Random stuff

          Sanji didn’t know when it all began. At first, there were only those small signs. How Nami’s face went softer every time she was yelling at Zoro. How swordsman’s eye wasn’t showing any anger while he was calling her sea witch. They were spending more time together. Zoro started more easily agreeing with whatever Nami ordered. Nami stopped putting so many chores on Zoro.

           Then things got more noticeable but Sanji still couldn’t see anything. How every time Zoro’s napping spot somehow ended near where Nami was sunbathing. How, after long night watch, redhead would prepare cup of green tea for the swordsman. How the man would meditate in Nami’s office when she was drawing her maps. How they spend long evenings, sitting next to each other and just talking.

           There were things more noticeable for the cook. Zoro didn’t fight with him so often. They would rather have a drink together, more like friends than rivals. How every time he tried flirting with Nami, Zoro seemed more angry than annoyed. Woman would always put her hands on Zoro’s shoulders and start talking to him.

           Sanji understood it much later. It was another night after some party. He and Zoro ended being the only ones awake. Zoro started talking something about Nami. And it was his voice – soft and happy – that finally got to cook.

           ‘You like her, don’t you?’ he asked but didn’t really need answer. Zoro smiled and nodded.

           Sanji couldn’t bring himself to say anything. Neither then or later, when Zoro and Nami started showing their affection more openly. He didn’t even said a world when Zoro asked him to be his best man. He just nodded and forced himself to smile, assuring, once again, that he wasn’t jealous of Nami.

           Wedding was beautiful. According to maritime law, Luffy, as a captain, could preside over a wedding and he did.  Nami had long sleeveless white dress with open back. On her bare skin comfortable sat Zoro’s large hand. Sanji couldn’t stop wondering how would it feel if it was his back. Swordsman wore black suit. Sanji helped him put on the tie, idiot didn’t know how to do it himself. He looked even more handsome than ever. Cook didn’t say anything then. When Zoro was again making sure blonde wasn’t jealous, he would again deny it.

           It was many years later, when he said anything. Zoro asked for Luffy’s permission so he and Nami could leave the crew. Captain smiled and agreed. Of course he did, they accomplished their goals after all. Nami was already walking toward town, accompanied by Robin and Chopper, who were focused on her large stomach. Fifth month, reindeer said.

           ‘You sure you aren’t angry?’ asked Zoro, standing next to blonde and watching the walking trio.

           ‘No, I’m not. Why would I?’ Sanji forced yet another smile. He was getting good at it.

           ‘You just look…’ he stopped. ‘You always have this look when you’re watching us together. I thought you’re jealous. You were always flirting with Nami after all…’

           ‘No.’ Sanji wanted to end it at that. He didn’t mean to say anything more. He shouldn’t say anything more, he lost his right to do so long time ago. But he did continue. ‘It wasn’t Nami I always wanted.’

           Funny, how it still hurt, even after all this time.

           At first, Zoro looked at him without understanding. After few seconds he finally got it.

           ‘Oh,’ he said, slightly uncomfortable, not knowing what to do with this new information.

           ‘Yeah, pretty hopeless, right?’ Sanji laughed humorlessly.

           ‘I’m sor…’

           ‘Don’t.’ Cook shook his head. ‘It was my fault for not letting you know. I was just late. You’re happy and that’s all that matters right now.’

           They were silent for some more minutes, just watching people walking by. Then Zoro turned and looked the cook in the eyes.

           ‘You know that doesn’t change anything between us, don’t you? We’re still friends and you can always count on me if anything happens. It’s just… I don’t… And I won’t…’

           ‘I know.’ Sanji smiled and this time it wasn’t forced. He was relieved. ‘I’m glad you still think of me as a friend. I know I shouldn’t told you this, not after all this time, but I felt like you deserved to know.’

           Swordsman nodded slowly.

           ‘Thank you for your honesty. I’m sure you will find yourself someone even better than me.’

           ‘Yeah, like it would be hard to find someone better than some Marimo.’ Sanji laughed and pushed his friend on his back. ‘Go already. Future mom will get impatient.’

           ‘Sure. See you around, Cook.’ Zoro waved and left the blonde alone.

           Sanji keep watching swordsman’s back until he disappeared in the crowd. Then he went into galley and closed the door behind himself. No one should be back before next day. He sat on the floor and hid his face in hands.

