that quiet that quickly unless they knew someone was there who shouldn’t be.

Now he had a choice: Flee or face them.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10:

Oh, They’ve Been Waiting for this for Years!

Sanji was about to call out for Robin and Franky to the empty downstairs space, in hopes they did not think (know) he was spying, when the door slammed open behind him, revealing a panting sweaty Zoro. “HEY, COOK! DID YOU JUST GET HERE TOO?!” Zoro asked, shouting far too loudly for normal conversation. Zoro used his unique ability to be loud and annoying to warn his friends that Sanji was there.

Sanji smiled, Zoro offered him an out, making it seem that he had only just entered. Zoro’s next batch of Onigiri would have his favorite sea king meat as a thanks he would never speak aloud. “Yes, I arrived just a moment ago. Took you long enough. Did you get lost again, Marimo?”

“No, you just move too fast!” Zoro huffed out, arms crossed, his steel eye darted between Sanji and the stairs. From Sanji’s appearance he didn’t think he heard anything he wasn’t supposed to hear. He was certain he had avoided disaster.

Robin came downstairs with a friendly smile. “Hello, why don’t you both join us? We were catching up with some old friends.”

Upstairs Sanji recognized several of the people sitting around the table: Usopp, Nami, Franky, Kiku, Hiyori (who was sticking her tongue out at Zoro), and Chopper. The room was also crowded with some unfamiliar faces.

Robin introduced Sanji, “This is the new resident who I told you about, Count Blackleg Sanji.”

“Just Sanji is fine.”

Robin pointed out each friend as she introduced them. “This is Kin'emon.” The samurai nodded at him. “This is Jinbe.” The blue fish man got up and shook his hand firmly. He returned with what he felt was a similar amount of pressure in the grip, the man nodded his approval.

There was a crash in the kitchen. A man wearing a straw-hat, who was shoveling food in his mouth, came out of the kitchen. Sanji froze at the all too familiar face from Cocoyasi. The man who defeated Arlong. A man who was a part of the resistance. “My name is Monkey D. Luffy!” The man smiled widely as he continued eating. “Robin said you made this! It’s the best food ever! Can you make more?”

Sanji froze, his brain putting the pieces together. The pieces lined up with his knowledge of this Luffy person being a part of the rebels alongside the suspicious wording from Nami about about ‘Orochi warning Germa about us,’ to create a single thought: They were all Rebels. But if they were here still and Orochi was not able to deal with them on his own, where was Orochi and what was he doing about the situation?

Were his new friends in danger?

Was he?

Zoro moved passed him and hugged Luffy, who in return wrapped his arms around him several unnatural times. “Zoro!”

Robin tapped Sanji on the shoulder. “Yes, Luffy has that affect on people. He ate a devil fruit and he now has the powers of rubber.” Sanji recomposed himself, not realizing that his jaw had been hanging open at seeing the Strawhat man here, luckily they seemed to think his reaction was from seeing his powers and not recognition.

Devil fruit powers, that explains the fight the man had with Arlong. Judge had hated devil fruit users and banned their use among his army. Conversely, he also ordered his army to bring any devil fruits they found to Caesar for research. At the Wizard’s death he changed the order to deliver any found devil fruits to himself, for safe keeping.

Devil fruits are a type of magical fruit of unknown origins. The smile fruits were based on these fruits. The devil fruits offered power in exchange for the ability to swim and caused a weakness to sea water. They were named such for the devil tempting mankind with power. Like the story of Prometheus giving fire to humans (the popular folklore of the mera-mera no mi), making humans become arrogant and thinking themselves on par with the gods.

Judge had concluded that devil fruits were meant only for those who deserved them, like  his allies, or other deserving monarchs. Over the years he had sent some of the devil fruits to his allies, who swore loyalty to him and to use the power to increase Germa’s power. This power was not meant for commoners, and the fact that mostly commoners had devil fruits, angered Judge to no end.

The King knew how dangerous it was for the common people to have such strong powers. The devil fruits were what prompted Judge’s own efforts to create his own soldiers that could defeat such powerful beings.

Sanji had read the book of all of the known devil fruits, to be prepared for fighting against them. He had fought and killed several devil fruit users in his time. In all of his studies he had never heard of a rubber fruit. But it was possible that it was not known. The stretchy boy wrapping himself around Zoro was proof that the rubber devil fruit must exist.

Luffy knew him. No, Sanji reminded himself that the rubber man did not know him, he had met Stealth Black, who is dead. He forced himself to relax and try to look less stiff. He needed to say something. Everyone was looking at him.

Zoro noticed his stance, like he was about to bolt out of the room. Untangling himself from Luffy he moved back next to Sanji and put a hand on his shoulder. He jumped slightly at the touch, but allowed it.

The touch was enough for Sanji to center himself and say something to the large group of rebels in the room with him. A touch of honesty had been working for him so far, so he chose a dialog that made him appear to be on their side, not that Sanji wanted to pick sides. He wanted peace. “I must confess I overheard you all talking about an increase in taxes? As well as mentioning that Orochi was warning Germa about his people being displeased with his rule? Is that right?” He phrased it in a way to make them believe that was his understanding of what he heard, not that they had given themselves away, not that he was a threat to be dealt with.

Robin smiled reassuringly, “Yes, that is the topic of conversation. Do you have any insight to add?”

Of course Sanji knew about dealing with the King better than anyone, but he couldn’t tell them that. He even felt confident that his stolen fortune could easily make up the amount in taxes they were lacking, but something irked him in the thought of returning any more beri than necessary to Judge.

He knew the answer but needed a way to explain how he knew the answer. They took his silence as consideration of the situation. “Well, I remember hearing rumors that the former ruler of Thriller Bark sent numerous letters asking the King repeatedly for help and the King simply ignored them instead of offering help. Even without sending their monthly tribute, he never sent aid or anyone to check on them and allowed the town to decay on its own. It was also already in bad shape from many marches burning all in their path. Wano is still considered in bad shape by most of the world and few know of our revival. Miss Nami, you said that Lord Orochi asked for help. As his aid, what was the King’s response?”

Nami looked at him curiously,“He replied ‘Solve your own problems.’ and sent nothing else for months until this tax increase letter.” Sanji nodded knowing the contents of the letter because of one of Judge’s many rants about his incompetent underlings.

Nami grinned putting together a new plan. “If we, I mean Lord Orochi, sends another letter asking for aid…he’ll think we’re still in trouble and will hopefully ignore us! That’s brilliant and underhanded enough to work! I’ll write out a letter and send it to the King. After Lord Orochi signs it, obviously. I’m sure I can get him to sign it. I’m his trusted assistant after all!”

There was something in Nami’s tone that told Sanji there was more to getting Orochi to sign that she was not saying. Interesting. Yes. Dangerous? Maybe. What little he knew of Nami the woman had a talent for swindleing, like how he was certain he overpaid for land owned by another person.

“Your prespective is quite helpful Sanji. You have an apt understanding of politics. May we reach out to you for advice on other matters in the future?” Jinbe asked.

Another smile forced its way to his lips. This was getting into dangerous territory, getting involved with rebel activity. “Yes, I would gladly help to offer solutions to keep our home safe. Though I do not know what more I could really offer that you could not solve without me. You are putting more faith in me than I deserve. There is no guarantee this plan will work. If it fails you may reconsider your offer.” His agreement was adorned with planted doubt to keep them at an arms length, as he had always kept town matters. Contribute and refuse to take credit, has been a tactic that had worked thus far.

Jinbe let out a full bellied laugh that startled Sanji, this was not the reaction he expected. “I see you are modest as well Sanji. Robin has told us much about you. I believe that you would make an excellent addition to our little group of like minded individuals.”

Sanji eyes Zoro nervously looking for support, Zoro eyes Jinbe looking for some type of answer, Jinbe eyes Robin as if asking what she has to add, Robin eyes Luffy looking for permission, Luffy was too busy devouring leftovers to continue the chain of eye movement but added his input none the less. “Sanji, You’re smart and strong and the best cook ever! Join my crew!”

“I will have to decline your request at this time. I don’t think I-”

“I refuse your refusal! C’mon, you’re strong and you can make food for every meeting! Meetings are always better with food!” Luffy said holding out his plate with the leftover Black Cod with Miso to emphasize his point, as if being a good cook qualified him for the position.

Sanji was not accustomed to dealing with someone who’s brain worked so illogically. How can he refuse a refusal, it was absolutely ridiculous? The previous interaction just further cemented this assessment. There was something so nonsensical about Luffy, but he could not find himself to hate someone who accepted him as easily as breathing. Even when he did not deserve it. Stealth Black was too draped in sin to ever deserve such trust, it was better he stayed dead.

The ever reasonable Robin spoke up in his defense. “Luffy, we cannot force anyone to join us. Sanji, I will say this choice comes after careful consideration...” She looks at Luffy whose cheeks were stuffed with rice and fish, “By others in our group. It was not a rash decision. Our group is here to protect and improve Wano. You have done much to help despite not being part of our group. If you join us I can tell you more about our meetings and activities. I hope you will take time to consider our offer.”

Sanji nodded and said a silent thanks to Robin for giving him the out he was seeking. “I will certainly consider it. I will be very busy over the next few days. Tomorrow is the soft opening of my new restaurant and you are all invited to attend the small gathering. Then the day after will be the grand opening to the public.”

“WAHOOO!” Luffy shouted at the invite.

Robin gave one of her reassuring smiles at Sanji. “Thank you for invitations you sent out earlier this week. We are all looking forward to seeing you in your element and eating your delicious food. As I said please take your time. When you are available I would like to sit with you and talk further about the offer.”

“That will be acceptable, when I have time.” Sanji replied intending to put off the conversation. “Speaking of time, I should take my leave.” He turned to flee and was stopped.

“Oh? Did you not stop by because you were needing something?” Robin inquired.

He had forgotten, with his perfect memory he had never made such a mistake before. Too occupied with thoughts of not getting involved with rebels had pushed away any other thoughts. For a moment he considered saying it could wait until morning but that could make it look like he was intentionally spying earlier and not simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Oh, Yes! Franky, can you spare me a moment to discuss something?” Sanji asked hand stretched out to indicate he wanted to take the conversation elsewhere. The conversation was not secret, he was trying to move away from the group to find a way out of the uneasy conversation or to start another one.

“Sure Bro!” Franky kissed Robin on the cheek and followed Sanji downstairs to talk. Sanji continued walking out the door and Franky followed.

Sanji explained Auntie’s situation and asked Franky about the cost of fixing the home and providing furniture. He gave a quote and a big sobbing hug to the smaller man. Sanji patted him on the back to reciprocate the hug, he had learned that this was the correct response to hugs. “That’s Super generous Bro! I’ve patched them up here and there but the cost of materials has made it hard for me to do more. You do know that they aren’t the only home in need of repairs, right? I’ve been trying to spread out what we have to keep up with all of the repairs that I can manage. Actually I had left over materials from your house and I used them to help out some people. I didn’t tell you because I wasn’t sure what kind of man you were before.”

“Is it really that bad?” Sanji asked.

