Chapter Text

Chapter 0 - The invitation

"Come on, now you go! You're ready... you're super ready, in fact! Let's go!" "Okay..." He started to walk, but after two or three steps, he stopped dead and turned around immediately. "No... no, I'm not ready!" "Stop!" She placed her hands on his shoulders, looking him straight in the eyes. "Repeat after me!"

"I'm ready." "I'm ready."

"I'll ask him." "I'll ask him."

"To come, Zoro! Focus!" "Sorry..." "To come to the dance with me." "To come to the dance with me."

Zoro took a deep breath and looked Nami in the eyes one last time. She removed her hands from his shoulders and spun him around, pushing him in the right direction. A minute ago, Sanji had left them to wash up his lunch in the gymnasium bathroom, the sink being slightly larger than the one in the bathrooms of the main school building. This was the perfect opportunity for Zoro to have two minutes alone with him and finally ask him to the prom next Saturday.

So Zoro walked to the end of the building, his heart pounding, focused on the little speech he'd been rehearsing with Nami for days. As he walked slowly towards his destination, he heard footsteps and saw Viola, one of his classmates, run past him and turn exactly towards the corner of the building he was heading towards. When he reached the end of the building, he heard Viola's laughter and the beginnings of a conversation. Suddenly, he froze, because he recognized the voice of the person she was talking to: Sanji.

She was giggling slightly as she spoke to him. "...and I was wondering if you would be so kind as to be my partner for prom next week? Or perhaps you already have a date? Or someone you'd like to go with?" Sorry, I talk too much..."

"Yes..."

The word echoed in Zoro's mind. "Yes." So he was too late... again... His hands began to tremble, his breath hitched. He backed away slowly, then turned and walked back to the bench where Nami had sat back down, her back to him. The blood pounded in his ears. Fists clenched, he walked purposefully to Nami, thoughts swirling in his head.

Of course he's going to agree to go to the ball with Viola! She's tall, beautiful, intelligent, nice to everyone... I should be happy for him! At least she'll still be there after prom. They'll make a very attractive couple. It's much better for him... and for me. I never stood a chance anyway. He likes girls, I know it, I always knew it. Nami messed with my head with her ideas. At least I didn't ruin our friendship for nothing. It was doomed to fail. Long-distance relationships don't work. Even if he had said yes, two years is way too long, it wouldn't have worked. No... no... he would have said no anyway. So, problem solved.

As he collapsed beside Nami, wordless, his eyes slightly watery and his gaze unfocused, his thoughts continued to swirl in his head, trying to convince himself that this was all for the best. She looked at him worriedly, her satisfied smile gone. She frowned. "What happened? Did he say no?" She turned toward the gym, looking to see if the blond was in sight, but there was no one there. "You didn't go through with it, did you? You didn't chicken out, did you?!"

"No! No, I didn't chicken out!" Well... I didn't ask him... But not because I chickened out! I couldn't find him..." "What?! Liar! You know as well as I do where he is! You're rubbish at orientation, but that was straight ahead! No, no, this isn't right, this isn't what we planned..." "Stop, I don't want to talk about it anymore. It wasn't the right time, and he was... and... anyway, I'm leaving in a week, I'm not going to this stupid ball. It was a bad idea... I'd rather we be friends... that he'd be happy... and..." "Wait, Zoro, no, don't do that, you've been waiting for so long without doing anything, you'll regret it if you don't do it before you leave... Go on, be honest, the worst that can happen is..." "Stop! Stop!" Please, Nami… I can't…” Zoro's tone prevented her from saying more. The emotions she recognized in his voice—anger, but also bitterness, disappointment, and sadness—took a toll on her heart. Something had happened, she knew it. This turn of events wasn't normal. Zoro wasn't the type to give up. Not so quickly, and not after so much time preparing, motivating himself, weighing the pros and cons.

But Zoro never begged her, never!

So she sighed, put an arm around his shoulders, and whispered, "I don't know what happened back there, but you know I'm here for you, always... I was so sure he'd say yes. Sorry..." Her voice began to tremble, "... I really thought it would be a good thing if you told him before you left... But if you decided not to say anything in the end, I won't say anything either. We're going to miss you so much..." They stood like that for a few minutes, staring into space. Then the bell rang and the students began to leave the place where they were finishing their lunch break to return to class, and Zoro stood up. "Don't worry about me, I'm fine, it was just a stupid crush. It wasn't meant to last, it's better this way, for everyone..."

Then he whispered, so quietly he wasn't even sure she could hear him, "...I'm going to miss you too..."

Chapter Text

Chapter 1 - Back to School

Two years later. Monday, September 1st.

This Monday marks the start of the school year. Sanji is about to enter his senior year, his final year of studies if all goes well. He promised his parents he would complete his high school diploma in exchange for their blessing to pursue a culinary apprenticeship immediately after high school.

Zeff, his father, never had the chance to pursue long studies. He entered the job market too young. He learned everything on the job, starting at the bottom as a dishwasher in a small restaurant from his neighbourhood. He climbed the ladder over the years, changing jobs several times, and finally opening his own business as manager and head chef at Baratie. His wife, Sora, dropped out of school when she came of age and was hired as a housekeeper in a wealthy family's mansion. She quickly found a position in the kitchen and prepared meals for the Vinsmoke family for six years before an incident forced her to leave the mansion. She now co-manages Baratie and is fully responsible of the restaurant's food truck, which has been open every day at lunchtime in the city center for two years now.

The love of cooking is something they both passed on to Sanji, and they are proud to see that their son wants to make it his career. Despite their confidence in Sanji and their desire to see him succeed and flourish as a chef, they refused to allow him to begin his work-study program after finishing middle school at only 15 years old, asking him to stay in school to obtain a bachelor degree and secure a higher level of education "just in case."

For Sanji, cooking is a given, and he can't see himself doing anything else for a living. So, to fulfill his dream, he agreed to continue his studies for three more years. Far from being a bad student in middle school, he was able to choose his major according to his plans: to run a restaurant, you need some knowledge in business and management. So this year, he's entering his final year of STMG (French short for Science and Technology in Management and Administration) with his friend Nami, at their local public high school : The Sunny High School.

This Monday morning, he is (in theory) preparing for his last day of school, and the thought makes him smile. Only one year left before he will officialy begins his chef training! He looks at his reflection one last time in the small bathroom mirror : perfectly fitted charcoal gray suit pants, an azure blue shirt with long sleeves rolled up to the elbows, polished black dress shoes, and a skinny black tie to complete the outfit. He pushes back a lock of blond hair that refuses to stay in place, picks back up his comb and straighteners to force the unruly lock into place and perfectly position it on his face, hiding his right eye. Although his mother insists that such a pretty face shouldn't be half-hidden by his hair, Sanji finds that this style suits him perfectly and has persisted in keeping it for several years. Finally satisfied, he returns to his room to retrieve the rest of his things.

His backpack is on his desk chair, a pencil case and some papers in a binder, his wallet, a calculator, and his keys inside. He checks that everything is there and then zips it up. He briefly examines the names written in color on the black fabric: Sanji, Nami, Luffy, Usopp, Chopper, and Zoro. The crew, the Mugiwaras, the group of middle school friends who, in just two years between his eighth and ninth grades classes, have become as important to him as his own family. This year again, he will be attending the same school as Nami, Usopp, and Chopper. Since they started high school, Luffy has been in a private school. It's the only way his grandfather found to force him to continue his studies: enroll him in the school he runs so he can always keep an eye on him. As for Zoro... he left for Japan with his family two years ago. His adoptive father, Dracule Mihawk, is the CEO of a large import-export company. Two years ago, he merged his company with a Japanese one and decided to move there to oversee the merger himself from Japan. His daughter, Perona, jumped at the chance to enroll in a university program on fashion, and Zoro had no choice but to follow them to continue his education at a French high school in Japan. Two years already... two years without any news from that jerk.

I hope he's okay...

He sighs and a vibration brings him back to reality, and he picks up his phone from his bed to check his messages.

=== Mugiwaras ==

Nami

Happy new school year, everyone!

Sanji, I'll be at your house in 10

I hope you're ready! If you make me late on the first day, you'll pay for lunch!

Chopper

Thanks, Nami ;)

Can you wait for me in front of the school?

Nami

No worries!

Are you stressed? You'll definitely be in Usopp's class!

They can't separate you!

Sanji

Don't worry, Chop, it'll be fine!

I'm ready, Nami, I'm going downstairs.

I hope no one ate breakfast! I made muffins!

Luffy

No way! Sanji, I want muffins too!

*gif of a character drooling*

Why aren't I with you?

Save one for me for later OK

When do you start? We are starting at 10:00, I should be out by noon.

Shall we eat lunch together?

At the food truck?

Nami

Calm down, Luffy, we'll save you a muffin!

You're not with us because you almost blew up the entire school in tenth grade!

We start at 9:00, we'll be out by 11:00

We'll wait for you in the park next to Sora's food truck

Chopper

Sanji, you're the best!

Are they blueberry flavored?

Luffy

It was Ace's fault! I didn't do anything wrong and you know it!

Sanjiiiiiii can you save me a muffin?

Okay, for lunch, I can't wait!!!!!

Sanji

Okay, Luffy, I'll save one for you.

My mom is thrilled we're eating at the food truck for lunch.

Yes, Chop, they're blueberry flavored!

Nami, I'm here!

======

Sanji puts his phone back into his pocket and leaves his building, just as Nami turns the corner.

"Wow! Look at that beauty! Nami, you look amazing in that outfit!"

As he rushes over to kiss her hand, she rolls her eyes. She looks amazing and she knows it! She spent nearly an hour in the bathroom getting ready, her long red curls falling perfectly down her back and over her shoulders. She carefully chose her jeans and a pale yellow, short-sleeved, slightly fitted blouse with a neckline discreet enough to be tolerated by the teachers while still showing off her curves. Nojiko and Bellemère both approved the outfit before she left, wishing her a good start to the school year.

"You're overdoing it, as always... You're lucky I adore you because this is  really... too much!"

With that, she quickly removes her hand from his and turns it over, palm facing up. "Give me my muffin instead!"

"With pleasure!" Sanji removes one of the straps of his backpack from his shoulder to sling it in front of him. He opens it, grabs two muffins from the paper bag they're in, and two paper napkins.

"You still have that backpack?! I remember the day we wrote our names on it! It feels like a thousand years ago!"

Sanji bites into his muffin while gently stroking the fabric, looking thoughtful, before putting the backpack back in place.

"Do you ever think about him?" she asks.

"Who?"

"Zoro, of course!"

"Why would I think about him?"

Nami rolls her eyes and puts a small piece of muffin in her mouth. Sanji can see she's searching for words as she chews the pastry.

"I think about him sometimes... I know Japan is far away and with the time zones it's complicated and all... but I didn't think he'd completely stop writing to us." Her tone is sad and her gaze fixed on her muffin.

"Nami..." Damn! Now he feels bad for her... Stupid backpack, he should have brought another one!

Suddenly, she takes a deep breath and looks up at him. She smiles, but he can see from the corner of her eyes that she was close to tears.

"Come on, who cares! We'll probably never see him again. He made so many friends over there that he didn't have time for us anymore. I wouldn't even be surprised if he found someone!"

Sanji responds to her smile, puts an arm around her shoulders, and hugs her for just a for second before releasing her and starting to walk beside her again. Not knowing how to respond, he decides to change the subject.

"Who do you think our head teacher will be this year?"

---ooo---

=== Mugiwaras ==

Chopper

I'm in front of the school, where are you?

Nami

We're almost there, you should see us

Chopper

Oh yeah, I'm coming your way!

Usopp

I’M NOT LATE, I’M ALMOST HERE!

Sanji gives Chopper my muffin

======

Once inside the school, after reassuring Chopper by checking the lists to make sure he's in the same class as Usopp, Nami and Sanji accompany him to his classroom and then head to theirs.

Chopper is grateful for their support. He knows the school and could have easily gone to his classroom alone, but he appreciates his friends being there for him. After all, he's the youngest student in senior year this year. At only 15, he hopes to achieve high enough grades to be able to enter medical school and fulfill his dream of following in his mother's footsteps.

A few moments later, Usopp finally arrives, and the two friends can enter the classroom to meet their head teacher and get their timetables.

----ooo---

Two hours later, the four friends are back in front of the school. While Usopp and Nami compare their schedules to try to determine if they'll be able to eat together or work in the library at the same time, Sanji takes out his phone to tell his mother that they won't be long but that they'll have to wait for Luffy to order the food. Turning it on, he sees several unread messages in the Crew's conversation.

Probably Luffy about the muffin or lunch.

=== Mugiwaras ==

Luffy

Guys!!!!

You'll never guess who I just ran into!

Oh, damn, you're already in class

Is no one looking at their phone?

Guys!!

I can't wait!

It's Zoro!!! :)

Look! I almost didn't recognize him with his green hair!

*image attached* (A poorly framed selfie of Luffy with a big smile, one arm around a slightly confused Zoro's neck)

*An unknown number has been added to the conversation*

That's much better!

He'll be coming to eat with us for lunch

*gif of a character eating a sandwich*

I can't wait!!!!!

The Crew is finally complete!!!!!

Shishishi

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 2 – Reunion

Seeing the look on Sanji’s face, Nami and Usopp interrupt their conversation. Chopper approaches Sanji and places his hand on his forearm, which makes him jump.

"What's going on, Sanji? Are you okay?"

Sanji turns his phone screen toward Chopper to show him the picture. "Zoro's back."

"What?!" the other three exclaim in unison, frantically pulling their phones out of their pockets.

Each one of them catches up on the few missed messages from Luffy, frowning.

"I thought he had to finish high school there! He could have warned us! Coming back like this and acting like nothing happened..."

Nami seems angry, and Sanji can't blame her. She and Zoro were very close in middle school; she's the one who suffered the most from his departure, and, more than anything, from his silence for the past two years.

"And what's with that hair color?! And is that a piercing in his ear?!" Usopp is still studying the photo meticulously. "He looks sullen, at least one thing hasn’t change! Luffy must have jumped on him as soon as he recognized him... I have to say I feel a little sorry for him, especially if they ended up in the same class! Luffy must be a real live wire!"

Suddenly, Chopper starts sniffling and looks up at his friends. "I missed him so much! I'm mad he hasn't been in touch with us, but I'm so happy he's back!" His eyes are filled with tears that he's struggling to hold back, a huge smile plastered on his lips.

Zoro has always held a special place in Chopper's heart, some sort of a protective older brother. When he started middle school, in eighth grade, two years ahead of everyone else, Chopper was very shy and was bullied by other students. At his mother's request, he had te change from classes only three weeks after the start of the school year and ended up with Zoro, Luffy, Sanji and Nami. The four of them immediately accepted him into their group, Luffy, Zoro and Sanji making it their duty to defend him as if they were his big brothers, even going so far as to use their fists to silence his bullies on several ocasions. Luffy always prone to his temper and to charge headlong, with Zoro and Sanji by his side no matter the reason for his anger. Usopp, as the big coward he his, always supported them from afar and Nami, who was not aware of their shenanigans, took it upon herself to scold them once she learned about the fights, slipping in a word of thanks while making them promise not to do it again, or at least, to let her participate next time. At some point, Zoro wouldn’t even let Chopper walk around the school ground alone. After these incidents, Chopper was never bothered again and it was then that Luffy decided to name their group Mugiwaras in reference to the straw hat he wears on each of their outings, declaring loud and clear to anyone who would listen that no one should mess with the members of his crew under penalty of having to face the wrath of their captain: himself. All of this took place during his period of fascination with pirates, whether it be movies, documentaries, mangas or animes, Luffy devoured everything he could find on the subject with the goal of becoming a professional pirate himself (much to his grandfather's dismay).

=== Mugiwaras ==

Usopp

GG! You made Chop cry.

Zoro, you owe him an ice cream.

======

Sanji and Nami receive the notification while they're comforting Chopper. A smile appears on Nami's lips.

"Well said! And I hope he has a damn good explanation for his silence. I'm not Luffy! I don't forgive in two minutes!"

---ooo---

Luffy and Zoro finally join the four high school students in the park next to the Baratie food truck. Sanji hears Luffy's laughter before he even sees him come through the park gate. As usual, he seems to bounce with every step he takes. He walks beside Zoro and seems to be telling him an never-ending story that doesn't seem to interest Zoro in the least, at least judging by his sullen expression.

Hearing them arrive, Chopper gets up from the picnic table they'd settled at and rushes over to Zoro to hug him. In reality, given the height difference, Zoro ends up with the teenager clinging to his waist, his face pressed against his chest. Sanji smiles at his friend's behavior and the oddity of this impromptu hug.

Was he always this tall? And this muscular?

Zoro pats the teenager on the head and a smile finally lights up his face.

"I don't understand what you're saying, Chopper... But I'm glad to see you too."

Then he looks up at Nami, Usopp, and Sanji. He rubs the back of his neck, looking embarrassed.

"Um... Hi... How's it going?"

Recovering her composure faster than the boys, Nami glares at him.

"How's it going?" » Her voice is higher pitched than usual and she is now walking towards Zoro with a determined stride. Chopper lets go of Zoro when he sees her approaching furiously and takes a few steps back.

Nami jabs her index finger into the young man's chest, who seems stunned.

"How's it going? What nerve! If you wanted to know if we were okay, all you had to do was send us a fucking message! What? They don’t have internet in Japan? Seeing cars on the wrong side of the road has upset you so much that you’ve forgotten how to type?"

A few passersby turn towards the small group to observe the scene. Nami is furious now and is letting out all the frustration accumulated over the past two years. Zoro stands motionless, his eyes fixed on Nami's finger as she jabs into his chest to punctuate her sentences.

"And you dare come back, just like that, without saying anything, and show up here to eat with us as if nothing had happened? As if nothing had happened?!!”

She's red with anger and her breathing is ragged. As she's about to continue her tirade, Luffy places a hand on her forearm to get her attention.

"Let go of me, Luffy, I'm not finished!"

"Nami, calm down."

"No! I'll calm down when he gives us a good explanation. Don't tell me you can forgive him for two years of silence in the blink of an eye! If that's the case, you're even stupider than I thought! Two years, Luffy... two years! Not a single message, not a single call. Just like that, no more news!"

She yells at the two boys, her finger still pointed at Zoro, but her tone is less angry and increasingly desperate.

"I thought we were like a family! That we'd always be there for each other!" And you, you abandoned us… You cut ties and didn't even tell us why… You… you…”

She's searching for words now. Her cheeks are still red, but it's no longer from anger; she's embarrassed that she let herself get carried away. Tears are welling up in the corners of her eyes. Sanji, Usopp, and Chopper watch the scene without daring to intervene. They would also like an explanation, they understand Nami's grief and anger perfectly, but if anyone is capable of defusing the situation, it's Luffy. So they stand back and watch as Luffy grabs Nami's arm more firmly and turns her toward him.

"Nami, let him talk…"

That simple sentence is enough to make her react. She opens her mouth, as if she wants to add something, then closes it and nods gently. It's not so much Luffy's tone that silences her, but his sudden serious expression.

She knows that look, it's the one Luffy takes when he talks about something important, it's the look he abhorred when he declared that no one attacked his crew without facing the consequences after Chopper's harassment episodes, or when he decided to intervene between her and Arlong, at 6 years old, when the latter tried to steal her pocket money. It's also the look he had when he reassured Sanji that no matter who his biological parents are, he is part of the Mugiwaras and always will be, and it's certainly the look that landed on Usopp when he agreed to help him trap the cleaning man of his friend Kaya's family who was unscrupulously stealing money and jewelry from his employers. Sanji knows that look well, it inspires respect in those who witness it, whether they are people his age or adults. Everyone agrees that despite his wacky and eccentric side, Luffy is someone who can be serious, loyal, and trustworthy.

The silence lasts a few more seconds. No one else is paying attention to their small group, five teenagers chatting in a park at lunchtime. Sanji doesn't like this silence. He watches Zoro, like everyone else, waiting for him to finally speak. Zoro seems uncomfortable again. He pulls at the straps of his backpack, runs his hand over his face and through his (green) hair.

Why such a strange color! Green! It looks like moss! Oh! I know, he looks like a Marimo!

He then takes a deep breath and looks Nami straight in the eyes before speaking.

"I'm sorry..." he mumbles.

Then he takes a second breath and his voice steadies.

"Sorry for not contacting you..." Nami's eyes flash again. "And for not giving you any news..."

"And?"

"And for not letting you know I was coming back... Actually... uh..." He searches for words, visibly growing more and more uncomfortable. Sanji watches him closely and sees an emotion he has rarely see in his features before: sadness. He continues, in a lower and faster voice, as if to get these painful explanations out of the way as quickly as possible.

"I had things to take care of, I failed... I lost... several times... and my grades dropped... and then I had to focus on my training... and my classes. I didn't have any time for myself anymore. And then Kuina had her accident... and we thought she was going to die... and by the time I realized I hadn't written to you, it was too late... and I lost my phone... and I changed my number because Mihawk said a French phone would be useless to me there..."

He pauses in his tirade to finally catch his breath, but he doesn't have time to continue his explanation. Nami throws herself at his neck and he awkwardly hugs her back. He's never been one for cuddling or demonstrating affection, but he returns the hug and doesn't let go of Nami as she hugs him.

"Oh, Zoro... I didn't know Kuina had an accident!"

Then she grabs his shoulders and pulls back quickly before punching him on the head.

"You're as stupid as Luffy! You could have contacted us by email! Or found another way!" You spent all that time alone there because you thought it was too late to give us a call?! ​​You're really stupid!"

She hits him again, but more gently. Luffy starts laughing, and the tension finally eases. Chopper, Usopp, and Sanji approach the three friends.

"So you've been training? What did they feed you over there?!" Usopp touches Zoro's biceps with an amused look. "You've become a beast!" Zoro shrugs and accepts his friend's outstretched hand. "Yeah, I've put on a little muscle."

And indeed, Sanji remarks, Zoro has put on "a little muscle." His well-defined biceps and pectoral muscles are visible under his very tight-fitting black t-shirt, and the effects of his two years of training are clearly visible. He was already muscular before he left, but that’s nothing compared to today! His square jaw is well defined; his neck has thickened in line with the rest of his physique. He's also grown taller in the last two years. Sanji was quite proud of reaching 5'11" and to be taller than all his friends, but Zoro seems to be quite close to his height today.

Then he runs his hand through Chopper's hair to ruffle it, and the teenager shakes his head to get away. "Sorry to have you worried Chopper, I'm glad to see you. I'm sure you're still at the top of your class." This compliment makes the young man blush, and he starts to laugh nervously.

He finally turns to Sanji and extends his hand to greet him in turn. Sanji stands there for a few seconds, then accepts Zoro's handshake.

"Don't think everything is forgiven so easily. You made Nami cry. Several times."

The words are dry and sharp, and he grips Zoro's hand tighter than a simple friendly handshake. He knows this isn't his place, and that Nami is perfectly capable of defending herself. While she seems to have forgiven him to some extent for his two years of absence, Sanji is not yet ready to do so. It will take more than a simple discussion to regain his trust. But if his friends are willing to make an effort, and given that Zoro seemed sincere in his apology, he is also willing to take a step in that direction.

"And what's with that hair color?!" You're going to get us stand out everywhere we go now... Marimo."

Sanji couldn't say what had possessed him to make fun of Zoro's new hair color for no reason. Before he left, they were the kind of friends who couldn't communicate without picking on each other. Bickering "like an old married couple" was commonplace between them, and within minutes, despite the anger and disappointment of two years of silence, Sanji was caught up in years of habit, quarreling and calling each other stupid nicknames to annoy one another.

A smirk appeared on Zoro's lips. He returned Sanji's handshake with equal force and also let himself fall back into their friendly exchange of insults.

"At least you can see my whole face! Mind you, with eyebrows like that, I'd prefer to keep them hidden as much as possible too... Curly."

This exchange is enough to make Luffy burst out laughing again, and he quickly puts an arm around each of the boys' necks before exclaiming:

"Ah! There! That's much better! Now let's eat!!!"

---ooo---

=== Mugiwaras ==

Luffy

I ate too much, guys

*gif of a big cat taking a nap*

Wake me up next week

Usopp

By the way, Luffy, Zoro, is it okay with you if we eat together at Sora's food truck on Tuesdays for lunch? We all have a break from 12:00 to 2:30, I think

Unknown number

Yeah, OK

Sanji

My mom says she can prepare our meals in advance if we tell her what we want around 11:00, that way we won't waste time ordering

And she asks if everyone got home safely

Luffy

Ohhhh, so good! Tell her thanks *starry-eyed emoji* *sandwich emoji*

Home safely

Currently slumped on the couch

Chopper

I just got here, thanks to your mom for worrying about us

Shall we start tomorrow?

Nami

No Chop, we don't have class tomorrow.

I just got here too, I had to get Zoro home, he's still so bad at directions!

Sanji

No class tomorrow for us, Chopper!

Marimo, you're taking it too far! You made Nami take a detour!

Can’t you use a GPS app like everyone else!

*Gif of a character reading a road map with a lost expression*

Luffy

You can still come eat with us!

Moral support, guys

Unknown number

I know how to use a GPS app, thanks you very much!

I was disoriented by your twisted eyebrows, Curly

Usopp

Nope! I'm going to sleep until at least 3 p.m. to enjoy this last day of freedom!

Sanji

I'll be at the food truck helping my mom if you want to come by.

Chopper

Yes! I'll be there!

Luffy

It's a daaatteee!

Meet us at the food truck around 12:30 p.m. then.

======

Sanji rolls his eyes, then selects the unknown number and clicks on the add to phonebook icon. He saves the number and adds Zoro's name, then deletes the name and replaces it with Marimo.

He then opens a new conversation.

===Marimo===

*link to Waze*

Install this to avoid getting lost

*fuck emoji*

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 3 – First Tuesday

===Mugiwaras===

Sanji

We're open! Chop, you can come

Chopper

I'll finish getting ready and be right there

Luffy

Don't eat without us!

Marimo

Luffy, which room are we in?

Sanji

Are you lost, cactus head?

======

Sanji looks up from his phone and meets his mother's gaze.

“Who are you texting that makes you smile like that? Is it someone I know?”

Sanji blushes slightly as he replies, "It's the crew. Luffy's already hungry."

Sora doesn't press further, but she clearly saw the red flush on her son's cheeks. It makes her smile. It's about time he finally took an interest in someone. His last relationship was disastrous in every way. Zeff and her worried for weeks while that girl led him by the nose. Viola seemed like a charming young woman at first glance, but she couldn't help wanting to control every aspect of Sanji's life, from who he met to what he wore. Their relationship lasted only three months, at the beginning of their sophomore year, but it took Sanji another six months to get over their breakup. Luckily, his friends were there for him. Without them, Sanji would surely have repeated his sophomore year because he couldn't bring himself to get out of bed in the morning. Well,  that being cheated on by your first girlfriend can have that effect on people. Without Nami, Sanji might even have forgiven the girl and stayed with her so as not to hurt her feelings...

Zeff's principles regarding women are very good (respect, devotion, tenderness), but Sanji still applies them a little too literally, even if it means putting himself in emotional danger, as his hypersensitivity often gets in his own way. At least his friends manage to talk some sense into him and prevent him from falling in love with the first person who compliments him (because yes, even the slightest bit of attention from someone can send Sanji into a tizzy; whether it's a girl or a boy, as long as there's a compliment, a brush against the arm, or a shy smile involved, Sanji can make a big deal out of it; he's a real softie). Sora is therefore very grateful to her group of friends and is always happy to welcome them at home or at the food truck.

---ooo---

Around 12:30 p.m., as planned, Luffy and Zoro arrive at the food truck and Sora greets them. 

“Hello Luffy, hello Zoro. Is the start of the school year going well? Zoro, isn’t it too difficult to adjust to life in France again?”

“Hello, ma'am. It's fine.”

He shrugs, hands in his pockets. She smiles at him before answering. “No ‘ma'am,’ come on! I already told you to call me Sora! Sanji and Chopper are in the park, they already told me what they wanted to eat. You didn’t tell Sanji what you would like to eat beforehand today. Try to remember to do so for next week. So, what would you like to eat, boys?”

Once they've placed their order, Zoro and Luffy join Sanji and Chopper at their usual table at the park entrance. All they have to do now is wait for Sora to signal them to go and collect their burgers.

"There you are! And right on time! Strange for you guys not to get lost on the way here. "

Zoro rolls his eyes, puts his backpack on the ground, and sits down on the bench across from Sanji and next to Chopper. Luffy slips in next to Sanji. He seems busy writing a message on his phone but answer to Sanji with a laugh.

"I only had to hold him back three times on the way here! "

“Oi! I could have managed just fine on my own!”

“Yeah, after two or three laps around the block, you would have ended up here eventually, cactus head!”

“Got a problem with my arrival time, you idiot cook?”

“Zoro, Sanji, don't start already!” Chopper always had trouble with their bickering. “Sora is waving at us, so make yourselves useful and go get our orders.”

Luffy looked up from his phone. “Is she done already?! Sanji, your mom is the best! And so fast! And her burgers are so good, mmmhh! Hurry up, I'm starving! Ace and Sabo are jealous that they can't eat with us, I'll have to take a picture of the feast for them when you get back, shishishi.”

His characteristic laugh makes the three teenagers smile fondly. Ace and Sabo, Luffy's two adoptive brothers, finished high school a little over a year ago. Ace is a motorcycle mechanic in a large garage in the north of the city, and Sabo is studying journalism in another city. The three of them have always been very close, and Luffy had a hard time when they left home. At the age of 5, Luffy had to spend three weeks in foster care while his grandfather took the necessary steps to gain custody of him. When his mother died, his father, a journalist specialized in armed conflicts, was abroad and unable to take care of him properly. So he was placed with Dadan until the situation was resolved. In just three weeks, Luffy became extremely attached to Ace and Sabo, so much so that Monkey D. Garp took in not one little boy, but three. Luffy is constantly in touch with them, exchanging messages and photos in their group chat, and the two young adults try to visit their grandfather at least once a month to spend a few days with their baby brother.

Sanji and Zoro get up to go back to the food truck to get their menus.

“Luffy doesn't seem to be doing too well, does he?”

Sanji sighs and runs his hand through his hair to push his bangs back slightly.

"He's doing much better! With school starting again, he'll be home less. He still hates being alone, and his brothers leaving last year really got him down. You should have seen him at the beginning of last school year, he was in a really bad place... And with the change of high school, he found himself all alone there too. It was very hard at first, which is why we decided to eat together once a week. It's good that you're in the same class this year, I'll worry less about him."

The tone of the conversation makes Zoro uncomfortable. He realizes how much he has missed during his two years away. He prefers to change the subject and continues in a lighter tone, with a smirk.

“Are you thanking me for coming back?”

"As if we needed you! Don't mistake your dreams for reality, you stupid cactus face!"

“Sanji, it's not very nice to call your friends stupid!”

“Marimo thinks we missed him! See, stupid!”

“Don't listen to him, Zoro. They missed you a lot. You should have seen them after you left...”

“Mom!” Sanji feels his cheeks flush, not sure if it's from anger or embarrassment. He doesn't want Zoro to know the extent of the damage his departure caused to their little group. And he's certainly not ready to admit that they did miss him.

He quickly grabs one of the two trays Sora has prepared for them and decides to change the subject.

“Is it okay if Chopper and I pay you later when we bring back the trays?”

"No need, honey, Zoro paid for all four of you today."

Sanji turns to Zoro with a surprised look. The redness on his cheeks intensifies slightly.

“You didn't have to pay. Something to make up for with your wallet?”

Zoro shrugs, takes the second tray, and strides toward the park. Sanji quickly catches up to him.

“Hey! I'm talking to you, cactus head! You didn't have to... Oh no...”

Chopper and Luffy don't even have time to ask what's going on. Sanji turns pale and suddenly stops mid-sentence, a look of panic in his eyes. He puts down the tray, grabs his bag and places it on the table, sits down next to Luffy and buries his head in his arms to hide behind his bag.

“Hide me, guys, I don't want to see her.”

The three boys turn their heads in the direction Sanji is pointing to see what is happening. Viola and two of her friends are walking toward them, heading for the park exit. Zoro frowns as he watches them pass.

“Oh! I remember her, Violet, right? Still got a crush on her, cook?”

Sanji barely lifts his head and glares at him. Chopper grabs Zoro's arm, signaling him to stop talking. Then he leans over to whisper an explanation. Sanji tries to stay hidden behind his bag, but he can hear the girls' conversation as they approach and the sound of their footsteps on the gravel path. 

“It's Viola, not Violet. She and Sanji dated in sophomore year, but it didn't end well. She's been a little obsessed with Sanji ever since and has tried to get back together with him several times... Oh, hello, Viola.”

“Hello, Chopper. Hello, Sanji.”

Sanji sits up straight and gives her a forced smile. Her friends have stayed behind, and she approaches the table alone. She laughs nervously and tucks a strand of hair behind her ear. At least Chopper had time to warn Zoro about the situation, so he should be able to avoid a disaster. Luffy looks up from his burger to watch her. Zoro and Chopper decide to start eating and not get involved in their conversation.

“Hello, my dear Viola. How are you?”

“Very well. Um... do you have anything planned for tomorrow afternoon? Because I was thinking that maybe...”

“Ah... um... tomorrow...”

His brain is racing. He knows she's trying to ask him out, just the two of them. She stares at him with her big hazel eyes, batting her eyelashes. He tries to come up with an excuse, anything, but lying to a girl is not one of his principles. As he stammers to try to get out of it, Zoro looks up at Viola, his mouth full.

“Busy. We're busy tomorrow afternoon.”

Viola turns her head toward him and stares at him for a long time with a disgusted pout. Before turning back to Sanji, who is no longer searching for words but is also watching Zoro. And suddenly it's as if the fog in his mind has lifted. He holds her gaze and replies.

“Ah... um... yes, I forgot, but I have plans with the crew. Sorry, Viola, but I won't be able to make it tomorrow.”

“Oh. Okay, no problem, maybe another time. Enjoy your meal, then. Bye.”

She seems upset by his response but gives him a little wave, quickly looks back at Zoro before turning on her heel and joining her friends.

Sanji is completely stunned, Chopper and Luffy have stopped eating to watch Zoro, who continues to eat as if nothing had happened. Luffy smiles at him like an idiot.

"Hey Zoro, I think you just saved Sanji from having a stroke! It's been a while since she tried to ask him out, and I really expected him to accept since Nami isn't here. "

Sanji regains his senses when he sees Luffy's hand reaching for his fries. He slaps the intrusive hand and then starts eating himself. He rolls his eyes and starts to blush.

“I was going to say no, I was handling the situation just fine.”

"Of course, Sanji, we know you don't want to be with her, but you're too nice... And I'm not sure she understood that you don’t want  her anymore..."

Chopper is still worried about him, even if it has been more a year and a half since their breakup.

“Yes, okay, she's still a little annoying sometimes. Can we forget about it? And please, nobody tells Nami!”

===Marimo===

Hey

Just wanted to say

Sorry about what I said earlier

When that stuck-up girl arrived

It was a joke

I didn't know

Don't talk about a girl like that, Marimo!

But don't worry, you couldn't have known

And thank you

for the alibi

and for paying for our meals

But don't do it again

I'll do whatever I want!

Idiot

Moron

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 4 – The crew is complete

Tuesday September 9^th.

“Okay, now that we've all agreed to let you come back, there are two things which need clarifications, Zoro.”

Nami is sitting on the picnic table, her feet up on the bench, her elbows on her knees, her half-eaten burger in her hands, her fries and drink next to her.

She raises her index finger. “One, why the green hair?”

She raises her middle finger. “Two, why the earrings?”

The boys are sitting around the table, each with a menu in front of them. Zoro takes a bite of his own burger and shrugs. The others have stopped talking to listen to Nami. Zoro chews slowly and then swallows his bite.

"There's not much to explain. I was under too much pressure because I had to be perfect at everything, in kendo and in school. One day Kuina made me skip class and told me to let go. She made me bet that if I could beat her, she would dye her hair, and if she beat me, I would have to dye my hair. The bet was on until the next victory. I lost, and she chose the color. It's not like I can beat her now, so I'm stuck with this hair color."

A silence follows his statement. Zoro is usually rather quiet and taciturn, so this may be the first time they have heard him speak for so long, proof that he is trying hard to get back in the group. They don't have all the details about the accident, but from what they understand, Kuina is now in a wheelchair and will never be able to practice kendo again. They also know that she is his cousin and that she was the one who introduced him to this sport during his various visits to Japan when he was younger. Mihawk always wanted Zoro to maintain a connection with his homeland, even though he never knew his parents. When Mihawk adopted him at 6, he promised to bring him to Japan at least once a year to keep in touch with his cousin. Each time they met, they had their traditional duel to test their respective levels. Kuina always won these duels. The atmosphere around the table is heavy. Luffy stares silently at Zoro. Chopper and Sanji exchange an awkward glance.

“She has good taste, though. I like that green!”

Usopp's remark is enough to lighten the mood. A slight smile appears on Zoro's face. Nami and Sanji start laughing.

“Yes, definitely! Right between seaweed and a cactus, she really made a good choice.”

Nami points to his earrings. There are three of them, on his left earlobe. Three identical earrings in the shape of thin golden drops.

“And what about those? Another bet?”

“No, that's personal. I walked past a store and thought they were nice, so I bought them. Perona found out and convinced me to wear them, saying that buying jewelry and leaving it in a closet is stupid.”

“She's right! And they go well with the rest. Was that before or after the hair?”

“That was before. It was at the beginning of sophomore year, just after I arrived there, actually.”

"In any case, I hope you took all the necessary hygiene precautions and had it done by a professional, Zoro. Too many people think they can do it themselves and end up losing part of their ear due to infection!"

As a good future doctor, Chopper begins to go into detail about infections caused by homemade ear piercings, even looking for pictures on his phone to show Usopp. Zoro frowns.

“Sorry, Chopper, but Perona did it for me. At home, with a needle and an ice cube. Mihawk got the fright of his life when he came home that day and found a blood-soaked towel in the bathroom. I'd never seen my sister laughing so hard!”

Stopped short in his explanations, Chopper looks up from his phone and turns to glare at Zoro. He is about to respond when a female voice speaks up behind him.

"It's super badass to get your ears pierced by your sister!"

The group turns to look at the new arrivals. Four young girls are standing there. From their outfits and backpacks, Sanji deduces that they are high schoolers like them. He can't help but stare at them with stars in his eyes (or hearts), as they all look like they've stepped out of a fashion magazine.

“Hello, ladies! I'm Sanji. Did you need anything?”

“Hello, Sanji. I'm Hiyori, and this is Vivi, Shirahoshi, and Rebecca.”

Hiyori is the one who called out to Zoro. She is tall and slim, with long blonde hair with turquoise highlights and beautiful blue eyes. She points to her friends in turn. Vivi, who also has blue highlights in her hair and large hazel eyes, Shirahosi, and then Rebecca, both with pink highlights.

“We go Marie Joie High School with those two,” she said, pointing at Zoro and Luffy.

“Zoro, can I talk to you for a minute? Um... in private...”

Zoro grumble and roll his eyes. But he gets up and follow her. They talk for a few minutes, and Sanji can see the disappointment in Hiyori's eyes as she listens to Zoro's response. He listens distractedly to Nami chatting with the other girls.

“Your hair looks great! The blue highlights are really cool. It suits you really well. Vivi, right? And what grade are you in?” "

Sanji continues to observe the exchange between Hiyori and Zoro while picking at his fries. Luffy, Usopp, and Chopper have resumed their conversation about the dangers of infections and are looking at horrible pictures on Chopper's phone. The two young people return to them, and the four girls greet them politely before heading back into the park.

“Marimo, I hope you didn't break beautiful Hiyori's heart! You should be flattered that she's interested in you!”

“Shut up, you stupid cook. Mind your own business!”

“Ohhh, looks like I hit the nail on the head!”

“She asked you out? What did you say?”

Nami suddenly seems very interested in the situation. Sanji watches her, raising an eyebrow. There's something strange about the tone of her question, but he can't quite put his finger on what's wrong. He shrugs and listens to their exchange, trying not to seem too interested. After all, he doesn't care whether Zoro accepted or rejected the pretty girl's advances (he does).

“Yes and no.”

“I'm going to need a little more than two words! Details, Zoro, come on!”

“Yes, she asked me out on a date, and no, I'm not going.”

“That's stupid, she's pretty! And you could have gotten her friend's number for me!”

She winks at him.

Sanji suddenly exhales, realizing he had been holding his breath at Nami's question. Is it relief he feels at the thought of Zoro rejecting Hiyori's advances? What a ridiculous idea!

Chapter Text

Chapter 5 – Mums always know

Later that day, Sanji is working at his desk in his bedroom when his mother returns from the restaurant. She has spent the late afternoon helping Zeff preparing the restaurant for the evening service. She knocks softly on his door and enters his room.

“Good evening, dear. Did you have a good afternoon?” "

She approaches him and kisses him on the head, just like she used to when he was little.

“Hey. Yeah, yeah, great,” he replies distractedly.

“Do you have a lot of homework?”

“I've finished my math assignment, I just have one text left to read for history. Mrs. Nico might give us a test tomorrow, so I want to be well prepared.”

“Would you like to read it now?”

“No, I'd rather come and help you cook to take my mind off things. I've been working for two hours strait!” He crosses his arms behind his head and stretches, yawning. “It's only the second week and I'm already tired. What will it be like in June?” "

He leaves the bedroom after her and follows her into the kitchen. His gaze falls on the sea glistening on the horizon through the half-open window. Their apartment isn't big, but it's bright and well laid out. It has a large living room with an open kitchen that opens onto a balcony just big enough to fit a small outdoor table, four chairs, and a small barbecue; two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a toilet. His bedroom also has a small balcony where he has placed a beanbag chair. It's his favorite place in the apartment, apart from the kitchen, of course. He loves to curl up on the beanbag at the end of the day, from late fall to early spring, with a blanket over his legs, watching the sun set over the sea, which he can see between the buildings on the horizon. This place has always been comforting to him; the sea has always been comforting. For him, as it has always been for his mother.

The gentle roar of the waves soothes their thoughts, like an ancient lullaby. Facing the infinite horizon, their hearts feel lighter. It was by the sea that his mother taught him to find refuge to untangle his thoughts when facing them became too difficult. It was there that she took refuge after leaving the Vinsmoke household to raise him alone. It was also by the sea that she met Zeff a few years later. It was there that they got married and Zeff officially adopted Sanji as his own son when he turned 10.

Sanji has spent a lot of time by the water in recent years. The summer after Zoro left, he tried to understand the intense emotions he felt whenever anyone mentioned his friend. The winter after his breakup with Viola, he tried to convince himself that he wasn't at fault and that he hadn't done anything wrong. The following summer, when Judge Vinsmoke came into his life with a paternity test proving that he was his illegitimate son. That summer, his mother often accompanied him, sometimes to talk to him about her youth, sometimes just so he wouldn't be alone. Sometimes his friends accompany him too. They all know that if he suggests going to the beach, it's because he's not feeling well or something is bothering him.

Sanji blinks and returns to reality. Sora is already busy in the kitchen, but she looks at him tenderly.

“Is everything okay, honey? You seem lost in thought. Is it school that’s bothering you?”

“No, everything's fine at school, don't worry. I was just thinking I'd go for a walk by the sea this weekend, that's all.”

He walks into the kitchen, grabs his apron and ties it skillfully around his waist, then takes out a cutting board and starts cutting mushrooms for the risotto. Sora watches him out of the corner of her eye, raising an eyebrow.

“You want to go to the beach?”

“Yeah, just to get out of the house for a bit, as long as we don't have too much homework.”

“And this sudden urge to go to the beach has nothing to do with your conversation with Viola last week?”

Sanji stops what he's doing and looks up at his mother.

“You saw that, didn’t you?” She nods slowly. "I would have preferred if she hadn't seen me, I admit... She wanted to ask me out on a date... "

“I hope you didn't accept?!”

Sanji is surprised by her reaction. He knows his parents don't like her; they've only hinted at it, but they didn't like how he was head over heels for her during their relationship. Not to mention the breakup, the reasons behind it, or its consequences for Sanji... But this is the first time Sora has reacted so directly. She has never interfered in his private life, letting him make his own choices. Sanji knows he can always count on her and Zeff when he needs them, and he always ends up discussing his doubts and problems with them anyway. It's a solid relationship of trust that he's proud to have with his parents, and he knows that's not the case for everyone. So this vindictive remark surprises him.

“No! Of course not! I made it clear to her that I don't want anything to do with her anymore. Anyway, I didn't even get a word in the matter, it was Marimo who told her to get lost!”

“Oh! What a knight in shining armor! It's very sweet of him to have intervened. I'll have to remember to thank him.”

Sanji put down his knife and turned to his mother. He had thought that this conversation couldn't get any more surprising! And now his mother thought Zoro's behavior was chivalrous!

“Sweet?!”

“I thought you liked him? Before...”

Sanji feels his ears burning and knows he is blushing. He bows his head toward his mushrooms and resumes cutting, hoping his hair will hide his embarrassment, and mumbles.

“I don't know what you're talking about.”

“Sanji, honey, I know you were very angry with him for leaving and cutting ties, but you have to admit that he's trying very hard to make it up to you. And I can see that the crew is happier since he came back.” She pauses for a moment to grab a large frying pan and pour oil into it before placing it on the stove. “And I've always thought that the way you two bicker makes you look like an old married couple.”

“Mom!” If he was red just before, Sanji is now scarlet, and he's sure his hair is no longer enough to hide his embarrassment. "We don't look like a couple at all! Besides, he has lots of girls chasing after him, I'm pretty sure he'll find someone soon. You should have seen Hiyori at lunch today! She's a goddess! You'd have to be blind or stupid to reject her. It's only a matter of time before he starts dating her."

“Or to prefers boys.”

“Mom!”

“I'm just saying! There's no shame in it, love doesn't choose! And I wouldn't mind having a son-in-law instead of a daughter-in-law. I'm sure your father wouldn't mind either. As long as you're with someone who makes you happy.”

“I know that you and Dad are very open-minded, but there's no way that Cactus Head is going to become your son-in-law! We just don't get along.”

“You know the saying, ‘who loves well, punishes well.’”

With a smile on her lips, she shrugs her shoulders and continues cooking. Sanji doesn't reply. He remained lost in his thoughts. He had always liked Zoro as a friend, and it was true that they had been close before he left. But that was the case with the whole group. There was nothing special between him and Zoro. If there was anything, it was mainly a serious desire to knock some sense into him, by force! And if he felt a twinge of annoyance when he saw Hiyori and Zoro at lunch, it's only because Zoro clearly didn't treat her with the respect she deserves (which, as far as he's concerned, is due to all women). Right?

Chapter Text

Chapter 6 – Texts

Friday October 10^th.

===Mugiwara===

Luffy

Hey Sanji

Do you think you can bake this?

*link to a video of a giant tiramisu in a wheelbarrow*

Usopp

I have a wheelbarrow!

Chopper

That idea doesn't seem very hygienic to me

Nami

Ooh, that looks so good! I love tiramisu!

Sanji

So yes, I can make tiramisu

But I would NEVER serve it in a wheelbarrow!

Luffy

But it would be so cool!

Sanji

Nope. NEVER.

Usopp

Even if we wash the wheelbarrow really well?

Nami

How would you eat it?

Luffy

With my fingers, obviously!

Usopp

Or with a huge spoon

A ladle!

======

---ooo---

Saturday October 11th

===Mugiwara===

Sanji

We're going shopping. What flavor do you want for your tiramisu?

Coffee? Oreo? Strawberry?

Chopper

Can we choose? You're the best, Sanji!

Oreo for me!

Nami

Coffee for me

Luffy

Can I have all three?

Usopp

Coffee for me too

Sanji

Luffy, you'll get one like everyone else!

What about you, Cactus Face?

Marimo

Still no dessert for me

Sanji

You don't know what you're missing

Don't complain when we're enjoying our desserts

======

---ooo---

Monday October 13th

===Mugiwaras===

Luffy

Hey guys! You'll never guess what happened today

Garp caught those three idiots painting graffitis on the gym wall

He beat them up!

It was hilarious!

They had to repaint the wall

And he made them wear painter's suits

Check out this look

*photo of Sanji's three brothers in white painter's suits, paint rollers in hand and looking glum*

Nami

Oh, but this photo is worth its weight in gold, Luffy!!!

Do you have any more?

I see so much potential!

Usopp

Aren't those your half-brothers, Sanji?

Luffy

Yeah, they're in MJ with us!

They're really stupid!

======

Later that day

===Marimo===

Hey

Can I ask you something?

If it's about the tiramisu, you can forget it!

You said you didn't want any!

And I just finished making them!

No, that's not it

I asked Nami, but she won't answer me

You don't have to answer

It's about Usopp's message about three idiots who tagged the gym

Oh

Yes

My half-brothers

I didn't know you had brothers

Half-brothers

And a half-sister too

I didn't know either

I found out last summer

One day a guy showed up at the restaurant with a paternity test

What about Zeff?

He adopted me when he married my mother when I was 10

I knew that

We didn't expect them to show up like that, though

Are they nice?

My half-brothers?

Not really

It's a good thing we're not in the same high school

What about your sister?

I've never met her

What about your father?

I've only seen him twice

I don't have an opinion

You still don't have to answer

But how come he only showed up now?

He didn't know my mother was pregnant

He was her boss's son when she was young

He hit on her while he was married

When her father found out they were having an affair, he kicked her out

No one knew except my mother

How did he find out?

He recognized my mother at a joint party with your school

When he saw me, he understood right away

We're not sure how he got access to my DNA though

Isn't that illegal?

Maybe, but in the end he was right, so we didn't say anything

Do you see them often?

No

I don't want to see them

I don't owe them anything

And they weren't very nice to my mother back then

And those three jerks can't stand me...

Every time there's a joint party with your school, they cause me problems

Luffy almost got into a fight with them several times

But they're not worth it

He's not allowed to talk to them

And neither are you, for that matter!

I'll do what I want, Curly!

But I wasn't planning on talking to them

Unless they pick on one of you

Forget it, they're really not worth it

It's late, I'm signing off for the night

Good night, cactus face

Okay. Good night, shitty Cook, see you tomorrow.

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 7 – Tiramisu

Tuesday October 14^th.

“Do we all agree? We'll wear matching costumes like last year, right?” Nami is once again in charge of the logistics for the crew for the Halloween party.

“Samurai and ninjas!” Luffy's shout makes her wince.

“Yes, Luffy, the theme that got the most votes is Samurai and Ninjas. Everyone agrees with this idea, right?”

The rest of the group nods in agreement.

On the last Friday night before the fall break, the two high schools in the neighborhood are organizing a joint event: a Halloween party. This year, it will take place at Zoro and Luffy's high school. And since Monkey D. Garp, Luffy's grandfather, is also the principal of the high school and lives on campus, Luffy suggested that Sanji, Zoro, and Usopp stay at his house to spend the first Saturday of the holidays together playing video games.

"And for the driving arrangements, Sanji is your mother still okay with picking up Zoro? I'll take Usopp and Chopper. And Luffy, you'll already be there, so you can wait for us outside the entrance, say... around 6:30 p.m.? Is that okay with everyone?"

Another round of nods.

"And for the return trip, I'm only bringing Chopper back. And the three of you are staying over at Luffy's."

"Yes, Nami, I'm taking care of the Marimo so he doesn't get lost on the way there, and there's very little chance he'll get lost going up to Luffy's place." Sanji gives her a smile and grabs the cooler with the desserts. Zoro rolls his eyes but prefers to not answer. After all, he tends to get lost regularly, even in the neighborhood he grew up in...

"Nami... are we done going over the details for the evening? I really want to eat my dessert!" Luffy sprawls on the table to get closer to the cooler.

"Ladies first, Luffy! Get your hand out of that cooler!"

Sanji slaps his hand, retrieves the cooler, and takes out the desserts before passing them to his friends.

"A classic coffee one for the beautiful Nami, an Oreo one for Chopper, an Oreo one for Luffy, a classic coffee one for Usopp, and an Oreo one for me."

Then he hesitates, and finally takes out one last glass and places it in front of Zoro.

"I said no dessert, Curly. You know I don't like sweet things!"

Sanji raises his hand to make him stop talking.

"It's not a dessert. I tried something. It's a savory tiramisu with cracker crumbs and bacon."

"You made a savory tiramisu just for him?" Nami stares at him in disbelief. “Someone is being spoiled !”

"Not at all! I had some leftover mascarpone, and I thought it was a good idea to try something new for the restaurant. I made a bunch to try out with my dad yesterday. There was some left over, so I figured I shouldn't waste it."

Sanji doesn't know exactly what possessed him to get up at 10 p.m. last night to make savory tiramisu. And even less, what possessed him now to lie to Nami! Worse, to get angry at her!

Maybe the exchange of messages with Zoro about his biological family threw him a little. Maybe the fact that Zoro was willing to defend them against his stepbrothers did something to him. And maybe he felt uncomfortable about being empty-handed for the seaweed head.

"Sorry, Nami, I shouldn't have gotten angry with you." I just thought it would be a good compromise since it was already ready. Eat while it's still cold!"

Everyone starts to enjoy their dessert, and as usual, everyone compliments Sanji on his skills. Luffy obviously devours his at top speed, and Sanji takes out a second one to prevent him from trying to eat the others'. Nami turns to Zoro and asks, "So, Zoro, how is your special tiramisu?"

"Is it edible," Zoro replies with a shrug, and Sanji's eyes widen.

"It's edible! With the time I spent on it, that's all you can say, Marimo?! I hope it's fucking edible!"

"Do you have a problem, Cook? Your tiramisu isn't that great, come back down to earth a little!"

Sanji is furious now, but he doesn't want to spoil the rest of the meal for his friends.

"Whatever! I'm going to help my mother a little; she has too many customers. Bring me the glasses and spoons when you're done."

He gets up, grabs his backpack and their trays, and walks briskly back to the food truck.

---ooo---

"Did you have to be so hard on him, Zoro? As usual, Chopper is worried about their heated exchanges. You know Sanji's been working hard. It's not easy for him to have to wait until next year to start his apprenticeship."

"It was a joke, Chopp, he knows that very well. It was really good, like everything he makes, he doesn't need me to tell him." Zoro feels his cheeks flushing and he looks away from his friends, focusing on the food truck where he can see Sanji and Sora bustling with customers.

"How do you know that? Maybe he'd like you to be a little nicer to him!"

"Hey! I didn't ask for anything! I said no dessert!" The remark earns him a smack on the back of his head from Nami.

"He did it to be nice!" she exclaims. "Because it makes him happy to cook for us!"

"I agree with Nami. Zoro, you could be nicer to Sanji. It's not easy for him every day," Usopp adds. "And cooking is really his thing!"

"I am very nice! If I weren't here, he wouldn't have anyone to take his anger out on! And again, I didn't ask him anything!" He massages the spot where Nami hit him, almost sure a bump is forming.

"We never have to ask him, Sanji always knows exactly what we like. Look, he even brought me two desserts because he knew one wouldn't be enough!" Luffy adds, grinning at him. Sanji likes to take care of the people that matter to him. Aren't you glad to be one of them? By the way you're talking about him, I thought you'd be happy. I'll bring this back to him."

Completely unaware of the effect his words have, Luffy gets up and stacks the glasses to take them back to the food truck. Chopper and Usopp stifle a laugh while Nami smiles triumphantly at Zoro's expression, his ears now very red and the look on his face quite embarrassed.

"I knew it! You're still hot for him! Haha! I knew it! Get me the money guys!"

Chopper and Usopp both take out a 10 euros bill and hand it to Nami.

"Oi! You bet on that!"

"As soon as you got back, my dear!" Nami winks at him and carefully puts the bills in her back pocket. "Now that we have confirmation on that, what are you planning to do to woo him?"

"I'm not planning to do anything," he replies, shifting in his seat, visibly uncomfortable. "Sanji clearly has bigger fish to fry, and I'd rather keep things as they are for now." He raises his index finger and points it in each of his friends' directions, glaring at them. "If any of you dare mention it to him, I'll beat you up! Is that clear?"

"Yes, sir," Usopp replies, looking scared, hiding slightly behind Nami.

"Don't worry, I won't say anything," Chopper promises.

"Nami..." Zoro scolds. "I need your confirmation that you won't do anything about it and that this discussion is closed."

"Okay, okay... Even if I think it's a shame... You two would make a very cute couple," she adds, sticking her tongue out at him.

"We won't make ANYTHING close to a couple together. He likes girls. And from the way he talks to me, he doesn't even like me, and that's not going to change anytime soon."

"And that's why you got a special dessert? Because he doesn't like you?! You know I love you, Zoro, but when it comes to some things, you're as stupid as Luffy!" She rolls her eyes but decides to let it go for now. "Okay, I promise not to say anything."

"And to do nothing." He gestures for her to repeat her words.

"And do nothing… For now," she continues with a smirk.

Zoro's giving up too; he knows he won't get anything better out of it.

"And no more betting on this!"

"About what?" Zoro jumps so hard he nearly falls off the bench. Too focused on his threats to the other three, he didn't notice that Sanji and Luffy were back.

"About how long it will take for Zoro to agree to date Hiyori." Zoro rolls his eyes, and Nami happily pulls out a sheet of paper to officially take bets.

---ooo---

Sanji and Nami are both in Sanji's room studying after class. Sanji is sitting at his desk, and Nami has settled down on the carpet, leaning against his bed.

"Sanji... Can I ask you a question?"

He looks up from his math homework.

"Always, Nami."

"Why did you make a special kind of tiramisu for Zoro?"

The question makes him blush.

"I didn't make a special tiramisu for Zoro.Like I said, I did some tests…”

"Stop. Not with me! I know perfectly well you don't do tests on Monday nights, you do tests on Sunday mornings with your dad for the restaurant."

Sanji takes a breath, puts down his pencil, and swivels in his chair to face her.

"Okay, you know me too well." He laughs nervously and runs his hand through his hair. "Maybe I made a special tiramisu just for him."

"Okay, go on…" She gives him an encouraging wave.

"He asked me about my biological family, and we chatted for a bit, and I felt bad about coming up empty-handed."

“Ooohhh. Talk, talk? Like, without jumping at each other's throats? Impossible!" A mischievous glint crosses his eyes.

"No, it was over texts. Believe it or not, we're capable of talking like civilized people," he adds, a little defensively.

“Mmhh. And if it had been for Usopp, or Chopper, would you have taken the time to do something so sophisticated?”

"Yes, of course!"

Nami doesn't answer, but she knows him so well... She decides to push her luck a little further with her questions.

"And, of course, you'd tell me if you were interested in anyone, right?"

"Of course, Nami! You'd be the first to know!"

"So, no one in sight?" she asks innocently.

"Nope, no one in sight. The only thing I have in mind is my bachelor degree so I can finally move on!"

He hates himself for lying to her, but he's not yet ready to admit that his stomach is doing loops just thinking about talking to her about how he feels. After the fiasco with Viola and the few disastrous dates he had last year, he refuses to rush into anything again. He decides to take his time, focus on his studies, and let things take their course.

Anyway, she knows: he bet on three more days before Zoro accepts his advances. He would never have bet against her if he'd doubted that Zoro was attracted to girls and, therefore, that he had no chance to win.

"And you? No one in sight?" he asks in turn.

"Nope!"

"Not even the girl from the other day?" The one with the blue highlights?”

She blushes too and throws her eraser at him.

"Get back to your math!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 8 – Halloween’s Party (part 1)

Friday, October 17th.

===Marimo===

We're in front of your house.

No way you'll get lost in your way to the car.

*fuck emoji*

======

"Stop touching your hair, it looks great like that! You look nervous honey..."

Sanji sighs, then folds back the sun visor. He's wearing a yellow and white striped yukata, and this is the third time he's checked himself in the small miror since he texted Zoro to let him know they were parked in front of his house.

"I'm not nervous... No reason to be nervous... It's just a party with all my friends, all of Sunny, and all of Marie Joie..."

"Are you worried your half-brothers will bother you?"

"No... No... Well, yes, a little, but that's not the problem..." He looks away and stares at the front door besides them.

"Oh? Are you nervous about going to a party with Zoro?”

He turns sharply to her.

"Mom! Not at all! I was just thinking that Viola might be there too, and I hope she won't be a problem..."

Sora raises an eyebrow but doesn't say anything. Sanji doesn't seem ready to talk to her yet.

"Everything's going to be fine, darling. And your friends are here! If there's a problem, you just move to Luffy's place, and you know you can call me if anything goes wrong. Oh, good evening, Zoro. Very nice yukata tou got there! Did you bring it back from Japan?"

Zoro opens the back door and slides into the car. He's wearing a white yukata with black details and green cloud patterns on the hem. He's thrown a dark green haori over his shoulders. On his belt, he carries three training swords (Sanji is not sure he'll be able to get into the party with them).

"Good evening, ma’am. Yes, it's a gift from my cousin Kuina. Curly." He nods.

"Marimo. I see you didn't get lost between your house and the car, fantastic."

"Sanji! Be nice!"

She starts the engine and drives down the street toward Marie Joie High School. The rest of the journey passes in silence. Sora doesn't know if she prefers the silence or the bickering between the two boys. She drives up to the school and slows down to park along the sidewalk a few meters from the entrance, like a dozen other parents. Several students are still at the door, in small groups, probably waiting for their friends. Two teachers check the students' IDs to let them in: Mr. and Mrs. Nico, one teaches physics and chemistry at Sunny, the other history and geography at Marie Joie. Luffy suddenly comes out of the school, spots the car, and waves wildly at them. He's also wearing a yukata. His is red, with a patchwork of sun patterns on a blue background, his straw hat on his back, tied around his neck with a strap.

"Okay, here we are! Before you get out of the car, Sanji, promise me you'll have a good evening, and Zoro, if you could keep an eye on him... and keep him away from his brothers..."

"Okay, ma'am, no problem. Thanks for taking me. Have a good evening." He leaves the car and joins Luffy, who throws his arms around him as if he hadn't seen him in months. If he greeted him like that when he saw him again at the start of the school year, it explains the look on his face on the picture that day! Mr. Nico approaches the two boys and gestures for Zoro to take out his swords. Disappointed, Zoro untie them and let the teacher put them away with other confiscated items that now form a small pile inside of the school entrance.

"Mom! It's not okay to say things like that in front of Zoro! I don't need a babysitter!"

"Sorry, darling, but I'd rather make sure you have a good evening! Go now, join your friends before Luffy comes to get you out of this car himself! And I'll see you tomorrow? Around 7 p.m. at home?”

"Okay, okay... See you tomorrow, Mom."

"I love you!"

"Yes, I love you too, Mom. Have a good evening."

---ooo---

Nojiko's car stops in front of Marie Joie and Usopp, Chopper, and Nami finally join the boys. Usopp is wearing a yukata with a blue top and black and white striped bottom. Chopper is dressed as a ninja, all in black with a mask covering the entire lower part of his face. Nami is wearing a beautiful sky-blue kimono belted with an orange obi. She has her hair pulled up into a loose bun, and red curls frame her face.

"Wow! Nami, you look lovely!" Sanji can't help but get down on one knee to kiss her hand.

"Sanji! Get up, you're being ridiculous! Come on guys, let's head to the gym!”

---ooo---

The first part of the evening is going really well. The crew is enjoying snacks and drinks, taking tons of pictures in the photo booth, and having fun trying to rank the other students' costumes. For now, no one is dancing; they're content to watch the majority of the students sway to the festive music.

Nami has spotted the group of girls including Vivi, the blonde girl with blue highlights, and she's desperately trying to convince the boys to head towards them. The four girls are at the edge of the dance floor and are now heading towards the buffet.

"Come on, now ! It's time, they've stopped dancing! Come on, let's get something to eat and I'll start talking. Luffy, Zoro, they're at your school, you come with me! Try to be helpful! "

The five boys roll their eyes, but no one dares to challenge her orders. Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy don't even bother to greet the girls and immediately head to the buffet. Nami, Sanji, and Zoro find themselves facing the four girls.

They are also wearing matching costumes and seem to have chosen a "princess" theme. Their large, ruffled corset dresses are very impressive. They have their hair tied up very elegantly, and all four of them are wearing heels so high that Sanji wonders how they'll manage to stay up all evening.

Seeing the three friends approach, Hiyori gives them a wide smile and starts to blush.

"Good evening, Zoro. You look very elegant in that yukata!" the girl calls to him, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

Zoro mutters something inaudible then turns to the buffet to pour himself a drink. Hiyori doesn't seem bothered in the least and approaches him, beaming.

"How do you like my costume?"

Zoro shrugs, and Sanji steps in and bow elegantly in front of her.

"Good evening, Miss Hiyori. Your costume is magnificent; that dress looks absolutely stunning on you. A true princess. How is your evening going? Would you like something to drink? Marimo, be a dear and pass this lovely young lady a drink!"

Zoro rolls his eyes and pours her a glass of fresh lemonade.

"She could have poured it herself, Curly!"

"How dare you be so unhelpful to such a pretty young girl! I'm sorry, Hiyori, that idiot has no tact!"

They are interrupted in their conversation by bursts of laughter. Nami and the three girls are chatting, and Vivi has just burst out laughing at something Nami said. Approaching the group, Sanji decides to join in the conversation, and leave Zoro alone with Hiyori.

"Good evening, ladies, your costumes are truly fantastic! It feels like royalty is among us tonight."

He winks at them and gently grabs Shirahoshi's hand to place a kiss on it.

"Hey, loser! Could you stop hitting on my girlfriend?!" a voice chimes in.

Sanji's three half-brothers walking toward them, all wearing skin-tight superhero (or Power Ranger) outfits and hair dyed to match their outfits. Ichiji, the eldest, is in red; Niji, the second, is in blue; and Yonji, the youngest, is in green (a worse shade of green than Zoro, he looks ridiculous).

Yonji is the one who calls out to Sanji, as he approaches Shirahoshi to slide an arm around her waist. The young girl doesn't seem to appreciate the gesture. She blushes and tries to pull away.

"Get your dirty hands off her, Vinsmoke!" Rebecca grabs Yonji by the arm and releases Shirahoshi, who looking rather annoyed.

- Mind your own business! Shirahoshi is capable of making her own choices, and she chose me.

The girl's eyes widen and her blush deepens. She manages to stammer out a few words.

- Uh... Yonji... I never agreed to... uh... I'm not sure that...

- Can’t you tell that the girl wants nothing to do with you? Leave her alone! Sanji isn't sure standing up to one of his half-brothers like this is a good idea, but he's too upset by this attitude toward the girl to care. If Miss Shirahoshi said no to you, you have no right to lay your hands on her, much less consider her your property. If that's how you treat women, I can understand why you're still single!

His words make Ichiji and Niji snicker and Yonji blush, partly in anger, partly in embarrassment.

"No one asked your opinion, little brother... I don't take any advice from a bastard in a dress who flirts with everything in sight!"

"Oi! Vinsmoke shut the fuck up” scolds Zoro.

"It's a yukata, asshole!" Sanji retorts.

Zoro and Sanji spoke at the same time. They exchange a glance, and Sanji feels his jaw tighten. Zoro has moved closer, with Hiyori hanging off his arm as if scared of the three Vinsmokes.

"Oh! But Roronoa was there too!" Ichigi said, taking a step forward. "Hiyori, you really don’t have anyone better to be spending your evening with? Honestly, the fact that he spent time in Japan may seem exotic for now, but he is boring as hell. You should spend time with someone worthy of you instead, like me, for example."

Zoro rolls his eyes and pulls away from Hiyori's grasp.

On Sanji's side, the situation escalates quickly. The two half-brothers are now face to face, exchanging insults about their outfits and their flirting styles.

Nami has gone to get the boys, who are now close to her, watching quietly with Luffy ready to step up anytime if necessary.

"Anyway, you're just a bastard! You have nothing of our presence, you're only half a Vinsmoke! You don't stand a chance with the girls here, they have their standards!"

This sentence turns the tables.

Sanji and Yonji are inches apart. Sanji pushes his half-brother away with a sudden gesture and he collides violently with his brothers. As Yonji composes himself and prepares to retaliate, Zoro places himself between him and Sanji. The resulting punch lands on Zoro's jaw.

Sanji freezes as he watches the scene unfold before him. Zoro grabs Yonji by the collar of his costume with his left hand and responds with a hard right. Ichigi and Niji join the fight, and Luffy rushes to Zoro's aid.

In seconds, the five boys are separated by the teachers. Sanji's three half-brothers are led to one side of the room by Mr. Soul, the philosophy teacher, while Zoro and Luffy are taken to the other side by Mr. Fish, the PE teacher. The group of friends, accompanied by Hiyori, Shirahoshi, and Rebecca, follow in their footsteps. Mr. Fish, or Jinbei as he prefers to be called, seats the two boys away from the party.

"You're going to be in so much trouble, gentlemen!" Jinbei announces. "What made you think it was ok to fight like this in the middle of a party! Luffy, when this story reaches the principal, you're in for a terrible time..."

Hiyori has found an ice pack from who knows where and rushes to tenderly apply it to Zoro's jaw. He tries to push her away, but she insists. He lowers his arms, defeated and replies to his teacher.

"Sorry, sir, they had it coming!" Zoro mutters.

"You know that no one is allowed to pick on my crew! Grandpa won't hold it against me, it was self-defense!"

Sanji finally snaps out of his stupor. He's furious. Furious that Zoro intervened, furious that he wasn't able to punch his half-brother, furious that he was humiliated by their remarks. The shame of having to be defended by Luffy and Zoro makes him so angry, as if he wasn't capable of defending himself. He suddenly snaps:

"Do you realize the mess you've gotten yourselves into!? You two are idiots!!! I forbade you from speaking to them! I forbade you from even going near them!"

"But Sanji, they threatened you..." Luffy pleads. "If Zoro hadn't intervened, you're the one who would have..."

"Stop! I don't want to hear anything anymore, Luffy! You know very well how they are! You know that you have to behave in front of thme! And if Zoro hadn't intervened, the situation wouldn't have escalated!"

He turns to Zoro to continue, taking a step forward to come closer to the chair he's sitting on, Hiyori still beside him with her ice pack.

"And you! I warned you! I told you not to interfere! I don't need anyone to defend me! I don't need anyone to fight for me! Things have never gotten this bad so far! You should have stayed in your place and defended your girlfriend against that idiot Ichiji! But no! Mister Zoro prefers to jump right in the middle of a fight and make me look like I can’t even take a blow! You made me feel so stupid! If that's what it was for, you should never have come back! We don't need you, I don't need YOU! It would have been better if you have stayed in Japan."

With that, he turns on his heel and heads briskly for the exit.

---ooo---

He feels tears in the corners of his eyes and can hear Nami calling out to him as she runs after him through the crowd of students still dancing. He takes his phone out of his pocket the moment he reaches the door. He takes the hallway leading to the entrance hall and dials his mother's number.

"Hello, Sanji, what's going on? Is there a problem?"

"Can you come get me, please?" he says, stifling a sob.

"Yes, of course, darling. Wait for me in front of the entrance, I'll be right there. Are you alone?"

He reaches the entrance, turns around, and sees that Nami has almost caught up to him.

"No, Nami is with me."

"All right, you two wait for me. I'll put my shoes back on and be right there."

He hangs up and lets Nami reach him. She watches him for a few seconds, then wordlessly hugs him. Sanji gives in to her embrace and bursts into silent sobs.

"Sanji, I'm so sorry..."

"It's not your fault, Nami... I'm so angry..." He clenches his fists behind her back.

"Against whom?"

"My stupid half-brothers, Luffy, Zoro... Myself..."

They both sit on the front steps, a little apart from Mr. and Mrs. Nico, who always provide security at the entrance to the school.

"Oh, Sanji, you didn't do anything wrong..." She strokes his back comfortingly. "Zoro and Luffy only stood up for you... You know how they are, you remember when Chopper was in trouble."

"Yes, I know that... But they knew I didn't want them involved. They're in the same school as them, they don't need to make enemies because of me... And I'm perfectly capable of taking a punch! It was humiliating...”

She sighs, then looks up at him and meets his gaze. She bites her lip, a sign of nervousness, then continues more quietly.

"Hey, you didn't really mean what you said to Zoro, did you?"

"What do you mean?" He looks at her questioningly, wiping his eyes with the back of his hand.

"You told him he should never have come back from Japan..." she begins softly. "Look, I know you haven't forgiven him for being away and cutting ties for two years yet, but it was hard to hear you talk to him like that... Did you take the time to talk to him? To really learn more about what happened there? He's been through some thought times over there, you know...”

Sanji is mortified. He realizes the meaning of his words. Even though he's angry with Zoro, he should never have said such horrible things to him. His words clearly went beyond his own thoughts.

"Nami... I think I messed up this time..."

"Your mother is here... Go home and sleep. If you want, I can come to the beach with you tomorrow? Or Sunday? I'm going to talk to Zoro, to tell him you didn't mean everything you said..." she adds in a tone meant to be reassuring.

"No, don't say anything to him. I have to apologize by myself first. But I don't feel ready to do it yet. I'm going to wait until after the break, I'm going on a two weeks cooking course from Sunday anyway, so we won't see each other until the end of the break. It'll help me to take a step back. Don't worry about me, I'll go to the beach with my mother, it was planned anyway..."

They stand up and Sanji hugs her again.

"Thanks, Nami, you're the best..."

"You'd better help me with Vivi, because right now, you've really blown of my chances with her!" she jokes, responding to his hug.

“Sorry, I'm a terrible friend...”

“Go home, we'll talk about it later. And don’t forget to text me when you get home safely”

“Of course. You too right? Now go back and try to enjoy the party, maybe you still have a chance to impress Vivi with your skills on the dance floor!

- I'll try! Get home safely. He gets in the car and she leans out the door to greet Sora. Good evening, Sora, take care of him... he'll tell you why..."

Chapter Text

Chapter 9 – Halloween’s Party (part 2)

===Curly===

We're in front of your house.

No way you'll get lost in your way to the car.

*fuck emoji*

======

Zoro grabs his keys and is ready to leave the house. He looks at himself one last time in the full-length mirror in the hallway.

"You're perfect! Stop looking at yourself, you'll break this mirror!"

He rolls his eyes and turns to Perona, who is watching a movie in the living room. As usual, his sister is wearing a little black dress over black and white striped tights. With her pink hair pulled back in two high pigtails on either side of her head, the contrast is striking.

"Isn't that a bit much for a Halloween party?"

"No way! You need that to catch everyone eyes!"

"That's not really the goal, Ghosty..."

The nickname makes her smile. It's been a long time since Zoro called her that! Around the age of fourteen, Perona had developed a passion for paranormal phenomena, and Zoro began perfecting his Three Swords technique with Kuina. It was also around this time that he truly began to feel like a member of their family: the sibling arguments had softened, the words had become less sharp, and the nicknames more affectionate. Perona had become Ghosty and Zoro, Swordy.

"Don’t expect me to believe you asked for my help if you don't have anyone in sight, Swordy! I'm expecting a detailed report when you get back tomorrow! Now hurry, don't keep Sanji's mom waiting!"

She waves at him, and he hears her wish him good evening as he walks through the front door.

Sora has parked right in front of the house. Sanji is sitting in the passenger seat. From there, he can't hear the conversation, but he can see that Sanji seems embarrassed. He walks over and knocks on the window.

"Everything's going to be fine, darling. And your friends are here! If there's a problem, you just move to Luffy's place, and you know you can call me if anything goes wrong. Oh, good evening, Zoro. Very nice yukata tou got there! Did you bring it back from Japan?"

Zoro opens the back door and slides into the car. He's wearing a white yukata with black details and green cloud patterns on the hem. He's thrown a dark green haori over his shoulders. On his belt, he insisted on hanging three training swords in honor to his favorite kendo technique that he developed together with Kuina: three-sword fighting style.

"Good evening, ma’am. Yes, it's a gift from my cousin Kuina. Curly." He nods.

"Marimo. I see you didn't get lost between your house and the car, fantastic."

"Sanji! Be nice!"

She starts the engine and drives down the street toward Marie Joie High School. The rest of the journey passes in silence. Sora doesn't know if she prefers the silence or the bickering between the two boys. She drives up to the school and slows down to park along the sidewalk a few meters from the entrance. Zoro unbuckles his seatbelt and puts his hand on the handle when he sees Luffy suddenly coming out of the school, spotting the car and waving wildly at them.

"Okay, here we are! Before you get out of the car, Sanji, promise me you'll have a good evening, and Zoro, if you could keep an eye on him... and keep him away from his brothers..."

"Okay, ma'am, no problem. Thanks for taking me. Have a good evening." He leaves the car and joins Luffy, who throws his arms around him as if he hadn't seen him in months.

Mr. Nico takes a few steps toward the two boys.

"Mr. Roronoa, I'm sorry, but weapons are prohibited on school grounds, even if they're fake." He gestures for him to remove his swords. Disappointed, Zoro gives them to him and puts them away with other confiscated items, which now form a small pile in the school entrance. “You can retrieve them when you leave. And I'm sure that won't stop you from having a super evening!

---ooo---

Nojiko's car stops in front of Marie Joie and Usopp, Chopper, and Nami finally join the boys.

"Wow! Nami, you look lovely!" Sanji can't help but get down on one knee to kiss her hand. Zoro mutters inaudibly and turns towards the entrance, Sanji's incessant flirting sometimes getting a little heavy.

"Sanji! Get up, you're being ridiculous! Come on guys, let's head to the gym!”

---ooo---

The first part of the evening is going really well. The crew is enjoying snacks and drinks, taking tons of pictures in the photo booth, and having fun trying to rank the other students' costumes. For now, no one is dancing; they're content to watch the majority of the students sway to the festive music. If Zoro is certain of one thing, it’s that he won’t even put a toe on this dance floor.

Nami has spotted the group of girls including Vivi, the blonde girl with blue highlights, and she's desperately trying to convince the boys to head towards them. The four girls are at the edge of the dance floor and are now heading towards the buffet. Much to Zoro’s dismay, Hiyori is among them. 

"Come on, now ! It's time, they've stopped dancing! Come on, let's get something to eat and I'll start talking. Luffy, Zoro, they're at your school, you come with me! Try to be helpful! "

The five boys roll their eyes, but no one dares to challenge her orders. Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy don't even bother to greet the girls and immediately head to the buffet. Nami, Sanji, and Zoro find themselves facing the four girls.

Seeing the three friends approach, Hiyori immediately fixes her gaze on Zoro, gives them a wide smile and starts to blush.

"Good evening, Zoro. You look very elegant in that yukata!"

Zoro mutters a small thank you then turns to the buffet to pour himself a drink. Hiyori doesn't seem bothered in the least and approaches him, beaming.

"How do you like my costume?"

Zoro shrugs, unsure of how to answer. He can tell she's put more effort into her appearance than she usually does. The dress looks sophisticated, she's wearing a complicated hairstyle, and shoes that don't seem appropriate for any kind of activity you would do at a party. She does look pretty, admittedly, in her turquoise dress, the fabric swirling around her with every movement. If he weren't already interested in someone else, Zoro would surely have accepted her advances; after all, a date is a no-brainer.

"Good evening, Miss Hiyori. Your costume is magnificent; that dress looks absolutely stunning on you. A true princess. How is your evening going? Would you like something to drink? Marimo, be a dear and pass this lovely young lady a drink!"

Zoro rolls his eyes, of course Sanji find her stunning, and at that he can’t shake a small hint of jealousy in his chest. He pours her a glass of fresh lemonade.

"She could have poured it herself, Curly!"

"How dare you be so unhelpful to such a pretty young girl! I'm sorry, Hiyori, that idiot has no tact!"

They are interrupted in their conversation by bursts of laughter. Nami and the three girls are chatting, and Vivi has just burst out laughing at something Nami said. Leaving Zoro ane Hiyori alone, Sanji decides to join the others.

“Thanks for the lemonade, Zoro. I see you've also chosen a theme for your costumes. I really think yours is the best, did you bring it back from Japan?”

“Mmm, my sister chose it, I brought several back.”

“Oh, I'd like to see them sometime.” She blushes deeply but doesn't take her gaze off his grey eyes.

“Uh... I don't think I'll get another chance to wear them at school.” She bursts out laughing and slips her arm through his. “What I meant was that I'd really like to come over to your house so you could show them to me. I'm really interested in fashion, you know... Hey, the Vinsmokes are causing trouble again."

She nods toward Sanji and his half-brothers. They face each other and seem to be arguing about Shirahoshi. Obviously, it had to be about a girl...

"No one asked your opinion, little brother... I don't take any advice from a bastard in a dress who flirts with everything in sight!"

Zoro's blood boils at the sound of those words.

"Oi! Vinsmoke shut the fuck up” scolds Zoro.

"It's a yukata, asshole!" Sanji retorts.

Zoro and Sanji spoke at the same time. They exchange a glance, and Zoro can see all off Sanji’s body stiffens. Without noticing, he had moved closer to the cook, with Hiyori hanging off his arm a scared look on her face.

"Oh! But Roronoa was there too!" Ichigi said, taking a step forward. "Hiyori, you really don’t have anyone better to be spending your evening with? Honestly, the fact that he spent time in Japan may seem exotic for now, but he is boring as hell. You should spend time with someone worthy of you instead, like me, for example."

Zoro rolls his eyes and pulls away from Hiyori's grasp. He doesn’t want to start a fight for a girl he barely knows. Hiyori pulls at his sleeve and raised two big bleu wet eyes towards him.

“You’re not gonna let him speak to me like this, are you ?

He doesn’t even have time to answer, Yonji is insulting Sanji again.

"Anyway, you're just a bastard! You have nothing of our presence, you're only half a Vinsmoke! You don't stand a chance with the girls here, they have their standards!"