           He said he would find someone else, but it was a lie. Did Zoro believed in this? That would remain mystery. Bu the truth was, even after so many years, Sanji couldn’t get rid of his hopeless feelings toward swordsman. It only got stronger. Maybe, few years later, he could move on and find himself someone who could love him. Or maybe he would end up alone, still thinking about how he didn’t say anything when he should have.

           ‘They love each other,’ stated Luffy, looking around his friends.

           His whole crew, except Zoro and Sanji, gathered in aquarium room, trying to somehow guess if said men felt something to each other or not. Captain was getting tired with all their speech of how they saw something which could mean nothing or how they didn’t think two people always fighting could get along enough to create some kind of bond. Luffy didn’t listen, but he was tired anyway. He’d prefer to play than sat there and think about something so obvious. Of course his swordsman and cook loved each other! How others couldn’t see that!?

           ‘What do you mean, Luffy?’ asked Nami, crossing arms against her chest.

           Black haired boy shrugged.

           ‘They love each other,’ he repeated, slighty louder. Maybe his navigator couldn’t hear him the first time?

           ‘I know that they are crewmates and we all love each others here, but we meant it more like…’ Nami started to explain, but Luffy shaked his head.

           ‘No. They are crewmates but they also love each other. Like, romantic kind of love.’

           ‘How do you…’ she started again, but captain already lost his attention.

           ‘I’m hungry!’ he yelled and run out.

           Nami looked after him for while longer, then she turned to others in room. Chopper was shifting nervously on his hooves, obviously wanting to go after his captain. Usopp was nodding, as if he knew everything, though his eyes clearly said, that he has no idea what was going on. Robin sat on bench with book in her hand, smiling as usual. Brook played some light tunes on his violin. Franky wasn’t paying attention, he was doing something whith some gears and springs. Navigator sighed.

           ‘Ok, anyone knows, why is he so sure?’ she asked, but didn’t get any reply. Only Robin looked as if she could knew anything but woman always looked like that and getting those kinds of informations from her could be complcated.

           ‘Maybe he saw them, like… together, or something?’ suggested Usopp, scratching his nose.

           ‘Yeah, maybe they were kissing… Do you thing they are the type who would kiss?’ Franky looked up from his mechanism and smiled.

           ‘No, I think they are more like ‘right into sex’ kind of couple,’ laughed Brook.

           ‘Gross,’ commented Nami. ‘Anyway, we have to know if they feel something to each other or not! How do you suggest we should do it?’

           ‘Maybe just ask them?’ Chopper looked at her with his big, innocent eyes.

           ‘No, Chopper. That won’t do. They are too stubborn to admit it. We have to find another way!’

           ‘How about you try to make them kiss somehow?’ Robin chuckled behind her hand. ‘Their reaction should give away enough to judge.’

           ‘That’s why I love you, Robin!’ exclaimed red haired. ‘Ok, it’s time to start operation ‘Kiss’!’

           ‘That’s rather boring name. Let me figure out something super!’ shouted Franky.

           ‘No!’

 ~*~

             ‘Sanji-kun!’ exclaimed Nami, waving to the blond to come closer. He smiled brightly and did so, instantly asking if he could do something. ‘Yeah, actually, could you try it for me? It’s taste reminds me of something, but I’m not sure what. I thought a great chef like you could tell me what it is?’

           Sanji eyed glass with yellowish substance suspiciously. He didn’t remember giving Nami-san something like that. Could it be someone stole from his kitchen when he wasn’t there?

           ‘What is it, Nami-san?’ he asked, taking glass and sniffing it. It smelled quite like orange, but also with something else...

           ‘Oh, it’s from Chopper. I had headache and he gave me this. Said it isn’t dangerous so you could taste it without worry.’

           Blond man nodded, relieved that it wasn’t because of some guys stupid idea to raid his kitchen. Thought the fact that navigator had a headache was somehow worrysome. Maybe he could do her some tea or... Ice? What could help with that?

           Sanji decided that he could think about it later and sipped carefully from glass. Yeah, it was definitely orange flavoured, but he couldn’t feel anything else familiar. Besides stronge taste of some medicine, of course. He narrowed his eyebrows,

           ‘I don’t know, Nami-san. I can’t feel anything besides orange.’

           Girl shaked her head.

           ‘No, I’m pretty sure there’s something familiar. Try again, please?’