Franky released him from his vice-like hug. “It’s really bad bro. When Germa took over Wano years ago they tore up the town but never sent any relief aid. Since then, people have been struggling to get by. Then Germa poisoned the lands with the smile fruit production and made everything worse. Thanks to you, we were able to get food growing again. But the trees, for instance, are taking longer to heal from their plague. Their wood is no good and probably won’t be for another year, according to my Super lovely wife. We’ve had to import all the wood needed to build and repair. The average person can’t afford it. The land is healing but we have a long way to go, we think you can help us even more to put things right. That’s why I voted for you to join our group!”

“There was a vote?” Sanji asked before he could think about how the question would lead to showing interest. He inwardly berated himself.

“It was unanimously in favor of you joining, bro!” Franky said with a thumbs up and a wink.

“I don’t deserve such trust. Here is some beri to get started on Auntie’s home.” Sanji handed Franky a large pouch of beri that would more than cover his estimates for repairing Auntie’s home. “Tomorrow, come by the house in the morning and I can gift you some more to help the rest of the town. Bring a cart. No need to keep thanking me, you’re the ones doing all the work after all.”

Franky was wiping tears from his eyes. “This is your problem, Bro!” Sanji froze. What problem? What did he do wrong?

Franky explained his wrong doings, “You show us nothing but kindness and reject any thanks! You’re already helping the town but refuse to join a group made for helping the town! You act like a stranger in public and a neighbor and friend behind closed doors! You’re not an outsider anymore, you’re one of us. It’s like you’re waiting for everything, everyone, for life to come to you. It’s all right there, if you just reached out and take hold of it yourself. You’re not living Sanji-Bro, that’s just surviving!”

Sanji stared back dumbfounded at the words like an arrow hitting the bullseye. Franky just sighed and shook his head. “I may sound like I’m talking out of my ass, but I’m only saying this because I wish I would have said these words sooner to my Super amazing wife. You should really take her up on her offer to chat. We think you two have more in common than you think.” Franky opened the door and stepped back inside. Before closing the door he added, “On your way back take a look at our town, a real hard look.” Franky closed the door behind him.

Sanji stared at the closed door for another minute before he could will his feet to take him away. Moving here was his chance at having a life. Was he really wasting it by not getting involved with people, or by not getting involved directly with their issues? Wasn’t surviving the point of being alive? These types of life lessons were absent from Zeff’s teachings. Zeff wanted more for him, but what does more imply? What would it look like if he became involved with more of the town’s folk?

Feet shuffling slowly through town with no destination, he pondered over his interactions with the people he’s met so far. All of them, everyone, treated him with kindness and respect. Zoro may have been the kindling that ignite his first spark of emotion, but every person he’s met here had added to the soothing warmth he felt every morning of his new life.

Usopp was always ready with an interesting anecdote and made beautiful art, Kaya was a gentle person who loved to recommend adding things to his order that she thinks he’ll like (she hasn’t been wrong yet), Hiyori was a wonderful conversationalist, his brief interactions with two of the other Geisha (Maria and Osome) told him they were also kind people, Franky was always ready with a hug and had an emotional range Sanji could only envy, Robin was elegant and the smartest person he knew, Kiku and the other workers were all competent and eager to help his dream become a reality, Auntie was a strong and kind woman who took in every child in need of a home and love, her children were full of joy with a happier childhood than he could ever dream existed. There were others he met briefly, like Nami and the others that returned from Cocoyasi, who he may enjoy becoming better antiquated with, only if he allowed them in.

Then there was Zoro, a man who he misjudged on first impressions, well…they both did. Zoro had become such a constant in his new life that he could not envision his life without him. Never before had he enjoyed sparing, until it was against an opponent that reached out a hand instead of a fist at their win, in contrast he took defeat in stride and vowed to do better rather than seek out revenge later. Their conversations and verbal sparring was enjoyable and not a minefield to be navigated to avoid punishment. He was unlike any warrior in Germa, strong but gentle, fierce but kind. A contrast to what he was taught that a warrior was supposed to be, but he was starting to think Zoro was what a warrior should be: someone who uses their strength to protect others.

Would knowing more people really be so awful? No one had a clue about his real origins, so there was no reason to hide like a hermit.

Franky was right.

He needed to open his eyes to everyone and everything around him. Not as a spy looking to destroy, but a person wanting to protect his home, his people. This was his home, he needed to start acting like it.

Pausing his step, he looked down at his wondering feet. He had only paid attention to the state of the town insomuch as it pertained to him. Looking up he took a deep breath of crisp evening air and truley opened his eyes to his home.

There were two parts of the town, the main village, where he spent all of his time, and the Flower Capital, where the rich and powerful lived, like Orochi. The Flower Capital had been deemed too high a risk of being noticed if Germa visited. Germa would visit the diplomats in their safe cozy houses on-top a hill overlooking the poorer village where all of the real work for the town was done.

His feet had brought him to a row of houses in ill repair. All the houses in town were in this state. Wooden panels were missing as though the town shared what they could find and patch up the worst of the damages. Pillars leaned sideways as supports against walls and ceilings to keep them from collapsing. Mud and leaves created patch work fixes on roofs and walls. Bark with spots of rot were slotted into broken windows and cracked floors. Franky was right, not just Auntie’s, but the whole town needed repairs.

Thanks to Franky and Robin’s efforts, water now flowed into homes but those homes were held together by whatever materials could be found and the kindness of neighbors. The fact that the few materials available were spread out amongst the houses told a story of neighborly concern, where they shared what little they had to spare. It wasn’t just a town, it was a community. One that he had lived in like a ghost, drifting through, uninvolved, waiting for his life to begin. But it had, and he hadn’t noticed.

He was a part of that community, he hadn’t tried to be, but the town had welcomed him, enticed with wide smiles, and pulled into warm caring arms. It was time to start living his new life and not simply letting it fly past him, accepting only what fell into his lap without effort of grasping it for himself.

One of Zeff’s irrefutable rules was: His hands were not for fighting, only cooking. But wasn’t cooking just another way of helping others? Was that what Zeff meant him to learn from this rule? Yes, that must be what he meant.

His hands were for meant helping, not hurting.

Continuing his walk he strolled passed home and walked further into the forest nearby. There was an unnatural stillness settled in the air, nothing moving around, no animals calling out in their wild language. Too silent for nature. The trees had the same mold growing on them that he saw on the barks patching up homes. It was evident that the towns people took the pieces least covered in the tree’s sickness. Patches of bark were missing revealing a sick festering inside the wood.

Using his incredible speed he put miles behind him and examined again. The ones closer to town had the most diseased trees but the distance had favored plant life with better health. Removing the bark showed little progress of the sickness. Running further, he estimated about ten miles, the trees looked mostly health with few signs on only a couple of trees of the illness. On his way back he took several samples from various trees at different distances into his satchel.

Why had the people not come out this far themselves for wood? Ah, yes they were starving before I arrived, Sanji recalled the hungry looks he saw when he helped set up the food for the first few days until he hired more employees. He had thought so little of it at the time on how it could affect their livelihoods. He knew personally the effects starvation can have. Not just strength, but they also did not have the tools to gather the wood. With his finacial support and his food in their bellies, Wano could be rebuilt. A plan formulated. He would need to discuss it with Franky in the morning.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

After Franky left with Sanji the meeting turned into small talk. Nami smacked Zoro on the back of the head for not keeping a closer eye on the Count and almost letting him overhear something important. He growled back. The atmosphere was a bit tense with knowing they had been somewhat overheard, but fortunate in not being caught. Luffy, however, quickly set a happier tone with his ever cheerful attitude. Franky returned but they waited a few minutes longer to restart the meeting until Robin gave them the all clear.

They caught Zoro up on what he missed starting with Hiyori’s update about the disturbance in Hanamachi, which Sanji resolved. Robin gave Zoro a look asking why she had to waste her money when Hiyori was able to report this herself. Zoro had the decency to look ashamed and took a deep pull from his sake bottle to turn away from the deserved glare.

Nami talked in length about cleaning up her hometown of Cocoyasi and the recovery. They left them in a good enough place to recover on their own, so that Nami and the others could return to Wano. It was another piece of territory taken back from the thieves of Germa. Another small victory in a bigger game. “My sister,  Nojiko, had a very interesting story to share. She was saved by Steath Black.”

The room was silent, besides the noises of Luffy’s chewing. The silence was broken by Jinbe. “Do you think she is mistaken?”

“No, I believe my sister, she wouldn’t lie to me. She has no reason to say anything kind about Germa, she hates them just as much as we do. She told me she was trapped beneath a burning building and calling for help. She was more surprised than anyone that Stealth Black pulled her out. He told her to leave but her legs were injured. He gave her his bag with healing potions inside. She used one on herself and then he took off in the air and fought Arlong.”

“Well, I don’t believe it.” Zoro huffed with his arms crossed.

Nami smacked Zoro on the back of the head for implying her sister lied. “That’s exactly what he told her! He said no one would ever believe her. He told her to say she stole it. Then he went off to fight Arlong and his crew before he died.”

“That’s true! He helped us and fought Arlong’s crew! He was yelling that Arlong betrayed them, he didn’t, but Stealth Black still helped us beat up his crew! I told him he should join our crew but he keeps turning me down!” Luffy said pouting with chicken bone sticking out of his mouth.

The whole room was on their feet yelling at Luffy for his carelessness with an enemy. Hands sprouted and pulled everyone back down into their seats. Robin sighed, “Jinbe, you were there as well. Please give your report.” They knew they would only get pieces of the story from Luffy, causing more confusion.

Jinbe stood up and cleared his throat, “Yes, I was there to convinece some of Arlong’s crew to betray him and I was sucessful with recruiting some of the fishman to our cause. From the fishman and oothers, there are many reports of Stealth Black calling Arlong a traitor. Arlong denied it, but his pleas were ignored and Stealth Black fought off a contingent of Arlong’s crew. When the dust settled his corpse was discovered. None of the fishman I spoke to took credit nor saw who killed the man. I also witnessed Nojiko hand over a bag, that without a doubt, belonged to Stealth Black.”

Jinbe held up a bag and inside was a notebook. He tossed it over to Robin. She opened it and her eyes widened. “It’s written in code but it is certainly Germa. This is a special type of magical notebook that can send messages instantly to other notebooks that it is linked to. We believed that they used some form of instant communication between the royal family for them to receive orders, but we couldn’t find the source!”

Flipping to the middle of the book there were words appearing in gold over the page by a phantom hand. It wasn’t only old communications but ongoing ones. “They don’t know.” Robin said in awe. “They don’t know we have this! Otherwise they would have cut this book off or created new ones. Once I decode this, we will have a massive advantage over Germa!”

Jinbe nodded with a smile. “That’s why we are giving it to you. We didn’t think much of it at first since we couldn’t decipher it. But a few days ago, Kin’emon noticed it was still in use.”

Kin’emon spoke up, “Yes, I needed a piece of paper to write a note and noticed the words appearing. I knew we needed to get it to Robin quickly, since she is the biggest expert in code breaking and languages. Once she breaks the code, we can use it against them.”

“But why did Stealth Black hand this over before he died? It might be a fake to throw us off their real plans.” Zoro cautioned.

“That’s true.” Robin agreed. “But it is worth exploring, because if its real, this could turn the tides in our favor. I will also look into how it was made. If we can create our own instant, private communications, we would have a more level playing field. This is a massive find! I’m sorry but I think we should end here. I need to start on this now. Oh, for the rest of you, the goal for now is to recruit Count Blackleg. Specifically you Zoro, are in a unique situation to get him to listen to you. Nami you focus on writting the letter for the king. I trust your work.”