Sanji and Yonji are inches apart. Sanji pushes his half-brother away with a sudden gesture and he collides violently with his brothers. Zoro watch his movement as if the time had suddenly slowed. As Yonji composes himself, he can see the contraction of the muscle in his upper body, he shape his hand into a fist and something dark flickers inside his eyes. Without even thinking, Zoro jumps in front of Sanji and catches the punch with his jaw. His head turns slightly to the right, and he can feel the metallic taste of blood on his tongue, he must have a split lip.

He grabs Yonji by the collar of his costume with his left hand and responds with a hard right. Ichigi and Niji join the fight, and Luffy rushes to Zoro's aid.

In seconds, the five boys are separated by the teachers. Sanji's three half-brothers are led to one side of the room by Mr. Soul, the philosophy teacher, while Zoro and Luffy are taken to the other side by Mr. Fish, the PE teacher. The group of friends, accompanied by Hiyori, Shirahoshi, and Rebecca, follow in their footsteps. Jimbe seats the two boys away from the party.

"You're going to be in so much trouble, gentlemen!" Jimbe announces. "What made you think it was ok to fight like this in the middle of a party! Luffy, when this story reaches the principal, you're in for a terrible time..."

Hiyori has found an ice pack from who knows where and rushes to tenderly apply it to Zoro's jaw. He tries to push her away, but she insists. He lowers his arms, defeated and lets the girl place the ice pack on his lip. The wound is superficial but the contact is enough to make him winced when he replies to his teacher.

"Sorry, sir, they had it coming!" Zoro mutters.

"You know that no one is allowed to pick on my crew! Grandpa won't hold it against me, it was self-defense!"

Zoro is about to ad something when Sanji moves closer to them. He raises his gaze and see the storm of emotions in his bleu eye.

"Do you realize the mess you've gotten yourselves into!? You two are idiots!!! I forbade you from speaking to them! I forbade you from even going near them!"

"But Sanji, they threatened you..." Luffy pleads. "If Zoro hadn't intervened, you're the one who would have..."

"Stop! I don't want to hear anything anymore, Luffy! You know very well how they are! You know that you have to behave in front of me! And if Zoro hadn't intervened, the situation wouldn't have escalated!"

Zoro feels Hiyori shifting slightly besides him. She take half a step back, on his left, her left hand is holding the ice pack against his wound and her right is now on his shoulder, her thumb on his neck, touching his hair, in a movement that’s too intimate to his liking. Then Sanji turns towards him, his eyes flicking rapidly between his, his jaw, and Hiyori’s hand on the back of his neck. He takes a step forward and they lock eyes and oh, Zoro could get lost in this blue eye… He doesn’t quite understand why Sanji is so angry, so he stays here, seated on his chair, listening carefully at what the blond has to get of his chest, not able to move a muscle, stop him, or answer anything.

"And you! I warned you! I told you not to interfere! I don't need anyone to defend me! I don't need anyone to fight for me! Things have never gotten this bad so far! You should have stayed in your place and defended your girlfriend against that idiot Ichiji! But no! Mister Zoro prefers to jump right in the middle of a fight and make me look like I can’t even take a blow! You made me feel so stupid! If that's what it was for, you should never have come back! We don't need you, I don't need YOU! It would have been better if you have stayed in Japan."

With that, Sanji turns on his heel and heads briskly for the exit. From the corner of his eyes, he can see Nami running towards him. Everyone is speechless. No one dares to talk after Sanji’s outburst. Jimbe clear’s his throat and advises them to leave Zoro alone for a few minutes.

“I’m not forgetting about the fight, but I think it can wait a few minutes.”

Zoro stays still for a bit longer. Sanji's words feel like a slap in the face and are much more painful than the punch he received a few minutes ago. He tried, tried so hard. He thought he'd managed to regain some kind of a place within the crew, that their relationship was good, and that Sanji trusted him again. Especially since their conversation about his family.

Damn!

Zoro rests his elbows on his knees and puts his head in his hands.

Sanji doesn't need me... No one needs me... I should have listened to him… What’s the point if all I try to do ends up in making every single situation worse… I'm as useless here as I was there... Maybe he's right, I should have never come back... I should have stayed away from him… From them… I’m a bruden… To Nami, who wants me to be the same as I was when I left… To Kuina… To Luffy, Chopper or Usopp, who count on me even though if I feel useless… For Sanji… He’ll never forgive me after this… I had to do what I wanted… Again… Without thinking… I had to jump and protect him… And now I lost him… Maybe forever… I have to walk away… To give him space… To let him decide on his own if he wants me back in his life… As I should have done since the beginning…  

He's lost in thought, heartbroken. When he reopens his eyes, he hadn't even realized he'd closed, he sees two big blue eyes watching him from between his arms. It's Hiyori, she's crouched in front of him. She grabs his forearms and makes him move his hands away from his face. She's delicate, tender. She runs her hand over his cheek, her thumb brushing the wound at the corner of his mouth.

Zoro feels lost. He leans against her hand and shivers when her thumb touches the wound. Hiyori doesn't need more to take this as encouragement. She stands up, silently, her hand still against Zoro's cheek, she moves a little further between his knees, gently lifts his head, and leans towards him.

She pauses, just long enough for Zoro to pull away if he wishes, and her large blue eyes observe his lips for a moment before settling back on her steel-gray irises. But Zoro does nothing, he locks his gaze into the blue eyes in front of him and lets her approach. He feels like he's a tightrope walker fifty meters above the ground, drowning in the blue of her eyes, so similar to other blue eyes that flashed at him moments earlier. Sanji's words still echo in his ears, but the warmth of her palm on his cheek and the unpleasant tingling sensation on his lip seem to make him forget his sorrow. So he lets her come to him, he lets her lips brush his, timidly. Then he snaps out of his stupor, stands up, and places one hand in her hair at the base of her neck, the other at her waist, crushing his lips against hers in a passionate kiss. And for a few seconds, he forgets everything that just happened. There's only her, her lips, her hands on his face, and the warm feeling that invades him and obscures everything else.

Maybe this is the solution…

A small squeak brings him back to reality. His friends are stunned, as are Vivi, Rebecca, and Shirahoshi. Usopp's mouth is wide open, pointing questioningly at Zoro and Hiyori.

Hiyori pulls away from his embrace and shrugs in response to Usopp's silent question. She looks at Zoro and asks him point-blank.

"So, does that mean you're going out with me?" Zoro shrugs back.

"Why not..."

A chorus of squeals and giggles greets this announcement. The girls are all excited and jump around Hiyori as if it's the happiest day of their lives.

Hiyori gets closer to Zoro again, places a kiss on his cheek, and puts the ice pack in his hand.

"Here, put this back on your lip. I'm going to dance a little, I'll see you later, okay? I think Jimbe still has some things to settle with you."

He nods, puts back the ice pack on his wound, and sits back heavily in his chair, watching her walk off toward the dance floor with her friends.

"I was NOT expecting that! Well done, Zoro! I thought you weren't interested in her!"

He shrugs at Usopp's remark. Luffy looks disappointed, and Chopper is in shock.

"’m sory that you got involved in the fight, Luff. I hope you don't get into too much trouble with your grandfather!"

"No, it's nothing. But are you sure you're okay? Sanji wasn't very nice to you earlier..."

"Like I care what that idiot cook thinks of me!" He tries to sound detached, but he can see that his friends aren't fooled.

Nami suddenly reappears at their side, alone. She looks a little sad.

"Sanji's home, his mom came to pick him up. He says not to count on him during the break; he's going on a cooking course. What did I miss?" she asks in a mock-cheerful tone.

"Nami, Zoro kissed Hiyori!" Chopper announces excitedly, grabbing her arm. Her eyes widen and meet Luffy's gaze, who shakes his head thoughtfully.

"Sorry?! I was gone for five minutes! What the hell is going on, Zoro!"

He shrugs (again) and grits her teeth.  He knows Nami can read him like an open book.

"Nothing fancy," he replies. "I just agreed to go out with her. You must be happy, one of you probably won the bet on that one!"

Nami is stunned, disapointed. She thinks for a few minutes.

"Yeah, Sanji won that bet... Ironic, isn't it?" she finally blurts bitterly.

And with that, she turns on her heel and leads Luffy, Chopper, and Usopp onto the dance floor.

Chapter Text

Chapter 10 – Back to school (again)

Tuesday, November 4th.

"Sanjiiiii!!! You're not answering to group messages anymore!"

Luffy and Zoro have just arrived at the food truck. Sanji is inside helping his mother. He smiles when he sees his hyperactive friend barging in. He doesn't dare look Zoro in the eye. He still hasn't apologized for his harsh words at the Halloween party, but he also hasn't received any kind of apology from him. Luffy has apologized (probably threatened by Nami, but at least he had the decency to send him a message a few days after the party...). Zoro stares in the distance, determined not to meet his gaze either. He seems tense.

"Sorry, Luffy, I've been really busy with my cooking classes! I can take a breather now."

Luffy gives him a big smile, then glances at Zoro before turning his attention back to the young cook.

"We have a quest for you!" he says happily.

"A request, Luffy," Zoro corrects him through gritted teeth.

"Yes, it's the same!" Luffy continues. "Next week, on the 11th, is Zoro's birthday. Since it's also Bepo's birthday on the 20th, we decided to have a big party together! Bepo is our super tall and super nice friend, remember him? He's like a big teddy bear! He doesn't have many friends, and I think it would be great to celebrate his birthday at the same time as Zoro's. So we'd like to do it on the evening of the 10th."

He stops to catch his breath. He's speaking so fast that Sanji has stopped his task to focus on his words.

"So we were wondering if it would be possible for you to prepare a buffet for …" He counts on his fingers. “Zoro, Bepo, Nami, Usopp, Chopper, uh, Hiyori said she's coming with her three friends?”

"Mmhh," Zoro replies distractedly, now tapping on his phone.

"And on Bepo's side, he said he's inviting three friends!" He thinks for a moment. "Oh, and me, and you, of course! That makes fifteen. You'll come, won't you?"

Sanji watches Zoro for a moment, then turns his attention back to Luffy, who's looking at him with his big, expressive eyes.

"Yes, Luffy," he replies softly. "I'll come, at least to deliver. But I'm not sure I'll stay very long. Since the 11^th  is a holiday, my dad has decided to close the restaurant and he is taking me fishing at the lake.”

Zoro nudges Luffy with his shoulder, still staring at his phone.

"Oi, tell him we're paying for everything…"

"Oh yeah! Sanji, we'd like to hire you to prepare the meal. It's Mihawk's request! So, so, it's a yes?"

Sanji turns a questioning look at his mother.

"Do you think you could help me a little, Mom? I could prepare everything with Dad on Sunday, and there would still be a few preparations and delivery for Monday afternoon."

"Yes, of course!" his mother replies cheerfully. "Your father and I will give you a hand on Sunday, and I can take care of delivery late Monday."

Zoro finally turns to the food truck and stares at Sora.

"Thank you, ma'am, my father said to send him the bill. He'll be home all afternoon on Monday; you can deliver whenever it's convenient for you."

"It's always a pleasure to prepare delicious meals for you, kids! And for lunch, what would you like?"

As they are about to order, Hiyori suddenly appears and throws herself into Zoro's arms, who just barely catches her. She stands on tiptoe and kisses him passionately. "Hello!" she says cheerfully.

Zoro mumbles a greeting and pretends to be interested in the menu. Hiyori spots Sanji in the truck and immediately quiet down. Luffy and Sanji exchange a glance. Sanji knows that Zoro and Hiyori are together; Nami warned him during the holidays, but seeing the young girl's display of affection towards Zoro is nonetheless awkward. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees the surprised expression on his mother's face.

"I'll go join the others. I'll let you take care of their order, Mom."

In the end, only Luffy joins them with his tray and a sullen expression. Hiyori has convinced Zoro to eat alone with her.

===Nami===

Were you able to talk to him?

No, there was Luffy AND my mother

And his girlfriend arrived right after

But don't worry, we'll talk again eventually

He still hasn't apologized?

No... But neither did I...

I'm sorry for what I said that night

You had every right to be angry

I shouldn't have taken his side...

He didn't have to intervene

It's okay, Nami. I don't blame you

You don't have to apologize. He doesn't deserve it!

Yes he does... Even in the heat of the moment, there are things that are not ok to be said

I can't blame him for coming back

He didn't ask for anything; he tried , hard, to find a place among us again

He just overdid it that night

Against my will

The worst part is, I understand his actions

I can't even bring myself to blame him

But that doesn't excuse him

And we're going to have to talk about it eventually

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 11 – Delivery

Monday, November 10th.

Sanji and his parents spent their entire Sunday afternoon preparing the buffet for the appetizer dinner ordered by Mihawk for Zoro's birthday. They decided to meke sushi, maki, and onigiri with different types of toppings. There were also crunchy vegetables with various sauces, verrines, and a large cheese platter. For dessert, Sanji made little chocolate cupcakes. There were three kinds: very sweet white chocolate ones with a raspberry center, lightly sweet milk chocolate ones with a caramel center, and finally unsweetened tonka bean ones with a coffee center.

Around 4:30 p.m., when he got home from school, Sora was loading the car to drop everything off at Zoro's.

"Would you like to come with me, darling? It'll be faster with two of us."

Sanji thinks for a minute. He doesn't know if Zoro will be there, but if so, there's a small chance he'll finally be able to talk to him alone. Sanji has tried to talk to him several times over the past few days, but either they were surrounded by their friends, or Hiyori was literally glued to Zoro's side. And since he has decided he didn't want to have this conversation via texts, Sanji has been patient all week long. Maybe this is the opportunity he's been waiting for.

"Yes, of course, Mom, let me put my bag down, I'll be right there."

He goes to his room, drops off his school bag, and slips his phone into one of his jacket pockets and a small gift box into the other.

---ooo---

Sora rings the doorbell while Sanji closes the trunk, his arms laden with several boxes stacked on top of each other. He expected to see Mihawk, maybe even Perona, but definitely not him. The door opens to reveal Zoro, standing in the doorway, hands in his pockets, looking both relaxed and withdrawn.

Sanji freezes in his tracks, the boxes threatening to topple over. His heart gives a wild leap in his chest, a mixture of surprise and everything he hasn't yet dealt with.

"...Zoro?" he says, a little too abruptly.

The silence lasts a fraction of a second too long, heavy and tense, before Sora intervenes with her ever-warm smile.

"Hello, Zoro! Can you help us unload the car? There are a lot of boxes! Sanji has outdone himself!"

Zoro doesn't reply, just nods. He approaches, effortlessly grabs several boxes from Sanji's arms, as if it was the simpliest thing to do.

Sanji stands there for a moment, his arms suddenly empty, then opens the side door of the car and grabs a few more boxes before following suit.

"We can put everything in the kitchen," Zoro says, heading toward the house. "There's room in the fridge if needed."

The neutral, almost mechanical tone annoys Sanji. Not another word. Not a question, not a glance.

Sanji and Sora follow him down the hallway that runs alongside the living room and leads on one side to the kitchen and on the other to the stairs leading upstairs. Sanji has already been here several times when they were younger. He takes a look in the living room and sees that the sofas have been pushed back against the walls and all the extensions have been added to the table to accommodate the food. Disposable dishes and napkins are already set out on the table; all that's missing is food and drinks.

While Sora places the boxes in the fridge and on the kitchen counters, the boys go out to the car to get the last packages. The silence between them is heavy.

Mihawk comes down from his office and joins them in the kitchen. Zoro excuses himself right away and goes back to his room, pretending he has to get ready. Sanji stays in the kitchen for a few minutes, listening to Mihawk and his mother discuss prices and the contents of the boxes, which now take up almost all the space in the fridge and a good portion of the kitchen counters. He gathers his courage, takes a breath, heads for the stairs, and announces:

"I forgot to say something to the cactus head, I'll be right back."

"Okay, honey, don't forget we still have to stop by the restaurant to drop off your father's aprons, don't take too long." »

As he climbs the stairs, he can still hear snatches of conversation between Mihawk and his mother. He walks to the second door on the left and knocks three times, and then waits. He hears Zoro telling him to come in and opens the door gently.

Zoro has his back to him, standing in front of his closet, clothes scattered randomly here and there, across the bed and on his desk chair. He seems to be trying to decide what to wear for the evening. He turns around and opens his eyes wide. He probably hadn't expected Sanji to be there. He frowns.

"What are you doing here, Curly?" The words escape him before he can stop them. He's harsher than he intended, and a hint of disappointment crosses Sanji's features.

Sanji sighs, embarrassed, and runs his hand through his hair.

"I came to apologize," he begins. The silence that follows is deafening. Zoro doesn't move, taking this as an invitation, Sanji keeps talking. “I'm sorry I got carried away at the party. You only did what you thought was right, you protected me, just like you promised my mother. I'm sorry, I was angry, I spoke too fast... I didn't really mean what I said... I didn’t mean to say it… And if you'd rather I didn't come tonight...

"It's fine," Zoro mumbles. "I want to apologize too. I shouldn't have interfered, you warned me, and I just did what I wanted, like usual. I... I thought you needed my help... I was wrong; you're perfectly capable of defending yourself."

"Really? Uh... OK..."

"And you can come... Tonight... Luffy invited you... Well, if you still want to. I know you're still mad at me for coming back... I thought everything was back to normal, at least for me it was, and I didn't put myself in your shoes for a single second. I needed you... All of you... And I stupidly thought it was mutual... Sorry.”

Neither of them dares to move. They avoid eye contact. They're not used to talking so openly, without insults or bickering.

Sanji's eyes fall on a shelf on the wall. A collection of small trinkets and a few photos are displayed there. Everything seems strangely familiar: a ticket for a movie they all watched together, a picture of the group at the beach the summer between eighth and ninth grade, a stuffed onigiri, a gift from Chopper for his fourteenth birthday, a slingshot given to him by Usopp on the same occasion, a one-euro coin Nami gave him for luck when he left, a binder on which they wrote their names on the same day that they did it on his own backpack... and a small sea snail shell. Sanji remembers giving him this shell that summer, telling him that if he got lost again, he could listen to the sea whisper the way by holding the shell to his ear. Nami had found it very romantic, but it hadn't seemed to have any effect on Zoro.

Sanji blushed slightly at the memory and moved closer to the shelf to hide his embarrassment, then brushed the shell with his fingertips. He suddenly points to the white katana on the shelf below.

"I didn't remember this sword, is it new?"

"Yes, Kuina gave it to me, after the accident..." Zoro murmurs.

Sanji watches him out of the corner of his eye. He tensed at the mention of his cousin. He remembers Nami's words and decides that, after all, this might be the best time to ask him.

"Um... You don't have to answer me, but can I ask you a question?"

"You answered my questions about your half-brothers," Zoro jokes, a little tense, anticipating the topic of the conversation that will follow. "Go ahead, I'm listening."

"What happened? Over there? With Kuina, I mean…”

Zoro clenches his jaw, opening and then closing his fists, as if to relax. He approaches Sanji and stops next to him, facing the sword. He's so close that their shoulders brush slightly when he breathe. He doesn't look at him, his eyes fixed on the hilt of the katana.

"A few weeks after I arrived, there was a fire at the dojo. Kuina and I were studying in her room upstairs… We found ourselves trapped by the flames… We went out into the hallway when we heard the alarms, but it was already too late; we couldn't go down the stairs anymore. There was smoke everywhere…" He pauses for a few seconds before continuing. “I told her to get on the floor to breathe more easily, and we started crawling to the room furthest from the fire to try to get out through the window... And that's when it happened... A roof beam gave way, and it crashed down on Kuina...”

Sanji turns his head toward him silently, tears in his eyes. Zoro clears his throat, visibly overcome by the emotions the memory is triggering within him. He doesn't turn his head but continues his story.

"I couldn't do anything; I wasn't strong enough to move the beam..." His voice is nothing more than a hoarse whisper. “She was still conscious, she told me to leave, to save myself... I couldn't... I tried to protect her as best I could until help arrived...”

Zoro clears his throat again and continues.

“The firefighters found us a few minutes later. We both lost consciousness from the smoke… I stayed in the hospital for three days… She stayed there for over three months…”

Sanji places his hand on Zoro's forearm to force him to turn towards him. He looks deep into his friend's steely eyes.

“Sanji! We should get going!”

His mother's call from downstairs makes them both jump. They quickly move apart, and Sanji heads towards the door.

“I'll be there in a minute!”

He wipes his eyes with the back of his sleeve to prevent his mother from asking him questions, then turns back to Zoro. He hasn't forgiven him yet, but he understands better his desire to be back with the crew, to belong to something familiar. He also understands this desire, stronger than himself, to protect others, to feel useful...

"I'm really sorry you had to go through all this alone... Thank you for answering me... If, uh... If you need to talk about it, I'm here... And, uh... I don't know if I'll still be here for when you are going to open your presents later, fishing trip and shit… So I'll put this here," he adds a little shy.

He takes the small gift box out of his pocket and places it on Zoro's desk, then continues in a lighter tone.

"See you later, Marimo, and try to find something suitable to wear among all this! For once, it would be nice if you were dressed properly!"

"Hurry up and get home, or you won't have time to redo your hair, Curly!"

Sanji leaves the room and heads towards the stairs, still talking. “Try not to get lost on the way to the bathroom, cactus head!”

When Sanji reaches the bottom of the stairs, he smiles and his heart is much lighter than it was a few hours ago.

Chapter Text

Chapter 12 – Zoro’s Birthday (part 1)

Luffy flings open the front door.

"Welcome to Zoro's place! Happy birthday, Bepo! Did you find your way easily?"

"Luffy, still so energetic! Law had the GPS on, so yes, we found it easily."

He points to the man behind him. He's tall and thin, his black hair hidden under a snow leopard-colored hat. When he looks up at Luffy, the latter is speechless; his eyes are a very light brown that tends toward gold under this light.

"Trafalgar Law," he says, extending a hand to Luffy in greeting.

"Traf...Tral... Torao!" Luffy stammers, shaking his hand a little longer than necessary, his cheeks slightly pink. "Nice to meet you! Your hat's very cool!"

"Trafalgar..." Law tries to correct him.

"Forget it, he'll never be able to say it properly, you're Torao now. And they're Shachi and Penguin”. Bepo points in turn at the two boys accompanying them.

"Hey guys! It's so cool you could make it! Come in, almost everyone's here!"

Luffy rushes to the living room and announces, "Everyone, this is Bepo, Torao, Shachi, and Penguin! Guys, this is the Mugiwaras!"

The two groups greet each other and everyone begins to chat to get to know each other. The music is still at a reasonable volume, and the buffet hasn't been filled yet. Sanji insisted on waiting until everyone was here, and with Luffy's presence, Zoro also thinks it's best to wait.

Nami suddenly grabs his arm, nervous.

"Hey, are you sure Vivi will be here?"

"Oi, witch, you're breaking my arm! Hiyori is coming with Vivi, Rebecca, and Shirahoshi. She confirmed it to me on Friday before we confirmed the buffet order."

She loosens her grip and sticks her tongue out at him. "How's my hair? And my dress? I'm sweating, aren't I?" she adds nervously.

"Um... Everything's fine, Nami, you should relax a little."

"How do you expect me to relax?! It's been three weeks since I've seen her, and I still haven't been able to message her. Vivi isn't on any social media, and I wasn't able to ask for her number at the party because someone decided to start a fight and make me worry all night."

She looks like she's on the verge of a panic attack. Zoro raises an eyebrow.

"Is it that bad? Breathe, everything's fine! Do you want to come up to my room and check on your hair? I can lend you Perona's curling iron if you want."

She throws her arms around his neck, making him take a step or two back.

"Oh, thank you, that would be perfect! I'm sure some of my curls aren't curled enough!"

Zoro rolls his eyes at this sentence, which, to him, makes no sense. Nami's hair is perfect, as usual, large red curls framing her face and cascading down her back. He gently pushes her toward the hallway to accompany her upstairs.

Once upstairs, he opens the door to his room and goes to the bathroom to get Perona's curling iron. When he returns, Nami is sitting at his desk, absentmindedly looking at the documents scattered in front of her.

"Here, you can use the outlet over there, and there's a mirror on the closet door."

He slides one of the closet doors close to reveal the mirror.

"I didn't know you wrote down our schedules." She says distractedly.

Zoro freezes in his tracks.

"Ah, uh... Yes, Chopper gave them to me at the start of the school year..."

"And the little arrows on Sanji's?"

"It's on the nights when I finish at the same time. We thought we could go study at the library with Usopp."

Nami looks at him with a wry smile.

"Do you have Hiyori's too somewhere?" she asks, moving some papers on the desk.

"Uh... No, why?"

"Because she's in the same class as Vivi!"

The doorbell ring echoes in the house. That's all it takes for Nami to start panicking again.

"Oh! It's her! Oh no, I haven't had time to fix my hair! There's no way I'm coming down from this room while my hair's in this state!"

"Calm down! I'm going downstairs. If you're not down in fifteen minutes, I'll come back up and get you by the scruff of your neck!" Zoro walks through his bedroom door and takes a step into the hallway before turning back to her. "And don't you dare touch my things!"

She rolls her eyes then rolls the chair over to the mirror, curling iron already in hand.

---ooo---

Once downstairs, Zoro greets Usopp, who has just arrived, then spots Sanji and quickly joins him. He was about to return to the kitchen to make sure no one touches the food trays. Zoro grabs his forearm, stopping him in his tracks.

"Oi, Curly, there's an emergency upstairs," he tells him, nodding his chin toward the stairs. "Nami's completely freaking out, I think you should come up; you'll be more efficient than me."

Sanji's eyes widen, his gaze lowers to Zoro's hand on his forearm before returning to the gray eyes in front of him. Realizing this prolonged physical contact, Zoro suddenly lets go.

"Marimo, if I go upstairs, who's going to stop Luffy from starting to eat without us!?"

"I'll stand guard! I promise no one will come near the kitchen," he says resolutely. Then he adds, a little timidly, "She needs you."

That's all it takes to convince Sanji, who turns and heads upstairs.

"If anything's missing when I come back down, you'll pay the consequences Moss for brain!" Sanji shouts from the stairs.

Zoro nods solemnly, crosses his arms over his chest, and stands in front of the door connecting the kitchen to the living room like a security guard.

---ooo---

The doorbell rings again. Zoro hears Luffy heading towards the door to open it at the newcomers.

"Um... Zoro, I might need you to come here for a minutes," Luffy calls out.

"I'm watching the kitchen, Luffy!" Zoro replies a little aggressively. "Is there a problem?"

"Yes, but I'm not allowed to deal with it!"

Zoro frowns. A problem Luffy isn't allowed to deal with... Curious. He leaves his post, spots Bepo in the living room, and asks him to take his place. Problem or not, no one will be allowed in this kitchen until Sanji comes downstairs. He walks into the entrance hall and sees Hiyori and the girls taking off their coats. Luffy is still at the door, standing in the frame, as if trying to prevent anyone else from entering the house after the girls.

Hiyori spots him, approaches him, and tries to hug him, wishing him a happy birthday. He gently pushes her away as he can finally see Luffy's problem, and his steely eyes narrowed on the three boys standing on his doorstep. His whole body tenses; he keeps his arms at his sides, his hands fisted, and he clenches his jaw so tightly he can hear his teeth grinding. Ichigi, Niji, and Yonji are there, talking to Luffy, who seems to be in the same nervous state as him and is struggling to stay calm. This time they're not at school; if things get out of hand, there will be no one to punish them, but also no one to separate them. And Sanji has made it very clear: he doesn't want Luffy and Zoro to have anything to do with his half-brothers, and this time he intends to respect that request.

Zoro breathes in through his nose and out through his mouth to try to calm himself down. "What the hell are you three doing here?"

"We heard there's a party at your place tonight, cactus face," Ichigi calls out. "We thought it might be a good way to spend the evening."

The insult in Ichigi's mouth doesn't have the same effect as when it’s from Sanji's. Zoro has to summon all his energy keep the rage boiling inside him at bay. He calls upon everything he's learned in meditation over his years of training to keep his emotions in check, not wanting to let them overwhelmed him.

"And what makes you think you're welcome? It's a private party, get out!"

"Oh, Hiyori didn't tell you anything; she's the one who suggested we come."

Zoro turns his head so quickly toward Hiyori that he's almost sure he's displaced a cervical vertebra. He gives her a glare she can't bear, but when she speaks, her voice doesn't waver and she sounds sincere.

"I never said you could come! Zoro, believe me, they heard us talking about the party during lunch break earlier, but I didn't invite them. I would never have done that! Not after Halloween.”

She meets his gaze, her eyes are a little misty, but she's serious; he softens slightly. She takes his hand, and Zoro gently presses her fingers to reassure her. Of course, Ichigi lied. Now they have to find a way to get them to leave without escalating an already tense situation, and if possible before Sanji comes downstairs.

"No matter what you heard, I repeat, this party is private, so you're going to get out of here before you regret it."

"Is that a threat?" Yonji asks, moving towards the door, showing off with his shoulders.

"Not yet… But if you don't leave this property immediately, I'll call the police, and we'll see how Judge Vinsmoke reacts to seeing his sons taken into custody for trespassing. Good thing I have Lieutenant Smoker's direct number."

The teenagers turn back toward the hallway. Mihawk is there, a glass of red wine in one hand, his phone in the other, ready to press the call button. Chopper is standing behind him, nervous. He must have been the one who went to get him from his office.

Zoro can also see Sanji and Nami down the hall. They must have just come downstairs. Shit. Either they learned about the situation once they were downstairs, or they heard Chopper alert Mihawk. Either way, they saw the three idiots at the door. Sanji is visibly tense and clings to Nami's hand as if his life depended on it. He doesn't say anything, but a flicker of panic crosses his eye when they meet Zoro's, and he imperceptibly shakes his head as if to signal him not to do anything. Nami heads into the living room and pulls him along behind her to keep him from witnessing the scene unfolding on the porch. Zoro lets go of Hiyori's hand, watching his two friends disappear into the living room.

"Luffy, Zoro, come inside and close the door, please. You're letting the heat out," Mihawk announces, his yellow eyes fixed on the three teenagers on his porch.

Luffy gently closes the door, and everyone in the hallway breathes a sigh of relief. Mihawk puts his phone back in his pocket and grabs his keys from the cabinet next to the door.

"If everyone's here, we'll lock the door, just in case, of course. If there's any trouble, I'll be in my office."

He turns the key, then heads back upstairs, and the small group finally heads to the living room. The party can begin.

Chapter Text

Chapter 13 – Zoro’s birthday (part 2)

Fifteen minutes earlier.

Sanji has made it his mission to watch over the kitchen until all the guests arrive. He didn't go to so much trouble with this buffet to risk Luffy eating everything before everyone is there. He is coming back to his watch post after using the restroom when Zoro suddenly appears and grabs his forearm, stopping him in his tracks.

"Oi, Curly, there's an emergency upstairs, Nami's completely freaking out, I think you should come up; you'll be more efficient than me."

Sanji's eyes widen, looking down at Zoro's hand on his forearm before returning to the gray eyes in front of him. He is surprised both by Zoro's statement (which sounds like a compliment to his ability to assist Nami) and by the electric shock he gets from the feel of Zoro's hand on his forearm. Zoro suddenly withdraws his hand, and Sanji starts breathing again. He tries to calm his racing heart and speak as normally as possible.

"Marimo, if I go upstairs, who's going to stop Luffy from starting to eat without us!?"

"I'll stand guard! I promise no one will come near the kitchen," he says resolutely. Then he adds,  "She needs you."

Sanji is surprised by this answer. If Zoro offers to watch over the kitchen, then Nami's condition must be very worrying. He nods and heads upstairs.

"If anything's missing when I come back down, you'll pay the consequences Moss for brain!"

Before heading up the stairs, he turns his head toward Zoro and can't help but smile as he watches him: arms crossed over his chest, shoulders squared, standing in front of the door connecting the kitchen to the living room like a security guard, ready to fight the first one who even tries to approach.

---ooo--

Sanji has a sense of déjà vu as he knocks three times on Zoro's bedroom door. This time, he doesn't wait for an answer and enters, closing the door behind him. Nami is sitting on Zoro's desk chair, facing the closet mirror, a curling iron in her hands. She looks at him in the mirror's reflection questioningly.

"I heard you might need a hand?"

"Did Zoro send you?" she asks.

"Not at all, it wouldn't be like him to worry about you!" He winks at her and then strides across the room to stand behind her. "Come on, give it to me, I'll fix the back."

She sighs and hands him the curling iron. Her shoulders relax slightly when Sanji begins to manipulate her hair, arranging the curls in her back.

"I think this is the first time I've seen you this nervous around a girl! Do you want to talk about it?"

“I don't know... I think it's not being able to contact her that's stressing me out. With all my exes, I always had their numbers or their Instagram accounts. Now I have nothing! No information, no messages... I had a great feeling at the Halloween party, but maybe it's all in my head! As far as I know , she's not even attracted to girls and she was just being friendly!”

Sanji puts his hand on his friend's shoulder to stop her.

“Nami, you're the most brilliant person I know! And you've always had a sixth sense for spotting other people's sexual orientation, like with me! You knew before I did that I was bi. If you had a good feeling about her, then it's only a matter of time.”

He grabs another strand of hair before continuing.

“You just have to be honest with her, tell her you like her, start by being friends with her. You don't need to say anything more for now. And ask for her number so you can stay in touch, with no back motives, of course. If you want, I can ask her, but I'm afraid she'll misunderstand my intentions and I'll be competing with you,” he adds, giving her another wink.

She laughs softly, rolling her eyes.

"Yes, you're probably right, I don't need to rush things. Being friends with her can be a good start... Speaking of friends, you and Zoro seem to be better?"

"Oh, yes..." His voice softens. "I helped my mother deliver the buffet boxes this afternoon and I thought it was a good time to talk... There, I'm done. You're perfect."

He unplugs the curling iron and sets it on the floor to cool. Then he walks over to the white saber and brushes his fingertips against the hilt, looking thoughtful. Nami checks her curls one last time, then stands up and straightens the hems of her dress with a wave of her hand.

"He apologized for acting without thinking... And I also took your advice; I asked him to tell me about the accident..." he adds, observing her with a shy smile.

"This is the first time you've taken my advice about anyone! Maybe if you'd followed my advices sooner, he wouldn't be desperately hanging to Hiyori’s arm..."

"Don't speak ill of the beautiful Hiyori! She and Marimo make a very attractive couple," Sanji reprimands, smiling at her.

Nami knows him too well not to notice that this smile is just a facade.

The doorbell rings again.

"This time, it's definitely the girls. When I came upstairs, Usopp had just arrived, so they were the only ones missing. Come on, it's time to go downstairs."

Leaving Zoro's room, they run into Chopper, who rushes to Mihawk's office, knocks quickly on the door, and opens it before even being invited in.

"Mihawk, sir, sorry to bother you, but there's a problem at the door." He glances in Sanji's direction before continuing. "Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji Vinsmoke are outside the house, trying to crash the party. And since last time they fought with Zoro and Luffy... I thought..."

Sanji feels the blood drain from his face, and Nami takes his hand, looking at him worriedly.

Mihawk answers Chopper something he can't even hear, his blood pounding in his ears, and he feels slightly disoriented. Mihawk leaves his office, a glass of wine in his hand, Chopper close behind him, and hurries down the stairs.

Sanji follows them, his hand still in Nami's. They reach the bottom of the stairs, and Sanji stops to take a look at the scene in the hallway. Shirahoshi, Rebecca, and Vivi are the closest; they have taken off their coats and are holding them in their arms. Luffy and Zoro are at the door, his three half-brothers outside, Niji and Yonji a little behind Ichiji. It looks like he is talking with Zoro. Hiyori is at his side, her hand in his. When he opens his mouth, his tone is sharp. Even from the end of the hallway, Sanji can see the tension in the young man's body, his muscles tensed, and his jaw clenched, as if he is using all his strength to keep himself from using his fists. Luffy is in the same state, but he remains silent by his side. Sanji isn't religious, but he offers a silent prayer to anyone who will listen that Zoro will keep his promise this time.

"No matter what you heard,” Zoro announces. “I repeat, this party is private, so you're going to get out of here before you regret it."

"Is that a threat?" Yonji asks, moving towards the door, showing off with his shoulders.

"Not yet…”Mihawk intervenes. “But if you don't leave this property immediately, I'll call the police, and we'll see how Judge Vinsmoke reacts to seeing his sons taken into custody for trespassing. Good thing I have Lieutenant Smoker's direct number."

The teenagers turn back toward the hallway. Mihawk has approached the small group, his glass of red wine in one hand, his phone in the other, ready to press the call button. Chopper stands behind him, nervous.

Sanji fixes his eyes on Zoro's. He says nothing, but he feels panic rising in him. He squeezes Nami's hand harder and imperceptibly shakes his head as if to signal him not to do anything. He hopes the message has gotten through. When Nami leads him to the living room, he doesn't break eye contact with Zoro, and his steely eyes don't stray for a second. Out of the corner of his eye, he catches Zoro's movement as he lets go of Hiyori's hand, just before disappearing into the living room.

---ooo---

Once the problem is solved, the party resumes. To clear his head, Sanji returns to the kitchen and takes care of serving the buffet.

When it's time to serve dessert, Sanji finds himself alone with Zoro in the kitchen. He's busy arranging the three kinds of small chocolate cakes on plates. Zoro is next to him, his back to the counter, a can of soda in his hand, watching the cook's meticulous movements. Sanji grabs one of the tonka bean cakes, places it on a small paper plate, and hands it to Zoro.

"Curly, you know I don't like sweet things, right?" Zoro points out, raising a questioning eyebrow.

"It's your birthday, Marimo, you have to have a cake! Don't worry, this one's special, it's not sweet: tonka bean and coffee insert."

Zoro grabs the small cake with his free hand and bites into it. He tries to remain impassive, but Sanji can see a hint of surprise and pleasure flashing across his features as he chews the piece of cake. He quickly shovels the rest of the cake into his mouth and then shrugs.

"Yeah, nothing special, Curly."

"I saw your face!" Sanji exclaims, slapping him lightly on the chest with the back of his hand. "There's no point in denying you liked it!"

Zoro grabs his wrist to stop him from hitting him again and looks deep into Sanji's blue eye.

"Oi! Stop it, Curly!" he snarls, his hand still gripping the cook's wrist.

"What's going on here?!" Hiyori's voice makes them jump.

Zoro lets go of Sanji's wrist, steps away from the counter, and approaches the girl. He shrugs and gestures behind his back at Sanji.

"Curly was making me try my birthday cake."

"Oh, because Curly made you a special birthday cake! Curly this, Luffy that! Sometimes I feel like I don't even matter to you!"

Zoro seems to be searching for words. Sanji grabs two plates and quietly slips into the living room, giving the two young people a little privacy. As he walks through the door, he sees Zoro take Hiyori's hand, a pained expression on his face. He only hears the beginning of his sentence before the rest is drowned out by the ambient noise of the living room's chatter and music.

"You know very well what my friends mean to me," he tells her in a soft voice. “You don't need to be jealous..."

---ooo---

Going home early isn't really on Sanji's agenda anymore.

Once the awkwardness caused by the incident with his brothers has dissipated, he enjoys a particularly pleasant evening. Between discussions, video games, and ridiculous choreographies with the girls, time flies by. Bepo's friends integrate seamlessly into the group despite the age difference, and, to everyone's surprise, Luffy doesn't leave Law's side for a second.

Sanji finds himself in the kitchen once again, a habit for him. It's almost 1:00 a.m., and he's just finishing the dishes for the evening. He's stacking the empty boxes that were used to store food when Zoro enters the room.

"You’re still here, Curly?! I thought you were supposed to go home early! You'll be fresh for your fishing trip tomorrow!" he jokes.

Sanji is a little tired and doesn't want to get involved in their usual bickering. He'd rather be honest with Zoro. After all, they only got back on good terms this afternoon.

"Yeah, I didn't notice how much time went by... It was a good evening after all!"

"You're the last one, I thought everyone had left..." Zoro points out.

"I'll grab my jacket and go. I can take the boxes to throw away on the way if you want."

"There are too many, I'll give you a hand."

The two boys return to the entrance to retrieve their jackets, then leave the house with their arms laden with empty boxes. They walk in silence for a few minutes. Then they both start talking at the same time.

"Thanks for all this," says Zoro.

"Is everything okay with Hiyori?" asks Sanji.

They stop walking and burst into nervous laughter.

"You first, Marimo! It's tomorrow; it's your birthday after all."

"I wanted to thank you for all this," replies Zoro, nodding his head at the empty boxes in their arms. "The meal, I mean."

"That's normal, you ordered, I was just helping my parents."

"You did more than that. There were only my favorite dishes, I know you had something to do with that. And you made dessert especially for me. So thank you.”

Zoro's sudden honesty throws Sanji off balance and makes him blush. Luckily they're walking side by side and it's dark so Zoro can't see the effects of his thanks on Sanji’s face.

"It was nothing..." Sanji replies a little shyly. "A little more and you'll tell me you enjoyed the meal!"

"Not that much, though! Your turn, what were you trying to say?"

"I was wondering if everything was okay between you and Hiyori... After your discussion in the kitchen earlier, she seemed fine... But she seemed really angry and disappointed when she stormed off in the kitchen."

Zoro sighs and rolls his eyes.

"Yes, she sometimes gets jealous of you. She blames me for not spending enough time with her too. To be honest, I don't really know how to be a good boyfriend... I've never... Well, Hiyori is my first girlfriend...”

They arrive at the recycling bins and get rid of the boxes.

"It's not always easy being a good boyfriend... Believe me, girls can be very demanding... You could try being more romantic," Sanji suggests. "Have you two ever been on a date?"

"No, we only see each other at school. Between classes, homework, my training, and her activities, we don't have much time to see each other... And Mihawk doesn't see my relationship with her in a very good eye," he adds. "He says it'll make me lose sight of my goals..."

"But you want to see her more? Have you told her that?"

"I don't know..." He looks a little lost and continues more slowly. “Honestly, I'm not sure if I want to stay with her. She's very kind and caring, but I'm not sure... And she's a girl... I'm not sure that's what I want...”

Sanji doesn’t eve register Zoro's last remark, too busy thinking of some advice to give him to improve the situation. Playing marriage counselor at 1:00 a.m. in the middle of the street isn't exactly what Sanji planned to do tonight. But he can't help but think about Hiyori's sad look when she came into the kitchen. And if he can advise Zoro to prevent him from making her sad, then he will. After all, he wants all his friends to be happy, and if Zoro's happiness lies with the girl, who is he to stand in his way?

It's for the best...

He ignores the pang in his heart at the thought of the two of them going on a date and continues in what he intends to be a lighthearted tone.

"You have to make an effort," he begins. "You won't know if you feel comfortable with her until you've spent a little more time alone together. If I were you, I'd suggest going out together. Nothing fancy, take her for ice cream or a walk in a park if you're short on time. If you can find a moment on a weekend, you can take her to the aquarium or the beach. She expects you to be attentive to her needs and show her that she matters.”

"Yeah, you're right, I could make an effort... She's really nice, she deserves me to try a little harder."

Zoro runs his hand through his hair, looking embarrassed. A metallic gleam on his wrist catches the light from the streetlamp above them, and Sanji feels himself blush again. He points at Zoro's wrist.

"You opened it!" Sanji asks in surprise.

Zoro lifts his arm and pulls up his sleeve slightly to reveal a very plain black leather bracelet with a tiny sword dangling from the clasp. He runs his finger over the small sword, a slight smile playing on his lips.

"Oh, yeah... I opened it after you left. Thanks, by the way, it's perfect."

An awkward silence falls between the two boys, who avoid making eye contact.

"Uh... So, I'm going this way... You should go back... It's straight ahead, so you shouldn't get lost. I can wait until you're at the door to leave, if that makes you feel better!"

"I'm perfectly capable of getting back in without a problem!" Zoro replies.

"I don't doubt it, cactus face, but I'd like to avoid having to explain to your father that you got lost while taking out the trash."

"It's your twisted eyebrows that are confusing me!"

"Jerk."

"Idiot."

They each go off to opposite sides of the street, continuing to call each other names for a few minutes, until Zoro reaches the house, takes one last look at Sanji's silhouette just as he turns around the corner. Zoro takes his phone out of his pocket and opens his messages, his fingers hovering over the screen. He hesitates, puts the phone back in his pocket, and finally goes inside.

---ooo---

Sanji arrives home after a few minutes. He walks quietly into the apartment, careful to make as little noise as possible. He uses his cell phone to light his way and almost drops it when it starts vibrating in his hand after receiving a message. Heart pounding, he goes into his room, strips down to his boxers, and throws himself into bed before checking the message. It's Zoro.

===Marimo===

Did you get home safely?

Yes.

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 14 – Texts

Tuesday, November 11th.

"Hey, eggplant, put your phone down for a bit! You're going to scare the fish away!"

Sanji rolls his eyes and puts his phone back in his pocket.

"You're the one scaring the fish away with your big mouth, old man! I'm going to take a nap, that wont disturb the fish right?"

Sanji settles more comfortably into the small boat and closes his eyes.

"Sure, considering the time you got home last night, you must need it!"

He opens one eye, glares at his father, and grumbles under his breath.

"Any particular reason you came home so late yesterday?"

"I helped cleaning up after the party. Nothing more."

"Yeah. Let us know next time!" barks Zeff. "Your mother was worried sick."

“Yeah, sorry, I didn't see the time...”

“Did they at least like the food? I hope there was nothing left?”

“With Luffy, it's unlikely there'll be anything left! But yes, everyone enjoyed themselves. Even Zoro, even if he'll never admit it.”

“Zoro, is that the one who was in Japan? He doesn’t have a bad influence on you all, I hope? Your mother told me he had a piercing and dyed his hair green!”

“Dad! Zoro's been in my class since we were 8! You know very well that Mihawk doesn't let him do just anything.”

“Ah! Yes, that's right, the little zucchini is Mihawk's son! Okay, you can keep seeing him then.”

Sanji stands up abruptly, rocking the little boat. He's speechless and feels the blush rising to his cheeks. He doesn't know what shocks him more: Zoro's new nickname, or what his father's words might imply.

"I'm not dating Zoro!" he replies defensively, a hint of aggression in his voice. "Anyway, it would be impossible; he has a girlfriend. Her name is Hiyori."

Zeff raises an eyebrow, a small smile playing on his lips.

"I meant he could stay in your circle of friends. But I'm glad to know you've gotten over your breakup with Viola enough to think about someone else."

"Oh... Seeing in that sense..." Sanji murmurs, looking embarrassed.

He lies back down in the boat, a little ashamed of having reacted like that to his father's remark. He's so red that Zeff bursts out laughing, patting him on the shoulder.

"Oh, to be young and carefree! Enjoy, son!”

"If you're done laughing, old man, I'm going to take my nap now. Wake me up if you catch anything."

===Marimo===

*picture of a tie*

Oi Curly, that's your tie, right?

======

===Mugiwara===

Marimo

*same picture*

Guys, whose tie is this? It was on the edge of the couch

Nami

It's Sanji's

Usopp

Did you see several people wearing ties yesterday?

Marimo

Yeah... You’re not wrong

He's not answering

Nami

Isn't he fishing?

Marimo

He was answering ‘til 5 minutes ago.

Nami

Worried?

Maybe he fell in the water

Usopp

Don't say such terrible things, Nami!

Nami

He must be enjoying his time with his dad; he'll answer you later

---

Luffy

Guys, I'm so happy!

Ace and Sabo will be there next week!!!

They're asking if they can come to eat with us on Tuesday?

*Shrek Puss in Boots eyes*

Is that okay?

Nami

Only if they don't do anything stupid

Usopp

Ohhh Nami, what's the fun in that?

Luffy

They say they're not promising anything

Nami

*rolling eyes emoji*

Marimo

What makes you think they're going to do something stupid?

Chopper

There's history...

We'll have to tell you

Luffy

Sabo says he'll keep an eye on Ace.

Nami

Okay... but I'll keep an eye on both of them!

======

Sanji decides to answer to the group first.

===Mugiwara===

Sanji

Sorry, I had my phone turned off.

Luffy, it’s great news about Ace and Sabo, but I agree with Nami, we have to go back to class after lunch. They'll have to be exemplary

No way I'm going to need to change after a meal with them… again

Marimo

Is it that bad?

Chopper

Yes, yes, you don't realize how many stupid ideas go through their brains every minute when they're together!

It's almost worth studying them

Usopp and I have a theory: they share a single neuron when it comes to fooling around

Luffy

We could ask Torao to examine us

Sanji

Who?

Nami

Law, Bepo's friend, the one who's a doctor and is a little scary with his scowling expression and tattoos everywhere

Luffy

He's a surgeon

He's not scary!

His tattoos are sooo cool!

Even though I only saw his hands, he told me he had them elsewhere.

I really wanted to see them, but Nami said it wasn't right.

Nami

I told you you can't ask someone to undress like that!

You had just met the guy, Luffy!

Luffy

I'm sure I'll be able to see them soon.

Does anyone have his number?

Sanji

Uh... Does everyone read what I’m reading?

Luffy, you know it can be an intimate thing to show someone your tattoos?

Luffy

 Oh, yeah, Nami said that too.

But I'm not against the idea.

Usopp

Luffy, do you have a CRUSH on Trafalgar Law?!

He's freaking me out. He didn't crack a smile at all at the party

Luffy

A crush? Naaaah

I just think his tattoos are cool

And he has beautiful eyes

Sanji

Yes, he is crushing... hard

Marimo

Has that ever happened?

Chopper

No, I didn't even think that was possible

Nami

Luffy! We're going to have to talk!

Sanji

They're growing up so fast

*gif of a mother duck looking at her ducklings*

======

===Marimo===

Yes, the tie is mine

Do you want me to drop it off for you?

No, I'd be too scared you'd get lost

*fuck emoji*

I don't need it, I have others

It can wait until next Tuesday

Did you find the plate of leftovers?

Yeah

I was wondering how it survived Luffy

Thanks

No problem

And happy birthday!

You already wished me a happy birthday!

And you already thanked me yesterday. It's just age, you're rambling

*Gif of a grandpa walking with a walker*

*fuck emoji*

By the way,

My dad found you a new nickname.

You’re gonna love it !

?

You're now the "little zucchini" of the group

*fuck emoji*

How eloquent, Marimo! Last thing

Thanks for stopping the three idiots from coming in yesterday

It’s nothing

They weren't invited

And I can't stand them

I saw that you and Luffy tried to behave

To not fight like last time

Yeah, I didn't want to spoil the party

And it would have pissed you off

I wanted you to have a good evening

Yeah, it wasn't so bad

The little zucchini looks like he ate well

*fuck emoji*

It was okay.

It was delicious!

Whaterver

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 15 – Ace and Sabo

Tuesday, November 18th.

When Sanji, Chopper, Nami, and Usopp arrive at the food truck, Ace and Sabo are already deep in conversation with Luffy, whose bright smile seems to light up the space around him. The young people exchange greetings, then Sanji boards the food truck to help his mother with the food.

"Did Marimo get lost on the way here?" he asks the boys.

"No, he's with Hiyori. She starts school at 1:00 p.m., he'll join us then," Luffy replies.

"Should we put some food aside for him?"

"No idea," Luffy replies with a shrug.

Sanji grabs his phone from his pocket.

===Marimo===

Luffy said you were with Hiyori.

That's good, you're trying for her!

Do you want us to put some food aside for you?

======

He places his phone next to the register and then washes his hands thoroughly.

"If everyone has chosen, you can go sit down. I'll let you know when I need help with the trays."

A few minutes later, Sanji hears his phone vibrate. He unlocks the screen with his pinky and reads the message that appears.

===Marimo===

Just a few fries, I've already eaten

======

He can't help but roll his eyes. He was under the impression that he was happy about Zoro trying to be better with the beautiful Hiyori. But a slight pang in his heart makes him realize that he might not be so supportive of this relationship...

"Everything okay, darling?" Sora ask, ever so observant, she had hear his sigh upon reading Zoro's message.

"Yes, yes. Marimo went to eat with his girlfriend, but he still wants me to save him some fries."

“And is it the fact that he's with his girlfriend or the fact that he wants fries that bothers you?"

Sanji raises his gaze to look at his mother. His cheeks are slightly pink.

"I was just thinking it might be a pain watching his fries with Luffy and Ace at the table."

His mother smiles but doesn't say anything else, and he's grateful. They keep cooking side by side for about ten more minutes. Once all the meals are finished (with two extra fries for Ace and Luffy, just in case), Sanji wave at his friends for them know that everything is ready and they need to send someone his way. He takes off his apron, kisses his mother on the cheek, and gets out throught the back door of the food truck.

He walks around the truck and comes face to face with Ace, who gives him a heart-melting smile.

"I heard you needed a hand, Blondie, I volunteered!"

Sanji raises an eyebrow at the nickname but doesn't say anything.

"Yeah, three trays is too much, even for me. Here, take this one. And you're not allowed to start eating until you get to the table!"

"Ohhh... You're no fun! Okay, I need a distraction then. We're going to play a little game. I'll ask you three questions, and you will answer to two out of the three.”

"Uh… Okay," Sanji replies, expertly grabbing the other two trays loaded with food and drinks.

He then begins walking slowly toward the park so as not to drop them.

"So, question 1: kiss, marry, punch: Luffy, Usopp, Zoro; question 2: What's the name of the last person you went on a date with? ; question 3: Have you ever been told that your eyes are really beautiful?"

Sanji stops walking. What on earth are these questions! He clears his throat and avoids eye contact with Ace to hide his embarrassment. He's pretty sure his ears are glowing scarlet, and smoke is literally about to come out of them. He tries to move as naturally as possible.

“I'll answer questions 2 and 3... My last date was with a guy named Gin. And yes, I've been told I have beautiful eyes...”

Ace gives a satisfied grunt.

“Good, because that blue is really mesmerizing in the sun like that.” He winks at him before continuing in a disappointed tone, a slight pout on his face. “I would have liked to have the answer to question 1 though.”

“What question?” Nami ask, suddenly appearing in front of them. She takes one of the trays from Sanji’s hand.

“Oh, I wanted to know, in a kiss, marry, punch scenario, whom Blondie would choose between Luffy, Usopp, and Zoro.”

“Oh! Easy! He kisses Usopp, punches Luffy, and marries Zoro!”

“Nami!” Says Sanji offended.

She puts her tray on the table and sits back down between Usopp and Luffy. "What? Am I wrong? Oh, you'd rather kiss Luffy and punch Usopp?" she asks mischievously.

"Who wants to hit me?" Usopp worries, looking up at them.

"No, Usopp, no one wants to hit you..." Sanji reassures him. "Nami's talking nonsense."

"Sanji, you're looking awfully red. Are you sure you're not getting sick or something?" Sitting next to him, Chopper, always attentive to his friends' well-being, places his hand on Sanji's forehead to check if he has a fever.

Sanji pushes his hand away and opens his jacket before sitting down too. Ace slides right next to him on the bench.

"It's fine, Chopper, it's cooking that made me hot a little."

Nami and Ace exchange a knowing smile. Sanji pretends he hasn't seen them and begins handing out the food and drinks. He places a second portion of fries in front of Luffy, Ace, and himself.

Luffy looks at him with stars in his eyes.

"Sanji, you're the best! You even thought to put one more for Ace! Are you going to eat two fries too?"

"No, it's for the cactus face. No touching!" he says, raising a protective arm between Luffy and the fries.

"Oh, there's favoritism, am I right?" Sabo interjects, winking at him, which makes Nami giggle.

"He's with his girlfriend and asked me to put some fries aside for him." Sanji replies without batting an eyelid.

Suddenly, he feels a warmth creep up his leg. Ace has moved ever so slightly closer, and their thighs are pressing against each other. He shifts a few millimeters to the left, without actually pressing himself against Chopper. Ace moves again and comes back to press his thigh against his. Sanji turns his head toward him, a question in his eyes. Ace smiles at him. He's so close that Sanji could count the freckles on his cheeks. He tilts his head slightly toward Sanji to speak to him.

"Thanks for the extra fries. You didn't have to."

Sanji watches him for a second, blinking, then suddenly looks up and says cheerfully, "Bon appétit, everyone!" before biting into his burger. Across the table, Nami watches him with a smirk, then subtly tilts her head toward Ace. Sanji looks back at her with an awkward smile, his cheeks still tinged with red, before looking away. He focuses on his food, as if taking refuge in it, and bites into his burger again to keep his mind off of the young man beside him, who is clearly flirting with him, and whose leg slides gently against his own, in a light caress.

Sanji can't believe what’s happening. He has known Ace since he was eight, ever since he met Luffy at school, and he has never seen him behave like this before. Truth to be told, it’s been a while since they last saw each other. They stopped going to the same school after the incident at the beginning of tenth grade, and with Ace and Sabo leaving at the end of senior year, it's been well over a year since he's spent a single moment with them. And the last few times Ace was at a party he was attending, Sanji was either dating Viola or desperately trying to get over his breakup with her.

Sanji is nothing like the young teenager he was back then. Over the course of his junior year, he's gained a good ten centimeters, and his running trainings has firmed up his figure without adding too much muscle. His features have changed too: more adult, more defined, and accentuated by a carefully groomed goatee.

Ace has changed too. Sanji watches him out of the corner of his eye, almost in spite of himself. His black hair has grown, falling in unruly locks that accentuate his casual appearance. Beneath his leather jacket, his build is broader, more assertive, as if carved by months of effort. Every gesture, every movement, suggests a quiet strength he didn't possess before.

His smile hasn't disappeared. But it's different: less childish, more confident, almost charming. Ace laughs and chats with his brothers as if nothing was wrong, relaxed, at ease in his own body.

Sanji feels a little lost from this sudden discreet attention from Luffy's brother. Judging by the look on Nami's face in front of him, he's not the only one. They'll have to debrief when they get back to class!

Usopp looks up at Sanji from his seat in front of him and displays a worried expression. "It's true that you're very red, Sanji. Chopper, you should check again to make sure he doesn't run a fever!"

"I'm just a little hot," Sanji justifies himself. "It's probably because the four of us are packed together on this bench!"

"Ace, move over, you're too hot for Sanji!"

Luffy's words only add fuel to the fire rising inside of him: his cheeks are already scarlet, and the burning is now reaching his ears. Around him, his friends burst into laughter and keep chatting, carefree, oblivious to the commotion sweeping through him. Sanji lowered his eyes, as if to protect himself, but his heart is pounding so loudly that he feels like everyone can hear it. Only Nami keeps her eyes fixed on him.

"Ah! Zoro! Finally! I almost ate your fries!" Luffy's playful shout jolted Sanji out of his stupor.

Caught off guard, he stands up with a rather abrupt gesture, leaves the bench almost hastily, and hands his fries to Zoro, as if moved by reflex rather than real intention. His movements are automatic, mechanical, while his mind is still struggling to regain its footing.

"Here, Marimo. If they're cold, it's your fault. I'll get some sauce for mine, I'll be right back."

Zoro stares at him questioningly, then grabs his fries and approaches the table. Ace moves toward Chopper to give him room on the bench.

When Sanji returns, the conversation has drifted to the multitude of stupid ideas the three brothers have had during the year they were all in the same high school: Luffy in junior year, Ace and Sabo in senior year. Sanji still wonders how they managed to get their high school degrees with all the stupid things they did that year! Since Zoro had already left for Japan at that time, he listens attentively and in amazement to his friends' stories.

"If you're talking about that year, you have to tell it. Marimo doesn't know why you went to Marie Joie," Sanji interjects.

A mischievous glint crosses Luffy's eyes.

"Oh yes! That's one of the best! Sabo, you are better at telling it!"

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 16 – FLASHBACK

November 20th, two years earlier, a joint Halloween party at Sunny High School.

Ace, Luffy, and Sabo are all standing in front of the entrance of the school cafeteria. They had unlocked the door earlier this day and can now sneak into the school through this secondary entrance. They aren't particularly dressed up for Halloween, but all three of them are wearing distinctive hats. Luffy is wearing his trademark straw hat, Ace is wearing an orange cowboy hat, and Sabo has a black and blue top hat on the top of his head. Ace is also carrying a sports bag.

The plan is simple: Luffy has to lure everyone out while Ace and Sabo set off fireworks on the sports field.

The three brothers stealthily make their way to the sports field. No one is in sight.

Ace opens the bag, and each take a handful of small rockets. They walk toward the field and place them in two parallel lines in the center. The idea is this: Ace and Sabo will take turns lighting the rockets, each from their own end of the field, gradually moving toward the middle.

Once all the rockets are in place, they find themselves back at the edge of the field. They can hear the music coming from the gym.

"Okay, that's it, everything's in place. Ace, do you have your lighter?" Asks Sabo.

Ace lifts the lighter and lights it with a snap. His features light up in the light of the small flame, a mischievous glint in his eyes, he smiles at his brothers.

"Ready?! Luffy, you know what you have to do!"

He blows out his flame.

"This is going to be greatThey will talk about us for years after this!"

He extends a hand to each of his brothers. Their fists bump in a sharp, knowing gesture.

"All right, let's go. Luffy, it's your turn!" »

Luffy runs off toward the gym, and the each booy head to one end of the field, lighter in hand.

Luffy skirts the gym and goes inside. The entire plan rests on his shoulders now: he has to get everyone out to watch the surprise fireworks. Nothing could be simpler, actually. With a steady step, he walks to the fire alarm and presses it.

The alarm rings through the building, and the music abruptly stops. Luffy hears the students' hurried footsteps heading for the exits and slips among them to leave as well. Once outside, he finds his friends. Usopp, Nami, and Chopper have worried faces, while Sanji stands next to Viola, one hand around her waist, as if to protect her. He smiles at them.

"Guys! You'll see, it's going to be awesome!"

"Luffy, what are you talking about?" Nami asks. "You weren't the one who set off the alarm, were you?"

"Noooo... me? Never..." he murmurs, his voice a little sheepish. He's never been able to lie. “It was Ace's idea anyways.”

"What idea?" Nami doesn't have time to learn more. The first rockets take off from the sports field.

From where they are, Luffy and his friends can see Ace and Sabo speeding along the lines of rockets. They light the fires one by one, and soon the first rockets rise into the sky, bursting into colorful sprays to the amazed "Oh!" and "Ah!" of the crowd of high school students. Amidst the joy and cheers, the teachers can also be heard calling out to each other and painfully making their way through the students to reach the field.

Everything is going well... until Ace and Sabo find themselves face to face in the middle of the field. They hadn't anticipated this intersection, and they get in each other's way as they move along the lines of rockets. A moment of inattention, a slightly abrupt movement, and a few already lit rockets veer slightly off course. They barely have time to throw themselves to the ground before the projectiles launch... parallel to the ground. Two rockets hit a bush at the edge of the field and start a small fire, while two or three others explode near the boys, sending sparks flying all around them.

The crowd holds its breath, and Luffy can't believe what he is seeing. His heart is pounding and he feels a hand on his shoulder. Sanji has let go of Viola to move closer to him, he is looking at him with a small smile, a reassuring gesture to try and calm him, steady him. And suddenly, a shout pierced the air: Sabo's.

"Ace!"

The teachers dispersed into several groups: some start running towards the two boys, while others grabbed fire extinguishers at the entrance to the building to control the small fire burning in the bushes. The rest of the adults worked together to evacuate the students and get them back into the gym.

Luffy frees himself from Sanji's grasp and rushes towards the sports field. Someone tries to hold him back by grabbing his arm, but he brakes free with a strong shoulder movement and keeps running. In the distance, the siren of an ambulance can be heard, signaling that help is on the way.

After several seconds that seemed like hours, Luffy finally reaches his brothers. Sabo's face is covered in blood, his hat lying on the ground, forgotten, next to Ace's. He's holding a piece of cloth over his left eye, and Ms. Nico gently holds him back to prevent him from approaching the body lying on the ground.

Luffy slips between the adults and kneels beside Ace, who's lying on his back, Jinbe at his side. His torso is marked with burns and blood: he looks like he's been hit by at least one rocket head-on. Luffy's heart is pounding, his throat tightens. He sniffles loudly, tears rolling down his cheeks.

Sabo finally manages to free himself and sits beside him. One hand still covering his injured eye, the other griping Luffy's tightly.

Ace slowly opens his eyes, his gaze unfocus, but a faint smile appears nonetheless.

"Always crying for nothing, Luffy..." he says weakly. "It's okay. Don't worry, it's nothing. I'm going to have a great scar."

Luffy bursts into tears.

"Aceee!" His cry is heartbreaking.

"Guys, it's okay," Jinbe tells them in his soothing voice. "Ace's injuries aren't life-threatening. I'm going to have to ask you to move aside to let the paramedics get through. Sabo, you need to be checked too."

Jinbe looks from one to the other and indicates the ambulance that has parked at the edge of the field.

The stretcher-bearers tend to Ace, a medic takes care of Sabo, and Ms. Nico guides Luffy towards the ambulance.

---ooo---

Zoro remains silent. He was expected anything but not this! Everyone seemed to think it was a funny story! He frowns.

"So that scar on your eye?" he asks Sabo.

"Yeah, I almost lost my eye that day. No regrets, the scar gives me a crazy charm! At least, according to my girlfriend." He winks at Zoro.

Ace stares at his brother and bursts out laughing.

"Koala said that? She must really be crazy about you... I think you look like Scar in The Lion King."

Sabo punch him on the shoulder as an answer.

"Because you're not proud of your scar, maybe?! I saw you at that party last week with your shirt half open even though it's almost winter! You tried to use it to flirt with at least three different people that night!"

Ace bursts out laughing again and shrugs.

"So you got fired?" Zoro tries to piece together the rest of the story.

"No, they took pity on us because of our injuries," Sabo informs him.

Zoro raises an eyebrow.

"Then why did you change schools?"

Luffy runs a hand down the back of his neck.

"Oh, the teachers took pity on us... But Grandpa, that's another story! We weren't allowed out for... uh, three months..."

“More than that, until Valentine's Day. And even then, we had to beg him to be allowed to go! And we each had an adult following us all evening!” Ace still seems to be mad at his grandfather for that. “Can you imagine! Valentine's Day! And not a single second of privacy...”

“Yeah, Ace is pretty disappointed he didn't get the chance to flirt with his many suitors that night...” Sabo adds.

“So, in addition to the punishment,” Luffy finishes. “Grandpa decided to transfer us to Marie Joie to keep an eye on us...”

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 17 – DEBRIEFING

Sanji and Nami didn't have a minute to themselves after their lunch with Luffy's brothers. They left the park so late that they were almost late for class, and Mr. Soul, their philosophy teacher, immediately gave them a surprise homework assignment on the topic: "Is surprise an opportunity or an obstacle for philosophical thoughts? Yohohohoho." Ah! The humor of a philosophy teacher... And on top of that, it started raining in the middle of the afternoon and Nami decided to take the bus home immediately after class rather than going to Sanji’s place to study: there was no way she was walking to his house in the pouring rain.

When he finaly gets to the apartment, Sanji dropps his bag in his room before rushing straight to the bathroom to shower and change. The only part of his body that remained dry was the one protected by his jacket, in which he had stuffed his bag to keep his schoolwork safe. His pants and shoes are soaked, and icy drops escape from his hair and are runnig down his face.

Once shower, dry, and warm up, he sits down at his desk to start working. He is interrupted quickly by several vibrations from his phone.

===Nami===

I came home soaked...

How wet did you get?

I was so cold I had to take a shower

I was about to start working on our math assignement

Forget about classes

There's more important things to talk about!

?

Ace of course!

I want to know everything!!!

There's nothing to say

I'm not blind, Sanji!

I saw his little game

So? Interested?

Don't say no, I saw you blushing!

If you like this kind of person, he's pretty cute

I feel like he's more muscular than before

And more mature too

Maybe it would be good for you

Nami!

He's Luffy's brother!

And he's 3 years older than us!

So what?

No, that's a bad idea

I think you should try to contact him.

Do you want me to ask his number to Luffy?

No! Absolutely not!

======

===Mugiwaras===

Nami

Luffy, can you give me Ace's phone number?

Usopp

Why do you want his number? I thought you had your eyes on Vivi.

Nami

Don't worry, it's for a friend.

Luffy

*Attachment – ​​Ace’s number*

No point in giving it to a girl, he won't be interested

Nami

Yes, yes, I know ;)

Thanks, Luffy.

======

===Nami===

There, now you have his number

I'm not even gonna save it

He's a flirt, Nami, even Sabo pointed that out earlier

I'm not going to be fooled by a compliment and a leather jacket

Ohhh, so something really happened when you were alone together!

Tell me everything! What compliment?!

He told me I had beautiful eyes

Ohhh, so that's why you were all flustered when I joined you!

Besides, I was totally right about the kill, marry, punch, wasn't I?

Absolutely not

Really? Wouldn't you marry Zoro if the opportunity presented itself?

This discussion is closed. I'm going to put my phone on silent mode and focus on homework. You should do the same!

Later

======

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 18 – SECRET SANTA

Monday, December 1st

===Mugiwara===

Nami

Here we go, it's time for our traditional Secret Santa!

*Gif of a Santa Claus*

You will each receive an email with the name of the person you need to find a gift for.

Same rules as last year

Marimo

Which are?

Nami

Oh, yes, sorry.

Maximum budget €10 and we don't buy anything generic. It has to be meaningful to the person you're giving it to. Secondhand, OK.

Marimo

Okay

Nami

Happy gift hunting!

The gift exchange is planned on Tuesday the 16th.

Sanji, do you think we can have a special Christmas menu that day?

Sanji

I'll check with my mom.

We can make some ground turkey burgers with sweet potato fries, and I can make little Yule logs for dessert.

Nami

That's perfect.

Everyone save the date. I don't want any excuses.

Zoro, you'll let Hiyori know that you're with us that day!

Marimo

Okay, I'll take care of it.

======

---ooo---

Tuesday, December 16th.

Nami definitely tampered with the draw. What were his chances of drawing Zoro’s name? He slips the small gift package into his jacket pocket, grabs the two trays overflowing with food and drinks, and heads over to his friends.

"Here we are!" Sanji announces. "Ground turkey burgers with chestnut purée and sweet potato fries. For dessert, there are little chestnut logs; we'll have to go back and get them; I left them in the fridge. Bon appétit!"

The meal is lively, everyone chatting enthusiastically in a joyful atmosphere. The mood is light: it's the last week before the Christmas holidays. Sure, their teachers seem to have agreed to put all the tests at the end of the term, but the idea of ​​the upcoming holidays is enough to keep everyone in a good mood. The meal is delicious, and everyone compliments Sanji on his culinary skills. Even Zoro announces that it's "better than usual," and those few words are enough to send the entire table into shock for a few seconds.

Before moving on to dessert, Nami declares it's time to exchange gifts. Everyone having carefully written a name on their package before slipping it into a large shared bag, Nami leans over the bag, rummages for a moment among the colorful wrappings, and starts handing out the presents. Soon, everyone finds themselves with a small package in front of them. Raising her head with a mock-solemn expression, Nami declares, "Merry Christmas, everyone! You can open your gift and try to guess your Secret Santa! Let’s go!"

A rustling sound fllow, as everyone is working on the wrapping paper of the presents.

Sanji delicately opens the small package in front of him. True to form, he's not one to tear paper: he takes his time, patiently peeling off each piece of tape. Beside him, he catches a glimpse of Luffy, who has already reduced his own wrapping to confetti, and is amazed to discover a small glass bottle containing a tiny pirate ship. Sanji, unperturbed, turns his attention back to his gift and lifts the lid of a small box.

Inside, two vials rest in a blue case. One is filled with golden sand, a few pearly seashells, and a tiny sea snail shell; the other simply contains water. They is also a note handwritten on a small piece of paper. The instantly recognizable handwriting leaves no doubt as to the sender. Reading the scribbled words, Sanji feels a lump in his throat.

The sea can't always be within reach... now you'll always have a little piece of it with you.

Sanji looks up at Zoro with misty eyes. Amidst his friends' laughter, he stares intently into his steely eyes and offers him a silent thank you. Zoro nods, indicating that he understood.

The small bubble of emotion bursts, however, when Luffy grabs Sanji by the neck and leans over the box to see his gift. Sanji hastily slips the little note into his pocket: there's no way he is gonna allow his friends to read it, it feels too personal.

"What did you get, Sanji?" Luffy asks curiously.

"A piece of the sea..." Sanji murmurs, and his words are enough to silence the conversations around the table.

"It's so cute!" Nami exclaims. "Come on, it's time to guess! Sanji, you start!"

"I think it's Mosshead. I'll recognize his illegible scrawl anywhere!"

Zoro nods, his cheeks slightly red.

"Zoro, your gift is super romantic!" Usopp's remark nearly makes him choke on his own saliva.

Nami decides to come to the rescue; with a big smile, she turns to him.

"Zoro, your turn, show us your gift and try guessing who gave it to you."

Zoro smiles shyly, grabs something from the small box, and lifts it so everyone can see what it is. Two tiny sword-shaped pendants clink slightly between his fingers.

"I think Curly is my Secret Santa," he announces.

"And what makes you say that?" Nami looks determined to prolong his embarrassment.

Blushing deeper, Zoro rolls up his sleeve and reveals the black leather bracelet on his wrist, the small sword dangling from the clasp gleaming in the sunlight.

“It looks like it matches this one,” he mutters, a little embarrassed.

Nami turns to Sanji with wide eyes, but it's Chopper who speaks.

“Oh, I hadn't seen that bracelet! How long have you had it?”

“Curly gave it to me for my birthday.”

“You said you developed a three-sword technique with Kuina. I thought it would be fun to add two.” Sanji tries to act casual, but inside, his heart is pounding at Zoro's reaction. “And you, my dear Nami,” he continues. “What did you get from your Secret Santa?”

Nami received a calligraphy kit from Chopper, with several nibs and India ink, while Luffy gave Usopp a book on Leonardo da Vinci's inventions. It was Nami who gave Luffy the pirate ship. Finally, Chopper received a t-shirt from Usopp that read: "Too smart for my age, not for my stethoscope."

The end of the meal takes place in a warm and friendly atmosphere. Before dispersing to return to class, they make sure together that the date of the 20th is saved to celebrate Chopper's birthday a little early (what a great idea to be born on December 24th!). Then everyone gathers their things and the six teenagers return to their classes.

Nami has indeed tampered with the draw.

Chapter Text

CHAPTER 19 – Chopper’s Birthday Party (Part 1)

Saturday, December 20th.

===Mugiwaras===

Marimo

I'm going to be late

I thought Hiyori's birthday party ended at 6, but she's planning pizza and karaoke for tonight.

I'm sorry, Chopper

I'll come as soon as I can

======

Sanji rereads Zoro's message several times. He sighs. Hiyori's birthday party had to be today of all days... Chopper will be devastated...

He checks the time: 1:45 PM. He still has time before leaving for Luffy's for the party. He leaves his room and heads to the kitchen to check the cupboards. He finds all the ingredients he needs to make a chocolate cake. It's little consolation, but Chopper loves cake, so the surprise will be worth it. Around 3:00 PM, when Sora gets back from the food truck, she finds him preparing a chocolate-raspberry ganache to garnish the cake. She immediately gets involved to speed up the process and keep him on time.

At 4:30 PM, Sanji heads to the bathroom and leaves the rest to his mother : finishing the final details on the cake ("Happy 16th Birthday, Chopper" written in white chocolate). He quickly takes a shower, then dries his hair and dresses in a charcoal gray suit with a light blue shirt that highlights his eyes and a black tie.

At 5:10 PM, he's ready to go.

"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Sora asks.

"Yes, thanks, Mom. I can walk there, it’s not even that far!"

"Be sure to let us know when you leave Luffy’s place to come back home."

Remembering the last party and how late he got home without telling her, Sanji nods, kissing her on the cheek.

"Yes, I'll send you a message at midnight to let you know where we are at, and then as soon as I leave Luffy's apartment."

“Are you sure you will be warm enough with only this jacket ? You should take a scarf at least !”

“You’re worrying to much Mom! I love you.”

Once in front of the building, he takes a selfie of himself with the cake box on display.

===Mugiwaras===

Sanji

*selfie*

I'm leaving home!

Chopper

Is that a cake in this box?!

Sanji

Maybe…

======

---ooo---

He is the last one to arrive at Luffy’s place, well, except Zoro, of course... Usopp, Luffy, and Nami are playing a video game and yelling at each other in the living room, while Chopper is busy in the kitchen with various bags of chips, munchies, and several jars of sauce. Sanji immediately heads to the kitchen, puts the cake inside of the fridge, and then chases Chopper into the living room.

"It's your birthday, there is no way you're taking care of all this! Go enjoy with your friends!"

Garp enters the small kitchen and greets the teenager.

"Hello, Sanji. I see you're making yourself at home, feel free to help yourself to the fridge and cupboards if you want to cook something. I went shopping yesterday, Ace and Sabo should be back tomorrow or on Monday to spend the holidays with us. The only condition, as usual...”

"...is to bring you a plate if I make something," Sanji adds. "I know. It'll be a pleasure. Thank you so much for letting me use your kitchen."

"Thank you for feeding everyone! I'll be in my office; I still have a lot of paperwork to do before I can close for the holidays, and I'd like to get it out of the way before Monday!"

"No problem, I'll bring you food around 8 p.m."

"You'll make a perfect husband one of these days!" Garp announces.

Seeing Sanji's shocked expression, Garp bursts into a loud laugh, leaves the kitchen, and heads out of the apartment to his office, two floors below.

Once the shock has passed, Sanji busies himself in the kitchen preparing a delicious dinner for his friends. He decides on ramen, an easy dish for which he has all the ingredients. He cooks mechanically, enjoying this relaxing moment alone in the small, cozy room. In the next room, he hears his friends bickering and laughing as their video game progresses.

Once everything is ready, he sets a plate on a tray with a large glass of water and a pair of chopsticks. He goes down to the school's administrative hallway and stops in front of the door whose small bronze plaque reads "Monkey D. Garp – Principal." He knocks, and Garp indicates he can enter.

"I brought you a plate of ramen."

"Ah! Thanks, big guy!" He moves a pile of papers from his desk to the floor to make room for Sanji to put the tray down. "Put it there."

Sanji is about to go back upstairs when Garp calls out to him.

"Tell me, Luffy isn't really the type to talk... I was wondering if everything was OK for him lately?"

"Yes, sir, he's good right now. Sometimes it get’s harder, but ever since Zoro came home, Luffy isn't alone in class anymore. Not that he was alone; he could befriend a radiator if it were the only thing in the room.”

Garp bursts into his loud laughter again.

"It's true he has friends left right and center! But none are like you. He relies on you a lot. You're right, Zoro presence is good for him. Thank you for confirming that. And thank you for taking care of him. Come on, go back with them; they'll be waiting for you!"

"No problem, sir. He's always been there for me when I needed him. It's just normal to be there too. Enjoy your meal."

Sanji gives him a small wave, then closes the office door and heads back up the stairs. He arrives just in time to see Luffy slip into the kitchen in search for food.

"Luffy! You get out of this kitchen immediately!" Sanji exclaims.

Nami has beaten him to it. She's already in the room, busily getting out plates, glasses, and cutlery to set the table. Luffy starts to sulk and turns around.

"But I'm hungryyyy… Sanji, where have you been? Is it ready yet?"

"I went to take a plate to your grandfather. And yes, it's ready, help Nami set the table, I'll be right there."

He goes into the kitchen and joins Nami. She glances into the living room then turns to him worriedly.

"Chopper's all depressed that Zoro hasn't arrived yet…" she tells him.

"Stupid Mossy! Oh! I have an idea! We could make him feel guilty until he can’t stand it anymore and comes here. He's already spent all day with Hiyori, he can leave before the end of the evening to come celebrate Chopper's birthday!"

Nami raises an eyebrow.

"Who are you and what have you done with Sanji?" she asks teasingly.

Sanji bursts out laughing. She looks like she is about to have a stroke.

"What? Is it that I'm suggesting we make him feel guilty that shocks you? You know me, you know I can be very good at that!

"It's more the fact that you want Zoro to abandon his girlfriend to come with us. Since when don’t you care if a young lady is sad?"

"I do care!" he replies, rolling his eyes. "But it's Chopper's turn to have Zoro for his birthday.”

"Don't put this on Chopper! Admit it, you don't care if Hiyori is sad because you are the one who wish Zoro was here. Don’t lie, I can see from your face that you're hiding something from me!"

“Okay, okay... maybe I would prefer Zoro here instead of over there. For Chopper's sake, obviously...”

She slaps him lightly on the back of the head then grabs the stack of plates.

“You'd like him here, period. I can see the way you're looking at him. I thought you were going to melt when you opened his present on Tuesday! Come on, be honest! Do you like him?”

“Nami... I'm not... I didn't..." He stammers, looking down. "He's with Hiyori, and I'm pretty sure he doesn’t play in the same team..."

She puts the plates down and slides her hand under his chin to make him look into her eyes.

“Look at me. It's okay if you have feelings for Zoro." She sighs. “I'll only tell you this once, so listen to me carefully. He may be with Hiyori right now, but I assure you, he's in exactly the same team as you. I'm not even sure he knows himself what he's doing with her.”

Sanji stares at her blankly, his eyes wide and his mouth half-open in surprise.

"And if you need me for anything, I'm here! I can listen to you talk about him, or her, I'm here for you! But if you want to try to make him understand, you're going to have to be a little more aggressive! I'm 100% behind you, so don't hesitate!"

She winks at him, and he suddenly wraps him into a hug.

"Thank you, Nami..." Sanji whispers in her hair.

When they pull apart, tears glisten in the corners of Sanji's eyes, and he wipes them away with the back of his hand.

“Otherwise, you can always focus on Ace,” she adds teasingly.