           And he did. He tried it at least ten more times with same effect. He didn’t know what Nami could possibly felt there but he wasn’t able to catch that one flavour that was important to girl. Finally, she just nodded and thanked him and he went to kitchen. Suddenly, he felt sleepy. He looked at clock. He still had at least one hour before he should start preparing dinner. He may as well take short nap. But he needed go to bed first... On the other hand, floor looked so fluffy. Yeah, it was good enough.

 ~*~

             ‘Zoro!’

           Loud shout from Nami was what wake the swordsman. He opened his eye and looked around, searching for any danger. When he didn’t spot any, he stared at red head. She looked like she was in hurry. And... scared? Like something bad happened. But it wasn’t enemy attack.

           ‘What is it?’ he asked, getting up. He may not know why she decided to call him first of all people but if this was serious, then he was going to help her.

           ‘It’s Sanji!’ Red haired ran toward the kitchen, so he followed her. While still moving, she briefly explained: ‘I think he is not breathing!’

           Zoro nearly stopped, hearing this.

           ‘Why did you come to me? We have to get Chopper!’ He sterted to turn away but the girl stopped him.

           ‘No, he can’t! He is... stuck.’

           ‘Stuck...?’ Roronoa frowned.

           ‘Yeah, in... The closet.’ She looked away for a moment, but then again stared in his eyes. ‘There’s no time to explain. It was... Luffy’s idea!’

           ‘Oh.’ If it was their captain, then it wasn’t that suspicious. After all, getting their little doctor stuck in the closet wouldn’t be the weirdest thing he ever done...

           ‘Yeah, guys are trying to get him out so you have to help Sanji till then!’

           Zoro only nodded and ran past Nami into the kitchen, noticing that cook was on the floor, seming unconcious. Swordsman came closer and called him. No response.

           ‘You need to do CPR,’ called girl, and Zoro nodded. He knew the basics, thought he never really needed them. He more often killed people than saved their lifes. ‘Put yours lips to his and...’

           ‘I know what to do!’ he glared at her but in the next moment concentrated on task on hand. He was pretty sure he should press on his chest first but maybe he was wrong? He never tried this...

           He leaned down and then freezed. He could swear, he heard...

           ‘What? What are you waiting for?’ asked Nami impatiently.

           ‘Be quiet for a moment!’ hissed Roronoa and listened more closely. Yeah, he weren’t mistaken. ‘He is breathing. Quit loudly too. I guess he just fell asleep,’ he decided, standing up again.

           ‘A-are you sure about it?’ Nami looked nervous.

           ‘Yup, definitely. But the fact that he is sleeping on the floor is still weird. We should get Chopper to check on him.’ Green haired man sighed and scratched his head in thought. ‘Can you check if those idiots got Chopper out already? I’ll get this one to his bed.’

           ‘Yes, of course...’ Why Nami seemed so upset? Fact that cook was still breathing should be relief for her, right? Maybe she was just worried of the fact that he was unconcious? Zoro decided that he didn’t have time and energy to think about it. He should just get the cook to his bed and then take another nap.

 ~*~

             Chopper come to Sanji just to make Zoro relax. After all, swordsman was the only one who didn’t know about their plan – Nami’s plan he should tell. But when they were alone in the room with sleeping cook, doctor couldn’t stop his curiousity. Even thought Nami told them not to...

           ‘Zoro, can I ask you something?’ asked reindeer, looking uncertainly at his older friend.

           ‘Sure, what is it, Chopper?’ Roronoa’s gaze warmed a little when he was adressing their youngest companion, as always.

           ‘Are you and Sanji... Together?’

 ~*~

             ‘It’s your turn, Usopp,’ declared Nami, staring intently at her friend.

           Long nosed man nodded reluctantly, not sure if the idea was that good after all. Both Zoro and Sanji were scary and if one – or worse, both – of them found out what they were going to do, Usopp probably would be a dead man.

           ‘You sure about that? We can still think about something else...’ he said but stopped, at the glare he received from the navigator.

           ‘Just do your part! I’ll make them play with us so it’s up to you that this think will work!’ she hissed and then smiled dangerously.

           ‘Fine, fine...’ Usopp sighed, defeated.

           He walked to Zoro, trying to calm his nerves. It wasn’t easy. At least swordsman was finishing cleaning his swords so he wasn’t going to be too annoyed from being disturbed. Hopefully.

           ‘Hey, Zoro!’ called Usopp.