“I’ll brew you some Super strong coffee!” Franky said scrambling to the kitchen in haste.

“Our other goal is to have a party tomorrow at Sanji’s restaurant and celebrate!” Luffy said while thrusting a half eaten chicken leg into the air.

“Hold on, Nami!” Zoro called out to the redhead who was trying to sneak out quickly. “Where’s my money? From the sale of my land?”

“I heard you were fighting to get it back, so do you really need the money anymore?” Nami asked. “Instead, I’ll help you convince the Count to move! I know some other plots of land around that are more appealing. I was just trying to get him to pay more and we thought you were dead.”

Zoro glared at her. “Funny none of those words were an apology or about repaying me what you owe!”

With a roll of her eyes she gave something resembling an apology. “I’m sorry for selling the land when I thought you were dead in a ditch somewhere. I’m glad you’re not.” There was a pause and a nervous smile before she said more. “And…Cocoyasi thanks you for your very generous donation to help revive the town! Hey, listen think of it as a way of repaying most of your debt to me!”

“I don’t owe you that much!”

“I mean…not any more you don’t. Besides I’m totally on your side now about giving the Count the boot. I’ll use my charm to convince him that leaving is the best option!”

“Oh, Zoro doesn’t want Sanji to leave anymore. Do you?” Hiyori asked with the quirk of an eyebrow.

“Shut it! That’s not…I mean… if we kick him out now he won’t want to join us. This is for the mission.” Zoro said glaring at Nami.

“And after he joins us are you going to kick him out?” Hiyori slyly asked.

He redirected his anger and glare at Hiyori. “Well, not right away. It’s a delicate matter! We have a truce. Wait. Why are we talking about this. What about my money Nami?!”

Looking over to Nami, he found she had already fled. Hiyori giggled. “You won’t need that money if you just married a rich, handsome, blonde man, Zoro.”

“Ah, is that what Robin meant by being in a ‘unique situation’ with the Count?” Kin’emon asked with genuine curiosity.

“That’s not what she meant!” Zoro protested, face beet red.

“I want to be your best man!” Chopper pipes up.

“There’s no wedding!” Zoro shouted back.

Usopp piped up before Zoro could control the narrative. “HA! I knew you two were dating! Kaya thought I was reading too much into it. I can’t wait to tell her!”

“Don’t lie to your wife!” Zoro pulled at Usopp’s nose.

Jinbe put a hand on his shoulder. “You have my blessing, I’ve heard he’s a kind man.”

Releasing Usopp’s nose, Zoro shouted to the room. “I don’t need it! We’re not together!”

Kiku put a hand to her mouth to hide her knowing smile. “We all support you, Zoro. You two will make a cute couple.”

Luffy laughed at the antics of his crew. “Shi shi shi, Zoro likes Sanji!” Grabbing a handful of both cheeks Zoro pulled the rubber-man’s cheeks far apart and released them snapping back hard enough to knock him over.

“If any of you say this shit to him, I’ll- I’ll- I’ll cut you down!” Zoro said running down the stairs and out of the house to avoid being tormented further.

Franky peeked out of the kitchen, “Wow, he’s got it bad.”

“But does Sanji like him back? He is a hard man to read. Or a better question is: why are you all still in my home when I have important work that will keep me up for so many nights that I may whither away and perish?” Robin asked from her office, door open, awaiting her coffee.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Zoro was surprised to return home before the Cook. The house was alive with commotion, even from outside. He unloaded the cart and handed out toys to grateful children. Auntie helped distribute blankets and pillows to bedrooms. Zoro started pulling food out to make dinner, he didn’t know where Curly took off to, but he could probably make something passable.

Dumping various vegetables on the table he grabbed three knives and put one between his teeth. “STOP!” Sanji shouted from the entrance to the kitchen. He looked like he was about to have a heart attack. “Why is one of my pairing knives between your teeth?” He stomped closer and yanked it out of his mouth, examining the knife he frowned at teeth marks in the wood. “We agreed the kitchen is my area, now shoo while I make food actually fit for human consumption. Go play with the kids. Kids like training animals right?”

“You haven’t been around kids before. They’re tougher to train than any pet!”

“We’re not pets!” Micheal said jumping on Zoro’s back.

“Oh, yeah?” Zoro grabbed him and scooped him into his arms, he ran to the couch and slammed him down making the child bounce and giggle. “Then stop acting like a little monkey climbing on everything!”

Another child reached out his arms to Zoro, “Me next!” Zoro had to make them take turns as he slammed and bounced each one on the couch in turn until that game was boring and they move on to another game of Zoro pretending to be an Oni, that eats monkeys, while the children ran around haphazardously to escape the fierce green Oni.

Just as Oni Zoro was about to take a pretend bite out of a little girls arm, Sanji called them all to dinner. The children’s table manners were even more non-existent than Zoro’s, yet Sanji said nothing. Zoro helped cut up a piece of teriyaki chicken for a child and Sanji did the same for another. Auntie had gone upstairs and fed Toko, then she joined them and ate her own meal.

“It’s late and time for bed everyone!” Auntie, Sanji and Zoro captured children and ushered them upstairs to prepare for bed. Sanji handed them toothbrushes, toothpaste and wash clothes for bathes. They stared at the foreign objects.

Auntie smiled at him. “We haven’t been able to get a hold of these items before, maybe you could demonstrate. I’ll help with baths, some of the littles need assistance.”

Four older children and Zoro watched as Sanji demonstrated all the steps and talked about keeping teeth healthy and clean. One giggled and told him he sounded like Dr. Chopper.

“You should listen to Dr. Chopper, he knows what he’s talking about.” Zoro said tussling the child’s hair.

“Yes, you should.” Sanji said eyeing Zoro.

“That’s right, you should.” Zoro retorted remembering the one visit they had to the little doctor’s office and their mutual hate of going to visit doctors.

Auntie read them all a story from one of the new books Kaya picked out for them. The children were finally settled into their beds. Zoro and Sanji were left to their own devices, in their now shared room, with one bed. Zoro hadn’t been this nervous when the arrangement was first decided, but after his friends all teased him new self-consciousness was creating an awkward tension, that Sanji was not feeling.

“You can head to bed. I’m going into my office to get some work done.” Sanji said leaving Zoro alone with his intrusive thoughts. Thoughts that he combated by reminding them that the house was full of guest, including nosy little children.

A few restless hours in bed later, Zoro was wondering what was keeping the Cook up so late. Quietly, so as not to wake the children, he walked barefoot across the wooden floor to the one room that still had light streaming beneath the door. Sanji was too focused to bother looking at who was opening the door. Spread out on the desk were various magical tool and a scattering of plants sorted into categories.

“What’s all this, Cook?” Zoro asked not understanding why the room was filled with plant clippings, around a man that hates dirt in the house.

Sanji didn't look up as he took a tape measure and ran it across different pieces of bark and wrote notes. “The trees still have the smile plague that was spread across Wano. I’m looking at how I can tweak the fertilizer recipe to make it more effective for them. I hadn’t taken into account trees would have absorbed more of the sickness deeper into their trunks. I’m sure I can speed up their healing process as well, but it may take stronger materials than I’ve been using. I’ll probably skip sleeping tonight. Don’t worry I’ll stop to make breakfast.”

“I’m not worried about breakfast, I’m worried about you not sleeping. Everyone needs sleep. You’re human, not a machine.” The Cook had stopped at Zoro’s words and looked up at him.

Sanji shook his head. “It’s my fault, I should have noticed sooner. With healthy trees closer, it will be easier to make repairs to the town. There’s so much left to do and-”

“You don’t have to solve every problem tonight. The problem existed before you arrived and we survived. We can find work arounds until we fix it. It’s going to take time and exhausting yourself isn’t going to help anyone.” Sighing heavily he came around the side of the table and took a piece of bark out of his hands. “You really are just like Robin. But, I’m not Franky. You’re going to bed, now.” He grabbed the cook by his hips and slung him over his shoulder.

“Hey! ST-”

“ SHuush…Quiet, you’ll wake the kids.” Sanji huffed at that, but accepted his fate as Zoro took them to a closet, Sanji chuckled softly, then he found the bedroom.

Zoro tossed him on the bed. Sanji fell with a slight bounce that made his hair halo around his face. Zoro blushed and grabbed a pillow shoved it at his face. Sanji took it and crawled under the covers. Making himself comfortable, he noticed Zoro was just standing there watching him. He reached a hand out and pulled at Zoro’s sleeve. “You can’t tell me to sleep and then not come to bed yourself, hypocrite.”

“I was…just making sure you were really going to bed.” Zoro turned away as he darted under the covers, facing away from Sanji.

“Goodnight, Mossy.” Sanji said leaning over, close enough that Zoro felt his breath kiss his ear.

“Good-night, Curls.” Zoro choked out. He laid there in the silence of the room, focusing on listening to Sanji’s breathing change to slow, even, sleeping breaths. He turned over, eye adjusted to the dark, looked at the man sleeping next to him and closed his eye. Zoro dreamed about what it would be like to fall asleep next to this man for the rest of their lives.

Chapter Text

Chapter 11

You Can See it in Their Eyes

Blue expanded as far as his matching color eyes could see. Sanji floated serenely on a vast ocean. Above was a sky just as wide. Fire couldn’t burn here, though he still felt warmth surrounding him, hugging him, endearing him to its calm. The ocean called his name and soft waves began to rock him. Abruptly, he was ejected from the embrace when a wave crashed hard and he jolted awake.

Awareness was instantly thrust upon him as several children had jumped on the bed, pitching him and Zoro into wakefulness. Strong arms wrapped around him protectively from the onslaught of playful, laughing, hungry children.

“We’re up! We’re up!” Zoro shouted waving one arm at the rambunctious intruders. The other arm remained tightly around Sanji’s waist, pulling him close to his body. “Now, get outta here so we can get dressed.” There were boo’s in response and more daring children cuddled up with them clinging to their legs and giggling. “Out or no breakfast!”

Several gasps were followed by older children dragging younger children out of the room and the slamming of the door. “Don’t threaten their meals, Marimo! You know how I feel about making sure everyone eats. I would never punish anyone by denying them a meal.” Sanji hissed looking up at Zoro from where he was curled up against his chest. Zoro didn’t respond but just looked down at him, single steely grey eye conveying a message Sanji could not decipher.

Zoro reached down and ruffled his hair harshly. Sanji pushed him away escaping the comfortable embrace. Sanji threw his legs over the side of the bed, trudged over to his dresser and grabbed a change of clothes. He noticed an unfolded pile of clothes on the top of the dresser, Zoro’s clothes. With his free hand he tossed them at the man still sprawled out on the bed like he was planning on going back to sleep. “Nuh uh. If I have to get up, so do you.”

A groan and a scowled later, Zoro stamped out of bed and began taking off his clothes. Sanji ignored him and made his way to the attached master bathroom for his morning routine, something he suspected that Zoro did not have.

Face washed, hair brushed, lotions applied and clothes changed, Sanji made his way downstairs to make breakfast. The house was suspiciously quiet for so many young guests. Using his observation haki he noticed several small and one large human outside. Looking out the window Zoro was teaching the children about the garden and letting them help water and tend to it. Three children were feeding and talking to the horses in the barn. Auntie came downstairs shortly after and he made her, and himself, some tea while he worked on breakfast.