"Nami… I told you it wasn't a good idea…"

"Okay, okay… But it would give you a nice distraction in the meantime. Come on, now that things are clear, the guilt trip is underway! And as soon as you feel ready, we'll launch the conquest operation!"

At this, he blushes, but doesn't reply, still too overcome with emotion from having perhaps half-confessed his crush to his best friend. Nami picks up the plates again and goes through the door to place them on the dining table, Sanji following her with the rest of the dishes.

“You have the right to have a crush, Sanji, you deserve to be happy! Not all your relationships are going to end like Viola's!”

“Sanji has a crush! Oooh, that's interesting! Finally, some juicy news,” Usopp intervenes, approaching to help them set up the table.

"I absolutely don't have a crush! Nami spoke hypothetically.” The words came out a little more aggressively than he would have liked, but no one seemed offended.

"How do you know when you have a crush on someone?" Luffy suddenly asks. "Because you said that last time about Torao, but I'm not sure that what it is."

Unlike his usual self, Luffy seems very calm, even shy, wgen asking this question. His friends had always thought he had no interest in love, romance, or sex. He had, at least to their knowledge, ever mentioned it. Luffy was the kind of person who made friends and loved everyone with his big heart, but he'd never shown any romantic feelings. They all stare at each other for a few seconds, none of them daring to speak first.

"Okay, I'll suggest something. First, we'll eat, and then we'll settle down on the couches with a nice hot chocolate. Luffy, you can ask us any questions you have about Law, and we'll help you figure out whether or not you have a crush on him.”

Sanji thinks this is the best strategy to avoid delaying the meal again, and he knows that if they chat while eating, Luffy will only be focused on his plate.

"Okay! I'll think about my questions then!" the young man replies cheerfully as he sits down at the table.

Nami turns to Sanji with a mischievous smile, then takes out her phone and activates the camera.

"Guys, Sanji and I have an idea to get Zoro here faster! Take out your phones and from now on we will flood him with photos and messages. Chopper, you have to look sad in every single pictures, we'll see if he can resist us!"

---ooo---

===Mugiwaras===

Sanji

*photo of the steaming pot*

A nice birthday ramen!

Are you sure you can't eat with us, Marimo?

Usopp

*photo of the game console's screensaver*

I beat Luffy for the 134th time!

Zoro, I've only beaten you 38 times, you have to come and get a beating!

Luffy

Zoro, come defend me, Usopp is torturing me!

Sanji

No wonder the cactus head loses at this game! With his lousy sense of direction, he must manage to get lost on the circuit!

Marimo

I've already beaten Luffy!

At least twice.

The pizzas just arrived.

I said I wasn't going to the karaoke with them.

Nami

Thank goodness! I don't want it to rain all week long because you sang like a pan!

Sanji

I'm not sure Marimos know how to sing.

*photo of a plate of ramen*

Bon appétit

Chopper

*group selfie*

Usopp

Why did you send that one! My nose looks super long!

Luffy

Your nose is super long...

Marimo

What's the plan after dinner?

More video games?

Sanji

Oh, would you like to know?

Then get your ass over here and see!

Chopper

I'd love to play a board game

Nami

Oh! Or a truth or dare

Usopp

Hide and seek in the school!

Chopper

Hurry up, Zoro! I want to wait for you to open my presents!

Marimo

I'm doing my best, Chopper.

======

---ooo---

After the meal, the four friends settle comfortably on the sofas, wrapped in soft blankets, to chat while digesting. Sanji finally arrives with cups of creamy hot chocolate and places one in front of each of his friends before wrapping himself in a blanket too.

"Okay, now that we're settled in, Luffy, we're listening!"

"Wait, we need a picture first!" Nami interrupts. She holds up her phone, and everyone grabs their cups of hot chocolate to clink, smiling at the camera. Great! It's sent! Oh, that’s quick! He says he's on his way."

"So he'll be there in an hour, if you count the time he will lose by getting lost in the neighborhood!" Sanji announces before turning his attention back to a much calmer-than-usual Luffy. "We're listening, Luffy, what do you want to know?"

"Okay, so how do you know when you're interested in someone?"

"When you're interested, and not just in a friendly way, you mean." Sanji prefers to ask to be sure. Luffy nods, his cheeks a little redder than usual. "Well, if you're interested in someone, you want to see them all the time, to talk to them, to hold their hand, to tell them every detail of your day.”

"You want to know how the other person is feeling, and if they're feeling bad, you want to reassure them, be there, make them smile." Nami adds, smiling shyly, and Sanji knows she's thinking of Vivi.

"And you can also have a weird feeling in your stomach, like your stomach is fluttering," Usopp interjects.

"They say 'having butterflies in your stomach,' it's not really your stomach fluttering! Usopp, be careful what you say to him, you'll worry him,” replies Chopper, ever so pragmatic.

"Oh, so if my stomach is doing weird things but I know I'm not hungry, it could be because of that?" Luffy asks.

"Yeah, for example. But do you ever feel not hungry?" Sanji teases. "You might also feel embarrassed or shy about being around that person. Not knowing what to say, stammering, searching for words, blushing, afraid of looking ridiculous."

"Sometimes when I'm talking to Kaya and she laughs or touches my arm, I feel like my brain shuts off! I can't speak anymore! Has that ever happened to you, Luffy?"

"When Bepo arrived at the party, I completely froze when I saw Torao. I'm not even sure I said hi to him..." Luffy runs his hand behind his neck as he explains.

"Okay, and then, when you wanted to see his tattoos and I stopped you, how did you feel?" Nami asks.

"At first, I just wanted him to show me the tattoo designs. But when my hands touched his chest, I suddenly felt hot. And then you told me I shouldn't undress strangers, and I felt even hotter! I was embarrassed... I didn't want to undress him... Well, yes I did, but..." Luffy blushes even more and hides his face with his fingers. His friends exchange silent, amused glances.

"So, if we understand correctly, as Nami explained to you that your behavior wasn't very appropriate, you realized that you were flirting with Law without realizing it?" At Usopp's question, Luffy curls up on the couch a little more and pulls the blanket up to under his eyes, then starts to mumble.

"I wasn't trying to flirt with him... I just told him his eyes were beautiful... and that his tattoos must be too..."

“This is what we call 'flirting,' Luffy. Flirting is trying to get someone's attention. It can take many forms: compliments, innuendos, winks, or small gestures like touching the arm or a lock of hair”

Nami continues Sanji's explanation:

"It can also be offering them something to eat or drink, preparing something especially for that person, using cute nicknames…"

"Oh, like when Zoro and Sanji call each other names!" Luffy straightened up and looked at Sanji with a radiant smile.

"No! Not at all! I'm not flirting with the Mosshead, come on!"

"But yet, you often make him special things to eat, you're always teasing him to get his attention, your Christmas presents were so cute and thoughtful for each other..."

Luffy lists on his fingers all the things he considers flirting between Zoro and Sanji, and it's Sanji's turn to hide under his blanket to the laughter of his friends.

"Leave Sanji alone for a bit," Nami intervenes. "We were here to talk about you, Luffy! Let's get back on tracks: Law. What do you know about him?"

"Uh... He's a surgeon... He's 23... He was in the same foster family as Bepo when they were little... and that's it..."

"23! That's still a 6-year age gap, Luffy!" Usopp is offended.

Luffy shrugs.

"My parents were 8 years apart. And Makino and Shanks are 10 years apart.”

"Fine… Well, that's what you know about him. Now, what do you see when you think of him? We need to know if you have a crush on him or not."

"Nami! That's an awkward question!"

"Good, that means we're on the right track! Go ahead, we're not here to judge you, we're here to help you. You know we'll never make fun of you, Luffy." She gives him an encouraging smile. Luffy straightens up again and closes his eyes.

"When I think about him, I remember that evening. His golden eyes fixed on me, his little smirk when someone makes a joke. He doesn't really laugh, but I can see his face relax a little. I also remember his large, slender hands and the letters traced on his fingers. The way he keeps an eye on his friends, as if to make sure they're okay. And his gaze, softer, when he sees them having fun...”

The room went silent and Luffy opens his eyes, confused. His friends stare at him wide-eyed. No one thought Luffy could say such touching things!

Sanji clears his throat and continues:

- Hmm, okay, I think we have our answer! Luffy, I can confirm that you officially have a crush on Law! Now, what do you plan to do next? What do you want to do when you think about him? Do you even know how a romantic relationship works? I'm guessing your brothers or your grandfather had this kind of discussion with you?

Luffy looks at him in surprise.

- What kind of discussion?

As a mater of fact, no, neither his grandfather nor his brothers saw fit to discuss romantic relationships, consent, dating, kissing, and even less sex with him... Obviously, as a teenager, Luffy is more or less aware of this kind of thing. He's seen his friends get into relationships and break up, show affection towards their boyfriends or girlfriends, and he's also taken sex education and relationship advices in class. But since he himself never expressed a desire to do any of these things—meet someone, form a relationship, or have sex—he didn't really pay attention to it, and his family figured it would be a problem for later. And here we are, 'later.' Truth to be told, by Luffy's own admission, he's always found the idea of ​​kissing someone on the mouth repulsive, and the idea of ​​being sexually interested is completely foreign to him... At least until today.

Sanji catches Nami's eye and sighs.

"Well, we're not going to spend whole of Chopper's birthday party talking about Luffy's love life. If you're okay with it, we'll answer one more question, and the rest can wait a bit. You can also ask us questions individually, even via text messages if that's easier. We all have different attractions and different ways of flirting and loving, you just have to find your own way, you might even need to be in a relationship to figure it out with your significant other.”

"Okay, that's fine with me! So if I only get one question, here it is: what's the deal with kissing someone on the lips?"

A long silence follows Luffy's question. Their eyes meet, and finally, Nami speaks first.

"You know, kissing on the lips is just a way many people show affection and closeness. It's a gesture that's become a symbol of romantic love, kind of like holding hands but more intimate. That doesn't mean everyone likes it, or that it's mandatory in a relationship. Some people find it natural and enjoyable, others don't, and that's okay. You don't have to like it or want it for your feelings to be valid. It's just one of the ways people tell each other they have feelings for each other.”

"However, it always has to be wanted by both of you, otherwise it's not pleasant. A kiss is only done if each of you wants it, not because it ‘has to be done’.” Knowing Luffy's spontaneous temperament, Sanji thinks this needed some clarifications.

"Sanji is right," adds Chopper. "Consent is a very important part of a relationship! You really have to think about it, Luffy. It goes for everything, by the way. You have to communicate with your partner, check if they're okay with public displays of affection, kisses, touches, and everything else if you get a little more sexual with the person. Besides, it's also imperative to protect yourself and…"

"Chopper! I think he understands. We'll save this topic for later, okay? I know it's very important, but we'll stay focused on his question." He pauses, then continues. "So it's important to ask, but it's also important to say things when you don't feel comfortable. For example, I wasn't comfortable with everything Viola suggested, but I still agreed because I thought she might get hurt or leave me if I refused. Well, looking back, I think I should have respected myself more..." A silence follows Sanji's statement. They know the situation, but no one thought he would have sacrificed himself so much out of love for the girl.

"Going back to kissing, it's like everything else; it has to be natural and trigger positive feelings in you when it happens. When Kaya kisses me, I feel like my stomach is leaping in my chest, my heart is racing, my palms are sweaty, and I want to hug her.” Usopp is embarrassed to talk about his relationship with his childhood friend. It's been a long-distance relationship since Kaya's family moved away, but they know it's a strong bond they both share. And even though he often remains discreet, Usopp is very much in love with Kaya. Sanji smiles at his friend's shy expression when he opens up.

Nami continues:

"For me, it's like fireworks exploding in my brain! But it doesn't happen to me with everyone; it has to be the right person. I'm pretty sure that if I kissed Sanji, I wouldn't feel all that."

"I'm ready to let you experiment on me, Nami, in the name of science, of course!" The remark earns him a pat on the head. And he replies, looking down. “Sorry, I got carried away... A kiss is a bit like a wave that splashes by surprise: at first you don't really know what to do, then you let yourself be carried away, like when you float in water. Sometimes it's calm and you feel enveloped in a cocoon of softness, sometimes it makes your heart beat faster, like when a big wave lifts you up and you lose your balance a little. But it only does that with the right person. If there's no desire, no feelings, it loses all meaning and makes you feel nothing at all! Or it can even push you away, in which case it's really not the right person! "

Suddenly, a figure appears in the doorway and Garp calls out to the small group from the front door of the apartment. Too engrossed in their conversation, none of them heard the door open a few minutes earlier.

"Look who I found! Lucky for him I was checking that everything was locked, otherwise he would have stand by the door for a while! That idiot tried to get in through the school's main entrance!"

Zoro is there, in the doorway of the small living room, looking confused, his cheeks slightly red. Sanji wonders how long he's been there, and what he overheard of their conversation. He gives him a smile before teasing him, as usual.

"I was right! You got lost on your way here, Marimo! And you didn't think you could call us?!"

"My battery died, it drained using the GPS to get here... But I swear the door moved! I still know how to find Luffy's apartment!" »

The group bursts into laughter and the conversation turns to lighter topics. Garp points out a charger to Zoro in the hall, then bids the teenagers goodnight and retires to his room, telling them they can make as much noise as they want; as his new earplugs are 'fantastic'.

Chapter Text

Chapter 20 – Chopper’s Birthday Party (Part 2)

A few minutes earlier.

Zoro has been staring at his phone's black screen for several minutes. The battery lasted just long enough for him to reach the school, but now he can't find the entrance to the staff’s apartments. Marie Joie, housed in old buildings in the city center, has several separate entrances: one for teachers, another one for students, and a discreet passageway leading to the housing. After two unsuccessful attempts, Zoro finds himself once again facing the large door reserved for the students. Without a phone, at this hour, he's no longer sure what to do with himself.

Suddenly, a light swich on in the entrance hall, indicating a presence inside. Zoro runs up the few steps and knocks sharply on the imposing door. He hears Garp barking, "Who's there?!" from the other side of the door.

"It's Zoro, Roronoa, sir, I'm trying to get to the others..."

Zoro hears the sound of keys, then the door is unlocked and Garp opens it in front of him.

"What are you doing at this door, Roronoa?! The apartments are the third door through there."

Garp points down the street, to his left. Zoro looks down the street without a word, then shrugs.

"I didn't see it," Zoro replies, a little ashamed.

"Come in! I'm not leaving you outside like this! Everyone's been here for a while. I didn't think you were the kind of person to be late." The judgment in Garp's voice throws him off.

"I was at another birthday party. I rushed here as quickly as possible..."

They walk in silence for a few moments along a corridor, then Garp points to a flight of stairs.

"That's the staircase. You go all the way up, you can't go wrong! The door's open, you can come in. I'll finish my round and I'll be right there, you can go first."

Zoro thanks him and begins climbing the stairs. Once in front of the apartment door, he's surprised by the silence. No music, no video games, not even a raised voice. Knowing his friends, who are rarely discreet, he frowns. He glances at the stairs behind him: he has followed the directions to the letter, climbed the stairs without stopping, reached the second floor... It must be the right door.

He sighs, then pushes the door open. As soon as he steps inside, he finally hears voices coming from the living room. Reassured, he puts down his bag, takes off his shoes, and walks down the hallway, guided by the murmur of conversation. He doesn't catch the words yet, but the tone surprises him: quiet, almost too calm for them.

When Sanji speaks, Zoro freezes in his tracks, he stands there, in the middle of the hallway, just inches from the living room door.

"So it's important to ask, but it's also important to say things when you don't feel comfortable. For example, I wasn't comfortable with everything Viola suggested, but I still agreed because I thought she might get hurt or leave me if I refused. Well, looking back, I think I should have respected myself more..." A silence follows Sanji's statement.

Zoro frowns. He doesn't have all the details of his relationship with Viola, but those words are heavy with meaning. She clearly forced Sanji to do things he didn't consent to. He clenches his fists, a bubble of rage forming in his throat. He doesn't know why, but he stays in the hallway and keeps listening to the conversation. Steping inside at this moment didn't seem appropriate.

With Usopp statement, he begins to narrow down the topic of conversation.

"Going back to kissing, it's like everything else; it has to be natural and trigger positive feelings in you when it happens. When Kaya kisses me, I feel like my stomach is leaping in my chest, my heart is racing, my palms are sweaty, and I want to hug her.”

Nami continues:

"For me, it's like fireworks exploding in my brain! But it doesn't happen to me with everyone; it has to be the right person. I'm pretty sure that if I kissed Sanji, I wouldn't feel all that."

"I'm ready let you experiment on me, Nami, in the name of science, of course!"

Zoro is surprised by this remark and feels his stomach knot. It's no longer anger, but something else: a hint of jealousy at the thought that Sanji wants to kiss Nami. He hears a small moan from Sanji and deduces that Nami hit him.

 “Sorry, I got carried away... A kiss is a bit like a wave that splashes by surprise: at first you don't really know what to do, then you let yourself be carried away, like when you float in water. Sometimes it's calm and you feel enveloped in a cocoon of softness, sometimes it makes your heart beat faster, like when a big wave lifts you up and you lose your balance a little. But it only does that with the right person. If there's no desire, no feelings, it loses all meaning and makes you feel nothing at all! Or it can even push you away, in which case it's really not the right person! "

Zoro is moved by Sanji's words. For several days now, he has been wondering how he feels when he kisses Hiyori. The heart beating faster, the feeling of being carried away by a wave – there is none of that anymore. In fact, the only time he felt all that was during their first kiss at the Halloween party, when he got lost in her blue eyes after Sanji's tirade... Was that really the girl he felt he was kissing at that moment?

Suddenly, the door opens at the end of the hallway and Zoro takes a few steps toward the living room. Garp calls out to the small group from the apartment's front door, and the teenagers turn their heads toward Zoro.

"Look who I found! Lucky for him I was checking that everything was locked, otherwise he would have stand by the door for a while! That idiot tried to get in through the school's main entrance!"

Zoro is confused, his cheeks slightly red. His gaze falls on Sanji, then he looks away quickly, uncomfortable. Sanji gives him a small smile before teasing him, as usual.

"I was right! You got lost on your way here, Marimo! And you didn't think you could call us?!"

"My battery died, it drained using the GPS to get here... But I swear the door moved!” he tries to justify himself. “I still know how to find Luffy's apartment!"

The group bursts out laughing at his sulky expression, and the conversation turns to lighter topics. Garp points out a charger to Zoro in the entryway, then bids the teenagers goodnight and retires to his room, telling them they can make as much noise as they want, his new earplugs being 'fantastic'.

Sanji gets up and places the blanket he was wrapped in over his shoulders. He walks over to Zoro, grabs his arm, and drags him into the kitchen.

"You really are the worst, cactus face! Chopper was so sad you weren't here! You'd better apologize!"

"I don't take orders from a stupid cook! I warned you, I did what I could! It's not my fault they moved the door!"

Zoro's anger isn't feigned, but it's nothing compared to the rage he felt when he heard Sanji talk about Viola. It's more of a habit, a desire to respond immediately to the cook's verbal aggression. Sanji rolls his eyes then walks around the kitchen table to grab a cellophane-covered plate. He turns back to him.

"Do you want a plate? There's plenty of ramen left if you want some. Walking around the neighborhood must have made you hungry. There's also some cake left, but it would be a waste to offer you a piece."

Zoro's eyes widen. Sanji had set a plate aside for him... He's about to refuse, searching for a retort to Sanji's remark, when his stomach responds with a loud rumble. Sanji bursts out laughing, removes the cellophane from the plate, and places it in the microwave to heat it up. "Join us when it's hot! We were about to start a board game."

He turns on his heel and heads toward the living room.

"Hey Curly!" Sanji turns to him, looking surprised. "What were you guys talking about when I got in?"

Zoro can clearly see the red rising on Sanji's cheeks.

"Luffy asked us about whether he had a crush on Law or not."

"Oh, yeah, it's true you mentioned it the other day on the group chat. So?"

"So, it seems that after seventeen years of finding no interest in love, Luffy is suddenly passionate about Trafalgar Law!"

"Um, okay... and uh... I wasn't trying to eavesdrop, but while I was taking off my shoes, I heard what you said... About your ex... And uh... I'm glad you're not with her anymore... No one should force themselves into anything in a relationship."

The red in Sanji's cheeks is now rising to his ears. He runs his hand over his face nervously before mumbling.

"Oh, uh... Yes, I'm also really happy not to be with her anymore... All I have to do now is find someone good to replace her..."

And with that, he joins the others in the living room. Zoro stands motionless for a few moments, reflecting on his own relationship. His thoughts are interrupted by the microwave going off. He grabs his plate, a pair of chopsticks, and a glass and joins his friends.

---ooo---

The rest of the evening passes in a delightful atmosphere, nothing like the afternoon he just spent surrounded by trendy, drunk, and noisy teenagers... Chopper opens his presents, and the group plays board games and video games for several hours. Around midnight, Nojiko comes to pick up Nami, Usopp, and Chopper. Sanji offers to help Luffy clean up, and Zoro also lends a hand.

While Luffy puts away the games, Zoro helps Sanji with the dishes. One washes while the other dries in a familiar, almost domestic rhythm, all in comfortable silence.

Once the dishes are put away, the games folded, and the living room tidied up, Zoro and Sanji put their shoes and jackets back on and get ready to leave.

"Oh! I completely forgot to tell you!" exclaims Luffy. "Ace and Sabo will be here for New Year's Eve! They suggested we have a party together! Some of their friends will be there too, Sabo's girlfriend Koala, and Zoro, they said you can come with Hiyori if you want. We'll spend part of the evening here, and before midnight, we'll settle down to watch the fireworks. It's in the park next door. I have to send a message on the group chat! You’ll be there right?"

"I don't have any plans that evening," replies Sanji. "I think my dad is opening the restaurant, and since it's a big night, my mom probably planned to help him out. If you're planning anything, I'll tell them I won't be able to help them this year. It's a good idea to go see the fireworks, but only if Ace and Sabo promise not to go near them.”

Sanji smiles and gives Luffy a small, affectionate pat on the shoulder.

“Oh, don't worry, they solemnly promised Granps they'd never light one ever again! And you, Zoro? Will you come?”

“Yes, please! Perona's here, but she's having her own party. And if she ever plans to have it at home, I'd prefer not to be there! I'll ask Hiyori if she wants to come...” He thought for a few seconds. “Just in case, can I invite her three friends too?”

“Ooh! Nami's going to be happy! Good idea, Mosshead! It seems there are brain cells in the middle of this clump of seaweed. Oh, Luffy, you should invite Bepo and tell him to bring Law! It'll be a good opportunity to get to know each other better!”

“Oh... Uh... Yeah, no problem for Hiyori's friends. And that's a good idea, Sanji, I'll do that.”

Zoro isn't sure if he's excited about spending New Year's Eve with Hiyori, but he doesn't want to share his doubts with his friends just yet. He secretly hopes the girl will decline, but knowing her, she'll probably be thrilled to spend the evening with him, especially if he tells her there will be music and an outing to see the fireworks.

When Zoro and Sanji reach the ground floor, Luffy is leaning out the window, waving wildly at them.

"Sanji, keep a close eye on Zoro and take him home safely. It would be a shame if he got lost on the way! Good night, guys!"

Sanji waves back and agrees to Luffy's request, which only irritates Zoro. He can manage on his own; his phone is fully charged, and he can use his GPS app again. As he pulls out his phone to launch the aforementioned app, he sees notifications from Luffy’s texts warning the group about New Year's Eve. He turns off the vibrate mode, sighs, and finally puts the phone back in his pocket. He shrugs, meeting Sanji's questioning gaze.

"Are you really going to let me guide you home without complaining?" Sanji asks, raising an eyebrow.

"I can easily manage to get home without getting lost, Curly. You don't have to make a detour. We're going in the same direction for now, I might as well save the battery."

"I don't mind walking you home. I'll just let my parents know I'm leaving and stopping by your place first."

No nickname, no irritation in his voice, not even a hint of sarcasm. Zoro opens his mouth, then closes it again, unable to think of a reply. He watches him write the text to his parents. When Sanji looks up, he must still look surprised because the other one bursts out laughing.

"What's wrong, Marimo?! Did I break you by offering to walk you home?"

Zoro feels his cheeks turn red. He looks away and starts walking down the street.

"Not at all! I don't need a babysitter to take me home, that's all!"

His tone is slightly more aggressive than he intended, but it doesn't seem to bother Sanji, who keeps laughing, then starts walking, grabs Zoro by the elbow, and gently steers him in the other direction.

"No problem, I'm sure you would have ended up getting home on your own, but if you go this way, you'll be there faster!"

Sanji's hand lingers a second too long on Zoro's elbow, then he seems to realize it: his fingers abruptly withdraw and disappear into his pockets. They walk a few minutes in silence. The air is cold, and each exhale draws small clouds in front of them. Suddenly, Sanji shivers, takes his hands out of his pockets, and blows on them, as if to warm himself.

"Are you cold, Curly?" His tone is soft, almost worried.

“No, it's fine.”

“Don't be ridiculous, I can see you're freezing!”

Zoro stops in his tracks and heads over to a bench. He takes off his backpack and places it on the cold surface. He rummages through it for a few moments and pulls out a navy blue scarf and a matching hat, which he hands to Sanji.

“Here. Put these on, they'll keep you warm.”

“No, it's fine, Marimo, I'm telling you I'm not cold!” Sanji retorts, shivering again.

Zoro rolls his eyes at his stubbornness, tucks the hat under his arm, and takes the scarf in his hands. He walks over, pulls it over Sanji's head, and begins to tie it without ever meeting his gaze. His eyes remain fixed on the fabric, but out of the corner of his eye, he catches Sanji's stunned expression: a single blue eye wide open, the other hidden behind a blond lock of hair, and his mouth half-open in surprise. Neither dares to breathe, the proximity of their faces too obvious.

Zoro tightens the knot, takes the hat, and places it on Sanji's head. He has to fight not to brush the lock of hair that hides part of his face with his fingertips. Then, abruptly, he pushes the hat down a little further, hiding Sanji's eyes, clears his throat, and turns away to retrieve his bag.

"Haha! Very funny, Marimo! But I need to see to get you back to your destination!"

When Zoro turns around, Sanji has rolled up the brim of the hat and pushed back his lock of hair. His cheeks and nose are red, no doubt from the cold. For the first time, Zoro can look into Sanji's two eyes. And it takes his breath away: the right one is almost the same blue as the other, but shot through with subtle touches of brown.

"What's wrong, cactus head? Is there something on my face?"

“Uh… No, no, I didn't remember your eyes were different colors.”

“Oh. Yes, I avoid showing it… It's not something I like about myself… I prefer to hide it rather than endure other people's comments.”

“It's a shame. I think they're perfect.”

Damn.

The words escape him too quickly, surprising Sanji as much as himself. For a moment, silence envelops them; their gazes locked, neither of them daring to break this fragile balance.

Then Sanji clears his throat and looks away, resuming his walk.

“Uh… Thanks… For the hat and scarf.” He replies softly. “We should hurry, it's getting late.”

Zoro finally catches his breath and, after a second of hesitation, catches up with Sanji with a quick step. The silence between them weighs, heavier, more serious than before. Neither of them dares to break this forced calm. And when Zoro finally searches for the words, he realizes they've already reached the end of his street. Sanji stops, pointing down the street.

"Can I leave you here? Or do you need me to walk you home, Marimo?"

"Uh, no, no, it's fine here."

"Okay, well, then, I'll see you on New Year's Eve. And try not to be late this time!"

Sanji takes off his hat and begins to untie the scarf. Zoro stops him with a hand on his arm, but he pulls it back immediately, as if he'd burned himself at the mere touch.

"Keep them on. Bring them back to me later. It's cold, and you still have to walk home. And I'm never cold."

Sanji tightens the scarf, pulls the hat over his head, and turns toward his house location.

“Okay... Well, I'll go then. Good night!”

Without waiting for a reply, he walks away.

“Thanks for walking me home. And send me a message when you get home.”

Sanji is already a few meters away. Without turning around, he simply gives a thumbs-up before stuffing his hand in his pocket.

Zoro lets out a long sigh, then turns towards his house and starts walking again. He's so lost in his thoughts that he misses his house and has to turn around a few meters further on... His own stupidity makes him roll his eyes when he finally enters the house.

---ooo---

Once in bed, Zoro can't stop the thoughts swirling through his head. He's going to have to make a decision. He's beginning to realize that Hiyori might not be the right person, and that Sanji... What if it was still him, after all this time, that his heart desired most... After their exchanges tonight, he thinks there might be a tiny chance it's mutual... But will he dare take the plunge this time... A flash of light pulls him from his thoughts and he turns to his phone to read the message.

===Curly===

I got home

Good night

======

It's decided. If by New Year's he still doesn't feel anything with Hiyori, he'll do what's right. And as for the rest... That's a problem for later...

---ooo---

---ooo---

===Nami===

Nami, you'll never guess what just happened!

You must be asleep.

Sit down before you read the rest.

Zoro lent me his hat and scarf so I wouldn't get cold!

And he thought my eyes were perfect.

PERFECT.

I think I can die in peace.

All that's left is to get rid of Hiyori.

OMG, I'm horrible for saying this.

Anyway...

Cross your fingers for me!

I hope she doesn't come for New Year's Eve.

I'm going to try to sleep.

My heart is racing.

Xoxo

======

Sunday, December 21st.

===Ace===

Hey, Blondie, Luffy told me you made the ramen.

Thanks for saving some for us.

It was delicious.

See you in on New Year’s Eve ;)

Have a Merry Christmas.

It's Ace, by the way. I found your number in my brother's phone.

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 21 – New Year’s Eve (Part 1)

===Nami===

Sanji, where are you?

I just got there and I have good news and bad news.

Start with the good news

I'm close

Vivi is here!

Oh... so the bad news...

Yes, Hiyori is here too... sorry...

It's OK. It won't stop me from enjoying tonight’s party.

On the plus side, Ace is here ;)

=======

The atmosphere in the apartment is stifling. Sanji places his jacket on the pile of clothes already on one of the sofas, slips through the dozen people dancing in the living room, and joins his friends in the kitchen to pour himself a drink. This is nothing like their little party ten days ago. The kitchen table is covered with various plates filled with finger food clearly bought at the supermarket (Sanji wrinkles his nose at this culinary affront). Various drinks are lined up on the counters, mostly alcoholic, along with a few sodas and paper cups. Nightclub music is blaring through the apartment, and Sanji thinks the bass must be shaking the whole neighborhood. Since Garp is away fishing with his friends for two days, the "responsible adults" for the evening are Ace and Sabo... Very reassuring...

Sanji approaches Nami and leans in to speak closer to her ear.

"What are you drinking?"

"Lemonade," she replies, waving her glass under his nose. "I promised my mom I wouldn't drink alcohol."

He nods and pours himself a glass of white wine.

He clinks glasses with her, Usopp, and Chopper, and raises the glass to his lips when he's thrown off balance by someone who literally throws themselves at him.

"Luffy! You almost made me spill my drink!"

"Oops! Sorry, Sanji, but I'm so happy to see you!”

Luffy's smile is enough to make his anger subside. If loneliness is one of Luffy's worst enemies, this party is heaven for him! His brothers AND all his friends gathered in one place to party, he must be thrilled. Still clinging to him like a koala bear, Luffy starts screaming to someone behind Sanji.

"Ace! Did you see! Sanji's here!" Luffy exclaims.

"Oh, Blondie! Nice to see you here! I should have known you were the kind of person to drink white wine."

The comment and the wink that followed are enough to make Sanji blush slightly, and he finally raise his glass to his lips to take a sip, trying to regain some composure. Out of the corner of his eye, he could see Nami watching them, mouthing "Blondie" with a wry smile.

Luffy finally let go of Sanji. Nami immediately suggests they go dancing, and he agrees without hesitation. Together, they leave Usopp and Chopper to their conversation and walk toward the living room. The music is pumping; they cross the room and reach a corner at the opposite of the sound system before starting to move to the rhythm. Suddenly, Nami nudges him lightly with her elbow and discreetly tilts her chin. Intrigued, Sanji follows her gaze... and sees Zoro. Sitting on a sofa with Hiyori on his lap, he has one arme around her waist, while the other rests casually on the backrest of the couch. Beside them, Shirahoshi and Rebecca are chatting with Hiyori, laughing happily. Zoro, however, remains silent. His gray eyes never leave Sanji's.

Taken aback, Sanji immediately looks away. He moves closer to Nami and leans towards her ear, close enough to drown out the din of the music.

"She looks like a leech stuck to him like that."

Nami pulls back and opens her eyes wide before moving closer again so he can hear her reply.

"Jealousy doesn't suit you! Forget it, if he came with her, it’s over for you for tonight. Party on, have fun! Enjoy yourself! Look this way, he's not the only one watching you, Ace is literally devouring you with his gaze!”

He turns towards the direction she indicates and sees Ace, leaning against the wall, a drink in his hand, looking at him calmly. Ace raises his glass in greeting, takes a sip, and keeps his eyes fixed on him. Sanji offers him a shy smile in return.

The staring game lasts for a good part of the evening. At one point, Ace joins them on the dance floor. Sanji follows Nami's advice and gradually gets closer. They are now dancing very close to one another. Sanji has his back turn on Ace and he can feel the warmth of his hand hovering on his hip.

He meets Nami's gaze: a mischievous glint in her eyes, a wink, then she turns towards Vivi and kisses her sensually. Sanji's heart races. Is it the music, the dancing, or the presence behind him that's troubling him so much?

As he tries to stay focus on the rhythm, his gaze once again meets Zoro's, now alone on the couch, Hiyori and her friends on the dance floor. An electric spike runs through his body at the sight of that piercing gaze. He quickly looks away. Ace seems to sense his discomfort: he moves closer, finally places his hand on his hip, and leans in to whisper something in his ear.

"Everyting all right, Blondie?"

Sanji swallows, trying to clear the lump in his throat, and nods. He's about to turn around when, suddenly, the lights are turned on on and the music stops.

All the dancers stop abruptly, grumbling. Ace pulls his hand away as Sanji hears Luffy shout from the hallway.

"Come on, everyone! It's 11:30 p.m., time to get moving and see the fireworks! Hop, hop, hop, everyone outside!"

---ooo---

Sanji walks alongside Usopp and Chopper. A few steps ahead of them, Nami and Vivi walk hand in hand, light on their feet. Nami turns around several times to smile at them, and the three boys respond with smiles and thumbs-up in congratulations.

To their right, Zoro and Hiyori are also walking hand in hand. Suddenly, Luffy's laughter rises up behind them. They turn around to see what's causing so much hilarity: Luffy is perched on Ace's back, who is running zigzags down the street. A little further back, Sanji notices Law also watching them, a slight smile on his lips. It seems the young doctor might not be so sullen after all.

They aren't the only ones planning to watch the fireworks from the small park next to the school. Upon arriving there, the small group splits up and everyone look for a spot on a bench or a low wall to watch the show.

Sanji and his friends find a spot on the edge of a fountain. Chopper sits between Sanji and Usopp. The three friends have fun trying to push each other into the fountain while laughing. The two couples move a little to one side. After a few minutes of continued fooling around, Ace and Luffy join them. Luffy sits next to Usopp and Ace sits next to Sanji, who freezes in place.

Suddenly, the crowd starts counting down.

10

Ace slides his hand into the small of Sanji's back.

9

Sanji turns his head toward him.

8

Behind Ace, he sees Zoro and Hiyori, holding hands, standing a little further along the path. Zoro watches them. Sanji looks back at Ace.

7

Ace turns quickly, then returns to Sanji.

6

"You need someone who only looks at you, Blondie."

5

Sanji blushes and absently touches his bangs to put them back in place.

4

Ace lifts his free hand and pushes his hair behind his ear, revealing both of his eyes, which he stares into, making him blush.

3

His hand gently slides behind Sanji's ear, holding his hair in place, his thumb tracing a warm, light path across his cheekbone. Each touch seems to send a shiver through his body, and Sanji feels a mixture of apprehension and desire rising within him, as if each second lasts an eternity. His heart races, his mouth thickens. He swallows with difficulty.

2

Ace's eyes brush against his lips for a split second before returning to his gaze.

1

Ace leans in gently, giving him plenty of time to back away if he wishes. Sanji's hand reaches out to the young man, and he grabs the front of his shirt to pull him closer.

"Happy New Year!!!"

When the first rocket explodes in the sky, Sanji feels as if each spark resonates with his heartbeat. He closes his eyes and lets himself be drawn into the sweetness of the kiss. Yet his thoughts aren't of Ace... His entire soul, his entire being, calls out to only one person: Zoro.

He only becomes aware of the turmoil engulfing him when he feels a single tear escaping his eye, sliding down his cheek, and silently falling against the fabric of his jacket.

Then Ace pulls back slightly, and Sanji opens his eyes. The hand on Sanji's cheek follows the wet trail left by the tear, coming to rest on his knee. Sanji's lock of hair falls as he releases Ace's shirt, and his gaze returns to Zoro in spite of himself.

Hiyori has placed her hands on the base of his neck and stands on tiptoe to kiss him. Zoro's hands are at her waist, but he doesn't close his eyes to give in to the kiss. His gaze remains fixed on Sanji and Ace, a peculiar glint shining in his eyes. Disappointment? Or maybe sadness...

Sanji turns his attention back to Ace, who lets out a long sigh and pats his knee.

"This isn't going to work, is it?"

"No, sorry... Not that I don't like you, but this isn't the right time..."

"I see that... I meant what I said, you deserve someone who only has eyes for you. I don't know what happened with him, but I know what happened with Viola. I was there. And Luffy explained some more stuff. If you ask me, it's only a matter of time. He hasn't taken his eyes off of you all evening long, she's not the one for him. And if he ever hurts you, Luffy and I will beat his ass!”

Sanji laughs heartily at his remark and settles down more comfortably to watch the end of the fireworks show.

As they are about to head back to Luffy's, Sanji finally decides to go home. He greets his friends, reassures Nami, and promises her to explain everything very soon, adding that he's waiting for details from her as well. He looks around for Zoro to say goodbye, but can't find him. Leaving his friends to head back to the school, he walks down the street to go home when a hand on his shoulder stops him.

"At least let me walk you home, Blondie."

Sanji turns to Ace, an eyebrow raised. Ace immediately raises his hands in a peace sign.

"I promise, I'm not trying anything. I just want to make sure you get home in one piece."

Without waiting for an answer, Ace grabs the ends of his scarf and pulls them up around his neck, knotting the fabric with exaggerated care.

"And put this on properly, I can see you're cold."

"I'm not cold. And I don't need help putting on a scarf, thank you!"

Sanji places his icy hand on Ace's burning one to push it away. Ace shivers at the icy contact and arches an amused eyebrow.

"I thought you weren't cold..."

He then grabs both of his hands and brings them to his mouth to blow on them. The warmth of his breath makes Sanji's cheeks turn pink. After a few seconds, Ace slowly releases his fingers, looking satisfied, then turns toward the street, holding out his arm.

"Come on, Blondie, I'll take you home."

Sanji rolls his eyes, but ends up slipping his arm through his. With a smirk, he says, "If I didn't know you, I'd say you were flirting with me."

They both laugh at this, then start chatting about anything and everything as they walk.

Chapter Text

Chapter 22 – New Year’s Eve (part 2)

A few hours earlier.

The doorbell rings in the house. Zoro hears Perona opening the door and then shouting through the hallway: "Zoro, it’s for you! Your girlfriend’s here!"

He rolls his eyes and checks his outfit one last time in the mirror: dark jeans, a white shirt, and a black jacket. He grabs his phone, wallet, and keys and heads downstairs.

Hiyori and Perona are chatting in the entryway. Objectively, she looks stunning. Her heeled ankle boots make her long legs look even longer. She's wearing a little black dress with long sleeves under a fitted blue jacket. Brown leather gloves and a matching hat complete her outfit. Her hair falls in loose curls, and she's holding a scarf she must have taken off when she came in. She gives him a small wave in greeting, a slight smile on her lips as she continues her conversation with Perona.

Looking at her, he knows he should feel that little pang in his heart, that familiar warmth that betrays affection, interest in the girl... but nothing comes. Hiyori is beautiful, undeniably, but for him, it stops there. A beauty he can recognize, but which has no effect on him. He frowns as he approaches.

Perona watches him from the corner of her eye and hits him lightly on the head.

"Where are your manners, you idiot! Hiyori, I'm sorry for my brother's caveman attitude!"

Zoro composes himself, rolls his eyes, and greets the girl with a furtive kiss on the lips. Then he puts on his coat and offers her a hand, which she immediately accepts, slipping her gloved fingers between his.

"Have a good night, Ghosty, don't set the house on fire with your party."

Perona gives a small laugh then pretends to chase them out of the house.

"Out, both of you! And don't mess around! Zoro, take care of her. Hiyori, it was nice to meet you. Don't hesitate to tell me if you decide to pursue a career in fashion! And I'm sorry for you again, my brother is a bit rough sometimes..."

Hiyori smiles politely, a little embarrassed, and Zoro sticks his tongue out at his sister as he walks through the door.

"Oh, yes, very mature, Zoro!"

They walk down the front steps and head towards Luffy's apartment, hand in hand. Hiyori tries to tell him about her few days of family vacation, but Zoro, lost in thought, only hears snatches. After a few minutes, her voice trails off.

---ooo---

Zoro is sinking into one of the living room sofas. The music is too loud, but at least he is comfortable. After exchanging a few words with his friends, Hiyori pulled him toward the dance floor, an idea he immediately rejected. He preferred to take refuge here, beer in hand, to pass the time.

Hiyori is now sitting on his lap. He absentmindedly places a hand on her waist, and she leans in to place a kiss on his lips. She frawns at the bitter taste of the beer, then turns away to resume her conversation, leaving him lost in thought.

A flash of blond and red hair draw his attention to the dance floor. Across the room, Sanji and Nami are swaying to the music. His gaze locks onto them. Nami give him a discreet wave, then lightly nudges Sanji with her elbow. He turns around and met his eyes. The contact lasts only a few seconds, but Zoro is almost certain he reads a hint of disappointment in it.

Sanji then leans toward Nami and whispers something in her ear. She seems shocked by his words; she grabs his arms and pulls back to look him in the eyes. Then, in turn, she whispers a few words to him.Upon hearing her words; Sanji abruptly turns his head to the other side of the living room. Zoro follows suit and sees Ace, leaning casually against the wall, a glass in his hand, his eyes fixed on Sanji. Ace raises his glass in his direction, takes a sip without breaking eye contact, then gives him a knowing wink. When Zoro turns his attention back to Sanji, even from a distance, he can see the pink tint coloring his cheeks.

---ooo---

Zoro uses all his willpower to avoid staring at Sanji. He is trying to talk to Chopper and Usopp despite the background noise, when Luffy crashes into him, laughing, and he ends up covered in beer. He gets up to go to the bathroom, when Hiyori spots him, moves closer and takes his hand.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yeah, yeah, Luffy spilled beer on me... Go dance, don't worry."

"Oh, okay... Um... You're not planning on dancing at all?"

He makes a sorry face, then gives her a smile.

"No, sorry, it's really not my thing... But have fun! We should leave soon to go see the fireworks."

She returns his smile, rises on her tiptoe, and kisses him tenderly. He automatically puts a hand behind her and kisses her back gently, almost reflexively. Then she moves apart from him and heads back to the dance floor. He watches her walk away for a few seconds, lost in thought. Since when have sparks stopped flying when she kisses him like that?

---ooo---

Zoro, alone on the couch, watches Nami dancing with Vivi. A smirk tugs at his lips: he's happy to see that his friend dared to get closer to the one who makes her heart race. When Nami gives Sanji a knowing wink, a mischievous glint in her eyes, then turns to kiss Vivi passionately, Zoro can't help but smile wider. The other girl clings to her neck, responding fervently.

But his smile fades almost immediately. On the dance floor, another duo catches his attention. Ace, who had been dancing behind Sanji for a while, closes the distance by a step. His hand brushes the blond's hip without yet settling. Sanji turns his head, and for a second, his gaze meets Zoro's. He immediately looks away. Ace, however, takes advantage of the moment to slide his hand onto his hip and moves closer, his chest against Sanji’s back, his head resting on his shoulder. He whispers something in his ear, and Sanji nods slightly.

Zoro looks away, his heart aching with a sense of unease he refuses to name. That's when the lights abruptly come back on and the music stops, suddenly cutting through the atmosphere in the room. Luffy calls out to them from the hallway:

"Come on, everyone! It's 11:30 p.m., time to get moving and see the fireworks! Hop, hop, hop, everyone outside!"

---ooo---

Zoro and Hiyori walk hand in hand, slightly behind their group of friends. Zoro doesn't dare approach; he promised the girl he'd stay with her and doesn't want to make her angry again like he did on her birthday.

Sanji walks alongside Usopp and Chopper. A few steps ahead of them, Nami and Vivi walk hand in hand, light on their feet. Nami turns around several times to smile at them, and the three boys respond with smiles and thumbs-up in congratulations.

Suddenly, Luffy's laughter rises behind them. They turn around to see what's causing so much hilarity: Luffy is perched on Ace's back, who is running zigzags down the street, and Zoro can't help but smile.

"What a bunch of kids!" Hiyori exclaims, a little haughtily.

Zoro's heart leaps in his chest. He scowls, disappointed by his girlfriend's remark. She seems to sense his change in mood because she tightens her grip on Zoro's hand.

"You know, their lives haven't always been easy, they deserve to have fun!" he explains.

"I was joking... They're just a little too extravagant for me, I'm not used to it..."

Zoro doesn't reply, but he squeezes her hand back to let her know he doesn't hold her comment against her.

They aren't the only ones planning to watch the fireworks from the small park next to the school. Upon arriving there, the small group splits up and everyone looks for a spot on a bench or a low wall to watch the show.

Hiyori leads Zoro a little further away from his friends, who have found a spot by a fountain. They stand on the path, hand in hand, waiting for the show to begin.

Out of the corner of his eyes, Zoro can see Chopper and Usopp pretending to push each other into the fountain. Sanji laughs at their antics, then turns serious again when Ace takes a seat next to him. Luffy joins the boys and almost falls into the fountain. He's only just caught by Trafalgar Law, who's standing next to him and grabs him by the collar of his jacket.

Suddenly, the crowd starts counting down.

His attention focuses on Sanji, and everything around him seems to slow down.

10

Zoro sees Ace's hand gently slide down the small of Sanji's back.

9

Sanji turns his head toward Ace.

8

Sanji's gaze meets Zoro's for a moment, before returning to Ace. Zoro's throat tightens.

7

Ace turns around briefly, gives Zoro an annoyed look, then returns to Sanji.

6

A few whispered words from Ace are enough to make Sanji blush. Zoro would give anything to know what he said.

5

Sanji absentmindedly touches his bangs to put them back in place.

4

Ace raises his hand and pushes the hair behind Sanji's ear, revealing both of his eyes. Zoro's heart pounds. A pang of jealousy twists in his stomach: he waited so long to look into Sanji's eyes, and now Ace has them in seconds.

3

Ace's hand now holds the unruly bang, his thumb brushing Sanji's cheekbone. Zoro senses the anticipation in Sanji's gaze, as he swallows without looking away. The lump in his throat grows bigger with every passing moment.

2

Sanji's gaze never leaves Ace. The lights of the park reflect in his blue eyes and in the water of the fountain behind them.

1

Ace leans in gently, and Sanji closes his eyes, pulling him closer by the front of his shirt.

"Happy New Year!!!"

During the countdown, Hiyori has steped in front of him. She suddenly slides her hands over his shoulders and up to the back of his neck. He then turns his full attention back to her. She rises onto her tiptoes, and Zoro steadies her by sliding his hands around her waist. She whispers "Happy New Year" against his lips, then kisses him passionately. Zoro kisses her back mechanically. There's no heat, no spark in response to the feeling of her lips on his. The fireworks are only in the sky, and Zoro finally realizes that he's been lying to himself for several weeks now. He's not in love with Hiyori, probably never was. Without breaking the kiss, he looks up at Ace and Sanji, a mixture of shame, disappointment, and sadness in his eyes. Then he pulls back slightly and ends their embrace.

"Are you okay, Zoro? You don't look well..." Hiyori suddenly asks, a little worried.

Unable to tell the girl about his feelings, Zoro finds an excuse.

"Oh... Uh... Yeah, no, I don't feel very well. Maybe it's the beer. Let's go back to Luffy's, I need a big glass of water and I'll feel better."

If he's going to break up with her, he'll do it right. Not in the middle of a park with all their friends around them, just after wishing each other a Happy New Year under a magnificent fireworks display. He takes her hand again, and they watch the fireworks in silence.

Immediately after the grand finale, he begins walking toward the park exit, Hiyori behind him. They reach the street, and she asks him to slow down for a minute so her friends can catch up.

Around the corner, he can see Ace correctly placing the scarf—his scarf—around Sanji's neck, in a gesture not so different from his own a few days earlier. His heart sinks when he sees the young man grabing Sanji’s hands to blow on them to warm him up. Zoro looks away and resumes his walking, dragging Hiyori and her friends after him.

Once back at the apartment, he leaves Hiyori on the dance floor again and spots his friends in the kitchen. He pours himself a large glass of water then asks casualy about what had happened when they where outside.

"Did Curly get lost on his way back?"

Nami and Usopp exchange an embarrassed look.

"Uh... No, he wasn't feeling well, so Ace walked him home."

The words hit him like a hammer blow. If he needed confirmation, here it is... The faint hope that crept into him when he saw Sanji with Ace – a guy and not a girl - is suddenly shattered. Just like that afternoon two and a half years earlier, he has waited too long and has once again been beaten to the punch.

Losing all interest in the evening, he greets his friends, finds Hiyori on the dance floor, and tells her that he doesn't feel well and prefers to go home. The disappointment is evident on her face, of course, but she lets him go without saying anything.

Nami catches up with him on the stairs.

"Zoro, are you okay?" the girl asks worriedly.

"Yes, yes, my stomach hurts, maybe it's the beer... It'll be better after a good night's sleep." »

"I've seen you drink a lot more than that... I don't think the beer is responsible for your stomach pains... If you need to talk about it, you know where to find me..." She goes back up a few steps then turns back to him. "And I’m sorry... About Sanji and Ace..."

"The cook can do whatever he wants with whomever he wants, it doesn't concern me."

With that, he runs down the stairs and out into the street. He activates his GPS to get home. He is quite sure that Nami knows he lied to her, he knows it too, but he's not ready to talk about it yet.

He moves forward, trying to erase from his memory the image that seems imprinted behind his eyelids: Sanji and Ace kissing, the fireworks illuminating the sky above them, the colored lights reflecting in the fountain water and giving the scene an almost surreal glow...

Chapter Text

Chapter 23 – Talks (Sanji)

Saturday, January 3^rd.

Nami and Sanji have been locked in his room for nearly half an hour. Officially, the girl has come to do her homework with him. Unofficially, she's been waiting for three days for him to tell her about New Year's Eve in detail, so she can share hers too. Ever since she crossed the threshold of the apartment, she's been stamping her feet with impatience. But Sanji refuses to talk about it while his mother is still in the house. So, to kill time, Nami distractedly flips through her history textbook, sitting cross-legged on the carpet, her back against the bed, a blanket draped over her legs. She lets out a long, exaggerated sigh, to which Sanji responds with an angry look.

"Five more minutes, she'll be gone soon."

Sora knocks on the door then opens it gently. She smiles at them affectionately.

"I'm leaving, don’t work too hard! There's food in the fridge, Nami, you can stay as long as you like. If necessary, I'll drive you home when I get back.”

"Thanks, Sora."

"Thanks, Mom. See you later."

She places a kiss on Sanji's forehead before closing his bedroom door. Across the hall, they hear her say a cheerful "Bye!" just before the apartment door slams shut.

Immediately, Nami throws her textbook onto the bed, pats the rug in front of her, and gives Sanji a mischievous smile.

"So?! I want to know EVERYTHING!"

Sanji gets up, grabs a second blanket, and sits down in front of her, his back to the wall, his knees drawn up.

"Do you want me to make us some tea? Or hot chocolate?" he suggests, starting to get up, but he is stopped in his tracks by Nami's hands on his shoulders.

"I've been waiting for three days! So you're going to tell me EVERYTHING that happened with Ace, and then we can go have some tea or hot chocolate."

He settles back down comfortably and looks down at the floor, rubbing the carpet with his fingers.

"There's not much to say... We danced, he kissed me, and then he walked me home. There you go, you know everything!"

"You made me wait three days for this! Details, Sanji!" she begs, rolling her eyes. "So, are you together? What did he say before kissing you? And afterward, how did you feel? Is he a good kisser? And when he walked you home, did something happen while you were alone? Have you seen each other since then?"

Sanji looks up at her and runs a hand down the back of his neck in embarrassment. She is way to much enthusiast…

- Uh… No, we're not together and we haven't seen each other since. I don't think I'll see him again, at least not like this. But he's okay with it. Call it bad timing or whatever, he understood perfectly well that I have feelings for someone else.

- Oh. Nami's anger seems to have calmed down a little, and her enthusiasm fades away. She places a hand on his knee. So, why did you kiss him?

- He flirted with me all night! When we were dancing, I loved his restraint and his closeness at the same time... Considering his temper when he's with Luffy, I didn't think he'd be so gentle.

She raises an eyebrow at the thought and sees the red rising on his cheeks.

- Uh… well… He didn't push at all, huh. I could have said stop at any time. But then, at the countdown, when he got closer to me... I saw Zoro behind him, with Hiyori. So I tried to convince myself that it was better this way, that you were right, and that I could enjoy a bit more. But... When Ace kissed me, all I could think about was Zoro. I saw him. Not Ace. And it wasn't fair to him.

A tear rolls down his cheek again, like that night, and Nami shifts on the carpet to lean against the wall next to him and puts a hand around his shoulders.

"I didn't think it would make you feel this way... I'm so sorry, Sanji," she says, hugging him.

He sniffles and wipes his eyes with the back of his hand, and a small laugh escapes him.

“I couldn't even tell you what the kiss was like... He was there, his hands gently holding my hair, looking at me as if I were the eighth wonder of the world, and all I saw was Zoro, holding hands with Hiyori.”

He lowers his head again and takes it in his hands. Nami hugs him a little tighter.

“It's okay. I'm sure he doesn't blame you. You said he understood right? What happened next?”

“When I pulled away, he realized I was not feeling good and he saw me looking in their direction again... He told me I deserved someone who only had eyes for me...”

The memory of their conversation draws a smile on his lips. And he looks up at Nami.

“He also said I just had to be patient, and that Zoro would eventually come to me. He seemed very confident. Oh! And if Zoro ever hurts me, I can count on him and Luffy to beat the shit out of him.”

They both laugh at the thought of Luffy and Ace teaming up against Zoro. And the atmosphere finally seems to lighten. Sanji clears his throat and keeps talking.

"I couldn't see myself coming back to the apartment with you to party, I was not in the mood anymore, so I decided to go home. He simply walked me home. We chatted about everything and nothing on the way there, his work, school... He's really a nice guy. When he dropped me off in front of my house, he told me he didn't hold it against me at all. And that he was happy to have spent part of the evening with me. And after that..." Sanji blushes, looks away, and clears his throat. “He asked me if I could kiss him as a birthday present…”

Nami's eyes widen and she slaps him on the shoulder with the back of her hand.

- You kissed him TWICE!

“Uh... Yeah... And it was definitely better the second time, when we were alone. His hands, his mouth, his body! Wow! I understand better Sabo's comment about his many suitors at school! Needless to say, I had trouble falling asleep after that!”

“You little shit! Keeping this a secret until now! So it was good, okay, better than good, but no sparks?”

“Yes... And you know I don't want to go through that again. Physically, it was perfect, but there were no feelings.”

“Okay, okay, too many details!” She slaps a hand over his mouth and they laugh again.

He gets up and offers his hand to help her.

“Come on, let's get something hot to drink and then I want to know everything about you and Vivi.”

“Oh, that's much simpler! I like her, she likes me, we are together and we've been writing to each other every day since the party.”

Sanji rolls his eyes and says, imitating her voice, "Details, Nami!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 24 – Talks (Zoro)

Perona is on her bed, lying on her stomac. She's reading a magazine and humming, her legs moving to the music playing on her phone.

If it makes you happy

It can't be that bad

If it makes you happy

Then why the hell are you so sad?

This is the third time Zoro has walked past her room without saying anything.

"You know, Swordy, if you have something to ask me, it's more convenient if you actually come into the bedroom. I can hear you thinking from here... And your pacing in the hallway is seriously starting to annoy me!" she says without looking up from her magazine.

Zoro freezes in the hallway. He takes a deep breath and walks into his sister's room. She drops her magazine and turns off the music, then pats the bed next to her, signaling him to sit down.

"I'm listening. What's going on in that little pea you use for a brain that makes you need your big sister?”

Zoro grunts a few incomprehensible words, visibly blushing. Perona gets up and sits cross-legged on her bed.

"If you don't speak clearly, I don't understand anything… Sit down," she orders, pointing to the bed again.

He walk through the room and sits heavily on the edge of the bed, his eyes looking at the floor as if searching for answers to his silent questions. Perona sighs, then slaps him lightly on the back of the head, hard enough to make him react and allowing his brain to catch up.

"I need your opinion…" he finally begins. "Or rather, your advice…"

"Okay, I'm listening.”

"It's about Hiyori…"

"Do you want some date ideas? Or are you finally ready to take the next step and want to know everything it takes to have a memorable time?” She punctuates her sentence with a meaningful wink.

Zoro sits up abruptly, turns to her, and slaps a hand over her mouth to silence her.

"No, no, that's not it at all. Shut up and let me talk... Please. Can I take my hand away? You're not going to interrupt me, right?"

Her eyes widen when she hears the word "please" in hes brother’s mouth and nods for him to release her. He sits cross-legged in front of her.

"Sorry, I didn't realize it was that serious. I'm listening, really."

“How do you know if someone isn't the right person for you? I've seen you flirt and go out with tons of guys and girls, I've seen that some stay a little longer than others. When you're the one making the decision, how do you decide whether or not to stay with someone?”

“I haven't had that many partners! You're exaggerating... But I see what you mean. First of all, if you're asking yourself whether or not you want to keep going, that's a first clue. When things are going well with your partner, you don't ask yourself these kind of questions,” she adds with a sigh. “I had the impression that things were going well with your girlfriend, right? When she came to pick you up on Wednesday, you two seemed pretty close. What's making you wonder?”

“That's something I heard... When you kiss your partner and it's the right person... That you should always feel something...”

“Oh... I see... And when you kiss Hiyori, what do you feel?”

“At first, I liked it... I wanted to do it again... I liked it when she took my hand or ran her fingers up my back or through my hair...”

“What about now?”

“It's not like I want to push her away... But I don't want her to touch me either. Or kiss me... I feel like I'm on autopilot... I've tried... Curly told me to spend more time with her, get to know her better, do romantic things...”

He waves his hand to illustrate his point.

‘Wait! Slow down! Firstly: if you don't want her to touch you or kiss you, you tell her. She needs to know that you're no longer okay with her displays of affection. And staying in a relationship has nothing to do with that. That's respect! For her, but especially for yourself!”

He watches her for a moment. And he knows she's right. He himself was seething with rage at the thought of Viola making Sanji do things without his consent. Why should it be any different for himself!

"You can very well be in a relationship without feeling the urge to kiss or touch. Just be with each other and share moments together, have common ideals. Love isn't limited to the sense of touch."

He nods gently and lets her continue. She suddenly grabs the front of his shirt and starts shaking it, his pink pigtails swaying with every movement.

“And secondly: you went and ask SANJI for advice?! Of all the people around you, you asked your middle school crush for relationship advice?! Are you kidding me!”

He unties her hands from his shirt and forces her to back away, long enough to form a coherent thought. He can feel the heat rising from his cheeks to his ears.

“I didn't really ask him for advice... But he saw Hiyori throw a jealous fit on my birthday. And since he can't stand it when a girl is upset, he gave me advice on how to be a better boyfriend...”

“Well... Okay... And who was Hiyori jealous of at that moment?”

"Him..." he murmurs, looking down.

"What!?" she yells, jumping up. Then, seeing Zoro's disapproving look, she sits back down on the bed and continues more calmly. "What? How so? Did she have a reason to be jealous?"

"No! None! We were both in the kitchen talking, he made me taste one of the cakes he'd made, and we were bickering like usual when she came into the kitchen and started getting angry with me. Saying that everything was always about my friends, about the crew and never about her... That's why the cook suggested ideas for spending more time with her."

"Sanji made you eat a cake?" She raises an eyebrow, fully aware that her brother hates anything sweet.

“Yes, he made cakes with coffee, and not sweet at all. Said something about having a birthday cake should be mandatory or something…”

“He made a dessert? Not sweet? And especially for you?” She whistles to show her admiration. “What are you still doing with Hiyori?”

“Exactly...”

“Exactly?” A mischievous glint lights up in her eyes. “You would not happened to still be in love with Sanji, would you?”

“What? No! I've never been...”

“Zoro, I'm your sister! I know perfectly well that Sanji isn't just some little schoolboy crush... I saw the state you were in when we left for Japan. And do you really think I don't know what’ the meaning behind those earrings? You were clearly in love with him before we left... I thought you'd managed to forget him, but I guess I was mistaken.”

He raises his hands, as if to surrender.

"Okay, okay... Don't add to it. I'd rather resolve the situation with Hiyori first. And anyway, it's already too late for Curly..."

"What do you mean?"

"That I'm going to focus on Hiyori and decide what I want to do with her, whether I stay and try to be a better boyfriend, or whether I break up with her..." he explains, pretending not to understand the meaning of her question.

She raises a hand to silence him.

"No! That's settled! Do you think about her when you're not seeing her?”

"No..."

"Do you enjoy spending time with her alone?"

"Not much..."

"And we've already confirmed the fact that you have no physical attraction towards her..."

He grunts in response.

"And that you don't have feelings for her either..."

Another grunt.

"So, the next time you see her, you dump her. You should have even done it sooner! Now, about Sanji. What do you mean it's too late?"

"Oh... Um... He and Ace kissed during the fireworks on New Year's Eve..." he replies in a small voice. "So... Knowing him and his romantic nature, I guess he doesn't just kiss someone on a whim... And Nami and Usopp said Ace walked him home afterward..."

Seeing his devastated expression, Perona freezes for a bit. Then, with a sudden movement, she grabs him and holds him close for just a few seconds before releasing him and settling back down on the bed as if nothing had happened. Since displays of affection are not their norm, Zoro just stands there, looking confused.

"Maybe you misunderstood?" she asks after a few seconds of silence.

Zoro blinks several times, as if to emerge from his stupor, then looks up at her with a look clouded with sadness. Without another word, he gets up and heads for the door. Just before crossing the threshold, he turns and says with a sigh:

"I know what I saw... Thanks, Ghosty..."

Chapter Text

Chapter 25 – Breaking up

Monday, January 5th.

===Mugiwaras===

Curly

Nami and I decided that we needed to work a little more from now on.

New Year's Resolution

So starting this week, we'll be studying at my place on Tuesday evenings, Wednesday afternoons, and Thursday evenings. Are you interested in joining us?

Usopp

I can come on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Chopper

Same here.

Luffy

Will there be food?

Curly

Yes, I'll make snacks on Wednesdays.

Nami

Luffy, if you don't work, we'll kick you out!

Zoro

I have training, but I'll come on Wednesdays.

Around 4:00 PM, will you still be there?

======

Zoro puts his phone away and slides his hands into his jacket pockets. He's not prone to the cold, but he has to admit that the icy air of this Monday morning is quite unpleasant. He stares at the street corner, waiting for Hiyori to arrive.

When he sees her, she's, as usual, with her three friends.

Great...

He takes a deep breath, then exhales slowly to give himself courage, and walks toward the girls. Upon seeing him, Hiyori smiles sadly and gestures for her friends to continue without her. He's surprised to see that the girl doesn't move closer to him nor kisses him.

"I think we need to talk," she says sadly.

"Um... Yes, I think it's a good idea."

He wasn't expecting this at all. But Hiyori isn't stupid; she felt him slowly drifting away and putting distance between them.

"I don't know what you think, but... I'm not happy in this relationship," Hiyori murmurs. "I like you a lot, you know, but too often I feel like I don't really matter... like I'm not important to you."

Her voice trembles slightly, less assured, and Zoro sees her eyes welling up with tears she's trying to hold back.

"I'm really sorry I made you feel this way," he replies after a silence. "I should have realized it sooner. You're right: we don't expect the same things from this relationship. And... I think it would be more fair to you if we stopped there."

Hiyori lowers her head. A sob escapes her in spite of herself.

"And then... maybe you'll stop lying to yourself," she continues, her voice broken, "and finally listen to your heart. I saw how you look at him... I know I was never your first choice..."

Zoro freezes. Then, gently, he reaches out and wipes away the tears that roll down on her cheeks in spite of herself. His gesture is tender, almost clumsy.

"Hiyori... I never thought that. Never. If I went out with you, it was for you. Because you're pretty, smart, funny, and so knowledgeable. You're caring, and... you've always been a precious friend to others, I've seen it."

He pauses, his gaze shifting for a moment, shame tightening his throat.

"The problem is me. Not you. I didn't know how to... develop the feelings you deserved. I thought I could get there with time, but I was wrong. I think... I was never the right person for you.”

Hiyori looks away, a silent tear sliding down her cheek.

"Too bad..." she breathes. "Because I believe you were."

Zoro closes his eyes briefly, unable to find a response to these words. The girl wipes her tears with the back of her hand, as if to calm herself.

"Goodbye, Zoro. I hope you will find what you're looking for..."

Without waiting for a reaction, she walks past him and joins her friends. They immediately embrace her in a group hug, and Hiyori lets herself be swept away by their comfort. Their voices mingle in reassuring whispers, slightly stifling her sobs.

Zoro watches them for a second, his heart sinking, then looks away. Hands in his pockets, he silently crosses the street and enters the school. The familiar hubbub of the hallways greets him, banal and strangely soothing after the conversation he has just left behind.

---ooo---

===Mugiwaras===

Nami

Zoro!

I just got a message from Vivi.

Have you and Hiyori broken up?

Zoro

Yes, this morning.

Usopp

Oh, sorry, buddy.

Nami

What was the issue?

Zoro

I don't want to talk about it.

======

===Nami===

Sorry for the message on the group chat.

If you really don't want to talk about it, I understand.

But if you need me, I'm here.

Vivi told me it was a joined decision, I hope you're okay.

It's nice of you to worry.

I’m OK

To be honest, she got ahead of me a little.

I had decided to leave her this morning.

But in the end, she was the one who wanted to talk to me.

She wasn't happy.

And she was jealous.

Of Sanji?

Of all of you.

But yes

Of him too

So?

Are you going to try something now? With Sanji?

No.

I'll just wait a bit

And focus on school work

Mihawk is right, a relationship is a distraction

Okay

I have to go to class

Don't hesitate if you need to

Xoxo <3

Thanks, Nam's

======

---ooo---

===Ghosty===

Actually, she also wanted us to break up.

Good!

Now go see Luffy to find out if Sanji is free or not.

No.

If you don't ask, you'll never know.

I'm going to focus on my studies.

No more distractions until high school graduation!

If you haven't done something when I come back for winter break, I'll skin you with one of your katanas! You have two months to find a solution to your problem. Is that clear?

*fuck emoji*

*katana emoji*

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 26 – Invitations

Monday, February 2nd.

===Mugiwaras===

Nami

The bets are on, gentlemen!

The Valentine's Day dance has been announced this morning, and it's been confirmed that you can attend as a couple, with a student from Sunny OR Marie Joie!

Let me remind you that last year, the couple had to come from the same high school.

And that Sanji received no less than 32 official requests from : 26 girls and 7 boys.

What are your predictions for this year?

Sanji

Do you really have to do this?

It's unpleasant enough as it is...

Nami

Oh, sorry, if it's unpleasant to receive attention for 15 days!

I'm positioning myself with 40 requests: 30 girls and 10 boys.

I'm listening, guys!

Chopper

Sorry Sanji, but it's so funny to see them trying to get close to you.

I bet more: 58 requests, 35 girls and 23 boys.

Usopp

I'd go for more. Sanji is very popular this year!

My bet: 65 requests, 35 girls but 30 boys.

Luffy

Here too, they're starting to talk about the blond guy who runs the foodtruck with his mother.

I'm somewhere in the middle: 60 with 30 of each.

Sanji

I'm not going to survive that many requests...

Nami

Zoro, we’re only missing your bet.

Marimo

I don't know!

Is Curly really that popular? I didn't know that twisted eyebrows were so popular...

I'll say less than you, Nami.

I'll say 36 with 9 guys and 27 girls.

Nami

Okay, everything's noted, the die has been cast! €10 each, the closest wins the total!

Sanji

Wait ! I didn't get to bet!

Nami

Oops! Go ahead!

Sanji

Going for 10 more than last year: 42 with 26 girls and 16 boys.

I feel like I'm on the rise with the guys this year!

Luffy

Just to be sure, I'm not allowed to invite Torao?

Nami

No, Luffy, no people from outside the schools, sorry...

======

===Nami===

Just so I know, are you planning on inviting Zoro to the party since he's single now?

No!

Not to this party! Too much pressure!

Maybe next time...

It's just a party!

It’s a Valentine's party! I don't want to ruin this day for me if he says no.

Yes. Okay. That makes sense. A first date on Valentine's Day might be a bit much, you're right.

Are you going to invite Vivi?

Yes!!! I already did!

We're supposed to go shopping together to pick out our outfits.

I'm happy for you.

Now put that phone away before the teacher sees you!

======

---ooo---

Wednesday, February 4th.

The group is scattered around Sanji's living room, each working on a different subject. Sanji's phone, lying next to him, vibrates for the fifth time in a row.

"Sanji, would you please answer so we can all stay focused on our work!" barks Nami, having just reread the same paragraph for the third time without understanding a single sentence.

"Sorry, Nami, I'll turn it on silence mode..."

He turns the phone over and unlocks the screen, frowning. The messaging icon for his Instagram account displays twelve new messages.

"Or I'll delete Instagram straight away..." Sanji grumbles.

"Why?" Nami closes her book and moves closer to read over his shoulder.

"Ohh! I have a feeling I'm way too low on my bet! Twelve messages and it's only the 4^th! I can't believe it!"

The others look at her incredulously.

"Sanji has received twelve requests for Valentine's Day since earlier! That must be a record!"

"I'm not going to go with any of them anyway," Sanji mutters, aggressively tapping on his phone to answer his many suitors.

Nami rolls her eyes and sits back on the couch with her philosophy book.

"As long as you keep track of the numbers, you can do whatever you want! And please, turn the sound off!"

---ooo---

Monday, February 9th.

===Mugiwaras===

Nami

Please, make this week end already!

*photo of a dozen small boxes of cakes and chocolates*

It's only 8:10 a.m. and Sanji has already received more than 15 invitations!

They all send word to each other this weekend, it's not possible otherwise!

And who's going to eat all that?!

Luffy

Can I come help you?

Chopper

No Luffy, you're still not allowed to come during class time.

We'll meet you at break, Nami, I'll be happy to help you eat the chocolates.

Sanji

I think I shouldn't have posted a photo of Marimo's birthday cakes on my Instagram...

======

Tuesday, February 10th.

A young man with a punk look—messy neon green hair, a gold nose ring, and a burgundy jacket with a fur collar—approaches their table and clears his throat. The crew and Vivi look up at him. Sanji sighs and immediately rolls his eyes.

"Yes?" he asks, visibly annoyed. "Bartolomeo, right? If you're here to ask me to come to the party with you, save yourself the trouble: it's a no. Sorry to be blunt, but you must be the fiftieth person to ask me, and I'm honestly sick of it..."

Around the table, his friends stifle laughter, forcing themselves to stare at their food to keep from bursting out laughing.

Bartolomeo, taken aback, blushes violently and begins to stammer, glancing hesitantly between Sanji and Luffy.

“Oh… No… Uh… sorry, Sanji… It's not that I don't like you, huh… but actually… it's Luffy-senpai I wanted to ask to come to the party with me…”

A stunned silence falls over the table. The revelation explodes like a bomb: all heads turn towards Luffy, who continues to bite into his burger enthusiastically, watching Bartolomeo as if nothing had happened.

Sanji, on the other hand, turns crimson, his shoulders hunched and his ears red as peonies. He mutters under his breath, mortified, while his friends struggle to hold back another burst of laughter.

"Sorry, but if I can't go with Torao, I'd rather go alone," Luffy replies, his mouth still full.

"Oh… I didn't know you had someone. Sorry. Enjoy your meal then."

He gives a small wave to the group before leaving briskly.

Once he's far away enough, the whole table bursts into laughter.

"Sanji, I think you're officially cracking up!" Nami jokes.

"I think you traumatized the poor guy..." Chopper adds.

"I couldn't have guessed he wanted to invite Luffy! But it feels good not to be the one being asked for once. Next time, I promise, I'll give the person time to open their mouth..."

"Oh, but we're watching you." Usopp replies, indicating a girl that’s coming towards them.

"Hello, Sanji, could I speak with you in private, please?" she asks.

"Yes, of course."

He stands up, waving desperately at his friends, then follows her aside. When he returns, his mood is deadly: his jaw clenched, his expression completely exasperated. "What did she say to you to get you into this state?" Nami asks.

"She's been scolding me for ten whole minutes," Sanji growls. "She's accusing me of turning down her friend's invitation yesterday... According to her, since I'm single, I should choose someone, give her friend a chance, or whatever... It's even worse than just invitations! I'm going to help my mom in the truck. Maybe if I hide there, no one will find me."

---ooo---

===Nami===

Oi Nami

Can I ask you a question?

Why a message when we're sitting next to each other?

It's more discreet.

Okay, I'm listening!

I'll give you a friend's discount for discretion.

Ha ha...

Why did Curly say he was single earlier?

Isn't he going out with Ace?

What?! Since when?

Well... Since New Year's Eve.

OMG! No! Not at all!

No one told you!

I'M SO SORRY!!!

I'm a terrible friend, Zoro!

There was nothing more than what happened during the fireworks!

They're not together at all!!!

Zoro? I see you read my text.

Come on, answer me!

Okay, you have the right to be mad at me.

Sorry!

I really thought you knew!

You're in class with Luffy, dammit... This is his brother we're talking about!

I APOLOGIZE! I'll buy your lunch next Tuesday!

Okay, I accept your apology, and the lunch offer.

On the bright side, now that you know, you can invite him!

No!

Out of the question!

Any other party, but not this one!

You two are so alike!

?

Where did that come from?

Nowhere, forget it!

Anyway, I'm really sorry. I thought you knew.

It's okay, I could have asked too...

======

---ooo---

"Is Sanji here?" a female voice suddenly asks behind them.

"Yes, he is..." Usopp begins before Nami slaps him discreetly on the arm.

Zoro turns around and recognizes Viola. She's standing straight, a slight smirk on her lips, her eyes shining with an overly calculated sparkle.

"No," Nami replies sharply. "He's not here. Why?"

"I wanted to ask him to come to the Valentine's Day dance with me," she replies with feigned sweetness. "After all, we know each other well, him and I..."

She trails off, savoring the effect, before pretending to look for Sanji.

"He's already booked for that evening," Zoro interjects calmly but firmly. "He's going with me."

Silence immediately falls around the table. Luffy frowns, ready to ask a question, but Nami's dark look is enough to silence him.

Viola then turns her eyes to Zoro, a mirthless laugh on her lips.

"Really? Well... I guess that explains a few things."

She leans slightly toward him, her voice honeyed but her gaze poisonous.

"I should have known... He already seemed different back then. I just thought he wasn't... ready. In the end, I see he simply had other tastes."

Zoro half-stands, his gaze hard.

"Be careful with what you say."

"Oh, don't make a big deal out of it, I'm joking," she replies too lightly. "Well, almost. Each to their own... preferences."

"Yeah, except yours, we know they change quickly," Nami suddenly says, cold.

Viola's smile falters.

"Excuse me?"

"I think you know as well as I do what I'm talking about. Sanji doesn't need you—there's no point even thinking about doing anything. And if I hear you talking about him again, I'll punch you in the face.”

The silence is so tense you could hear a pin drop.

Viola crosses her arms, annoyed, then sighs in mock weariness.

"All right, no need to get this fired up. Have fun together, then." She spins on her heel and strides away, her sweet scent leaving a trail as heady as it is unpleasant.

Zoro flops back onto the bench, his fists still clenched.

"Ugh... what a pain."

"Forget it," Nami says. "She doesn't deserve the attention. Don't say a word to Sanji," she adds threateningly.

---ooo---

In the end, Usopp won the bet. Sanji received 72 invitations: 54 from girls and 18 from boys, and he rejected them all. He had to endure the reprimands of eight people furious that he dared to refuse their friends' requests. And to top it all off, he shared no less than 22 boxes of cakes and chocolates of all kinds with his classmates...

Chapter Text

Chapter 27 – Valentine’s dance (part 1)

Friday, February 13th.

Since the Halloween party took place at Marie Joie, the Valentine's Day party is being held at Sunny this time, on the Friday just before the two-week winter break. In the end, the five boys chose to go together, while only Nami and Vivi walk through the door hand in hand.

Upon arrival, each guest receives a corsage, to wear on their wrist or to pin to their outfit. Immediately afterward, they are invited to pose under an arch decorated with flowers and balloons for the traditional couple's photo.

Nami and Vivi step forward first and both pose elegantly, their corsages on their wrists. Then it's the boys' turn. Lacking a date, they decide to gather together to immortalize the moment in a group photo.

"Young man, your corsage is all askew! Can someone pin it properly please?" the photographer asks, looking through his lens.

"I'll take care of it, sir." Sanji says, stepping away from the group to observe his friends.

Obviously, Luffy and Zoro had attached their pins haphazardly.

Sanji walks over to Luffy with a sigh, gently unclips the pin, and replaces it correctly with a smile. His hand then slides through the boy's brown hair in an attempt to tame his curls, but they immediately spring back free.

Then he turns to Zoro.

"Why, I'm not even surprised you two don't know how to pin a pin properly..." he mutters.

He approaches and carefully undoes the small, crooked bouquet. His fingers, precise and measured, linger a little longer than he would have liked against the silky fabric of the shirt. Focus, he tries to readjust the pin, but the fabric is unpredictable.

"Don't move, Marimo, I'd like to avoid pricking you." he warns, briefly looking up at Zoro. Their eyes meet for a second, before Sanji focuses back on the flower, his gestures very careful, gentle.

A movement suddenly makes him aware of his proximity with Zoro. As he fiddles with his shirt, trying to properly secure the pin, his fingers begin to tremble and he feels heat rising in his cheeks. Zoro, however, remains motionless, almost frozen, as if he doesn't even dare breathe.

From where he stands, Sanji can feel the heat emanating from his body, the faint scent of his deodorant, and the steady breath of his exhalations brushing against his hair. His own heart is beating too fast, and each second seems to last an eternity.

Finally, he manages to secure the pin correctly and takes a step back to admire the result. His breath is short, his head is spinning slightly, and he doesn't dare meet Zoro's gaze again.

"Very well! Thank you, young man! Come on, get back in position and let's do this quickly!"

The photographer's voice abruptly brings him back to reality. Sanji blinks, composes himself, then returns to his place between Luffy and Usopp, his face seemingly impassive, but his mind still troubled.

Once the photographer is satisfied, the small group heads towards the gymnasium where the party is taking place. Sanji's heart finally starts beating more regularly, and his embarrassment slowly dissipates. It's at this moment that his halfbrothers step in the hallway from the opposite direction.

"Oh! Look who is here?! The little bastard and his gang of friends!" Ichiji says when he sees them.

Sanji grits his teeth but decides not to answer. Beside him, he immediately feels the atmosphere change: the air becomes tenser, heavier, more electric. His friends have moved closer to him without even realizing it, as if to form an invisible barrier. Zoro's presence stands out more than any other: his hand brushes against his, a light touch, intentional or not, but enough to remind him that he's not alone.

"Everyone just keep your mouth shut," he mutters, walking forward, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

"So you wont even talk to us today! Oh... very mature of you!" Niji drawls.

"That's crazy, I would have bet you would have come with half a dozen girls on your arm to this party. You, who have supposedly received countless declarations!" Yonji adds, his tone laden with irony.

Sanji takes a deep breath, trying to keep himself under control. His gaze flickers between his friends, watching for the slightest spark of reaction: the tension in Zoro and Luffy's movements, ready to pounce; the worry clinging to Usopp and Chopper's eyes; the cold anger burning in Nami's.

But against all odds, it's Vivi who speaks up.

"Shut up, Vinsmoke!" she interrupts, her voice clear and firm. "Just because no one wanted to go with you, and the only request you dared to make ended in rejection, doesn't mean you should take your anger out on Sanji! If you'd shown even a tenth of his kindness and respect, you might have had a chance of getting Shirahoshi to say yes. But when you're a big, haughty, misogynistic, possessive, and manipulative jerk, you'd better keep your mouth shut."

She crosses her arms and stares at them in turn, unblinking.

"So here's what you're going to do: turn on your heels and head back to the party without saying anything else. Because otherwise, I assure you, the next time you hear about me, it'll be in the principal's office, or even worse, at the police station."

A heavy silence falls. To Sanji, Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji have never looked so small. Vivi's tirade has taken them by surprise so much that they're speechless, as if they've just been slapped in the face.

They glare at her, but none of them dare respond. Finally, they turn to walk away.

"You have no proof..." Ichiji says in a low, threatening tone, turning back to her at the last moment.

"And what if I have?" Vivi snaps back, her eyes shining with a glint of defiance.