           Roronoa lifted his head and looked at sniper suspiciously. He knew something was off, he just didn’t know what. Yet.

           ‘What is it?’ asked green haired man, sheathing his sword.

           ‘Uh, could you help me with someting?’

           Zoro stood up and crossed his arms against his chest, his gaze moving around as if looking for potential trap. Still, he nodded to his friend to continue. He was nearly sure that some of his crewmates were planning something but he didn’t know what and it made him careful.

           ‘So, uh, I made this and I want you to... hold it?’

           Roronoa watched as Usopp pull out some kind of small black box with one metal side. Or it looked like that. He took it and examined, but he still got no idea what it could be used as.

           ‘What is it for?’ asked Zoro.

           ‘It’s... It’s charm that protect against all monsters that could want to eat you! It’s my greatest invention to protect all innocent people in world!’ long nosed man lied, feeling better the second he thought about it. He was always good at lying after all.

           ‘Yeah, sure.’ Swordsman rolled his eyes.

           ‘Just... Can you keep it until tonight? It’s important to me?’

           Zoro sighed, but nodded anyway.

           ‘Ok. But if it make anything weird, you’re going to pay for it.’

           Usopp smiled and thanked him, then runned away. He didn’t really thought that conversation would go as easily. Now, to find Nami...

 ~*~

             ‘You two are playing with us!’ stated Nami, looking at Zoro and Sanji who were both confused.

           ‘Of course, if that is what you want, Nami-san, I’ll play...’ Sanji nodded, smiling unsurely. He didn’t know what was going on, but he could join if that was what the girl wanted him to do...

           ‘Why do I have to do what you want?’ Zoro was harder to convince, as always.

           ‘You should just listen to Nami-san, you brute!’ Cook exhaled a cloud of smoke from his cigarette.

           ‘Shut up, cook. I won’t listen to that witch!’

           Usopp looked nervously at Franky, who just shrugged. They were arguing as always. Why Nami wanted to make them kiss each other? It was suicidal idea.

           ‘Zoro.’ Nami smiled dangerously. ‘How much do you owe me already?’ Zoro only grunted something in return. ‘Do you want me to double it?’

           After a little more arguing, the six of them gathered aroung on deck, where Nami started to explain rules. Both women were smiling weirdly, Usopp and Franky looked a little worried, Sanji was smiling to girls and Zoro just sat there, annoyed. He would rather just keep an eye on Luffy and Chopper who were running around. Or talk with Brook who was playing on his violin.

           ‘So, each of us spin this bottle.’ She showed them normal looking glass bottle. ‘Who it ends up pointing at, is going to kiss the person who spinned it.’

           ‘That’s it?’ Roronoa didn’t look pleased. ‘And what if I don’t want to kiss the person it point?’

           ‘Then you still have to kiss that person. You have to stick to the rules.’ Nami stared at him with warning.

           ‘I’m not kissing you, even if you want to raise my debt againg,’ he stated, not stepping back from her challenge.

           ‘Fine.’ She rolled her eyes. ‘If it points at me, you can spin it once again. Happy?’

           Zoro only shrugged.

           ‘Just let’s start so we can finish earlier.’

           Robin smiled and took the bottle in her hand.

           ‘Who want to start? Cook-san, maybe?’

           Sanji’s smile only widened. He took the bottle and thanked woman, before looking around as if not sure if that was really happening.

           ‘So, if it points at Nami-san or Robin-chan, I can kiss you?’ he asked, looking at them hopefully. Zoro snorted, hearing that.

           ‘Yes, yes... Do it already!’ Nami stared at the bottle with excitement.

Usopp moved nervously, looking between her and Zoro. He hoped his little invention would work. Little magnet currently in Zoro’s pocket should only work with the other, hidden under the cap. If that bottle ends up pointing at Nami, she would kill him. But if it ends up really pointing at Zoro and the man somehow find out, he was dead too. And if it was Sanji, who would know... The boy decided he didn’t want to imagine this.

Obviously, he either had luck or it worked, because after few seconds, the bottle was pointing toward Zoro. Nami clapped her hands.

‘Now, you have to kiss!’ she exclaimed.

Zoro shot her murderous glare, but then just shrugged and looked at Sanji. Cook sighed, probably a little dissapointed, then move slightly as if to move closer to swordsman...