This was only a little earlier than he usually woke up for the day. Children’s internal clocks must trigger awakening at the smallest hint of morning, like an alert rooster ready to wake the world. He hadn’t minded being woken up by the boisterous bunch but he had been enjoying the strange dream he was having. Especially since he had stopped dreaming many years ago, adding to the strangeness.

Examining the dream he had felt comfortable, warm, safe, wanting to continue floating along endlessly. The eternal ocean had not made him fearful, instead if had been a reassurance. He knew better than to put much stock in such illusions as dreams, but it held a secret letter he could not yet read and he wanted more of these messages.

Too bad he did not have time to dwell on the translation, today was the soft opening of his restaurant, he still needed to work on the continued concern of Wano’s poisoned trees, Robin wanted to talk to him, and- There was a knock at the door, a reminder of the last task on the list, Franky coming over.

Anutie popped up out of her seat in the kitchen, “I’ve got it!”

“Thanks. It’s Franky. Let him in and tell the kids to clean up and come to the table for breakfast.” Sanji replied turning off the stove. Everything was being plated with care for each recipient as Franky wished him a Super good morning. Franky was ushered to the table in the dinning room while Sanji balanced several plates and platters. Soon enough the children burst in like a stampede, some standing on chairs, others shoveling food in their mouths (a few with hands and others with silverware), and Auntie issuing commands trying to get them under some type of control. Zoro and Franky laughed at the chaos. Sanji chuckled at the sight and the excitement radiating from their house guests.

Auntie took her plate, and one made especially for Toko, up to the sick child’s room to feed her. Excusing himself after briskly eating his food, Sanji left for the safe room.

Using his observation haki he saw that everyone was still downstairs, with the exception of Toko in a guest room, sitting in Auntie’s lap as she fed her spoonfuls of warm food. Toko was able to get up on her own and was moving with more energy. She appeared to only be sitting in Auntie’s lap because she wanted to, not because she needed to. He smiled at the quick improvement. Good food, medicine, and a dry safe room had been what she needed.

Sanji used the key around his neck, tucked under his clothes, to enter the safe room. Everything had been meticulously organized upon moving in, so it was easy to find the crate he was seeking. Using a magical stone he lightened the load. It was not needed for him to lift the weight of the crate, but instead to reduce the suspicion of how he could lift it on his own.

Before he could set the crate down outside of the room, the pitter patter of very quick, very small feet, rushed past him into the no longer secure room behind him. No sooner than he set down the crate, he heard the sound of boxes being opened and little hand ruffling through secret belongings.

“WOW! Pretty!” A little girl shouted as she held up a red ruby the size of her small hand. Rushing over, not too quickly as to make the same mistake he did carrying Osome, he made his way over and took the small hand in his. “Not a toy, sweet child. Please don’t-” He said once again cut off by another child’s find.

“Look at me, I’m a princess!” Another girl, with a tiara on her head, proclaimed. His head turned to see the little princess smiling as brightly as the jewels cresting the tiara. “Also not a toy! Please-”

A crash had him turn his head as another child had tipped over a small chest and pearls rolled across the once tidy floor. “Are these candy?” Micheal asked holding one to his mouth ready to test the theory. “NO! DO NOT EAT THAT!” Sanji shouted worrying about the choking hazard so close to a small mouth.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

“What the hell’s going on in here?!” Zoro asked skirting around the corner and rushing into the room. Seeing the immediate danger he snatched away the white bead, that was NOT candy, from Micheal’s hand. Micheal frowned, turned his back on Zoro, grabbed a handful of shiny colorful rings from a box and started putting them on his too small fingers.

Sanji looked overwhelmed, pale, and panicked. Zoro needed to take control the situation now!

“Everyone out!” Zoro commanded to deaf ears as other children spilled into the room not wanting to be left out of playing in the room with shiny new toys. He tried to grab at them but they slipped between his legs and around his grip. Zoro had faced many enemies in duels to the death and walked away stronger for it, but corralling children was a fight he losing.

“She’s so pretty! Like a fairy princess!” A young girl, named Tama, remarked holding a blue cloth in her hand and admiring a picture of a smiling blonde woman hanging on the wall.

Sanji nearly dropped a kicking child he had picked up and slumped to the floor in defeat. The child saw his distress and took a nearby golden crown surrounded in yellow gems and put it on Sanji’s head as an apology.

 Zoro was still trying to shoo the kids out while taking their stolen goods from tiny hands and pockets. They were outnumbered and needed reinforcement. Finally, help arrived from the experienced Auntie. “ONE, TWO, THREE, EYES ON ME!” Auntie’s voice filled the room with an authority the children recognized immediately.

“ONE, TWO, EYES ON YOU!” They children called back in unison, freezing their actions and watching Auntie.

“Empty your pockets, leave anything you found in this room here, step out of the room and line up along the wall here.” Auntie pointed to the hall wall outside of the room. The children frowned and mumbled complaints about ‘just playing’ and ‘they did it first’ before they slowly left the room one by one.

Only Tama remained, refusing to return the blue cloth, “Why can’t I have the soft blankie?” She asked rubbing the smooth fabric on her face and crying.

Sanji held his hand out asking for it back, “There are nice soft blankies in the rooms for you. This one helps protect the pretty lady in the picture from getting damaged.”

The mayhem having dispersed, Zoro was able to get a good look at the portrait on the wall. The woman with a soft smile had the same color hair and eyes as Sanji. From the look of worry on his face the woman was someone very important to him.

He recalled Sanji had said that his mother was beautiful and looked like him, she was also someone he clearly loved. It was odd to place this picture here where he couldn’t look at it often. Maybe he would rather hide it away, than to risk damage. Sanji had every reason to worry, after all, he let a man who had destroyed his house move in with him.

 The little girl finally relented and handed over the blue blankie, “Ok, I’m sorry pretty lady.” she apologized to the portrait but not it’s owner. Tama left the room to line up with the others.

Franky had also made his way up the stairs. Now everyone could see the disorder caused by the children’s exploration.

Standing back up, Sanji took the golden crown from his head and carelessly dropped it to the floor with a resounding clunk, the sound amplified by the silence.

Striking blue eyes met kind still blue eyes as Sanji stared into the portrait with a look of longing for someone lost. Watery blue eyes darted over the painting and frame assessing it for harm and found none. With slightly shaking hands, Sanji put the blue cloth carefully and meticulously over the painting to fully cover the woman with familiar blonde hair and blue eyes.

Franky came into the room and started scooping up pearls and depositing them into the half filled chest they originated from. “No worries, bro. We can get this cleaned up in no time! You can even check my pockets later if you feel the need. I know trust needs to be earned! No judgments here!”

Auntie handed over a few more stolen items to Franky before taking the children downstairs. Franky put them away where they appeared to go.

Zoro put a hand on a trembling shoulder. “Hey, you ok?” Without a word Sanji spun around and gripped around Zoro’s waist in a tight hug. Both Zoro and Franky froze in surprise. This was the first time either had seen the other man initiate a hug, he hardley sought out any type of physical contact. Franky gave Zoro a thumbs up and exited the room to grant some privacy.

Slowly, as if not startle a frightened animal, Zoro raised his arms and encased Sanji in a returned hug. A small sob escaped wobbling lips and tears fell from watery eyes. Losing his composure Sanji sunk down to the floor and Zoro followed him, never releasing him. Zoro laid his cheek against golden locks and calmly shushed and gently rocked the man of his affections. He wasn’t sure what the right answer was, but this was how his mom calmed him as a child. He had a feeling that something like that was what was needed, a mother’s comfort or something close enough.

When the sobs subsided and he was calm enough to talk, Sanji asked, “Will you stay?”

Zoro nodded against the crown of a blonde head. “Yeah, as long as you need.” He wouldn’t break the hug before the other. Both during the night and now Zoro was indulging in the close contact with the cook. Greedily he hoped Sanji would stay in his arms longer, past need and into want. Keeping those thoughts in check, he took whatever he was offered. It was a few more minutes before Sanji pulled back and rubbed at his eyes to wipe away the mess he had made of himself. Zoro helped to straighten out his hair and make the usually put together man look presentable again.

Back to his usual self, Sanji called Franky in from the hallway, where he had waited patiently. The three cleaned up the room with Sanji’s orders then he locked the room behind them. The crate in the hallway was taken to the cart outside brought by Franky. Sanji helped attached the magic stone to the cart and explained how it worked. Franky nodded, he knew how it worked because of his wife, but he let him explain anyway, let him feel more in control. They were asked to wait as Sanji ran back inside and returned with a full satchel a few minutes later.

Before leaving they called all the kids outside and Sanji explained that the room and it’s contents were off limits, NOT toys, and an important secret. He explained that the things in there were helping Wano get better because it was very sick and if certain people knew it was here they would steal it away and Wano would not get better. The look on the little faces showed that they understood and they too wanted Wano to get better. With a pinky promise, a pact Hoichael explained to Sanji, they all promised to keep it a secret and never go in again without Sanji’s permission.

All the children lined up and bowed and gave apologies over one another for going in the room without permission while Auntie glared them down, daring them to step out of line again. Sanji gave a forced smile and accepted the apologies, so long as it NEVER happens again. There was lots of small heads nodding and agreeing.

Sanji gave Auntie and the children some options for activities they were allowed to do while they were gone. “For lunch today we are having the soft opening for my restaurant and I expect you will all be there to help me celebrate. I’ll make something special just for Toko and whoever stays here to help take care of her.” One of the older kids offered in exchange for also getting a desert. Sanji agree to the terms of the deal.

As an after thought Sanji vocalized a concern, “I forgot to ask do you have a tutor that we need to inform of your temporary residence? I don’t want to have them think you all moved out without informing them. We can let them know the situation when we are in town.”

Auntie looked surprised and the children looked confused. “What’s a two-door?” A little boy asked. Auntie answered for them, “No, there isn’t anyone like that in Wano. Kaya and Robin give me and other parents some books and other materials they can spare but we do our best to teach the children on our own.”

Franky offered a further explanation, “Lots of people lost their lives, were abducted, or fled when Germa took over. That includes any educators. My wife and Kaya have been helping parents with some of the basics to teach their kids. They may be Super, but they are only two people and have other responsibilities.”

Zoro added some context. “Only nobles have tutors, Curly. Wano used to have a school house but it’s been…out of operation for many years and we’ve had a bigger focus on surviving than education.”

Sanji nodded in thought. “I see. I’ll think on that.”

After some good byes, and children trailing along for a few steps only to return when Auntie called after them, they left for the short walk into town.

Franky spoke up first, “No need to worry Bro, we already knew you had a lot of money, so there were no surprises in that room. It was more than we thought, but we don’t need to share that information.”

“Yeah, everything in there can stay between us.” Zoro added to help put the cook at ease.

“Thank you. I did mean what I said to the children. I want to help Wano and I don’t want others to know what I have. The risk of theft would be too high. Speaking on the topic, this crate is completely filled with beri.” Both Franky and Zoro stopped dead in their tracks at the admission. Zoro looked at the large crate, depending on the denomination of beri, there could be millions worth of beri in the single full crate.

Oblivious to the pause Sanji continued to talk, “I know that your club has Wano’s best interests in mind. As proof of the tutor conversation, I have gaps in knowledge about Wano’s needs. So, instead of giving you small amounts beri as needed, I think your group could better distribute-”

“A small amount?!” Franky asked incredulously. “Bro, you have given us a small fortune with every donation! This here is a King’s ransom!”