Her confidence alone is enough to make him back away. Without another word, Ichiji joins his brothers, and the three of them disappear toward the gym.

Once the shock has passed, the group suddenly bursts into laughter, as if to release the built-up nerves. The pressure suddenly drops and their voices echo through the hallway.

Nami grabs Vivi by the waist and spins her around in a fit of joy.

"Wow! Just... wow! I don't know what exactly you threatened them with, but you were amazing!" she exclaims before planting a quick kiss on her lips. "And that look you gave them! You almost gave me a heart attack, you were so sexy!"

"Uh... Nami, calm down a little," Usopp interjects, his voice hesitant, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Luffy bursts out laughing even louder, Chopper hides his face behind his hands, and Sanji, still a little shaken by the scene, can't help but smile. Beside him, Zoro crosses his arms and lets out a "tch" that can't even hide his own admiration.

--ooo---

It's exactly 11:00 p.m. when Mr. Soul, the Sunny's philosophy teacher, climbs onto the stage. With his eternal smile on his face, he grabs the microphone and calls out to the crowd of dancers.

"Yohohohoho! My dear students, I have a challenge for you tonight!" His voice echoes joyfully through the gymnasium. "I'd like to see if you can dance the most romantic of all dances: the waltz! The best dancing couple will win a voucher for a meal for two... at the Baratie food truck!”

Exclamations immediately erupt from the room, between shouts of surprise and whistles of enthusiasm. Then questions fly in all directions:

"Do we have time to practice?"

"Can we dance with whoever we want?"

"Who will choose the winners?"

"Is it mandatory?"

"Calm down, calm down!" he continues, raising his hands to quiet the cacophony, his unmistakable laugh punctuating his words. "Here are the rules: you will have thirty minutes to practice. Then the music will start, and Mr. and Mrs. Nico, Jinbe, and I will walk among you to observe every couple. Then we will deliberate and, around midnight, we will announce the winners. Of course, it's not mandatory! The main goal is to have fun! Yohohohoho! »

The small group of friends exchanged a few surprised glances.

"Did you know, Sanji?" Chopper asks.

"No! My mom didn't tell me anything!"

"Who among you knows how to waltz? We ABSOLUTELY have to win!" Says Nami with a mischievous glint in her eye. "We eat at the food truck all the time, this is a golden opportunity for a free meal! So? Who can teach me in thirty minutes?! Vivi?"

"Oh... No... I'd make a terrible teacher," the girl replies, grimacing. "But I know how to dance. If someone accompanies me while you learn the basic steps, I think we should be fine."

"Uh... I know  how to dance. I helped Kaya when she took lessons in eighth grade. I'd be happy to teach you," Usopp says timidly.

"Perfect! Sanji, you help Vivi practice her steps while Usopp teaches me," Nami orders. "Don't look at me like that, I know perfectly well you know how to waltz, Sanji!" Sanji rolls his eyes and offers his hand to Vivi.

"Miss, if I may?" he jokes, kissing her hand. Then they both move away to have a little more space and begin to dance while chatting about this and that. Vivi is a very pleasant company.

--ooo---

When the music stops, Sanji holds Vivi's right hand in his, steps back, and kisses her hand again, accompanied by a small curtsy.

"You're very talented, my dear! It was a pleasure waltzing with you," he tells her with a wink.

"The pleasure was all mine," Vivi replies in the same tone, also curtsying.

Looking for Usopp and Nami, Sanji freezes in his tracks. Nami is no longer with Usopp; she and Zoro are a few steps away, catching their breath as if they'd just danced together. Nami spots them and walks toward them with a firm step.

"All right, I think I'm ready," she says, amused. "We're going to win, that's for sure!"

"Where's Usopp?" Sanji asks, looking confused.

"Oh... He's a terrible teacher! Zoro was much more effective!" Nami replies with a smile.

"Marimo? Can you waltz?" Sanji's eyes widen. "With your sense of direction, you can move properly on a dance floor?! I would have liked to see that!"

"Okay, later, Sanji," Nami interrupts impatiently. "Now we have to see if we can both dance together without ruining our feet!"

Nami takes the same position as when she danced with Zoro, as a follower. Vivi, focused, takes her place as leader. Nami counts the beats quietly, like Zoro a few minutes earlier, and they begin to move in time with the beat.

At first, everything goes well. They don't step on each other's toes, their steps are in sync, but... it's still too calculated, too rigid. They look like two diligent students reciting a lesson they just learned.

Sanji, watching them with his arms crossed, finally steps in with a small sigh.

“You are too stiffed. You need to relax, girls! Right now, you look like you're taking a math test... And besides, you're a couple. There's no decency between you. You can touch each other more naturally than when you were dancing with the Mosshead or me. Well, if you're both okay with it, of course!" He turns abruptly to Zoro.

"Look, I'll show you. Come here for two seconds, Mosshead." Zoro frowns, ready to protest.

"What?! Why me?!"

"Because you're the only person I have at hand," Sanji retorts, grabbing his arm. "They need to be able to see the two dancers to understand my point. Come on, I'm not gonna to eat you!"

Sanji raises his arms and approaches Zoro, who remains frozen in place. He places his left hand on the young man's right shoulder and waits, his right hand raised. Seeing that nothing's happening, he takes a step back and look at Zoro for a few seconds, then smacks him lightly on the head to bring him back to reality and grabs his right arm, placing it at his waist. Zoro tenses for a second, then lets himself be moved.

Sanji adjusts their position, methodical, focused. He straightens up, checks the angle of his arm, and corrects Zoro's with a light tap, like a demanding teacher.

"There. Not stiff as a board. You have to give the impression of guiding, not forcing."

He keeps his tone neutral, almost clinical, as if he were in the kitchen correcting an apprentice's posture. Sanji moves just close enough to illustrate his point, his gaze already turned toward Nami and Vivi. Zoro's hand slips between his shoulder blades.

"See? The contact has to be natural. Not tense, not distant. If you're too tense, it shows right away and it breaks the movement. Okay, Marimo, we're going to take a few steps to show them how to move. Show me what you can do.”

They begin to move, fluidly, perfectly at ease. Zoro counts the beats quietly and moves mechanically.

Sanji concludes, implacable:

"There you go, girls. That's what it means to look natural! And yes, the Marimo can waltz. I'm impressed!"

He finally lets go of Zoro and takes a step back, as if nothing had happened. Zoro, however, remains frozen for a second, his arms dangling in midair.

Whether it was Sanji's words or the demonstration itself that worked, they don't really know. The fact remains that they are finally beginning to relax.

Vivi, after a slight hesitation, lowers her hand slightly, placing it more firmly in the middle of Nami's back, as Sanji had indicated. The more assured gesture immediately changes their posture. Nami, however, chooses to go further: her arm gently wraps around Vivi's shoulders and she tilts her head, bringing her cheek closer to hers, so close that their locks brush.

A slight smile crosses their lips. This time, when they start moving again, it's no longer mechanical. Their steps match naturally, their bodies follow the rhythm with a newfound ease. They glide across the dance floor with a fluidity that contrasts with the rigidity of their previous attempts, their eyes locked.

Sanji watches them for a few moments, arms crossed, looking satisfied, like a teacher whose students have finally learned their lesson.

Mr. Soul takes his place behind the microphone and announces the start of the "competition." The dancers take their positions on the dance floor while the other students form a circle around them to observe. When the music starts, all the couples take off at the same time. The effect is striking.

Sanji taps his feet, a slight smile on his lips, without taking his eyes off the girls. Around them, "Ohs" and "Ahs" rise from the crowd as some couples try more daring moves or even lifts, with varying degrees of success.

But in Sanji's eyes, nothing equals the grace and complicity of his friends: they surpass all the other dancers. When the music ends, applause immediately erupts. Then, when it's time for deliberations, the dance floor comes back to life with more contemporary and festive tunes.

After a few minutes, Mr. Soul returns to the stage and takes the microphone to announce the results.

"So, first of all, thank you all for your participation; it was a wonderful effect! The waltz still has a bright future ahead of it! Yohohoho! And now for the results: the couple who most moved and impressed us with their complicity and fluidity is... Misses Nefertari and Mikan!"

The crowd applauds again. Nami and Vivi jump into each other's arms. Chopper is on the verge of tears, Usopp whistles loudly, and Luffy bursts out laughing, hugging the two girls. Sanji and Zoro, a little further back, exchange glances, smiling, and Sanji nudges him with his shoulder.

"I think they can thank us, Marimo! Without us, they would have been lost. We made a good team this time!"

Zoro doesn't have time to reply. The crowd has calmed down, as Mr. Soul is trying to add something.

"And we have a special mention for two students who gave a very good performance... but who didn't want to compete tonight: Mr. Roronoa and Mr. Black! We saw you practicing, you should have joined them! Yohohoho!"

Immediately, their friends—and the rest of the audience—turn to them. The applause, shouts, and whistles far outnumber those that accompanied the girls' victory. Chopper's mouth is open, Luffy and Usopp burst out laughing at their reaction, while Nami and Vivi seem a little annoyed at having been upstaged.

Sanji, on the other hand, doesn't know where to stand. A surge of heat and anxiety rises in his chest. He hates being the center of attention. Memories of his waltz with Zoro flood back, and now that he's no longer focused on Nami and Vivi, he realizes that their display was far from trivial. He hides his face in his hands, trying to calm his breathing and the frantic beating of his heart. Beside him, Zoro is flushed. He stares at a point in the distance as if ignoring the crowd could make it disappear.

Fortunately, the crowd attention doesn't stay focused on them for long: the music starts up again almost immediately, and the students disperse into the gym and outside.

Nami approaches them with a smile and suddenly slaps their shoulders.

"That's for stealing our victory!" she says.

"Nami, darling, I never meant to steal anything from you. You won by the book!"

"Oi! Witch! That hurts!"

"Don't talk like that to sweet Nami!" Sanji retorts, kicking him in the shin with his heel.

Before they can come to blows, Nami grabs each of them by an ear and separates them.

"But I admit I agree with the teachers, you could have danced with everyone, your performance was... very instructive," she concludes, a slight smile playing on her lips and a knowing wink.

Her words make them both blush again. Then Zoro mumbles something about a glass of water and disappears towards the bar.

--ooo---

Later that evening, while debating with Rebecca about the texture of the chocolate puddings offered for dessert—a little overcooked, not melting enough for his taste—Sanji spots Zoro quietly slipping out of the gym. It's not so much the fact that he's going out for some fresh air that catches his attention, but rather the way he scans the room before walking out the door, as if making sure he's not being followed.

Intrigued, Sanji politely apologizes to Rebecca and stands up. His steps lighten as he decides to discreetly follow. After all, it's best to keep an eye on him… With his sense of direction, Zoro is capable of getting lost before he's even left the building.

Sanji doesn't immediately see the silhouettes, but he distinctly hears the voices. In the small courtyard between the gymnasium and the main building, an argument breaks out. From Zoro's cold, restrained tone, Sanji immediately understands who he's talking to: his three half-brothers. Well... "talk" is a bit of a strong word. Zoro's voice is low, rumbling, threatening, while the three idiots raise their voices arrogantly, confident in their numbers.

A cold shiver runs down Sanji's spine when he grasps the subject of their discussion: himself.

"I'm telling you for the last time: drop that and get back inside," Zoro growls through his teeth.

"Oooh, the boyfriend's getting angry!" Niji sneers.

"Do you think he'll try anything?" Ichiji continues, sneering. “I bet Sanji has him so well trained that he won't dare do anything. He's too afraid of the consequences... like last time.”

"It's amazing how straight you stand when Dady isn't there to cover for you," Yonji adds with a wicked smile.

In the shadow of the large column near the gymnasium door, Sanji clenches his fists until his knuckles turn white. If he goes out now, he knows his brothers won't be satisfied with mere threats. And yet, staying still is costing him. He silently tells himself that as long as Zoro stays calm, he's safe...

"Sanji didn't do anything to deserve your bullshit, and... I'm not his boyfriend. Just... just a friend," Zoro says, his voice low but firm. "It's called loyalty, you should try it sometimes. Now release that spider into the plants and go back inside and we will all pretend that nothing happened. Otherwise... consequences or no consequences, I'll gladly beat the hell out of all three of you. We were interrupted too soon last time..."

Sanji feels his heart clench violently. Just a friend. These words resonate in his chest, harder than any threat, more painful than a punch. He wishes there was more, he wishes Zoro... felt something else, but he knows now that he doesn't.

The gravel crunches under a footstep and Sanji glances behind the pillar. None of the four teenagers have noticed him. Zoro, barely taking a step forward, threatens the other three who, despite their arrogance, are beginning to show a slight sign of hesitation. Three against one... If Zoro decides to take action, Sanji isn't sure he can win.

A hand on his arm makes him flinch, but he instinctively doesn't shout, so as not to be noticed by the four boys. Nami and Vivi are there; the worried look they give him is enough to let him know that they too, have grasped the gist of the conversation and are worried about Zoro.

Nami approaches, leans down, and whispers in his ear:

"Go inside, we'll take care of this. Hurry before they see you."

He nods, grabs her hand, and squeezes it in thanks. His eyes shine with tears that he refuses to let fall. Emotions are jostling within him: the anguish and sadness aroused by Zoro's words, the gratitude and affection for his friends, ready to protect him without judging him. Even Vivi, who has only been with them for a few weeks, is ready to fight tooth and nail for him, and it warms his heart.

He gives them one last nod and goes back inside.

Later that evening, Nami will confirm that everything ended well in the small courtyard. As for Zoro, he said nothing about this meeting, spending the rest of the evening chatting and having fun with the group as if nothing had happened.

Chapter Text

Chapter 28 – Valentine’s dance (part 2)

A few hours earlier.

"Young man, your corsage is all askew! Can someone pin it properly please?" the photographer asks, looking through his lens.

"I'll take care of it, sir." Sanji says, stepping away from the group to observe his friends.

Sanji walks over to Luffy with a sigh, gently unclips the pin, and replaces it correctly with a smile. His hand then slides through the boy's brown hair in an attempt to tame his curls, but they immediately spring back free.

Zoro smiles at this affectionate gesture, but almost immediately corrects himself. Sanji turns to him, annoyed.

"Why, I'm not even surprised you two don't know how to pin a pin properly..." he mutters.

He walks over and carefully undoes the small, crooked bouquet. Zoro watches as his fingers deftly grasp the fabric of his shirt. He can feel the warmth of the other's hand against his chest.

"Don't move, Marimo, I'd like to avoid pricking you," Sanji warns, briefly raising a blue eye to him. Their gazes meet for a second, before Sanji focuses again on the flower, his gestures still as careful, but unusually gentle.

Zoro tries to keep his breathing steady and continues to watch him closely. Sanji, absorbed in his task, sticks out his tongue and grumbles slightly. His hair falls in front of his eyes, and he blows upward to properly position the strand so he can see better the small pin. Zoro has to summon all his will power to resist the urge to put the strand behind his ear himself. He inhales slowly, forcing himself to calm down.

Finally, Sanji manages to secure the pin correctly and takes a step back to admire his work. He seems out of breath, a light red veil coloring his cheeks. In Zoro's eyes, he looks splendid. Quickly, he looks away and meets Nami's eyes, who winks at him. He tries to maintain a calm expression on his features.

"Very well! Thank you, young man! Come on, get back in position and let's do this quickly!"

Sanji returns to his place between Luffy and Usopp, and the boys try to smile naturally for the photo, under the watchful eyes of Nami and Vivi.

Once the photographer is satisfied, the small group heads towards the gym where the party is taking place. Zoro's heart finally starts beating more regularly, and his embarrassment slowly dissipates. It's at this moment that the three Vinsmoke brothers step in the hallway from the opposite direction.

"Oh! Look who is here?! The little bastard and his gang of friends!" Ichiji says when he sees them.

Zoro grits his teeth. He feels his friends doing the same, ready to defend Sanji no matter what. Without realizing it, he's moved closer and feels a shiver run through him as he involuntarily brushes against Sanji's hand.

"Everyone just keep your mouth shut," Sanji mutters, walking forward, his gaze fixed straight ahead.

"So you wont even talk to us today! Oh... very mature of you!" Niji drawls.

"That's crazy, I would have bet you would have come with half a dozen girls on your arm to this party. You who have supposedly received countless declarations!" Yonji adds, his tone laden with irony.

Zoro's blood is pounding in his ears. He feels every muscle tense in response to Yonji's inappropriate remark. Beside him, Luffy groans imperceptibly. And suddenly, someone breaks the silence of the group.

"Shut up, Vinsmoke!" Vivi interrupts, her voice clear and firm. "Just because no one wanted to go with you, and the only request you dared to make ended in rejection, doesn't mean you should take your anger out on Sanji! If you'd shown even a tenth of his kindness and respect, you might have had a chance of getting Shirahoshi to say yes. But when you're a big, haughty, misogynistic, possessive, and manipulative jerk, you'd better keep your mouth shut."

She crosses her arms and stares at them in turn, unblinking.

"So here's what you're going to do: turn on your heels and head back to the party without saying anything else. Because otherwise, I assure you, the next time you hear about me, it'll be in the principal's office, or even worse, at the police station."

A heavy silence falls. Vivi's tirade has taken them so by surprise that they're speechless, as if they've just been slapped in the face. Zoro is impressed by the girl's poise. The situation she's talking about escapes him, but the three idiots seem to have gotten the message.

They glare at her, but none of them dare respond. Finally, they turn around and start to walk away.

"You have no proof..." Ichiji says in a low, threatening tone, turning back to her at the last moment.

"And what if I have?" Vivi snaps back, her eyes shining with a glint of defiance.

Her confidence alone is enough to make him back away. Without another word, Ichiji joins his brothers, and the three of them disappear toward the gymnasium.

Once the shock has passed, the group suddenly bursts into laughter, as if to release the built-up nerves. The pressure suddenly drops and their voices echo in the hallway. Zoro takes longer to calm down. He glances worriedly at Sanji, but he seems more stunned by Vivi's reaction than anything else. Good.

Nami grabs Vivi by the waist and spins her around in a fit of joy.

"Wow! Just... wow! I don't know what exactly you threatened them with, but you were amazing!" she exclaims before planting a quick kiss on her lips. "And that look you gave them! You almost gave me a heart attack, you were so sexy!"

"Uh... Nami, calm down a little," Usopp interjects, his voice hesitant, his cheeks flushed with embarrassment.

Luffy bursts out laughing even louder, Chopper hides his face behind his hands, and Sanji, still a little shaken by the scene, can't help but smile. Beside him, Zoro crosses his arms and lets out a "tch" that can't hide his own admiration.

---ooo---

It's exactly 11:00 p.m. when Mr. Soul, the Sunny's philosophy teacher, climbs onto the stage. With his eternal smile plastered on his face, he grabs the microphone and calls out to the crowd of dancers.

"Yohohohoho! My dear students, I have a challenge for you tonight!" His voice echoes joyfully through the gymnasium. "I'd like to see if you can dance the most romantic of all dances: the waltz! The best dancing couple will win a voucher for a meal for two... at the Baratie food truck!”

The room cheers immediately, between shouts of surprise and whistles of enthusiasm. Then questions fly in all directions:

"Do we have time to practice?"

"Can we dance with whoever we want?"

"Who will choose the winners?"

"Is it mandatory?"

"Calm down, calm down!" he continues, raising his hands to quiet the cacophony, his unmistakable laugh punctuating his words. "Here are the rules: you will have thirty minutes to practice. Then the music will start, and Mr. and Mrs. Nico, Jinbe, and I will walk among you to observe every couple. Then we will deliberate and, around midnight, we will announce the winners. Of course, it's not mandatory! The main goal is to have fun! Yohohohoho! »

The crew exchange a few surprised glances.

"Did you know, Sanji?" Chopper asks.

"No! My mom didn't tell me anything!"

"Who among you knows how to waltz? We ABSOLUTELY have to win!" says Nami with a mischievous glint in her eye. "We eat at the food trucks all the time, this is a golden opportunity for a free meal! So? Who can teach me in thirty minutes?! Vivi?"

"Oh... No... I'd make a terrible teacher," the girl replies, grimacing. "But I know how to dance. If someone accompanies me while you learn the basic steps, I think we should be fine."

"Uh... I know how to dance. I helped Kaya when she took lessons in eighth grade. I'd be happy to teach you," Usopp says timidly.

"Perfect! Sanji, you help Vivi practice her steps while Usopp teaches me," Nami orders. "Don't look at me like that, I know perfectly well you know how to waltz, Sanji!"

Sanji approaches Vivi.

"Miss, if I may?" he jokes, kissing her hand. Then they both move away to have a little more space.

Chopper and Luffy slip away to the buffet while Usopp begins his lesson, under Zoro's watchful eye. He places his right hand on Nami's waist and grabs her hand with his left to guide her.

"Put your other hand on my shoulder. Good. Okay... uh... so, it's simple! The waltz is: one step forward, one step to the side, and close. Then start again. Easy, right?"

"If it were that simple, you wouldn't already be sweating just explaining it," Nami retorts, raising an eyebrow.

"No, but I've got it! Look: one, two, three... one, two, three..."

He takes a step forward, steps back instead of moving forward, and nearly crushes Nami's foot.

"Ouch! Usopp! You just stepped on my foot!"

"Sorry, sorry!" He replies, letting go of her and taking a few steps back. “It's my fault, it's because I'm left-handed! It changes the whole pattern, you understand?”

"Usopp... there's no 'left-handed pattern' for the waltz."

"Well, yes! It's a secret variation, that only great dancers know... Okay, wait, let me start again! Put your right foot... no, your other right... well, your left!"

"You know what?" Nami replies, a little annoyed, "I think you're the one who can't tell your left from your right... And I thought only Zoro was bad at directions... Focus! I have to win! For Vivi! Look at her twirling over there! She's magnificent..."

Usopp gets back into position, focused as if he's about to defuse a bomb.

"So... left hand here, right hand there... no, wait... uh... let's start again!" Three attempts later, punctuated by a chorus of "Ouch!" "You stepped on my foot!" and "Get on the right foot, Usopp!", Nami stops dead in her tracks, arms in the air, on the verge of a breakdown.

"It's not possible, you're even worse than me! I don't understand a word of your explanations!"

Usopp, annoyed, rubs his nose with dignity.

"Hey! It's not my fault you're a stubborn student!"

Zoro, exasperated, approaches them. He crosses his arms on his chest, looks at them for a second, and snaps, "I feel sorry for you both. Let me try, Usopp. You don't have what it takes to handle her."

"Excuse me?!" Usopp chokes, red with indignation.

Nami bursts out laughing.

"You, Zoro, you can waltz? Don’t make me laugh! This is serious!”

Zoro frowns, visibly stung.

"Yes. Mihawk insisted.”

He seems compelled to clarify, a little embarrassed:

“Supposedly it's a ‘necessary’ social skill. I took lessons with Perona when I was twelve. And ever since, he's made us dance at least once a year, to make sure we haven't lost our reflexes.”

He shrugs, as if it was not a big deal.

“So yes, Nami, I know how to waltz. But don't expect me to give you any theoretical explanations. We'll position ourselves, listen to the music, and move correctly. That's all.”

Silence falls for a moment. Usopp, speechless, finally raises his hands.

“All right, go ahead, she’s all yours, we'll see!”

Zoro and Nami get into position. He waits a few seconds, listening to the music, then explains: 

“I'm going to count the beats, one, two, three, and when I start again at one, we'll start moving. Let yourself be guided, don't resist, and look ahead. Let your feet fall into place on their own, okay?”

Nami nods, half amused, half surprised. Zoro counts three bars, then he starts moving and spins her along. To Nami's surprise, it works. She listens to Zoro murmuring the tempo and looks into the distance at the other couples also practicing here and there. Her gaze falls back on Sanji and Vivi, and she smiles tenderly. She looks up at Zoro's focus face.

"Okay, I'll admit it, you're doing pretty well, teacher!" He smiles shyly at her, without stopping the counting.

"I didn't think you had that string to your bow! I'm very impressed," the young girl jokes. "Thank you."

The music suddenly stops, and everyone freezes. They are only a few steps away from Sanji and Vivi.

Nami spots them and walks toward them with a firm step.

"All right, I think I'm ready," she says, amused. "We're going to win, that's for sure!"

"Where's Usopp?" Sanji asks, looking confused.

"Oh... He's a terrible teacher! Zoro was much more effective!" Nami replies with a smile.

"Marimo? Can you waltz?" Sanji's eyes widen. "With your sense of direction, you can move properly on a dance floor?! I would have liked to see that!"

"Okay, later, Sanji," Nami interrupts impatiently. "Now we have to see if we can both dance together without ruining our feet!"

Nami takes the same position as when she danced with Zoro, as a follower. Vivi, focused, takes her place as leader. Nami counts the beats quietly, like Zoro a few minutes earlier, and they begin to move in time with the beat.

At first, everything goes well. They don't step on each other's toes, their steps are in sync, but... it's still too calculated, too rigid. They look like two diligent students reciting a lesson they just learned.

Sanji, watching them with his arms crossed, finally steps in with a small sigh.

“You are too stiffed. You need to relax, girls! Right now, you look like you're taking a math test... And besides, you're a couple. There's no decency between you. You can touch each other more naturally than when you were dancing with Marimo or me. Well, if you're both okay with it, of course!" He turns abruptly to Zoro.

"Look, I'll show you. Come here for two seconds, Mosshead."

Zoro frowns, his heart skips a beat.

"What?! Why me?!

"Because you're the only person I have at hand," Sanji retorts, grabbing his arm. "They need to be able to see the two dancers to understand my point. Come on, I'm not gonna to eat you!"

Sanji raises his arms and approaches Zoro, who remains frozen in place. A light smack to the head brings him back to reality, and Sanji grabs his right arm and places it around his own waist. Zoro tenses up for a second, then lets himself be moved.

Sanji adjusts their position, methodical, focused. He straightens up, checks the angle of his arm, and corrects Zoro's with a light tap, like a demanding teacher.

"There. Not stiff as a board. You have to give the impression of guiding, not forcing."

He keeps his tone neutral, almost clinical, as if he were in the kitchen correcting an apprentice's posture. Sanji moves just close enough to illustrate his point, his gaze already turned toward Nami and Vivi. Zoro slowly slides his hand down Sanji's back, barely touching it, until it rests between his shoulder blades. His heart decides to play tricks inside of his chest again. He gazes into the distance, attentive to what Sanji is saying, to be able to follow his instructions if necessary.

"See? The contact has to be natural. Not tense, not distant. If you're too tense, it shows right away and it breaks the movement.”

Zoro, on the other hand, is a little more breathless. His hand resting on Sanji's back burns against the fabric of the shirt, and he has to focus not to suddenly remove it. His gaze drifts to the young man's face, so close, to his blond curls brushing his forehead. He swallows hard and try not to show any sign of his confusion.

Sanji notices nothing, absorbed in his role.

“Okay, Marimo, we're going to take a few steps to show them how to move. Show me what you can do.”

They begin to move, fluid, perfectly at ease. Zoro counts the beats in a low voice and moves mechanically, but his throat is dry, and the more he tries to focus his attention on the demonstration, the more he feels troubled by the closeness between them. Sanji concluded implacably: "There you go, girls. That's what it means to look natural! And yes, the Marimo can waltz. I'm impressed!"

He finally lets go of Zoro and takes a step back, as if nothing had happened. Zoro, however, remains frozen for a second, his arms hanging in midair, unable to hide his lingering unease.

He takes several deep breaths to calm his emotions and observes the girls, who now seem more at ease, more relaxed.

Mr. Soul takes back his place behind the microphone and announces the start of the "competition." The dancers take their positions on the dance floor while the other students form a circle around them to observe. When the music starts, all the couples take off at the same time. The effect is striking.

Sanji taps his feet, a slight smile on his lips, without taking his eyes off the girls. Around them, "Ohs" and "Ahs" rise from the crowd as some couples try more daring moves or even lifts, with varying degrees of success.

When the music ends, applause immediately erupts. Then, when it's time for deliberations, the dance floor comes back to life with more contemporary and festive tunes.

After a few minutes, Mr. Soul returns to the stage and takes the microphone to announce the results.

"So, first of all, thank you all for your participation; it was a wonderful effect! The waltz still has a bright future ahead of it! Yohohoho! And now for the results: the couple who most moved and impressed us with their complicity and fluidity is... Misses Nefertari and Mikan!"

The crowd applauds again. Nami and Vivi jump into each other's arms. Chopper is on the verge of tears, Usopp whistles loudly, and Luffy bursts out laughing, hugging the two girls. Sanji and Zoro, a little further back, exchange glances, smiling, and Sanji nudges him with his shoulder.

"I think they can thank us, Marimo! Without us, they would have been lost. We made a good team this time!"

Zoro's smile widens and he's about to respond but doesn't have time. The crowd has calmed down as Mr. Soul is trying to add something.

"And we have a special mention for two students who gave a very good performance... but who didn't want to compete tonight: Mr. Roronoa and Mr. Black! We saw you practicing, you should have joined! Yohohoho!"

Immediately, their friends—and the rest of the audience—turn to them. The applause, shouts, and whistles far outnumber those that accompanied the girls' victory. Chopper's mouth is open, Luffy and Usopp burst out laughing at their reaction, while Nami and Vivi seem a little annoyed at having been upstaged.

Suddenly, Zoro feels like he's going to implode. All this attention makes him deeply uncomfortable. He stares at the corner of a window at the other end of the gym, remembering the meditation exercises he practices to calm the emotions that assail him. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Sanji, his face, hidden in his hands, is probably as red as his own.

Fortunately, the crowd attention doesn't stay focused on them for long: the music starts up again almost immediately, and the students disperse into the gym and outside.

Nami approaches them with a smile and suddenly slaps their shoulders.

"That's for stealing our victory!" she says.

"Nami, darling, I never meant to steal anything from you. You won by the book!"

"Oi! Witch! That hurts!"

"Don't talk like that to sweet Nami!" Sanji retorts, kicking him in the shin with his heel.

Before they can come to blows, Nami grabs each of them by an ear and separates them.

"But I admit I agree with the teachers, you could have danced with everyone, your performance was... very instructive," she concludes, a slight smile playing on her lips and a knowing wink.

Her words make them both blush again. Then Zoro mumbles something about a glass of water and rushes to the bar.

---ooo---

Through one of the gym's glass doors, Zoro spots movement in the courtyard between the gym and the main building. He approaches the door and recognizes the three Vinsmoke brothers, leaning over a flowerbed. Yonji looks like he's grabbing something with a glass and a piece of paper.

No one else is outside. Zoro finds this suspicious and decides to go outside to check what the three idiots are up to. He glances into the room to check where his friends are, then quietly slips out through another door to better surprise the three boys.

"Oh! Great specimen! She's HUGE!" exclaims Ichiji.

"He's going to be so freaked out! This is going to be awesome!" adds Niji.

“Apparently he refused Shirahoshi's invitation to the party! How dare he!” Yonji delicately lifts the glass, in which a large black spider is now crawling.

“Because you would have been happier if he had accepted?” Niji teases him.

“Yes! She deserves to be worshipped!” Yonji begins before frowning. “Well, no! That would have probably pissed me off even more! She had to ask him! She deserves a little revenge too... Anyway! It's time to introduce Sanji to his new girlfriend: Black Maria!”

He bursts out laughing at his own joke before turning around and finding himself face to face with Zoro. He freezes in his tracks and frowns. His brothers take a few steps toward him. All three are now facing Zoro and square their shoulders to give themselves composure.

"Release that animal Vinsmoke," Zoro orders sharply.

"Or what, Roronoa? Are you going to punch me like last time? I don't see your guard dog? Has Luffy gotten tired of following you around like a lost puppy?"

Yonji's remark elicits small, muffled snickers from his brothers.

"I'm telling you for the last time: drop that and get back inside," Zoro growls through his teeth.

"Oooh, the boyfriend's getting angry!" Niji sneers.

Zoro clenches his fists so tightly his knuckles turn white, blood pounding in his ears. Every word Yonji says ignite a fire in his chest. If he lets this comment slide, these three idiots might misunderstand his relationship with Sanji... and he won't be able to bear it. Sanji doesn't need to hear homophobic innuendos on top of all the other nonsense his brothers throw at him every time they see him.

His teeth grind, his breathing quickens, and his eyes darken. He wants to react, to make them understand, but he has to choose his words carefully. One mistake, and everything could go haywire. Every fiber of his body screams to protect Sanji. He feels his heart pounding in his chest, as his eyes scan the three brothers, searching for the words to respond without violence...

"Do you think he'll try anything?" Ichiji continues, sneering. “I bet Sanji has him so well trained that he won't dare do anything. He's too afraid of the consequences... like last time.”

"It's amazing how straight you stand when Dady isn't there to cover for you," Yonji adds with a wicked smile.

He takes a breath to try to calm himself slightly before replying.

"Sanji didn't do anything to deserve your bullshit, and... I'm not his boyfriend. Just... just a friend," Zoro says, his voice low but firm. "It's called loyalty, you should try it sometimes. Now release that spider into the plants and go back inside and we will all pretend that nothing happened. Otherwise... consequences or no consequences, I'll gladly beat the hell out of all three of you. We were interrupted too soon last time..."

The gravel crunches as Zoro steps forward, threatening the other three who, despite their arrogance, are beginning to show a slight sign of hesitation. Three against one… If he decides to take action, he's not sure he can win. But he can't let them get away with this.

While he's still weighing the pros and cons of whether to try to solve the problem with his fists or not, he hears footsteps behind him. Nami and Vivi arrive in the courtyard and stand beside him. They're now evenly matched. Three against three. Even though Zoro will never engage in combat with Nami and Vivi at his side (Sanji will never forgive him for that), he's reassured to know they're there.

"I thought I'd been clear earlier," Vivi begins in a tone that leaves no room for negotiation. "But apparently that wasn't enough, so let me explain the situation more clearly: if you don't stop your childishness immediately, starting tomorrow morning, all written conversations between Yonji and Shirahoshi will be made public, and Shirahoshi and his father will go to the police station to file a complaint against Yonji for harassment, sexual harassment and cyberbullying."

She turns to Zoro, a defiant glint in her eyes. She's terrifying.

"Zoro, I seem to remember that your father has contact information for Lieutenant Smoker? It shouldn't be a problem to call him to arrange a meeting tomorrow, right?"

Zoro looks at her in astonishment, then pulls himself together and replies.

"Yes, they worked together a few years ago on Doflamingo’s case."

Ichiji shakes his head then speaks, glancing at his brothers to quiet them down.

"It doesn't have to come to that. I'm sure we can come to an agreement."

"I have other ideas, ones that don't involve the police or broadcasting the messages of that idiot you call a brother."

Yonji steps forward and opens his mouth to reply, but Ichiji blocks his path with an arm, glares at him, and gives him a "Don't you dare open your mouth" to silence him.

"We accept. Yonji will have to face the consequences of his behavior towards Shirahoshi. I had no idea things had gotten this bad."

He tilts his head slightly toward them in apology, then turns to his brothers.

"Yonji, release the spider," he orders curtly. "Niji, go get our things, we're leaving. I think the three of us need to have a little chat."

With that, Niji returns to the gym, and Yonji and Ichiji head toward the school exit.

Zoro hears Nami sigh and releases a breath he hadn't realized he was holding. He turns to the two girls.

"Thank you. And sorry about Shirahoshi, she didn't deserve this..."

"Don't worry, she's well supported. She wanted to wait until after winter break to deal with this, but I think it's better if we sort it out as soon as possible anyway. She didn't even want to come tonight so she wouldn't run into him..."

"This behavior is disgusting!" Nami exclaims. “I don't even know how Sanji can stand being related to them...”

"Speaking of Sanji..." Zoro replies, looking embarrassed. "If this whole situation could stay between us... I... Uh... I kind of promised him I'd never get involved with his brothers ever again..."

Nami winks at him, and Vivi laughs softly.

"Don't worry, we won't tell him anything," Nami reassures him.

"But maybe it would be nice to be honest with him," Vivi suggests.

"Maybe another day."

Chapter Text

Chapter 29 – Pictures and texts

Monday, March 2nd.

===Nami===

Happy Birthday Sanji!

Thank you, Nami.

Thank me later.

Here is a gift:

*photos*

======

Sanji clicks to start downloading the photos. When they finally appear on the screen, his heart races, his head spins, and he feels as if the ground is giving way beneath his feet. A surge of warmth rises from his stomach and spreads throughout his body, rooting him to the spot.

Nami discreetly captured several shots as he was fixing Zoro's corsage at the Valentine's Dance.

In the first picture, Sanji is leaning slightly toward him, his brow furrowed in concentration. His fingers work precisely on his shirt, while Zoro, arms hanging loose, watches him. His expression is calm, almost tender. His cheeks are flushed, and a small smile touches his lips.

The second photo immortalizes the precise moment their eyes meet, when Sanji asks him not to move. Zoro's face has regained an apparent neutrality, but in his gaze, a softness persists, almost perceptible despite his impassiveness. The red has risen to his ears. Sanji, pin between his fingers, hands frozen in front of his chest, seems suspended, hypnotized by those steely eyes.

The third one shows Sanji who has just stepped back to assess his work. His hands are still outstretched towards Zoro, as if hesitating to fall. His gaze is clearly troubled, his cheeks flushed and his lips parted. Zoro, this time, looks away, also troubled, the red still marked on his face. But at the corner of his mouth, the shadow of a smile persists, betraying more than he would like to let on.

Sanji can't believe his eyes. These shots are perfect... But Zoro's words still ring in his ears: "Just a friend."

---ooo---

===Sanji===

Nami

He said I was just a friend.

You heard it as well as I did.

I've been doing everything I can to forget him for the past two weeks...

OH!

But no!

Sanji!

He said that to protect you.

He hesitated.

Believe me!

It's nice of you to support me, but I'd like to move on.

Please... Try to understand me... It's too painful...

I'm sorry. I won't insist anymore.

======

===Zoro===

Zoro, we have a problem

Sanji was there, the night of Valentine’s Dance

Yes, thank you, I know that.

No! He was THERE.

When you were outside with his brothers.

Oh no...

Oh yes!

Why are you only telling me this now?

You have to do something to make it right

He heard you say he was just a friend to you.

I can't stand seeing you both unhappy anymore.

Do something!

Did he hear me say that?

Yes

And what does it matter? It's the truth...

It made him SAD Zoro!

======

*Zoro's call*

"I made him sad?"

“Yes"

"But why? We are friends...”

“Zoro! You're driving me crazy! He doesn't want to be your friend anymore!”

“Oh really... is he that mad at me for standing up to them again?”

“No, stupid! He doesn't want to be your friend because he wants more!!! He's been waiting for you for months!”

“...”

“Hello? Zoro? Are you there?”

“Mmmhh”

“Did you understand what I just said?”

“Mmmhh”

“So you’re going to do something about it?”

“Mmmhh”

“Okay. Very well. That's all I needed to hear. I'll let you recover now. Don't forget to wish him a happy birthday. And just in case, I'm sending you three photos you have to see. Bye.”

“Mmmhh”

---ooo---

Zoro clicks to start downloading the photos. When they finally appear on the screen, his heart races, his head spins, and he feels like the ground is giving way beneath his feet. A surge of heat rises from his stomach and spreads throughout his body, rooting him to the spot.

Nami discreetly captures several shots as Sanji fixes his corsage at the Valentine's Day party.

In the first photo, Sanji is leaning slightly toward him, his brow furrowed in concentration. His fingers work precisely on his shirt, while Zoro, arms dangling, watches him. He finds himself looking stupid.

The second picture immortalizes the precise moment their eyes meet, when Sanji asks him not to move. Sanji, pin between his fingers, hands frozen in front of his chest, seems suspended, hypnotized by those steely eyes. If he thought he looked stupid in the previous photo, this one is worse. He looks absolutely captivated by Sanji, as if nothing around them matters anymore.

The third one shows Sanji who has just stepped back to assess his work. His hair is slightly disheveled and his hands are still outstretched towards Zoro, as if hesitating to drop them. His gaze is clearly troubled, his cheeks flushed and his lips parted. Zoro stares at a point to his right, his cheeks reddened and a small, goofy smile discreetly tugs at his lips. He thinks he looks stupid, again... While Sanji, on the other hand, looks perfect...

He sighs and replies to Nami with a simple, "Give me some time, I'll take care of it," to which she responds with a thumbs-up.

Chapter Text

Chapter 30 – Surprise Birthday Party

Saturday, March 21^st.

*Call from Dad*

"Hello?"

"Hey, Eggplant, are you busy? The restaurant is packed, and several waiters are sick. We could use some help with your mom."

"Okay Dad, I'll get dressed and be there in ten minutes. Fifteen at most."

"Okay."

Sanji puts on black pants and a white shirt, then quickly ties a blue tie around his neck. He grabs a navy blue suit jacket, his keys, and his phone, and runs out of the apartment. If his father called him, it means they're really in trouble at the restaurant.

He shivers as he walks through the front door of the building and checks his phone. He doesn't have time to go back upstairs and get a coat if he wants to get to the restaurant as quickly as possible. He turns up the collar of his jacket, hunches his head, and slips his hands into his pockets before striding briskly out into the street. At least it's not raining tonight.

When he finally arrives in front of the restaurant, he's freezing. Small clouds of steam form in front of him as he stops dead in front of the door, one hand on the handle. His heart skips a beat. The lights are on, but there's no one inside. He gently pushes the door open and hears the small bell ringing to signal his entrance. He frowns and scans the room. Empty... He senses movement behind the window of the kitchen door and immediately heads in that direction. When he yanks the swinging door open, he's greeted by applause and a collective shout of "surprise" from everyone in the small kitchen.

The surprise makes him take a step back and the door closes as his family and friends start to laugh loudly. Then he steps forward again, a huge smile on his face and blush on his cheeks. His mother comes to him and puts an arm around his shoulders, kissing him on the cheek.

"Happy birthday, darling!" she says, laughing.

He looks around at everyone present: his mother and father, of course, Luffy, Chopper, Usopp and Kaya, Nami and Vivi, and, a little further back, Zoro.

"Surprise!" Nami repeats, approaching him with a big smile.

"You're unbelievable! I thought you two were supposed to go out on a date tonight?! And Chopper, weren't you supposed to go to a conference with your mother?!" Sanji can't believe it.

"You don't turn eighteen every day," his mother retorts.

"Let's just say we've all managed to lie to you more or less successfully these last few days!" Usopp replies.

"Except for Luffy! Luffy was forbidden to talk to you or write to you! I'm surprised you didn't notice, by the way!” adds Chopper with a laugh.

Sanji stifles a chuckle and turns to his friends, beaming. But before anyone can say anything else, Zeff chases them out of the kitchen.

"All right everyone, get out of here!" he barks as usual. "I agreed with the little zucchini about the element of surprise, but this is a kitchen! Go sit down while Sora and I finish your meal."

The small group quickly leaves the kitchen. They take a few minutes to move the tables and chairs, then all sit down together around a large table. The atmosphere is festive and the conversations are relaxed. Sanji can't believe it. His parents closed the restaurant on a Saturday night to surprise him! And all his friends have made plans to be there!

Zeff and Sora come out of the kitchen, their arms laden with trays of petits fours. Sanji is about to get up to help them when a hand on his shoulder holds him in place.

"Don't you dare get up from that chair, Curly," Zoro warns. "This is all for you, so enjoy."

Zoro, Usopp, and Vivi take the trays from his parents hands, while Kaya and Nami set glasses and cutlery on the table. Luffy and Chopper both stand on chairs and hang a large banner on the wall reading "Happy 18^th Birthday, Sanji." Zeff returns to the kitchen to bring the rest, and Sora heads to a computer that’s sitting in the corner of the room he hadn't even noticed when he entered. The computer is connected to a projector and a speaker. Sora turns on the system and starts a playlist. The music fills the room, way too loud and she quickly lowers the volume.

"Oops! Maybe we'll wait until after we eat to turn up the volume," she says, laughing. "Zoro, can you please show me where you put the file I sent you?" »

Sanji watches as Zoro walks to his mother and leans over the computer to show her where she can find what she is looking for. They exchange a few words in low voices, and he can't help but feel his heart clench at the bond between his mother and his friend... He sighs and looks away.

"Kaya, I'm so happy to see you! How come you're here?!" he asks the blonde girl sitting next to Usopp.

"Oh, my parents had some business in town, so we came to spend the weekend."

"Usopp, you must be so happy she's here," he says to his friend, winking.

"Yes, so happy," Usopp replies shyly, tilting his head to hide his blush.

Kaya laughs at the sight of him, and her laughter triggers a coughing fit. Usopp immediately composes himself and pours her a glass of water, stroking her back.

“Are you okay?” asks Vivi with a worry look.

“Oh, yes, sorry,” Kaya replies. “I have a rare lung condition and I tend to get sick easily. That's why we moved; once a month, I have to spend a few days in a clinic to take my medication. The hospitals here offer this treatment, but my parents preferred to go to a doctor they know, and I was enrolled in a special research program in another city.”

A shadow of sadness crosses her face.

"It was hard, being separated from everyone... But I feel much better now, so it was worth it."

Vivi and Kaya continue their conversation, and Sanji lets his eyes wander around the room. His friends take turns getting up to set the table, grab a carafe of water or a bottle of wine that Zeff offers them from the kitchen. In a corner, Luffy and Chopper are leaning over Luffy's phone, laughing softly at a video Chopper must have played to keep the young glutton occupied while waiting for dinner. Further away, Sora and Zoro are talking quietly, still focused on the computer. Sanji's heart clenches with gratitude: all the people who mean the most to him are here, gathered around him, just to celebrate his birthday.

---ooo---

Everyone is now seated around the large table, and conversations flow happily. The dishes prepared by Zeff and Sora that afternoon quickly disappear, everyone enjoying their meal.

Sanji has taken a seat between Nami, on his left, and Zoro, on his right. Vivi has slipped in on the other side of Nami, while across from them, Usopp and Kaya are chatting in low voices. Chopper and Luffy are bickering nearby, directly across from Sanji and Zoro. Further away, Zeff has sat down next to Luffy, and Sora has chosen the seat opposite from him.

In the midst of the hubbub, Sora raises her knife and gently taps her glass. The clear clinking immediately attracts the attention of the small group. She clears her throat, stands up with a smile, and nods to Zoro. He nods back imperceptibly, gets up, and sits down in front of the computer.

"I'm not much for speeches, but I'm going to make an exception tonight," she begins with a tremulous smile. "Zoro, darling, if you don't mind."

She waits a few seconds, and immediately, the projector starts up. On the wall appears a photo of Sanji, tiny, barely a few days old, swaddled in a blanket too big for him.

"A little over eighteen years ago, I had the joy of meeting this wonderful baby."

Her voice breaks slightly with emotion, and she has to take a sip of water before continuing. Beside Sanji, Nami discreetly takes a tissue from her bag and offers it to him. He takes it without saying anything, his eyes already shining.

"So I was saying... eighteen years ago, I met this extraordinary little boy. It has not been an easy journey, far from it. The first few years were a real challenge, but also the greatest adventure of my life.”

Zoro clicks the mouse, and a new photo appears: Sora, younger, smiling, holding baby Sanji in her arms, they are by the sea, his blond hair tousled by the breeze.

"We were alone for a long time. But Sanji was a perfect child. He quickly understood that his mother needed him to be strong. I gave him all the love I could..."

A new photo appears: Sanji at two years old, bursting into laughter as he holds out breadcrumbs to ducklings by a river. The next one shows him dancing awkwardly in the snow on a winter evening, wrapped in a thick scarf and a hat pulled down over his eyes. A few amused laughs can be heard around the table.

“Luckily for us, we quickly met the man who would become the second man of my life.”

She raises her glass in Zeff's direction, a tender smile on her lips. He rolls his eyes to hide his emotion, but his gaze softens when it meets his wife's.

New photo: Sanji, four years old, perched on a stool, an apron too big for him tied around his waist, in the Baratie kitchen. He holds a peeler in his small hands and is busy peeling a carrot, focus as if the fate of the world depended on his success.

“When Zeff offered me a job as a waitress in his restaurant... this restaurant," she adds, spreading her arms, "I had no idea it would change both of our lives. Sanji immediately fell for him... and I think the feeling was mutual.”

Zeff grunts under his breath to drown out the few tender laughs that erupt around the table.

"I'm not at all attached to this eggplant," he mutters, triggering a new wave of laughter around the table.

The next photo appears: Sanji, about eight years old, with a huge chef's hat on his head, almost falling over his eyes. This is one of his first cooking competitions. He's conscientiously stirring a pan with a large spoon, looking very serious. In the audience behind him, Zeff is clearly visible, arms crossed but a discreet smile on his lips. Sora gives her husband a knowing wink.

"So, Sanji fell for him... and so did I."

New photo: Zeff, on one knee, facing a ten-year-old Sanji with an incredulous look. In his hands, a document and a pen.

"For his tenth birthday," Sora continues, "before even telling me about it, Zeff asked Sanji if he could marry me... and officially become his father."

A murmur of emotion runs around the table. Chopper's eyes shine, Usopp breathes a tender "woah," and even Zoro looks away, as if this overly intimate image embarrassed him.

She wipes away a tear with the back of her hand. New photo: Usopp, Nami, Sanji, Luffy, and Zoro in fifth grade, smiling at the camera during a school trip.

"But his family wouldn't be complete without you, his friends. Since he was little, Sanji has always been able to count on you... and for that, I thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Sanji recognizes the next photo: the one from Zoro's room, taken during their trip to the beach, the summer between eighth and ninth grades. Then more recent image appears on the wall, immortalized by the school photographer during Valentine's Day dance party.

“Luffy, thank you for always being there to defend Sanji, even in your own... peculiar way.”

“Nami, thank you for putting a little thought into his brain when he needs it.”

“Usopp, thank you for often helping him with his homework (she smiles). I know it’s not always easy.”

“Chopper, thank you for taking care of him and allowing him to know what it's like to be a big brother.”

“Vivi, Kaya... I don't know you as well as the others, but thank you for being here tonight.”

She finally turns to Zoro and, raising her glass, punctuates her words with a mischievous wink:

“And Zoro... thank you for being here, and for convincing me to organize this party.”

Sanji discreetly wipes away a tear. But at these last words, his heart races; his eyes immediately seek out Zoro, stunned. The young man, impassive, crosses the room to sit back beside him, without saying a word.

“Sanji, sweetheart... I wish you to succeed in everything you undertake in your adult life. And above all, to always be surrounded by wonderful people who will bring out the best in you. I love you, my son. Happy birthday!”

“Happy birthday!” They all repeat in chorus, raising their glasses before clinking them together.

Sanji raises his glass of champagne to his lips and takes a sip, almost mechanically, his eyes fixed on the bubbles bursting on the surface. Around him, laughter erupts, voices mingle, but he can’t hear anything anymore. In his head, a single sentence echoes: this evening, it’s Zoro that made it happened.

Chapter Text

Chapter 31 – Surprise gift

The party lasts late into the night. The friends having fun between wild rounds of Just Dance and karaoke sessions. Everyone happily sing and dance, and Sanji is pretty sure he even saw Zoro tapping his feet to the beat and lip-syncing during karaoke. Sora and Zeff have retreated in the kitchen to clean up, leaving the young people to enjoy themselves.

Spotting an empty bottle on the table, Sanji instinctively grabs it and goes into the kitchen to throw it in the glass bin behind the restaurant.

His mother raises an eyebrow when she sees him enter the kitchen.

"What are you doing here? Aren't you having fun?!"

"Habbit," he replies, shrugging and showing her the bottle. "I'll go throw it away and come back."

"How do you like party?"

"I love it! Thanks for organizing all this."

"You can thank the little zucchini, he's the one who planned everything," Zeff replies with a mischievous smile.

"Uh... yes... That's what I heard..."

Sanji shifts from one foot to the other, a little embarrassed. His parents exchange a knowing look.

"Is there something bothering you?" Sora asks, approaching him, a dishcloth in her hand.

"No... Well, yes, a little... It's just that I thought Zoro just saw me as a friend... But now, seeing all this..." He waves his hand to indicate the restaurant.

"You're thinking maybe you're mistaken?" she adds with a small smile.

"He's been planning this since your birthday, you know, eggplant. I've never had such devoted friends!"

"Oh... Uh... Yeah..." Sanji stammers, blushing.

"Zeff, come on! Don't make it worse for him! Can't you see he's already all upset?!”

Zeff rolls his eyes and goes back to cleaning the kitchen, whistling, leaving mother and son to continue their conversation.

"You know, honey, I think Zoro cares a lot about you."

"I don't know, Mom... With him, I feel like sometimes it's yes, sometimes it's no..."

"And you? What do you feel?"

"I'm scared..."

"Scared?"

He climbs onto a countertop and sits down, facing his mother. He plays a little with the empty bottle in his hands, his gaze lost in space.

"Yes, I don't know if I'm ready to get back into a relationship... I'm afraid it won't last... I'm afraid of getting hurt again... What if we have to break up... I don't want to break up the crew..."

"Oh! Sweetheart! You shouldn't think about all that! Look at the positive, enjoy the moment... You're young! You'll experience other love stories, other breakups... I'm not telling you to rush anything, but maybe you should take the plunge."

"I don't know, Mom... What if I misunderstood... What if it was really friendship and nothing else..."

"Darling..." She comes closer and places her hand on his forearm. “Sometimes you have to be brave to make that kind of decision. And think about it, are you happier not knowing what might happen? Or would it make you happier to try something with Zoro?”

He looks up at her, confused.

"I'm going to get some fresh air for a few minutes," he replies suddenly.

He gets off the counter and his mother gives him a brief hug before letting him go toward the back door.

---ooo---

The fresh air feels good. He walks to the trash cans and throws his bottle, which shatters at the bottom of the container. The noise echoes in the silence of the night. Sanji crosses the street to return to the restaurant, but he doesn't go back in, not yet; he needs to get his thoughts in order.

He leans against the wall, a few steps away from the restaurant's back door, and looks up at the sky. Despite the city lights, he can make out a few stars.

He's lost in thought when he hears the door creaking. Without turning his head, and thinking his mother is worried about him, he says, "Don't worry, Mom, I'll come inside soon."

"You'll die in this cold!" a deep voice replies after a few seconds.

Sanji finally turns his head toward the door. It's not his mother who has joined him, it's Zoro. Sanji's heart skips a beat as he looks deep into the steel-gray eyes in front of him, then he looks away and tries to focus on the stars again.

"What are you doing here, Marimo? Did you get lost looking for the bathroom?"

"No, I've arrived exactly where I wanted to go."

Sanji doesn't move, surprised that Zoro hasn't reacted to his provocation. He keeps his eyes turned toward the sky. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees movement to his right and flinches when he feels Zoro leaning against the wall next to him. He's settled so close that their shoulders are almost touching, and he can feel the warmth radiating from his body, contrasting with the cold of the stone against his back, and the freezing feeling of the air around him.

"Is everything okay?" Zoro asks suddenly.

"Uh... Yes, everything's fine. I just needed to get some fresh air. The sky is beautiful tonight, so I'm enjoying it a bit."

"Mmhhh."

Sanji's heart is pounding, thumping in his chest as if it wants to escape. He's almost sure Zoro can hear it in the silence of the street. He tries to keep his expression neutral, his eyes fixed on the sky. But in his head, his thoughts are racing.

On the one hand, he wishes he could ask Zoro how he feels, to know if his words to his half-brothers were sincere. If he really thinks he's "just a friend." He wishes he had the courage to ask the question, to break the silence, to get an answer so he can move on, as his mother advised him to do. Would he be happier if he knew? Would a negative answer hurt less than the unspoken things that are currently hovering between them?

But on the other hand, fear tugs at his stomach. Fear of rejection, of having made a mistake, of discovering that Zoro really only sees him as a comrade, a brother, like Luffy or Usopp. While he knows very well that, for him, it's much more than that.

And worse still, he fears the opposite: a positive answer. He's afraid of giving in, of diving in too fast, too hard, of letting himself be overwhelmed by all the emotions that are already assailing and suffocating him. He's afraid of being too much. Too pushy. Too intense. Of scaring him away. After all, that's how Viola justified her actions: she felt suffocated by his overflowing affection and didn’t understand why he didn’t want to go all the way with her if he loved her this much… So she looked elsewhere... Towards something lighter, less serious... But Sanji doesn't know how to be "less serious." When he throws himself into it, it's body and soul... In everything he undertakes...

He also fears upsetting their relationship, their balance, to the point of never being able to go back. Of breaking something between them, and consequently, jeopardizing their little group. He doesn't want to suffer. But even more, he doesn't want to be the one to make his friends suffer, to make them choose if they should have to breakup one day...

He is pulled from his thoughts by a slight jingle to his right. A gust of icy air has rushed between them, making Zoro's earrings gently clink together. This tiny sound echoes in the night and brings him back to the present. Before plunging back into the tumult of his thoughts, Sanji makes a decision: he has to break the silence. He must speak, say something, anything, as long as it starts a conversation and stops this spiral that threatens to drag him further.

"Did you know you can find your way using the stars?" He finally says abruptly.

"Uh... yeah." Zoro seems hesitant, as if he's having trouble seeing where Sanji is going with this remark that came out of nowhere.

"If you knew how to spot the stars, maybe you wouldn't get lost anymore, at night anyway," Sanji continues, smiling.

"It won't help me much the rest of the time, or when the sky is cloudy..."

"Fine," Sanji admits. "But maybe it could help you. You see that one over there, it's the North Star, it always points north."

"You know there are hundreds of stars 'there,'" Zoro replies, waving his arm in front of him.

Sanji raises his arm to point at a group of stars in front of them.

"See there? That's Ursa Mayor, the Great Bear. It looks like a saucepan with its handle there."

"Mmhhh."

"You take the two stars that form the bottom of the saucepan and multiply the distance upwards five times, and you get to the North Star. There. It's part of Ursa Minor, the Little Bear. If you tilt your head, it looks like a ladle about to dive into the saucepan."

"Curly... Saucepans and ladles? Is that how cooks do astronomy?" Zoro replies amusedly.

Sanji gives him a sideways glance and lets his arm fall.

"I was trying to help you, seaweed head. There's the saucepan, tap tap tap, and there's the North Star that points north." He continues, annoyed, pointing at the sky again.

Zoro pushes away from the wall and takes a step forward onto the sidewalk. He raises an arm and vaguely indicates a direction in the sky. Mocking Sanji, he gives him an amused look over his shoulder.

"So, the saucepan, tap tap tap, and there's the North Star."

Sanji rolls his eyes with a sigh, then approaches Zoro and stands behind him. His right hand grabs Zoro's right forearm, which is pointing at the sky, and he gently moves his arm to position it in the right direction.

"There, the Great Bear," he continues, his voice softer, guiding Zoro's hand to trace the constellation in the sky. "Then in that direction, and there you come across the North Star."

As he raises his arm, the sleeve of Zoro's coat slides slightly, revealing his wrist. Sanji's fingers inadvertently brush against him, and he becomes fully aware of their position. Zoro, standing in front of him, his arm stretched toward the sky. And he, almost pressed against his back, his chin brushing his shoulder, their hair brushing against each other with the slightest movement. Each tiny contact sends burning shivers running down his body.

He withdraws his hand and takes a step back. A shiver runs through him when another draft lifts a corner of his jacket and stirs his blond locks. He almost regrets losing Zoro's warmth by stepping back.

"There, now you'll know how to find your way back at night, on a clear day," he concludes.

Zoro turns around to face him. His coat is unzipped, and without a word, he takes it off his shoulders to place it on Sanji's. His hands grip the collar, which he tightens gently, as if to protect him from the cold.

"You're freezing, Curly," he breathes to justify his action.

Sanji feels heat rise on his face, burning hotter than the cold numbing him. The gesture touches him—perhaps too much. He stares at Zoro's face incredulously. But before he can reply, Zoro clears his throat.

"I... Uh... Can I give you your birthday present?" Zoro murmurs, avoiding his gaze.

"Okay," Sanji replies breathlessly, unable to move.

The warmth of the coat gradually spreads through him, soothing the cold but making his heart beat faster at the thought of their closeness. He forces himself to breathe slowly, keeps his arms at his sides, and tries to maintain a straight face. Yet, despite himself, a small smile forms at the corner of his lips at the thought of receiving a gift from Zoro.

"Okay... Cool... Uh... So there are actually two gifts," Zoro continues, a little nervous. "And... Uh... I'm going to need you to close your eyes."

At this, Zoro's steely gaze finally catches Sanji's blue eye. He loosens the collar of the jacket but doesn't move an inch. They are now only a few inches apart. Sanji, surprised by this request, widens his eyes, then rolls them.

"If you're embarrassed by your gift, I can open it later, Marimo."

He tries to lighten the mood with a touch of humor, but his entire body is burning to know what's gotten Zoro so nervous. His imagination is running wild, and he can't help but form various scenarios in his head about what could happen in the next few minutes.

"No!" Zoro replies loudly, before continuing more quietly. "Sorry. No, I'm not embarrassed. But we have to do things properly. This is a surprise."

"You already surprised me by organizing this whole party. I'm in for another surprise! Boy, am I spoiled today."

Now as nervous as Zoro seems to be, Sanji tries to joke again, carefully avoiding eye contact. But Zoro doesn't respond. Instead, he takes a deep breath.

"Sanji. Please... close your eyes."

The words resonate like an explosion in his chest. Zoro never calls him by his first name. His legs almost buckle beneath him, his heart races until it makes him sick. Two simple syllables are enough to make everything falter. So, without saying a word, he obeys. He gently closes his eyes and holds onto his breath, like a lifeline in a storm.

He feels Zoro grabing something from the jacket draped over his shoulders. Then rough fingers reach for his own, grasp delicately his right hand, and lift it to place a small box inside. Sanji doesn't dare open his eyes; he silently closes his fingers around the object.

Zoro moves closer, so close that he can feel his hot breath on his cheek and hear the slight tinkling of his earrings in the icy air. Then, almost feather likely, a finger brushes aside the unruly lock of hair hiding his face, slides behind his ear, and down along his jaw, stopping just below his chin. A violent shiver runs down his spine.

"Once you open your eyes, when I’ll be gone, you can open the first gift. And if you decide that everything that happened in that alley should stay there, I will respect your decision."

Silence falls again. Zoro inhales, hesitates... then he continues, very quietly, almost against his skin.

"But before the second gift... I need to ask you a question..."

Sanji feels his throat tighten.

"Do you trust me?" Zoro whispers in his ear.

Sanji flinches, then nods imperceptibly.

Zoro's fingers under his chin gently invite him to raise his head, and their lips brush. The contact is light, almost timid, but filled with a tenderness that completely disarms him.

His entire body ignites. It's a kiss he's dreamed of dozens of times, but the reality overwhelms him. He doesn't know how his legs can still carry him while emotions explode inside him like fireworks. Colors burst behind his closed eyelids, hundreds of butterflies leap into his chest. He holds his breath. Time stands still.

He clings to the small box in his hand like a lifeline, while the soft burn of Zoro's lips imprints itself on his own. His fingers under his chin produce electric shocks that run through his entire body, contrasting with the icy bite of the night.

Then, too quickly, Zoro breaks contact.

A step back.

A gasp of breath.

The kitchen door opens, then closes again.

Sanji stands there, alone, his eyes closed, his lips still trembling, wondering if what he just experienced was real... or a dream too good to be true.

Sanji slowly opens his eyes. A nervous, almost incredulous laugh escapes his lips. His legs refusing to carry him any longer, he leans back against the wall and slides gently onto the floor, his breath is short, still crushed by the intensity of the emotions that have just overwhelmed him.

Between sweaty fingers, he lifts the small box and stares at it. It feels strangely familiar. His hands tremble as he lifts the lid.

Inside lies a leather bracelet. The same model that Zoro always wears on his wrist. The very one Sanji gave him, just a few months ago. But this one has something different. Suspended from the clasp, in place of the three small swords, sparkle three fine golden drops. Delicate pendants, like Zoro's earrings.

Sanji feels his throat tighten. His fingers caress the charms, and a new, almost unbearable warmth rises in his chest. It's not just a piece of jewelry. It's a bond. A promise. And Sanji can't stop a smile from forming on his lips.

When he goes back inside, his friends inform him that Zoro has gone home. His words then take on their full meaning: "Once you open your eyes, when I’ll be gone."

He wasn't talking about the restaurant, but about his home.

Sanji feels a shiver run through his body as he understands the meaning of this sentence. Zoro didn't run away, he didn't disappear—he deliberately gave him air, time, the space he needed to consider the silent proposal hidden in his gifts. Everything now rests in his hands: it's up to him to decide whether or not he's ready to take that step.

And even more than the bracelet or the kiss, it's that respect, that disarming patience, that tightens his chest. Zoro is waiting for him.

Chapter Text

Chapter 32 – Silence

Tuesday, March 24th.

Zoro is anxious. It's been three days since he kissed Sanji in the alley behind the restaurant. Three days since he's been checking his phone every half hour to see if he has a message... Three days since he hasn't slept, hasn't eaten, and is racking his brain with the thought that, once again, he's screwed up...

When he arrives at the food truck with Luffy, he immediately notices that Sanji isn't with his mother. He turns his head toward their usual table but doesn't see the familiar blond locks with his friends.

"The cook isn't here?" he asks Sora abruptly as a greeting.

"Oh, hi, Zoro, hi, Luffy. No, Sanji isn't here. He had to go deal with a family emergency with his father. He'll be back in a few days. Didn't he tell you?"

Zoro and Luffy exchange a look.

"No. We haven't heard from him since the party," Luffy replies, frowning.

"When you say a family problem, you mean with them, right?"

Sora smiles sadly and nods.

"Don't worry, Zeff is with him. I couldn't bring myself to go with him... I'm sure everything will be fine."

She sighs, and for a moment, Zoro can see the anxiety this situation is weighing on her shoulders.

"Yeah, the old man definitely won't let him go," he jokes, trying to be reassuring.

"Well... What can I get you guys today?"

---ooo---

"So none of you have heard from him?" Zoro asks worriedly. "Nami, not even a text? Nothing?"

"No, nothing since the text on Saturday night when he told me he'd gotten home safely. It worries me... It's not like him to disappear like that."

"Sora said he had some family business to take care of. He left with Zeff," Luffy clarifies.

He's not eating, and his eyes shine with a serious, determined glint, the same one everyone knows so well. Luffy is worried.

"Maybe it's nothing!" Chopper tries. "Maybe his father wanted to give him a birthday present."

"He's not his father," Zoro retorts a little aggressively. "His father is the old man, and you know that as well as I do!"

"We know, Zoro," Usopp replies. "We were there when he discovered the truth. His biological family is terrifying, I think... I'm pretty sure his father—sorry, Judge—is connected to the mafia!"

"That's nonsense, Usopp! He's the CEO of a big company," Chopper retorts, rolling his eyes.

"One doesn't preclude the other," Nami comments.

"But you think he's in danger?"

"No, Zoro, he's safe as long as Zeff's with him..." Luffy seems confident, and that's enough to reassure him for now.

"Can someone send him a text? Tell him to give us an update?" Zoro suddenly asks.

Nami frowns, pointing at his phone in front of him.

"Why don't you do it yourself?"

"Uh... I promised I'd give him some space. It's up to him to contact me...”

She raises an eyebrow but decides not to comment. The situation between them is too delicate; she's done everything she can to point them in the right direction, and Zoro has promised he'll take care of it. She trusts him; if he tells her he can't write the text, then something must have happened, and she doesn't intend to interfere further in their relationship. And given the worry look she can see in his eyes, if he could send that text, he would.

"Yes, okay, we'll send it."

---ooo---

In the days that follow, his friends take turns sending messages to Sanji, both privately and in the group chat. That Wednesday, they meet at Zoro's house to study, but their hearts aren't at it. And the following Saturday, still no response. Zoro decides to go all in and sends a message to Sora.

===Mrs. Black===

Hello, Madam, it's Zoro. Since we still haven't heard from Sanji, I'm writing to you. I just hope he's okay; we're all very worried. Could you please tell him to contact us as soon as he gets back? Have a good day.

Hello, Zoro. Sanji and Zeff haven't returned yet; they're planning to come back on next Wednesday. They're not getting very good reception where they are. Don't worry, he's fine. Have a good day.

======

===Nami===

Sora says he's fine and he's not getting reception.

He's coming back on Wednesday.

Okay, thanks! Are you okay?

Better, now that I have news.

Do you need to talk?

No, I'll handle it.

Okay, just in case, you know I'm here.

I know, thanks, Nam’s

======

===Mugiwaras===

Luffy

Sanji! Hurry up and come back! I absolutely need to eat!

Usopp

Luffy, you can cook for yourself, right?

Luffy

You don't understand! Ace is here and he decided to cook... He burned the pot of pasta and now the whole apartment smells like it's burning.

Gramps is furious.

And we're hungry!!!

======

---ooo---

Wednesday, April 1st.

===Mugiwaras===

Luffy

Happy birthday, Usopp!!! Do you want to celebrate it at my house? On Friday? And you're all staying over!

Usopp

Thanks, Luffy

Is your grandfather okay with it?

Luffy

Always, why?

Nami

Happy birthday, Usopp!

Okay for me, but dibs on Sabo's room.

Can Vivi come?

Chopper

Happy birthday, Usopp!!!

I can come, but I won't sleep over. I'm too busy right now...

Luffy

Of course, Vivi can come, the more the merrier!

Is Kaya here?

Usopp

No, I'll see her on the weekend after.

Yes, Nami, you can invite Vivi.

Zoro?

Zoro

Available. I'll come. I'll bring beers. You're 18, you need to have a drink!

Curly

Happy birthday, Usopp.

Marimo, if he's going to drink something to celebrate his 18^th birthday, it'll be a glass of champagne! I'll take care of that. Shall I make a cake?

Luffy

SANJIIIIII!!!! YOU'RE BACK!

Usopp

Welcome back, bro!

I'd love a cake if you have time.

Nami

Sanji! We were worried! Are you home yet? Why weren't you in class this morning?

Zoro

It's the same, it's alcohol with bubbles, yours are just more expensive.

Curly

I just got here, my battery was dead and there was no signal.

Everything's fine, sorry to have you worried.

Luffy

Can you make us a whole meal?

Chopper

I'm glad to know you're okay!

Curly

The algae that serves as your brain have spread again! There's no way your palate can't tell the difference between champagne and beer!

No problem, Usopp.

Luffy, I can take care of that too, but I'll cook at your place.

Nami

Zoro, Sanji, no arguing in the group chat!

Curly

Sorry, Nami.

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 33 – Usopp’s Birthday party

Friday, April 3rd.

"Where is he?" asks Zoro as soon as he walks through the door of Luffy's apartment.

He went back home after school to change and get his bag for the night. The stress of seeing Sanji again, for the firs time after everything that had happened on his birthday, caused him to waste a good half hour turning his room upside down trying to find an outfit for tonight. Seeing that Nami wasn't answering his messages, he finally played his best card: Perona. On a video call for over an hour, she had him try on several pants, shirts, and t-shirts before finally settling on something good enough for a birthday, but not so much so that it yelled "look at me!" or gave the impression that he'd dressed up for nothing.

After all, Usopp's birthday isn't a gala, but a night out with friends, where they will play video and board games. He also didn't want to arrive too stiff. As a result: black skinny jeans and a fitted white shirt. Simple, but they fit him well.

It is already 8:00 p.m. when he arrives, even though his friends had been there for nearly two hours. Nami had sent him several messages for the last twenty minutes, worried about the speed at which Sanji is currently downing a bottle of white wine, alone in the kitchen.

"In the kitchen, he's still cooking..." she replies quietly, worried. "But Zoro... he's not well."

"Okay," he breathes. "I'll try to talk to him."

As he heads toward the kitchen, Zoro hears the raised voices and laughter of his friends echoing through the living room. He pauses for a moment at the doorway and leans against the wall, silently watching Sanji. The room smell like onions, roasted meet and wine.

The cook is hunched over the kitchen worktop, focused on plating the dishes. A stray lock of hair falls in front of his eyes, which he pushes back with an irritated breath without interrupting his precise movements. His cheeks are pinker than usual, and on the counter, a half-empty bottle of white wine sits next to an abandoned stemmed glass.

When Sanji looks up, he finally notices him.

"Oh! Marimo! You finally grace us with your presence? Did you get lost on the way?" His voice sounds confident, but his eyes are a little too bright for Zoro to be mistaken.

"I had some things to take care of at home... Is everything okay, Curly?"

"Everything's great, moss for brain!" replies Sanji a little too sharply. He gestures at the pile of plates. "It's ready! Come on, make yourself useful and bring this to the table."

Zoro grabs the plates and heads to the living room. Sure, Sanji has been drinking a bit too much, but for now, he's still standing strait. It's not like him to drink this much, but after more than a week with his biological family doing god knows what, maybe he just needs to let off some steam. Alcohol is obviously not a solution... yet, as long as he's surrounded and under surveillance, things shouldn't get out of hand. Right?

"Oi, anyone to give me a hand?" Zoro says, entering the living room.

"No way! I'm winning!" yells Luffy, glued to the screen.

"No! Chopper, stay focused! We're this close to beating him!" adds Usopp, excited.

Zoro sighs, but Nami gets up from the couch, pulling Vivi after her.

"We're coming, Zoro." She approaches and lowers her voice. "So?" she says, nodding toward the kitchen.

"You were right, he doesn't look well. But... he's old enough to look after himself. If he wants to spend his evening drinking, he might as well do it here with us. We'll just keep an eye on him and make sure he drinks water often."

Vivi, arranging the cutlery around the table, frowns slightly.

"Are you sure this is a good idea?"

Zoro shrugs.

"I don't really see what else we can do. He'll talk to us when he's ready."

---ooo---

The rest of the evening happen without further incidents. The crew keeps a close eye on Sanji, ensuring he alternates between wine and water. They play board games and share laughs, trying to maintain a light atmosphere despite the anxiety they all more or less concealing.

Around midnight, Sanji reappears with a huge birthday cake and a bottle of champagne tucked under his arm. The living room immediately fills with voices singing a dissonant but heartfelt "Happy Birthday."

Sanji walks towards the table, holding the candle-covered cake. His steps, however, are betrayed by the alcohol still circulating in his blood: he sways slightly, almost tripping halfway across the table. With a reflexive gesture, Zoro slides his hand to the small of his back to steady him. The contact is brief, but enough to make his heart beat faster.

He immediately withdraws his hand, aware that Sanji still hasn't given him an answer and that, in his current state, nothing should be interpreted. However, his breath catches for a moment when Sanji gives him a knowing wink, seemingly casual.

The young cook busies himself filling the champagne glasses before cutting the cake, while his friends place their gifts in front of a visibly excited Usopp.

"Wow! That's great! You guys are crazy!" he exclaims, discovering a brand-new toolbox. "That brand costs a fortune! You should never have!"

"We know how much you love tinkering," Chopper replies with a big smile. "And you've been complaining for the past two months that your tools aren't up to scratch... Come on, open the other one!"

"There is another one?" Usopp is already jumping up and down, unable to contain his enthusiasm.

Nami then hands him a large envelope. Inside, two tickets for a concert of his favorite band, and a booking for a hotel room for two people, breakfast included.

"We thought you'd like to go with Kaya," Nami explains mischievously. "It's in a venue not too far from her house... And what better way to end the evening than with a night alone together?" she adds with a wink.

Usopp's mouth stays open for a moment, his eyes watering, before his smile lights up his entire face.

"Guys... I don't even know what to say!"

"To Usopp!" Sanji says, raising his glass.

"To Usopp!" repeats the crew, their glasses clinking in a joyful cacophony before each takes a sip.

Usoppmoves around the table to thank each of his friends and hug them. When it's Zoro's turn, he simply pats him on the shoulder, uncomfortable with this kind of outburst. He quickly looks away... and his gaze catches Sanji, who's pouring himself another glass of champagne and downing it in one gulp.

Zoro frowns, gently pulls away from Usopp's embrace, and approaches the blond.

"Oi, Curly... maybe you should slow down. It's late, and you've already had a lot to drink," he breathes calmly.

"Nooooo!" Protests Sanji, his voice thick, a wide smile plastered on his face. "It's fine, Marimo! I'm okayyyyy..."

He punctuates his sentence with an awkward hiccup, then waves his glass under Zoro's nose.

"Look! It's only my second glass!"

His eyes suddenly widen, and he claps a hand over his mouth before staggering down the hall, heading for the bathroom.

Zoro rolls his eyes, sighs, then grabs a large glass of water from the table. His gaze quickly passes over his friends, who are watching the scene, half-worried, half-sorry.

"Keep having fun, I'll take care of this."

Already facing the hallway, he says, "Luffy, can I put him in Ace's room?"

"Yeah, no problem, Nami and Vivi are in Sabo's room." Then, in a quieter tone, and an unusually serious tone, he adds "And Zoro... take care of him."

Zoro nods and disappears down the hallway, the glass of water still in his hand. Behind him, he hears Luffy saying confidently, "Don't worry, Zoro will handle it."

A brief silence follows before Usopp leaps from his chair, fist raised, "Okay! Who wants to play another game? Now that I've eaten cake, I'm feeling unbeatable!"

A burst of laughter shakes the room, dispelling the worry that had been floating around a moment earlier.

A small smile appears on Zoro’s lips despite himself. At least no one will blame Sanji for his excesses tonight.

---ooo---

When Zoro pushes open the door, he finds Sanji on his knees, leaning over the toilet. The blond wipes his mouth with the back of his trembling hand, flushes the toilet, and drops on the floor, his back against the tub, his head buried between his knees.

"There's no need to worry about me," he says hoarsely. "I'm fine."

Zoro approaches without a word and sits next to him, leaving a slight silence before responding.

"Curly... We all saw that you’re not fine. We're worried... I'm worried," he adds in a softer voice.

Sanji raises his head. His glassy eyes meet Zoro's, as if searching for something to say. But a new wave of nausea takes him by surprise, and he leans back over the toilet bowl. Zoro shifts slightly and pats Sanji’s back with an uncharacteristic delicacy.

"If you want an answer to your question..." Sanji whispers weakly between breaths, "I'm not sure that I can give it to you right now."

"I'm not here for that, Curly. I told you: what happened that night can stay between us. You can take all the time you need to make up your mind."

Zoro grabs a towel and dampens it under the faucet while Sanji flushes the toilet again and get back on the floor, slumped against the tub. He kneels in front of him, gently lifts his chin with one hand, and pushes back a strand of hair that has fallen over his face. With the damp towel, he gently dabs Sanji's skin to refresh him.

Sanji avoids his gaze, but lets Zoro take care of him for a moment. Then, suddenly, something shift in his expression. He seems to become aware of Zoro's presence in front of him. With a sudden movement, he pushes his hand away, his emotions, amplified by the alcohol, seems to overwhelm him.

"You shouldn't be worrying about me like this..." He mutters under his breath, his tone harsh and nervous. He tries to sit up, but quickly places a hand on his forehead, feeling dizzy. "I shouldn't have come... It was a mistake... I have to get away... I have to protect you... My father..."

Zoro remains frozen, bewildered by his incoherent words. Irritability soon gives way to panic, and Sanji clutches his head, pulling at his hair in a desperate gesture, as if trying to contain an uncontrollable flood of anxiety.

“You need to... get away from me... you, more than anyone else... I'm not the right person for you... Shit... I was so ready to say yes to you... and then all this had to happen... my family...”

Sanji chokes back a sob, tugging at his hair, his face contorted with pain and despair. His breathing is ragged, he gasps for air. Panic is filling his eyes, and he doesn't know how to stop it.

Zoro firmly grabs his hands and stops him from hurting himself any further.

"Oi, Curly... I don't understand a word you're saying. Calm down... Breathe."

He takes one of his hands and places it against his chest, just above his heart. Sanji grips Zoro's shirt, trembling with the overwhelming anxiety.

Zoro holds his hand and speaks softly:

"Here... feel my breathing. Breathe with me. Inhale... Exhale... Inhale... There, that's good... Exhale... One more time. Close your eyes. Inhale... Exhale..."

Little by little, Sanji loosens his grip on the shirt, his breathing calming slightly, and his shoulders slump a little, less tense.

"Are you feeling better? Here, you should drink some water."

Sanji nods and finally let go of the shirt to grab the glass of water.

"Do you want me to grab your toothbrush? Is that yours?"

Sanji nods over his glass. Zoro then grabs the toothbrush and toothpaste and hands them to him. Seeing the cook's clumsy gestures, he quickly takes them from his hand, puts a little toothpaste on the brush, then hands it back. He waits patiently while Sanji brushes his teeth, rinses his mouth, then looks up at him.

"Did you swallow the toothpaste?" he asks, looking both amused and slightly disgusted. "You're a disaster when you're like this... Okay. If your stomach is feeling better, come with me, Luffy said you can sleep in Ace's room. I think you need to rest."

He stands up and extends a hand toward Sanji. Sanji pushes it away and tries to get up on his own, but he falters and nearly collapses. Zoro immediately catches him, slipping an arm under his arms to support him.

"I don't need you to walk, Marimo! And you might get lost in the hallway, it's risky," Jokes Sanji.

Zoro rolls his eyes. Alcohol definitely has a pitiful effect on Sanji, making him go from one state to the other in a matter of seconds. He takes a few steps forward, opens the door with his free hand, and guides him down the hallway. Sanji leans all his weight against him. They walk slowly down the hallway, and Zoro picks up his bag on the way. He opens the first door and closes it, before opening the second and leading Sanji inside.

"That wasn't Ace's room, was it?" the blond sneers, triggering a slight blush on his cheeks.

"No," Zoro grumbles, "that was Luffy's." Sit here, I'll help you take off your shoes.