‘Marines!’ Luffy’s shout made them look away from their little game and at the sea. In the distance, they could see marine ship, sailing straight at them.

‘Finally some kind of entertainment!’ Zoro grinned, getting up.

‘And that’s where I agree with you, moss-head.’ Nodded Sanji.

 ~*~

             Franky was humming, while repairing the hole, one of the marines made on the deck of Sunny. Usopp looked at cyborg and then at Sanji, who was helping them. Rest of the crew were cleaning other side of ship which meant they were out of earshot.

           ‘So, Sanji... Today’s game...’ he started, not really knowing how to ask what he wanted to ask.

           The blond hummed, prompting his friend to continue whatever he wanted to say, but sniper didn’t really know what to say. Franky asked that instead of him.

           ‘Are you with Zoro?’

 ~*~

             Nami was getting a little annoyed. Two plans and neither worked! It was time to involve Luffy. Yeah, a little desperate move, but she really wanted to know!

           ‘Luffy, could you help me a bit?’ she asked, looking at her captain with little smile.

           ‘Sure, what do I have to do?’ he agreed instantly, looking at her with those happy eyes.

           ‘Could you jump in the way that would make Zoro and Sanji fall onto each other?’

           Luffy frowned.

           ‘Are you still trying to know if they love each other? I told you they do, so why are you still trying?’ he asked. Why had he be so perceptive?

           ‘Because I need to be sure!’

           ‘So just ask them.’ Luffy shrugged as if not seeing any problems with that.

           ‘Did you ever saw them? They’re never going to admit that! Sanji is never going to admit that he may like men as well and Zoro... He just don’t do feelings!’

           Black haired boy watched her carefully for a while, then he nodded.

           ‘Fine, if that’ll make you happy, I’ll help you. But you should just talk to them. They are ours friends, they don’t want to have such huge secrets.’

           ‘Yeah, sure...’ Nami rolled her eyes. ‘Just get to it!’

 ~*~

             She didn’t have to wait for an opportunity too long. Two men behave as if they wanted Nami to execute her plan, arguing that close to each other, nearly touching but not yet. She needed to help them just a little.

           ‘Luffy, now,’ she hissed.

Captain grasped the rail and made few steps back before shooting forward, towards his crewmates. But Sanji, who was standing facing them, probably saw him in time and just moved to the side. Luffy flew into Zoro and they both landed on deck.

‘You idiot! Why did you do that!? Again!?’ yelled Zoro, while black haired man just started laughing

‘Anyway, I’m going to made dinner. Don’t destroy anything!’ said Sanji, who turned around and headed to kitchen. Nami sighed and returned to girl’s room, ignoring still yelling swordsman, laughin captain and Brook, who was watching it all curiously.

 ~*~

             ‘Zoro-san, may I ask you a question?’ Brook get closer to swordsman, who was dusting his clothes. Luffy just ran off in the direction of kitchen to ask Sanji for some meat.

           ‘Yeah, sure,’ mumbled Zoro, still trying to make his clothes look normal.

           ‘I know it may be personal, so if you don’t want to answer, I’ll understand. I can’t help but wonder... Are you and Sanji-san together?’

 ~*~

             ‘Fine, then it’s time for toughter ways.’ Nami steeled her gaze, looking at closed box in her hands.

           ‘Are you sure about it? You know you can just ask them and...’ Usopp stopped, when he received murderous glare from the girl.

           ‘Yes, I’m sure. And if you don’t want to help, then just go back to ship!’

           Sniper hesitated only for a moment. He turned back and ran off toward where Sunny was docked. Red haired rolled her eyes. Coward.

           They reached small island, which looked uninhibited. It was perfect to gather some food, as said Sanji, who wander off into woods to look for some fruits. He should be back in no time, which meant Nami needed to hurry. She knew where Zoro was sleeping in the shadow of one of many trees. She made Usopp catch her a snake. It wasn’t too venomous, girl knew that one. But it was enough to leave a biting mark. And that was all she needed. She was going to make them kiss!

           She walked to sleeping swordsman and listened. Yeah, Sanji was coming this way. Good. She carefully opened lid and throw the snake in the direction of Zoro. Soon after that, the man woke up and moved his hand to his face, near his chin, wincing with unexpected pain. He then saw the snake and with his other hand he killed animal in the blink of an eye.

           ‘What happened?’ asked Nami, moving as if she just get there.

           Zoro removed hands from his face and looked at it.