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Sanji stopped and looked back only now having noticed he was several steps ahead of them. Gripping the satchel on his shoulder tighter at the shocked look on their faces he knew he needed an excuse. “Yeah…like I said gaps in knowledge.” He kept talking to divert their attention. “I have some suggestions for the use but you all would know best. Like helping rebuild the school house along with the houses and any other buildings that need it. Also, hire a teacher or any other professionals that are needed to help Wano thrive.”

Franky and Zoro exchanged a quizzical look that Sanji could not read, probably about rich people being out of touch. Which is true. Franky looked at the crate again like he could see through it to the piles of beri inside. “My wife knows some Super scholars and can reach out to hire some teachers.”

“Great! See you all have connections I don’t.” Sanji left unspoken how he wasn’t needed for their club of dangerous rebels. “I also have ideas for rebuilding. I thought about how many people came to work for me and their thanks, because of the lack of jobs. When I moved to Wano I noticed about ten miles out there is no rot on the trees. Hire crews to take carts and horses to get lumber from this distance or further. It will help the town’s people earn money as well to help families recover. Meanwhile, I will keep working on the issue of the rot. You can also hire more people for other various jobs, at a fair wage, to help restore the town. I have a proposal written up that I have brought with me.”

He opened the satchel and handed Franky a small notebook. “You can give it to your lovely wife to review. We can get together another day to discuss it if you have any questions. Otherwise, I trust your judgment. Today I have to focus on my restaurant's soft opening and grand opening.”

Franky reached out and instead of taking the notebook took Sanji into a tearful hug. Sanji returned the hug, now with some practice. “BROOOOO! This is exactly why you need to join us!”

“What? No this is why you don’t need me anymore!” Sanji argued.

“Nah, Franky’s right.” Zoro smirked, “Stop acting like you don’t care. No one who ‘doesn’t give a shit’ puts in this much effort or thought. It’s a great plan.”

“I don’t care…that’s not-” Sanji stuttered out an objection. These people were too hard to read, he couldn’t think fast enough to come up with an excuse they would accept. Sanji pulled out of the fierce hug and Franky took the notebook with a teary smile.

“Oh, there aren’t many horses in Wano. Can you loan yours to help cart the wood?” Zoro asked.

“Of course! Anything else we can…” Sanji trailed off seeing Zoro’s traitorous smirk.

“Ha! ‘I don’t care’, my ass!” Zoro said imitating Sanji’s falsehood, “You care so damned much you were going to stay up all night until I drug your ass to bed with me! Quit your bitching and just join our crew already!”

“With you, Zoro-bro?!” Franky said wiggling his eyebrows, eyes darting between the two with a wide grin on his face. “Do you have any Super news to share?”

Zoro pushed his hands in front of his tomato red face, doing nothing to hide it, and moved them around rapidly like he was blocking Franky’s question. “NO! NOTHING!”

Grasping for straws himself, Sanji grasped the next closest distraction, whatever was making Zoro embarrassed. Though he wasn’t certain what part made him feel that way, so he may as well tell Franky what happened last night and watch Zoro flounder. Better Zoro, than him. “That’s right. Last night I was up working and he told me to go to sleep. I told him no. Then-” Sanji walked over to Zoro and grabbed him around the waist and threw him over his shoulder, imitating the grab from last night. “He did this!”

“Put me down, Dartbrow!” Then he did, dumping him in the cart on his back like Zoro had done to him, albeit on a softer surface.

Sanji smiled down at the flustered man, his distraction working. “He tossed me on the bed, just like that, after I told him to put me down too! Then he told me to be quiet so we wouldn’t wake the kids! His face was just as red as it is now when he crawled under the covers with me! Then-” Zoro jumped up and put both hands over Sanji’s mouth.

Looking horrified he looked over at an excited Franky, “It’s not what you think Franky! So, shut the hell up! It was because of the kids! They took the other beds and we shared! For space! For the kids! You saw them, the kids! It’s not that so shut the hell up!” Zoro cautiously removed his hands.

Sanji was laughing when he got up. “What’s so embarrassing about us sleeping together, Zoro?”

Zoro looked at Franky’s smug mug. “Shut up!”

“I haven’t said anything Bro, I’m just enjoying the Super fun show!”

“We need to get moving! We’ve got more important things to do today assholes!” Zoro grabbed the cart and moved with quick purpose leaving the teasing behind but the laughter from the two others trailed after him.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

The afternoon came quickly as there was a line of familiar faces outside of the newest restaurant in town, the All Blue. Stepping inside the first thing one noticed were the enticing mouth-watering smells wafting from the kitchen.

Guests were let in by the hostess and led to round tables with blue padded chairs, each with a different fish painted on the backs, or green padded benches with seaweed painted on the backs seated at with longer tables. The tables themselves were wooden with carving of various sea-life swimming below a glass table topper, protecting them from spilled food. Above was one of Usopp’s proudest works, a whirlpool of sea-life swimming in a swirl waves. Lights of numerous colors shined above to add more color to the painting above. Along the walls were ships with silhouettes fishing into the waters below, the waters were colored tiles portraying waves on the ocean.

Usopp sat next to Kaya and was happily and loudly boasting about his works to every patron. Franky was bragging but mostly to his wife and whoever happened to overhear. Luffy was being held back by Zoro from invading the kitchens from his impatience.

Kiku came out from the kitchen, “Hello friends, thank you all from coming.” Kiku bowed then rightened herself to her full height, “Our owner and wonderful head chef is making final preparations in the kitchen. Food will be out shortly. You have all been given time to view our menu, but I would like to explain some of our choices. Firstly, we explored what other nearby restaurants are famous for, such as Tsurujo’s tea house’s famous Oshiruko. With this knowledge we will not be serving these items, because we are here to help grow Wano, not take out other businesses.” Tsurujo and her husband Kin’emon stood up bowed, then took their seats. “If you want one of these delicious Wano delicacies, please visit her tea shop.”

Kiku flipped to the back of the menu, “Secondly, you will see the kids menu is free for all children, because we believe that children should always have healthy and nutritious meals to help them grow without worrying about the cost.” Auntie and the children at her table shouted then quickly calmed down with a stern look from Auntie.

“Thirdly, as a business we must still make money, but we do understand others have financial hardships, as our motto is that ‘EVERYONE deserves to eat.’ Under the free section you will see that there are options such as rice, soup, bread, or catch of the day, meaning what fish we have surplus of in our supply. As we are costal, fish were the best option for keeping up with always having as a cheap but healthy option. Lastly, the other items are as priced based on what we have determined to be a fair price. All of our food is of the highest quality and quality will NOT be diminished based on prices. Tonight you will not order from these menus, instead you will receive a sample of every item on the menu. We value your feedback so please let the hostess or server know your thoughts. Now we begin with appetizers. Enjoy!”

Serving platters and plates made their way to every table. Zoro took note that Luffy received far more than a sample size. He was happy that Sanji took his advice about feeding the bottomless pit that is Luffy’s stomach. Kiku set down a plate of onigiri in front of Zoro with a knowing smile and soft chuckle.

Zoro reached for one only to have it snatched away by Luffy’s greedy grip. He slapped the hand, making him drop it. He put himself on guard as he ate, eyeing Luffy ready to fight for his meal. Though it had been sometime, he was no stranger to fighting against Luffy’s hunger for his meal. “This is so good Zoro! I’m eating here every day!” Luffy declared, cheeks full of food.

“No way, even the rich Cook would be put out of business if he had to feed you everyday!” Zoro retorted.

When dinner was served the chefs, servers, and hostesses sat with their families and friends on their invite list and ate with them after all the plates were set out. Zoro looked around for the Cook, he was nowhere in sight, like his remaining seaking meat that Luffy snatched from his plate while he wasn’t looking.

Naturally, Sanji was hiding away in the kitchen, again. No, not this time. Zoro got up and forfeited his remaining food to the Captain's never-ending appetite. Stomping towards the kitchen, Kiku grabbed his sleeve and steered him towards the actual kitchen and not the exit. “I already tried to get him out here. Maybe you’ll have better luck, Zoro.”

Inside the kitchen Sanji was sitting on a stool jotting something down in a notebook with long slender delicate fingers. He was wearing a yellow yukata and his hair was tied back in a small ponytail. He wasn’t sure if the cook was growing it out on purpose or simply hadn’t gotten around to cutting it. The man was so absorbed in his writing that Zoro was able to take a moment and admire his beauty before speaking up.

“Did you eat yet?” He asked, startling the head chef.

“Oh, yeah. I did.” Sanji pocketed his notebook. He saw the look Zoro gave him, the same one Kiku gave him earlier. “Someone has to stay back here. I wanted all my workers to enjoy themselves since all we need to do next is bring out desserts. I have them all ready on trays. They’ll come back in a few to help hand them out then we’ll clean up.”

“What about you? You worked hard too. You should go out there and see the fruits of your labor as well.” Zoro took his hand and helped him stand up.

“That’s not necessary. I-” Zoro cut him off, leaning close and into his personal space. “That wasn’t a request, Cook. It was a threat. Get out there now and eat with us or I will carry you out there. I still owe you for embarrassing me earlier.” With a wicked smile playing on his lips, Zoro’s hands moved to his hips, gripping with promise. Sanji’s eyes widened, he believed him.

With a sigh of defeat Sanji stood up. “Alright, I’ll eat dessert with everyone.”

They left the kitchen together, Sanji stood behind Zoro with his head down, hiding and trying to make his way to his seat without being noticed. Zoro knew that wouldn’t do. “OI! LISTEN UP! THE HEAD CHEF AND OWNER WOULD LIKE TO SAY A FEW WORDS!” Zoro boomed to the whole restaurant who quieted to look at them. A wide blue eye looked at him in a mixture of panic and the promise of death. Zoro smirked at the strong reaction. Zoro stepped to the side to present the head chef. Sanji’s face cracked into an strained wide, and a bit crooked, smile as he faced the crowds attention.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Putting on his best customer service smile Sanji greeted his guests, “Hello, welcome and thank you for coming to the All Blue! I am the owner and head chef, Sanji.” There was clapping from the crowd. “I am new to Wano and you have all been very welcoming to me. Wano is a bright place with so many wonderful smiles. In fact, even with the hardships you have all faced, so many of you still smile so brightly. Thank you for all of your smiles!”

The room was dead silent. No clapping but there were stark stares. Many were still smiling at him but others looked shocked. Kiku had both of her hands over her mouth, hiding her expression. Everyone was so quiet, that meant he was done right? He searched for a way to make an exit from the unwanted silent attention burrowing into him.

Usopp stood up next to him and threw his arm around his shoulder and winked at him. On his other side Franky joined him, arm around his other shoulder and another wink. “We got this.” Usopp whispered. Sanji did not know what they ‘got’ but he was certain he did not want them to have it. He thought he was done, but the reaction told him he did something very very wrong. He felt himself freezing up in a feeling he thinks is pure terror.

Franky started, “Sanji was still new to town and does not know everything about Wano. He wanted to build a restaurant to feed everyone. When my Super wife and I told him of Wano’s lack of food he immediately asked to help. It was all his Super idea to set up a FREE food stall everyday to help anyone in need of a full belly and good nutritious food. We have many other hardships that he has yet to learn about. Rest assured we, as his friends, will help him learn.” The crowd gave some nods in understanding.