He sits Sanji on the bed, turns on the small bedside lamp, and kneels down in front of him to untie his shoes.

"Hey!" Sanji says suddenly. "Did you know I kissed him? Ace.”

"Mmhhh..." Zoro murmurs, unable to hide his confusion at the direction the conversation is taking. He tries to stay focused on the young man's right shoe.

"And you know I wasn't even thinking about him when I kissed him?"

At these words, Zoro stops his mouvement and raises his gaze. Sanji has leaned forward slightly, his hair falling on either side of his face, revealing both eyes. He's magnificent, breathless, his cheeks flushed with alcohol, and his eyes seem so huge. Under the warm light of the bedside lamp, the small brown sparkles in his right eye look tiny stars.

Zoro clears his throat and slowly resumes his work, but his hands are shaking slightly.

"Really?" he manages to speak.

"Yes," Sanji replies, gently jangling his earrings with one finger.

Zoro closes his eyes, unable to move. Time seems to stand still around them.

"And who were you thinking about?" he whispers, his voice hoarse. When he opens his eyes again, he sees Sanji's hand, still raised towards him. On his wrist, just below the hem of his shirt, gleams the small black leather bracelet adorned with three pendants that gently clink, echoing his own.

Sanji slowly moves his hand forward and places it on Zoro's cheek. His fingers brush the base of his hair, making the small pendants clink again, while his thumb traces a delicate arc across his cheekbone. Zoro leans against this cool hand, a shiver running through his body, his stomach knots, his heart skips a beat, and his head spins slightly.

Sanji pulls him a little closer, and Zoro is unable to resist. He lets himself be drawn into the proximity and the warmth of the contact.

"You," Sanji murmurs against his lips. "Always you... It's always been you..."

Time seems to stop again. Their lips brush, hesitant, before crushing against each other with a contained but burning intensity. Zoro feels his heart race, each beat resonating in his temples. Sanji's warmth against him, the alcohol mixed with the young man's fragility, all this triggers a wave of sensations within him that he can no longer control.

He holds back with all his might from pushing Sanji onto the bed, from giving in to the impulse that pushes him to move even closer. Each brush of their lips feels electrifying, and his hands clench slightly, as if to contain the urgency within him. Reluctantly, he pulls back a few millimeters and presses his forehead against Sanji's, feeling his breath mingling with his own, hot and trembling.

"You're not in a state to think straight, Curly." He murmurs, his voice more certain than he expected.

"I know exactly what I'm doing," Sanji replies, breathless.

Zoro closes his eyes for a few seconds, letting the intensity of his feelings overwhelm him before regaining some semblance of control.

"I don't doubt it... but I don't want you to regret anything tomorrow."

He gently cups Sanji's face in his hands, kisses his forehead, a tender, almost protective gesture, before standing up. His muscles remain tense, his mind still reeling from the kiss, as he walks to his bag and grabs a t-shirt.

"Here, put this on and go to bed. You need to rest."

He throws the garment to him and stares for a few seconds, still a little short of breath, his heart pounding, unable to look away from Sanji before regaining his composure and stepping back slightly to give him space.

Sanji raises his big blue eyes towards him, a mixture of fatigue and pleading in his gaze.

"Where are you going?" he asks hesitantly.

"I was planning on going back with the others," Zoro replies softly. "Let you get some sleep... I'll sleep on the couch."

"Oh... Yes... I kind of ruined Usopp's birthday, didn't I?"

"No, no one blames you. You've had a hard time those past weeks."

A shadow of panic and sadness flickered in Sanji's eyes again. Zoro moves closer, sits next to him on the bed, and puts a protective arm around his shoulders.

"Hey... stay calm. You're safe. We're here, and you can tell us when you're ready. Everything's fine."

"Could you stay?" Sanji suddenly murmurs.

"Stay? Where? Here?"

"Yes... I don't want to be alone..."

Zoro sighs, exasperated but touched. Sanji is going to end up killing him! He gets up, grabs his toiletry bag and another t-shirt from his bag, then heads for the door. Turning back to speak, Zoro has to stop himself from rushing to hug him again when he sees the sadness in his eyes.

"Take off your shirt and put the t-shirt on. I'm going to go tell the others that you're okay and  then brush my teeth. Shall I get you another glass of water when I come back?”

"Oh... Uh... Yes, thanks."

Even though he was the one to offer, Zoro notices that Sanji is blushing at the thought of him agreeing to stay, and at all that sharing a bed can entail. A slight smile tugs at the corner of his lips.

"Oi, Curly, I’m gonna repeat what I said earlier: there's no way you're waking up tomorrow morning with a monumental hangover and a head full of regrets. I don't know if this is the first time you've ended up like this because of alcohol, but clearly, when I get back, I hope to find you snoring!"

"Don't get lost on the way back, Marimo..." Sanji murmurs. His voice is tinged with humor, but Zoro senses the relief hidden within.

He leaves the bedroom, gently closes the door behind him, and returns to the living room, which he finds empty.

While he was taking care of Sanji, Chopper has gone home, and Nami and Vivi are now in the bathroom getting ready for bed. Zoro joins Usopp and Luffy in the kitchen.

"Need a hand?" he says as he enters the room.

The two turn around, smiling.

"No, it's fine, we'll manage. How's he doing?" Luffy asks.

"He's fine... Considering everything he's been drinking tonight... He's probably going to have a hudge headache in the morning! I'll bring him a glass of water and stay with him in case he starts throwing up again."

"Just in case, yes, good idea," Usopp replies with a mischievous wink.

Zoro feels a slight blush rising on his cheeks.

"Yes, Usopp, I'll keep an eye on him, just in case," he mutters a little dryly, grabbing a glass.

"You're a good friend, Zoro," Luffy tells him, patting his arm. "We can always count on you."

The two boys burst out laughing at Zoro's crestfallen expression.

"If I didn't know you any better, I would say you're almost happy to look after Sanji for the night!" Usopp says with a mischievous smile.

Zoro rolls his eyes.

"Why are you two still laughing?" Nami asks as she enters the kitchen. She has tied her hair back in a long braid and is wearing light orange pajamas, ready for bed. "Ah! Zoro! How's Sanji?"

"He's probably going to have a headache when he wakes up. But he's fine... Well, I think so..."

"And you? Happy to share a room with him tonight?" Nami snickers, exchanging a knowing look with the boys. “This would be a good opportunity for you two to get a little closer.”

"Oh no!" Zoro interrupts sharply. "No getting closer! He's drunk and needs rest."

"And sleeping in the same bed isn't going to bring you too any closer," Usopp adds with a wink.

"I'm not sleeping in his bed! I'm sleeping on the floor," Zoro replies, raising his voice slightly. "My only goal is to make sure he sleeps peacefully and doesn't start throwing up again, nothing else! I wanted to sleep on the couch, but he insisted."

Looking at the raised eyebrows and amused looks that follow his statement, his embarrassment rises, and he feels the need to justify himself further.

"I don't know exactly what happened with his family... but he refused to be left alone. He seemed terrified that something would happen to him, to us... Anyway! I just want to make sure he has everything he needs. So I put him in bed, I'm going to grab a pillow and lie on the floor! Period.”

The three friends exchange worried glances, the teasing forgotten. Luffy looks at the dishes as if they've personally offended him.

"He is worried about us?" Nami whispers. "What could have happened last week to get him into such a state... Yesterday, when he came back, it looked like he hadn't slept in forever... Okay, we'll let you handle it for tonight. I hope he can confide in us... or at least in you. Good night, boys."

And with that, Nami leaves the kitchen to join Vivi, who's waiting for her on the doorstep, also in her pajamas.

"Good night, boys, the bathroom is free," Vivi says, giving them a little wave.

Zoro, a little hesitant, insists one last time, glancing at the clock, which already reads 2:00 a.m.:

"Are you sure you don't need a hand?"

"No, really, go to bed. You'll do the dishes tomorrow!" Usopp reassures him with a mischievous wink. "Or you can cook us breakfast if Sanji has too bad of a hangover!"

"What?! Oh no! Sanji can't skip breakfast!" Luffy exclaims, pouting. Then he waves his wet hands in Zoro's direction. "Quick, go check on him and make him drink plenty of water so he's ready for tomorrow morning!"

Zoro nods with a smile and leaves the room.

Once in the bathroom, after brushing his teeth, he splashes water on his face, letting the evening's tide fade a little. Sanji kissed him... and even though he was drunk, it seems he likes him back. His heart races at the mere thought, and a smile briefly betray his surprise. He catches sight of his reflection in the mirror and feels ridiculous. With a quick movement, he wipes his face with a towel, as if to wipe away that all-too-genuine smile.

His eyes fell on the glass Sanji had used earlier. He picked it up, rinsed it under the faucet, and his mind drifts back to the blond's incoherent words. A pang of anxiety tightens his chest. Sanji looks like he is in trouble... and here he is, getting over the moon for a kiss. He needs to clear things up. There is no way anything is going to happen between them until he get to the bottom of this.

Zoro clenches his fists, aware that his desires must not override reality. He would not play the role of a mere distraction in Sanji's life. If there's an "us," he wants it to be real. True. Solid. And for that, he'll have to get things straight. He shakes his head, as if to clear his thoughts, then takes off his pants and shirt to put on his t-shirt.

Chapter Text

Chapter 34 – Explanations

He gently pushes open the bedroom door and slips inside. Sanji is lying on his stomach, his hair falling over his face, he is breathing peacefully. He's wearing Zoro's slightly oversized t-shirt, his own clothes and shoes scattered in front of the bed. Zoro's heart skips a beat at the sight of him like this: relaxed, vulnerable, his head buried in the pillow, one hand underneath it and the other hanging over the edge of the bed, as if he'd wanted to turn off the light but had fallen asleep first.

Zoro moves closer, gently pushes his hair back with a light finger, and pulls the covers up to the middle of Sanji's back. Then he bends down to grab the second pillow on the bed. Sanji stirs slightly in his sleep. Zoro places the pillow on the floor, gently moves Sanji's things aside, sits down, and turns off the bedside lamp. He gently withdraws his hand and is about to lie down when Sanji's grabs his wrist mid-air. He stands still, surprised, his back leaning on the side of the bed.

"You didn't get lost after all," Sanji breathes, half asleep.

"No, I told you I'd be back."

"Hmm... What are you doing on the floor, Marimo? The bed's big enough for two..."

"I'll stay here, it's for the best," he replies quietly, moving to lean back against the bed.

"So you don't want to sleep with me?" Sanji asks, his voice now fully awake.

"It's not that I don't want to, Curly, it's just that I think it’s a bad idea for tonight."

"Oh... okay... I understand... I'm not attractive when I'm drunk..."

"It's not that you're not attractive, it's just a bad idea. And I'd rather have you sober if we ever have to share a bed.”

It's a good thing it's dark, because if he could see Sanji right now, all his good resolutions would have already been thrown out the window and he would have joined him in bed.

Sanji shifts slightly towards him, rests his forehead against the back of his head, and slides his arm over his shoulder and down his torso. Zoro grabs his hand, intertwines their fingers, and places a quick kiss on his knuckles, almost instinctively. Sanji tightens his grip and kisses his hair. They stay still for a few moments, in comfortable silence.

"Curly, you should sleep," Zoro murmurs.

"Mmmhhh... don't want to... I want to stay like this for a little longer... You smell good..."

"Okay, just a few more minutes then," Zoro concedes. His heart skips a beat at the touch of Sanji against his back. He can feel his breath on his neck, and their hair brushes against each other with the slightest movement. Sanji's thumb traces small circles on his hand, and Zoro surrenders for a moment to the sweetness of the moment.

He lets a few seconds pass, then speaks again.

“Curly… I didn't understand everything earlier, but when you feel ready, you know you can tell me anything, right?”

“Mmmhh… I don't know what I told you earlier.”

“About your family…”

Sanji straightens slightly, and Zoro feels his whole body tense at the sound of these words.

“Did I say something?”He asks in a small, worried voice.

“It didn't make sense… You said you wanted to protect us. We're old enough to protect ourselves… You know we're a team, and we're here for you.”

Zoro punctuates his words with little kisses on his knuckles to reassure him.

“So when you're ready… we're here.”

Sanji rests his head on the mattress and Zoro feels as the blond relax slightly. He sighs before answering, his voice trembling, almost inaudible.

"Judge wants to officially declare me a Vinsmoke..." Sanji breathes, his voice trembling. "I'm his eldest son. With that, I'd have a position of responsibility in one of his companies... and... money... Lots of money... In return," Sanji continues, "He wants me to marry someone he's chosen... the daughter of the CEO of another company, to whom he promised the hand of one of his children to seal a business alliance."

Zoro feels a lump forming in his chest. The injustice of it all hits him like a blow. How... how can something like this still exist?

Anger burns through his veins, dull and powerful. His fists clench almost in spite of himself. How can a human being be reduced to a mere pawn? He can hear Sanji's hand tighten on the sheet. His voice drops to a whisper:

"I refused, obviously... but... he has convincing arguments..."

"What arguments?" Zoro asks, his voice choked with rage.

Sanji shifts slightly, unable to hide his discomfort.

"If I tell you... You have to promise to never speak about it, Marimo... It could put you in danger... Put all of you in danger... Please..."

Zoro feels Sanji's fear and vulnerability like a weight on his chest. His simmering anger mixes with sadness and helplessness. He tightens his grip on Sanji's hand.

"Promise me," Sanji demands imploringly.

"I promise I won't say anything without your permission," Zoro replies through gritted teeth.

“He had me followed… for weeks… He knows you, all of you… He showed me pictures of you, of your families… Recent pictures: when we eat together on Tuesdays, when we walk home with Nami, when you and Luffy order food from the food truck… Pictures from Valentine’s Day, when we danced together… Of Nami and Vivi dancing… Of Chopper and Usopp bickering by the fountain on New Year’s Eve… Pictures from my birthday party, taken from outside of the restaurant…”

Sanji stops, swallowing a sob. Zoro lets go of his hand and pivots to make himself more comfortable. He presses his forehead to Sanji's and places his hand on his head, stroking the blond locks in a soothing gesture.

Sanji continues, his voice cracking with silent sobs:

"And there's worse... I don't know how he managed that, but he got his hands on the restaurant's mortgage... Do you remember the fire five years ago? We didn't have enough insurance money to repair everything and cope with the months of closure... We had to mortgage the restaurant to get by... Well, he's the one holding the debt... He could take away my parents' dream with a snap of his fingers... Before we even have the means to pay it back..."

Zoro's mind is racing. Emotions floods in: anger, pain, the overwhelming desire to protect Sanji and his family, and the fear of knowing that all his friends could be in danger. He takes deep breaths to calm himself, anchors himself in the present, and focuses on Sanji: his forehead against his, his breaths ragged with sobs, the softness of his hair beneath his fingers.

He takes a deep breath, feeling Sanji's body shudder against his, then gently lifted his head. Without a word, he give Sanji a gentle push, a silent signal. Then, instinctively, he slipped under the covers beside him and wrapped his arms around him. One hand pressed into his back, the other tucked his head against his shoulder, whilenever stopping to stroke his hair in soothing, circular motions.

Sanji pressed against him, is sobbing harder now, his face buried in Zoro's chest, wetting his shirt with hot tears. He clings to him as if Zoro is the only anchor in a world that has suddenly become dangerous. Zoro's body tenses, but he tightens his grip, every fiber of him ready to absorb Sanji's fear and distress, to become a wall against the outside world.

Time seems to stand still, and for a moment, Zoro can only think of one thing: that Sanji should feels that he's not alone, ever, no matter what.

When Sanji finally calms down, Zoro whispers words of comfort to him:

"I understand better now... I'm here... We're not going to give up. We're going to fight... You're safe, and so is your family. Tomorrow morning, we'll call Mihawk and figure something out. If anyone knows anything about crooked CEOs, it's him."

He feels Sanji tense against him again at the mention of Mihawk and remembers the promise he made a few minutes earlier. “I won't talk about it without your permission. I promised you. And I'll never break a promise I made to you ever again,” he adds, placing a kiss on his blond hair. “We'll see tomorrow. For now, you need to rest. Sleep… I'll stay here. You're safe.”

“Thank you…” Sanji murmurs, barely audible.

Zoro feels every muscle in the young man's body gradually relax as he falls asleep from exhaustion in his arms. Carefully, he gently pushes him back to lie on his back beside him, making him more comfortable, then covers them both with the blanket. He retrieves the pillow from the floor, moving gently so as not to wake Sanji, then lies down and turns towards him. He searches for his hand under the covers, intertwines their fingers, and remains there for a few moments listening to him breathing peacefully.

Tomorrow will be a long day…

"Good night, Curly," he murmurs before falling asleep himself.

Chapter Text

Chapter 35 – Nightmare

Two weeks ago.

Sanji stretches in bed, half-opening his eyes. His gaze is immediately drawn to the small leather bracelet attached to his wrist. His lips light up with a tender smile as he gently tinkles the three fine golden drops.

No, he didn't dream it. Nami didn't make it up. Zoro did kiss him last night. A real kiss—tender, delicate, sweet. Not a joke, not a test to see if it made him feel anything, but a real kiss... a silent declaration.

Sanji immediately buries his face in his hands and wiggles his legs under the covers like a child who's just been promised a day at Disneyland.

Three soft knocks at his door suddenly pull him from his reverie.

"Sanji, darling, are you awake? Your father and I need to talk to you..." Sora says softly from the other side of the door. His mother's serious tone makes Sanji frown.

"Okay, Mom, I'm getting up and coming for breakfast."

"Given the time, it'll be lunch... We're waiting for you in the kitchen, take your time."

He grabs his phone and checks the time: 11:50 a.m. Indeed, he slept in much later than planned.

He puts on a pair of sweatpants, quickly goes to the bathroom, then joins his parents in the kitchen. On the counter, a plate of pancakes, scrambled eggs, and bacon awaits him, placed between a steaming cup of coffee and a bowl of fresh fruit. Sanji sits down on a stool opposite from his parents, takes a sip of coffee before digging into his plate.

But seeing that no one is talking, he looks up at them, looking worried.

"Are you okay?" he asks. "Did someone die? What did you want to talk about?”

"Sanji, darling... We wanted to wait until after the party to talk to you... Your father contacted us..."

"He's not my father," Sanji interrupts, a little annoyed. "Call him whatever you want, but not that. Zeff is my father."

She exchanges a look with Zeff before continuing:

"Judge got in touch with us on your birthday."

"Why?" he replies abruptly.

"Now that you're an adult, he no longer needs our permission to meet you. And we're no longer required to be present if he wants to speak to you in private..."

"Okay. But I have no intention of meeting him or speaking to him in private."

He shrugs, but something is wrong. Zeff's stubborn silence is never a good sign.

"He wants to meet you," she says patiently.

"Why?"

"We don't really know... He said you were his eldest son... And that, now that you're an adult, you're old enough to decide whether you want to be a part of his life or not."

"Don't even think about it! I have absolutely no desire to have anything to do with him, and you know it."

A simmering anger begins to simmer inside him.

"He's suggesting you visit his businesses this week. He'd also like you to meet Reiju, your half-sister."

"I have classes next week, I can't," Sanji retorts, finding it increasingly difficult to hide his anger.

“Sanji... He's trying to take a step in your direction... He's not that bad, you know...”

Sora tries to keep her tone neutral, but Sanji sees tears glistening in the corners of her eyes and hears her voice break. Zeff gently grabs her hand and places a kiss on it before speaking for her.

“What your mother is trying to tell you, little eggplant, is that your father... sorry, Judge, demanded to meet you. He agreed to wait until this week because we asked him to, but we can't put it off any longer. If we don't go to him, he'll come to us. He didn't try anything when he found out you were his son, but now that you're an adult... we can't protect you anymore.”

“I really don't want to go,” Sanji grits through his teeth, aware that he sounds like a child throwing a tantrum.

He clenches his jaw so tightly that he feels the muscles in his temples tighten, and a headache begins to prick behind his eyes.

"He agreed to let me go with you. He wanted it to be your mother, but we refused."

"So you leave me no choice..."

"We'll go and meet him together, you'll listen to what he has to say, and then you can make the decision that suits you best. And we'll be there no matter what," Zeff adds decisively. "And if you decide to cut him out of your life... good riddance."

A weak smile tugs at Sanji's lips at this remark. Yet, he feels trapped, like an animal with its back to the wall. He has no desire to see Judge again, nor to meet his sister, much less to visit this family's businesses... But Zeff is right. Nothing's stopping him from going there, seeing what there is to see, listening to what he has to say... then turning around and never going back.

"Okay. I'll go. But we don't say anything to my friends. And once this visit is over, I never want to hear about this family ever again."

Sora walks around the small kitchen and hugs him.

"I'm sorry, darling..."

He hugs her back. His anger slowly fades, replaced by infinite sadness at his mother's distress.

"It's not your fault, Mom. You couldn't have known they were all rotten to the core. We were lucky we got out of it after all."

---ooo---

On Monday morning, Zeff and Sanji are ready to leave. Sora is with them downstairs, and the three of them wait, hand in hand, in the late-winter morning chill.

A limousine pulls up the street and stops alongside them. A young woman with pinkish-blond hair, tall and elegant in a beige suit, gets out and walks towards them.

"Hello Sanji, I'm Reiju, your sister. Mr. and Mrs. Black, it's a pleasure to meet you. If you'd like to get in the car, we have a busy schedule. Ma'am, we'll be back by next Wednesday at the latest.”

"I thought it was a week?" Sanji replies, unable to contain himself.

"Yes, that’s the plan," she replies with a professional smile. "But depending on traffic conditions and the length of some meetings, we might need two more days for you to see everything."

Sanji sighs, grabs his duffel bag, then turns to hug his mother.

"Everything's going to be okay. I love you," she whispers into his hair.

He then glances at his father before following his half-sister to the car. A few moments later, Zeff climbs into the limousine and the door closes behind them. Sanji keeps his eyes fixed on his mother's silhouette through the window... until they disappear around the corner.

---ooo---

Zeff and Sanji are staying in an outbuilding attached to the Vinsmokes' main residence. They've been told that, for security reasons, jammers are installed everywhere: in the residence, in the cars, even in the company facilities. Cut off from the outside world, Sanji sometimes feels suffocated. He silently thanks Zeff for agreeing to come with him—without him, he would have already lost his footing.

For the first six days, Reiju drives them in a limousine from one company to the next. She remains their only real interlocutor, cold but polite, and aside from a few employees they pass by in silence, no one speaks to them. Each visit resembles a perfectly orchestrated parade, where everything is controlled, where every gaze seems to weigh heavily on them.

The Germa companies specialize in technologies for military, public, and private use. But Sanji and Zeff are only allowed to visit the civilian sections; The rest is carefully hidden behind closed doors, guarded by men in uniform. They discover sites for the design of vehicles, drones, electronic components, and even ultra-precise geolocation systems. Then come the factories producing protective equipment for law enforcement and the armed forces: helmets, riot shields, bulletproof vests, etc.

Everything is cold, impersonal. The buildings look the same, the faces too. And as the days go by, Sanji feels more and more like he's living in a vast, gilded prison, where every step is watched, every word held back.

Every evening, they are served meals worthy of a Michelin-starred restaurant, which they consume with little appetite in the small dining room of their apartment. Sanji's anxiety grows with the passing days. They still don't understand why they're there. They can't contact Sora and still haven't met Judge. Sanji eats little, sleeps even less, and reminds himself of his birthday as often as possible to reassure himself. He absentmindedly plays with his bracelet all day long to calm his stress, counting down the days until his return to his mum, to his friends, to Zoro.

On Sunday evening, they are finally invited to dinne at the main residence.

"Do you think they'll all be there?" Sanji asks, his voice a little shaky.

"All who?"

"All my half-brothers... We were told we'd have a meal with the family. Do you think they'll be there?"

Zeff shrugs uncertainly.

"It won't change anything. We'll stick to the plan. We'll eat, listen to what they have to say, and tomorrow we'll go back home."

"Yes... you're right."

"And the first one who dares to try anything gets my foot up his ass!" Zeff adds with a mischievous smile.

Sanji returns a forced smile and opens the door of their apartment.

As soon as he steps into the hallway of the main residence, a shiver runs down his spine. The cold, white lights glide across the immaculate walls, and each step resonates with an echo that seems to amplify his anxiety. He feels the invisible gaze of the residence on him, as if every hallway, every door, is watching his every move. His hands tighten in his pockets, and his bracelet clinks slightly against his wrist. At every turn, Sanji dreads running into his half-brothers. His heart pounds, and even Zeff's reassuring smile at his side struggles to calm the storm brewing within him. Each breath seems heavy, each step bringing him closer to an encounter he didn't choose, one he deeply dreads.

---ooo---

The large dining room is immense, bigger than their entire apartment, balconies included. In the center sits a gigantic table, and the overly elaborate decor makes Sanji dizzy. Every detail seems designed to impress and overwhelm: a true display of power and money is at play here.

Sanji remains silent, observing the table and its occupants with a mixture of apprehension and curiosity. Reiju stands to join them, leaving Sanji to take in with a glance the grandeur and opulence of this world in which he has never belonged.

"You're late," she said coldly. "Come on, you'll be seated over there."

She hurriedly led them to the table, indicating the various guests.

“You already know our brothers: Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji,” she says, pointing to each of her brothers in turn, who grimace in disgust as Sanji comes closer. “And here is Madame Charlotte and two of her children: Perospero and Pudding,” she adds, discreetly pointing to the other side of the table.

“Sanji, you’re next to Pudding. Mr. Black, you can take a seat next to Sanji. I’ll be sitting across from you with my father.”

Sanji looks at the table again. In front of his, Judge’s seat is still empty, and his stomach twists at the thought of seeing him again. He who abandoned his mother, who seduced her while he was married, and who did nothing to help her when she was thrown out of the residence…

He clenches his fists, but plasters his most charming smile on his lips as he sits down next to Pudding. She must be a year or two older than him, petite, with brown hair and long bangs that partially obscure her gaze. She seems rather shy, as Sanji's mere approach makes her blush all the way to her ears.

"Hello, miss. I'm pleased to meet you. I'm Sanji Black, but you can call me Sanji."

The red on Pudding's cheeks deepen as she replies with a timid "Good evening." But Sanji doesn't have time to prolong the exchange. The dining room door bursts open, startling them, and Judge Vinsmoke finally enters the room.

Sanji glances sideways at his father, who nervously fiddles with his mustache as he watches the newcomer.

"Good evening, everyone. I'm glad you could make it, Miss Charlotte!"

"Call me Linlin, please! After all, we're practically family now!" the fat woman replies in a loud voice.

"Very well then, Linlin, it's a pleasure to have you. You've already met my children, I assume," he adds, waving his arm in their direction. "Reiju, my eldest daughter; Ichiji, Niji, and Yonji, my triplets; and Sanji, my eldest son."

These words have the effect of a bombshell around the table. Linlin and Perospero immediately turn an interested look towards him, like two birds of prey. Pudding blushes even more. His half-brothers groan indignantly, and Zeff almost chokes. Only Reiju remains calm.

Sanji's heart skips a beat, but he tries not to show it. His fingers automatically close around his bracelet, trying to summon a little courage.

The staff begins serving the meal as soon as Judge is seated at the table. The deafening silence is broken only by the clatter of cutlery against plates. No one dares to speak, and Sanji feels increasingly uncomfortable.

Once she's finished her dessert, after what seems like an eternity, Linlin finally speaks:

"So Sanji is the one you chose to marry Pudding?" she says in her strong voice.

"Exactly! He just turned eighteen. If all goes well, he'll be able to start as an assistant manager in one of our companies this summer, after he graduates from high school. He visited almost all of the group's companies this week, and I hope he can make his choice quickly so we can train him while he finishes his school year."

Sanji remains frozen. Beside him, he feels Zeff suddenly tense. His heart is pounding in his ears, his head is spinning. The anger he's felt since he first stepped into the limousine finally explodes: he's no longer just angry, he's furious! How did Judge Vinsmoke think he could do whatever he wanted with him?

He clenches his jaw until his teeth are grinding. Rage clouds his vision. With a brutal gesture, he places his cutlery on his plate, making the utensils clatter against the china in a loud noise.

"Excuse me?" he manages to say.

He looks up at Judge. His father's hand rests gently on his knee, pressing lightly to indicate his presence. His fists remain clenched on either side of his plate, his knuckles white. He tries to maintain a neutral expression, but his blood boils, and his blue eye glares at his interlocutor.

"Your sister didn't tell you the purpose of your visits?" Judge asks, raising an eyebrow at his daughter.

"Oh! I wanted to surprise him," Reiju replies with an embarrassed smile.

"Ah, very well. Now you know," Judge adds. "But we'll talk about all that again tomorrow. Let's take advantage of our guests being here to get to know each other better. I suggest we go into the small living room for coffee, or maybe something stronger."

At once, the five Vinsmokes stand up and head for the door. Sanji's three half-brothers give him venomous looks. Linlin, Perospero, and Pudding follow shortly after.

Now, only Sanji and Zeff remain in the dining room. Silence falls heavily, further accentuating Sanji's feeling of oppression and unease.

“Hey! Eggplant!” Zeff says, snapping his fingers in front of Sanji’s eyes to bring him back to reality. “Sanji! Listen to me!”

Sanji blinks several times, panting, his heart pounding. His head spins, his fists clench on his knees, and he feels like his anger could make him explode at any moment. Judge’s words still echo in his mind, and a mixture of rage, fear, and frustration chokes him.

“Look at me! And breathe, damn it!”

Sanji tries to release the air he’s been holding, but each breath is taking him all of his strengh. He closes his eyes for a moment, then opens them again, focuses on his father’s face, and forces himself to breathe calmly. The pressure in his head gradually eases, and he unclenches his still-trembling jaw.

“That’s better,” Zeff comments, somewhat reassured. “You know everything he just said is bullshit, right? You don't have to accept any of his offers. We'll hire lawyers if we have to, but he won't force you to become an assistant... mangeur for god knows who!”

"It's assistant manager, Dad," Sanji corrects, smiling weakly.

“Yes, oh, it’s the same,” Zeff replies gruffly. “You’re going to be the greatest chef I’ve ever known, so he can shove his business ventures wherever I think!”

Sanji’s eyes widen, stunned. His parents have always supported him, but Zeff has never been so direct, so categorical. This is the first time he’s admitted out loud that he fully believes in Sanji and his talent as a chef.

The anger and frustration that had consumed him since their arrival gradually dissipate, replaced by a gentle, comforting warmth. His heart, still racing, begins to slow. His hands relax, his shoulders drop, and tears begin to well up in the corners of his eyes. Zeff places a firm but tender hand on his shoulder, and the simple touch gives Sanji a feeling of security and support he’s never felt so intensely.

“Your mother and I have never doubted you, so you're not going to start getting in your own way. We'll stick to the original plan: we'll listen to them, nod, and at the first opportunity, we'll say 'no thanks' and go back to your mother. And we'll take a walk on the beach! I think we'll all need it after this!”

The beach… Yes! That's exactly what he needs to keep going! Sanji looks up at his father and gives a weak smile.

“Yes, you're right, we're following the plan.”

“Okay, then let's go to the small living room, since that's what's expected from us.”

He stands up, and Sanji hears him muttering under his breath:

“The small living room… Who needs a small living room and a large living room…”

Sanji laughs softly as he gets up from his chair, then grabs his father's arm stop him.

“I have to go to our room to get something, I'll be right back. I won't be long, I promise.”

“Okay, I'll tell them you're in the bathroom. Hurry up!”

---ooo---

Once in his room, Sanji spills the contents of his travel bag onto the bed. He's sure he took it with him! He rummages through his things for a few moments before finally feeling the contours of the small box. He opens it and breathes a sigh of relief. The two small vials are inside, neatly arranged in their case.

He grabs the one filled with sand and tiny shells and holds it up to his eyes to examine it for a moment. Then he slips it into his jacket pocket, against his heart, and hurries out of the bedroom towards the small living room of the main residence.

As he walks briskly through the gardens, the small vial gently knocks against him. A small, reassuring weight, an invisible anchor that will allow him to face the rest of this evening.

---ooo---

The small living room is located at one end of the building. It opens onto a stone terrace, furnished with metal tables and chairs, as well as a few planters containing plants that will bloom in a few weeks.

When Sanji arrives, Reiju points him outside and asks him—"orders" would be more accurate—to go talk to Pudding, who has gone out onto the terrace to get some fresh air.

Sanji gently pushes open one of the French doors and goes out to join the girl. She's leaning against the stone railing, gazing up at the sky. Sanji clears his throat to signal his presence. She turns around and immediately blushes when she sees him.

"Good evening again, Miss Pudding," Sanji says with a smile.

"Good evening, Sanji... sorry about earlier, I didn't get a chance to greet you properly."

"I must say, the meal wasn't particularly conducive to conversation."

She smiles shyly at him and pulls her shawl up around her shoulders, as if to protect herself from the wind or her own embarrassment.

"If you're cold, we can go back inside," Sanji suggests.

“Oh, no, I’m much better off here. It’s a little stuffy inside… Um… Don’t take this the wrong way, but my mother arranged all this. She’s been talking about it for months. I thought I was going to marry Ichiji; I thought he was the eldest son. And let’s just say he seemed as surprised as I was to find out your father had chosen you…”

“Vinsmoke Judge is not my father,” Sanji replies a little sharply.

“Oh… But I thought…” Pudding seems thrown by his words.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to be so abrupt. Judge is my biological father, yes. He had an affair with my mother and never knew she was pregnant. He only found out about me two years ago. I’m sorry if I disappoint you, but I’m not going to be able to marry you. I don't intend to accept his offers.”

"Oh... That's a shame... You seemed much nicer than Ichiji. No disrespect meant."

Sanji bursts out laughing at her words, a light laugh that hides a little of his relief.

"You can disrespect them, I don't mind. I don't really hang out with them, but I know them a little, and they're... peculiar... Respect doesn't really seem to be part of their vocabulary..."

"So you have no intention of doing anything your father said tonight?" she asks curiously.

He glances discreetly at Zeff, a mixture of gratitude and pride swelling in his chest.

"Like I said, he's only my father in name. My real father is the old wreck sitting over there with the mustache," Sanji replies in a more tender voice, pointing at Zeff. "He gave us everything we ever needed, my mother and me. And above all, they gave me the choice to do what I want in every aspect of my life.”

A slight smile crosses his lips as he realizes how lucky he is to have grown up with real role models, and how much this personal choices, this freedom, means to him.

"Oh… You're very lucky then… Almost all of my older siblings' marriages were primarily to seal deals with other companies. Make no mistake, some have found love through this… But we don't really have a choice, neither in our professional nor our personal lives…"

Tears glisten in her eyes, and she seems sincere. Sanji is touched and steps towards her to gently take her hand.

"I wish you the best then, but it certainly won't be with me. And even if we had been forced to marry, I would never have truly been your husband; my heart belongs to someone else."

He places a kiss on her hand, releases it, and takes a step back.

"It was nice meeting you, Miss Pudding. I'll leave you to your nightly musings and go back inside to make sure my father survives all of this."

"Thank you... for being honest with me. This person is very lucky to have you. I wish you happiness."

With that, she looks away and returns to lean against the railing to gaze thoughtfully at the sky. Sanji watches her for a few more seconds, a smile on his lips, then checks that the small vial is still in his pocket before heading back inside.

Reiju seems satisfied with the length of his conversation with Pudding. She gives him a slight nod and then leaves Sanji to join Zeff, who doesn't need to be asked twice to leave the party and return to their accommodation.

---ooo---

The next two days are exhausting. Sanji attends a series of meetings alone, Zeff having been asked to stand aside every time. He meets with lawyers, a notary, and several managers from the various companies he had visited the previous week. He is presented with documents, simulations, and projects, while Judge and his colleagues emphasize each point, pushing him to make immediate decisions.

"With this role as assistant manager, you would have access to considerable sums of money. Imagine what you could accomplish around the world with the Vinsmoke name behind you!" “And marrying Pudding would place you at the heart of our family and industrial network,” Judge insists, his tone authoritative but persuasive. “You would have the power and respect few people can achieve at your age.”

Sanji listens patiently to all the proposals, his face impassive but his body tense. His shoulders are stiff, his hands clenched on the armrests of his chair, and his heart pounds every time Judge raises his voice or the managers multiply their arguments. Promises of wealth, prestige, and power pour in from all sides, but none of them touch what really matters to him. With each attempt at persuasion, he mechanically replies, “I have to think about it.”

When he returns to Zeff, he is exhausted: fatigue weighs on his legs, his neck is stiff, and his stomach is in knots. He recounts everything in detail to his father, who listens patiently, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder or gently squeezing his hand to give him courage.

“Keep a cool head,” Zeff whispers. “Continue to be evasive. Don’t reject anything outright, or they might extend our stay even longer. Breathe, little eggplant… You have the right to say no when you’re ready.”

Despite the Vinsmokes’ tempting promises and almost oppressive insistence, Sanji feels a small inner strength reassuring him. The small vial in his pocket seems to pulse against his heart, like a silent reminder that he can stand firm and remain in control of his life.

On Tuesday afternoon, Sanji is summoned directly to Judge’s office. He nervously fiddles with his wristband to calm himself while waiting for one of the CEO’s assistants to come get him from the small adjoining waiting room. Every tick of his watch seems to echo in his ears. When a young man finally arrives to pick him up, Sanji jumps, stands up, checks his hair, smooths out nonexistent wrinkles in his pants, then pats his jacket to make sure the small vial is still there before quickly following him. Of all the meetings he's ever had, this is the one that terrifies him the most: a one-on-one with Judge Vinsmoke, CEO of Germa 66 and his biological father.

He enters the large office and the assistant indicates a chair facing Judge's vast desk. Sanji takes a deep breath to calm himself, then settles into the chair, stiff as a board, his hands clenched in his lap, eager to get this over with as quickly as possible.

"Ah, Sanji, you're here! Perfect, perfect!" Judge begins, a cold smile on his lips. Faced with his son's lack of reaction, he continued, his voice tinged with a harsh glint:

"I understand you've rejected all of our proposals."

"Yes, absolutely," Sanji replies, his voice a little tense but controlled.

"You see," Judge continues, his eyes sparkling with an almost evil glint, "I think you're going to have to think a little harder."

Sanji feels his heart race. Each of Judge's words feels like a weight on his chest, and he grips the bracelet a little tighter in his hand, finding in this small object a thin thread of courage.

Judge opens a drawer in his desk and takes out a large envelope, which he hands to Sanji. The young man opens it cautiously and extracts the contents, which scatter across the desk in front of him. His heart skips a beat when he recognizes the faces in the photos spread out before him.

“You see, it would be a real shame if anything happened to these people. And do you know what this is?” Judge asks, pointing at a stack of documents.

Sanji grabs the document and quickly scans it, his hands trembling slightly.

“How did you get access to this?” he asks, his teeth clenched, anger mixed with fear.

“The how isn’t important here,” Judge replies coldly. “What matters is that if you don’t accept our terms, I might speed up the process of shutting down the restaurant. After all, five years is a decent amount of time to raise such a sum, and I would be perfectly within my rights to demand it immediately…”

Sanji says nothing more. Rage boils inside him, his stomach knots, he feels sick, feverish, oppressed. He tries to move his hand, but it refuses to respond. He's short of breath, and the blood is pounding at his temples.

Suddenly, he opens his eyes and bolts upright, one hand on his chest, desperately gasping for air. His gaze sweeps the room, lost, panicked. Two hands then grab his shoulders, and he's pulled back, pressed against a warm, reassuring body, enveloped in infinite tenderness.

"It's okay, Curly... It was a nightmare, breathe... it's okay. I'm here."

Chapter Text

Chapter 36 – A Gentle Awakening

The gentle embrace surprises him at first, then Sanji realizes where he is and leans against Zoro. Gradually, his breathing calms, his heart returns to normal. The warmth of Zoro's arms seems to dissolve every last trace of his nightmare.

When he feels ready, Sanji pushes Zoro back lightly, then sits up and grabs the glass of water on the nightstand. He drains it in one gulp before setting it down. Finally, he lies back down, his head on his pillow, and settles on his side, facing him.

Now facing each other, their hands rest a few inches apart. In the dim light of the bedroom, they observe each other in silence, as if no words are necessary.

"How's your head?" Zoro asks softly.

"Not so bad... Thanks for making me drink water..." Sanji replies, rubbing his eyes.

“Hmm, no problem. Do you remember everything?"

“I didn't drink that much, Marimo!”

“Uh... do you want me to remind you of your little trip to the bathroom?”

“...Okay, maybe I went a bit overboard,” Sanji concedes with a smile. “But yes, I remember everything.”

“What are you planning to do?”

“About what? Because if I remember correctly, we discussed several things last night...” Sanji replies with a mischievous look.

“About your family,” Zoro adds seriously.

Sanji's smile immediately fades.

He's a little disappointed that the conversation is taking this turn, but Zoro is right: it's important. And now that he's told him about it, he's no longer alone in looking for solutions. He lets out a long sigh.

“Do you really think Mihawk can help me?”

“Yes. We can go see him with your parents later…”

"No. My parents don't know," Sanji replies, panic returning to his voice. "You're the only one I've told. I don't want them to feel like they have to to give up the restaurant for me. But I'm willing to go see Mihawk… if you think he can keep it a secret."

"Hmm… okay. But you'll have to talk to them about it at some point. It's too important to keep it from them forever."

"If Mihawk can help me and offers me solutions, then I'll talk to them. But not before."

"What about the threats, the photos? Do you plan on telling the others?"

"No. Not right now. I don't think Judge will make a move immediately. He's given me until the end of June to give him an answer. He's rotten, but not a complete idiot... at least, I dare to hope so."

He runs a nervous hand through his hair, then continues in a calmer voice:

"Anyway, the ones most at risk are you and Luffy. Because you hang out with those three idiots at school. But I know you're capable of handling them if something were to happen. And if there's ever another one of these joint parties, we'll be careful. Even if it means trapping them in the gardens, out of sight, to prevent them from doing anything stupid."

"I don't know what you mean," Zoro replies, avoiding his gaze.

Sanji gives him a light slap on the head.

"Don't play dumb, I'm sure Nami told you I heard everything that night!"

"They wanted to do something with a spider! I hardly did anything! And besides... Vivi was the one who sorted it out, not me," he adds with a slightly embarrassed smile.

A shiver runs down Sanji's spine at the mere mention of the spider. He hates those creatures. He jumps slightly when he feels Zoro's hand brush against his, his little finger gripping his in a discreet but infinitely tender gesture.

Sanji looks down at their intertwined fingers, suspended for a moment, before looking back up at Zoro's.

"Thank you..." he breathes softly, turning his hand completely over to intertwine their fingers, his thumb tracing small circles on Zoro's rough skin.

"For what exactly?"

"For defending me that night. For trying to protect me... For organizing my birthday... For taking care of me last night... For staying with me...”

"No problem."

A comfortable silence falls between them. The apartment is quiet, but by the light filtering through the shutters, Sanji senses that the others will be getting up soon. He shifts slightly, making a move to get out of bed, but Zoro immediately tightens his grip and refuses to let go of his hand.

"We need to talk about this too," he says, raising their intertwined fingers.

"Oh... uh... Yeah... I guess..." Sanji stammers, blushing to the ears.

"You have no idea about what you want to do, do you?"

"Yes I do! Well... I..."

He immediately buries his head in the pillow, unable to meet Zoro's gaze. Zoro gently squeezes his hand, his voice lower, reassuring:

"Hey, Curly. It's okay if you're not ready. I know your last relationship went badly. I can wait. I'll never force you into doing anything.”

Zoro places a tender kiss on the back of his hand. Sanji feels his heart race, then he turns his head away, takes a deep breath, and finally lets out what's been eating away at him:

"I... uh... I'm afraid Judge will use you against me. After all, he wants to marry me. So... seeing me in a relationship might not please him."

"Okay, no problem. I'll wait," Zoro replies, gently releasing his hand.

But Sanji immediately catches it back, crushes it against his chest, and curls up, as if to protect it closer to his heart. His voice trembles with suppressed anger, laced with venom:

"No! I'm not going to ruin this because of Judge Vinsmoke. I've been waiting for too long. If you're willing to wait a little longer, good for you... but I'm not!" Zoro's laughter makes the air vibrate between them and breaks the shadow of anger that still made Sanji tense.

"Don't sulk, Curly. I already told you, I can wait. But if you're willing to try, I need to hear it from you… I don't want to do anything without your agreement. Clear, explicit.”

Sanji's eyes widen. So much consideration… it takes him by surprise. He thinks back to Viola, who never really gave him a choice, to Nami's reproaches when he admitted to sometimes giving in reluctantly. All that weight, all that unease he'd been carrying around for years… swept away in one swoop. In one sentence, Zoro had cracked that fear and replaced it with something new: a quiet certainty, the certainty that he could take the plunge without losing himself.

"Okay. Explicit then," he breathes. "But first… I need to ask you a question. Can we keep this all a secret for now? To keep it from getting to the ears of... you know who? Would you be okay with this arrangement? Even from our friends?”

"Yes, Curly. If that's what you want, I can do that for you. As long as you promise me it's only until the situation is resolved. And now, you need to define ‘all this’ properly."

Sanji nods slowly. His emotions are jostling, but a tender smile finally appears on his lips. He inhales, exhales a warm breath, and finally says,

"Zoro... Do you want to go out with me?"

He doesn't have time to fear the answer. Zoro immediately approaches, his hand still linked with his. Sanji instinctively backs away, finding himself lying on his back. The young man places his other hand next to his head for balance, then leans forward slowly, as if giving him one last chance to back away. Sanji doesn't move. And then, Zoro brushes his lips against his in an infinitely sweet kiss.

"Sanji!!!" Luffy's cry makes the entire apartment vibrate.

Zoro jumps up, surprised, and in his haste, topples off the bed. He lands heavily on the wooden floor, tangled in the blanket groaning as the door bursts open.

Luffy appears in the doorway, all smiles. Zoro blinks, dazzled by the light, still half-dazed.

Under the covers, Sanji bursts out laughing, unable to stop himself at the sight.

"Yes, Luffy?" he asks, laughing.

“Oh, Zoro! You really slept on the floor, just like you said!” Luffy exclaims enthusiastically.

Sanji catches Zoro’s lost gaze and laughs even harder, tears in his eyes.

“Sanji, are you okay?” Luffy adds, completely serious despite the situation.

“Yes, Luffy, I’m fine.”

“Well enough to make breakfast? Because Zoro offered to… but I think I’d rather eat your food anyway.”

The statement stops Sanji’s laughter in its tracks. He sits up in bed and glances at Zoro in surprise.

“Marimo?! You offered to make breakfast? I didn’t know you could cook!”

“It’s not like cooking eggs is complicated, Curly! I’m sure I can do them better than you.”

“Oh, really? Is that a challenge, cactus face?” Sanji retorts, throwing his pillow in his face.

"Namiiiiiii!" Luffy yells, bursting into the hallway. "Zoro and Sanji are going to have an egg contest for breakfast, you have to come and referee!"

They exchange a knowing glance and smile, then stand up to join the others. Nami passes by in the hallway, places her hand over her eyes, and barks, "I want everyone to wear pants before coming for breakfast!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 37 – Meeting Mihawk

"Hey, Curly, you know this is the best solution, right?"

"Yeah, but... your dad can be a little intimidating sometimes. It stresses me out a little..."

"Don't worry, he'll be happy to help you. I know he can't stand Judge," Zoro replies reassuringly.

They walk side by side down the street, backpacks on their backs and bellies full after spending the day playing video games with Luffy and Usopp and devouring mountains of junk food. The girls left a little before 3:00 PM, and they helped Luffy restore some semblance of order to the apartment before Garp returns. It's now around 5:00 PM, and Usopp has just turned down a side street to his apartment, finally leaving Sanji and Zoro alone.

When they arrive at Zoro's, Sanji feels a wave of panic wash over him. His fingers tremble slightly as he takes off his shoes and jacket.

"What if he refuses to help me?" he blurts out suddenly.

Zoro immediately approaches, places a firm hand on his hip and the other against his cheek, forcing his gaze into his.

"Impossible," he says calmly. "Everything's going to be fine."

Then, without giving him time to sink back into his anguish, he places a gentle kiss on his forehead before leading him upstairs. In front of the closed door of Mihawk's office, Zoro knocks, waits for a reply, then, once given permission, gently squeezes Sanji's hand and opens the door.

"Dad," Zoro says as he enters. "We need your help."

Mihawk looks up from his papers and scrutinizes the two young people over his small rectangular glasses. His sharp gaze flicks from one to the other and lingers a second too long on their joined hands. Sanji, taken aback, hastily withdraws his. Zoro immediately turns his head towards him and gives him a heavy look, before catching his hand and intertwining their fingers again without the slightest hesitation.

"I don't suppose you came to ask for my blessing?" Mihawk asks, his voice neutral but with a mischievous glint in his eyes.

"No," Zoro replies calmly. "Sanji's in trouble, and he could use your advice."

Mihawk nods and gestures for them to sit in the armchairs facing his desk. Once seated, he turns directly towards Sanji, his piercing gaze betraying undisguised interest.

"What kind of trouble are we talking about, Sanji?"

The blond straightens slightly, takes a deep breath, and forces his voice to remain steady.

"Before I tell you more, I need you to promise me something, sir."

Mihawk folds his hands under his chin, impassive.

"I can't promise anything until I know the whole story... but you can always ask me."

"I haven't told my parents about any of this. And I only plan to do so if we can find a solution to my problems together. I'd like you to keep it a secret, too. Please."

His heart is pounding; he absentmindedly plays with his bracelet to calm his nerves. Zoro moves his chair closer to his and places a reassuring hand on his knee.

"Very well, tell me your problem, and depending on the severity of the situation, I'll see if I can keep it a secret or if I have to inform your parents."

"I'm an adult... uh... sir," Sanji adds hastily. "They don't have to be informed."

A hint of surprise crosses Mihawk's eyes, but he doesn't react. He nods gently.

"I'm listening."

Sanji then launches into a detailed account of the events of the past few weeks. When he comes to the threats, he has to swallow a sob of anguish; Zoro immediately takes his hand again to encourage him to keep talking.

"And I suppose my son is among the people mentioned in these threats? Given your proximity, that makes sense to me."

The two boys exchange a glance, their cheeks flushed.

"Uh... yes, sir. Zoro is among the people in the photos. But not because we're together. In fact..."

"No one knows," Zoro interrupts. "That we're together, I mean. It's very recent. And we thought it best to keep it a secret, given the situation."

"That's a good idea. Try to remain discreet. Go on, Sanji, please. I need the complete list of people in these photos."

"Uh... yes, of course. There were pictures of Nami, Usopp, Chopper, Luffy, Zoro, Vivi too—Nami's girlfriend—and uh… Chopper's mother, Luffy's grandfather, his brothers, my parents, Nami's sister, and her mother. I think that's it.”

"No pictures of Perona, or me?" Mihawk asks, continuing to jot down information in a small notebook.

"No, sir. Not that I remember."

"Very well. Was there anything else in that envelope?"

"Yes… he got the mortgage on the restaurant," Sanji murmurs in a small voice.

"Of the Baratie?" Mihawk asks, finally looking up at him.

"Yes, sir…"

Mihawk absentmindedly taps his notebook with the tip of his pen, his eyes half-closed as if he's already weighing several scenarios in his head. The silence falls, heavy, and Sanji feels his throat tighten again. Zoro squeezes his hand slightly in his, like an anchor.

Sanji stares at their intertwined fingers to calm the trembling in his hands. He glances at the clock, relieved that it's not too late—his parents won’t be worried yet. Zoro immediately catches his gesture and squeezes his hand harder to remind him he's not alone.

"So? Do you think you can do something?" Zoro asks.

"Hmm... yes. I can contact my lawyers and Lieutenant Smoker to build a case against Vinsmoke. If everything you just said is true, we can nail him for extortion, intimidation, and attempted forced marriage. Those are crimes, Sanji. With the right evidence, he risks prison. For years I've been waiting for a breakthrough to bring him down...”

Mihawk speaks in a calm, collected voice, but his gaze burns with a cold intensity. Each word is precise, sharp, without hesitation. He leaves no doubt: he knows exactly what to do, and how to do it.

Sanji feels a lump in his throat. All that weight he's accumulated over the past few weeks, that fear of seeing his loved ones crushed by Judge, suddenly cracks. But he doesn't dare to believe it yet.

"Uh... Sir, the lawyers... the procedure... I don't have the means..."

Mihawk looks up from his notebook and stares at it over his glasses.

"If we represent you, you won't have to pay a cent. Better yet: you could claim damages. At the end of this case, he'll be the one who owes you money."

Sanji's world is reeling. The air abruptly leaves his lungs, as if he'd just run a marathon. His shoulders, tense to the point of breaking for days, suddenly slump, unable to carry the burden any longer. Zoro's hand squeezes his, and for the first time in weeks, he feels truly supported, protected.

His eyes shine in spite of himself, but it's no longer fear that moistens them; it's a raw, wild, almost painful relief. He releases a shaky breath and forms a fragile, sincere, incredulous smile.

"Thank you... Thank you, sir..."

Mihawk doesn't answer right away. He keeps staring at him, implacable, as if to make sure he fully appreciates the weight of what has just been said. Then he nods, already focused on what's next.

Zoro, on the other hand, says nothing. But the corner of his lips lifts, imperceptibly: it's exactly what he had hoped for. And seeing Sanji finally breathe again is worth any victory.

"I told you, after all this time trying to corner him, this is a perfect opportunity!"

"And what about the promise? Not to tell my parents for now?"

Mihawk slowly puts down his pen, fixing him with his steely gaze.

"I agree with you. The fewer people know, the more likely we are to succeed. Your parents won't find out until they have to. When we officially launch the procedure with the lawyers, only then should they be informed.”

Sanji nods, his nervous fingers fiddling with his bracelet again.

"For now," Mihawk continues, "I'll contact Lieutenant Smoker. I'll ask him to lead the investigation and keep an eye on all of you. Just in case. You said it yourself: Vinsmoke gave you a deadline. He shouldn't make a move until the end of June. That would be reckless."

He pauses, his eyes flickering briefly from Zoro to Sanji. A shadow of severity crosses his face, but his tone remains controlled.

"And at the risk of repeating myself, you two remain discreet. Vinsmoke must believe he has a chance of marrying you to the Charlotte girl. The more confident he feels, the more mistakes he'll make."

They nod together, like two students before an inflexible teacher.

"Good. You should get home before your parents worry, Sanji. It's getting late. I'll take care of everything and get back to you by text as soon as I have any news. We'll probably need your official statement and a police report. It might take a few weeks.”

His gaze darkened with icy determination.

"But trust me, Vinsmoke won't get away with it this time."

Sanji's heart beat faster, torn between fear and hope. But when Zoro's hand gently squeezes his, he knows he no longer have to carry all this alone.

"Come on," Mihawk concluds dryly, "get out of my office and let me work."

Zoro and Sanji don't need to be asked twice and quickly leave the office, closing the door behind them as if the sheer weight of Mihawk's gaze still followed them. Barely out in the hallway, Sanji leans back against the wall and lets out a long sigh. His shoulders sag, as if all the tension he'd been holding back had suddenly released.

His breathing becomes irregular, and he feels his legs give way beneath him, unable to bear the aftereffects of having to tell everything.

"Are you all right, Curly?" Zoro asks, frowning. "You're all pale..."

"Uh... Yeah..." Sanji breathes, his voice barely audible. "Do you have a chair... I'm feeling a little dizzy..."

He doesn't need to say more. Zoro immediately disappears into his room and comes back almost running, pushing his desk chair in front of him. Sanji tries to take a step, but his knees buckle and he collapses onto the seat, panting and his legs trembling. Zoro places his hands on the armrests to steady the chair and gently rolls it to his room, as if carrying something precious and fragile. Once inside, he kicks the door shut and crouches down in front of him, forcing him to meet his gaze.

"Breathe, Curly. It's okay now."

Sanji closes his eyes for a second, grips the armrests, and inhales deeply, trying to believe these words.

"I have to go home... my parents will start to worry," Sanji murmurs, his voice weak, almost choked with fatigue.

"Send them a message to tell them you'll be there soon," Zoro suggests, a worried look on his face.

Sanji takes his phone out of his pocket and quickly types a message, his fingers trembling slightly.

"Okay, I have half an hour. I told them I'm helping Luffy cleaning up."

"Do you need anything? A glass of water? Something to eat?"

"I'd like a glass of water..."

"Okay, stay put, I'll be right back."

Zoro leaves the room, and Sanji is left alone, the heavy silence contrasting with the storm of emotions he's just been through. His eyes wander absently over the documents scattered across the desk, recognizing his own schedule among them, making him smile. Then his gaze falls on the white katana and, just above it, on the small mementos neatly arranged on the shelf.

He remembers the last time he was in this room, when Zoro told him about Kuina's accident. The memory, though recent, seems distant, as if years have passed. The whole situation with the Vinsmokes, the blackmail, the threats, the stress of the last few days… everything seems almost surreal, detached from his high school life.

He inhales deeply, letting his lungs fill with fresh air to calm his nerves, and absently plays with his bracelet. The comforting twitch against his skin provides a small anchor of normalcy amidst the chaos. He's so absorbed in his thoughts that he doesn't notice that Zoro has return to the room. He jumps when he hears his voice.

"I saw you were playing with it a lot," Zoro said, pointing to the bracelet and placing a glass of water on the desk.

"Yes... the noise calms me down," Sanji murmurs quietly. "You know, if I managed to stay calm during all that, back there... it's also partly thanks to you."

"Really?"

"Yes... I had something to focus on. The bracelet, the beach in a bottle, the memory of my birthday present... If I hadn't been able to hold on to all that, I might have accepted it all..."

Zoro frowns slightly, his tone gentle but firm.

"Don't talk nonsense, Cook! You would never have agreed to a name or a marriage just for money. You're not like that! You're going to become the greatest chef in the country, with or without me around."

Sanji's mouth is open, his breath taken away by Zoro's sincerity. The words resonate within him like an echo of his father's words a few days earlier. His shoulders relax, a tender smile spreading across his face. The emotions he feels are infinitely gentler than the anxiety that had been weighing on him just minutes before. He looks up at Zoro, grateful.

Sanji straightens and strides resolutely toward Zoro, pressing his lips against his with a determination he's never felt before. His hands slide gently to the base of Zoro's neck, then up into his green hair, gripping it with a certain urgency. Two large hands rest on his hips, and Sanji thinks back to Zoro's words the day before: you have to be clear about what you want. He takes one of the hands at his waist and slides it down his back, maintaining contact without breaking the kiss.

"I'm not made of glass, Marimo," he murmurs against his lips.

These words are enough for Zoro to embrace him even tighter, deepening their kiss. They press against each other, as if any space between them must disappear. Their lips caress each other passionately, their tongues discovering, exploring, while their hands wander over their clothes, getting to know each other's bodies, but still with modest restraint.

When they finally separate, forehead against forehead, breathless and cheeks burning, a moment of gentle silence falls. Then Sanji's phone vibrates on the desk. They pull back slightly, regaining their composure, and Sanji clears his throat, a shy smile on his lips, still trembling from the intensity of what they've just shared.

"Uh... My half hour is up. I have to go," he says, waving his phone as proof.

"Already?" Zoro asks, sounding disappointed.

"Yes, cactus face, I'm way past the time I said I'd be home." Zoro approaches him again, placing his hands on his hips, and places a more chaste kiss on his lips.

"Shall I walk you?"

"To the door, yes. But I can go home alone, and it’s best. We have to be discreet, remember. And that," he says, pointing at them in turn, "is not discreet at all."

Sanji grabs the glass of water and takes a few sips, letting his body return to its normal rhythm after the adrenaline rush he's just experienced. He takes a deep breath, straightens up, then turns toward the door. Zoro follows close behind him, ever attentive, one hand ready to intervene if needed.

Once downstairs, Sanji puts his shoes and jacket back on. Zoro grabs the zipper and zips it up protectively, places one last kiss on his lips, then steps back to let him open the door.

"Text me to let me know you got home safely?" he asks from the doorway.

"Always," Sanji replies, giving a thumbs-up and a smile on his lips, without turning around.

Zoro nods with a knowing smile and closes the door. Sanji crosses the street, his heart still light, and heads home, the memory of the kiss and the shared complicity warming his steps, the anxiety of the last few days finally dissipating. They have a plan, everything is going to be okay.

Chapter Text

Chapter 38 – Texts

=== Curly ===

*picture of a beautiful cake*

Did you make this?

Yes! It's the old wreck's birthday.

It looks too sweet *sick emoji*

You don't know how to appreciate good things.

I know perfectly well how to appreciate good things. *wink emoji*

======

===Mugiwaras===

Luffy

Sanji, Granps thanks you for the meal.

Curly

Great.

I'm glad to know you didn't eat his plate!

Chopper

Are you feeling better, Sanji?

If you need us, we're here!

Curly

Yes, I'm sorry I had you worried.

The week with the Vinsmokes was difficult.

Nami

Do you want us to go beat them up?

Curly

No, thanks, it'll sort itself out.

Luffy

I wasn't against a good fight!

Ace is with me, he asks if he can fight too.

Curly

No one's going to fight!

And don't let me hear about any trouble at school!

Luffy

Garp says I can't fight the three idiots.

But he'll keep an eye on them.

Just in case.

Nami

Good!

Usopp

Sanji, are you sure you don't want to tell us what happened?

Curly

Nothing interesting, Usopp.

Judge wants me to be part of the family.

I don't agree.

Zoro

You're right, you don't need them, you have us.

Nami

Oooh, Zoro's taking a stand!

Chopper

Anyway, don't get too drunk next time! I was worried...

Curly

Sorry, Chopper, I don't know why I did that...

And sorry if I ruined the party, Usopp.

Usopp

Not at all.

You made us a great meal and a very good cake.

And we still had a good laugh.

You should be apologizing to Zoro.

He spent half the evening and the night watching over you.

Curly

Yes, the cactus head deserves a medal for service to the fatherland.

Luffy

Well, he did sleep on the floor all night watching over you!

Nami

I still find it suspicious.

How can we be sure he slept on the floor?

Zoro

I'm not asking you what you and Vivi did in Sabo's room, am I?

Luffy

Ace asks what you did in Sabo's room, Nami!

And he says he doesn't want to know what Zoro and Sanji did in his.

Curly

For my part, I slept...

I'll leave you now, we're going for a walk on the beach for the old wreck's birthday!

Luffy

Nami? Why aren't you answering anymore?

======

===Curly===

Nice catch-up.

So you "slept"?

That's on you!

We said discretion!

And yes, I slept!

Nami won't let it go.

Lucky us, you were actually on the floor when Luffy came in!

I couldn't have guessed he'd show up like that!

We're talking about the same Luffy, right?

What do we do about Nami?

I'll take care of it.

======

===Nami===

You're not answering on the group chat anymore?

Got something to hide?

Like you can talk!

When will I get the details of that evening?!

I can't ask Sanji, he wasn't lucid enough

He was totally lucid

Ooohhhh! Tell me more!

No.

Oh, Zoro, you can't just tell me that!

Not right now.

I told you, I’m taking care of it.

But I'm taking it slow.

The thing with his family is pretty heavy.

Let me handle it and you'll have all the details later.

Okay.

I'll let you do it.

But you'll have to spill the beans at some point.

I absolutely don't believe that you slept on the floor!

Believe what you want.

In the meantime, let us breathe.

"Us"

Aww

Nami...

Okay, okay, I'll let you do it and I won't say anything.

And leave Curly alone, he has enough on his plate right now.

I didn't take you for the protective kind, it's so romantic.

*fuck emoji*

======

=== Curly ===

It's fine

Nami should stop looking for information.

What did you tell her?

Just enough to get her to leave us alone.

She doesn't know, does she?

No.

You trust me, right?

Yes.

You didn't threaten her, did you?

She thinks I'm still trying to win you over

Oh... Did she know about that?

Yes, she's been pushing me for weeks!

*surprised emoji*

*wink emoji*

*beach photo*

======

---ooo---

Tuesday, April 7th

=== Marimo ===

This is extremely frustrating.

What is?

Sitting across from you.

Oh, someone has cravings...

No. Not at all...

I can see you’re blushing, Curly!

Absolutely not!

Say...

What?

What are you doing Sunday?

This Sunday? It's the first week-end of spring break. I don't have any plans, why?

Do you want to go out?

Go out?

With me?

Are you asking me out on a date?

Maybe...

Would you like it if that were the case?

We can't, it's still too risky...

I asked my dad, he says it's fine, my plan is perfect.

You made plans? For a date?

Yes

That you shared with your dad?

Yes

Who's blushing now, cactus face?!

So, is it a yes?

If Mihawk thinks it's okay, then yes.

Great.

Where are we going?

Surprise. Meet me at my place at 10. Sunday morning.

And wear jeans and closed shoes.

Specific. Okay.

And Marimo,

I don't want to lie to my parents.

I'll tell them I'm going out with you.

No problem, my dad knows,

I don't see why you couldn't tell your family.

Put down your phone, Nami's starting to suspect something.

And Luffy is eating all of your fries!

Damn it

======

Sunday, April 12th.

"Can I talk to you for a minute?"

Zeff and Sora are on the couch, he is reading today's newspaper, and she, crochet hook in hand, is making a small baby-blue blanket—surely for the neighbor across the hall who's expecting. Sora stops her movement and looks up at Sanji questioningly.

"Of course, darling. What's going on?"

Sanji's heart is pounding in his chest. He's never been so nervous about talking to his parents. He touches his bracelet and takes a breath before settling into the small armchair in front of them.

"Um... Actually... I was asked out on a date... Um... Today."

Zeff folds up his newspaper and looks up at him.

"Today?"

"Yes. Uh... I'm going to get ready, so I just wanted to tell you that I'm spending the day outside.”

"And are we allowed to know who’s taking you out?" his mother asks in a soft voice.

"Uh... It’s Zoro..." Sanji murmurs, a little embarrassed, his eyes fixed on the ground.

"Ah! The little zucchini finally made a move! It was about time!" Zeff exclaims, laughing.

Sanji looks up at his parents. And what he reads in their eyes immediately calms him down. Why was he so nervous? Sora looks at him with a tender smile, while Zeff watches him mischievously. The tension in his shoulders suddenly relaxes.

"You knew?" he asks in a small voice.

"Sanji, darling, I've been seeing you two every Tuesday since September... A blind man could have seen the affection he has for you. And do I have to remind you, he's the one who organized your birthday party?”

"I still don't approve of his hair color, but he's decent enough to be allowed to go out with you," Zeff suddenly says, diving back into his newspaper.

"Dad! I'm not telling you this to see if I'm allowed,” Zeff's remarks just landed perfectly and Sanji is fidgeting in his chair. “I just wanted you to know. And it's just a first date!"

"Of course we're going to tell you what we think! After last time's fiasco! Besides, he should have asked for my permission before inviting you!" Zeff grumbles behind his newspaper.

"Dad! This isn't the last century anymore! And I'm an adult, I can do whatever I want with whomever I want!"

"Of course, darling," Sora replies with a smile. She glances sideways at her husband. "Your father is worried, that's all. I'm so glad you're going out with Zoro. He's a good guy. I hope you enjoy your date together.”

"Thanks, Mom," Sanji mutters, still a little annoyed by Zeff's comments.

"And where is the little zucchini taking you?" Zeff asks, feigning total disinterest in his own question.

"He didn't tell me," Sanji replies, blushing again. "It's a surprise..."

Zeff and Sora exchange a knowing glance, smiling at Sanji's embarrassment.

"Well, go get ready then! And you'll tell us about it tonight!" his mother says enthusiastically.

Sanji gets up and heads to the bathroom when Zeff suddenly calls him back:

"And eggplant, I want you home by 8 p.m. at the latest! And in one piece! Otherwise, he'll have to run me over before he's allowed to ask you out on a second date."

Sanji rolls his eyes and continues on his way to the bathroom, answering to his father without looking at him, just before slamming the door to the small room: "What makes you think he'll be the one to ask me out on a second date?!"

His parents' hearty laughter echoes through the living room and finally erases the last of his doubts.

Chapter Text

Chapter 39 – First Date

It's exactly 9:59 when Sanji knocks on the door. It opens instantly. Zoro steps aside to let him in, a wide smile plastered on his lips. As soon as Sanji has crossed the threshold, Zoro closes the door behind him, grabs his face with his hands, and kisses him passionately, right there in the middle of the entrance, as if they hadn't seen each other in months.

Taken aback, Sanji's eyes widen at first, his heart leaping in his chest, then he kisses back with equal fervor, grabbing the fabric of Zoro's t-shirt to pull him even closer. Time seems to stand still, but barely a minute has passed when a loud throat clearing abruptly brings them back to earth.

Sanji freezes, his cheeks burning. He quickly places his hands on Zoro's so that he releases his face and takes a few steps back, panting, still caught in the heat of the moment.

"Good morning, Sanji," Mihawk says, his voice filled with a hint of amusement.

"Uh... Good morning, sir," Sanji replies, trying to compose himself, even though his serious expression clashes with his flushed complexion.

Mihawk extends a hand, which Sanji briefly shakes, hesitant, before looking away, glaring at Zoro. Whom, for his part, stays still, like nothing were wrong, but his red ears betray him.

"I'm going back to work," Mihawk continues, turning to his son. "Zoro, you are sticking to the plan, and you are careful on the road. Is your phone fully charged?"

"Yeah," Zoro replies with a firm nod.

"Good." His gaze slides back to Sanji, but this time without a hint of irony.

"Enjoy the day. I don't think you're in any danger where you're going. I'll keep working on your case, and Lieutenant Smoker will contact me within ten days so that you can officially report to the police station."

Sanji nods seriously, his nerves have  somewhat recovered but his cheeks are still warm. The shadow of a smile crosses his lips despite everything: for once, even this reminder of reality can't dampen the excitement of spending the day with Zoro.

Mihawk turns on his heel and heads back up the stairs. Sanji releases a breath he didn't even know he was holding, then turns back to Zoro, jabbing an accusing finger at his chest.

"You're a menace! You knew your father was in the kitchen! You could have held it for five minutes, cactus face!"

Zoro shrugs, unperturbed, and walks toward him to place his hands on his waist.

“I've been waiting for a week to do this... Sorry...”

His tone doesn't give the slightest hint that he is.

Sanji rolls his eyes, but eventually gives in. He leans in slightly and brushes his lips with a more demure kiss than their previous exchange. He stays pressed against him, forehead to forehead, and whispers under his breath: "Hello..."

They stay like that for a few seconds, suspended in their own world, savoring a closeness they can finally display in complete safety. Then Sanji pulls back just enough to look deep into Zoro's eyes and makes his earrings jingle with a swipe of his finger.

"So? This mysterious plan... Do I finally have the right to know?"

"Yes, follow me!"

Zoro gives him a mischievous smile, grabs his bag and keys, then leads him outside. They stop in front of the garage door. With a small click of the remote, the heavy door rumbles as it opens. The light gradually filters in, revealing an impeccably polished black Aston Martin and two Kawasaki bikes: one black and green, the other, a different model, black and pink. The smell of gasoline and rubber still lingers in the air.

Sanji arches an eyebrow, both intrigued and impressed.

"I know you don't have your license, cactus face... So we're not taking the car, are we?"

Zoro, who already looks like a kid let loose in a candy store, enthusiastically shakes his hand and pulls him toward the bikes. His eyes sparkle as he takes two helmets off a shelf: one is black and green, matching the bike, the other black and blue, looking brand new.

"No! We'll take my bike!"

Sanji's eyes widen.

"Your bike? Since when do you have a bike?"

"It's been about a year and a half. It was a gift from Mihawk for my sixteenth birthday. Here, put this on, I'll adjust the strap for you.”

Sanji grabs the helmet Zoro offers him, the black and blue one. He pushes his hair back a little, then puts it on and lifts his head slightly so the other can secure the helmet. He lets him do it, a little grumpy but not so indifferent at Zoro's confidence.

"And you're really allowed to drive such a beast?"

Zoro adjusts the chinstrap and steps back to look at him, his helmet own still under his arm.

"Of course, Curly. I have my license! There, it should be fine. Move your head a little... Is it too tight?"

"No, it seems okay. But what about your troubles with directions?"

A smirk crosses Zoro's lips as he puts on his own helmet.

"I'm not allowed to use it without the GPS. Mihawk orders.”

Then he heads to the metal lockers at the back and pulls out two reinforced leather jackets. Again, one is the same color as the bike, black with green details here and there, and the other is identical in every way, but the details are blue, like on the helmet he now wears on his head.

"Here, this one's for you. I wasn't sure what size to get, but Ace said Large would be better."

Sanji grabs the jacket with a raised eyebrow.

"Ace? Portgas D. Ace?"

"Yeah. He works at Whitebeard's garage, the one where Perona and I get our bikes serviced. He's the one who advised me on the helmet and jacket this week."

Sanji's eyes widen.

"Wait... Did you go out and buy this especially for today?"

It's lucky Zoro already has his helmet on to hide the scarlet tinge creeping over his cheeks. He looks away a little, as if nothing had happened.

"Uh... Yeah. I wasn't going to make you ride with me without a minimum of protection! So helmet, jacket, and gloves. That way, you'll be perfectly safe."

Sanji grabs the pair of gloves Zoro offers him and stay speechless for a moment, his heart beating faster with each word. Behind the practical excuse, he senses the care, the anticipation, the delicacy that Zoro would never dare express otherwise.

"Have you ever ridden a bike?" Zoro asks, coming over to tighten the zippers of the jacket a little, clearly changing the subject.

"No, never..." Sanji admits, shaking his head, his eyes shining with a mixture of apprehension and excitement.

"Okay, so you'll sit behind me. We always climb from the left side. For your safety, you don't take any initiative; I'm in charge. Your feet go here and there,” he says, pointing to the rear footpegs. “Even if we stop at a red light, you are not allow to move them. As for your hands, you can grab the handles under your seat or simply hold on to me. And when we turn, you'll have to lean in the same direction as me, but without letting go so as not to destabilize the bike. Any questions?”

"No, that seems clear to me," Sanji replies, trying to hide his nervousness behind a slight smile.

"Perfect. I'll get on first and take the bike out of the garage. Then it'll be your turn."

Zoro removes the kickstand and maneuvers the bike out of the garage. Sanji adjusts his jacket, puts on his gloves, and checks his helmet one last time. Everything fits perfectly, and the feel of the leather against his skin strangely reassures him. In front of the garage, Zoro straddles the bike and places both feet on the ground to stabilize it, then gestures for Sanji to get on. The young man sits behind him, his hands instinctively coming to rest on Zoro's waist. Zoro's body heat seeps through the fabric of his jeans, and Sanji has to breathe deeply to calm his heart rate.

Zoro places one foot on the pedal and starts the engine. He takes the time to secure his phone to the mount and activate the GPS. Sanji can't see their destination, but that's not important. The feel of the bike, the close contact with Zoro, the sound of the engine... all of that is enough. As long as they're together, the rest can wait.

Zoro finally adjusts his own gloves and puts the bike on the road, following the GPS directions. They ride for about ten minutes through the city, before joining the road that runs north along the sea. The engine roars as they accelerate sharply to gain speed, and Sanji instinctively grips a little tighter, wrapping his arms around Zoro's waist. His heart races, and the cool wind whips across his face, mixing adrenaline and delicious shivers.

He jumps slightly when he suddenly hears Zoro's voice in his helmet.

"Everything okay, Curly?"

"Uh... I... I didn't know we could talk together!"

"Yes, sorry, I didn't tell you there was a Bluetooth system in the helmets. I activated it at the same time as the GPS."

Sanji feels his cheeks heat, but a smile spreads across his lips despite the wind.

"Are you enjoying the ride?" Zoro asks. "We could have taken another route, but I know you like the sea..."

Even through the microphone, Sanji hears the smile in Zoro's voice. He wraps his arms a little tighter around him, enjoying the closeness, this mix of safety and thrills.

"It's perfect!" he says after a short silence, then continues. "Are you going to tell me where we're going now?"

"Yes, we're going up to the aquarium. It's a good half-hour drive."

"The aquarium, huh?"

"Yes. Someone advised me to go there if I wanted to spend some quality time with my partner, for a romantic date, for example."

Sanji doesn't answer right away, but a smile plays on his lips behind his helmet. He vividly remembers giving this advice when he still thought he could help him be a better boyfriend to Hiyori. He tightens his grip on Zoro slightly, then turns his head and watches the sea passing by them: the sun reflects off the clear water, silhouettes stroll or jog on the beach, and a few seagulls fly and land on the waves. In the distance, a lighthouse stands at the end of a stone seawall, still and peaceful.

He inhales deeply and lets the salty sea spray fill his lungs. A feeling of calm washes over him, gentle and reassuring, a sensation he hasn't felt in several weeks. For the first time in a long time, he feels truly present in the moment.

Sanji loses track of time, and they're already parking in front of the aquarium. Zoro stops the bike and signals Sanji to get off. Sanji complies, then Zoro gets off the bike, installs the lock, retrieves his phone and bag, and then removes his helmet. Sanji struggles with the small fastener, and Zoro approaches to help him. The gesture is assured but delicate, and Sanji's heart races at the touch of Zoro's fingers on his skin, a delicious shiver running down his spine.

"Here you go," Zoro says, taking off the helmet and handing it to him. "You might want to fix your hair, Curly," he adds amusedly, pointing to his head.

Sanji opens his jacket, shakes his head slightly, then runs his hand through his hair to smooth back a few stray strands. He looks at himself in the tinted glass of the aquarium lobby and, carefully, gently pushes back his bangs to slightly reveal his right eye, which is usually hidden.

"Is it better this way?" he asks, turning to Zoro.

The young man's eyes widen in surprise, then a tender smile plays on his lips. He walks over to Sanji, his helmet under one arm, and places his free hand on his waist, tracing small circles just under his jacket.

"I thought you wanted to keep it hidden?"

"I believe you say it was perfect..." Sanji breathes, his eyes shining.

Zoro smiles at him and gently leans closer to his face, as if to kiss him. Sanji instinctively pulls back, his gaze scanning the surroundings, a slight shiver of panic in his eyes.

"Hey, Curly, calm down. There's no one here. That's why my dad approved this plan. We're far enough from the city to be safe. And on a bike, we're even more discreet. I checked, no one followed us. So breathe... and enjoy."

Sanji inhales deeply, feels his heart rate slowing down a bit and a smile stretch his lips. He doesn't have time to think further before Zoro grabs his hand and pulls him toward what he believes to be the entrance. Surprised and amused, Sanji stifles a small laugh and pulls Zoro in the opposite direction, then lets himself be guided to finally enter the aquarium hall.

---ooo---

The tour of the aquarium is going wonderfully well. Sanji can't help but marvel at the smallest colorful fishes that passes before his eyes. He pulls Zoro along behind him like a child. They spend a while wandering between the tropical aquariums, Sanji moving almost at a run speed, stopping at each small aquarium to observe each fish, each movement with wonder.

Zoro follows behind him, calmer, a discreet smile on his face. He shakes his head slightly, amused by Sanji's overflowing enthusiasm, but is careful to stay close, his hand never far from the small of the young man's back, but never touching him.

They pass by a cylindrical aquarium filled with translucent jellyfish, whose tentacles gently undulate in the blue-lit water. Sanji stops, fascinated, and brings his face closer to the glass. Zoro settles slightly back, observing Sanji's reflection illuminated by the light from the water. Then they walk along a corridor, and Sanji suddenly bursts out laughing as he leans over another aquarium. Zoro, intrigued, moves closer to see what's amusing him so much.

"Look at that! That's you, marine version... the leafy sea dragon! A seahorse with seaweed everywhere. Come and see it up close, it's like you have a twin brother!"

"Tsk... And you're a dead ringer for that one," Zoro replies without hesitation, pointing at another pane of glass. "The long-snouted seahorse... slender, dressed to the nines, strutting like a supermodel."

"I'm not strutting, you seaweed face!"

"Oh no? And look at his tail, it has the same spiral as your eyebrow. He looks just like you."

Sanji crosses his arms, his lips purse, and he turns his head away pouting.

"You're talking nonsense."

"I'm just stating facts," Zoro sneers.

Sanji strides forward with determination, visibly annoyed by this turn of events, under the young man's amused gaze.

A little further on, they emerge into a long glass tunnel that go through a larger aquarium. All around them, stingrays glide like seabirds, and several majestic sharks are moving through the liquid silently. Sanji stops dead in his tracks, mouth agape, completely forgetting their bickering. He reaches out, palm against the glass, as if to touch the creatures passing close by.

Zoro leans slightly closer to his ear and whispers, "Impressive, huh..."

Sanji turns his gaze to Zoro and offers him a bright smile, then takes in the aquatic show once more. They walk to a small room with plush armchairs arranged in front of a huge panoramic aquarium. The pool is dimly lit, and large sharks and majestic stingrays glide slowly past them, creating an almost magical atmosphere.

Sanji eagerly settles into one of the armchairs, leaning forward to get a better view. Zoro sits down next to him, a little more relaxed, and discreetly places his hand on Sanji's. Sanji watches him for a moment, a mischievous smile on his lips, then turns his attention back to the sea creatures, fascinated by their grace.

Zoro responds with a simple smile and lightly squeezes his hand. In the peaceful silence of the room, only the majestic movements of the sharks and stingrays and the steady breathing of Sanji and Zoro fill the air, creating a moment of quiet but intense complicity.

Then suddenly, a group of about ten children enters the room like a hurricane. The two exchange a knowing glance before standing up to make way for them, amused smiles on their faces.

A little boy, in more of a hurry than the others, arrives at full speed and collides head-on with Zoro's legs. He collapses to the ground, his eyes already filled with tears. Before Sanji has time to react, Zoro crouches down in front of him, placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder.