           ‘I’m not sure, I guess it just bite me.’ He shrugged and relaxed as if planning to go back to sleep.

           ‘It’s bad! What if it was venomous!?’ she asked loudly – loud enough for Sanji to hear.

           ‘Nami-san? Why are you shouting? Something happened?’ he asked, only few seconds later appearing near them.

           ‘Zoro was bitten by snake. I think it may be venomous,’ she informed.

           ‘We need to get you to Chopper, moss-head.’ Sanji looked at swordsman with worry.

           ‘Nah, it’s ok. It’s nothing dangerous. I’ll just go back to sleep and...’ Zoro started but was interrupted.

           ‘Forget it, marimo! We are getting you to Chopper.’ Cook glared at other man who just sighed.

           ‘Fine. If that’ll make you calm down...’ Roronoa was going to get up, when Nami shook her head.

           ‘There is no time for that. Sanji, you have to suck that venom off,’ she said with such cartainty she nearly belived herself.

           ‘What?’ The blond looked at her with frown. ‘You sure, Nami-san?’

           ‘I don’t think this is good idea. We better find Chopper,’ agreed Zoro.

           ‘And what if it’ll kill you before we get to Sunny? No, we need to do something now!’ She put her hands on her hips.

           Zoro rolled his eyes and Sanji looked between the two of them, before finally stepping closer to swordsman.

           ‘Fine, if you think so, Nami-san...’ he looked carefully at tiny wound, wondering how to even start.

           The girl watched with excitement, waiting for their reaction. Now it were no way it couldn’t work!

           ‘Stop it!’

And of course, life decided to prove her wrong. She looked behind herself to notice Chopper who were running toward them with Usopp behind him. Long nosem man looked slighly scared but it definitely was him who called their doctor. She should have thought about him!

‘Hey, Chopper, Marimo got bitten by some snake,’ stated Sanji, taking step back.

‘I know, Usopp told me!’ Reindeer looked worriedly at his friends, then started looking for the animal that caused all of this. If it was indeed venomous, he should know what to start with.

‘He told you? How did he know in the first place?’ Both Sanji and Zoro looked at sniper suspiciously.

‘What is more important, you should never suck venom off. It could only make it worse!’ Chopper finally spotted little reptile and sighed with relief. ‘It wasn’t venomous.’

‘Uh, that’s great! Then we should all go back to ship!’ exclaimed Nami, turning around and trying to get out.

‘Nami! What did you do?’ asked Zoro, who just crossed his arms and stared at her.

‘I think you should talk,’ sighed Chopper. Then he shooke his head. ‘Before it gets really dangerous.’

 ~*~

              ‘So? What was all that about?’ asked Zoro, looking at his crew members with raised eyebrow.

           They all gathered around table in the kitchen. Chopper called all of the crew. Sanji decided that it was perfect opportunity to do some snacks so he got a bowl and started mixing ingredients for croissants.

           There was silence for few minutes, before Nami sighed in defeat and shooked her head.

           ‘We tried to make you two kiss,’ she admited.

           ‘We?’ Usopp raised his eyebrow.

           ‘Ok, I was.’

           ‘Kiss? Just that?’ Roronoa looked more surprised than anything else.

           He and Sanji looked at each other and they shrugged. Sanji set aside his bowl and take step ahead. Zoro cradled blond head lightly and then they kissed. But not just simple lip-to-lip touch, no! They deepened their kiss, by slightly arching their head and, what Nami was sure about, putting their tongues into others’ mounth! After a minute or so, they finally pulled back, but didn’t step away from one another, just standing with their chest brushing.

           ‘You taste like sweat and booze. That’s gross,’ informed Sanji, calmly looking at swordsman’s face.

           ‘You taste gross too.’ Zoro shrugged nonchalantly. ‘Like tobacco and chocolate. You know I hate chocolate.’

           Sanji shrugged.

           ‘That’s why I’m making some with fruits.’ He then kissed green haired man once again, just brush of lips this time, and backed off. ‘Ok, I need to finish this.’

           Nami gawked at them, not really beliving what she just saw.

           ‘You… Kiss…’ She shooke her head. ‘Are you two together!? Like… Together, together!?’

           Zoro sat back on his seat and take another gulp of his alkohol, like nothing just happened. He looked at her without understanding.

           ‘Yeah. You didn’t know?’ he asked.