Usopp picked up the next part. “His kind and generous heart moved even myself and my beautiful wife to tears!” Usopp waved to Kaya. Franky started to cry. Sanji tried to shrink and squirm out of the tight grasp, but there was no escape. “He’s always been a little shy, so he has been slow to learn about Wano and our lives here. For this tender-hearted soul it’s not about praise, but knowing that people are cared for and fed. We all feel full from the great love from your big heart! I speak for all of Wano when we say ‘Thank you for feeding us!’”

The mood shifted and people erupted in claps and cheers. Maybe Franky and Usopp did have it. He was released by the two men boxing him in but the relief was short lived. Soon he was surrounded by many unfamiliar faces. They shook his hands, thanked him, told him how they saved their lives or their family, even his own workers took the opportunity to thank him for training them and giving them work.

Reading others emotions had always been a struggle but now he felt like the air itself was thick with raw emotions radiating from the crowd surrounding him, all aimed at him precise like a sniper shot through the heart. His traitorous heart swelled and ached. Had he really had such an Impact on so many people’s lives?

He choked on the words trapped in his tightening throat. The words wouldn’t come out but he needed to protest, to explain the logic behind his actions, that he had deceived them, he didn’t deserve this, these were things anyone would do!

Wouldn’t they? If that was true, why hadn’t they? He knew that Orochi, nobles in the flower capital, even Germa had the means to help these people and knew their plight. Why hadn’t they helped?!

Why did he?

At first it was pure logic. He could have stopped at the bare minimum, then he should have stopped long ago. The food could have been basic and cheap, instead it was carefully chosen and nutritious. Kiku and the others offered to cook and handout food for free, but he insisted on paying them. He didn’t need to give the doctor candies for the children. Helping, healing, and offering a job to Osome was not something he needed to do. A sick child and other children’s living situation had nothing to do with him, yet they were living with him in a warm safe home. Children’s education did not effect him, but he insisted they should get one. It wasn’t necessary to heal the trees, but he had been obsessed with the idea lately. The town was in need or repair but those weren’t his homes. People needed jobs but the lack of jobs wasn’t even of note until recently. He even made an entire plan to revitalize Wano and gave a fortune in beri to help.

The answer was within reach, he simply never tried to grab hold of it. The answer was given to him time and time again by Franky with his tears, Robin with a knowing smile, Usopp’s eagerness to assist, Kaya’s suggestions on purchases for the town, Kiku and his other employees insistence that he meet the people he feeds, and Zoro’s pushiness.

They all knew, this whole time. They’ve been trying to tell him.

Why did he do all of these things and still wanted to do more, despite it not being at all necessary to him personally?!

The answer was so simple: he cared.

HE CARED.

The feeling he had been chasing had been with him for so long. He had thought it would be some big feeling that would have to be forced out of himself. He had never expect it to feel as easy as breathing.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Sanji had been in a daze when Zoro led him to sit down. All the thanks had overwhelmed him. Zoro and the others had to thank everyone on his behalf and explain the cook was not used to large crowds. Everyone was very understanding and let him sit without bothering him further.

Zoro was regretting making the Cook give a speech, considering he pointed out the smiles, he couldn’t believe that no one, not even himself, had talked to him about the Smile fruits. Then the Cook was swamped with compliments until he looked like he was going to pass out. Zoro took Sanji’s hand in his, gently rubbing his thumb over the back of his hand. It took a few minutes for Sanji to snap out of his daze, Zoro knew first when his hand squeezed back and didn’t let go. He blinked rapidly and looked at Zoro.

His head turned back and forth taking in the restaurant and it’s customers. His eyes held some new understanding and a sense of wonder, a look Zoro had not seen on the man before. “Oh.” A small wobbly smile crested his lips. He looked across the long table at Franky and Robin. “Robin, I think we should find a time to have that chat.”

Robin smiled back with tired eyes from pulling an all nighter. “That would be lovely, Sanji.”

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

That night he shared a bed with Zoro again. Once Zoro’s breathing had evened out he knew the man was sleeping and all evidence pointed to him being deep sleeper. Yesterday when he woke up to Sanji wrapped around him, he hadn’t seemed to mind. It was something that had happened unconsciously last night, but he wanted it try it again, on purpose, but was not sure if it was a normal thing to ask. He decided Zoro would complain, loudly, if he didn’t like it. He could claim it was done against his will when he was unconscious, then he would try not to do it again. But if Zoro didn’t mind…

Sanji slowly slid his hand over Zoro’s arm, across his stomach, then pulled his own body closer to Zoro’s back. Suddenly, Zoro turned over facing him, eye still closed and with a loud snore Zoro’s arm reached out around Sanji and grabbed him by his waist pulling him up against his chest. Sanji smiled and settled into Zoro’s chest and placed a hand on his waist. Now, if Zoro was mad, he could honestly claim that it was Zoro’s doing. Sanji committed to doing this every night he could get away with it, because these sleeping hugs were so very warm and very safe feeling.

Sanji spent the rest of the night in a fugue state, his thoughts keeping him up longer then normal. Staying deep in thought about his recent epiphany about caring, had him questioning what other emotions he has experienced but not yet noticed.

Was there something else he was missing? Maybe some emotion quietly waiting for him to take notice?

Chapter Text

Chapter 12

There’s a Fire There

The grand opening was a huge success. This time Usopp helped him prepare a welcome speech he gave for the ribbon cutting ceremony. A tradition Usopp insisted he should do. It was far easier this time to speak to the crowd with prep time and not during an ambush. The crowd cheered and gave him more congratulations ans this time he accepted them.

Luffy had become a regular at his restaurant, he never knew a smile could be so infectious, but being around the man made him want to return every smile back. Zoro complained that Luffy would run him out of business because he always wanted free food. Sanji would sneak him food that was not in the free section often, just to see that smile grow. He did the same for others he noticed only ordered from that section, he lied and said there were too many steaks or he made it by mistake. They all thanked him and gave him a knowing grateful look.

After a week of quick recovery, Osome indeed came to work for him. Kiku had taken over most of the management duties and helped to train Osome as a hostess. She was very appreciative and shared that she did have a scar but it was far smaller than even Dr. Chopper predicted. Instead of dismissing the thanks he accepted it. “I was happy I was there to help when you needed me, though I wish you had not been hurt in the first place.”

Osome was a kind and hard working employee and the patrons hadn’t said a word against her working there. He wondered if the fears of a former geisha working for him were unfounded or not. He could only keep an extra eye out for her to make certain she was not harassed and he occasionally asked after her well-being. Her response was always a brief cheerful conversation where she reported doing well and enjoying her work.

He had started making a few more appearances in his restaurant and around town. He was more intentional about learning people’s names and about the people themselves. Franky had immediately started on hiring a crew to get lumber and they had began repairing the town. He let Franky determine the order of importance.

Auntie’s place was lower on the list due to the family being under his roof and Sanji not giving a time limit on their stay. But now there were far more people to do the work and Franky guaranteed it would be done soon. Toko had fully recovered a week into her stay and was just as boisterous as the other children when she recovered.

The work went fast as he was able to hire so many others to help build the town back up. Things really got rolling after a few orders from a nearby town with needed materials. Like nails. A simple thing he had not considered, that Wano had no natural metal deposits.

The town had awakened with the new activity. Life had burst forth from every corner of the once run-down town. The sound was a myriad of workers repairing houses and store fronts, new structures were being build from new boats to barns and other projects, people were busy running errands, children were playing with new looking toys. Business were opening once again and many of the owners insisted that he visit them. He obliged but refused the discounts offered. An understanding of economics was not something most people here had, Zoro insisted it was just generosity. Sanji thought it foolhardy.

Things with Zoro were better than ever. Waking up in the other man’s arms every morning was a luxury he hadn’t known he would enjoy so much, too bad this would end when Auntie and the children moved out. Zoro made him feel warm and safe, a great way to start his day. Zoro seemed to like the arrangement as well, but there were a few mornings that he woke up to Zoro pushing him away and running to the bathroom and taking a shower. He didn’t know why he was in such desperate need of a shower, he wouldn’t complain because Zoro could use more showers.

Some of his interactions with Zoro had become frustrating. Often he was on the verge of saying some secret thoughts but would get interrupted by one of the kids or say it wasn’t the right time. Sanji didn’t push for fear it was something he wouldn’t want to hear, like Zoro not liking sharing a bed as much as he was enjoying it.

It was a little over two weeks before both he and Robin could make the time to meet. She too had obligations. After lunch time, Zoro accompanied him for the meeting with Robin, just as he had for weeks for his onigiri and their near daily chats, but this day would be a bit different. Sanji was glad for the company and had prepared beforehand with his satchel packed with information he planned to share with Robin. Zoro was carrying some snacks and sandwiches, Robin’s favorite. Upstairs at their usual meeting place for discussion, Robin was already there with some tea and sake for them. There was less commotion now that he and his employees weren’t taking up her kitchen and store front.

They handed out the drinks and snacks while Sanji gave Robin his notes with a brief explanation of the contents about helping cure the trees more quickly. Robin promised to read over them later and reach out with any questions she had on the matter.

Robin stood up and crossed her arms and shouted, “Ojos Fleur!” Eyes sprouted around them. Sanji looked around a bit surprised because he was not aware of any spells that could do this. “I’m checking for spys and assuring we have privacy. Now we may begin. I wanted to keep this setting more personable, which is why it is only the three of us. I invited Zoro because the two of you are very close and I thought you may want someone here for support for what we will talk about today. If you do not want Zoro here, now is the time to ask him to leave.”

Zoro’s hand scratched the back of his head as he avoided eye contact with Sanji. “Up to you Curls. I won’t take it personally if you want me to leave now or later. I’m not here to make you uncomfortable. I like giving you shit, but I don’t hate you. So if you need-”

“You can stay moss for brains. Probably need me here to explain the big words to you anyway.” He joked.

Zoro smirked and used the easy mood to pester him,“Ha! I’ll be the one explaining things, newbie! You’re gonna be the lowest person on the totem pole, so be careful how you talk to your superior.”

Before Sanji could respond with his own comeback Robin spoke up inserting control back to herself. “I’m glad you two get along so well. I want to start this meeting by saying we are creating a space of honesty here. It may be very difficult for you to feel comfortable with that just yet. You do not have to share if you are not comfortable, but can we all agree not to lie and that we will not share what we speak of here today with anyone outside of our group?”

Sanji nodded, then seeing the unsatisfied look he gave verbal confirmation, “Yes, I might not want to share everything , but I won’t say anything untrue to my knowledge. I will not share anything we discuss.” He was confident this was true.

“Yep, I won’t lie either or go gossiping. Not my style anyway.” Zoro added.

Satisfied Robin went on, “I too agree to be honest and not share this information outside of our group. I will start by sharing somethings about myself. I am sharing first to show you that you that I am willing to be vulnerable and because I believe we have some similarities. After we get to know one another better, we can further discuss the group’s purpose. We refer to our group as ‘The Crew” or “The Straw Hats” since Luffy, yes that Luffy, is our Captain. We can’t exactly call ourselves rebels, too on the nose and we are trying to avoid suspicion. Luffy is in the capital with Nami today catching up on what he missed.”