"Are you okay, kid? Did you hurt yourself?” he asks in a soft voice, almost surprisingly tender given his imposing stature.

Surprised by his calm and comforting tone, the child looks up at him with moist eyes and shakes his head vigorously.

"Okay... be careful next time!" adds Zoro, gently ruffling his hair. "It's best not to run when there are people around."

He helps the little boy up, steadying him with a simple but reassuring gesture. Then he straightens and meets Sanji's gaze. A slight smile on his lips, he observes the scene with obvious tenderness.

"What?" Zoro asks, a little defensively, noticing Sanji's admiring look.

"Nothing..." murmurs Sanji, his face softening. "I was just thinking you were good with children... and I find that... touching."

"Don't make fun of me, Curly! I'm not touching at all!"

"That was a compliment," adds Sanji hastily. "I thought you were very attentive to that little boy... I know some who would have gotten angry if he ran into them, or who would have left him there, all alone, sitting on the floor."

He gently grabs Zoro's hand to pull him close and kisses him tenderly.

"You know stupid people," Zoro grumbles, a little embarrassed, his cheeks turning red.

"Yes, I know... I dated them for over three months..." Sanji murmurs shyly.

Zoro looks deep into his eyes for a few moments, then, with a gentle gesture, pushes a strand of Sanji's hair behind his ear before leading him into another corridor bathed in a blue light. After a few steps, he lets go of Sanji's hand to slide his own down the small of his back. This time, he doesn't hold back: his hand gently moves up to his waist, pulling Sanji lightly against him.

"Sorry you had to go through that, Curly..." he says gently. "She didn't deserve you."

"Yes... I know," Sanji murmurs, his voice sad. “But it took me a while to realize that... And she took advantage of my kindness right until the end..."

Zoro stops and leads him to a more secluded corner, between two large aquariums where jellyfish glow under the ultraviolet lamps. He slides his index finger under Sanji's chin to gently lift his head. When Sanji looks up, he sees the blue glints in Zoro's gray eyes, and the worry crossing his features. His eyes search his, seeking to understand, to protect.

Sanji gives a weak smile. Today, he had no intention of thinking about Viola. Yet, a tear escapes his control and rolls down his cheek. He closes his eyes, unable to meet Zoro's tender gaze.

With a delicate gesture, Zoro wipes away the tear and places a kiss on his cheek, before hugging him. Sanji surrenders to this embrace, feeding off the young man's warmth. His heart swells with gratitude and tenderness, while Zoro's muscular arms form a protective cocoon around him.

"If you need to talk about it, I'm here..." Zoro murmurs against his hair.

"Not today... But yes, there are some things you might need to know..." Sanji replies, his voice muffled, still lulled by the security of the embrace.

After a few moments, Zoro loosens his grip, and Sanji takes a step back. Determined not to ruin their date, he catches Zoro's eye again and smiles.

"How about we grab something to eat?" he suggests.

Chapter Text

Chapter 40 – First date (part2)

They leave their jackets and helmets in the aquarium's lockers and head to the beach. They find a small food truck along the promenade and buy some snacks. Zoro leads Sanji onto the sand. Taking off their shoes, they walk for a while toward the sea. When he thinks he's found a suitable spot, Zoro stuffs their purchases into his parten’s arms, removes his bag, and takes out a large beach towel, which he carefully unfolds on the ground.

"You're incredibly forward-thinking!" Sanji teases, a smile playing on his lips.

"The towel's mine. You can always sit on the sand next to it," Zoro replies, feigning annoyance, before sitting quietly on a corner of the towel.

Sanji flops down on the sand next to him, his arms still laden with sandwiches and bottles of water, and lets out a heartbreaking, theatrical sigh.

"All right, I'll sit here then... alone... on the cold sand," he said, adopting a tragic tone.

He doesn't have time to finish his sentence before Zoro leans forward and grabs his arm, pulling him towards him. In the process, he fells onto his back, Sanji on top of him, and their impromptu picnic is scattered across the sand.

Sanji's heart races, beating wildly. He is half-lying on top of Zoro, his legs tucked between his, one elbow planted in the sand on one side, his hand resting half an inch from Zoro's head on the other, as if to hold his own weight.

Zoro's eyes catch his, shifting from one eye to the other, then linger for a moment on his lips. A hand rises, brushes his cheek, and gently pulls him towards Zoro. Sanji lets himself go and passionately captures his lips. Zoro's large hand slides into the small of his back, and the one holding Sanji finally gives way. He surrenders completely, burying his fingers in the green locks, caressing them tenderly, while their kisses deepen.

His cheeks burn, his body vibrates, electrified. Zoro's hand on his back consumes him with a delicious warmth, the other gets lost in his blond hair, pulling him even closer. A shiver of desire runs through Sanji.

But suddenly, a child's cry echoes in the distance. Reality catches up with them, and Sanji pulls back a few millimeters, panting, his lips still hanging on Zoro's.

"Marimo... We're in public."

"Mmh," Zoro says, his eyes closed, still searching for his lips to steal a kiss. Sanji straightens slightly and places two fingers over Zoro's mouth.

"Like... really in public. There are people. Children!"

Sanji's alarmed tone makes Zoro open his eyes. He watches him for a moment, saying nothing, then slowly straightens up, giving him time to kneel in front of him.

Then he takes his hands in his own, squeezes his fingers gently, and places a light kiss on each.

"We weren't doing anything wrong," he says, shrugging, as if it were obvious.

"Yes... No... Sure... But... Uh... let's just say the position we were in could be confusing..."

"Did I make you uncomfortable?"

"What? No... Not at all... Far from it..." Sanji stammers, carefully avoiding his gaze, his cheeks flushed.

A smirk appears on Zoro's face.

"Oh... So you were too comfortable, is that it?"

"Don't mess with me! You know exactly what I mean!" Sanji replies, giving him a light, annoyed slap on the chest. "I just don't want the whole beach to see us making out."

"Okay, I'll make a note of that. No kissing on the beach," Zoro mutters, feigning seriousness, as if he were writing in an imaginary notebook. Sanji rolls his eyes.

"That's not what I said... Just... I prefer to be a little more discreet."

He leans down anyway to place a tender kiss on his lips.

"And now, if you'd be so kind as to wipe off all the sand you got on the towel, maybe we can finally eat something!"

Zoro huffs, looking feignedly exasperated, but obeys. While Sanji picks up their scattered picnic, he steps away to vigorously shake the towel, then comes back to carefully spread it out. They sit down side by side, facing the sea, and finally, unwrap their sandwiches.

---ooo---

The sun is slowly setting over the horizon. After luch, Zoro and Sanji walk along the water's edge, hand in hand, the small pendants on their bracelets clinking gently. Of course, they've fallen back into their usual bickering several times, pushing each other on the sand or racing along the water's edge. Sanji is having a perfect day, a break from his daily worries, and he wishes it would never end... But the shadow stretching across the beach announces that time is already ticking.

"It's a little late," Zoro says suddenly, "but I had other plans... What time should you be home by?"

"I'll be home whenever I want, Marimo. I don't have a curfew, I'm an adult, mind you," Sanji replies with a mischievous wink.

Zoro rolls his eyes.

"Really? Isn't your father going to lose it and roast me on a spit if I bring you back at ten o'clock?"

Sanji grimaces, caught red-handed.

"Yes, well... Okay... He asked me to be back by eight."

"Perfect. We still have a little time then!" he replies excitedly, tucking his shoes under one arm and grabbing his phone from his pocket.

Zoro barely looks up from his screen, his fingers running over his phone's GPS. Once the destination is confirmed, he turns to Sanji with a genuine smile, and the latter's heart skips a beat. In the golden light of the setting sun, Zoro looks magnificent: his tanned skin, his green locks falling over his forehead, and his steely eyes that, with the reflections of the sea, seem almost blue. Sanji feels the heat rising in his cheeks at the sight, and his smile softens in spite of himself.

"Enjoying the view, Cook?" Zoro asks with a hint of amusement.

"Mmh..." Sanji agrees dreamily, before a mischievous glint lights up his eyes. "I was just thinking you'll have to go back to the hairdresser soon. With the black roots sticking out, it really looks like a patch of unkempt lawn."

Absently, Zoro runs his hand through his hair.

"Oh... yeah. I need to get a cut, too."

Sanji approaches, places a quick kiss on his lips, then walks lightly past him to reach the promenade. Without turning around, he admits in a whisper, "No, keep it like that. I like it."

Zoro watches him for a moment, looking completely bewildered, before running a hand through his hair as if to make sure he heard correctly. Then, despite himself, a slightly silly smile stretches across his lips.

Sanji, already a few steps away, turns around, walking backward on the sand. His cheeks are flushed, but his eyes are shining. He extends an open hand toward him.

"Are you coming? I thought you were taking me somewhere."

Finally emerging from his daze, Zoro jogs to join him, he grabs his hand and intertwines their fingers with a quiet confidence.

---ooo---

Once on the promenade, they put their socks and shoes back on, and Zoro leads Sanji briskly.

"We have to hurry before it closes!"

They arrive in front of a small ice cream parlor whose front window announces: "artisanal ice cream." A little out of breath but with a beaming face, Zoro turns to Sanji.

"Here you go!"

"You don't like sweet things," Sanji remarks with a small smile, amused by Zoro's pride.

"I don't, but you do! It's the best ice cream parlor around. Well... From what I've read when I've done my research,” he adds, frowning.

"Have you done research?"

"Uh... Yes," Zoro replies a little timidly.

"To take me out for ice cream?"

"Hmm... Why? I shouldn’t have?" Now he looks worried, as if he'd made a mistake.

Sanji smiles at him and grabs his arm, giving him a light squeeze to reassure him.

"I'm just teasing you, cactus face! Everything's fine. And I'd like some ice cream. Come on, let's see if there's a flavor that might suit you."

---ooo---

The ice cream is indeed delicious, and even Zoro can enjoy one with the salty flavor of wakame seaweed handmade ice cream, which Sanji thinks suited him perfectly, both in taste and color.

Back at the bike, they put on their jackets. But Sanji doesn't put his helmet on right away: he turns it between his hands, in a nervous gesture. As Zoro is about to put on his own helmet, Sanji stops him by grabbing his hand.

"Wait," he suddenly breathes.

Sanji approaches. Helmet in one hand, he places the other on Zoro's shoulder, then kisses him with feverish tenderness. His fingers slide from his trapezius to the nape of his neck, finally getting lost in his green locks. Zoro, his own helmet dangling from the end of his hand, closes the other around his waist and hugs him, his palm flat against the small of his back.

Their breaths mingle, their lips barely part, panting. Zoro arches an eyebrow questioningly, without a word.

"I... Uh... I just remembered I wouldn’t be able to do this once we got home... So... Uh..."

He doesn't have time to finish his sentence before Zoro kisses him again. Sanji can feel Zoro's smile against his lips and can't help but smile back. They stand there in the deserted aquarium parking lot, kissing tenderly at first, savoring each other's closeness. Then the kiss intensifies, becomes more passionate.

Zoro's hand gently slides down Sanji's back, slipping into the back pocket of his jeans. The contact sends a jolt through his body. His heart races, his breath comes in short bursts. He presses himself even closer to Zoro, and the simple movement is enough to awaken a burning tension in his lower belly. Too much.

Caught off guard by his own sensations, Sanji pulls back abruptly, one hand on Zoro's chest, trying to catch his breath, his face flushed with embarrassment. He then dares to look up at Zoro and is struck by the sight before him: the sun, already low on the horizon, bathing everything in a golden, almost magical light. Zoro's hair flutters in the breeze, his mouth is still half-open, his cheeks tinged with red, and his pupils, large and dilated, betray his own shortness of breath.

"Too much?" Zoro murmurs softly.

"Yes... A little... Sorry..." Sanji replies in a low, almost muffled voice.

Zoro takes a step toward him, gently brushes back the lock of hair that's fallen over his face, and looks deep into his eyes.

"Don't be sorry, Curly. Listen... We have no obligations. Everything we do has to be at our own pace. We're learning to discover each other, to know each other, to appreciate what we can share together. And every gesture, every kiss, every touch... it has to be chosen. If something makes you uncomfortable or if it's too much, you tell me, and we'll stop. If, on the other hand, you feel ready and comfortable, we can move forward, slowly, without rushing anything."

He lightly squeezes his hand and adds, his voice softer, "The most important thing is that nothing has to feel forced, ever. There are two of us in this relationship, and everything we do has to be chosen by both of us. I don't intend to let you go anytime soon, so let's take our time, explore, learn... together."

Sanji feels his heart swell, warmed by the security and tenderness of Zoro's words. He nods gently, his eyes shining.

"Since when did you become so eloquent, cactus face?" he says lightly.

Zoro kisses him gently on the cheek, then steps back to put on his helmet before settling onto the bike. Sanji puts on his own helmet and climbs in as well, taking the time to get comfortable while Zoro sets the GPS.

"Ready?" Zoro asks through his helmet microphone.

"No, wait a minute."

Sanji takes off his glove, takes out his phone, and switches it to selfie mode, reaching out to capture the moment. He glances quickly at the photo: perfect. The two of them on the bike, the setting sun reflecting off the sea behind them. A smile stretches across his lips as he puts his phone away, puts his glove back on, and slides his hands around Zoro's waist to gently embrace him.

"Ready. We can go now," he finally announces.

Zoro tenderly places his gloved hand over Sanji’s before gripping the handlebars and starting the bike. Sanji gently squeezes his waist, feeling Zoro's warmth against him and the vibration of the engine beneath their legs. The wind caresses his face, and for a moment, everything else disappears.

---ooo---

When they arrive in front of his building, Sanji lets out an annoyed sigh.

"What is it?" Zoro asks, maneuvering the bike to line up with the sidewalk.

"My father! Look at that old bastard! He's pretending to throw out the trash! It's not even 8:00 PM yet, I'm sure!"

"Curly, it's 8:10…"

"For ten miserable minutes," he mutters under his breath. "Don't take off your helmet and go straight home. Thanks for everything," he adds softly. "I really had a great day."

"Keep the jacket and helmet, Curly, you'll have them for next time."

Wordlessly, Sanji gets off the bike and takes off his helmet. The words "next time" echoed deliciously within him, and a smile stretches across his lips. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Zeff watching him from the lobby, looking both amused and mischievous.

Zoro removes the kickstand and turns the handlebars to turn into the street.

"A text when you get home?" Sanji asks, a little loudly to cover the noise of the engine.

Zoro taps the accelerator, lets go of the handlebars with one hand, and gives him a thumbs-up in response, mirroring the gesture Sanji gives him every time he asks the question himself. Sanji's heart clenches slightly, filled with tenderness and a sweet pang of regret at the thought that the day is already coming to an end. Once the bike has disappeared around the corner, Sanji gently pushes open the door of the building and glances at his father.

"What the hell was this thing?!" Zeff exclaims as soon as the door closes behind him. "You sure he has a license to drive this thing, right?"

Sanji looks up, a smirk on his face, not at all intimidated.

"Of course he has a license! You know perfectly well I wouldn't have risked it otherwise!"

"And he follows traffic laws properly? Because we both know about his sense of direction, right?"

"Well... He bought me a helmet, a jacket, and gloves... And he never got over the speed limit, if you must know."

Zeff bursts out laughing, amused by his son's repartee.

"Ah! I see... a little safety freak! Well, at least you're in good hands... Maybe he could have sped up a bit to get you back on time!”

"You're not going to throw a fit over a measly ten minutes!" Sanji replies, a little harsh but smiling inwardly, his posture proud. "I thought you'd prefer him to respect the speed limits!”

"And this date... you’re calling that a date?" Zeff continues teasingly, changing the subject. "That zucchini face has no manners! In my day, we knew how to end a date with a kiss when seeing our partner home!"

"Dad!" Sanji exclaims, blushing.

Zeff shakes his head, laughing softly, pleased to see Sanji happy and fulfilled.

"Well, I'm glad to see you like this. You seem to have had a good day... it's been a long time since I've seen you smile like that. Let’s go, your mother is waiting for us, dinner is ready."

Sanji smiles as he climbs the stairs, his heart light. Maybe his father was right... It had been a long time since he had felt this good.

Chapter Text

Chapter 41 – Spring break

Tuesday, April 14th.

With his high school exams approaching, Sanji has decided not to sign up for a cooking course during spring break. Instead, he's gotten his father's permission to work with him at the restaurant, just to earn some pocket money. But so as not to sacrifice all his vacation time behind the stove, Zeff has set his conditions: only every other day, and only for lunch service.

So, with barely contained excitement, Sanji sends a message on the group chat. For the first time since the Christmas holidays, he'll have real free days, and he intends to make the most of them with the crew. Just thinking about it is already putting a smile on his face.

===Mugiwaras===

Sanji

Hi everyone!

Good news! I'm going to have plenty of free time for this break!

Who's up for a movie?

I also wanted to study a little.

Luffy

Sanji!!! It's been 1000 years since we've all been to watch a movie together!

I wanted to see the latest Avengers movie.

Usopp

Luffy, it hasn't come out yet...

But Pirates of the Caribbean is back!

Nami

The first one?

Chopper

Oh! Yeah, great, I love that movie.

Luffy

Nooooo!!! Is that true?! We absolutely have to go!

Usopp

Wednesday the 22nd at 5 p.m.

Nami

Can I invite Vivi?

Sanji

Obviously!

Okay, the 22nd is fine for me. I'll have been working at the restaurant in the morning, but I think I'll be fine enough to go to the movies.

Chopper

Noted! And for studying? This Wednesday?

Sanji

Given the choice, I'd prefer Thursday.

Chopper

Works for me

Usopp

I'll write down both dates!

Luffy

You'll remind me, right?

Nami

Luffy, you can also take a pen and write it down somewhere!

Luffy

Nooo, I trust you.

Marimo

*thumbs-up emoji*

Sanji

Hey cactus face, what's your thumb for?

Marimo

Both

Nami

Can Vivi come to the study session too?

Your place, Sanji, on Thursday?

Sanji

Yes, no problem.

Usopp, I'm going to need you with everything I've missed...

Usopp

It's negotiable.

Sanji

What do you want?

Usopp

Barbecue for lunch?

Sanji

Deal!

Chopper

With grilled corn on the cob?

Luffy

And fries?

Sanji

Yes, yes, with meat, corn, and fries.

Nami

You’re spoiling them to much, Sanji...

======

===Marimo===

Hey

Hey

If you want, I can come before the others on Thursday

To give you a hand?

When?

10?

10:30

Okay

======

---ooo---

Wednesday, April 15th.

Sanji knocks softly on the door of the Baratie's office. His parents are reviewing the restaurant's finances and talking quietly in front of the computer, each wearing a pair of glasses.

"Can I ask you for a favor?" Sanji begins, gently closing the door and approaching the desk.

"What do you want now, brat?" Zeff grumbles without looking up.

"Uh... Actually... Luffy and the others don't know about my date with Zoro. And... for now, we'd like to keep it between us."

Zeff snaps his head up, frowning.

"Are you ashamed of the little zucchini?"

"Dad!" Sanji sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

"What your father is clumsily trying to say," Sora interjects, glaring at Zeff, "is that we're surprised you want to keep this from your friends."

Sanji shrugs, uncomfortably.

"It's not that we want to keep it from them... It's just that it's very recent. We'd rather see if it works before talking about it. We don't want to create a fuss in the group for nothing, in case it... goes haywire."

A half-truth: Sanji is really worried about whether it'll work. But he doesn't want to mention the other reason, not until Mihawk gives him the green light.

"So it's not because it's a boy? Because if that's the case, you know we'd—"

"Dad! No! I have absolutely no problem with that!"

"Good. And if anyone else has one, I'll take care of them with a good kick in the butt," Zeff grunts.

"I think he gets it," Sora whispers tenderly. "If you want to wait, we'll respect that, you can tell the crew when you feel ready."

Sanji nods, relieved.

"Thanks, Mom. About them, I'm going to go do some shopping. The crew kind of invited themselves at home tomorrow for a lunch and a study session."

"Obviously... And what did you promise them this time?" Zeff asks, narrowing his eyes.

“Usopp asked for a barbecue in exchange for helping me with my homework.”

“Beef?”

“Yes.”

“Marinated?”

“Obviously.”

“Grilled corn?”

“Of course.”

“Fries?”

“You dare ask!”

Zeff snorts loudly, amused.

“You can also ask the little zucchini to peel the potatoes. It'll make his hands do something useful for once.”

Sanji smiles mockingly.

“Not a stupid idea, he offered to come early to help me.”

A grunt of approval escapes Zeff despite himself.

“Hmph. Not completely useless, after all.”

Sanji grabs the wallet his father throws at him across the room, takes out a few bills, and throws it back immediately.

“Thanks! I love you! See you tonight!” he calls from the hallway.

A burst of knowing laughter echoes behind him as he heads for the stairs.

---oo---

Thursday, April 16th.

Sanji nervously checks his phone. 10:35 AM. Zoro is late. He sighs, lines up the remotes on the coffee table, gets up, takes a few steps into the living room, looks out the window at the sea for a moment, then sits back down on the exact same spot.

Sora has been watching him for a good ten minutes now, sitting at the other end of the sofa.

"Sanji," she says softly, making him jump. "You should try to relax a little."

"I'm perfectly relaxed," he replies, blushing slightly.

"Hmm... I can see that. What's got you so upset?"

"He's late."

"It happens. Are you worried?"

"Imafraidhewontcome..." Sanji mutters under his breath.

"I didn't understand anything, darling..."

"I'm afraid he won't come... What if he's changed his mind after all... What if he's met someone else?”

"Was he the one who suggested to come early?"

“Yes.”

“And your date went well on Sunday, didn't it?”

“Yes, yes... I know... I'm pathetic...”

“You're not pathetic, darling... You just went through a bad experience. Viola hurt you, but what she did to you shouldn't have an impact on the rest of your life. Zoro isn't her. Whether it works out with him or not, it will be a different story. A new experience.”

She places a gentle hand on Sanji's cheek, forcing him to look up a little.

“You have to learn to detach yourself from this past. It's okay to be afraid, especially after what you've been through. But you're young, and every relationship matters for what it is, not for what it could become. Today, you're at the beginning. You don't know if there will be an end, and that's okay. What matters is living in the present. So enjoy it. And above all... trust him.”

Sanji is about to answer when the doorbell finally rings, putting an end to his suffering. He feels a weight lift from his shoulders as he crosses the apartment, trying to control his steps so as not to rush to the front door. Once at the door, he glances at his reflection in the mirror, lightly pushes back his bangs, then places his hand on the handle. He hears Sora stifle a laugh at the sight of him and feels his cheeks flush. He opens the door, and instead of letting Zoro in, he slips into the hallway and closes the door behind him.

Zoro raises an eyebrow when he sees him, then smiles as he understands the maneuver. Without a word, he slides his right hand down Sanji's back and kisses him, the blond's hands finding their place on the back of his neck and in his hair. The kiss lasts only a few seconds, then Zoro releases his grip and Sanji steps back, opens the door, and enters the apartment, trying to act as if nothing happened.

It's then that he notices what Zoro is holding in his left hand; a small bouquet of flowers, which he offers to him with a shy, almost embarrassed smile. The bouquet is composed of large, round, and luminous white carnations, interspersed with mauve freesias with small, delicate, fragrant flowers. A few green leaves add a bit of contrast. The whole thing is tied with a simple, light ribbon, unadorned but full of sincerity.

Sanji's eyes widen as he delicately takes the bouquet in his hands. He's so surprised by Zoro's gesture that he even forgets how to speak, and it's Sora who breaks the silence.

"Good morning Zoro, are you all right?"

"Um... Good morning, Ma’am, sorry, Sora. Yes, thank you. Um... I think I broke Curly..."

"Yes, it seems so," Sora replies, laughing softly. “And to think that two minutes ago he was worried about your delay, thinking you might not come.”

"Oh... Uh... I took a detour to the florist and it took me longer than expected," Zoro justifies himself, not bothered in the least by Sora's words, as if Sanji's worries were unfounded.

Sanji blinks several times, the meaning of his mother's words breaking him out of his reverie.

"Mom! Are you out of your mind, telling him things like that!" he exclaims, giving her a panicked look.

"I'm only telling the truth, darling," she replies sternly.

Then her face softens and she places a hand on Zoro's forearm before adding

"I'm counting on you to reassure him. And take good care of him. With that, boys, have a good day! Study hard!"

She grabs her purse, puts on her shoes, and opens the apartment door. She kisses Sanji on the cheek and leaves, slamming the door behind her.

Sanji isn't sure he's understood everything that just happened. He looks at Zoro blankly for a few moments, then looks at the small bouquet in his hands and walks toward the kitchen.

"I'm going to... Uh... Put the flowers in water..."

Zoro smiles as he watches him walk toward the kitchen. He takes off his shoes, puts down his bag, and follows him. He sits down on one of the stools and watches as Sanji takes out a small vase, fills it with water, and then delicately places the bouquet inside.

"I'll try to be on time next time, Curly. Sorry to have you worried."

"Oh... Uh... No, it's nothing... She's exaggerating!"

"I don't believe you for a second. Come here for a minute."

He swivels the stool slightly and gestures for Sanji to come closer. Sanji walks around the kitchen counter and approaches him. Zoro places his hands on Sanji's hips, gently pulling him closer, parting his thighs slightly so he can move even closer.

"Hello," he says simply, his voice deeper than usual.

"Hello," Sanji replies in the same tone.

"I'm sorry I'm late."

"It's nothing."

"For your mother to mention it, it's not nothing. Do you at least like the flowers?"

"Yes... Thank you... I wasn't expecting that..." he said, blushing slightly.

"I saw that. Do you know what they mean?"

"Um... They're flowers... I know roses symbolize love... But I don't know about these one."

"The blue ones are freesias, for trust. And the white ones are carnations, they represent fidelity."

Sanji feels his heart melt at this explanation. A gentle warmth spreads through him as he places his hands on Zoro's cheeks to kiss him tenderly. He closes his eyes, and any doubts he may have had a few minutes earlier seems to evaporate. Zoro returns the kiss, gently at first, then his fingers slowly slipped down Sanji's back, and the kiss starts to get more passionate. He pulls Sanji even closer, moving slightly to the edge of the stool, never breaking contact. Sanji's hand slides into Zoro's hair, following the blond's movement, he tilts his head slightly to deepen the kiss. Their tongues brushing, exploring, fumbling, while Zoro's hands caress Sanji's back, but without ever going to far down.

And suddenly, the dynamic changes. Something clicks in Sanji's mind. He doesn't know if it's the discussion he had with his mother or Zoro's words, but he finally feels at ease. He fully enjoys the kiss, conscious and present, feeling every shiver, every breath, as if he's just opened a long-closed door within him. He senses Zoro's restraint, the tenderness in the movement of his hands, the contained fervor in each gesture, the passion and desire gently blended. For the first time, he fully appreciates his own emotions and desires, free to feel them without fear or restraint. A smile forms against Zoro's lips, and he breaks the kiss and gently presses his forehead against his to look him straight in the eyes.

"What's going on, Curly? Do you want to stop?" Zoro asks, his voice slightly worried, his eyes searching his.

"No, absolutely not!" Sanji glances at the clock, then steps back slowly before grabbing Zoro's hands and guiding him toward him.

"I'd say we have about fifteen minutes before we have to start cooking... come on." He keeps his fingers laced through Zoro's and pulls him over to the couch. Zoro sits down, and this time Sanji doesn't settle between his legs: he lets himself fall on top of him, one leg on each side, and feels the warmth of Zoro's body against his own.

"Are you sure about this, Curly?" Zoro asks, his hands raised, hesitant.

"Yeah, sure. I promise I'll stop you if this doesn't work. We can use a safeword, if you want... uh... how about 'seahorse'?" Zoro arches an eyebrow, amused.

"Seahorse?"

"Yes... Don't ask me why, it's the first thing that came to mind," Sanji replies, tilting his head slightly to meet his gaze, a shy smile on his lips.

Zoro shakes his head, a smile playing on his lips.

"Okay," he shrugs. "I'll go with 'seahorse.'"

Sanji returns his smile, grabbing his hands and guiding them to his thighs.

"You can touch me, Zoro... I'm not made of glass."

Encouraged, he places his hands on the young man's chest and returns to their kiss, letting his fingers explore his pecs, shoulders, and the muscles of his arms. Zoro returns each of his caresses, sliding his hands along his thighs and hips, one hand slipping under him to pull him closer with a firm but controlled movement. Then, his hands move up to Sanji's waist, and Zoro lets out a frustrated groan before gently tugging at the fabric of his shirt to free it from his belt and delicately slide his fingers underneath. Delicious shivers run through Sanji's body at the touch of Zoro's rough hands on his skin.

Their warm breaths mingle, and Sanji feels as if the room's temperature has risen by a few degrees. His entire body reacts to Zoro's touch, his heart leaps in his chest, waves of heat run through his body as the young man hands runs down his back, exploring every inch of his skin.

Sanji slides a hand under Zoro's shirt, brushing against his perfectly defined abs. Zoro lets out a small grunt of satisfaction, and Sanji can't help but lightly bite his lower lip, making him jump.

"Oi! Easy!" Zoro asks in surprise.

"Oops..." Sanji replies, laughing softly.

This exchange is enough to ease the tension a little, giving way to calmer breathing and a knowing smile between them. Sanji looks up at the clock, then places a kiss on Zoro's lips before pulling back a little to stand up.

"Not so fast!" Zoro intervenes, pulling him against him again, kissing him passionately. "You can't stop like that! It's too rough, okay?"

"Okay, okay," Sanji replies against his lips. “Marimo… I think we need to stop here if we want to be presentable when the others arrive.”

Zoro sits up a little on the couch and rests his head against Sanji's chest, his hands still tucked under his shirt, pressed against his back, and hugs him, savoring the closeness of their bodies. Sanji hugs him back, one hand against his back and the other in his hair, absentmindedly stroking the green locks and making his earrings clink.

"Do we really have to? Can't we cancel?" he murmurs.

"No…" Sanji replies with a sigh. "First of all, I promised a barbecue, and you know Luffy… even if I cancel, he'll show up in twenty minutes demanding meat. And besides, I really need to work... With this whole thing, I've lost almost two weeks of classes...”

Zoro groans against him, tightening his embrace, and Sanji can feel the vibrations throughout his ribcage.

"Just one more minute then..."

"We really have to move, cactus face. The potatoes aren't going to peel themselves. And I have to fix my shirt, since someone decided it would look better outside than inside my pants..."

"That's not the only thing that would have looked better outside your pants," Zoro teases.

"Marimo!" exclaims Sanji, slapping him lightly on the head, his cheeks flushed.

Still against his chest, Zoro looks up at him, looking innocent.

"What? I'm stating facts... Sometimes I wonder how you can be comfortable in such tight pants."

"Okay, that's it, hug's over, it's time to prepare the food," Sanji replies, trying to regain his composure.

He abruptly breaks free of the hug, more embarrassed than ever after Zoro's remark. He stands up and tries as best as he can to tuck his shirt into his pants, without success. Zoro bursts out laughing when he sees him fidgeting and stands up as well, an amused smile on his face.

"So I'll make a note, don't make too bold statements," he says, miming writing in an imaginary notebook, a mischievous wink at Sanji.

Then he places a kiss on his cheek and heads toward the kitchen.

"So, where are those potatoes? I'll start, because given how you're struggling with your shirt, if I wait for you, lunch will never be ready."

Sanji stops his movement, stares at him for a moment, narrowing his eyes.

"I'll give you the potatoes, because if I just give you directions, you'll get lost in the kitchen, cactus head! And then I'll take five minutes to get dressed properly, so our friends don't discover that my boyfriend is a caveman."

Zoro raises an eyebrow, surprised.

"Oh, because you have a boyfriend?"

Sanji blushes, embarrassed, and replies hastily,

 "No. Not at all. I have… a stubborn algae problem.”

Chapter Text

Chapter 42 – Studying

When Nami and Vivi finally arrive at Sanji's, everyone is already there.

Sanji is busy on the balcony lighting the barbecue and the deep fryer, helped by Usopp and Chopper, both holding sodas. In the kitchen, Luffy is playing on his phone, slumped on a chair, while Zoro sits in front of a mountain of potatoes, focused on cutting them into long sticks.

Nami narrows her eyes, intrigued, and leans in close to Vivi's ear.

"How long do you think it takes to peel all that?"

"Hm... at least three-quarters of an hour when you're not used to it," Vivi replies, amused.

They walk into the room, greet the two boys, then gesture to those outside. Nami rests her elbows on the counter and leans toward Zoro.

"Tell me, Zoro... were you the one who peeled all those potatoes?"

"Of course! They didn't peel themselves," he grunts, frowning.

Nami exchanges a knowing look with Vivi.

"That's a hell of a lot of potatoes, though... You've been at it for a while, haven't you?"

"Not at all," Zoro replies without looking up, focusing on his actions.

"Zoro?" Nami insists with a wry smile.

He finally raises his head, his cheeks slightly flushed.

"I got there at the same time as the others. Around a quarter to twelve."

Zoro's answer is too fast to be believable, and Nami delights at his closed expression. She pats Luffy on the shoulder without taking her eyes off him.

"Hey, Luffy... did Zoro start peeling the potatoes when you arrived?"

"No, he'd already gotten to a good half!" Luffy replies without looking up from his phone. "They forbade me from touching it... supposedly raw potatoes aren't edible..."

He pouts. Nami is gloating, and out of the corner of her eye, she sees Vivi stifle a small smile.

"They forbade you?" Nami repeats, emphasizing the word, her voice honeyed. "Both of them? Without bickering?"

Zoro frowns even more, but Luffy continues, carefree:

"Well, yeah! For once, they agreed. That's a rare thing, huh? By the way, is it almost ready?"

His stomach makes a loud rumble.

"You should go ask Sanji," Vivi whispers, exchanging a wink with Nami.

Luffy immediately puts away his phone and rushes outside. Through the loosely closed patio door, the girls hear him yell, "SANJI! I'M HUNGRY!" before seeing him leap at the poor cook who's struggling to keep his balance.

Nami rolls her eyes, amused, then calmly returns her gaze to Zoro.

"So you got there before everyone else..."

Nami watches Zoro with close attention. He doesn't respond, a faint red tint coloring his cheeks; he continues cutting the potatoes as if his life depended on it.

"And you and Sanji, are so wise that you managed to agree on something?"

Zoro rolls his eyes and waves his hands impatiently.

"What do you want me to tell you, witch? Yes, I arrived earlier than the others, that's it, I lied. Satisfied?"

Nami smiles even more mischievously. "And during this time all alone together... what did you do, exactly?"

Nami knows she's pushing it a bit, but curiosity and the gamble are at stake; Vivi holds her gaze, they are already winning a lot of informaitons.

"Absolutely nothing," Zoro replies curtly. "I arrived, he asked me to peel the potatoes, I sat here and stayed on my stool. Now let me finish and leave me alone."

"Someone is touchy," Vivi says teasingly. "Almost as if you were hiding something..."

"Almost as if you don't stare at him when he enters a room," Nami adds, her tone laden with innuendo.

Zoro digs into a potato, visibly angry; his cheeks turn scarlet, the red rising to his ears. When he replies, the words snap between clenched teeth:

"You two are impossible! Oh, you really did find each other! I already told you, witch, let me handle it. We talked while peeling potatoes—period. Now, go find another victim!”

They stifle a small laugh; Zoro, furious, threatens them with a wave of his kitchen knife. His embarrassment and anger are obvious, but, for a brief moment, Nami reads something else in his eyes when they meet Sanji's: tenderness. She smiles, satisfied, grabs Vivi's hand, and leads her toward the balcony.

"All right, keep your secrets, but I'll end up knowing everything," she says to Zoro, winking at him.

"And don't you dare bother him with your questions," Zoro scolds from the kitchen.

---ooo---

"Marimo, are you done with the potatoes? Because Luffy's ready to eat the herbs on the balcony if we don't serve him soon!" Sanji says as he enters the apartment.

"Almost. I was distracted by the two pests," Zoro replies, pointing at the girls with a flick of his wrist.

"Don't talk about the young ladies like that, cactus face!" Sanji barks.

Zoro rolls his eyes, then leans slightly toward Sanji. His expression changes: more serious, gentler. He says a few words in a low voice that Nami can't quite make out. She simply notices the redness spreading across Sanji's cheeks, but he doesn't reply. He turns away to take a plate of marinated meat from the fridge and heads toward the terrace. Arriving at the French window, he calls over his shoulder:

"Hurry up and bring the fries outside, Marimo... that is, if you can manage not to get lost on the way."

"Take care of your meat, shitty cook! You better not burn it," Zoro replies.

Nami watches their exchange, intrigued. Something has changed between them, it's obvious. But when she catches Sanji's eye, she refrains from asking any questions. If they want to keep this to themselves, she'll respect their secret... even if she's dying to know what's going on.

---ooo---

The meal proceeds in good spirits, as always, and Nami has to admit that after the exchange she overheard in the kitchen, Zoro and Sanji are behaving... as usual. Nothing seems to have changed. The afternoon then stretches out in the living room, transformed into an improvised study room. Everyone settles in a corner, but they all help each other whenever possible. Usopp and Vivi support Sanji, the three of them sitting in a circle on the carpet, to help him catch up. Nami's heart swells with gratitude: seeing her girlfriend getting along so naturally with the crew fills her with happiness.

On the other side of the room, Chopper is desperately trying to explain integrals to Luffy. After several unsuccessful attempts, the young man finally gives up, collapses full length on the couch, and pulls out his phone to restart his game.

Zoro, for his part, seems strangely studious. Sitting at the table, he takes notes while rereading his lectures, scribbling on index cards with a focus she rarely sees on his face outside of his kendo practice. But Nami notices that he sometimes looks up from his notebooks to observe Sanji. And Sanji, for his part, also sneaks a few glances in his direction when he pauses to think.

Nami finds them adorable. But they will have to go over her dead body for her to admit it. Especially to Zoro.

The afternoon draws to a close, and they collectively decide to call it a day. The boys gather their things and leave the apartment at the same time, waving goodbye to Sanji and the girls.

Zoro's gaze lingers on Sanji for a fraction of a second too long. Nami, attentive as always, doesn't fail to notice. She even thinks she can see a slight disappointment crossing his features, as if he regrets that this moment is already over.

Then the moment vanishes. True to form, Luffy suddenly leaps onto Zoro's back, bursting into laughter and nearly knocking them both over. Their joyful bursts of voice echo through the stairwell, before silence gently falls back in the hallway.

Nami and Vivi take turns hugging Sanji, thanking him for the meal and the afternoon spent together.

"Thank you, Vivi, for helping me with my classes! You didn't have to."

"Don't worry about it, it made me happy. It's always nice to see what you do differently in your classes. And it made me study too!”

"Okay, well, get home safely girls!" Sanji says from the doorway, making a move to close it.

They take a few steps down the hallway, then Nami whispers something to Vivi before stepping back. Sanji, intrigued, opens the door again.

"Did you forget something?"

"No... well... not really," Nami hesitates.

"What is it?"

"At Usopp's birthday..."

"I messed up, I know,” cut Sanji. “I'm sorry I had you worried. I'm feeling better now."

Nami looks up at him with shining eyes.

"You know you can talk to me if you need to, right?"

"I know, Nami. But not right now. I still have to sort out some things...”

She watches him silently, sees him sigh and run a hand through his hair.

"Is it because of these things... that you can't be with Zoro?" she asks in a small voice.

"Oh... Uh... I don't know what you're talking about," Sanji breathes uncomfortably.

"Sanji... I know you both too well. I just want to make sure you're not ruining this for nothing."

He holds her gaze, serious.

"Don't worry. I'm not ruining anything. But it's not the right time. Not yet."

"Does he know?" she finally asks.

"Yes, Nami. Don't worry. I'm not going to let my chance slip away. Not this time."

She nods, a little reassured, then leans forward to place a quick kiss on his cheek.

"Then I hope everything settles down soon. And remember to get some rest!"

"Yes, Mom!" Sanji replies, a smile on his lips, before closing the door.

Chapter Text

Chapter 43 – Pirates of the Caribbean

Sunday, April 19

===Unknown number===

*picture of Zoro in his kendo outfit, helmet in hand, sweat-dampened hair falling over his forehead, a slight smile on his lips*

Who would have thought he'd win again...

======

Sanji rereads the message again, a dull panic slowly creeping over him. The person who sent it clearly knows his relationship with Zoro. The photo was taken from the stands of the competition Zoro is having today. The message is clear enough to indicate that the sender knows something, but vague enough not to reveal their intentions. His heart races, and he stands there, motionless, staring at his phone as if it might jump out at him.

He jumps when the screen lights up again to show a call from Zoro. He almost drops the phone, but catches it and presses the answering button.

"Oi! Curly! Did Perona send you something?”

“Perona?”

“Yes, she managed to unlock my phone. I saw her frantically sending messages. Did she send you something?”

Sanji then understands what he's talking about. It wasn't someone malicious who sent him a picture of Zoro, nothing to do with the threats or the Vinsmokes… He flops down onto his bed with all his weight and breathes a sigh of relief.

“Oh… Yes, yes, she sent me a picture.”

Behind Zoro, he hears commotion, a whispered argument. The noises are muffled, and Zoro must have put his hand over the microphone to talk to Perona. Sanji can't make out her words, but he hears the girl's laughter echoing when Zoro takes the call back.

“Sorry about that. She won't do it again!”

Another laugh follows this statement. Then Sanji hears Perona more clearly, as if she's taken the phone from Zoro's hands.

"You absolutely had to see him like that, Sanji!"

Again, crackling sounds are heard, then Sanji hears Zoro growl, "Give it back, Ghosty, you'll pay for this!" Finally, Zoro takes the call again. The noises around him fading, indicating that he's probably left the main room to go to a quiet corner.

"Curly? Are you okay? You didn't seem so well when you answered."

"Uh... yeah... I'm fine. Better now that I know it was Perona who sent me that message. But when I received a picture of you from an unknown number..."

"… You thought it was another threat" Zoro adds.

He hears him sigh on the other end of the phone.

"I'm going to kill her…" he mutters. "Sorry, Curly, she meant no harm."

"No, of course not, I know… I guess she doesn't know… She couldn't have known…"

"No, she doesn't know anything… She didn't even know we were seeing each other until today… She went through my phone during the tournament…"

"How did she find out we were together just by going through your phone?"

"Uh…" Zoro replies softly. "I may have set a picture of you as my wallpaper…"

"What?!" Sanji's heart skips a beat. “What about discretion?! Everyone can see your wallpaper! Have you thought of that?!"

"It's okay… Not everyone can see my wallpaper, I have a password."

"That didn't stop Perona!"

"Yeah, okay, well... Not many people can access my phone without my permission. And you're not that recognizable. Look."

He hears Zoro tapping on the screen, then receives a message that he immediately opens. It's a photo from their trip to the aquarium the previous Sunday. Sanji's back is to him, in the dim light, facing one of the cylindrical jellyfish tanks. His face is pressed against the glass, his hand flat against it. The ultraviolet light makes the jellyfish glow and reflects off his face. And indeed, if you're not careful, it can be difficult to recognize Sanji in the photo. He puts the phone back to his ear.”

"Okay, you're right, Perona is talented if she recognized me in that photo. I didn't think you were this sentimental, cactus face!"

"Not at all..." He clears his throat, then continues. “Otherwise, I won the competition.”

Sanji can hear the smile and pride in his voice. His heart sinks at the thought that he could have been there to congratulate him live, but the situation is still too risky…

"Yes, she told me," he replies with a smile. "Well done! Are you going to celebrate somewhere?"

"Yes, she's taking me out for sushi later. Oh, I have to go back, they're getting ready to present the medals. See you later, Curly. Bisou!"

Sanji doesn't have time to reply before Zoro has already hung up, the word "bisou" still ringing in his ears.

He lies down on his bed, a big smile plastered on his lips, phone still in hand, and takes a deep breath. His body is slowly recovering from the emotions he's just experienced. Going from fear of a threat to a mixture of joy and excitement at the thought that Zoro had set a picture of himself as his wallpaper is an experience he wishes he didn't have to relive anytime soon.

His phone vibrates again in his hand.

===Unknown Number===

Sorry if I surprised you with my message.

It's okay. Thanks for the photo, you're right, it would have been a shame to miss this view.

And just so you know,

If you break my brother's heart, I'll break both your legs.

I hope that's clear?

Don't worry, I don't intend to.

Good.

I hope so.

======

He saves Perona's number and sighs. After all, he did receive a threat today! He even wonders if this one isn’t more terrifying than Judge's...

---ooo---

Wednesday, April 22nd.

Sanji is exhausted. He had to get up at 4:30 a.m. to accompany Zeff: first to the market, then to the supermarket, and finally to the restaurant. The morning flew by with all the preparations for the lunch service. After only a half-hour break, he had to go straight to serving. Between reservations and last-minute arrivals, the restaurant was constantly busy, and both services were full.

It wasn't until around 3:00 p.m., once his station was tidy and cleaned, that Sanji was finally able to go home and catch his breath. An hour's nap and a shower later, he climbs into Nojiko's car, alongside Vivi, to go to the movies with the crew.

"Are you okay, Sanji?" Nami worried, looking at him in the mirror.

"Yes..." He stifled a yawn. "Yes, yes, don't worry, Nami, I'm just a little tired."

"Just a little?! Your dark circles are starting to have darck circles of their own, you look like a panda! You should have told us you were exhausted, you could have stayed home! Or we could have rescheduled!"

"No, it'll be fine. I'll have a coffee when we get there.”

"I'm not sure one coffee will be enough," Vivi comments worriedly.

"How come you're so tired, Sanji?" Nojiko asks, without taking her eyes off the road.

"I'm helping my dad at the restaurant during spring break. Today was my third day in a row... And this morning, I had to wake up at 4:30 a.m.... And my dad doesn't mess around with the alarm clock when it comes to the Baratie..."

He stifles another yawn, and the girls exchange a worried look.

"Get some rest, we’re gonna need a good ten minutes drive to get there," Nojiko advises him.

"Hmm, good idea... I'll just close my eyes."

He's jolted awake by Vivi's hand on his shoulder. He looks up at her, his eyes still clouded with sleep.

"Are we there yet?" he asks thickly.

Nami suddenly opens the door on his side, startling him again, and hands him a large coffee.

"Here, we let you sleep in as much as possible. The movie starts in five minutes."

Sanji blinks, unbuckles his seatbelt, and looks around. The car is parked in the theater parking lot. Further away, Nojiko is talking with Usopp and Chopper, while Zoro watches Luffy trying to balance himself on the central railing of a staircase. Everyone seems ready, and he realizes they're just waiting for him to get inside.

"You should have woken me up as soon as we got here..." he grumbles, taking a sip of coffee.

"We thought you might need it. Come on, before Luffy has an accident and we have go to the hospital." She adds, pushing him toward the others.

They greet Nojiko, who confirms their return time with them before getting back to the car and leaving the parking lot. Sanji catches Zoro's eye and gives him a small, discreet smile, to which the young man nods in response.

Too tired to protest, Sanji accepts the pre-paid movie ticket Nami offers him. They then go through ticket control, and Nami, Vivi, Usopp, and Sanji decide to make a detour to the restroom before the movie.

When they finally arrive in the room, Zoro is sitting between Chopper and Luffy. A pang of disappointment tightens Sanji's chest for a moment, but behind him, Nami breathes an "hell no!" before moving between the seats.

"There's no way you're sitting next to Zoro, Luffy! You're going to be unbearable! Sanji, come sit here. Then Usopp, then me, then Vivi, and finally Luffy."

Luffy rolls his eyes but complies. He grabs his huge bucket of popcorn and his drink, then jumps over the seats. As he lands, a shower of popcorn spills from his bucket and rolls onto the neighboring seats, triggering his trademark laughter and an exasperated sigh from Nami.

Sanji gives Nami a knowing smile as he walks past her, fully understanding her move, before sitting next to Zoro.

As soon as they are seated, the lights are switched off and the trailers begin. Sanji sinks more comfortably into his seat, leaning on the armrest between him and Zoro… and feels Zoro shift slightly to do the same. An electric shock runs through his body as Zoro's fingers gently brush against his. He turns his head toward him, but Zoro's gaze remains fixed on the screen.

He looks away and tries to focus on the images flashing before him, but his attention remains fixed on Zoro's fingers, which move imperceptibly against his skin. Then the room is suddenly plunged into total darkness, just before the beginning of the movie.

Unable to stand it any longer, Sanji shifts, gently nudges Zoro's arm, and lifts the armrest between them. He presses his shoulder against his; their hands, placed between the two seats, meet and their fingers intertwine. Zoro's thumb traces small circles on the back of his hand. In the dim light, no one notices their movement and even if they did, he doesn’t care…

Sanji finally relaxes and tries to focus on the movie. But fatigue quickly catches up with him, and he ends up gently resting his head on Zoro's shoulder.

He has no intention of falling asleep, and yet, that's exactly what happens. During a slightly louder action scene, he wakes up and is surprised to feel Zoro's arm around his shoulders, as well as the young man's jacket pulled up onto him. Sanji sits up slightly; the jacket slides onto his knees, and Zoro gently removes his arm. A shiver runs down his spine at the loss of this warmth.

With a kick, he takes off his shoes then folds his legs, knees against his chest, feet resting on the seat. Repositioning Zoro's jacket on himself, he holds it with one hand, while the other discreetly searches for Zoro's. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees a smile stretching the young man's lips when he finally manages to find what he's looking for and intertwines their fingers again, hidden beneath the jacket, out of sight.

In front of them, Will Turner is rummaging through the ship's hold in search of a gold medallion. But neither of them pays attention, too busy savoring this brief moment of shared intimacy.

Knowing the film by heart, Sanji knows exactly when they must separate, before the lights come back on. When Will and Elizabeth kiss on screen, he turns his head toward Zoro and places a light kiss on his cheek. Then he pulls away from him, removes his hand from his, and discreetly lowers the armrest between them.

When the lights switch back on, it's as if nothing has happened, except for the red veil that lingers on Zoro's cheeks. He wordlessly retrieves his jacket, while Sanji bends down to put his shoes back on, a thin smile still playing on his lips.

He finishes tying his shoes when he feels a vibration in his pocket. He opens the notification and reads the message that appears, before nudging Zoro for him to read it as well.

===Mihawk===

Hello Sanji, Lieutenant Smoker wants to meet with you. Would Friday or Saturday morning be convenient for you?

======

He types a reply without sending it, looking up at Zoro for silent confirmation.

"Good evening, sir. Saturday morning would be more convenient. Could Zoro come with us?"

Zoro quickly reads the text, then nods gently, and Sanji presses the send button before putting the phone back in his pocket. They stand up together and follow the others, who are already heading back up the stairs to leave the room.

Nami and Usopp exchange a knowing look, silent witnesses to their little antics, then everyone heads back to the exit.

Chapter Text

Chapter 44 – Meeting Smoker

Saturday, April 25th.

"Are you going out?" Sora asks, seeing him walking through the hallway, helmet and jacket under his arm.

"Yes. Zoro's picking me up, we're going for a ride. I'll be back around noon, don't worry. I still have a lot of work to do for school."

"Okay. Be careful!"

"Always! I love you!" Sanji says before slamming the door without waiting for a reply.

He rushes down the stairs, puts on his jacket and helmet, and leaves the building. It's the best idea they've had so no one would suspect their destination. Mihawk, still believes that Sanji’s being watched, so he asked Zoro to come and get him, strictly forbidding them from removing their helmets outside.

Sanji approaches the bike, and Zoro comes over to check his helmet strap. His fingers briefly brush against his skin as he adjusts the strap, and Sanji feels a reassuring warmth spread through his chest. Before mounting the bike, Zoro takes his hand and squeezes it gently, as if to say, "I'm here." Sanji returns the squeeze, unable to stop the small smile that creeps onto his lips.

Once he's settled behind him, he wraps his arms around his waist, tightens his embrace, and lets his forehead rest against his back for a moment before the engine roars to life.

"Thanks for being here," Sanji breathes as they set off down the road.

"Where the hell should I be?! Are you okay?"

"I can't wait until all this is behind us... I can't believe Mihawk thinks I'm still under surveillance... It gives me the chills every time I leave the house."

"Hey, Curly, it's going to be okay. He just wants to keep Vinsmoke from suspecting anything. You're not alone. And besides, it gives me an excellent reason to be near you.”

A stifled laugh escapes Sanji. He tightens his embrace a little more, his fingers gently gripping the fabric of Zoro's jacket. Amid the roar of the engine and the wind whipping his face, he finds in this closeness a silent refuge, and the certainty that with Zoro, he can face anything.

---ooo---

Sanji, Zoro, and Mihawk have been waiting for a good ten minutes when the door finally opens to reveal Lieutenant Smoker. A stack of documents tucked under his arm, a mug in his hand, bearing the words ‘old-school police officer, they don't make them like that anymore’ in large letters. Without a word, he places the papers and his cup on his desk, then slowly circles the room to close the door and lower the blinds, the outside light gradually disappearing with a dry rustle. Sanji feels the air in the room thickening. His fingers nervously twitch around his wristband, a reflex action to contain his racing heartbeat.

Smoker picks up the phone, waits a second, and barks into the receiver:

"Tashigi, I'm not here for anyone for at least thirty minutes."

He hangs up, takes a long sip of coffee, and finally his eyes fall on Sanji. The weight of that gaze almost makes him sink into his chair. Beside him, Mihawk remains impassive, arms crossed, like a statue.

Zoro, however, stays up, leaning against the wall. But seeing Sanji's shoulders tense and his knee begin to tremble, he takes a step forward and places his hand on his shoulder. His warm palm exerts firm pressure, not too hard, just enough to whisper silently: “Breathe, I'm here.”

"Mr. Black, I presume?" Smoker asks, finally looking up at Sanji.

"Yes, sir," he replies in a voice he intends to be firm, even if his fingers betray his agitation.

The lieutenant then turns his gaze towards Zoro. His tone snaps, clear, almost accusatory:

"And you are?"

Zoro holds his gaze without flinching.

"Zoro, Roronoa, sir."

A tense silence follows, until Mihawk intervenes, his voice low but sharp:

"My son."

This clarification is enough for Smoker, who simply nods, but Sanji still feels the weight of the lieutenant's scrutinizing gaze, as if he's sifting through them all one by one.

"Hmm... Good. I'll get straight to the point. Since we were informed of the situation, we've been investigating. Judge Vinsmoke has a habit of slipping through the cracks. It's even likely that he has contacts within our own services. That's why only trusted agents were assigned on this case. For now, we only have your testimony, Mr. Black. And a testimony alone isn't enough to build a solid case.

A search of his offices and primary residence is planned, based on the statement you will provide today. The first objective is to recover documents related to your family's restaurant. This will be our first line of attack. Then, if my agents discover evidence of threats, pressure related to your identity, or his plans for arranged marriages in order to strengthen a business alliance, this information will complement the case. But I am not building an investigation on hypothesis.

At the same time, Mihawk's lawyers will officially represent you. Vinsmoke will be informed that you are no longer facing this situation alone. You must not, under any circumstances, seek direct contact with your father…”

"He's not my father," Sanji interrupts, his voice sharp.

Smoker looks up from his documents, and Sanji meets his gaze. There is no anger in his gray irises, but an implacable severity. The kind of gaze that digs deep into you and seems able of uncover your deepest secrets. Zoro tightens his grip on Sanji's shoulder.

"Excuse me..." Smoker continues curtly. "Under no circumstances must you meet Vinsmoke alone. Not him, nor any of his representatives."

"What about his sons?" Zoro suddenly asks.

The lieutenant looks up again, fixing him with that same heavy gaze.

"What about his sons?"

"They attend the same high school as me," Zoro specifies. "You should know: there was already a complaint against Yonji a few months ago for harassment. There's always a risk they might cross paths. And their meetings have never gone well."

Sanji immediately turns his head towards Zoro, his eyes wide. He wasn't aware of this complaint against his half-brother.

"Well, you'll have to make sure you're never alone. Do you have friends? People you can rely on around you? Try, as much as possible, to always be with someone. But don't tell them why. I'll also fill Garp in, but without revealing everything. He was one of us before changing career when he took his grandson in, and he'll be able to keep an eye on them. I assume Mihawk has already explained to you that only a small number of people need to know about this case for us to have any hope of winning.”

Sanji nods and lets him continue.

"If he wants to meet with you, he'll be informed that he'll have to go through your lawyers. For now, we'll try to prove that he acquired the debt linked to the restaurant mortgage dishonestly. We need something concrete: the simplest scenario is this: you wanted to know the amount of the mortgage to help your parents pay it off, you discovered that the bank was no longer the holder, and you turned to lawyers to find out more. If we go with other motives, we run the risk of them erasing the evidence before we arrive.

One last thing, do your parents know?"

"No… Not yet. I didn't want them to worry...”

"I understand. But this is their restaurant. I'll need their support. If they file a complaint too, we'll gain credibility. You don't have to tell them about the threats against your friends or the marriage proposal. However, you will have to explain the rest to them. It's their establishment, they have the right to be informed."

"Yes, sir... You're right."

"Good. Then we can move on to the deposition. You will tell me in detail what happened during your last meeting with Vinsmoke. Don't leave anything out, be as specific as possible. You will be recorded and a written transcript will be produced. Then we will complete the complaint regarding the mortgage."

He pauses, then turns to Zoro and Mihawk.

"Gentlemen, I'm going to have to ask you to leave. Mr. Black must be alone with me to conduct the recording."

Mihawk turns to Sanji.

“Do you need help explaining the situation to your parents?”

“No, thank you. I'll take care of it.”

“Are you planning on telling them everything?”

“Yes. That's better. I've already kept the truth from them for too long.”

“Very well. If you need anything, don't hesitate.”

He stands up and adds, turning to his son:

“ Zoro, I'm going home. I have things to do. I'll let you escort Sanji home after his statement. And above all, remain discreet. As long as the lawyers haven't contacted Judge to inform him that you're refusing his proposals, he must believe he can still marry you.”

“It'll take a week, until the search takes place, Smoker specifies neutrally.”

Mihawk nods.

“Goodbye, Sanji,” he adds before turning to Smoker. “Can I talk to you for a minute?”

He gestures toward the door with a jerk of his chin. Smoker nods, and they both leave the office, closing the door behind them.

Zoro crouches down in front of Sanji and takes his hands.

"Are you going to be okay, Curly?" he asks, looking worried.

"Yes... I have to. Um... Are you doing anything tomorrow for lunch?"

"No, why?" Zoro replies, frowning slightly.

"I... I'd like you to be here when I talk to my parents... So I was thinking maybe..."

"No problem. I'll be here," Zoro says firmly.

Sanji gives him a weak smile. Zoro straightens and glances toward the door, making out the silhouettes of Mihawk and Smoker, deep in conversation, behind the blinds.

He picks Sanji up and suddenly hugs him, just for a second or two. Then he presses his lips to his temple and whispers: "I'll wait for you right outside the door."

He abruptly lets go as Smoker clicks the handle, taking advantage of the opening to leave. Smoker sits back down at his desk, and Sanji does the same in the small armchair, his fingers gripping the three tiny drops hanging from its bracelet. They can finally begin recording.

---ooo---

===Mom===

I got home safely.

Perfect, darling. Don’t work too hard. Get some rest too. There's food in the fridge

Can Zoro come over for lunch tomorrow?

Of course!

Great, thanks.

======

---ooo---

Sunday, April 26th.

A light knock at the window makes him jump. Sanji is sitting on his beanbag on his small balcony, wrapped in his blanket, reading a novel. He's so engrossed in the story that he didn't hear the doorbell. Zoro slides the French window open and sits on the floor facing him, his back against the railing.

"Your mother said I'd find you here. I sent you a text, but you didn't answer, so I came up."

"Yes, sorry, I didn't see the time. My phone must be over there, charging.”

"What are you reading?" Zoro asks curiously.

Sanji tilts his book so he can see the title: The Mortal Instruments.

"And what's it about?"

"It's amazing!" exclaims Sanji. "It takes place in our world, but there's a whole secret universe right beneath our feet, full of angels, demons, and magic that ordinary mortals can't see. The main characters are demon hunters of our age. There's lots of action, mystery... and romance! Oh, my heart melts every time... Alec and Magnus: my favorite couple, they're so perfect I could replay their scenes over and over again! Seriously, it completely transports you, you forget everything around you."

Sanji suddenly stops, aware that he's gotten carried away, and meets Zoro's amused smile.

“Anyway... Uh... It's a good series of novels. It's been adapted into a Netflix series, if you’re intersted. But I don't want to bore you with my book stories.”

“You're not boring me. I like seeing you passionate like that. I thought it only happened when you talked about cooking. You can talk to me about whatever you want, Curly.”

“Oh... Uh... Because I've already been told I talk too much, so...” He justifies himself, blushing.

“Bullshit!” Zoro fumes. “Her again, isn't it?! You really need to get all the nonsense she said out of your head! You can be yourself with me, as well as with the crew.”

He gets up and turns around, leaning his elbows on the railing, his fists clenched.

“You shouldn't stop talking to us about your passions just because some people aren't ready to listen to you. It pisses me off to see you like this! You don't have to change who you are to please others. It's up to others to accept you as you are.”

“Well said, little zucchini!” Zeff's voice suddenly booms from the other balcony, making them both jump.

“Dad! What's wrong with you! You can just barge in other people's conversations?!” Sanji exclaims indignantly, standing up abruptly.

“I just came to tell you that lunch is ready. It's not my fault if the little zucchini decided to start yelling at you right then!”

They hear the ‘clack’ of the window closing behind Zeff, and silence falls again on the small balcony. Sanji's heart pounds. He's no longer sure if it's Zoro's words or his father's interruption that's making him vibrate like this. An irrepressible urge to hug Zoro seizes him. He leans forward against his back, slides his hands up his chest, and rests his chin on his shoulder, his mouth right next to his ear.

"Do you know how cute you are when you get all fire up on my behalf?" Sanji whispers.

A shiver runs through Zoro's body at this. Sanji can see the red rising slowly on his cheeks. He places a light kiss on his cheek before pulling away and walking back into the apartment.

Zoro follows him a few moments later, the slight shade of red still present on his cheeks. He extends his hand to Sanji, who intertwines their fingers.

"Ready?" Zoro asks, gently squeezing his hand.

"Yes," Sanji replies, opening the bedroom door.

---ooo---

The meal is simple but refined, as always with three cooks in the house. Zeff and Sora have prepared grilled fish with rice and ratatouille. The dishes are arranged in the center of the living room table, set for four. In the kitchen, Zeff is opening a bottle of white wine while Sora is cutting a few slices of bread and places them in a basket.

Seeing the two boys hand in hand, they exchange a small, knowing smile.

"Um... Before we eat, there's something I'd like to talk to you about," Sanji begins.

Zeff raises an eyebrow and stares at him.

"You better not tell us that one of you is pregnant or that you're getting married!" he exclaims.

"No... it's more complicated than that..." Sanji murmurs, hesitant.

Seeing that he didn't respond to his father's comment, Sora intervened: "Let's sit down first. You don't look well, Sanji... what's going on?"

They sit down at the table. Reluctantly, Zoro lets go of Sanji's hand to sit in front of him, next to Zeff. Sanji's heart pounds in his chest. He pours himself a glass of water, his hands trembling slightly, takes a sip, clears his throat, nervously runs his hand through his hair, and takes a deep breath to give himself courage.

"I lied to you," he finally admits. "About what happened on the last night with Judge... I didn't know how to tell you, so I decided to lie to you..."

"What are you talking about, eggplant? I was there, I know about the arranged marriage he proposed to you..." Zeff replies, frowning.

"It's not just that... He didn't offer me anything... He wants to force me to do it..."

The silence in the room is unbearable. His voice trembles. He fiddles with his bracelet to calm himself, staring into Zoro's steely eyes, who nods, encouraging him to continue.

"When he summoned me alone to his office, it wasn't just to offer me the chance to take his name and marry Pudding..."

He swallows hard and takes a sip of water. Across the table, Zoro slides his hand forward, palm open. Sanji immediately grasps it, finding silent but comforting support in the contact.

"Sanji, darling... What do you mean...? He can't force you to do anything."

"He threatened me... He threatened us... I don't know how he did it, but it's not the bank that holds the restaurant mortgage anymore... It's him. And if I don't accept his terms, he wants to take the restaurant away from you."

His voice breaks and a silent tear rolls down his cheek. Zoro doesn't let go of his hand, an anchor amid the whirlwind of emotions that overwhelms him as he reveals the truth to his parents.

His mother suddenly embraces him in a tender and protective gesture. Sanji lets go of Zoro's hand to return the embrace. He holds back with all his might from collapsing against her. He chokes back a sob.

"I'm sorry," he whispers in a shaky voice. "I should have told you right away... But I was scared... He had pictures of us, of you, of all my friends and their families... I was afraid he'd come after you..."

"Sanji, you don't have to worry about the restaurant. If he takes it from us, we'll start again somewhere else. You weren't really going to accept his offer, were you?" exclaims Zeff.

Sanji pulls away from his mother's embrace, a flicker of determination in his eyes. He wipes his eyes with one hand and places the other on the table, letting Zoro pick it up again.

"I didn't know what to do... This restaurant, it's important to you, to Mom, to me..."

"Honey, the restaurant is just a place. Your and your friends safety is much more important!" Sora adds, her voice is shaking, there are tears in her eyes, mirroring his son's emotional state. "What can we do to make him stop his threats? If we sell the restaurant, you think that'll be enough..."

"No! Absolutely not..."

Zoro squeezes his fingers again and meets Sanji's gaze for a moment.

"Tell them," he whispers softly.

"Tell us what?" Zeff fumes. "Are there still things you're hiding from us?"

Sora glares at him, which immediately silences him.

"I... uh... Mihawk agreed to help us."

"You went to him instead of us?" Zeff fumes again.

"Let him talk, come on! Can’t you see how difficult this is for him!" Sora interrupts sternly.

"It's my fault," Zoro interjects. "He didn't know what to do and didn't want to tell anyone. I convinced him to tell my father, and we decided not to tell you beforehand because Judge Vinsmoke is dangerous. My father has been trying to corner him for a while. He has the monomopy over a commercial market heavily focused on the military, and he's suspected of supplying weapons to various countries he shouldn't be supplying... Even Lieutenant Smoker thinks he has contacts in the police who help him get away with it every time. But not this time.”

"Yesterday," Sanji continues in a more assured voice, "I went to the police station and filed a complaint against Judge for illegally acquiring the restaurant's mortgage."

"Oh, Sanji... did you do that alone?" his mother worries.

"No. Mihawk and Zoro were with me. I'm not alone," he adds with conviction. "Judge thinks I'm alone and scared... But that's not the case. I'm not alone. And now the tables are turning. Tomorrow, Smoker's men will search his offices and his house. Their main target is the restaurant's mortgage. But in reality, they're going to try to get their hands on the documents he showed me: the marriage contract, the deed to force me to change my name, and most importantly, the photos he used to pressure me. Smoker is also going to station police officers near everyone I recognized in the photos: you, the crew and their families, me… And Mihawk's lawyers will contact the lawyers of Germa 66 to act on my behalf.”

"And you're only telling us about it today, because..." Zeff asks.

"Because I need you to file a complaint tomorrow morning too. I couldn't tell you sooner. It was Smoker's order. We're probably still under surveillance. The photos he showed me were recent. We had to keep him from suspecting anything..."

"That's also why you're hiding your relationship, isn't it?" Sora asks, looking at them in turn.

"Yes... My father thinks Vinsmoke must still think he can pressure Curly into marrying Pudding. If he finds out about our relationship..."

"I'll make you do the Baratie chores all summer for lying to us!" Zeff scolds.

"Zeff!" Sora exclaims. "You won't make him do anything at all! This is all my fault. This family is terrifying... If I'd known... I should never have given in to him!"

"Mom... You're not to blame."

“And neither are you! I hope you're not blaming yourself for this whole situation! We should have taken action as soon as he found out who you were. We should have protected you better... Luckily, Mihawk has resources. Zoro, you'll thank him for us. Zeff, can you get out a nice bottle of wine for him to take home later.

And don't worry, darling, we'll support you. We'll file a complaint tomorrow, and we'll remain discreet. If we have to pay for the lawyers, we'll do that too, it's not a problem.”

"Thanks, Mom, but it's not gonna be necessary. If the trial goes through, he'll be the one who owes us money. And given Mihawk's determination, I think we can win..."

"He helped put Doflamingo behind bars when it wasn't a given," Zoro said proudly. "You can count on him. But he asked me to deliver an important message to you. Vinsmoke mustn't suspect what we're doing. He asked me to remind you not to confront him directly.”

"Yes, of course, I understand, Zoro. You can tell him he can contact us whenever he wants. Let him stop by the restaurant one evening this week for a meal; we'll take the opportunity to talk. And obviously, no one will confront anyone," she adds sternly, staring at Zeff.

He lets out a disgruntled grunt as he pours himself a glass of wine but doesn't add anything.

To say Sanji is relieved would be an understatement. He feels his entire body relax as if an immense weight is dissolving into thin air. His shoulders, tense for days, sag slightly, and his breathing returns to a calmer rhythm. The tension that had been constricting his chest is finally fading away. Sanji meets Zoro's gaze and reads in it all the young man's determination and silent protection. A shiver runs through him at the feeling of his fingers against his, a discreet but reassuring contact. He lightly wraps his fingers around Zoro's, feeling the warmth and strength emanating from his palm.

At his side, Sora takes his other hand and looks at him proudly.

In this simple gesture, Sanji understands that he is not alone. That, in the face of all this chaos, he can count on Zoro and his family. And for the first time in a long time, he feels safe.

"Reassure me, is that all you two had to tell us?" Zeff suddenly asks gruffly.

"Yes, old wreck, don't worry. No one is pregnant and no one is getting married," Sanji replies immediately.

Zoro nearly chokes on his glass of water, and Sora laughs softly. The pressure finally eases. She gets up to dish out the food. The meal is colder than expected, but given the circumstances, no one says anything, and they savor this family moment with pleasure. Zoro's presence is almost natural, and Sanji finds himself appreciating this silent complicity.

Chapter Text

Chapter 45 – Good news

Monday, April 27th.

===Mugiwaras===

Luffy

Gramps doesn't want us to celebrate my birthday at the apartment...

Zoro, can we do it at your place?

Marimo

On May 9th?

Luffy

No, the 8th is a holiday.

Marimo

No, sorry, Perona already has plans at home.

Luffy

Damn it.

Nami

Wa could rent a private a room at the Going Merry?

Chopper

Do they allow underage guests?

Nami

Yes, if we privatize a room, they'll put a stamp on our hand to show who they can serve alcohol to. We'll also be allowed to bring food, and our belongings will be safe.

Luffy

Great!

That's a great idea, Nami!

Will you take care of it?

Nami

Why me?

Luffy

You seem to know them.

And you know I hate making phone calls!

Nami

Okay, but you're paying for my drinks all night.

Luffy

Deal

Sanji

Do you want me to take care of the food?

Luffy

Of course!

Sanji

How many of us will there be?

Luffy

Wait, I'll ask the others. You're all free, right?

Nami

You've told us at least 10 times. We're all available.

And Vivi will be there too.

Luffy

Okay, so Bepo, Torao, and their two friends are free, Ace, Sabo, and Koala, Ace's new boyfriend, Kid and Killer from the volunteer fire department.

I'm still waiting for a response from Yamato and Tama from Senior D.

Rebecca, Shirahoshi, and Boa just agreed to com. Zoro, is it a problem if I invited Hiyori too?

Marimo

You can invite whoever you want, Luffy

Luffy

Okay

And finally, Koby, Helmeppo, and Bartholomeo from the self-defense club

Usopp

That's a lot of people!

Nami

Is that all? Should I call the Going Merry for the 30-seat room then?

Luffy

No, there aren't that many of us, are there?

Nami

... You did name 25 people.

Sanji

I'm telling you, Luffy, I'm not cooking for 25 people!

Chopper

Maybe everyone can bring something, right?

Usopp

Yes, we do have a lot of schoolwork right now.

Sanji, you have other things to do!

Luffy

Okay, okay...

Sanji, will you make something anyway?

Sanji

Yes, Luffy, I'll take care of the dessert if you want.

Luffy

I'd prefer meat.

Could you make us marinated chicken wings like last year?

Marimo

I'm with Luffy on this one, I prefer meat.

Sanji

We didn't ask for your opinion, cactus head.

It's Luffy's birthday!

Okay, let's go for marinated chicken.

Luffy

Yes! You're the best, Sanji!

======

Saturday, May 2nd.

===Mihawk===

Good morning Sanji, the proceedings are ongoing. The police have found solid evidence to move forward with the case. The lawyers have contacted Vinsmoke. He's aware that you're refusing all of his offers and that you'll be taking actions regarding the mortgage. I'll call your parents later. Smoker confirmed that he's keeping you all under surveillance just in case.

I think you and Zoro can stop hiding your relationship. Well, if that's what you want.

Good morning sir, thank you for the update

I'll talk to Zoro about it to see what he thinks.

Have a nice day.

You too.

All of this will be behind you soon...

======

*Call from Marimo*

“Hello?”

“Did my dad tell you the good news?” Zoro's voice says enthusiastically on the other end of the line.

"Yes, he just sent me a message."

"Oh, damn, I thought I could tell you myself..." His enthusiasm wanes a little. "Are you okay? How are you feeling? Relieved that things are finalymoving forward?"

"I'm fine. I think I'm not realizing yet..."

"That's a good thing. He's not allowed to tell me what they found, but he seemed really happy when he got off the phone with Smoker earlier. I'm sure everything will be fine soon."

"Yes, I hope so," Sanji sighs.

"Oi, Curly, are you sure you're okay?"

"Yes, yes... I just hope you're right."

A silence falls; Zoro hears the hesitation in Sanji's voice.

"You don't have to carry everything alone, you know. Even if it takes time, even if it looks complicated, I'm here. And my father, and your parents too. We won't let you down.”

Sanji closes his eyes, touched. His smile is evident in his voice as he breathes, "Thank you, Marimo."

"And did he tell you about the other thing too?"

"What other thing?"

“Now that Judge knows you're refusing the marriage... Uh... My dad says we don't have to hide anymore... And... I thought you'd like that...”

“Yeah, no, maybe... I don't know...”

“Oh... Uh... Okay. If you're not ready, that's okay, you know. The others don't need to know. We can keep it a secret, if you don't want to tell them, I understand... Maybe they don't know you're also attracted to boys, I don't want to make you uncomfortable...”

“No, that's not it. You're not making me uncomfortable. And everyone knows I'm bi, don't worry about that...”

Sanji sighs again. His voice is tinged with a dull, almost distant sadness.

“It's just that it worries me... I don't want to paint a giant target on your back. Can we keep this a secret for a while longer? At least a few days... Just enough to see if Smoker and Mihawk are right...”

A brief silence follows. Then Zoro's voice, deep but gentle, calms his fears:

"Curly... I can take it, you know. But if it makes you feel better, we'll do whatever you want. A few days, a few weeks, whatever. As long as you and I know what we have, what we are... that's enough for now."

Sanji closes his eyes, a fragile smile playing on his lips.

"We haven't really defined what we are, actually... After our first date..."

"Oh. Yes... It's true that I kind of left you hanging when I dropped you off... Sorry."

"Yes, my father found it unacceptable, actually. I'm surprised he didn't bring it up again on Sunday." Sanji's voice regains confidence, and this time, a real smile lights up his features.

"So... what are we?"

An awkward silence falls. Through the receiver, Sanji hears Zoro shifting, the rustling of his clothes, then the discreet clink of his earrings.

"Um... You were the one who said I was your boyfriend the other day, right? But if you'd rather not label us... We can just be a little more than friends, that's fine with me too, you know..."

"No, that's not fine with me, Marimo." Sanji replies firmly, and silence falls on the other end of the line. He takes a breath and gathers his courage before announcing, "We're a couple, Zoro, you're my boyfriend. And we're exclusive. Is that clear?" The silence persists, then he hears the clink of Zoro's earrings again and a gasp that sounds like a relieved laugh.

"Yes! Yes, of course! An exclusive couple. Obviously."

And Sanji can hear Zoro's smile in the tone of his voice.

"Okay, now I'm going to hang up because I was studying. I don't have time to get distracted by some seaweed face, no matter how sexy he is."

"I knew you only wanted my body," Zoro teases. "But okay, I'll leave you to your studies; I have to go to practice anyway."

"See you on Tuesday?"

"Yes, Curly, see you Tuesday. Bye."

"Bisou," Sanji murmurs before quickly hanging up.

He stands still for a moment, the phone in his hand. Then, realizing what they just agreed on, his cheeks flush violently. He hides his face in his hands, torn between shame and an uncontrollable smile that refuses to disappear. His heart is pounding, and he sighs, shaking his head.

"Idiot Marimo..." he breathes, but the smile he keeps on his lips betrays him completely.

Chapter Text

Chapter 46 – Luffy’s Birthday Party

Friday, May 8th.

Despite Zoro's numerous requests—he'd actually asked him three times in four days—Sanji categorically refused to let them go to Luffy's birthday party with the bike. The risk still seemed too great, and he didn't want to spend the evening glancing over his shoulder. Tonight, he wanted to be able to fully enjoy himself, without any ulterior motives.

So there they are, sitting on the shuttle bus that connects the city center to the nightclubs, squeezed between their friends, who are already laughing and moving as if the party has already started. Nami, Usopp, and Chopper are sited next to them, while a dozen other teenagers, including several of Luffy's friends, occupy the remaining seats.

Excitement is rising as the bus bumps through the illuminated streets. Everyone is holding a bag containing their contribution to the shared meal, and Sanji, wedged between Usopp and the window, finds himself sighing inwardly with relief: it's a good thing they opted for a shared buffet; he never would have had time to cook for twenty-five people today.

Sanji thinks he recognizes Bartholomeo, sitting two rows back, in the middle of a heated discussion with two boys who must be Koby and Helmeppo. The memory of his attempt to invite Luffy to the Valentine's Dance comes back to him, and he can’t stop a small, amused smile from tugging at his lips.

Sanji listens with half an ear the animated conversation between Nami, Usopp, and Chopper. It's impossible for him to concentrate on anything but the seaweed sitting directly across from him.

To say that Zoro "dressed appropriately" for the event would be almost insulting. The black skinny jeans he's wearing hug the line of his muscular legs dangerously well, so much so that Sanji doesn't dare to imagine what it would look like if he had the misfortune to see him from behind. His gaze lingers a little too long, and when he looks up, it falls directly on Zoro's. Whom gives that small smile that makes his heart beat faster. Caught in the act, Sanji immediately turns his head away and stares at Nami, hoping no one has noticed the blush creeping up his cheeks.

As if that weren't bad enough, Zoro has the audacity to pair his outrageously tight pants with a fitted white shirt, the sleeves rolled up above his elbows, revealing his forearms. And the worst part... the worst part! Is that thin black tie he's casually wearing, and which Sanji immediately recognized. His own. The one he'd left at Zoro's, during his birthday party, several months ago.

They finally arrive in front of the Going Merry, and Sanji leaps to his feet as soon as the bus stops. There's no way he's going out behind Zoro, not with those damn pants that threaten his sanity with every step.

The group walks out of the shuttle in a joyful hubbub, each group meeting by affinity before dispersing towards the various nightclubs along the street. Sanji stays with Nami, Usopp, Chopper, and, of course, Zoro, who nonchalantly trails behind them, hands in his pockets as if the whole thing is already boring him.

At the entrance, under the imposing sheep's head, the club's emblem, the security guy checks their IDs, then stamps their hands with fluorescent ink. "18+" for Sanji, which earns him a small, satisfied smile. When Zoro comes around, he comes out with a nasty grimace and a big, clearly visible "Minor."

Sanji bursts out laughing at the pout that distorts his features, and Zoro gives him an angry look that only accentuates his amusement. This guy is insufferable... and way too adorable when he complains about trifles.

The small group, joined by the three teenagers Sanji had spotted in the shuttle, is led to the private room Nami has reserved for the event. The place is spacious, decorated with discreet neon lights and dim lighting that already creates a festive atmosphere. Two large tables line against one wall, topped with coat racks, and everyone places the dish they brought before following the employee's for instructions.

He first shows them a door to the right leading to a private restroom, then another to the left that gives access to the main room of the nightclub. There, two large tables await them, lined with a red leatherette bench on one side and high stools on the other, with a direct view to the dance floor. Enough to comfortably accommodate about thirty people.

For now, the music isn't too loud, and the dance floor remains deserted, lit only by the first colorful light effects. A few customers are seated at the bar or other similar tables, but the space almost seems to belong to their group.

Some seats are already occupied, and the small group steps forward to greet everyone. Ace, Luffy, and Sabo are already there, deep in conversation with Koala and a man Sanji doesn't recognize. He's introduced to him as Marco—probably Ace's new boyfriend that Luffy mentioned the other day, judging by the tender look he gives the latter. On their right are also Vivi, Rebecca, Hiyori, and Shirahoshi, accompanied by another young woman who immediately catches Sanji's attention. Boa, he's been told, is considered the prettiest girl in Marie Joie. A model for a major fashion house, her career is already underway even though she's not yet eighteen. The elegance she exudes, combined with her magnetic aura, roots him to the spot for a moment.

A sharp jab to the ribs pulls him from his reverie. He turns and blushes when he discovers that it's Zoro who has caught his eye.

"Watch out, shitty cook, you're drooling a little," the young man whispers, a smirk playing on his lips.