           ‘No!’ Nami exclaimed, completly ignoring Luffy, who nodded his head. ‘Why didn’t you said so?’

           Zoro shrugged.

           ‘We thought it was quite obvious.’

           ‘But… We tried to figure it out so much…’

           Zoro had a lot of scars. Some of them held important memories, others just were there, somehow appearing in one moment of his life or another. He didn’t really pay attention to when or where he was getting hurt so it wasn’t that surprise when he couldn’t remember why he had some of them.

           But those scars were only physical. Just some ugly lines on his skin. They weren’t painful anymore. Didn’t make him uncomfortable in any way, didn’t make his life any harder. Sure, some people may think that those would make them looking worse, or maybe bring some unwanted memories. But it wasn’t like that. His body looked like it was supposed to. Like the one of a warrior. Man who got hit, cut or shot and lived through it to tell tales about his victory. Who was stronger than those petty wounds, even if some of them were close to end his live.

           His scars were only that to him. Nothing more, nothing less. But he knew physical scars weren’t the only kind of scars that a person could have. Mental ones were far worse. He knew that for some time now.

           Zoro woke up in the middle of night and at first he looked around groggilly, not knowing what it was that interrupted his sleep. It was still dark outside, and quiet. No screams, no shoots, no fighting sounds. So they weren’t attacked.

           It took him moment to notice silent sobs on his right. Oh. He turned to trembling Sanji, who hid face in his hands, trying to stay as quiet as he could as if not to disturb anyone. Idiot. Why did he always have to put others before himself?

           ‘Hey, it’s ok,’ he whispered, trying to calm the blond and make sure he was expecting touch, before Zoro get any closer.

Swordsman rushed too much few times and it only made Sanji’s panic attack worse. Like he was afraid his partner would harm him in any way! Zoro knew that the blond wasn’t afraid of him but of memories of the ones who had hurt him in the past, but it’s still painful to see rejection from the one person he loved so much. At least he had learned how to treat his lover in those situations.

‘Sanji, it’s me.’ He shifted closer to the cook, not yet touching him. ‘You’re safe here. I’m Zoro. Remember me?’ he asked carefully.

           Sanji seemed to actually think about it for a few seconds before finally giving a tentative nod. Roronoa sighed. This was a good sign.

‘It’s ok, come here.’ He gently touched blond’s forearm, at first only brushing skin there, then wraping his hand around and slowly peeling the arm from the cook’s face.

Sanji blinked few times, wearilly watching the other man, but then he seemed to recognize him.

‘Zoro…’ he wshispered, and swordsman pulled him to himself, wrapping his partner in a warm embrance.

‘It’s ok now. I’ve got you. No one is going to hurt you here.’

They spend some time like that, just holding each other, with Zoro whispering some encouraging words and Sanji slowly calming down. Neither of them knew if it were minutes or hour, but when blond gently pulled off, he looked and feeled much better.

‘Thanks, marimo,’ he tried to sound calm but his voice still trembled a bit. ‘Sorry for waking you up. Again.’ He looked away, embarrased.

‘You don’t need to apologise, cook. I’ll just take nap later. And you know I’m here for you, don’t you?’ Zoro smiled but his single eye showed how worried he was.

‘Yeah…’ Sanji sighed and leaned into the welcoming warmth once again. ‘You can’t resist sleeping in the middle of deck, where you can trouble everyone.’

‘That’s why you love me.’ Light chuckle make Sanji’s head move slightly because of where it was rest on swordsman’s chest, but he didn’t seem to mind.

‘No, that’s the least why I love you.’

‘Oh? Then what is it that you love me the most for?’

           It was supposed to be the best gift ever. Zoro spend few weeks thinking about what he should buy for Cook. It was their fifth anniversary and it was supposed to be special. At least, that was what Nami keep talking about. Green haired man wasn’t so sure about it but he knew Sanji liked romantic stuff like that so he would apprecieate gift. Hopefully.