“The power you saw earlier was from my devil fruit, the hana-hana no mi.” Sanji nodded, it made sense with the power she just exhibited, and everyone knew devil fruits existed. The next part was not something everyone knew. “My name is Nico Robin. I am a Wizard, not a Witch. I was trained in Ohara by some of the best Wizards in the world before it was destroyed. I was captured and put in a Germa prison to make weapons for the mad king’s war.”

Sanji’s eyes went wide and he looked to Zoro, who must have known from the lack of reaction. Nico Robin was a wanted criminal of Germa, she and the criminal Cutty Flam blew up a reputable Germa factory with the help of the rebel army. Cutty Flam was killed during the outbreak, but Nico Robin was still at large. There were no recent wanted posters for either except from when they were children, making it difficult to track her down. He should know, he had tried.

She’s saying the factory was actually a prison? That part actually did not surprise him. He had heard some of the servants at the castle talk in hushed voices about not being there willingly. He had asked Zeff about it, but he said it was something kids didn’t need to know about, so he never inquired further.

“I was in that prison since I was a child, after the destruction of Ohara. A little over two years ago another criminal Cutty Flam was sent there for the crime of his mentor Tom refusing to build war machines for the Germa empire. Tom was killed and he was captured. When I first met him, I thought him the greatest fool I had ever met. How could he be so boisterous and still smile given our situation? We worked closely together. He built something, and I put magic into it, everything from household appliances to weapons. All for the glory of Germa. At the time I had given up hope and had been planning my own demise as the only means of escape I could muster. He learned about my plan and stopped me. I screamed at him. Blamed him for ruining my plan. I told him I shouldn’t be allowed to exist, I was arrested for being too smart, too powerful. I was born a crime.”

She paused and smiled fondly at an old memory. “He told me ‘It’s never a crime to just exist!’ I think that was the moment I fell in love with him. Have you ever met someone who changed you on such a fundamental level?”

Sanji spared a quick glance at Zoro, who was looking at him as well. The two quickly looked back at Robin as though the eye contact meant nothing, even though it had meant everything. Robin had also noticed and smiled at the pair. “Cutty Flam convinced me to change my plan to escape. He had ties to the rebels and we were able to convey a message and we made our dramatic escape. Miserably, the explosion he set was not going off as planned to make a hole to let the rebels in and us out. Bravely he rode a train proto-type into the bomb, setting it off. He was sadly caught in the explosion.” Robin lamented.

Sanji gasped at the admission. She had lost the man most important to her, the one who changed her life and saved her. The story had taken a sadder turn, which he should have expected, knowing that the man Cutty Flam was deceased. The gasp was not one of surprise but the thought of losing Zoro to such a sacrifice would sadden him. He was sad earlier at the thought of Zoro not wanting to share a bed with him, death would certainly be worse, like when he lost Zeff or his mother. Robin must have felt a great deal of grief at the loss of the person she loved.

“Once the fight was done I found him. The fool had survived and was telling me not to cry.” She marveled at the memory. “With his own ingenuity and my magics, we rebuilt him. Then we built new lives here in Wano. I am known only as Robin and he changed his name to Franky. He was far better adjust to the world than I. I had been locked away from people since I was a child. I did not know how to converse with others or read social cues. Franky and the others helped me adjust to life on the outside. After a year, he proposed and we have been happily married since.”

Franky was the deceased criminal Cutty Flam?! Who was married to the criminal Nico Robin?! Sanji was reeling from the shock. The couple had certainly pulled the wool over Germa’s eyes. They were criminals, but their crimes weren’t crimes at all? He had never questioned who Judge declared a criminal or why. Maybe he should start.

Were there other people in the jail cells that were innocent as well? Were they all? Would Judge-?! Yes, he would. Judge locked up his own son in a jail cell with a metal helmet for the crime of not being strong enough. If the King declares you a criminal, then a criminal you shall be.

Robin was correct, they were more similar than he thought.

Zoro’s hands were on his, stopping him from leaning over and pulling his hair. He hadn’t meant to, he just needed to check the helmet wasn’t there. He allowed Zoro to untangle his fingers from his hair and sit back up. “Breathe, Cook. I think we need to stop here.”

“No.” Sanji sat back up and kept one of his hands in Zoros. “I want to know. Please continue.” He needed to know. Judge had lied about so much and he never thought to question it, like a good soldier. He wasn’t a soldier anymore.

“Alright, but if you need to stop or take a break, say so.” Robin cautioned. “The breakout was also how we met Luffy, Zoro, Usopp, and the others from the rebel group. We joined them and keep a shop here to avoid suspicion. We can’t follow them on missions easily due to our wanted status. We settled here because we thought the mad king would be less likely to look in his own territory. When we arrived, we saw the decay of the land and the effects of the smile fruit productions. More than the land effected. It took years for them to create a system to test the smile fruits and find the duds. Before this method was discovered, the poorest and neediest people became test subjects. With a single bite one of two things happened, they would become enraged and were put down immediately thus proving it was working as intended, or they grew a wide and unyielding smile that became the only emotion they could portray for the rest of their lives. We have yet to find a cure. There may not be one.”

Sanji gasped choking on the air and coughing. Zoro grabbed his tea and helped him sip it. The town he had once seen as happy despite their lot in life, now took on a sinister undertone. Zoro was asking if he was ok. Sanji just nodded.

Robin continued once he had calmed. “The last straw that kicked off the rebellion coming here and the people joining the fight was after a representative of the people, Shimotsuki Yasuie ‘Yasu the Hedgehog’ asked Orochi for food for his starving people.”

Zoro interjected, “Yasu was Toko’s dad.” Sanji recalled Toko’s grip on the toy hedgehog.

“Yes, he was a good man, loved and respected by the people in Wano. In response to Yasu’s pleas, Orochi provided food in the form of smile fruits to the unsuspecting populace. It was soon discovered but it was too loo late. About a third of the people here in town had eaten a smile fruit at some point. Yasu rallied the people to fight back but they were too frightened. Then Yasu was publicly executed. This was the final nail in Orochi’s coffin. The people knew their fear would not save them and they asked the rebels for help. We moved in and helped to take down the Wizard Ceaser and Lord Orochi.”

The surprise showed in his voice as Sanji asked, “Then who does Nami work for and who is signing the letter being sent to the King? Who is running things?”

“Excellent questions.” Robin acknowledged,  “Nami is proficient in forgery and has been signing everything for Orochi. He had not been running anything for months beforehand. All he did was have lavish parties and make his incompetent staff run Wano into financial ruin. Nami was ‘hired’ after we took control. As for who is running things, I will not answer. It is to protect you as well. There will be other vital points of information that we will share with you only when we deem it appropriate. Do not take it personally. It is by design, none of us have all of the facts in case of spys or capture. If you were captured you could be gruesomely tortured into revealing who is running things here. It is for your safety, as much as for the rebellion.”

Sanji knew this was true, He had captured many rebels and given them over to their torturers and they only came back with pieces of the knowledge they sought. It was honestly a solid plan that had caused Germa some trouble. “That is understandable. Sorry, for the interruption. Please continue.”

Robin shook her head. “No need to apologize. I want you to ask questions. I will not lie but I will not share everything with you and you must accept that you may never have every answer to your questions.”

“I can accept that. It’s a very logical approach that I cannot argue.” Sanji had been running on logic for years, in lieu of making decisions based on feelings.

“Thanks for your understanding. Now that I have told you about myself I wanted to talk about you.” Sanji stiffened at Robin’s sweet voice changing the subject to him. “Our group has been interested in you joining us since you first visited our town with plans to move here. Your knowledge and skill in magic helped revitalize this town. You now know that I am one of the most knowledgeable Wizards in the world and yet I could not solve Wano’s plight. You, on the other hand, were able to create a fertilizer to heal the lands and now you already have notes for how to cure the trees. There were other signs that you had more knowledge than the average person. Osome’s healing was far faster and cleaner than it should have been. Some of the magical items you tasked Franky and I with building are only known by a very small number of Wizards and builders who work for Germa. We only knew from our time as slaves to Germa.”

Zoro’s hand, still in his, gave a small reassuring squeeze. Sanji let out a breath he hadn’t known he was holding. He squeezed back, hard, his palm slick with sweat. He could talk his way out of this he just needed to think. “That’s…it’s not…!” He was breathing heavily and his thoughts were going too fast for him to catch: THEY KNOW!,  WHAT DO THEY KNOW?, RUN! Everything was starting to unravel. He hadn’t thought that anyone was wise to him. He had gotten too lax, too sloppy. What else did they know?!

Robin ignored his obvious signs of distress and continued before he could formulate a response. “We’ve noticed other concerning behaviors you have. You flinch at physical contact. You don’t understand social cues and avoid others like you are in hiding. You came with nothing except the clothes on your back and a vast wealth. You don’t like answering personal questions. There is no information about what happened to you after the fire that killed your family. You seemingly disappeared and only reappeared shortly before moving here. I have my suspicions about how you were raised and what happened to you. I think I know why you are really here, Sanji.”

Sanji leaped to his feet, pulling from Zoro’s grip. His body took over after the failure of his brain and told him to RUN. “Doce Fleur!” Robin shouted. He took no more than a single step before hands sprouted from his body, folding around his arms and legs wrapping him up tightly. He dropped to the floor.

NO! NO! NO! THEY KNOW! His brain screamed his panic thoughts. He knew he needed to escape but he couldn’t get his brain to cooperate. Why couldn’t he think logically, like always? Sanji was trembling and struggling against the hold. Fear gripped him tighter than the arms around him, helping hold him in place.

“Hey! We didn’t agree to this, Robin. Let him go! You said he could stop if he wanted! He’s done, so back off!” Zoro defended taking a protective stance over Sanji’s prone body.

Robin stared at Zoro and refused to back down. “You saw the fear in his eyes, he was about to bolt. If he runs now Zoro, we may never see him again and we NEED to say our piece now or we may never get another chance.” Zoro was the one to surrender first. He kneeled down next to Sanji’s struggling form. One hand instinctively rested on Wado, awaiting Robin’s next move. The other hand on Sanji’s shoulder, trying to reassure him, but providing no comfort.

The extra arms lifted Sanji and Zoro back up and placed them on the couch. Robin approached closely and invaded his personal space putting her face close to his. One of the hands pointed his chin up, forcing eye contact. “We are NOT here to harm you, but I need you to listen instead of running off hearing only one part of what I’m trying to say. As I was saying, we received word that a small group escaped from Germa, having stolen some of their riches. I told you; we are similar, Sanji. This information we have gathered and our observations about you lead us to believe that you too were captured by Germa and recently escaped. You were trying to start over and hide here, weren’t you?” Sanji closed his eyes tightly, tears threatening to fall. His head throbbed with useless fears, screaming at him to fight and flee.

“We aren’t going to return you to them, nor will we take anything you’ve rightfully stolen, we won’t force you to fight, but we are asking you to join our crew in finding a way to eliminate the Germa threat! I will even let you run away after this meeting, if that is what you still wish to do. But, please, Sanji, can you trust us enough to confirm or deny this information?”