"I'm just admiring the beauty of a very pretty young woman," Sanji replies immediately, proudly raising his chin to hide his confusion. Zoro arches an eyebrow, as if to say "of course," but doesn't add anything. His eyes linger a fraction too long on Sanji, as if trying to determine if he's really joking.

A little further away, seated at the second table, they're introduced to Kid and Killer, Luffy's friends who volunteer with him at the fire department. Kid's gaze makes Sanji uncomfortable. When he shakes his hand in greeting, it's held just a little too long. Kid looks him over, a slight smile playing on his lips that sends shivers down Sanji's spine.

A few minutes after their arrival, the last guests appear. First, Yamato and Tama, one very tall and the other very short. Apparently, Luffy met them a few weeks ago and immediately felt responsible for protecting Tama while Sanji's three half-brothers—yes, them again—harassed her in a hallway while Yamato was away. Yamato and Luffy quickly became friends, discovering they had a lot in common during the detention they both received for fighting on school grounds.

Finally, Bepo, Law, Shachi, and Penguin arrived, taking seats at the other end of the table, completing the group of guests.

---ooo---

Around 9:00 p.m., the DJ finally takes his place behind the decks. The small group has already fully devoured the various dishes being passed around, and everyone has already made at least two trips to the bar. Drinks begin to pile up on the tables, and a waitress discreetly clears them. Hearing the music, part of the group immediately heads to the dance floor. Zoro watches as Sanji walk back to the bar, then return with two drinks in hand, which he places in front of him. He raises a questioning eyebrow, and Sanji leans towards him to speak over the noise of the music.

"The cocktail's form me. I'll let you keep an eye on it since I'm guessing you're not going to be dancing. Consider the beer as your payment in exchange, Marimo."

Then he winks at him before joining the others on the dance floor.

After several minutes, Zoro finds himself alone with Marco and Law.

"A beer when you have a 'minor' stamp?" Marco says, amused, a slight smile on his lips.

"Yeah, my friends know me well," Zoro replies, raising an eyebrow.

"Your friends? I saw the little blond boy drop off the beer for you... Sanji, right?"

Zoro nearly chokes as he swallows his drink the wrong way.

"Yeah, right," he replies, trying to maintain a neutral expression.

Marco smiles softly, shaking his head slightly. "Hmm... Interesting."

Law asks, in a steady, almost monotonous tone, as if commenting on the weather:

"Weren't you going out with that blonde girl over there last time we saw each other?"

"Yes, Hiyori. It didn't work out in the end."

Law tilts his head slightly and fixes Zoro with his piercing gaze. "Hmm... What about Sanji?"

Zoro turns slightly towards him, looking surprised.

"Oh, don't tell me there's nothing going on between you?! You can spot it from a mile away!" Marco says, his tone half-teasing, half-observant.

"Not at all..." Zoro stammers, burying his nose in his drink.

Marco bursts out laughing and pats him gently on the back.

"Even I can see there's something going on between you... and I've only known you for two hours!" he adds, amused.

"Or are we mistaken, and there's nothing going on between you yet?" Adds Law.

Zoro feels his cheeks turn red. Fortunately, the room is plunged into darkness. He looks from Law to Marco, then raises his hands, resigned.

"Okay, okay... There's definitely something going on... but we'd prefer to remain discreet."

Law stifles a chuckle, a smirk playing despite his neutral tone:

"It's not a given."

Marco tilts his head slightly, curious:

"Any particular reason for not wanting to show that you're together? You're together, aren't you?"

Zoro lowers his voice, and the other two move closer to hear better over the music.

"It's complicated for him... family problems..."

Marco nods, understandingly, while Law remains silent beside him, but nods slightly.

"Oh... yes, I understand. There are families for whom homosexuality is difficult to accept... it's a shame, you make a very cute couple."

Zoro quickly shakes his head, embarrassed.

"Oh, no, it's not a problem like that. His parents know about us. And they're totally okay with it. No, it's more complicated than that... it's not really my place to talk about it..."

"Okay, sorry... anyway, it's a good thing that you're not jealous," Marco adds with a smirk. "If someone were hovering around Ace like that, I don't know if I'd be able to keep my cool!"

Zoro follows Marco's nod and turns his attention back to the dance floor. Sanji is dancing, between Chopper and Nami. In front of him, Usopp and Luffy are swaying to the music. From time to time, he grabs Vivi's or Rebecca's hand to help them do a few steps or spin around.

"I don't see what I should be jealous about," Zoro replies with a neutral shrug.

Law, in his usual calm voice, points at Kid a little further away: "There... he's the one who might be a problem."

Zoro observes the young man more closely. Indeed, Kid has his eyes fixed on Sanji. He is moving slowly, as if nothing was wrong, but from where they are, Marco, Law, and Zoro can see that he's clearly moving towards Sanji. His step is clumsy, and he seems to have had a little to much of a drink.

Then suddenly, the music changes, and Sanji and Chopper return to the table to drink, laughing together. Sanji has the bright eyes of someone who's having a good night. He grabs his cocktail and takes a sip through a straw, never taking his eyes off Zoro. Then Chopper grabs his arm and pulls him back to the middle of the crowd.

"Curly can handle himself perfectly..." Zoro suddenly announces, his voice firmer. “I have no reason to be jealous, I trust him.”

"With the look he gave you, there's no doubt about it," Marco replies, laughing.

Zoro gives them another look, and even Law gives a small smirk. Enough to annoy him, Zoro decides to attack him in turn.

"Speaking of looks... did you see the one Luffy's giving you, Torao?"

"Oh! You are Torao?" Marco exclaims, a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Law rolls his eyes and sighs.

"Yes, Luffy can't say my name—Trafalgar—so he decided to call me Torao... as if I didn't have a first name..."

"Zoro's right, he's devouring you with his eyes. And he told us about you before coming…”

Zoro delights in Law's reactions: blushing, a quick gulp of beer, all while observing the dance floor.

"So…" he adds mischievously, "I saw you looking at him, what's stopping you, Torao?"

"It's Law," he immediately corrects, "and Luffy is way too young…"

"That’s ridiculous!" Marco exclaims. "I'm eight years older than Ace, and that hasn't stopped him from hitting on me!"

"And nothing stops Luffy when he gets an idea," Zoro adds. "So?"

"He's still a minor… And… I… I'm not sure it's a good idea. I'm not boyfriend material," Law mutters, hesitant.

"Maybe because you haven't found the right person yet," Marco replies with a wink as he stands up. "And if the theme of the evening is anything to go by, Luffy has been an adult for at least three days. I'm going to stretch my legs. There are way too many people hovering around Ace; it's time to show them I exist."

Zoro and Law watch Marco join the others in silence. They smile as they see Ace join him in the middle of the dance floor to kiss him as if there were no tomorrow, several people around them looking disappointed.

Zoro turns back to Law, his expression serious.

"I don't care what you decide to do with Luffy, but be clear and direct with him; innuendos aren't his thing. And you should know that he's never shown the slightest interest in anyone until now. So if you ever break his heart, just hope I never cross your path again.”

Law nods slowly and returns his attention to his beer, looking thoughtful. Zoro resumes his observation of the dance floor. Kid has moved even closer to Sanji and is now dancing with his back to him, right behind the blond. With a sudden movement of his hips, Sanji bumps into him and turns around to apologize. Kid gives him a charming smile, and when Sanji turns back to keep dancing facing Nami and Vivi, Kid doesn't turn away. Instead, he takes a step closer and slides a hand around Sanji's waist.

Zoro feels his whole body tense. He grips his glass tighter in his hand, his eyes fixed on his boyfriend. Sanji grabs Kid's hand and gently pushes it away, leaning towards him to say a few words. Seeing this, Nami suddenly grabs his hand for him to make her spin. He then finds himself a little further away. But Kid doesn't seem to get the message: he slips back between the dancers to get closer to him. Sanji shakes his head again before saying a few words to Nami and returning to their table.

Seeing Sanji coming back through the crowd, Zoro gets up, walks around the table, and sits down on one of the stools, facing Law. He keeps Sanji in his field of vision, and as expected, the blond immediately joins him to take a seat next to him. He doesn't even have time to touch his glass when a sharp thud sounds: two beers have just been placed in front of him, hard enough to make them jump.

Kid sits heavily on the other side of Sanji and pushes one of the glasses in his direction.

"Thisis for you," he says with a satisfied smile. "You told me to buy you a drink before trying to hit on you, so here it is."

Zoro blinks. Seriously? He meets Law's impassive gaze for a moment before turning his attention back to Sanji. The blond clenches his jaw and nervously fiddles with his bracelet. A bad sign.

"What I told you is that you would never have a chance of hitting on me, even if you bought me a drink," he says through gritted teeth.

Kid snickers.

"Oh, come on. It's just a beer! You're not going to tell me you showed up dressed like that thinking no one would notice you..."

Zoro's blood boils.

"Oi, porcupine, he told you he wasn't interested," he snarls, standing up abruptly, placing a firm hand on Sanji's shoulder.

Kid straightens immediately, staring into his eyes.

"What did you call me, cactus face?"

Zoro is already about to retort when Sanji intervenes, placing himself between them. "Marimo, let it go, I'll handle this."

But Zoro doesn't let go, his eyes fixed on Kid like on a target.

"He disrespected you."

"Sanji asked you to let it go, Marimo," Kid mocks, his gaze quickly passing over the back of his hand and the "minor" stamp. "Go back to your chair and let the adults talk."

Zoro grits his teeth.

"No. You should know, since you know Luffy: no one disrespect our friends, moron."

Kid laughs, without an ounce of embarrassment. His eyes slide over Sanji as if he were nothing more than a piece of meat.

"It's not disrespect, just the truth. With an ass like that, it's no wonder you attract stares. And you, why do you care, huh? Am I stepping on your toes or something?"

Zoro sees red. His fist clenches so tightly he feels his knuckles crack. His jaw grinds, his breathing heavy. He's this close to punching him on the face.

"Apologize. Now," he spits.

Kid sneers, defiant.

"Or what?"

Zoro pulls his arm back slightly, ready to strike. He doesn't even notice Sanji's hand trying to hold his own. All his anger, all his frustration, is searching for an outlet.

But before he can strike him down, a force rips him out of its path: Sanji grabs him by the face and crushes their lips together.

Zoro's eyes widen. The anger evaporates, sucked into the void. All that remains is the taste of Sanji, the warmth of his hands on his cheeks, his breath mingling with his own. When the blond pulls away slightly, his palms still pressed against his face, Zoro reads in his blue eyes a spark of annoyance... but also infinite warmth and obvious relief.

Zoro's blood boils. His arms wrap around Sanji's back and he pulls him to kiss him back, this time with all the passion he's been holding back for too long. Around them, the world could be collapsing - Zoro can't hear anything anymore, can't see anything but Sanji.

Sanji gently pushes Zoro away, his hands against his chest, and pulls away from his embrace, panting, his cheeks flushed and his gaze slightly unfocused. Zoro's brain reconnects to the sounds around them: the music, the laughter, and, above all, Law's voice addressing Kid.

"I wouldn't do this if I were you..."

Zoro turns his head just in time to see Kid sidestepping him and approaching Sanji again. Anger instantly rises back.

"Ah! You should have said you preferred something a little more... rough than a simple drink."

Kid slips an arm around Sanji's shoulders, his face coming dangerously close to the blond's. Zoro reacts instantly, ready to intervene, but he doesn't even have time to move before Kid is already on the ground, the back of Sanji's shoe imprinted on his shirt.

Sanji takes a step forward, his fists clenched, his gaze hard and cold. Zoro has never seen him so angry.

"I told you I wasn't interested," Sanji spits, his voice icy. "So now you get out of my sight and let me enjoy my evening with my friends... and my boyfriend. And the way a person dresses means nothing. The next time you mistake pants for an invitation, try to remember to listen to what the person in front of you is saying."

Zoro feels his heart leap in his chest, but this time, pride takes over. He looks at Sanji and can see all his strength and determination in his eyes, and for this time, he feels completely relieved he didn't try to intervene earlier.

Sanji then turns to him, grabs his hand, and leads him toward the dance floor, under the amused and admiring gazes of their friends. Nami, Vivi, and Chopper, who had been watching the scene from the dance floor, and have approached to check that everything was okay.

"Well done, Zoro!" Nami says with an amused smile.

Zoro meets her gaze and responds with a small, shy smile, the tension easing, letting Sanji lead him to the middle of the dance floor, his heart still pounding but his mind finally at peace.

---ooo---

Once on the floor, Zoro, stiff as a board, feels completely out of his element. He leans towards Sanji to speak to him:

"Curly, you know I don't dance..."

"But you do! If you know how to waltz, you can dance this as well! Follow my steps, move your feet to the rhythm."

Around them, the atmosphere changes slightly as another song begins.

Oh, don't you dare look back.

Just keep your eyes on me.

I said you're holding back,

She said shut up and dance with me!

Sanji grabs his hands and places them on his hips, resting his own on the young man's biceps. He moves gently to show him the movement. Seeing that it's not enough, he turns around and presses his back against Zoro's chest. He tilts his head slightly towards him.

"Move with me, it's not that hard, Marimo."

Zoro takes a deep breath and moves even closer to Sanji. Little by little, he relaxes and lets the other guide his movements. He remains slightly stiff, but the warmth of Sanji's body against his gives him an unexpected confidence. He begins to move more naturally, sliding a hand down Sanji's stomach to tighten their contact. Sanji places his hand on top of his and intertwines their fingers, continuing to dance as if the rest of the world has disappeared.

In the crowd, Zoro spots Ace winking at them, and a little further away, Hiyori, motionless, her eyes fixed on them. He quickly looks away and focuses on Sanji, on his face close to his, his eyes half-closed, absorbed in the music. His blond locks move in time with his movements, and Zoro feels an irresistible heat rising within him.

Sanji's body undulating against his triggers waves of desire in Zoro that he can barely contain. Sanji's shirt rides up slightly, and his fingers accidentally come into contact with the young man's warm skin. Zoro jerks his hand away, shocked.

"Curly..." he whispers in his ear. "You're going to drive me crazy... I... I'm going to go sit back down, okay?"

He kisses him gently on the cheek, a mere touch, before pulling back. But Sanji doesn't hear it that way. He holds his hand and pulls him close again, his hands moving up Zoro's arms to his shoulders and the back of his neck. They're no longer dancing, but their gaze remains fixed on each other.

Sanji smiles at him, a smile radiating happiness and complicity. Zoro can't resist: he pulls him even closer and seals their lips in a passionate kiss. Around them, he hears Luffy's characteristic laugh and feels a light tap on his shoulder accompanied by a "well done" from Usopp.

Zoro pulls away slightly from Sanji and whispers in his ear, "I really need to sit down, Curly. Enjoy… I'm not far away.”

Sanji shakes his head, refusing:

"No, I'm coming. We'll dance later. For now, I just want to be with you."

And with that, they return to their table, still linked by their hands and their smiles, leaving behind the tumult of the dance floor and the warmth of this stolen moment.

Chapter Text

Chapter 47 – Bets

Once they return to their table, there's no sign of Kid, and Marco is back, sitting next to Law. Sanji quickly goes to the bar to get them drinks while Zoro sits down with them. When he returns, he hears the end of their conversation:

"I... Uh... Yeah, he kind of pushed me..."

"Who pushed you, Marimo?" Sanji asks, sliding in next to him on the bench, placing a new beer in front of him.

"Thanks for the beer. We were talking about the porcupine."

"Oh. Yeah. That jerk clearly had too much to drink... Unable to understand the word ‘no’..." Sanji sighs, taking a sip of his drink.

Zoro frowns at Sanji's glass and raises a questioning eyebrow.

"That's your fourth drink, Curly. Is that reasonable?"

Sanji stifles a laugh, touched by Zoro's concern.

“Looks like someone's worried! The cocktail you watched while I was dancing was the only alcoholic one. Don't worry, Marimo, I don't plan on getting wasted tonight.”

Zoro lets out a slightly embarrassed “oh…” and takes a sip of his beer.

“Uh… Okay… I wasn't worried at all,” he finally says, his eyes still fixed on Sanji.

Sanji then catches Marco's eye and gives him a mischievous smile. The blush on Zoro's cheeks suddenly seems incredibly adorable, and Sanji can't help but smile again, delighted to see the effect he has on him.

Suddenly, Luffy comes running up and literally jumps over the table to slide between Law and Zoro on the bench, pushing Zoro, and therefore Sanji, to the edge of the seat. Zoro catches him with one hand around the waist to keep him from falling. The contact makes Sanji shiver, and he feels his cheeks heat up immediately. He focuses on the conversation, trying not to let his mind drift to his closeness with Zoro, the sensations of their dance a few minutes earlier still very much present.

"Torao, are you enjoying your evening?" Luffy asks, turning his big, bright eyes toward Law.

"Yeah, it’s great," Law replies with his usual composure.

"But you didn't even dance?!" Luffy exclaims.

"I'm not dancing, Luffy-ya," Law replies calmly.

Sanji notices Luffy's pouty expression and can't help but smile at Law's slightly amused one.

"That's a shame... I would have liked to dance with you," Luffy says, shrugging. "Even Zoro danced earlier! And he really seemed to have fun."

Sanji stifles a laugh as he sees Zoro's blush deepen. He digs his index finger into the young man's cheek, then runs it along his earrings and leans in to whisper in his ear, "So, did you have fun?"

Zoro looks at him, his face impassive, and replies neutrally,

"Nope."

 Sanji can't hold back another laugh and turns his attention back to Luffy, who continues to gesticulate happily next to Law. He grabs Law's hand and traces the lines of the tattoo on the back of his hand with his finger. Law seems frozen, watching Luffy intently, a slight red veil on his cheeks. Sanji is almost certain he saw him shiver.

"Your tattoos are really cool," Luffy tells him, looking up at him.

Sanji smiles fondly at this almost shy display of affection from his friend. He meets Zoro's gaze, who has the same expression as him: a protective look toward Luffy. Behind the two boys, Marco takes a sip of beer, pretending not to look at them.

The moment of calm is quickly interrupted by the arrival of Nami, Vivi, and the rest of the crew.

"Okay, I think we've given you plenty of time to recover," Nami says determinedly. "Now I want to know everything!"

Zoro rolls his eyes while Sanji gives a her shy smile. Obviously, their friends were going to want an explanation. After all, kissing Zoro in front of everyone to stop him from fighting wasn't exactly the most discreet thing to do...

"All right, what do you want to know, Nami?" he asks calmly, taking a sip of his cocktail.

"Wait a minute, let's do this properly. We need drinks, and food. You two, she says, holding up her index finger, stay put!”

A few minutes later, Nami, Vivi, Usopp, and Chopper return with drinks and two trays of cupcakes. They are quickly joined by Ace and Bepo.

Luffy immediately grabs two cupcakes. Sanji is about to protest, but the young man places one in front of Law before tackling the other. The entire table remains silent.

"Luffy?" Ace asks quietly.

The boy looks up, his mouth still full, and observes his friends with a vaguely surprised expression.

"What?" he replies, chewing diligently.

"You gave Law a cupcake?"

"Well, yes! I believe he didn't eat enough earlier, what’s wrong?" Luffy shrugs.

Law stares at them, perplexed, unable to comprehend the situation.

“Luffy never shares his food,” Sanji explains with a small, amused smile. “Never. You, Law, are special.”

“Of course Torao is special!” Luffy exclaims before devouring a second cupcake.

Law’s brain suddenly seems to have shut down. He stares at his muffin as if he’s just been offended, his brows furrowed, his cheeks flushed. Sanji, amused but sympathetic, decides to change the subject and turns towards Nami to restart the conversation.

“I’m listening, Nami. What did you want to know?”

“Since when?” she asks, pointing at them in turn, a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Sanji immediately understands the reason for her enthusiasm. There’s probably a bet behind all this. He decides to play on the girl’s nerves a little.

“That depends… Do you want to know for how long we’ve been dating? When we did have our first date? Or maybe our first kiss?

Nami's eyes widen. Beside her, Vivi stifles a laugh, and Sanji sees Chopper and Usopp exchange a knowing look.

"Not your damn business, witch!" Zoro says.

Sanji slaps his arm and smiles as he continues, "Marimo, can’t you see that Nami is happy for us! There's absolutely no other reason why she would need such precise informations..."

"You know as well as I do that they probably made a bet..." Zoro sighs. "We'll only answer you if you give us the exact terms of the bet. And we want half the amount at stake," he adds suddenly.

Nami rolls her eyes then extends her hand toward him. Zoro squeezes it firmly, sealing the deal.

"Deal. Half the amount. Anyway, it's so high that the winners shouldn't even complain,” she admits.

Sanji and Zoro stare at her for a moment, then she shakes her head, takes a piece of paper from her purse, and begins to explain.

"So, this bet has been going on for... uh... almost five years."

"What?!" Sanji exclaims.

"Don't interrupt me, Sanji, please. Everyone's waiting..." she says in an annoyed tone. "So, on July 20^th, 2022, I proposed this bet. I must admit, it took longer than expected!"

A few nods accompany this statement.

"Originally, we bet on the two of you being mutually attracted to each other. Usopp won that bet, in... November, so probably on Zoro's birthday. Only then did we decide to bet on the date of a confession, and on which one of you would speak first. We had to move the dates several times. Each time a date was missed, the bettor came back to me to restart the bet, sometimes adding more money. We spent the entirety of ninth grade hoping... I almost thought it would be good for the prom, but no, Zoro chickened out at the last minute... Then he left, there was Viola... and then we didn't hear from Zoro again for over a year and a half.”

She sighs before continuing, a hint of excitement in her voice.

"As soon as we heard you were back, we started betting again! And I won the first one, in October, which was about whether or not Zoro still had a crush on Sanji. Then there was Hiyori," she says, rolling her eyes, "and Ace," she adds, giving Sanji a knowing look.

Out of the corner of his eye, Sanji sees Marco turning his head toward Ace, who places a light kiss on his lips, signaling that he'd talk to him about it later.

"And finally, we all started hoping again! So, these past few months, everyone's been coming back to me to change the dates again, especially after seeing you two waltzing together at the Valentine's dance. There are currently three bets open: one on who confessed first, one on the date of said confession, and finally one on the date the other person accepted the feelings of the other. It doesn't matter if it was your first kiss, your first date, or the moment you decided to get together: what interests us is the moment you finally stopped thinking you had zero chance with the other! ‘Cause boy how oblivious can you two be when you want to !”

"Oh, really!" exclaims Sanji, feeling he's finally allowed to speak. "Three bets, no less... So, for the first one, it's the cactus head here who confessed first."

A few enthusiastic exclamations greet this declaration. Nami rereads her slip and announces:

"Luffy, Vivi, Usopp, and Ace win this bet! The losers are Chopper, Sabo, Koala... and me. The amount at stake was 80 euros." To share, that's 40 euros for the two of you and 10 euros for each winner... At least you get your stake back.”

"Second bet: the date of the confession, Zoro, can we know when you finally got your shit together?"

"For his birthday..." mutters Zoro, a little embarrassed.

"The date, Zoro! It's important!" insists Nami.

"February 21^st."

Nami and Usopp let out a cry of joy.

"No, Marimo," corrects Sanji, "it was past midnight... so February 22^nd."

"Yes!" exclaims Chopper, fists raised.

"You guessed it, Chopper was right about the date... The amount at stake for this bet was 120 euros, so that's 60 euros for the two of you and 60 euros for Chopper. For your information, the losers are Usopp and I, who bet on the 21^st… and the other participants: Vivi, Luffy, Ace, Sabo, Koala, Perona, and Sora.”

"My mother placed a bet with you?!" Sanji exclaims, incredulous.

"And my sister?" Zoro adds, his eyes wide.

"Yes, I ran into your sister while shopping during winter break, and we went for coffee. As for your mother, Sanji, she overheard our conversation on a Tuesday... And so there's only one more date left for us to get. When did you respond to Zoro's confession, Sanji?"

"Tell us it was the same day!" Chopper pleads, his eyes shining.

"No, Chopper... Sorry... It was on Usopp's birthday, so uh..."

"April the fourth! When you took care of him!" Usopp exclaims, turning to Zoro triumphantly, arms raised. "I knew it! I told you so!"

Sanji and Zoro exchange a slightly embarrassed look before turning to their friends. "Yeah... I was in pretty bad shape, and I'd just thrown up... But yeah, that's when I made him realize it was mutual," Sanji murmurs, his voice slightly embarrassed.

A few grimaces of disgust punctuate his statement, but the entire table smiles as they look at them.

"That bet was the highest of the three, with 170 euros! That's 85 euros for you and 85 euros for Usopp," Nami announces.

"And who are the losers?" Bepo asks, intrigued.

"The losers are: Chopper, Luffy, Ace, Sabo, Koala, Vivi, Sora, Zeff, and Perona."

"When did my father take part in this bet?!" Sanji exclaims, outraged.

"At your birthday party," Nami explains, "when Zoro went out to talk to you and we talked about it again. Oh, and yes, he also won the first bet, sorry! He had bet on ‘the little zucchini.’”

Sanji bursts out laughing at the nickname, while Zoro sinks a little further into his seat, visibly embarrassed. Nami then takes out the envelopes for each bet and distributes the money to the winners. She then gives Sanji the eight euros for Zeff, in addition to the 185 euros they pocketed.

"Our next date is covered with that!" Sanji jokes, pocketing the money.

Chapter Text

Chapter 48 – Settling scores

Once the betting is settled, and all the cupcakes have been devoured, the crew returns on the dance floor.

Sanji tries to pull Zoro from the booth, but he remains stubbornly planted there.

"Curly, you know I don't dance. Go ahead, have fun. I'll stay here to chat with the others."

"Okay, okay... I should have known: cacti don't move. Maybe you'll change your mind when you see my success on the dance floor."

He gives him a quick kiss and a wink and joins the others.

Taking advantage of Luffy's absence, Zoro leans towards Law:

"So, have you thought about Luffy?"

"I already told you earlier: I'm not boyfriend material."

"Hmm... Maybe. But Luffy is tenacious. It's going to take more than that for him to give up."

"And don't you dare hurt my brother!" Ace calls from the other side of the bench.

"I don't intend to hurt anyone," Law defends himself, raising his hands in a peaceful way.

"Says the guy with the word ‘death’ tattooed on his hands..." Ace mutters before diving back into his drink.

Zoro and Marco stifle a laugh.

"You look like you're having a good time," a female voice calls out from his right.

He turns his head and sees Hiyori approaching. She sits on the stool in front of him, a glass in her hand. Her eyes are shining, her cheeks are red: she's clearly had too much to drink. Zoro watches her, tense, unable to find the words.

"I see you've gotten over our separation quickly," she says curtly.

"Hiyori... it's been over four months since we broke up," Zoro replies softly, defensively.

"And this whole thing with Sanji, how long has it been going on? When I surprised you in the kitchen at your birthday party... you were already together, right?"

Zoro's eyes widen. He feels his stomach suddenly tighten. Instinctively, he looks around for Law, Ace, Marco, anyone, but no one moves. A cold sweat trickles down his back.

"How stupid of me..." Hiyori continues, her voice trembling before igniting. "It was right there, right in front of me, all this time... And I trusted you! From the start, it wasn't me you wanted. It was him. You must have laughed so hard behind my back every time you were with him!"

“Hiyori, listen… you should calm down,” Zoro stammers, his words unsteady on his tongue.

He takes the glass from her in a mechanical gesture, without thinking, and pushes it toward Law as if he were trying to get rid of a dangerous weapon. But she immediately leans forward to retrieve it, and her tone rises even higher.

"I don't need you to tell me what to do! You're not even going to have the decency to admit you weren't honest with me, are you?! You're pathetic... Going out with me just so no one knows you're gay..."

Zoro's heart hammers in his chest. He feels trapped, as if in a fight where none of his techniques would be of any use. His eyes desperately search for an escape, an ally, but there's only Hiyori and her anger in front of him. Scanning the crowd, he can’t spot Vivi nor Rebecca.

"I've always been honest with you, Hiyori. I've only been with Sanji for a few weeks. And I didn't go out with you to hide anything...”

He tries to speak calmly, but his voice sounds foreign, a little too dry, a little too rushed. Nothing seems to reach her. Her anger is unleashed, amplified by the alcohol.

"Oh really? And you think I'm going to believe you?! I saw your looks, your gestures! And that bracelet you wear all the time... you think I don't know who gave it to you? Do you take me for an idiot?! You're pathetic," she repeats, her eyes shining with tears and rage. "You have no honor!"

"Miss Hiyori," Sanji's voice suddenly intervenes behind her.

Zoro is so stunned by the girl's words that he didn't see him approach. His heart is still pounding from Hiyori's anger, but behind her accusations, he hears another voice. The one of his own regrets. Pathetic. No honor. These words strike a wound he's been hiding for too long.

The image of Kuina, lying under that beam, suddenly emerges in his mind. His own body paralyzed by fear that day. The smell of smoke, the creaking of the timbers, the screams of the young girl asking him to leave her there and save himself, a memory he will never forgot. He couldn't save her. Since then, every time he meets her proud gaze, riveted to that chair, he feels that weight sink deeper into his chest. Maybe Hiyori is right. Maybe he's just a coward who wraps himself in grand promises he'll never be able to keep.

He feels on the edge of the abyss, unable to answer, a prisoner of his doubts.

So, when Sanji places a hand over his own, Zoro flinches. The warmth of this contact momentarily breaks the vicious circle of his thoughts. He relaxes a little, aware that he's no longer alone to face Hiyori's anger.

"I'm not the type to attack a young lady, but I think your words have gone beyond your thoughts. Perhaps it would be best if you stopped there and went home."

Zoro feels Sanji's grip tighten, a solid anchor in the midst of the storm.

"Oh! But look who's here! The knight in shining armor! You came to save him? Are you going to deny it too?"

"What are you talking about?" Sanji asks calmly.

"You, of course! About the fact that you used me as a cover for months, thinking I was stupid! And he doesn't even have the courage to say it to my face!"

Sanji tightens his grip on Zoro's hand. Zoro can see his body tense and his jaw tighten. Him, on the other hand, can only keep his eyes lowered. Hiyori's words are like blades reopening his deepest scars. Not the courage. Yes... he knows this feeling all too well.

Sanji then takes a step toward the girl, staring straight into her eyes with an icy gaze.

"I'm only going to tell you this once, so you better listen carefully," he begins. His voice is calm but stern, as if he's reprimanding a child. Zoro, feels his breath steadying, almost in spite of himself. "Zoro is the bravest person I know. You say he has no honor, that's because you don't know him. He's neither a cheater nor a liar. When he tells you he's never lied to you or cheated on you, he means it. So now you're going to put down that drink, go back to the girls, and leave us alone. And, if I may offer a little piece of advice, you'd better work on your trust issues if you don't want to ruin your future relationships."

Every word Sanji says resonates in Zoro's chest, as if he's slowly erasing the poison Hiyori left behind. He'd like to believe in the image of himself Sanji described, but he's not sure he's worthy of it. So he simply chooses to cling to it until the pain fades.

And with that, Sanji gently tugs at his hand, pulling him up and away. Zoro says nothing, taking it all in, still reeling from the mixture of shame and relief. But he grips Sanji's hand a little tighter, unable to put into words the vital need he has, at this precise moment, for someone to believe in him instead of himself.

---ooo---

Sanji leads him across the room and they soon find themselves outside. The cool night air feels good, but his lungs remain painfully constricted, as if they still refuse to fill properly. He leans against the wall of the nightclub, closes his eyes, and inhales and exhales several times, in ragged gasps, never letting go of Sanji's hand. His fingers are clenched around his, as if it's the only thing keeping him from collapsing.

He doesn't dare meet his gaze. Too ashamed. Ashamed of not having been able to defend himself against Hiyori's words. Ashamed, too, that his darkest doubts were exposed so brutally. And Sanji remains there, silent, motionless, simply present, giving him all the time he needs.

When his breathing has finally calmed a little, he reluctantly lets go of Sanji's hand and slides down the wall to sit on the floor. Knees drawn up against him, he buries his head in his hands, as if to hide from the world. Images of the fire resurface despite himself: the smell of smoke, Kuina's scream. Pathetic. No honor. Hiyori's words continue to resonate, layered over his own inner voice.

Sanji crouches in front of him, a hand gently placed on his knee. The contact, light but firm, anchors him back to the present. Zoro slowly raises his head, ready to meet his gaze. But when his eyes finally meet the clear blue of Sanji's, he sees neither anger nor reproach. Only infinite gentleness, tinged with sincere concern.

"Sorry," he manages to mumble, his throat dry.

"Sorry about what? That your ex is mean when she's drunk?"

"No... Well, yes... Sorry you had to witness that... And that you had to intervene..."

He immediately looks away, unable to bear this tenderness any longer, which seems undeserved. But Sanji doesn't let him escape. He gently grasps his jaw between his thumb and forefinger and lifts his head towards him, forcing him to look at him. His blue eyes lock onto his with a calm, almost disarming intensity.

"Zoro," he says in a whisper, and hearing him whisper his name sends shivers down his spine. "What she said wasn't right. It was mean, and inappropriate. She's known you for five minutes, and she dares to judge you based on something she thinks you did. She had absolutely no right to speak to you like that."

"She wasn't entirely wrong... She wasn't the one I wanted..."

"No, she was wrong. You tried. And when you realized she wasn't the one for you, you left her. You were honest, even if it took a little too long for her liking.”

Zoro lowers his head slightly, unable to shake off his doubts. Hiyori's words, mixed with his own regrets, continue to sting like a poorly planted blade. But Sanji doesn't let go and forces him to look him in the eyes again.

"Curly, I should have answered... I couldn't..."

"Hey, that's why I'm here too. It's not always up to you to support and defend me. Even if I would have preferred not to have to talk to her like that..."

Zoro stifles a chuckle, a slightly lighter breath finally ripped from his lungs.

"I've never heard you talk like that to a girl!"

"What wouldn't we do for love?" Sanji sighs.

Zoro's heart skips a beat, a real punch in his chest. Sanji freezes immediately, realizing what he's just said. His own words seem to have surprised him as much as they've struck Zoro. A tense silence falls, suspended between them.

They stare at each other for a moment, their eyes locked as if they're both afraid of being the first to look away. Then Sanji lets go of Zoro's jaw and turns his head abruptly, as if to escape. The red rising in his cheeks quickly reaches his ears, betraying his embarrassment. He laughs nervously, clears his throat, but his fingers tremble slightly on his knee.

Zoro, however, says nothing. He's breathless, frozen in that moment. His gaze slides over Sanji's face, examining every feature, searching for the slightest clue that his words were merely a reflex, a clumsiness, or... a truth that has escaped him despite himself.

"All that to say," he continues without looking at him, "that you shouldn't believe what she told you tonight. I saw the look in your eyes, I know you were thinking about Kuina. When she said you had no courage, no honor. I heard her say you were pathetic. She's wrong. I'll tell you as many times as necessary, until you believe it too. You are brave, you are strong, you don't hesitate to protect the people you care about. She's just jealous that she's not one of them."

He straightens, as if to seal the force of his words, and extends a hand toward him.

Zoro remains frozen for a moment, unable to respond. Sanji's words resonate within him, clashing with his own memories, his wounds, his guilt. As if each word fills a crack he's never been able to repair. Gradually, a gentle warmth spreads through his body, chasing away the bitter echo of Hiyori's accusations.

He gives a discreet, awkward, almost shy smile—a rare thing for him—unable to hide his embarrassment at the trust being shown to him. Finally, he slips his hand into Sanji's and lets himself be pulled upwards.

"Thank you," he manages, his voice a little hoarse.

Sanji gently tugs on his hand, a slight smile on his lips.

"Come on, Marimo, let's go inside and dance a little, it'll take your mind off things."

Zoro holds him back and frowns.

"You know perfectly well that I don't dance, Curly."

"I thought you enjoyed dancing with me earlier, though?" Sanji teases, laughing.

"That was... different," Zoro grunts, blushing again.

"Admit it, Marimo, you loved dancing with me!"

"Never!"

"Not even a little?"

"You pain in the ass! You're not going to let me go, are you?”

"Now that you're mine, never," Sanji admits, blushing in turn.

Zoro then pulls him close and embraces him tenderly, Sanji's hands naturally finding their place against the back of his neck. He kisses him gently then presses his forehead to Sanji's, breathing in his familiar scent that sends a shiver down his spine.

"You're really insufferable…"

"Does that mean you're willing to dance with me?"

"Yes, yes, I wouldn't want to risk anyone thinking you're single again."

He pulls away from him and leads him toward the door, his heart still pounding from the last moments they shared.

"Hurry up, before I change my mind."

"Hey! You're heading to the right door! I'm impressed!" exclaims Sanji, laughing, then he adds, teasingly: "You're going to have to keep up this time, Marimo!"

Chapter Text

Chapter 49 – Texts

Sunday, May 10th. 

===Mugiwaras===

Luffy

Guys !

Torao just agreed to go watch a movie with me !

Marimo

*thumbs up emoji*

Nami

Who wants to bet ? 

Sanji

Can’t you leave people alone for a change?

Nami

Just a reminder : last bet you walked out with more than €150!

Chopper

There is no way I'm putting that much monney on this one!

Usopp

What are your terms?

Luffy

Can I bet too?

Nami

How long before Law agrees to date Luffy

Sanji

He already did, they are going to watch a movie together, if it’s not a date I don’t know what is…

Nami

Yeah… You’re right…

Luffy, do you think you’re gonna want to kiss him?

Luffy

Maybe…

Nami

Great ! Then lets bet on how long before their first kiss

Luffy

You can’t bet on that

Usopp

And why not?

Luffy

Because you have to bet on something that has not happened yet

Sanji

EXCUSE ME???

Marimo

*thumbs up emoji**knowing look emoji*

Sanji

Marimo, do not encourage him further

Nami

Okay… I wasn’t expected this turn of events ! Luffy ! When ? Why ? How ? Was HE okay with that ? Were YOU okay with that ?

Luffy

Last night, when he left. He kissed me goodbye.

Usopp

HE kissed you ?

Luffy

Yes

Sanji

On the lips?

Luffy

Yes, why ? Didn’t we say it was a good thing if you wanted a relationship with someone ?

Chopper

As long as both of you agreed on this, yes Luffy, this is a good thing

Nami

I don’t even know what to bet on anymore…

Vivi just ruined my eardrum…

I believe she is happy for you Luffy !

And she asks if you heard from Kid

Marimo

Why does she asks about that dumb ass ?

Luffy

Why are you saying that Zoro ? I find him funny !

Marimo

He tried to kiss Curly.

By force

Sanji

He was drunk…

Marimo

Don’t you dare defend him ! He is a perv who couldn’t keep it in his pants ! I hope the kick you gave him left a bruise ! If you hadn’t done it I would have punch him myself !

Luffy

Who kicked who ?

Nami

Sanji. He put him back in his place a little bit forcefuly

Were you jealous Zoro ?

Marimo

Luffy, he disrespected Curly.

It’s not jealousy, it’s common sense !

Luffy

Oh ! Ok. He’s not on my list anymore

Sanji

Guys… Calm down…

Chopper

Sanji, he doesn’t deserve to be on Luffy’s friends list after yesterday.

Usopp

And does anyone knows what happened with Hiyori ? Last time I saw her she was crying her eyes out while throwing up in the bathroom…

Nami

Oh, yes, Vivi mentionned this. Apparently, some dude insulted her

Sanji

Oh yes, that would be me…

Nami

EXCUSE ME?!

Usopp

You ? I love all the women in the world guy ? Unable to look at them the wrong way ? You insulted her?

Marimo

I can confirm… I was there. But he didn’t insult her… He scolded her

Luffy

What did she do ? Do I have to take her off my list too ?

Sanji

No Luffy. She was drunk

She made a scene to Zoro

She tought he went out with her to hide his relationship with me

Chopper

What a thought… That’s not Zoro’s style to do something like this !

Marimo

She is crazy jealous

Sanji

She wont do it again

Nami

Vivi says that it’s not the first time she does this. She even searched for texts on the phone of one of her exes to try to prove that he was cheating on her…

She says she is sory for you

Marimo

She is not the one to blame

Nami

I’m rather impressed that you’re the one who put her in that state Sanji !

In the end, you’re as bad as each other… Two jealous, possessive and protective moron !

======

===Marimo===

So, my jealous, possessive and protective moron

Don’t start this, you’re worse than me !

Not at all !

What did you want ?

What do you do on friday ?

Nothing special why ?

Wanna go out ?

Are you asking me on a date ?

Maybe…

So ?

Of course it’s a yes Curly !

Perfect

Want me to come and get you ?

No, we can take my mum’s car if necessary

I didn’t know you could drive !

I have had my licence for more than a year

But it’s kind of hard to take the car giving the hours of her shifts at the restaurant

And she is okay with you taking the car on Friday ?

Yes, it’s a holiday so both high schools are closed, she took a day off, she will be at the Baratie

Okay. When do I have to be ready ?

10 AM ?

Perfect

======

Thursday, May 14th. 

===Curly===

It’s still a yes for tomorrow ?

*thumbs up emoji*

Don’t wear a shirt

Do I have to come half naked ?

No ! Put some casual clothes

Okay

10 AM?

Yes, 10 AM at your place.

======

Chapter Text

Chapter 50 – Second date

Friday, May 15th.

Sanji parks the little blue Toyota along the sidewalk, right in front of Mihawk's house. He grabs his bag, gets out, and climbs the few steps to the front porch. He rings the bell, and a few minutes later, the lock clicks before the door opens. Mihawk appears, his glasses perched on his nose and a mug in his hand, bluntly displaying "Worst Father in the Universe."

He shakes Sanji's hand, then steps aside to let him in.

"Hello, Sanji, please come in. Zoro isn't ready yet."

"Did he get lost on his way to the bathroom?"

"No," Mihawk replies with an amused half-smile. "But given the mess in his room, I think he went through his entire closet before deciding what to wear today. Would you like some coffee?"

A smile tugs at Sanji's lips at the thought of Zoro looking for an outfit for their date. He nods, and the two head for the kitchen. Sanji leans against the counter, watching the dark trickle of coffee flow into the coffee maker.

"Where are you taking him today?" Mihawk asks curiously, handing him a still-steaming cup.

"To a bar that offers axe throwing. And then we'll go for a walk."

"That's an interesting concept, axe throwing..."

Silence falls again, punctuated only by the clinking of spoons and the comforting warmth of the coffee lightly burning their tongues.

"Sir, do you have any news on the case?" Sanji suddenly asks in a small voice, almost as if afraid of disturbing the calm.

Mihawk sets his mug down for a moment, his gaze hardening behind his glasses.

"No, nothing more for now. I know searches are in progress. My lawyers have received several new offers for you… The figures for the financial compensation they're offering you in exchange for the promise of marriage have gone up again… »

He sighs, shakes his head, then takes another sip of coffee.

"Everything is obviously still being staged to make it look perfectly legal. They didn’t try to contact you directly, did they?"

"No. I haven't received anything. And neither have my parents."

"Good. No problems with your half-brothers either?"

"No, none. At least not that I know of."

Mihawk nods slowly, his expression closed.

"Let's hope it lasts..."

The sound of Zoro rushing down the stairs suddenly interrupts them. Sanji smiles, amused, seeing him rush in, his hair still damp and a smear of toothpaste on his cheek.

"All right! I'm ready," he declares triumphantly.

Sanji absently grabs a dishcloth and throws it in Zoro's face.

"We're not in such a hurry, Mosshead! You could have made an effort to make yourself presentable."

Zoro frowns, then catches sight of his reflection in the microwave door. He grumbles under his breath, rubbing his cheek.

"Fine, I'll let you two enjoy your day together," Mihawk intervenes placidly. "I'm counting on you to focus on your schoolwork after this. Your exams are in a month, you'll have plenty of time to have fun after that."

Zoro rolls his eyes at this remark.

"One doesn't preclude the other... "

"Enjoy today. And if you work well enough, I'll let you use the lake house to spend the weekend after your exams with your friends. "

Zoro carefully places the dishcloth on the table, as if the slightest sudden movement could make Mihawk change his mind. He watches his father, his eyes wide.

"You would let us have the lake house? "

"Yes. "

"For a whole weekend? "

"You heard me correctly... "

"With all our friends? "

"Within reason, yes. "

The smile that spreads across Zoro's face is so bright that Sanji freezes, his heart leaping in his chest. The young man beams, his eyes sparkling, looking back and forth between his father and Sanji as if he'd just been promised the moon.

"Did you hear that, Curly! "

"But only if you promise to work hard for your exams!" Mihawk adds sternly.

"Yes, yes! I promise!"

Zoro is jumping up and down. Sanji has never seen him so excited. He can't help but smile, torn between affection and admiration seing this rare, disarming side of him.

Mihawk then leaves the kitchen, giving them a final "Have a nice day!" before heading back upstairs. The smell of coffee still hangs in the air when Sanji washes his cup in the sink. He jumps slightly when he feels two warm arms slip around his waist and embrace him. Zoro rests his chin on his shoulder and places a kiss on his cheek.

"Good morning," he says softly.

Sanji finishes his task without losing his smile, dries his hands, then turns around inside of Zoro's arms. The young man immediately frames him with his hands placed on either side of the countertop. Sanji, for his part, slowly runs his fingers along the muscles of his arms to the nape of his neck, making his earrings clink gently.

"Good morning," he replies with a smile.

Zoro leans in gently to kiss him. The kiss is gentle at first, a tender hello, then quickly takes a more heated turn. Their breaths mingle, Sanji runs his tongue over Zoro's lower lip, and Zoro immediately deepens the kiss, moving closer to trap Sanji's body between his own and the sink. Sanji, one hand on Zoro's chest and the other in his hair, grips the green strands to pull him closer, tilting his head for a better angle. Zoro's hand rests on the small of his back, pushing his t-shirt up a few inches to slide underneath, and Sanji shivers at the warm contact, contrasting with the cold metal of the sink.

Then Zoro's lips leave his mouth and place a trail of small kisses on his cheek, then along his jaw, up to his ear. Zoro's warm breath against his ear sends sparks through his whole body. Unable to form a coherent thought, he lifts his head slightly, to encourage Zoro to move lower down his neck, his own hand moving down his chest. His fingers tracing the lines of his pecs, then his abs, before also slipping under the soft fabric of his t-shirt to rest at the young man's waist.

Zoro continues to place small kisses along his neck, then just above his collarbone. He blows on the small wet marks his lips have left there and Sanji moans slightly, a hoarse sound that escapes him without him being able to stop it.

The noise hits him like an electric shock. The heat that invades him suddenly mixes with a wave of icy panic. Here. In the kitchen. With Mihawk just upstairs.

Sanji abruptly removes his hand from under Zoro's t-shirt, as if he'd just been burned, and with his other hand he gently tugs at his hair to force him to back away.

Zoro lets out a disgruntled grunt but follows suit, his eyes burning with desire never leaving his.

"Too much?" He asks in a soft voice.

"Yes... Sorry..."

"Don't be."

He cups Sanji's face between his fingers and kisses him tenderly again. Sanji closes his eyes. The coolness of Zoro's hands on his burning cheeks slightly calms his fever. He kisses back and presses his forehead against Zoro's.

"Maybe we should go?" he suggests.

"Yes, you're right." Zoro replies without moving.

"Marimo, I know you're having trouble with directions, but if you don't move, we're not going anywhere! And I don't really want your father walking in on us like this..."

Zoro lets out another grunt of frustration, then reluctantly steps back and releases Sanji.

---ooo---

Sanji, perfectly able to follow a route without a GPS, takes the wheel, happy to know that Zoro can't guess their destination.

"Where are we going?" he asks curiously once the car starts.

"You'll see!" Sanji replies with a mischievous smile. "Here, the copilot takes care of the music."

He casually hands him his phone. When Zoro grabs it, Sanji sees his surprised expression, followed by a smile and a slight blush rising to his cheeks. He knows perfectly well that it's his wallpaper that's causing this reaction and feels quite satisfied with the effect it managed to have on his boyfriend. He chose to use the photo he took during their last date: the selfie of the two of them on the bike, the sea gently shimmering behind them.

"Nice wallpaper," Zoro remarks. "The bike looks nice."

Sanji smiles back and glances at him before focusing on the road again.

"Yes, but the driver... a real pain, incapable of following a route," he replies teasingly.

"I'm sure he makes up for it with his good looks."

Sanji rolls his eyes as Zoro finally finds some music that seems to suit him.

The first notes of One Direction's What Makes You Beautiful echo through the car, and Sanji quickly turns his head toward Zoro, looking surprised.

"Focus on the road, Curly, I don't want us to have an accident."

"You're the one who's going to cause an accident with your musical choices!" Sanji replies.

"Do I have to remind you that it's your playlist. I only chose a song."

Sanji doesn't reply, but he feels his cheeks heat up. Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Zoro lip-syncing the chorus, an amused smile on his lips.

Baby you light up my world like nobody else

The way that you flip your hair gets me overwhelmed

But when you smile at the ground, it ain’t hard to tell

You don’t know, oh-oh, you don’t know you’re beautiful

If only you saw what I can see

You’ll understand why I want you so desperately

Right now, I’m looking at you and I can’t believe

You don’t know, oh-oh, you don’t know you’re beautiful, oh-oh

That’s what makes you beautiful

They drive for a few minutes in silence, words filling the cabin of the car. Zoro taps his foot while Sanji can't help but whisper the words.

The song ends, and as the notes of another music begin, byt Zoro selects a new one. Ed Sheeran's voice is heard over a catchy rhythm:

I took an arrow to the heart

I never kissed a mouth that tastes like yours

Strawberries and something more

Ooh yeah, I want it all

Sanji's heart skips a beat when he recognizes the song Shivers. He doesn't even dare to turn his head towards Zoro, staying focused on the road. He pulls into a parking lot and parks the car. The engine turns off, and the music immediately stops, mid-chorus.

Ooh, I love it when you do it like that

And when you're close up, give me the shivers

"You're a menace!" Sanji exclaims, unbuckling his seatbelt and rolling his eyes.

The tension generated by the meaning of the lyrics of both songs clings to his skin. He can't help but be embarrassed by the sensations and feelings that come flooding back to him, thinking back about their kiss in the kitchen not so long ago.

"I did absolutely nothing." Zoro replies with a smirk.

They got out of the car. Sanji grabs his bag, locks the car, and walks around to join Zoro, who hands him his phone. He doesn't have time to grab it before Zoro raises his arm to stop him. Sanji approaches, grumbling, still a little embarrassed, and tries to retrieve it.

But Zoro backs away slightly, then wraps an arm around his waist to corner him and kisses his neck. Sanji gently pushes him away, blushing even more.

"If you don't behave properly, no more kisses until tonight!" Sanji announces.

"Okay, okay, I'll hold back..." Zoro concedes.

"Can we go now?"

Zoro finally looks up at the sign in front of him. His eyes light up, and a big smile spreads across his features. He turns to Sanji, almost impatient, and gently taps him on the shoulder.

"Are we goingto throw axes?" he asks, his eyebrows raised and his voice full of enthusiasm.

Sanji can't help but smile back, amused by Zoro's contagious energy.

"That's the plan!" he replies, shaking his head affectionately.

Zoro lets out a small, excited laugh. Sanji notices the gleam in his eyes and feels a thrill of pleasure at the thought of this date.

---ooo---

Sanji and Zoro are seated at a table for two in a quiet corner of the bar. Sanji orders a glass of white wine and Zoro a beer. They also order a cheese and charcuterie board to share. The moment is pleasant, the conversation flowing. But Sanji sees that Zoro can't help but glance at the axe-throwing area. A dozen lanes marked by wooden planks line up on the terrace. Each has a target on the back wall and a barrier indicating the target's intended launch point. Cut tree trunks line up in front of each lane, with an axe planted in it.

"Want to go try it?" Sanji asks with a smile.

"Didn't you want to eat first?"

"We can go while we wait to be served."

The words have barely left his mouth that Zoro is already jumping to his feet. They approach the young man in charge of the security and listen as he gives them the instructions.

"Welcome! I'm Kaku, and I'll be guiding you through your session. Before we begin, a few quick rules to ensure everything goes smoothly and safely. Firstly, amways make sure that no one is in the throwing area and that no one is in front of you when you throw your axe. The throwing line is strictly off-limits to spectators. Secondly, hold the axe firmly with both hands, feet wide apart, and never raise it in anyone's direction. Always throw toward the target, never anywhere else. Thirdly, respect your distance and wait your turn. No pushing, and above all, no sudden movements with the axe. And finally, have fun!”

He grabs four axes and plants them in the barter at the end of the line he's assigned them.

"Are you starting, young man?" the employee asks, intently observing Zoro's arm muscles. "With arms like those, you'll nail it the first time, that's for sure. Don't hesitate to call me if you need me to show you some throwing positions."

He gives him a knowing wink before leaving to help a small group further away.

Sanji follows his departure with his eyes darkening, while Zoro weighs the axe in his hand, trying to familiarize himself with the tool, completely oblivious to the employee's actions. He looks up at Sanji, all smiles, then frowns at his annoyed expression.

"Is there something wrong, Curly?"

"Didn't you notice that he was flirting with you?!" Sanji exclaims.

"Really? Uh... are you sure?”

"Yeah... Give it to me, I need to blow off some steam!"

He practically rips the axe out of Zoro's hands and throws it with a sharp gesture. The weapon hits the target before falling on the ground. Sanji frowns: not as easy as expected.

Zoro grabs another axe and tries. It sinks directly into the target, a few inches from the center. Zoro turns to him with a satisfied smile.

"That's 1-0 for me, Curly."

"Ohh, because we're keeping score now? Okay, then let's go, Marimo. That was a warm-up lap, I wasn't prepared."

He tries another throw... and misses again. Zoro plants his second axe even closer to the center. They go to retrieve their weapons and reposition themselves at the end of the throwing zone. Sanji misses his next two attempts, while Zoro succeeds on his. Frustration is beginning to weigh heavily on Sanji. He returns to their table, grabs their glasses, and places them on a barrel next to the gaming area, while Zoro goes to retrieve the axes with his usual calm.

When he turns around, the employee has returned and is already advising Zoro. He positions himself behind him, carefully adjusting his posture. Zoro is focused on the game, completely oblivious to the other's attitude. Sanji's blood is boiling in his veins, but he refuses to make a scene. That's not his style. He trusts Zoro. It's this Kaku's attitude that exasperates him.

"See, here, spread your legs a little wider. Right foot forward, since you're right-handed," the young man says, placing his hand on Zoro's knee to slightly move his leg. "Good. Then, straighten up, shoulders parallel to the target."

He places one hand on Zoro's shoulder and guides his elbow behind with the other. Sanji rolls his eyes as he sees Kaku slide his fingers along his forearm to his wrist. Zoro, however, remains imperturbable, focused on his axe, simply nodding his head in agreement.

"You pull your hand back like this, and when you throw, the movement should come from the shoulder first."

Kaku steps aside. Zoro throws his axe, which lands on target with a sharp thud. He turns around, a broad grin on his face. Kaku raises his hand, waiting for a clap... but Zoro doesn't even notice.

His eyes meet Sanji's and, without thinking, he strides forward to grab him by the waist.

"Did you see that, Curly! I did it! Strait into the bullseye!"

Sanji smiles back, then gives Kaku a smug look. He grabs Zoro's face with one hand and kisses him passionately, without taking his eyes off the unwanted employee. The other immediately blushes and walks off to join another group of customers.

"Well done. That's 5-0, Marimo. You win.”

"I can show you how to do it if you want," Zoro offers enthusiastically.

"As long as no one else lays their hands on you..."

Zoro frowns, genuinely puzzled.

"Who laid their hands on me?"

"I think you caught the employe’s eye," Sanji admits, shooting him a dark look.

"Nonsense, Curly. He was just being nice to me. Come on, I'll help you get into position. We’ll wait ‘til you can can plant the axe, before we can really start the competition."

Zoro slides into his side and helps him position himself in front of the target. Unlike earlier in the parking lot, Sanji lets him do it and even enjoys feeling his thoughtful gestures guide him. A smile forms on hos lips in spite of himself, and he places a quick kiss on Zoro's cheek before Zoro steps aside to let him throw the axe. This time, the axe finally hits the target.

They continue their little competition, pausing for a moment to share their cheese and charcuterie platter before getting back to it. Zoro wins, by far, but Sanji feels as victorious as if he'd won the game himself. Partly because Kaku didn't dare to bother them again, and partly because Zoro's smile has more of an effect on him than any victory.

Around 3:00 PM, Sanji suggests continuing their date elsewhere. They settle the bill with their friends' betting money, then leave the bar side by side.

---ooo---

They get back in the car to head downtown. Sanji gets in the driver's seat, determined to choose the music himself this time. He starts the engine, selects a song on his phone, and maneuvers before the first notes even resonate inside of the car.

Next to him, Zoro is absorbed by his own screen, clearly busy frantically searching for axe-throwing competitions. He doesn't notice Sanji's small smile. Then Ed Sheeran starts his chorus, and Sanji turns up the volume a little, casually humming the lyrics:

I'm in love with the shape of you

We push and pull like a magnet do

Although my heart is falling too

I'm in love with your body

Zoro's fingers stop. He lifts his head, listens for a moment, then turns his gaze towards Sanji, narrowing his eyes.

"Is there something you're trying to tell me, Curly?" he asks with a smirk.

"Hmm?" Sanji says, feigning innocence, without taking his eyes off the road. "I don't know what you're talking about."

Zoro shakes his head, rolls his eyes, and returns to his screen, but his smile doesn’t leave his lips.

Sanji glances at the rearview mirror and frowns. His heart races, and he lowers the volume of the music.

"Marimo, you're going to think I'm paranoid, but I think we're being followed..."

Zoro looks up and turns to look at the road behind them.

"The white Mazda, three cars ahead?"

"Yeah. It's been behind us since we left the bar," Sanji breathes, nervously scanning the rearview mirror.

"Maybe they're going in the same direction as us. Where are we going?"

"I was planning on taking a walk in Water Seven Park, around the lake."

“Okay… except I have no idea where we are, Curly…”

Sanji stifles a laugh, the tension easing a little.

“We're almost there.”

“Turn down another street, park further away, we'll finish on foot.”

“Or we can park at my place and take the bus,” Sanji suggests, biting his thumbnail.

“Yeah, good idea. Take a right.”

Sanji puts on his turn signal and turns onto a side street. They drive for a few more minutes before arriving in front of his building. Sanji parks in his usual spot. They get out of the car and grab their things, a little more relaxed now that the Mazda is no longer in sight.

“Did they follow us here?” Zoro asks, scanning the area.

“No… I haven’t seen them in a while. Maybe you were right, they were just going in the same direction… Sorry, I kind of ruined the mood.”

Zoro puts an arm around his shoulders and they start walking towards the bus stop.

“You didn’t ruin anything. With what you’re going through, it’s okay to be on edge. And it's better to be too careful than not careful enough. Is this the bus we're taking?” he adds, pointing at the end of the street.

"Yes. Hurry, the next one is in twenty minutes."

They quicken their pace and signal to the driver, who slows down to let them board. After paying for their tickets, they sit at the very back. Zoro puts an arm behind Sanji, resting his hand on his back. His fingers tracing small, distracted circles as he watches the scenery pass by through the window.

Sanji feels the tension gradually dissipate. He rests his shoulder against Zoro's and absentmindedly plays with the fine golden drops on his bracelet, a slight smile on his lips.

Once they arrive at Water Seven Park, Sanji can finally feel the tension easing in his shoulders. Located in the west of the city, the area is full of small bodies of water connected by thin canals. In the gentle warmth of late spring, the flowering shrubs release a delicate scent that mingles with that of freshly cut grass. The lapping of the water and the chirping of the birds create a soothing melody, giving the place an almost magical atmosphere.

Sanji can't hold back a chuckle.

"What's wrong with you, Curly?" Zoro asks doubtfully.

"I just thought it looked like the fairy forest in the book I'm reading. You know, the one I told you about last time, The Mortal Instruments."

"Are there fairies in there too?" Zoro asks, arching an eyebrow.

"Yes, and all sorts of fantastical creatures. Anyway... I thought it was perfect for a date."

"It's actually quite nice," Zoro admits.

He extends his hand, a small smile on his lips.

"So, where do we start?"

Sanji doesn't hesitate to grab his hand and leads him towards the path he's spotted, the one that leads to the small lake in the center of the park. They walk quietly, chatting in hushed voices. To his surprise, it's Zoro who initiates the conversation about his book: he first asks him for details about the story in general, then about what he likes about it specifically. Sanji, amused and touched by his companion's genuine interest, responds enthusiastically.

From time to time, they pass other walkers. Zoro systematically greets each of them with a nod or a "hello," each time eliciting a tender smile from Sanji.

At the end of the path, they finally come out onto the lake. The sight immediately stops them. The water shimmers under the blue sky, a few birds take flight from a nearby tree, and a light breeze plays withtheir hair, making Zoro's earrings clink gently. Nearby, a small deck juts out into the water. Ducks waddle lazily on the bank, while a mother duck crosses the tranquil surface, guiding her ducklings.

Zoro suddenly tugs on Sanji's hand.

"Come on," he says with a smile.

He leads him to the deck, then immediately takes off his shoes. Sanji watches him for a moment, amused, before following suit. They settle down at the end of the deck, their legs dangling above the water, their feet barely touching the surface.

Below them, the ducklings file in behind their mother. One of them slides between Sanji's feet, who freezes so as not to frighten him.

"Look how cute he is..." the blond whispers, touched.

"Not as cute as you," Zoro murmurs beside him.

Sanji feels his cheeks burn, taken aback by this comment. Zoro leans in, his shoulder gently brushing against his. Sanji meets him halfway, and their lips meet in a tender kiss. A sigh escapes him, his body vibrating under the softness of the contact. He smiles in spite of himself against Zoro's lips.

"I didn't know you were so romantic..." he whispers.

Zoro smiles, but prefers to kiss him again rather than respond. Their kisses remain light, almost shy, carried by the simplicity of the moment. When they finally pull away, they let the silence fall again, soothing. Sanji remains leaning against his shoulder, searching for his hand to intertwine their fingers, his heart beating even faster than during their kisses.

After a while, they resume their stroll and follow the path that runs along the lake to circle it. Sanji can't help but smile, and he notices that Zoro's seems more relaxed than usual. He mentally congratulates himself on his idea: this park is perfect. He points out a bench to Zoro, and the two sit down side by side, facing the lake.

Sanji takes a thermos of coffee, two cups, and a small box filled with pretty brown sesame seed cookies from his bag.

"Here, I made these yesterday. You can have some; they're not sweet," he says, handing the box to Zoro.

“Thanks, but you didn't have to, Curly. You can also make sweet things if you want to eat them.”

“I know… but it made me happy,” Sanji replies with a shrug.

They eat in silence, enjoying the view and the tranquility of the park. Then Zoro places his cup on the ground and pivots to lie down on the bench, resting his head on Sanji's lap, his hand instinctively getting lost in Zoro’s green locks. Zoro closes his eyes and groans softly with pleasure.

“Tired, Marimo?” Sanji asks, a smile on his lips.

“A little…” Zoro admits, opening his eyes to meet his.

Sanji leans down and places a light kiss on his forehead.

“You can take a nap if you want. I'm going to read a little on my phone.”

"Mmh..." Zoro murmurs, closing his eyes, already drifting off to sleep under Sanji's gentle caresses on his hair.

Sanji watches him tenderly for a few moments, then retrieves his phone and resumes his reading, enjoying the peace and quiet and Zoro's closeness.

---ooo---

"Marimo... Hey... We'll have to think about going home..." Sanji murmurs, gently moving a strand of hair from his forehead.

"Five more minutes..." Zoro mumbles, his eyes still closed. "What time is it?"

"Almost 7:00 PM..."

Zoro suddenly opens his eyes and sits up.

"Why did you let me sleep for so long?!" he asks, a little panicked.

"You looked like you needed it."

"Yeah... sorry... I'm not sleeping well lately..."

"Oh? Why?" Sanji asks, genuinely worried.

“I have nightmares…” Zoro admits quietly.

“Kuina?” Sanji murmurs softly, putting an arm around his shoulders.

“Yes.”

He looks up at Sanji.

“Ever since Luffy’s birthday, I’ve been dreaming about that day again…”

Sanji remains silent, unable to find the words. Seeing Zoro like this makes his heart ache. Knowing that Hiyori’s words affected him so much makes him feel sick. He tightens his arm around his shoulders and places a kiss on his temple.

“Maybe you should contact her,” Sanji suggests. “When was the last time you spoke to her?”

“A few weeks ago, after my last competition. Yeah… that’s actually a good idea, I'll try calling her tomorrow. Thanks.”

Zoro looks up at Sanji and offers him a weak smile. Sanji's heart sinks even more. He embraces him tightly, as if the pressure of his arms could erase his pain. Then he gently releases him, stands up, and extends his hand. Zoro takes it, straightens up too, and the two finally head toward the park exit.

---ooo---

Neither of them wants this date to end, so they decide to walk instead of taking the bus. They wander the streets, chatting about everything and nothing. Then suddenly, Zoro tenses up next to him. He stops dead in front of the window of a lingerie store. Sanji looks up, completely lost.

"Uh... Marimo," he says uncertainly, "don't you think it's a little early to be buying me lingerie?"

"Don't turn around," Zoro growls under his breath. "Look behind us, discreetly. Isn't that one of your brothers?"

Sanji turns his head slightly and observes the reflections in the window. A few meters away, on the opposite sidewalk, Niji is leaning against a lamppost, a cap pulled down over his eyes. Sanji's heart races, a hint of panic creeps into him.

"What's he doing here..." he whispers.

Zoro tightens his grip on his hand and pulls him in the opposite direction of his half-brother.

"I don't know, but he's been following us for a good five minutes," Zoro says neutrally.

Sanji looks up at him, worried.

"What are we doing?"

Still guiding him, Zoro takes out his phone and dials Mihawk's number.

"We're moving," he replies seriously. "Dad, yeah, we have a problem. We're being followed. It's Niji Vinsmoke... Hmm... Okay. We're doing our best. Thanks. See you later."

"What did he say?"

Panic is slowly rising. Sanji's heart is pounding in his chest, his hands are getting sweaty, and his breathing is getting faster.

"He says to go straight home. Are we closer to your place or mine?"

"We need at least fifteen minutes to get to our neighborhood..." Sanji replies desperately.

"Okay. Let's keep moving. My dad will alert Smoker. There should still be an officer watching over us. He should be able to intervene if there's a problem. And above all, we don't confront him. We must avoid him at all costs. We move forward as if nothing was wrong.”

Zoro's tone is detached, methodical. His words sound like orders. Sanji feels his stomach clench, but Zoro's certainty reassures him. He no longer pays attention to the direction, clinging to Zoro, who walks forward with purpose, one hand in his, the other tapping on his phone, probably to follow the GPS.

They turn down one street, then another... and suddenly, Sanji stops dead, blocking Zoro's movement. Zoro looks up from his phone and sighs, frustrated.

"Shit!" he breathes.

He's led them into a dead end...

Chapter Text

Chapter 51 – Troubles

Zoro curses under his breath. His damned sense of direction is acting against him... again. He meets Sanji's gaze, and the panic he sees in there squeezes his heart. He must have taken the wrong street just then! He turns around, trying to stay calm.

"Come on, I made a mistake, we'll go this way."

They take a few steps down the alley, but don't have time to reach the end. Three figures already appear around the corner. Sanji's three half-brothers, grinning evilly, face them. Like Niji, Ichiji, and Yonji wear caps pulled down over their eyes. In their gaze, Zoro can see all the hatred they feel for Sanji.

"Well, well, well..." Ichiji sneers. "Look who it is? The dear little bastard who struts around in public with his 'guard dog'... Pathetic!"

"What do you want?" Sanji asks coldly, his hand gripping Zoro's tighter, making his knuckles whiten.

"Yonji taught me something interesting, you see, little brother," Ichiji continues, his voice full of venom. "Because of you, my marriage with Pudding has been canceled... Because of him, Hiyori turned her back on me... And now I’ve been told that you have no intention of getting married, that you made Hiyori cry, and worse... that you dare to appear in public with this guy?! You've messed up my relationships, and all for nothing?!"

Zoro lets out an annoyed sigh. Their presence may not have their father's approval, but the fury in Ichiji's eyes is dangerous.

"It's not our fault that no one wants you, Vinsmoke," he replies wearily. Sanji applies gentle pressure to his hand, shaking his head to indicate that escalation isn't wise.

"I'll gladly leave Pudding to you," Sanji interjects. "Even though I don't think she wants to be with you... Marriage, money... Those aren't my priorities. I already told Judge, I don't want to be part of your family."

"Yes, of course..." Niji adds suspiciously. "You think we're going to swallow that? We saw the documents, we know how much Father is offering you... What are you up to? Who would be stupid enough to refuse this kind of money?"

"I have no problem with being 'stupid' if it means I'm free to do what I want," Sanji replies neutrally.

Zoro smiles at his confidence.

"Anyway, you're already a disgrace to our family," Yonji adds, stepping forward threateningly. “Half a Vinsmoke, with no ambition, no education... And daring to show yourself in public with him... As if Father would tolerate such an undignified thing.”

"I don't give a damn whether your father tolerates it or not," Sanji replied, his voice now full of confidence. "I'm free to choose who I want to be with and what I want to do with my life. No one has the right to decide for me. So now you'll go quietly back to dady and let us pass."

"Oh no..." Ichiji mutters under his breath. "You really don't understand why we're here, do you? You have to take responsibility. Now that the Charlottes know about you, you can't show yourself off in someone else's arms when you're expected to marry their daughter. If words aren't enough, maybe a short stay in the hospital will change your mind!"

He clenches his fists and his smile turns predatory. Niji cracks his knuckles as he steps forward. His voice is an icy command.

"You're going to leave this jerk and accept Father's proposal before this whole thing reaches his ears and it falls back on us all. Understood?"

"I've been waiting for this for months," Yonji sneers as he approaches.

Zoro feels Sanji releasing his hand. He turns his head toward him and reads determination on his hardened face: cold gaze, clenched jaw.

"Curly, we're not supposed to do engage," he reminds, his voice firm.

A thin smile plays on Sanji's lips. He stares back, his blue eyes shining with a rare intensity. Zoro's heart races.

"I'm not engaging, Marimo... But I'm not going to stand by and do nothing either."

Zoro smiles back, then turns back to face the three teenagers, a smirk on his face.

"Okay, so this is self-defense then?"

Out of the corner of his eye, he sees Sanji wink at him... and then everything happens at an impressive speed. The three Vinsmokes move forward, ready to attack, and Zoro and Sanji get into position instantly. Zoro clenches his fists, his shoulders tense, while Sanji bends his legs to stretch, one after the other, his heels clicking against the ground. The first move comes from Ichiji, who lunges at Sanji. The blond dodges with a fluid pirouette, striking Ichiji's torso with a spinning kick that sends him flying against a wall. Niji rushes toward Zoro, who meets him with a perfectly placed right hook. Yonji tries to surprise Sanji from behind, but he anticipates it and knocks him off balance with a leg sweep, knocking him to the ground.

Zoro follows up quickly: an uppercut, a series of precise blows, his fists landing with power, sending Niji flying against a trash can. Sanji, for his part, moves gracefully, his legs striking with force: a roundhouse kick for Ichiji, a jumping kick for Yonji. Each movement is calculated, effective, leaving no room for attack.

In a matter of seconds, Sanji's three half-brothers lie on the ground, stunned but unharmed. Zoro relaxes his fists, breathes heavily, and looks at Sanji with an amused smile despite the adrenaline. Sanji, however, raises his head and meets his gaze.

"Not bad, Marimo," breathes Sanji, breathless but delighted.

"I didn't know you could fight like that, Curly," Zoro replies, approaching him.

Without hesitation, they move towards each other, and Zoro wraps one arm around Sanji's waist while his other hand gets lost in his hair. Sanji immediately places his hands on Zoro's shoulders and kisses him passionately. Zoro loses himself in the kiss, squeezing him tightly.

Sanji leans against him, still reeling from the stress of this sudden altercation and the relief he feels at its outcome.

The kiss is long and sweet, filled with the tension and complicity built up during the fight. They barely separate, foreheads against foreheads, breathless, eyes shining. Calm slowly returns to the alley, the grunts of Sanji's three half-brothers barely audible behind them.

A clearing of a throat makes them turn their heads toward the end of the alley. An elderly woman, dressed in civilian clothes, stands there, arms crossed over her chest, accompanied by three police officers in uniform.

"Gentlemen," she says curtly, "I thought you were asked to remain discreet..."

She walks toward them and signals to the officers.

"Take those three away. I'll take care of them personally." Then she turns to Zoro and Sanji, extending a firm hand. "Detective Tsuru," she introduces herself. "I've been in charge of your surveillance since the beginning of this investigation, Mr. Black. And I must say, you're... remarkably good at disappearing when asked to stay in the frame. Today was the fifth time I've lost track of you since I began my surveillance. If it weren't for Mihawk's intervention and the activation of Mr. Roronoa's tracking system, we'd still be looking for you."

Zoro exchanges a surprised look with Sanji, while the detective eyes follows the three Vinsmokes, escorted to the police car.

"It seems you didn't need our protection as much as we thought," she concludes with a wry smile. "Nice demonstration. Come on, I'll take you back to the station. Your parents are waiting for you, and Lieutenant Smoker wants to see you."

They pass the police car, which drives off, its lights flashing, the three brothers in the back seat, looking angry.

"Did you call my parents?" Sanji asks, suddenly worried.

"We didn't need to, Mihawk and your mother were already there to work on your case. If I may ask... how did you manage to lose us twice in one day?" she asks, as she opens the door of her service vehicle for them before going around the car.

Sanji stifles a laugh while Zoro looks away, embarrassed.

"That seaweed head you see there has a terrible sense of direction," Sanji says, letting him get into the car first and sit behind the driver's seat. "Catastrophic enough to confuse even the best police officers. I just followed him."

He takes his place next to Zoro, closes the door, and grabs his hand almost by reflex. The adrenaline subsides, and Zoro immediately feels the slight tremors running through his fingers. Sanji's humor is only a facade, he can see that. Wordlessly, Zoro gently squeezes his fingers, his gaze catching his.

Sanji turns his head toward him and gives him a small, fragile but sincere smile, enough to sweep away Zoro's last remaining tension.

"Mmh... impressive," Tsuru mutters as she climbs into the car. "Seat belts, gentlemen."

She starts the car, glancing briefly at Zoro in the rearview mirror.

"I assume you were the one driving the black and green bike a few weeks ago?"

"Yes, ma'am," Zoro replies.

Tsuru sighs, shakes her head, then puts the car in first gear.

---ooo---

They've barely walked through the door of Smoker's office that Sora is already beside them. Her eyes shining with worry, she takes them both in her arms with a somewhat abrupt movement. Zoro doesn't move, unsure on what to do in the face of this display of affection. Sanji wraps an arm around his mother, his other hand still clinging to Zoro's. He notices Mihawk sitting in one of the armchairs and Smoker behind his desk. The two men remain silent, giving Sora time to recover.

"It's okay, Mom," he whispers in her ear.

She steps back a little and stares at Sanji, running her hand over his face, checking for injuries. Then she grabs his sleeve and frowns at a tear before moving on to Zoro. With the same thoroughness, she examines his face, then grasps his left hand. Her slender fingers encircle the swollen and grazed knuckles, and her expression darkens.

"You're hurt," she says finally, her voice trembling.

Sanji freezes. Until now, Zoro had held his hand to hide the wounds, but he wasn't quick enough to hide the purple swelling of his metacarpal heads from Sora. Guilt and worry immediately clouds the blond's gaze.

"It's nothing," Zoro grumbles, trying to reassure her. "Just a few scratches."

"You didn't make a proper fist, otherwise your hand wouldn't have been hurt," Mihawk comments flatly, as if he were discussing an unimportant technical detail.

"Mihawk!" Sora fumes. "I mean! Is that all you can think about right now?!" She immediately turns to Smoker.

"Lieutenant, can we have some ice and disinfectant, please."

Two additional chairs have been placed in front of the desk. Zoro and Sanji sit down side by side, Sora taking the last chair, her eyes still fixed on Zoro's bruised hand.

Smoker picks up his phone and waits a few seconds.

"Tashigi, get me a first aid kit and some ice. And tell Tsuru to stick around to take their statement. And I don't want to be disturbed under any circumstances after that.”

He hangs up and lets out a long sigh before opening a file on his desk. His hard gaze falls on the four people in front of him.

"You're not making this easy for us... I asked you to remain discreet. And now you're involved in a street fight with the three Vinsmoke boys. May we know what came over you? And how the hell did you manage to lose Tsuru? She's one of our best detectives!"

A quick knock at the door makes them jump. Tashigi quickly enters, places an ice pack and a first aid kit on the desk, then slips away without a word. Sora immediately grabs it and settles down to treat Zoro's hand with a maternal gentleness that contrasts with the austerity of the moment.

Zoro looks down at his hand, embarrassed, then glances at Sanji. He feels the weight of Mihawk's gaze on him, sharp and implacable. He opens his mouth, ready to declare himself solely responsible for protecting Sanji, but Sanji speaks first:

"They provoked us, sir," Sanji says firmly. "They followed us, threatened us, and set a trap. While trying to lose them, we took a wrong turn and ended up in a dead end alleyway."

A short breath escapes Mihawk nose, almost a laugh, which draws Smoker's dark glare. He immediately understands who was responsible for the 'wrong turn'.

"They cut off any chance of escaping," Sanji continues. "They started by talking to us, then they just went on us..."

Smoker leans forward slightly.

"Then why the hell do I have three young men covered in bruises in one of my interrogation rooms, when you only have a few scratches?" he growls. "If they attacked you, you should be in the same condition as them. There were two of you against three of them!"

"I think you're underestimating my son and his partner," Mihawk said in a calm but firm voice.

Sora has finished bandaging Zoro's hand, carefully placing the compress on his aching knuckles. Zoro winces at the icy contact and looks up at his father in surprise. Mihawk, usually so reserved with his compliments, flashed a rare, proud smile.

"Zoro is a regional Kendo champion," Mihawk continued. "He'll be competing in a national tournament in a few weeks. His chances of success are real. He's been trained since he was twelve, in self-defense, close combat, and several martial arts. So it's no surprise that he held his own against three opponents."

He paused, observing Zoro and Sanji's reaction.

"As for Sanji," he added, "his father, Zeff Black, was once known by the nickname 'Zeff the Red Leg'. In the world of French boxing, his name remains respected. It wouldn't be surprising if Sanji had received proper training.”

Sora nods, her face grave, while Zoro observes Sanji with a mixture of astonishment and admiration. He had heard of Zeff's reputation, but he didn't know he had trained Sanji; no wonder he has such good footwork.

"We were only defending ourselves," Sanji continues, his voice steady. "You can't blame us for their inability to fight properly..."

Seeing him nervously fiddling with his bracelet, Zoro grabs his hand, gently squeezing his fingers to reassure him.

"They might file a complaint against you," Smoker sighs.

"What if we file a complaint before they do?" Zoro suggests.

"That's the plan," Smoker replies. "You and Tsuru can handle it on your way out. There will be an investigation, and everyone will have to give their version of the events of this afternoon. And in the meantime, I have to share some crucial information regarding the investigation. Ms. Black, would you like Mihawk and Zoro to leave the room?"

"No, they can stay. I'd rather they hear everything directly from me," Sora says with a slight smile. But the seriousness in her eyes is a reminder that the situation remains critical.

She shifts slightly in her chair, visibly uncomfortable. Sanji moves forward and places a hand on hers.

"Mom, what is he talking about?" Sanji asks in a small voice.

*****(skip this part if you are unconfortable with mention of rape, nothing graphic)

She takes a deep breath and looks deep into her son's eyes before beginning to speak, her voice trembling slightly.

"On September 7^th, 2006, I found out I was pregnant. I knew immediately who your father was. He had seduced me while I was working at the Vinsmoke residence. He was married and already had a daughter that was just a few months old..."

"Reiju," Sanji breathes.

"Yes, Reiju... At first, he came into the kitchen to joke around. It was quite innocent. But little by little, he became more insistent. He came by almost every day. He brought me gifts, wanted me to see him without his wife knowing. He told me he loved me, that I was the only one who mattered, that he just needed a little more time to convince his father to let him divorce... But he didn't have a male heir. So all his requests were denied.

I never gave in. For over eight months, I rebuffed his advances and refused his gifts. Sometimes I pretended I was too young, sometimes I asked a colleague to cover for me by saying I was ill. She didn't understand why I refused. She was jealous of the attention Judge was giving me. But I would have preferred a thousand times over if he were interested in her...”

She takes another breath, closes her eyes, and a tear slides down her cheek. Zoro is holding his breath. She opens her eyes again and focuses on Sanji, as if her words were meant only for him.

“On the evening of his wife's birthday, they had a big party at the mansion. She'd drunk too much and gone to bed quite early. Judge stayed with the guests. At one point, he spotted me... He followed me into the kitchen and offered me a drink. He'd been drinking a lot too. That night, he was more affectionate than usual... I felt sorry for him. He seemed so sad that his wife had moved away from him after Reiju was born... So I agreed to share a toast with him.”

A new tear rolled down her cheek. Her voice shaking, she continues.

"I never told you because I didn't want you to blame yourself..."

Sanji clenches his jaw. Zoro sees the tension in his body, the anger in his eyes, as his mother reveals more of this painful past.

"Mom... What are you trying to tell me?"

"I don't know what was in that glass... But when I woke up the next morning in my bedroom... I didn't even remember going to bed."

Sanji inhales sharply, frozen by surprise. Zoro can read the emotions boiling inside him: anger, rage, sadness. He tightens his grip on the young man's hand.