           The problem was: he didn’t know what gift would be the best. He asked his friends, but they weren’t too helpful. Luffy, of course, adviced him to buy some meat. Yeah, like giving the chef food would be great idea. Chopper’s first thought were sweets. Then he said that maybe something to help Sanji quit smoking. But cook enjoyed his ciggaretes and, to be honest, Zoro too started appreciate the taste of tobacco on blonde’s lips. Nami replied that money would be good present, but since they shared their money, it didn’t seem like perfect choice too. And it would look like he was too lazy to think about something else. Robin suggested book, Franky yelled something what sounded like „super knife”, though Zoro couldn’t be sure. Both weren’t that bad idea but Roronoa didn’t want his gift to be something so obvious and normal. Usopp mentioned that Sanji keep comlaining about dried herbs being not enough so some potted plants would be great. While it was a thing to consider, Zoro was sure he could get something even better. Brook told him to write a song for cook. It definitely would be something special, and perhaps romantic, but Zoro simple couldn’t imagine himself singing for blonde. Or anyone. It was just… Not like him.

           So he keep thinking and, because it helped him, wandering. It was on one of his many rounds around town - he didn’t get lost, he needed time to think – he finally saw something that drew his attention. Sanji always wanted to have a dog – they both wanted one – but because of their small flat on seventh floor, they couldn’t really have one. But they moved few mounth earlier into house with rather large garden. He walked into shelter and smiled to man behind counter.

           ”Hello. Can I see your dogs?”

             It was this day. Zoro left his job an hour earlier so he could first visit shelter and take puppy he choosed. The owner agreed to keep this one for few more days so green haired could pick him in the day of their anniversary.

           Sanji was home too. He promised to cook something delicious so they could have nice dinner together and then just spend some time in each other’s company. Zoro closed little golden retriever in the hall so he could greet his partner before his surprise. Thankfully, dog started sniffing shoes and didn’t bark.

           ”Welcome home, Marimo.” Sanji smiled, seeing swordsman entering their kitchen. ”You’re on time today, first time not getting lost?”

           Zoro snorted.

           ”Shut up, Dartbrow. I’m not getting lost.”

           ”Sure, you just keep choosing the longer path.” Blonde rolled his eyed but smiled when his partner came closer and kissed him gently.

           „I’ve got something for you, Cook. Come with me.”

           Chef looked at stove where something deliciously smelling was boiling lazily.

           ”Can’t it wait a bit longer? Dinner will be ready in a few minutes.” Sanji leaned back so he could be comfortable pressed against warm chest of his partner. He smiled, feeling two arms creeping around his waist and soft lips touching the back of his neck.

           ”While I’d like to eat that already, I don’t think he will wait patiently,” murmured Zoro.

           Chef turned around hearing that.

           ”He?”

           Swordsman just chuckled and went to hall, knowing that his partner was following after him. He opened the door and watched with smile as dog ran happily toward blonde and startef sniffing his legs, wailing his tail. Golden retriever wouldn’t be his first pick, but he knew Sanji loved those dogs. But instead of being happy, chef stared at puppy with shock in his eyes.

           ”You… bought me a dog?”

           ”Uhm, yeah.” Zoro nervously shifted his weight. Maybe it wasn’t the best idea after all? Maybe he should just buy some knife or meat? ”You always wanted a dog and since we have space for one now I thought it was good idea to… You know… Have one…”  he looked around not sure what to do or say. ”You don’t like that?”

           Sanji looke up and in his eyes there was still shock but also amusement. As if he saw something incredible funny. Was this idea really that terrible?

           ”I like it. A lot. I just didn’t expect you to…” he stopped, and shrugged. ”I think you should just saw what I got for you.”

           After that, chef turned around and headed to garden’s door. Zoro went after him, feeling more interested than nervous. Sanji stepped out on the porch, looked around and then whistled. Afew seconds Zoro saw why his partner was so shocked. In their direction was running small brown and black furball. Young german shepard. Roronoa’s favourite dog.

           ”Uhm, happy anniversary?” Blonde looked at the other man with nervous smile.

           Green haired looked at two dogs, now sniffing each other, then at Sanji. He started laughing.

           ”See, we think too alike.” He smiled and hugged his partner. ”They like each other.”

           ”They better be. Now they’ll spent a lot of time together.” Sanji  too smiled and kissed his partner.

           ”How will you name yours?” asked Zoro.

           ”Hmmm, maybe Marimo, what do you think?”

           ”So I’ll call mine Eyebrow.”

           ”Oh, shut up, Marimo!”

           ”Right after you, Eyebrow.”

           Whith each world their faces were closer to each other’s and it was when their lips nearly touched, when Sanji suddenly jumped back.

           ”I forgot about dinner,” he yelled and was about to ran to kitchen when Zoro’s hand grabbed his wrist.