The many hands loosened their grip and disappeared. Now Sanji was held up only by his fragile, shaking frame. His body slumped forward only to be grabbed by strong arms pulling him into a familiar chest. Zoro’s green kimono was open showcasing his bare chest and the long diagonal scar. This was the same warmth he had been waking up to for the last several mornings. He was scared, but he didn’t want to give up what he had found here. But it was too dangerous, what if- Before his thought could be completed a calloused hand started to brush through his hair. One of Zoro’s hands took Sanji’s hand and placed it over Zoro’s heart. He felt the steady pulse beating below telling him to follow along.

Robin and Zoro waited patiently. Letting time tick on while Sanji took several stuttering breathes until he could follow the reassuring beat of Zoro’s heartbeat with his own. His brain was operating again. He could tell them the truth without telling them the whole truth.

“I was supposed to have strong magic and I didn’t. I was deemed useless. The King of Germa declared that I be locked up in the dungeon with a metal helmet masking my face, so no one knew who I was. Tutors were sent to make me study every waking moment, every topic, but mostly magic. I was let out on occasion to test my magic and when I couldn’t perform, I was locked up again for being a useless burden. They would starve, beat, and punish me, thinking my survival instincts would kick in and produce the magic I was supposed to have. Until, one day. It worked. I was able to use magic.” Zoro held him tighter.

The warm embrace encouraged him to keep telling secrets he had never told another soul. Not enough to reveal himself fully, but enough to know that he didn’t want any part in Judge’s war. “They let me out of the dungeon and removed the helmet. They only put me back in on occasion when I wasn’t obedient. I made a few friends there, mostly the kitchen staff. I would sneak in to learn how to cook. I had to hide it because cooking was deemed a useless skill. Zeff was the head chef who taught me the love of cooking. He was a good man, who treated me like his own son. The ‘All Blue’ was his dream he shared with me. We made plans to escape and open a restaurant where no one would go hungry. The King learned what worked best to activate my magic was when they threatened others I cared about. Others were maimed or murdered to keep me in line. I distanced myself from everyone and only talked to others as necessary to keep them safe from my punishments. I was forced to use my magic to fight for Germa. I was trapped and escape looked more and more impossible.”

Sanji hadn’t meant to share so much but the incomplete story continued to spill from his lips. “Then one day Zeff was just gone, he had been killed and I hadn’t even noticed until well after his death. That’s when I decided I needed to escape. With a few others we escaped and went our separate ways. I won’t reveal the numbers or their names for their safety. The riches we have are from the King’s own coffers. We nearly cleaned him out. A few others took a large cut with plans to give it to the rebels to fight Germa. I just wanted to stop killing, to stop hurting, to follow Zeff’s and my dream, to make friends again, to feel something again, I just wanted…peace.” He hoped he hadn’t given too much away but telling them had felt like a physical weight had been lifted from his shoulders.

Sanji looked at Robin, his gaze heavy with determination. “I’ll join your crew, which I already decided before this meeting. But I don’t want to use my magic to hurt anyone. I also don’t want to discuss this topic again. It’s too dangerous for other people to know. If they find me…If I’m captured again, they’ll use you all against me.” Her turned to look at Zoro. “They’ll hurt you to punish me, to make me hurt others. I can’t- I can’t-” I can’t lose you, was left buried in his heart.

His head was spinning with a new dilemma, if Germa discovered he was alive, they would hurt or kill everyone in town. Germa would see the town as no more than the chess pieces used to put Sanji back in check. Zoro was the most precious piece to lose, without him would there be any point in still playing?

Robin was now hugging him as well, he hadn’t noticed she had moved until he felt her embrace. “It’s alright. We will only share with the others that our assumptions were correct and that you too were held prisoner and forced to work for Germa. I will share more with Franky because I believe he and I will be the best ones to help you understand how to adjust. The blame for the harm you, Franky and I caused others, lay at Judge’s feet. We were just surviving, he exploited us.” Sanji had never considered before that his actions were anything more than abhorrent things he had chosen to do to save the few people precious to him and himself. He did not deny the harm he had caused, but it was Judge that pulled his strings like a marionette.

Robin pulled back to look him in the eyes, still holding him in her arms. Her large brown eyes were friendly and disarming. “I’m so glad you escaped and found us. It is not necessary for them to know the details. Thank you for sharing this with us, I’m sure it was difficult. We are similar but our experiences are still distinctly different and our own. We are all wanting to support you Sanji. Please reach out to me if you ever want to talk more or just need advice, adjusting to a new life can be difficult. Franky also has much experience with helping me adjust, so you can ask him as well without fear of him judging you harshly.”

Zoro pulled Sanji closer and away from Robin, like he was fighting over who got to hug him. “Oi, I’m here too, Curly. I won’t let them capture you again. When I get my swords on the people who did that to you, there won’t be anyone left for you to fear. We’ll defeat Germa and keep everyone safe. You can talk to me too when you have questions about stuff. You’re not alone now, so don’t act like it anymore. Robin can we finish another time? I want to take the Cook home to rest.”

“I think that’s a good idea. I’m satisfied enough that you may start joining us for our meetings. Tomorrow after lunch we can meet as always and begin discussing how you can help the cause and Wano. I would love your insight on the smile fruit cure I have been working on. Take the rest of the day to rest.” Robin ushered the two out the door. Sanji moved in a daze.

For once he let Zoro lead.

Which quickly turned out to be a mistake. On the way back Sanji’s thoughts were going in circles, much like how Zoro was steering them, around the fact of how close he was to being caught. The only saving grace was that everyone knew Stealth Black was dead. He was truthful about being a prisoner and it was also an excellent cover that Robin had provided for him.

He was still troubled over the fact that his brain turned against him. He hadn’t been able to think his way out of the situation, until Robin gave him an out he grabbed onto. Fear was a powerful emotion, able to hold captive his ability to concentrate and conceptualize a strategy. Emotions could be a hazard in stressful situations. He would have to try and do better next time or develop a strategy to help him think clearly in case this happened again.

It took a few too many wrong turns for Sanji to notice that they were going nowhere. The detour had been helpful in snapping him back to reality. He took charge and lead them the correct way back home.

When they arrived home the children were outside running around and playing a game of tag. The children pulled their hands and begged them to play. Sanji wasn’t physically tired, but still felt drained. “We’ll play later, brats! We’re taking a nap.” Zoro said noticing Sanji was struggling to tell them no. There were a few protests but they gave up and went back to playing.

They laid down on the bed together. It was odd laying down in the middle of the day, Sanji thought. He rolled over on his side and faced Zoro. “ I have to get back to the restaurant soon so I won’t be long. I’m not even really tired. You don’t need to join me.”

Zoro rolled to his side and faced Sanji. “I want to, so quit bitching about it and go to sleep. They can handle the restaurant without you for a day, they’ve done it before. You don’t need to hold the whole damn world on your shoulders everyday. Just rest and trust others to handle it.”

They stared into each others eyes until Zoro broke the silence with a sigh. “What is it? Just say it.”

Nervously Sanji asked, “You said I could ask you stuff and it would be…ok?”

Zoro snorted. “Yeah, you can ask whatever and I won’t be mad, but I’m not like Robin and Franky. I’m gonna give you shit sometimes, but not if it’s about hurting. Like the stuff you told us. I’m not gonna give you shit about stuff that’s not your fault or if it hurts you. So, say whatever you wanna say.”

Sanji nodded and decided to test out Zoro’s willingness to answer stupid questions for things everyone probably knows but him. “Is it ok for you to hug me when we are sleeping? I like it and I didn’t know if it’s an ok thing to ask for or not. If it’s not I’ll try not to do it again.”

Zoro smiled broadly and warmly pulling Sanji once again into his chest, Sanji looked up at him. “Yeah, I like it to. It’s an ok thing to do with a friend or someone you like but um…yeah it’s good to check with them first. Thanks for trusting me enough to ask.” After a pause he asked. “Is there anything else you like or want to do with me?”

Sanji looked up at him hopefully. “Yeah, can we still share a bed after the kids leave? It’s fine if it’s not every night. I just sleep better when you’re here.”

“Yeah, I’d like that too.” Zoro reached out and placed his hand on the side of his face and leaned closer to his face. Sanji could feel his breath against his lips. “We can do more too, Curly. Just ask. What else do you want from me?” Zoro’s face was flushed pink again with the embarrassment that Sanji always seemed to bring out in the other man.

The first few questions went far easier than Sanji had predicted. This was as good a chance as any to ask what he had been thinking over on the way home. “Yeah. There is.”

“Yeah?” Zoro smiled and pressed his forehead against Sanji’s. He held back waiting for Sanji to ask of him what he was willing to give.

Sanji smiled back. “Yeah, I need you to promise me that you’ll kill me if I’m ever captured by Germa.”

Zoro sat bold upright. “WHAT?!” Now his face was redder and a vein was popping from his forehead.

Sanji looked up at him, curious about the reaction. “You know what I’ve been through now. If they capture me again they will use all of you against me to make me use my powers to hurt and kill again.” He couldn’t share the rest with him, that using his powers would erase his emotions and turn him once more into a killing machine. “Escaping the first time was nearly impossible. It won’t work again and now he has too many people to use against me. So the only logical solution is to run away from here and tell you all to forget me and live as as recluse, keeping you all safe. Or I stay and help the rebels, increasing the risk of being captured.”

“I don’t see what the big deal is Zoro, you’ve bragged about killing people in fights before. Why is this different?” Sanji sat up and placed his hand on Zoro’s face imitating his touch from a moment ago. “Zoro, if you can’t keep this promise then I need to leave in order to keep you all safe.”

“It’s different because it’s you!” Sanji supposed it would be different since they were friends. Maybe he asked too much and he should just leave.

“I see. I asked too much. It will take some time for me to find another place to live. I will make sure to take care of things before I leave. I will make certain to leave you the house and your property title. I will-”

Zoro cut him off, “I don’t want you to leave, stupid Dart Brow! Just give me a second to think. Damnit!” Wasn’t that what Zoro wanted from the beginning anyway, to have his home back? Zoro shook his head releasing himself from Sanji’s hold. He didn’t speak for a time and his eyes were watery with unshed tears. “I’m going to try and save you first. If I can’t, then I’ll do it. I promise. But you have to promise to let me try to save you if you get caught. Don’t just give up.”

That was a reasonable ask, Sanji concluded. “I promise not to run away from our home and to wait for you to try to save me, if you can.”

“I will, Curly.” Zoro was looking at him with some emotion Sanji couldn’t identify. Another in a long list of feelings to discover. “Ok, I can’t handle any more questions right now. Can we rest now, Cook?”

“Yeah.” Zoro grabbed him and flopped them both back down on the bed. The two got comfortable cuddling into one another. Despite his earlier protest of not wanting to nap, Sanji’s eye lids grew heavier and heavier until they stayed closed.

~~~~~~~~☆★☆~~~~~~~~

Zoro watched Sanji as he slept peacefully in his arms. Arms he requested wrapped around him. His chin was resting in blonde hair. He breathed in the other man’s scent of spices and life. A life that he so carelessly asked Zoro to take, if he was captured. Did he not trust Zoro to save him or was he so resigned to death instead of returning to that place?

Sanji gave few details about his past and his experiences had sounded bad, but was it bad enough to yearn for death rather than capture? He recalled Robin mentioning the same, that she had made a plan to kill herself before one to save herself. Franky made that plan to save them. Zoro made a plan to talk it over with the couple who would better help him understand why. That night holding Sanji protectively in his arms he made a secret vow: to kill those that made the man he loved want to die rather than be captured by them.