"You always told me you let yourself be seduced, that you regretted it... But that's not how it happened."

Sora cries softly, her face ravaged by guilt, torn between pain and relief at finally having confided the truth. Sanji approaches, leting go of Zoro's hand, and hugs his mother tightly. Zoro places a hand on his back, silently supporting him, reminding him that he's still there.

They stay like that for a moment. Neither Mihawk nor Smoker dare interrupt this intimate moment between a mother and her son. Neither seems surprised by these revelations, proof that they already know. This is probably why Sora was already at the police station with Mihawk when he called.

*****

Then Sora extracts herself from his son's embrace, wipes away her tears with the back of her hand, and continues, her gaze harder and more confident.

"I think I hid from myself for a very long time what that evening meant. After that night, Judge became more discreet; he returned to his wife. I discovered you were growing inside me on September 7^th. And I'll never forget the joy I felt... I was no longer alone in the world. I was going to become a mother. No matter who your father was, I promised myself that day that I would do everything I could to give you a better life than the one I'd had. I asked my colleague to pass on a note to Judge informing him of the pregnancy and asking him to let me go. A few days later, I was summoned by the head of the family. A doctor was waiting for me. He examined me and declared that the pregnancy was already too advanced to terminate. I never knew if Judge was informed of this appointment. I never saw him again... until that day two years ago, when he walked into the restaurant with his paternity test.”

Smoker then removed a document and a check from the file in front of him and handed them to Sanji. He quickly scans them before turning his full attention back to his mother.

"They made me sign this document, which certifies that I will never attempt to request for you to be recognized as a Vinsmoke. That I agreed to declare you born under X, without a father. And they enclosed a check... a big check, as you can see. But I never touched it. I don't know why I kept it all this time... Today, I'm glad I did."

"We'll add these two documents to the file," Smoker continues. "Judge's demands are going against this document. Even though it was his father who signed it and not himself, it clearly states that you are never to claim that last name. We don't know yet if Judge is aware that such a document exists. We didn’t find any copy during our searches. Anyway, this is irrefutable proof that he cannot use you as he sees fit. You will soon be completely beyond his reach.”

“We're also going to file a rape complaint,” Sora adds. “He's not getting away with this. I'm ready to fight. For you, for me… I've waited far too long.”

“Mom… I don't even know what to say…”

“Will you ever be able to forgive me? For hiding the truth from you for so long…” she whispers.

“Mom! There's nothing to forgive! You've always been there for me. He's the one who should be making amends. This family is truly rotten to the core.”

He turns to Smoker. The blue of his eyes appears darker, like the sea after a storm. Zoro is fascinated by the determination he sees in them.

“How long?”

“A month at most,” Mihawk replies emphatically. “A major operation is planned with the Charlotte family on June 10^th.” We don't know much more about it, but we think he's still up to something illegal.”

"We'll intervene around that date. Until then, I have to ask you to not do anything as dangerous as today," Smoker continues threateningly. "You go to class, you come home, period. No going out, no detours, no bike rides or moonlit strolls. Is that understood?"

"Yes, sir," the two boys mutter.

The phone on Smoker's desk starts ringing. He glares at it before picking it up.

"Tashigi, I asked not to be disturbed! What is it?! … Hmm. Yes, very good. Send her to me. Thank you. Oh, and Tashigi, find Tsuru for Black and Roronoa's depositions."

He hangs up, grumbling. "Your sister has arrived. It seems your little stunt didn't catch Judge's attention. If they have any sense, they won't be bragging about getting knocked out by you. We'll see... And now, get out of my office, I have work to do! Tsuru is waiting for you at her office to file the complaints. Then go home and rest. I think you all need it."

They get up and head for the door, eager to leave the office. Before closing the door, Sora thanks Smoker once again.

Mihawk leaves the police station to take a call, while Sora stays with the boys to file the complaint. Once the formalities are completed, the three of them head towards the entrance.

Zoro watches as a young woman in a suit leaving Smoker's office and heading towards the reception desk.

"It's Reiju," Sanji whispers in his ear.

The young woman turns towards them and immediately spots Sanji. She walks towards him with purpose, and Zoro steps in.

"I just want to talk to you for a minute, Sanji."

"You can do it from here. I have nothing to hide from Zoro or my mother. You have a minute, I'm listening."

"I wanted to apologize for my behavior when you came to visit the group's various businesses. I really thought you'd be interested, that you'd want to be part of the family. I realize I was wrong. Our brothers are stupid; they should never have confronted you like they did tonight. I'm sorry. My father doesn't know; he thinks they're involved in a fight with their soccer team. I'll make sure to keep it that way. I hope you can be happy in the life you've chosen," she adds with a smile.

Then she turns on her heel and returns to the reception desk, presumably to pick up her brothers.

In front of the police station, Zoro notices Mihawk's Aston Martin. Seeing them get out, he ends up his call and walks to them.

"Get in, I'll drive you home," he says to Sora.

"That's very kind of you, thank you. Would you like to stay and eat with us? It's quite late already."

"No, thank you, we'll let you be with your family for tonight."

Zoro can't help but sigh, disappointed by his father's refusal. He would have liked to stay with Sanji to support him after all the events of the evening.

The car ride is spent in complete silence. Zoro doesn't let go of Sanji's hand, tracing small circles on it with his thumb. Sanji seems a little lost, his gaze unfocused, his features drawn.

When they park in front of Sora and Sanji's building, Mihawk turns to the boys. "You have two minutes. Get out, I'll take the car around the neighborhood, and when I get back, we'll go home."

Zoro nudges Sanji to get him out of the car faster. They walk a few steps apart while Sora thanks Mihawk again, gives them an amused look, then disapears into the building. The car finally starts, and the automatic light in the lobby turns off, plunging them into the soft glow of the streetlights.

Zoro gently pushes back the strand of hair covering Sanji's eyes and places his hands on his cheeks, wincing a little at the pain in his hand. He searches for Sanji's gaze, alternating from one eye to the other, as if to guess his thoughts.

"Oi, Curly, are you okay?" he murmurs.

Sanji's eyes seem to resurface and locked into his own.

"Yeah... I'm just tired..." the blond sighs.

“I'm going to let you go rest... You know I'm here, right? For anything. You can call me any time, day or night, okay?”

“Mmh…”

Zoro moves closer and presses their foreheads together. His heart is pounding in his ears. He wants to take Sanji in his arms, hold him until his heart calms down. But he senses that Sanji isn't looking for contact, and he doesn't want to force him. He wants to take his pain away, share it, protect him from his own feelings. But Sanji needs time. He needs to digest everything he learned tonight, to spend time with his mother…

So Zoro decides to say the only words he hopes will comfort him and show him that he's there. Present. Even in the storm they're in. He's never been so sure of himself.

"Sanji," he murmurs against his lips... "I love you."

Chapter Text

Chapter 52 – Something important

The next few hours are lost for Sanji, he feels like inside a fog. He's on autopilot. He doesn't glance at his phone once, staying curled up on the couch, wrapped in a large blanket. Some random program is playing on television, but he doesn't even see the images, too absorbed in his thoughts.

His mother doesn't rush him. She's had over eighteen years to process the situation, she knows it will take time. She serves him a bowl of soup, which Sanji swallows almost automatically.

Around 11:00 p.m., she gently guides him to his room for him to lay down and get some rest. But sleep doesn't come. He tosses and turns, the day's events flashing past his closed eyelids. How could such a perfect day have turned into a disaster so quickly?

Then, suddenly, he sits up in bed, panting, as if torn from his thoughts.

Zoro.

Zoro didn't let go of him, not for a single second. Not during the fight with his half-brothers, nor during the interview with Smoker, nor during his mother's revelations. He fought with him, for him... He took him home...

Sanji's memories are hazy, as if he wanted to block out the pain of knowing he was the product of a non-consensual relationship. He remembers getting into Mihawk's car. He remembers the warmth of Zoro's hands on his cheeks. His reserve, his restraint. He remembers wondering why the young man hadn't hugged him.

Then these three words finally echoing in his ears: "I love you". Whispered against his lips, in the softness of the evening. His heart leaps in his chest. Zoro told him he loved him... and he didn't answer. He just stood there, lost in his thoughts! A mixture of excitement and guilt runs through him. His hands begin to fumble around the bed, frantically searching for his phone. Nothing. He turns on his bedside lamp and scans the room for the small device. Still nothing.

He jumps up, flings open his door, and rushes into the living room.

The door to his parents' room bursts open. Zeff steps out, in his pajamas, his eyes puffy with sleep. He watches as Sanji fidget in the living room for a moment, then calls out to him:

"Oi, eggplant! What are you doing? It's 3:00 in the morning!"

“I’m looking for my phone.” Sanji replies, his voice strained with stress.

"Why?" Zeff asks, confused.

"I need to call Zoro."

"At this hour?"

"Yes, it's important."

Finding nothing between the cushions of the sofa, Sanji frantically rummages through the magazines on the coffee table, then gets down on all fours to check under the sofa.

His mother's voice then echoes through the apartment:

"Sanji, your phone's charging in the hallway."

He jumps up and rockets past Zeff. He grabs his phone and unplugs it. He frantically presses the center button, but nothing happens: his mother must have turned it off before plugging it in. He turns it back on, stamping his feet while waiting for the screen to light up. Then he walks past Zeff again and goes back to his room.

"Hey, you should let the little zucchini sleep, he deserves it," Zeff grumbles.

"Yes, yes, but I have something urgent to tell him."

"Don't be surprised if he doesn't answer... And go back to sleep!"

"Yes, yes, goodnight, Dad."

And he slams the door in his face.

Zeff goes back to his room and Sanji hears him whispering something to Sora. Then silence falls again in the apartment.

Sanji's heart is pounding. He feels like his phone has never taken so long to start. Finally, the PIN screen appears. He types the numbers too quickly. Mistake. Once. Twice. The warning appears: last attempt.

He closes his eyes and pinches the bridge of his nose with a frustrated sigh. Sanji sits down on his bed and takes a deep breath to calm himself. When he opens his eyes again, his gaze is clearer, his hands less shaky. The world stops flickering for a moment.

He picks up the phone again and, more focused, types in the code a third time. This time, the screen finally opens: the photo of Zoro and him on the bike appears.

His thumb immediately slides to the icon for Zoro's contact. Call. He lifts the phone to his ear.

A ring.

Two.

Three.

Then the answering machine.

He hangs up angrily... and starts again immediately.

A ring.

"What's going on?" Zoro's voice asks, slightly panicked and still full of sleep.

Sanji breathes a sigh of relief, but no words come out.

"Curly? Are you there?"

He hears the rustle of fabric at the other end of the line: Zoro must have sat up in bed. Sanji's heart races, his thoughts swirling. He doesn't even know where to begin.

"Sanji, talk to me," Zoro says, his voice firm but gentle.

"I'm sorry..." Sanji breathes.

"What for?"

"For not answering earlier."

Guilt tightens his throat, preventing him from saying anything more. Not right now.

"Hey..." Zoro says softly. "I wasn't expecting an answer, you understand? I just wanted you to know. After everything you've had to go through today, I want you to know one thing: you can count on me. I'm here. I'm not going anywhere."

Sanji's breathing becomes more regular. His heart finally slows down. Zoro doesn't blame him. He's here.

A wave of warmth washes over him, almost painful after all the cold that's accumulated in his chest. He realizes how afraid he was of this silence, afraid of not being up to it, afraid that Zoro would get tired and walk away like others had done before. But he's not like that. Zoro doesn’t expects anything from him. He doesn't force him. He doesn't press him to say words he's not yet ready to say, nor to offer more than he can give tonight.

And this certainty almost brings tears to his eyes: Zoro is staying. No matter his hesitations, his injuries, his silences, he's staying.

"Are you still here?" Zoro suddenly asks.

Sanji realizes they've been silent for several minutes.

"Yes," he finally answers.

His voice is hoarse, weak. Suddenly, all the stress of the day falls away, and fatigue crushes him.

"Did you manage to get some sleep?" Zoro asks, worried.

"No, not yet…"

"Okay. Are you in your bedroom?"

"Yes."

"Then do something for me. Lie down in bed and turn off the light."

Sanji complies without protest, the phone still pressed to his ear. The mattress welcomes him like a refuge, and he closes his eyes, almost imagining that Zoro is beside him.

"Did you do it?"

"Yes."

"Good. Now put the phone on speaker and put it next to you. Turn it down a little so you won't wake your parents."

Sanji obeys. Over Zoro's end, he hears movement, then the sound changes slightly: he must have lay down again, also on speakerphone.

"Are you comfortable?" Zoro asks.

"Yes."

"Perfect. So close your eyes and take three deep breaths. In through your nose... out through your mouth. There... again. In... and out. And one last time... in... and out. Great. Keep your eyes closed. Do you remember this afternoon by the lake?

"Hmm..."

"When we sat on the deck, and that duckling swam between your legs... I'd like you to dive back into that. Imagine you're back there. Before the chaos. Just you and me. The wood beneath your legs, the cool water on your feet, the sun warming your face. My shoulder against yours... my fingers gently searching for yours. The wind lifting your hair.”

Sanji feels his body growing heavier against the mattress, as if each word soothes him a little more. He can't say exactly when sleep finally takes over, but he can still hear that deep, gentle, patient voice. As Zoro keeps describing their time together, the sensations, the smells, the sounds. And everything becomes a blur, enveloped in a cocoon of warmth and security.

Chapter Text

Chapter 53 – Last Tuesday

The following weeks unfold in a similar way. With the help of his parents and Zoro, Sanji gradually manages to get back on his feet. He isn't yet completely at peace with everything he's learned, but he is moving forward, step by step, while waiting for the police and the justice system to do their work.

The Saturday following his mother's revelations, she took him for a walk on the beach. They talked for hours, sitting on the sand, with only the seagulls and the sound of the waves as witnesses. The next day, Zeff took him fishing on a small lake a few hours away from home. A welcome interlude, simple and soothing.

For his part, Zoro watches over him in his own way. He sends him texts throughout the day, sometimes just a word, sometimes an emoji, always discreet. He never rushes, never expects anything in return, but Sanji feels his presence in each of these small gestures and is infinitely grateful. In the evening, they call each other as they go to bed. Zoro talks to him, helps him sort out his thoughts, find some calm and peace before going to sleep. Sometimes, he guides him through breathing exercises or meditations, until Sanji finally falls asleep. They don't hang up, leaving the line open all night. Sanji only ends the conversation when he wakes up, well aware that he gets up much earlier than Zoro. And he too sleeps better, since he took the time to call Kuina.

On Monday morning, classes resume, bringing with them the frenetic pace of the end of the school year. As exam dates approach, the pressure rises. The crew spends more and more time immersed in their textbooks, worksheets, and notes. Even their meals at the food truck are getting shorter: a few bites swallowed hastily before everyone leaves for their lessons. They help each other as best they can: exchanging advice, correcting each other, and short impromptu question-and-answer sessions. Even Luffy, usually so detached, begins to work seriously. Calmer, more focused, as if something has changed within him. His relationship with Law probably has something to do with it.

Vivi has now found her place among them. She joins them every Tuesday for lunch and regularly attends their revision sessions, her notebook open next to Nami's.

Zoro and Sanji still haven't said anything about the case, the investigation, or the threats. But their friends aren't fooled. They can see their glances sometimes scanning the street a little too quickly, the hushed conversations that break off when someone approaches. And above all, they know there's been a fight. How could they have missed it, when Zoro kept his hand bandaged for almost a whole week?

---ooo---

Tuesday, June 2nd.

"It's crazy to think it's our last Tuesday..." sighs Nami.

"Why did you have say that, Nami!?" Chopper exclaims indignantly, tears already welling up in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Chopper, we'll find another ritual to see each other regularly next year," Usopp reassures him with a smile.

"Yes, and we're not leaving right away, we still have plenty of time together this summer!" Sanji adds.

"We're going to party so hard!" Luffy says, a mischievous smile on his lips.

"At least wait until we're done with the exams," Vivi intervenes pragmatically.

"We're going out for the fête de la musique, right?" Luffy insists, excitement in his voice. "Torao will have his night off! And then we'll be finished with the written exams, so that's good right?!"

"There's still the oral exam…" Nami adds skeptically.

"Do you have your dates?" Sanji asks. "It's starting on the 22nd, right? Anyone on the 22nd?"

"No, I don't think so," Chopper replies, taking out his phone to check his notes. "I wrote everything down so I won't forget. So... Nami and Usopp, you're going on the 24th. Vivi, Luffy, Zoro, and I are on the 25th. And Sanji, you're on the 26th.”

"So we can go out on the 21st!" Luffy exclaims triumphantly.

"And we can go to the lake from the 26th to the 28th," Zoro adds.

The crew turns to him as one, as if a bomb had just exploded.

Sanji can't help but smile at the look on their faces. Zoro has no idea what information he's just dropped.

"The lake?" Nami repeats with sudden interest. "You mean... your father's house by the lake?"

"...Hmm. Didn't I tell you he agreed to lend it to us for the weekend after the exams?"

A second of silence, then the explosion: exclamations of joy erupt from all directions. Nami puts her arm around Zoro's neck and hugs him, Usopp and Chopper clap hands and laugh, and Luffy lets out a victory cry so thunderous that several passersby in the park turn to look at them.

Zoro, caught up in all the commotion, maintains his impassive expression, as if it were just a minor detail.

"I think you kind of forgot to tell them about it..." Sanji says, amused, a small chuckle tugging at the corner of his lips.

Then his smile fades.

A little further on, at the entrance of the park, he recognizes Detective Tsuru. In civilian clothes, leaning casually next to his mother's food truck, she watches them. Sanji frowns, and his eyes immediately meet Zoro's. He's noticed her too.

The young man leans towards his ear to whisper, "What's she doing here? This is the first time I've seen her watching us. Do you think there's a problem?”

"I don't know," Sanji replies, glancing toward the truck. "She's talking to my mom... She would have warned us if it was serious."

And right at that moment, a vibration is felt in his pocket. Sanji takes out his phone. A notification appears on the screen:

*Message from Mom*

===Mom===

Detective Tsuru is asking you to be especially careful in the coming days. Your brothers might try something. Principal Garp contacted them: they missed classes without excuse yesterday and today, and the team assigned to them has lost track of them.

Okay, thanks, Mom, we'll be careful.

<3

======

Sanji hands his phone to Zoro. He reads the message, frowning, then hands it back. They exchange a brief glance, weightier than words, before scanning the surroundings of the park. Yet everything seems normal. Too normal. Almost to the point of becoming disturbing.

They haven't even notice that the cheerful discussions about the weekend at the lake have died down. Silence falls around the table, and their friends stare at them worriedly. Finally, Nami takes the lead. She stands, takes a deep breath, and meets the others' gaze, who nod their heads in encouragement.

"All right, that's enough. We're sick of your secrets."

"What secrets, Nami?" Sanji asks, feigning innocence.

"No, that's enough! This has been going on for weeks. You're worried... both of you! There's something wrong, and you are keeping it from us. We know it's related to your family, Sanji. And that's why you haven't said anything about your relationship. Oh, come on, don't look at me like that! I know you too well. Always checking over your shoulders, always on your guard. And we know about the fight with your brothers two weeks ago. Vivi told us about the state they were in after Ascension Day weekend, and you got your hand injured at the exact same time, Zoro, we put two and two together. So now that's enough. You're going to tell us what's going on! Otherwise, I'm going to go ask the woman talking to your mother who she is and why she's following you everywhere.”

Sanji's eyes widen, genuinely surprised that Nami had spotted Tsuru. Under the table, Zoro grabs his hand and turns to face him.

"You don't have to. If you don't want to tell them, we'll leave," he murmurs, holding his gaze.

Sanji hears Nami mutter, "Oh no!"

"No, it's fine. I'll tell them," he says wearily.

He runs a nervous hand through his hair, then clasps his hands together on the table. His gaze fixes on the wood, absently, as if searching for words.

“Just after my birthday,” he begins in a low voice, “my… biological father came back into my life. I won’t go into all the details, but he made a deal with a large corporation. And one of the conditions for their alliance is that one of his children marry the CEO’s daughter. He wants to recognize me as his son… and he wants me, his eldest son, to be the one to marry her.”

He finally looks up at his friends. He expects to see pity. But what he reads is something else entirely: fear, anger, revolt. Zoro places his hand on his, and this simple contact anchors him to the present. Sanji closes his eyes for a moment, takes a shaky breath.

"That's not all... When I refused... he set conditions to make me change my mind..." His throat tightens. The words refuse to come out. So he turns his head to Zoro. The gray gaze he meets is enough to make him let go. Zoro gently tilts his head, puts an arm around his shoulders, and places a discreet kiss against his temple. Then he continues for him, in a firm, clear voice:

"Vinsmoke tried to blackmail him. He threw documents and photos at him, threatening his family and loved ones to make him give in. Curly told me about it, then we asked my father for help. An investigation is underway. And by the end of the month, if all goes as planned... he should end up behind bars.”

"And the woman who's been following Sanji like a shadow for weeks?" Nami asks, arms crossed, her hard gaze fixed on Zoro's.

"A police officer in charge of his protection," Zoro replies. "We're all under protection."

A heavy silence falls. The words weigh on their shoulders like a lead weight.

"All of us?" Usopp asks in a small, almost childlike voice.

"Yes, Usopp. All of us..." Sanji finally says, his throat tight. "I'm sorry... I put you in danger because of my biological family... You and your families..."

He lowers his head, ashamed, and Nami shakes hers, ready to retort. Before she can open her mouth, Luffy speaks in a surprisingly calm voice.

"Is there anything we can do to help?"

His calm tone contrasts with the raw anger burning in his eyes. His fists are clenched at his knees, trembling with a rage he can barely contain.

"No," Sanji breathes. "That's why we were asked not to tell you anything. We have to act as if nothing happened. Luffy... I'm counting on you, you mustn't do anything."

Luffy simply nods. But with his jaw clenched and gaze dark, he won't do anything, but it's costing him.

"So we're safe?" Chopper asks in a small, trembling voice, glancing around as if the threats might emerge from the park at any moment.

"Yes, we're safe, Chopper," Zoro reassures him, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.

“You should have told us,” Nami adds, her voice dry, as if she refuses to accept that answer. “You’re not alone in this, Sanji. Whatever you think. We’re a family, all of us, we can always count on each other. We’re not going to be intimidated.”

“We’ll be careful, but we’re not going to leave you to take it all alone,” Vivi said in a soft but firm voice. “I take it you were advised to never be alone? So from now on, there will always be one of us with you. I promise.”

Sanji finally looks up at her. His heart sinks, but his lips stretch into a weak smile. He hadn’t expected such an answer… And yet, there it is, simple, obvious.

Around the table, his friends immediately agree: Nami crosses her arms and nods determinedly, Usopp murmurs a “sure” and nods vigorously, Chopper sniffs and wipes his eyes, promising he’ll be there, and Luffy bangs his fist on the table with his big, fighting smile. All of them, in their own way, confirm Vivi’s words.

The weight on Sanji’s shoulders lightens a little. He truly feels like they're not alone.

"How come you guys got into a fight if you're under police surveillance?" Vivi asks, intrigued.

"Oh, this?" Sanji replies with a smile. "That's one of our dearest Marimo's tricks."

"You'll never let me off the hook," Zoro replies with a sigh, a half-smile.

"Never! Even your father laughed!" Sanji continues, amused. "You all know that guy's catastrophic sense of direction, right? Well, he managed to lose our police escort... My half-brothers cornered us in a dead end and tried to beat us up. But they were no match for the two of us," he concludes with a smile.

"You mean their injuries last time were because of you?!" Luffy exclaims proudly. “Ichiji had a huge black eye, and I think Yonji lost a tooth! You two are the best!”

"Yeah, Curly has good footwork," Zoro says nonchalantly.

Sanji feels his cheeks flush, pleased by the compliment. He watches Zoro for a few moments, distractedly listening to the recounting of the fight. Not a single criticism, not a single question... just a total acceptance of the facts and the risks. His heart swells with a gentle warmth. He truly has golden friends.

Chapter Text

Chapter 54 – Group studies

The following week is entirely devoted to the exams preparation. The crew decides to meet every afternoon, alternating locations to ‘fool the enemy,’ as Nami calls it. This Wednesday, it's Sanji's turn to welcome them.

Around 11:00 AM, the doorbell rings in the apartment. Sanji frowns and gets up from his desk. His mother has been gone for over an hour, and he's pretty sure he heard her taking her keys. The door opens to reveal Zoro, bag over his shoulder, helmet in one hand, jacket in the other. He smiles shyly at him, almost embarrassed to be there.

"You know we said two PM, Marimo?" Sanji jokes, pleasantly surprised by the interruption.

"Yeah... But I wanted to see you," Zoro admits.

Sanji steps aside to let him in. Zoro takes off his shoes and places his helmet, jacket, and bag on the floor. Then he moves toward him, hesitant, as if seeking his permission. Since their last date, Zoro has been more reserved, less tactile. It must also be said that they haven't found the time to be alone together either. Sanji appreciates this respect for his space, but now that they're finally alone together, he only wants one thing: for Zoro to take him in his arms and kiss him breathlessly.

So Sanji takes the lead. He slides his hands up the back of Zoro's neck, anchors it in his hair, and joins their lips in a passionate kiss. Zoro finally relaxes, places his hands on Sanji's back, caressing one shoulder with his fingertips, while the other finds its place under his t-shirt, at the small of his back. Their breaths mingle, their tongues caress one another, and they only stop for a second to catch some air, pressed against each other.

Then Sanji takes a step back, throwing them off balance. They nearly fall to the ground and burst out laughing, still clinging to each other as if their lives depended on it. They are fast breathing, their hearts beating even faster. Forehead to forehead, they smile stupidly at each other, still reeling from the sensations left by their kiss.

"I’ve missed you," Sanji murmurs, his voice barely audible.

"Me too," Zoro replies in the same tone, a tender smile on his lips.

Sanji pulls back slightly. Zoro's hands naturally find their place on his hips. He grabs one, and with a small, knowing gesture, leads him towards his room.

"Don't mind the mess," Sanji warns as they enter. “I didn't have time to tidy up...”

He nervously starts to nudge a small pile of dirty laundry with his foot, picks up a few documents scattered across his unmade bed to place them on the desk, then gives the sheet a little shake to straighten it. He works like this for a few minutes, his movements a little rushed, under Zoro's amused gaze.

A small, stifled laugh snaps him out of his frenzy, and he turns to Zoro, looking surprised, realizing his nervousness.

"Are you making fun of me, Marimo?" Sanji says, narrowing his eyes.

“Curly, I don't care if it's tidy. You know my room is a real battlefield next to yours,” Zoro admits, a smile on his lips.

“Yeah… It sure is,” Sanji replies, his shoulders relaxing slightly.

“Come on, put that down,” Zoro says, grabbing the sweatshirt Sanji is holding, gently tossing it into a corner of the room before pulling him close to kiss him again.

He takes a few steps back and sits on the bed, pulling Sanji with him. Sanji straddles his lap, one leg on either side of Zoro. Their kisses become more passionate, more languid, each movement sending delicious electric waves throughout Sanji's body. Zoro gently leaves his lips to place small kisses on his jaw, then along his neck, just below his ear, going lower and gently tugging at the fabric of his t-shirt to brush his lips against his collarbone. Sanji savors every sensation: the warmth of Zoro's lips, the delicate pressure of his tongue and teeth, the shiver each touch sends down his spine. One hand buried in Zoro's green strands of hair, the other slowly sliding over his bicep, he loses himself in each gesture, each shared breath.

Sanji closes his eyes for a moment, letting their senses guide each of his and Zoro's movements. He feels Zoro's heart beating against his chest, his fingers caressing his hips with a surprising gentleness after so much restraint. Each kiss, each touch seems to suspend time.

When he reopens his eyes, Zoro stares at him with a gentle intensity, as if he wants to etch every detail of Sanji into his memory. His hands slide down his back, brushing against his spine, then slowly caress his shoulders.

Framing his face with his palms, Sanji leans down and captures his lips again. Zoro's hands don't leave his skin, sliding under his t-shirt. A slight shiver runs through him, but the feel of the fabric against his skin bothers him. He pulls away for a moment, grabs his t-shirt with both hands, and removes it, pulling it over his head under Zoro's surprised gaze.

"Are you sure this is a good idea, Curly?" Zoro asks softly.

"You know I wouldn't have done it if I didn't want to," Sanji replies, returning to his kisses.

Zoro's hands then resume their exploration, mapping every inch of his back, his shoulders, his neck. Sanji leaves Zoro's mouth and uses his hand in his hair to turn his head slightly. He kisses his jaw, moving up to his ear. At that moment, Zoro's hand slides lower down his back, gently caressing his buttock before moving to his thigh. Sanji lets out a small sigh, and the effect on Zoro is immediate: a shiver runs through his body and a mischievous smile plays on his lips.

Sanji pulls back slightly, searching Zoro's eyes, a mixture of excitement and tenderness shining in his gaze.

"Problem, Marimo?" Sanji asks teasingly.

"You're the one who'll have a problem if you keep this up, Curly."

His voice is low, his eyes, dilated pupils, shining with desire. With a sure movement, he slides an arm under Sanji to tip him over and lay him down on the bed. Now on top of him, Zoro resumes his assault on his neck, alternating kisses and bites, savoring every movement of the blond beneath him.

Sanji hooks his legs around Zoro's to hold him against him, a smile on his lips. The pressure of their bodies against each other is delicious. His hands explore Zoro's back, caress his shoulders, play with his hair, then gently slide lower, past the waistband of his jeans before rising again—he doesn't feel ready to go any further yet. He slightly lifts the hem of Zoro's shirt, pushing it up his spine. At the sound of the young man's frustrated groan, Sanji smiles inwardly.

Then, with a sudden but fluid movement, Zoro straightens and removes his shirt. Sanji's eyes widen. It's the first time in over two years that he's seen him shirtless, and this time in the privacy of his bedroom. No more distractions, no outside gaze: he can finally observe every detail at his own pace. Bulging muscles, perfect pecs, sculpted abs, the scars from his training, and perhaps the accident, standing out against his naturally tanned skin.

Sanji straightens to kneel in front of him, mirroring  Zoro's position.

"What?" Zoro asks, stopping, a worried expression mixed with flushed cheeks and a gaze still shining with desire. "Was that a wrong move?"

Sanji lifts a hand and places it on Zoro's chest, right over his heart, feeling the steady, powerful beat. He looks deep into his eyes, then moves closer, sliding his other hand against his cheek. He places a more tender kiss on his lips.

"No," he finally murmurs, "it's perfect like this."

Reassured by his words, Zoro dares to move again. He embraces Sanji, their lips meeting with a gentle, passionate intensity. Pushing him lightly, he tip them both onto their sides. He leans on his elbow to slightly raise his head, Sanji's arm under his neck, his hand in his hair, guiding him back towards him.

The kisses become more tender, less feverish, each simply savoring the warmth and closeness of the other, fully enjoying this suspended moment, far from everything else.

Sanji's fingers glide over Zoro's tanned skin, delicately tracing each muscle, each line. Zoro grabs his fingers and captures them with his own, bringing each of his knuckles to his lips to place feathery kisses there. Sanji doesn't take his eyes off of him, absorbed by the sensuality and tenderness of this gesture. Then Sanji removes his arm from under Zoro's head to place it under his own, elbow bent, and gently pushes on Zoro's shoulder to fully lay him down. Their hands join against his chest, while Sanji rests his head in the crook of his neck. They move closer together, Sanji's body pressing against Zoro's, his leg wrapping around his, sealing their closeness in a mixture of comfort and tenderness.

Zoro gently kisses Sanji's hair with a contented sigh, gently running his fingers through the blond locks.

"This is good, isn't it?" he murmurs.

"Yeah, not bad," Sanji replies with a smile.

"You know," Zoro continues confidentially, "I like it when you're a little more assertive... like earlier."

"Hmm... I noticed..."

"You can trust yourself when it's just the two of you," Zoro reminds. "You don't have to hold back, or control everything... Just go with the flow... And if something bothers you, you can use the safe world."

"Seahorse. Yeah, I know... I have a hard time letting go... It's not for lack of trying, you know... Sorry I didn't go any further..."

"Hey, I'm not going to complain, I'm lying half-naked against one of the sexiest men I know."

"One of the men?!" Sanji says indignantly, sitting up to look him in the eyes.

"Yeah, Curly, sorry, but you've got competition..."

"Oh yeah?! And with whom?"

"Me, for starters!" Zoro replies with an amused smile, spreading his arms, which earns him a light slap from Sanji.

"Marimo, we don't usually take ourselves into account!"

"You have to admit you panicked a little!"

"Not at all," replies Sanji with a pouty face.

Zoro pulls him back to kiss him.

"I saw the way you looked at me... I know you agree with me, Curly!"

Sanji looks away, his cheeks burning.

They stay there, pressed together for a moment longer, savoring the sweetness of the moment. Then Sanji sits up and tenderly kisses Zoro before grabbing his shirt. He doesn't have time to move further before Zoro pulls him closer to kiss him again.

"Don't you want to stay here a little longer?"

"I'm going to end up falling asleep if we stay like this... And besides, we should eat."

"Okay. How long do you need to prepare lunch?"

"I don't know... ten, fifteen minutes. Why?"

Zoro takes his phone out of his back pocket and sets an alarm.

"There, it'll ring at one o'clock. That'll give us plenty of time to eat before the others arrive," he says with a smile. "Now, get back here and let me enjoy."

Sanji rolls his eyes, but settles back down on his chest, his head nestling in the crook of his neck again. One of Zoro's hands traces imaginary lines on his shoulder and back, the other plays with his fingers. They connect and unconnect their hands, gently caressing each other's knuckles, back, and palm. The light contact makes Sanji shiver with pleasure. He closes his eyes and leans back against Zoro, feeling completely safe.

---ooo---

They are jolted awake by Sanji's phone ringing. He sits up abruptly, grabs the receiver, and answers it immediately when he sees the name on the screen.

Zoro, slower to emerge, groans a little as he covers his eyes, then finally sits up as he hears his father's voice echoing over the speaker.

"Hello Sanji, is Zoro with you? I hope I'm not disturbing you while studying."

"Hello, sir, yes, Zoro is here. We were just about to eat, you're not disturbing us. I put you on speaker," he says.

"Are you two alone?"

"Yes, the others wont come until around 2:00 p.m."

"Perfect. This morning, our lawyers presented Judge with a final ultimatum. If he doesn't withdraw his demands and waive the mortgage on the restaurant, we've threatened to call the police. We have it on good authority that he believes he's protected by his law enforcement contacts. He doesn't expect to be arrested; he thinks he can still cover it up.”

Sanji listens attentively, his heart sinking, and his sister's words coming back to him, as well as his interview with Smoker after the fight with his brothers.

"My sister..." he says, his heart pounding. "Is she your source?"

"I'm not at liberty to answer that question, Sanji."

"I understand," he murmurs.

"Good. We're waiting for a response. As soon as he dismisses our lawyers, the police will take over. If all goes as planned, they should be on the move this afternoon. We still have no idea where his sons are. Stay at the apartment until I call you back. I'll notify Sora and Zeff now. I'm counting on you to work seriously this afternoon."

"Dad…" Zoro intervenes. "Do you think the others are at risk?"

"No. According to our source, you two, Zeff, and Sora are the only ones who've been monitored in recent weeks. I'll call you as soon as I have more news."

"Very well, thank you, sir," Sanji replies in a tense voice.

He hangs up and flops down on the bed, exhausted by the flood of information. Zoro lies down next to him and breathes, "We're getting there, Curly."

"Give me my shirt. It's time to go eat."

---ooo---

The rest of the crew arrives in dribs and drabs: first Luffy, then Usopp and Chopper, and finally Vivi and Nami.

"Sanji," she asks curiously, "that bike helmet over there, is it yours?"

"It's mine," Zoro replies, looking up from his notebook.

"What are you doing with a helmet?" Usopp asks in surprise.

"Uh... I ride a bike?"

"Oh!" Luffy exclaims. "Ace told me you came by to buy a helmet and an extra jacket last time! Did you come with your bike today? Can we see it? Can we take a ride?"

"You ride a bike, Zoro?" Chopper asks, his eyes shining. "That's so cool! Can we see it?"

"Not right now," Sanji interjects.

"Oh... but why..."

Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy stare at him pouting, hoping to convince them.

"Another time, Chopper," Zoro says softly. "Or maybe tonight before we leave. For now, it's best if we stay here."

"What are you still hiding from us?" Nami sighs.

"The police is about to arrest Judge, and my brothers are nowhere to be found. We were asked not to go out today," Sanji explains casually.

"And you didn't think this was vital information to share?!" Nami exclaims, a little annoyed. "We said: no more secrets!"

"Sorry, Nami, I forgot about that..."

"So, we can't see Zoro's bike," Vivi concludes with a disappointed pout.

Nami suddenly turns her head towards her, surprised, all trace of anger gone.

"Are you into bikes too?"

"Yes... I would have been happy to go for a little ride," Vivi admits with a shy smile.

"There's only one helmet, anyway, we wouldn't have been able to," Usopp remarks pragmatically.

"Oh, you can use mine, if you like. That is... if Marimo agrees to take you for a ride," Sanji adds, glancing at Zoro.

"You have a helmet too?!" Nami asks in surprise. "Since when?"

"Since our first date. He gave me a helmet, gloves, and a jacket so we could ride together."

" I just told you Zoro went to see Ace to buy a helmet and a jacket, Nami!" Luffy insists, only half-following.

"Wow, that's quite a gift for a first date!" Vivi remarks.

"We want proof," adds Nami, crossing her arms over her chest.

Sanji takes out his phone, unlocks it, and hands it to her without a word. Nami examines it, frowning, then suddenly widens her eyes.

"Wait... is that you?!"

Sanji nods with a small, proud smile. Zoro, feigning concentration on his notes, is also smiling.

Vivi leans forward to see the screen, imitated by Usopp, Luffy, and Chopper, who immediately rush over to take a look.

"Oh, yes!" Usopp exclaims. "I've seen that picture before! You've had it as your wallpaper for weeks. I was wondering why you chose two bikers facing the beach..." He slaps his forehead with the palm of his hand. "How can I be so stupid sometimes!"

"Come on, give me my phone back, and let's get to work now," Sanji concludes with a wry smile.

---ooo---

"Hello, Sanji, it's settled."

The words echo in his head. Sanji remains frozen, motionless in the middle of the kitchen. Relief floods through him, his eyes fill with tears. In a second, Zoro is at his side and envelops him in his arms, solid and protective. The others begin to move, but with a discreet sign, Zoro makes it clear to them to stay back.

"Is everything really settled?" he manages to say, his voice trembling.

"Yes," Mihawk replies calmly. "Judge was arrested two hours ago. The police accomplices have been discovered; there's no way he can get out of this. Your sister contacted our lawyers and sent us a letter of apology and documents: the restaurant's mortgage is fully paid off, and the marriage contract has been canceled. We'll have to wait for the trial for the rest, but you're safe. He won't be able to do anything against you.”

"And my brothers?"

"Found at the main residence. Judge was keeping them under surveillance while awaiting his meeting with the Charlotte family. We don't have all the details yet, but everything suggests they were being held against their will. Anyway... your police protection will be maintained until the end of the week as a precaution. And after that, you'll have to go down to the police station to sign some additional documents. But for now, you can finally breathe."

A nervous chuckle escapes Sanji against Zoro's shoulder.

"Thank you, sir... for everything," he breathes.

"It's nothing. It was a pleasure, Sanji. Now I'm counting on you to excel in your exams. No more excuses!"

“Yes, sir. Goodbye.”

He hangs up and, without thinking, embraces Zoro, gasping for air in the crook of his neck. His heart is pounding.

Nami moves forward slowly, places a light hand on his arm. Sanji pulls away from Zoro a little and looks up at her, his eyes still wet.

“So?” she whispers.

“It's all over,” Sanji replies with a dazzling smile, a tear of relief rolling down his cheek.

A collective cry of joy rocks the room. Everyone rushes to him in a group hug. His eyes meet Zoro's, a little lost in this outpouring of affection but touched, and Sanji smiles. Luffy skips, stretching his arms to embrace everyone at once, Chopper finds himself wedged between Nami and Sanji, Usopp and Vivi wipe away their tears... It's the most joyful chaos imaginable. And Sanji wouldn't trade his place for the world.

Chapter Text

Chapter 55 – Exams

Monday, June 15th.

Sanji walks through the door of the building, yawning. He barely slept a wink all night, consumed by the anxiety and stress of this week of exams.

He jumps when he feels a hand close on his arm and jerks away, turning around, ready to defend himself against a potential threat.

"Wow, I'm sure it would be great to fight you, but this isn't the time nor the place, Curly."

Sanji immediately relaxes and places his foot back on the ground with a sigh.

"This is not okay, scaring me like this first thing in the morning! What are you doing here, Marimo?"

"Sorry... I thought you'd be stressed," Zoro replies, looking away. "I brought you a coffee and a croissant."

He hands him a cup and a small paper bag, a folded napkin inside. He looks more embarrassed than ever, his cheeks slightly red.

"And I was thinking we could go to school together, since I’m taking the exams at the Sunny too... But if you'd rather go alone..."

Sanji's heart clenches with happiness as he understands Zoro's intentions. He takes a step forward, grabs the front of his shirt with both hands, and kisses him gently. Then he grabs the coffee and pastry.

"Thank you," he says simply with a smile.

He immediately bites into his croissant, looking delighted, before adding, "Sorry for being a little aggressive, I didn’t manage to sleep a lot last night... I can't wait for this to be over!"

"So you're not mad at me for being here?" Zoro asks.

"Not at all, you just surprised me. Come on, we can’t take the risk of being late.”

Coffee in one hand and croissant in the other, Sanji walks down the street without waiting for him. Zoro quickly catches up with him and slips an arm around his shoulders. Out of the corner of his eye, Sanji notices he looks relieved.

"How long have you been waiting for me?"

"I got there at 7:00. I didn't know at what time you would be leaving..."

"You waited 20 minutes?! You could have rung the bell or sent me a text!"

"I wanted it to be a surprise... We don't have any other tests at the same time, and for once we're going to the exact same place!"

Zoro hesitates before adding, a little more quietly:

"But if you'd rather not to be seen together with me at school, I'll understand."

Sanji stops abruptly and shrugs off Zoro's arm, interrupting him mid-sentence. He finishes his last bite of croissant, crumples up the small paper bag, and throws it into a nearby trash can.

Still holding his coffee in one hand, he grabs Zoro's hand with the other, walks over, and presses his forehead against his.

"I have absolutely no problem in being seen with you, whether at school or elsewhere. I'm even proud that I finally managed to have you all to myself. I'm sorry we had to hide our relationship because of my family, but now that everything's settled, I hope I can show the world how much I care about you."

He pauses briefly, his gaze still locked on Zoro's.

"Thank you for coming to get me this morning. You can come pick me up any day of the week to walk me if you'd like. Wednesday morning I'll be the one coming since I don't have any exam. Thank you for the coffee, for the croissant... and for being so thoughtful. And now, kiss me—and don't you dare let go of my hand until you've escorted me to my exam room.”

As he speaks, Zoro relaxes, and a smile gently tugging at his lips. With his free hand, he pushes back the blond lock of hair that hides part of Sanji's face, then kisses him tenderly.

Sanji lets himself be carried away by the kiss, savoring the moment, his eyes closed, all the stress accumulated over the previous days seeming to evaporate little by little.

A mocking whistle abruptly brings him back to reality. He reluctantly pulls away from Zoro and turns his head to see Nami crossing the street towards them, a mischievous smile playing on the corner of her lips.

"Hey, lovebirds!" she says as she reaches them. "You're so cute like that."

The two boys pull away from each other, their hands still clasped, their cheeks flushed.

"Nami..." Zoro groans, embarrassed. "Don't you ever say I'm cute ever again..."

"Oh! No, not you! You two together. And that kiss," she adds with a big smile.

Zoro rolls his eyes while Sanji stifles a laugh behind his coffee cup. The three of them then resume their walk to school, chatting about everything and anything to forget the four long hours of exam that await them.

As they arrive in front of the school, many heads turn towards them.

Apparently, the news of their relationship hasn't reached everyone yet. Sanji meets several surprised glances—and a few visibly disappointed ones—especially from his suitors from the Valentine's Day dance.

Zoro gently releases his fingers, but Sanji doesn't see it that way. He lets him do it... only to catch his hand and wrap it around his shoulders, his own sliding between Zoro’s back and his backpack to gently embrace him. Zoro gives him a questioning look, which he responds with a smile and a quick kiss on the cheek, triggering a slight blush on the man’s face.

Zoro looks around, frowning.

"I think I just made some enemies, Curly..."

"Oh, yes, totally!" Nami confirms with a big smile. "Sanji is very popular, you know. The fact that he's officially taken before prom is definitely going to break some hearts! I even think I saw a girl leaving in tears when we got there!"

"Yeah, I saw her too," Vivi adds as she reaches them. "Poor thing, she looked like she was at the end of her rope..."

Chopper, Usopp, and Luffy finally join them, and they all enter the school together before going their separate ways, each towards his own room. They wish each other luck in the hallway, but Sanji stubbornly refuses to let go of Zoro's hand. It's only once they arrive in front of Room 56 that he finally releases his fingers.

Zoro stares at the list taped on the door, frowning, searching unsuccessfully for the name Black.

"This is your room, Marimo. I figured it was safer than the other way around... It would be a shame if you got lost right before the test!"

"Oh. Yeah... good idea," Zoro replies, blushing.

"Hey, Roronoa! It's not often that we see you on time!" a voice calls from inside the room.

A laugh erupts.

"You managed to find the room, that's an achievement! Maybe you'll finally manage to find someone after that! No wonder Hiyori dumped you; I heard you couldn't even arrange to meet her without getting lost."

Sanji glances around the room, not recognizing who spoke. A few students are still laughing at the joke.

Next to him, Zoro freezes—he doesn't need to say more, Sanji understands: he must have heard this kind of comment more than once. And as a little teasing between friends has never bothered him, there's something else in this guy's voice—a muted aggression, a desire to hit where it hurts...

And Sanji hates this kind of behavior.

Those who put others down to make themselves feel important.

So he takes a step forward.

Places a firm hand on the back of Zoro's neck.

And, without the slightest hesitation, he kisses him. A slow, deliberate kiss, burning with tenderness—just long enough for no one to want to laugh anymore.

The teacher in charge of the room clears his throat and they abruptly separate.

Sanji's cheeks are flushed, his heart pounding. Zoro, on his part, looks completely stunned. Sanji places one last kiss on his lips before gently pushing him toward the room.

"Don't worry, he found me just fine," he says lightly to the students.

Then, quietly, meeting Zoro's gaze, "Good luck."

And he turns on his heel, a smirk on his face, before walking off toward his own exam room.

---ooo---

The rest of the week passes at a dizzying speed. As promised, the one who doesn't have a test picks up the other from their home to enjoy a few minutes alone together on the way to school.

Every lunchtime, the crew meets to eat and support each other morally. They discuss their exams, compare notes, and do some last-minute revision, just to clear their consciences.

On Friday, as he finally leaves his last exam, Sanji runs into Ms. Nico in the entrance hall. They chat for a few minutes about how the young man feels about his exams, then she gives him a kind smile and nods outside.

"You should hurry, Mr. Black, I believe there's someone waiting for you."

Sanji exits the school and quickly scans his surroundings.

Small groups of students are still outside, chatting about this and that. A group of young girls, very close to him, seem particularly excited: they're whispering, giggling, and stealing glances a little further away. Intrigued, Sanji follows their gaze, curious to know what could be causing them to be so excited.

His heart skips a beat—literally.

A little further down the street, Zoro is leaning against his bike, helmet under his arm, black and green leather jacket draped over his shoulders, the zipper half-open revealing a dark green shirt that's far too tight for Sanji to think clearly.

The fabric hugs every line of his muscles, the black skinny jeans and leather boots slim the silhouette of his legs, further emphasizing the muscularity of his torso. His hair, now a little longer, sways slightly in the breeze, and a few stray strands fall over his forehead.

Sanji freezes. The world around him seems to slow down, the sounds fade, his entire field of vision narrows in on him—on Zoro, that magnificent idiot, who looks like he's stepped straight out of a magazine without even realizing it.

Zoro is deep in conversation with Luffy. He nods, looking serious for a second, before bursting into laughter—a real laugh, hearty, clear, carefree, that echoes out through the street. That simple sound is enough to trigger a chorus of giggles from the group of girls standing nearby. They lean in close, whisper, bite their lips, their eyes shining with excitement.

Sanji doesn't need to listen to understand what they're saying: he reads admiration, desire, and frustration in their gazes.

He rolls his eyes, torn between amusement and pride. As he walks toward Zoro and Luffy, he realizes it's not just the girls: almost all the students still standing in front of the school are glancing at Zoro, with more or less discretion, some with envy, others with jealousy.

And in the midst of it all, he, Sanji, walks through the crowd with a quiet smile—because this man, the one who attracts everyone's attention, is his.

When Zoro finally sees him, his face lights up. He detaches himself from the bike, a rare, genuine smile on his lips—one of those that Sanji love the most.

Completely forgetting Luffy and the people around them, Zoro steps forward, gently pushes back the blond lock of hair from his face, then slides his hand around the back of his neck to pull him closer.

The kiss is long, deep, burning with both emotion and tenderness. Sanji clutches at the leather jacket to keep from melting on the spot, feeling all the tension of the week dissolve at once. Around them, a few whistles erupt, Luffy bursts out laughing, and a murmur of astonishment runs through the crowd—but at that precise moment, Sanji couldn't care less. The world can watch: it's just them.

When they separate, a little breathless and their cheeks flushed, they both smile like children caught in the act. Their eyes meet, sparkling with complicity.

"Finally finished," Zoro breathes, a smile tugging at the corners of his lips.

"Yes, one good thing done. Just the oral exam, and that's it," Sanji replies with a sigh of relief.

They walk over to Luffy, still standing next to the bike, arms crossed behind his head and a wide grin on his face.

"What are you doing here? I thought you two were going to have fun this afternoon, since you didn't have any exam?" Sanji asks, intrigued.

"Zoro insisted on coming here to get you!" Luffy explains, beaming. "And he even gave me a ride on his bike, it was awesome! Oh, here, I'll give this back to you."

He hands him a helmet and a jacket, which Sanji immediately recognizes. Sanji arches an eyebrow, an amused smile playing on his lips.

"Did you stop by my place?"

"Yes! Your mother told us we could take your things," Zoro replies, looking deceptively innocent.

"And she gave me a slice of cake!" Luffy adds, visibly delighted. "It was delicious!"

Sanji shakes his head, half amused, half despairing, while Zoro looks away slightly to hide a satisfied smile.

"Well, mission accomplished!" Luffy says. "I'll leave you now. I promised Ace I'd go help him set up the stage; he's playing with his band for the fête de la musique. See you on Sunday!"

And with that, he trots off down the street, whistling happily. Sanji watches him disappear, then turns his head to Zoro, who, wordlessly, watches him, a quiet smile on his lips that makes him want to start kissing him again.

"Put this on," Zoro tells him, slipping his own helmet onto his head. "I'm taking you for a ride."

Sanji takes his bag off his shoulder and puts on the jacket, then adjusts his helmet. Zoro checks the fasteners expertly, then lightly taps his helmet against his in an affectionate gesture.

"Two surprises in one week... I'm starting to think you're even more invested in this relationship than I am! Where are you taking me?" Sanji asks, a wide smile on his lips.

"To the beach, of course!" Zoro replies, climbing on the bike.

Sanji's smile widens. He climbs on too, wrapping his hands around the young man's waist. He glances at the students still gathered in front of the school and spots a few envious glances.

"Hey, Marimo... I think I'm the one who made enemies today!"

"Really? Why?" Zoro asks, completely oblivious to the stares directed at them.

"Let's just say you're attracting attention in that outfit. I'll have to be careful not to leave you alone for too long from now on."

"You've got nothing to worry about," Zoro replies, placing a reassuring hand on his. "It's only you, the others don't stand a chance."

Sanji blushes under his helmet and slaps his hand to make him let go.

"Hold on to the handlebars with both hands! This isn't the time for us to have an accident."

Zoro bursts out laughing, and Sanji feels the vibrations of that laughter running through his entire body. He tightens his grip a little around the young man's waist and lets himself enjoy the sensations that invade him, the wind, the heat and the proximity of Zoro making him forget the world around them.

The ride is quick. They park the bike in a parking lot and put their helmets and jackets in a locker before heading to the beach. When they arrive on the warm sand, Zoro leads them to the changing rooms and takes two beach towels and two pairs of swim shorts out of his bag with a discreet smile.

"Your mom gave me these too," he says without meeting Sanji's gaze.

"I don't know how comfortable I am with you planning things behind my back with my mom," Sanji replies with an amused smile.

They take some time to change, slipping the rest of their things into their backpacks, then settle down in a quiet corner. As soon as they have their towels spread out, their shoes and bags put down, Zoro leads Sanji towards the sea.

They stay in the water for a long time, laughing, swimming, and exchanging knowing glances while occasionally checking their belongings. Then they find themselves on a sandbar, their toes touching the ground or not depending on the height of the waves. Zoro slips an arm around Sanji's waist to bring him closer, and Sanji instinctively clings to his neck, pressing their bodies together.

They kiss tenderly, Zoro's hands delicately running down Sanji's back. The lapping of the waves and the light wind seem to accompany each of their movements, making the moment even more intimate and precious.

Their bodies pressed against each other, moving away and coming together with the waves, are a sweet torture. They move down a few more meters and finally touch the bottom of the sea. Zoro plants both feet in the sand and, never breaking their kiss,then pulls Sanji against him to immobilize him. A gentle warmth spreads throughout his body, descends into his lower belly, and ignites a burning desire. He feels his body reacting to this proximity, to the feel of Zoro's lips on his, to the contrast between the coolness of the water and the warmth of the young man's body.

Sanji wraps his legs around Zoro, who places a hand under him to hold and pull him even closer. Through the thin fabric of their swim shorts, Sanji senses that their exchange has the same effect on Zoro. Every movement, every friction, sends shivers through Sanji's body. For now, neither of them seeks to go further, savoring the sensations, losing themselves in their kiss, letting the waves dictate their rhythm.

But soon, the desire grows more intense. Zoro's lips leave Sanji's, and he embraces him closer, his forehead resting against his shoulder, trying to catch his breath while remaining still, savoring the closeness and the shared warmth.

"Curly, I… Hmm…" A sigh of pleasure escapes his lips as Sanji deliberately moves against him. “Are you sure… I… Hmm… I don't want you to feel like you have to do anything.”

Sanji moves his hips suggestively again, also letting out a small moan of pleasure.

"If you feel like you're forcing me, we can stop," he murmurs languidly.

Zoro lifts his head and looks into the blue eyes in front of him. Then he tightens his grip on Sanji and guides him in his movement.

Sanji feels Zoro's grip tighten around his hips, pulling him closer, the young man's body pressed against his own. Each movement becomes a perfectly synchronized dance, a mixture of desire and control. The waves caress their torsos, the currents sliding between their legs, accentuating the sensation of contact, making each brush even more burning. Sanji raises his head slightly and Zoro takes the opportunity to kiss his neck, his jaw, nibbling the skin gently in places.

He lets himself be guided, his hands sliding over Zoro's torso, caressing the wet, muscular skin, feeling his short breaths against his neck. Zoro gently adjusts the position of their bodies, each movement calculated to maximize the shared pleasure, his lips finding Sanji's in hungry but measured kisses.

Their immersion makes each contact even more intense, each brush triggering shivers throughout Sanji's body. He feels Zoro's heart beat in unison with his own, his hands running down Sanji's lower back and ass with a precision that makes him lose his footing.

Sanji, eyes closed, instinctively arches against Zoro, his legs wrapped around his waist, pressing their bodies together. Zoro's muffled moans mingle with his own, the sound of the waves and the sea breeze, creating an intoxicating blend of desire and heat.

Zoro murmurs against his lips, "If you want me to stop, just say the word."

And Sanji captures his lips and tightens his legs around him again in response, surrendering to this moment of shared pleasure.

Each movement becomes faster, more intense, but always with that control, that patience, until the pleasure reaches its peak. Sanji feels his head tilting, his body trembling with the accumulated tension, and Zoro tightens his grip, guiding the moment, absorbing Sanji's every reaction, every moan, every shudder.

Finally, Sanji gives in completely, breathless, his heart pounding. And against him Zoro is in the exact same state. Pressed against him, his hands trembling, gasping for breath against Sanji's neck. Zoro holds them in the warmth of their embrace, letting them enjoy the ecstasy that slowly fades within them.

The water around them sways gently, forming a cocoon where only their bodies and their desire matter. Sanji feels Zoro's warmth against him mingling with the salty coolness of the ocean, each wave making his muscles shivers.

They slowly catch their breath, forehead against forehead, their cheeks flushed, an embarrassed smile playing on their lips. Sanji's blood pounds in his temples, he's never felt such a combination of pleasure and nervousness. Nothing he's shared with Viola can come close to the intensity of this moment with Zoro. The quiet strength of his arms, the diffuse warmth of his body, the feeling of total acceptance, devotion, and protection... all of it overwhelms him. He looks up and loses himself in Zoro's steely-grey gaze, which never leaves his.

"Talk to me, Sanji..." Zoro says softly.

“I’ve never… Uh… Well, I did, but…” Sanji murmurs, feeling the color rise on his cheeks.

He takes a deep breath to calm his racing heart. He knows there’s no shame in feeling this way, and yet, he feels vulnerable.

Zoro gently releases his embrace and places his hands at the base of his neck, his thumbs gently caressing his cheeks. He places a tender kiss on his lips then pulls back slightly. Sanji grips his waist to steady himself; they’re moving underwater again and have to swim to stay afloat.

“You don't have to be embarrassed. I've never done that before either,” Zoro admits quietly. “But it was good, right? If you didn't like it, we can stop... we can find something else…”

“No!” Sanji replies hurriedly, his voice echoing a little too loudly on the surface of the water. “No... you're right, it was good. Better than good even... I had already... Uh... But... I didn't think it could be this intense... Just like that…”

Sanji feels every point of contact between Zoro and him, the warmth of his chest against his, the pressure of his arms enveloping him, the water caressing their skin in gentle waves. Each heartbeat, each shared breath amplifies the diffuse and delicious pleasure that still lingers within him. He closes his eyes for a moment, letting his body relax and surrender to this feeling of security, of ecstasy that is both sweet and burning.

Zoro raises a questioning eyebrow, a flicker of concern crossing his gray eyes.

"If I understand correctly, you've done this kind of thing before... but you didn't enjoy it?"

Sanji blushes slightly, feeling the memory of the intensity of the shared moment and Zoro's closeness make his heart beat faster.

"Yes... Well, no... Uh... Can we go back on the beach to talk? I think my legs aren't obeying my commands anymore..."

Zoro bursts out laughing, a deep, sincere sound that makes Sanji shiver.

"Okay, Curly, I'll carry you if I have to. Come on, let's go lie down for a while."

They return to their towels and lie side by side on their stomachs, their heads resting on one arm, their faces slightly turned toward each other. The warm sand clings lightly to their damp skin, the sea breeze caresses their shoulders and lifts a few strands of hair. Sanji feels his heart beat faster, a gentle warmth running down his neck and shoulders, mixed with an unexpected sense of calm. He lifts his head slightly to meet Zoro's gaze, and a slight shiver runs down his spine. Zoro watches him tenderly, patiently, waiting for Sanji to find the right words.

"You know..." Sanji begins in a small voice, "I've never been... completely comfortable in my relationships... I've never had a real, serious relationship with a boy, and Viola was my only girlfriend. And she was... a little too forward, and I let her. Too often for her, not enough for me. I followed her desires while somewhat setting my own aside."

Zoro remains motionless, his eyes fixed on him with an intensity that makes Sanji's heart race.

"I understand..." he murmurs softly.

"She wanted…" Sanji continues, "for me to do things I'd never done… and I was just there for her. Not for myself. Sometimes I was frustrated, uncomfortable… but I did what she asked me to, to satisfy her, by fear of losing her… But I always refused to go all the way."

Sanji feels his cheeks heating up. The wind sticks grains of sand to his damp skin, Zoro's arm brushes his, and just the contact gives him a feeling of security he's never known. He inhales deeply, the salty scent of the sea mingling with Zoro's.

"That's why she cheated on me… She needed more, and I wasn't ready…"

Zoro shifts slightly, discreetly bringing his shoulder closer to his.

"You know…" he says in a low voice, almost a whisper, "I've never had sex. Never. Neither with girls nor with boys. I've had dates...but never anything serious.”

"And with Hiyori?" Sanji asks timidly. "Wasn't it serious?"

"Yes, it was, but it was never sexual. Not on my end, anyway. And she never blamed me for it. I think she liked being seen with me... In any case, we never had enough time alone to try anything... I've never done anything like today... I wanted you to know that... I'm starting from scratch too."

Sanji freezes for a moment. His heart races, but an immense relief fills him at this confession. A shiver runs down his spine at the light touch of Zoro's shoulder.

"Thank you..." he murmurs. "For telling me... It reassures me... It really does. But I think it'll take some time for me to feel comfortable...”

"There's no shame in what we just did," Zoro says softly, his eyes still fixed on him, his warm breath brushing his cheek. "If you have desires, you don't have to hold back. There are two of us in this relationship, and we're learning together. You can tell me anything, and I'll do the same."

Sanji lets out a small breath, his hands clenching slightly on the sand. Zoro's warmth so close, his breath against his cheek... he feels both vulnerable and protected, as if this simple proximity is enough to calm all his fears.

"I think... This is the first time I've truly felt... Trusted," he murmurs, his gaze lowered, his heart pounding in his chest.

Zoro leans in slightly, just enough to place a tender kiss on his lips, discreet but full of sweetness. Sanji closes his eyes, savoring the moment: the salty taste of the air, the softness of the warm towel under his stomach, Zoro's breath against his skin. He feels Zoro's reassuring warmth beside him, the light touch of his arm against his.

"Perfect," Zoro breathes with a soothing smile. "We'll move at our own pace... together."

Sanji tilts his head slightly to respond with a smile, feeling the warm sand beneath his body and the sea breeze in his hair. Their intimacy slowly builds in this peaceful and complicit proximity, side by side on the beach, free to simply be themselves.

---ooo---

After their swim, they stay on the sand for a long time, chatting and enjoying the warmth of the late afternoon. The sky gradually turns orange and pink, and the salty air still clings to their skin. Their laughter mingles with the noise of the waves, peaceful, almost timeless. When hunger finally sets in, Sanji drags Zoro to a small beachside restaurant—one of his mother's favorites—where they order a grilled fish of the day and golden fries. The meal is simple, but the moment is perfect: the sea in front of them, the wind playing in their hair, the taste of salt still on their lips. An idyllic setting, a suspended interlude, as if the whole world had stopped to let them breathe a little.

When they finally decide to go home, it's already almost 10 p.m. The last rays of sunshine are fading over the horizon, tinting the sea a deep blue, and the light from the streetlamps begins to dance on the waves.

Zoro drops Sanji off at the foot of his building, and this time, unlike for their first date, nothing prevents them from taking the time to say goodbye properly.

He parks the bike, turns off the engine, and removes his helmet, but doesn't get off; he remains ready to leave. The silence of the night falls immediately, barely broken by the distant hum of the city. Sanji gets off, removes his helmet, and opens his jacket, which is too warm for this June evening where the air still seems to vibrate with heat.

Zoro slips a hand under Sanji's jacket and places his fingers against his hip. His gesture is both tender and sure, as if he doesn't want to leave room for the slightest hesitation. Sanji lets himself be drawn, his heart pounding, his free hand naturally rising to the nape of Zoro's neck. He buries his fingers in his green locks before kissing him, slowly, with that knowing gentleness they no longer need to hide. Their breaths mingle, their foreheads brush, and time seems to stand still—one last moment to prolong this perfect evening.

"I have to go upstairs, Marimo... I'm exhausted," Sanji murmurs against his lips, his voice barely louder than a whisper.

"Mmh... One more minute," Zoro replies, pressing their mouths together a little more.

The kiss deepens, slow, delicious. His tongue brushes Sanji's lower lip before nibbling it with calculated gentleness. A hand slips further under the half-open jacket, lifts the shirt slightly, and rests against his warm skin. Zoro's fingers slide along his back, tracing lines and sending shivers up to the back of his neck.

Sanji stifles a sigh, his heart beating too fast. His hand leaves Zoro's hair to rest on his thigh, moving up to his hip in a hesitant, almost timid gesture. Their breaths mingle, and for a moment, everything else disappears.

Then a door slams somewhere in the street. Sanji jumps, breaking the fragile bubble that enveloped them. They exchange a glance before bursting into laughter, their foreheads still pressed against each other.

"You're right," Zoro breathes, tucking a strand of blond hair behind his ear. "You should go home and get some sleep."

He places one last kiss on his lips, softer, almost chaste this time, then slowly releases his hold.

"See you on Sunday? Should I pick you up?"

"No, Marimo, I'll come. Around 7:00," Sanji replies with a small smile.

"Okay. Good night, Curly."

Sanji holds him by the wrist, just long enough for one last kiss. Then he takes a step back, letting Zoro putting his helmet back on and turning the engine on.

- Get home safely. Good night, Marimo.

He gives him a small wave as the purr of the engine fades into the warm night. When the noise finally fades, Sanji remains motionless for a moment, his heart still restless, a small smile on his lips. Then he pushes open the door of the building, the echo of the kiss still burning at the corner of his mouth.

Chapter Text

Chapter 56 – Fête de la musique

Sunday, June 21st.

This night is the shortest of the year. To celebrate the summer solstice, the entire city seems to be humming. Strings of lights snake through the trees, pop-up stages have sprung up on every street corner, and music floats through the warm air, mingling with laughter and the scent of food. Bars and restaurants have all set up their tables on the sidewalks, each offering its own specialty, its own atmosphere, its own rhythm.

The crew has gathered in the large park where they've spent every lunchtime on Tuesday all year long. A few meters away, Ace and his band—the Spades—are busy on the small stage set up near the entrance. The strains of a guitar resonate, interspersed with snatches of voices and microphone tests.

A little further on, the lights of Sora's food truck twinkle, attracting a steady crowd. The smell of grilled meat and crispy fries wafts through the air, and the line never seems to get shorter.

Sanji, sitting on the grass, glances in that direction. An almost subconscious reflex. Zoro, at his side, doesn't fail to notice.

"You know, Curly, you can go give her a hand if you want to," he says, grabbing a can of beer lying next to him.

"I came here to spend the evening with you," Sanji replies a little too quickly.

Zoro arches an eyebrow, amused.

"You've checked on her at least ten times since we are here to make sure everything's okay," he smiles. "Go ahead. You'll come back when you're reassured. We won't move."

"He's right," Usopp adds, nodding. "If it makes you happy to help Sora, go for it."

"Oh! And bring us something to eat when you come back!" exclaims Luffy, already excited.

"Luffy!" sighs Nami, rolling her eyes. "We just ate. Don't tell me you're still hungry!"

"I've been around him for less time than you, and yet it doesn't surprise me," announces a voice behind them.

They turn at once and see Law, with dark circles under his eyes and his hands in his pockets. He's probably just come out of a day at the hospital; Sanji thinks he deserves a medal for agreeing to come for a night out after a shift.

"Torao! You're here!" exclaims Luffy, leaping to his feet and literally throwing himself at him and hugging him.

Law rolls his eyes and tries as best he can to free himself. Sanji, an amused smile on his lips, watches as the young man struggle unsuccessfully. He only manages to free one arm, which he finally places on Luffy's shoulders. After one or two more attempts, he finally resigns himself and sits down with the others, more or less putting up with the young man clinging to him like a koala bear.

Sanji brings his attention back to Zoro.

"Are you sure you don't mind if I go for a while?" he asks, a little hesitant.

"No, go ahead, you'll join us afterward. You'll hear the concert perfectly well from the truck," Zoro replies.

"But I won't be with you..."

"Curly, go do what you love the most!" Zoro says, smiling. "If you don’t, I'll send you over there with a kick in the butt."

He stands up and gives Zoro a wry smile.

"As if you'd ever be able to compete with me, Marimo. Let me remind you that my footwork is much better than yours."

"If it pleases you," Zoro replies immediately. "One of these days, we'll have to fight for real, just to confirm all this, shitty cook."

"Oh, but I already know who's going to win, cactus head! Nami, can we make a bet?"

Nami, who was chatting with Chopper and Vivi, turned to them with an immediately interested look.

"Of course! What do you want to bet on?"

"To see who, between Marimo and me, would win if we fight togeter. I'll let you work out the details; I'm going to go help my mom for a while."

He leans over to a slightly taken aback Zoro and places a quick kiss on his lips, an amused smile playing at the corners of his, before walking lightly toward the food truck.

---ooo---

"What are you doing here, darling! Go back and have fun with your friends!" Sora exclaims, seeing him climbing into the truck.

"I can listen to the Spades concert just fine from here, don't worry. I'll help you for a while. We decided we wouldn't move until afterward,” Sanji replies with a smile, already carefully washing his hands.

"Are you sure? What about Zoro?"

"He sent me," Sanji admits breathlessly. "He says he prefers to see me do what I love the most..."

Sora lets out a small, tender laugh.

"He's such a nice boy."

They immediately get to work in a calm, familiar rhythm, their movements complementing each other naturally. The sizzling of the griddle mingles with Ace's voice, echoing through the park, while the audience's applause erupts in waves. The air smells of grilled meat and spices, and the evening breeze occasionally brings a breath of salty air from the sea.

Sanji feels perfectly fine. In the joyful tumult of the party, everything seems simple, obvious. From time to time, he looks up at the crowd and sees Zoro, still sitting on the grass, a can in hand, a quiet smile on his face. When their eyes meet, Sanji gives him a knowing wink before getting back to work, his heart strangely light.

After almost an hour of concert, the Spades finish their set to the enthusiastic applause of the crowd gathered in the park. Another band is already setting up next to the stage, tuning their instruments on, while Ace joins Marco near the stairs.

Sanji sees them exchange a few words before they kiss, a tender smile touching his lips. He is sincerely happy for them—Ace deserves someone who knows how to love him properly.

"Could I have my boyfriend to go, please?"

The familiar voice behind him pulls him from his thoughts. Sanji turns around immediately, and before he can say anything, Sora replies, laughing:

"Of course, young man! I think it's time for him to get out of this truck!"

Sanji rolls his eyes, feigning exasperation but unable to hide the smile that is tugging his lips slightly.

"Okay, so you're giving me to the first person who comes along?"

"He asked very politely," Sora replies in a feigned serious tone. "And besides... he seems quite charming. Exactly the kind of person I'd like as a son-in-law," she adds with a knowing wink.

Zoro bursts out laughing, the deep, warm sound blending into the surrounding hubbub. Sanji, for his part, immediately feels the heat rise in his cheeks.

"Come on, Curly. It's time to go have a little fun,” says Zoro, extending a hand toward him.

"Oh? And how do you plan on having fun, Marimo? I know for a fact that you don’t like dancing," replies Sanji, narrowing his eyes provocatively.

"I dance. A little," Zoro adds with a smile. "And you like it. So... I can make an effort."

Sanji is speechless for a moment, his heart beating a little faster. The idea of ​​dancing with Zoro troubles him more than he'd like to admit. Sora, watching them silently, laughs softly.

"Come on, you two, just go already. I'll be doing just fine without you, Sanji."

He quickly washes his hands, takes his apron off, and gets out of the truck. Before leaving, he leans toward his mother and places a kiss on her cheek.

"See you later, Mom."

"Be careful and enjoy your night!" she says, giving them a big smile, watching them walk away hand in hand through the crowd.

---ooo---

After an hour of wandering the streets at random, nowhere makes them want to stay dancing for more than five minutes. Lanterns flicker here and there, the hubbub of passersby mixes with distant music. Nami has her eyes glued to her phone, frantically tapping the screen to scroll through the list of bands scheduled for the evening.

"I know exactly where to go to get Zoro to dance!" she suddenly exclaims, her eyes shining with excitement.

"Oi! Witch! That's not supposed to be your main goal!" Zoro growls.

"Don't talk to her like that!" Sanji intervenes immediately, a protective smile on his lips. "Tell us where you want to take us, honey, we'll follow."

Nami turns to them, a mischievous look on her face, and leads Vivi by the hand.

"It's this way, you'll see, it's going to be amazing!"

The crew follows her enthusiastically, zigzagging through the dense crowd. Sometimes they have to hold hands to avoid getting lost. Sanji never lets go of Zoro's, who lets himself be guided silently, focused on the movement of his steps rather than on the people around them.

Turning a corner, they emerge onto the terrace of a restaurant where all the tables and chairs have been pushed back to leave a vast open space. The air is warm, lightly scented with the sweet notes of herbes de Provence wafting from the restaurant's kitchen. The light from the lanterns reflects on the windows across the street. Half a dozen people applaud as the music has just finished. In a corner, the musicians are about to start a new song. Sanji can make out a violinist, a guitarist, and an accordionist. The singer is looking familiar somehow, but he can't make it out well enough to recognize him from the street.

Nami steps aside and spreads her arms with a big smile.

"I present to you the musette ball!"

"Amazing!" exclaims Usopp. "Come on, Chopper, I'll teach you!"

"The waltz?" Law asks amusedly. "Is that what Zoro can dance?"

"Oh yeah! You should have seen them at the Valentine's Day dance, it was glorious!" Vivi replies enthusiastically.

The crew moves forward and goes up onto the terrace. Behind the bar, the owner waves at them, visibly delighted to see young people among the regulars. The air smells of white wine, sweat, and polished wood heated by the electric lights.

They order drinks, then turn toward the dance floor to watch the couples twirl to a light waltz. Skirts brush against the wooden planks, shoes click softly, and a burst of laughter erupts. The music falls into a final chord, followed by warm applause, which the crew immediately joins in. The singer spots them, his eyes lighting up.

It's Mr. Soul—their philosophy teacher.

"Yohohoho! What a pleasure to see my students interested in traditional music!" he shouts cheerfully.

He beckons them over.

"Come on, the next one's for you! Join our dancers! Don't be shy, Mr. Black, I know you've got this!"

Laughter erupts from the crew. The teacher exchanges a knowing wink with the accordionist, and the musicians immediately segue into a livelier version of Les Amants de Saint-Jean. The violin rises, the rhythm quickens, the terrace fills with a swirl of warm notes.

Sanji sets down his glass with a wry smile, then gives Zoro a mischievous look.

"Come on, Marimo, let’s show them what you can do."

Without waiting for an answer, he grabs his hand to pull him toward the dance floor.

Zoro sighs, half-grunts, but lets himself be guided.

Around them, Nami and Vivi are already spinning, as light as leaves. A little further on, Usopp laughs as he tries to teach Chopper to keep time.

At the bar, Luffy taps the beat with his foot, a big smile on his face, while Law watches the scene, a drink in hand, amused by the joyful chaos unfolding beneath the lanterns.

Zoro gets into position very seriously, one hand placed on Sanji's waist, the other gently holding his hand. He listens to the notes for a moment before launching into the rhythm, mumbling the beat under his breath to keep track of the steps.

Sanji lets himself be carried along, a slight smile on his lips, amused to see his companion so focused. He observes his closed features, his jaw clenched, his brows furrowed under the golden light of the fairy lights—then bursts out laughing.

The clear sound of his laughter makes the beat waver. Zoro immediately stops, frowning even more.

"You don't need to be so focused, Marimo! Relax a little!"

"If I don't concentrate, I'll get mixed up," Zoro grunts, without unclenching his jaw.

"No, it happens all by itself. And don't be so stiff... come closer to me. That's it."

He steps forward, his torso brushing against Zoro's. Who’s fingers slide from his waist to the arch of his back, finding their natural place. With his other hand, he grasps Zoro's palm more firmly, their fingers intertwining.

A slight silence falls, just the scraping of soles on wood and the warm breath of the night. Then Zoro resumes the waltz, more supple this time.

Sanji follows effortlessly, his gaze fixed on his partner's. Their steps blend into the melody, their bodies moving in unison—as if the terrace, the crowd, the whole world were fading away around them. They spin for a moment, carried by the gentle rhythm of the waltz. Then the music gently slides into another tune.

Sanji immediately recognizes the first notes of Mon Manège A Moi. His smile widens. He hums the lyrics under his breath, his cheek almost brushing Zoro's. Zoro finally seems to relax, his torso following the movement without resistance, his steady breath brushing Sanji's skin with each step.

But already the melody fades, replaced by a cheerful announcement over the microphone:

"And now, dear dancers, a little challenge! La Valse A Mille Temps!"

Laughter ripples across the terrace, then the accordion begins. The rhythm is livelier, the notes rushing faster.

Zoro immediately tenses. He steps back a little, his eyes fixed on their feet so as not to make a mistake. The tempo quickens.

"Swap with me!" Sanji encourages him, a little out of breath, as he changes hands, taking over as leader for this song. "Here we go, don't stop! Don't think, just look at me!”

Zoro raises his head. Their eyes meet—steel against azure—and the world around them blurs. A missed step, another caught, then the movement starts up again.

Around them, the terrace spins, a blur. Laughter erupts, shouts ring out, hands clap to the frenetic rhythm. Nami and Vivi jostle each other, laughing, Usopp nearly crushes Chopper, and above it all, Mr. Soul's voice echoes, hilarious, through the microphone, drowning out the joyful frenzy of the dance floor.

The rhythm accelerates further, the instruments soar. Shoes hit the wood at full speed, breath becomes short, bodies burn. Sanji laughs between breaths, Zoro doesn't take his eyes off him, as if the music no longer exists except between them. When the song finally ends, they take another step, maybe two, before they stop. The silence that follows seems to vibrate between them. They stand there, pressed against each other, their skin warm, their cheeks flushed, their hearts beating too fast.

Around them, applause erupts, drowned out by the professor's thunderous laughter. Zoro and Sanji slowly separate to join in the applause—without breaking the invisible thread of their gaze.

"Shall we take a break?" Sanji suggests, gently wiping his forehead with the back of his hand.

"Yeah, good idea."

They return to the bar, hand in hand, their fingers still intertwined. The warmth of the terrace, the scent of polished wood and lanterns floating in the air, creates a gentle atmosphere. Luffy, a plate of fried chicken in front of him, talks enthusiastically while nibbling, his eyes sparkling. Law, a slight smile on his lips, doesn't take his eyes off Luffy.

Sanji watches them for a moment, amused and touched, then approaches. Zoro, a little more serious, orders drinks for the crew.

"Sanji, that was so good!" exclaims Luffy, banging on the table. "You two were amazing, twirling around like that! Nami and Vivi gave up halfway through the song! And Usopp almost sent Chopper crashing into the musicians!"

"I didn't think Zoro could keep up to the rhythm," adds Law. "Really impressive."

"Oi! I've got stamina!" Zoro defends himself with a wry smile, placing a glass of white wine in front of Sanji.

Sanji takes the glass, brushes him lightly with his hand, a knowing smile on his lips. Their eyes meet for a second, a brief moment suspended amidst the hubbub of the terrace.

They stay at the bar for a while, chatting and laughing over their drinks, the wood of the table warm beneath their hands, the scent of wine and lanterns floating in the air. Then Mr. Soul's solemn voice rises, accompanied by the first notes of My Way:

"And now, if all the couples in the room would do us the honor of joining the dance floor?"

Vivi grabs Nami by the hand and leads her onto the parquet floor, slipping among the older couples who embrace and sway gently to the tender rhythm of the music. Law rises from his seat, clearing his throat, and extends a hand to Luffy, who opens his eyes wide, surprised but delighted.

"That, I can do," Law says in a deep voice, a little embarrassed.

Luffy accepts immediately, leaps to his feet, and lets Law guide him onto the dance floor.

Sanji, however, remains motionless. He doesn't dare. As strange as it may seem after everything they've been through these past few days, slow dancing with Zoro intimidates him. He stares at his drink, the blood pounding at his temples, unable to look up at his partner.

Then he feels a warm hand on his back and a breath against his cheek. A shiver runs through him, making him flinch.

"Curly," Zoro whispers softly in his ear. "Would you like to dance?"

A shy smile plays on Sanji's lips. He turns his head toward Zoro, pressing his lips against his for a second before standing up. Still with one hand on his back, Zoro guides him to the dance floor.

Around them, the scene is vivid: Vivi and Nami tightly entwined, Luffy with his feet almost on Law's, his arm around the man’s neck, his eyes shining with admiration and joy.

Zoro stops in the middle of the couples, gently pulling Sanji closer to him by the waist. He intertwines their fingers and places them against both of their hearts. Sanji's arm immediately finds its place on Zoro's shoulder, his fingers sliding into his hair. Forehead to forehead, they sway gently, in time with the music, while Mr. Soul's voice rises, filling the space and eclipsing everything else.

Sanji closes his eyes, savoring this moment of pure sweetness. The world seems to fade around them. His heart is pounding, so loudly he thinks Zoro might be able to hear it. He then becomes fully aware of the intensity of his feelings—of the place the young man has taken in his life in such a short time. Of the warmth, the security he feels in his arms, as if nothing can reach him as long as he's there.

He opens his eyes again, meeting his companion's burning gaze. His cheeks immediately heat up. In those steely pupils, he reads everything: tenderness, patience, and that silent love that makes him waver.

He moves forward slightly, placing his lips on Zoro's. Their kisses are slow, their bodies still moving to the rhythm of the music. Sanji tries to convey everything he doesn't dare say with this gesture.

Then he barely pulls away, tightening his grip around Zoro's neck and bringing his lips to his ear:

"I love you."