A/N: Why do I keep writing yaoi pairings...? O.O;;;

Haha, yeah, it's ZoroxSanji, if you haven't figured it out already.

Rated K+ for minor gay crap and stuff like that. Overall, I think it's going to be teen friendly. If not, I'll change the rating. The purpose of the rating guide is lost on me; what with Sanji and Zoro swearing all the bloody time I can't decide whether or not this fanfic deserves a K+ or a T. I think it's somewhere in the middle. But looking at my 8059 fanfic, it seems pretty dirty compared to this one...

If I owned One Piece, everyone would hate me.

YOSH! Let's begin! ;D


Island

Why is it that…

In this situation…

I can only think of you…?


Sanji tried to open his eyes but found that he couldn't. Something was keeping them shut at the corners and he didn't have the strength to battle the strange force dulling his senses. He struggled to focus, fighting to see what lay beyond the inside of his eyelids. After a few hapless moments he held still and concentrated solely on his surroundings. There seemed to be an oxygen mask strapped around his head. Stray locks of hair tickled his cheek. He felt weightless.

Where am I?

He couldn't move his arms or legs. Sanji frowned slightly when he identified steel cuffs binding his wrists together, as well as a similar restraint holding his ankles. He was in an upright position, as though he was floating in a murky substance. He moved his fingers experimentally and discovered that every action was subdued and considerably delayed. His limbs felt sluggish. A low hum of machinery could be heard vibrating through the languid atmosphere.

What happened?

His lips parted.

I…

The air suddenly grew dense before his mouth and he inhaled unthinkingly, a sweet cloying scent filling his lungs. His mind tipped over into the gaping abyss of emptiness and the world became pitch-black. Confused, Sanji could do nothing but slip away from consciousness with lingering, mystifying thoughts of regret.

Why…?


"ZOROOOOO!"

Luffy swung down from the mast, clutching his hat to his head. He grinned eagerly at the approaching swordsman, bouncing up onto the ship's railing and waving.

"Zoro's back! Zoro's back!"

"Where's Sanji?" Nami called. "I thought he was with you."

Zoro shrugged. "He told me to meet him at the ship." He walked into the kitchen and set down his armful of groceries on the table.

"I'm surprised you didn't get lost," Nami commented wryly, entering the room and looking through what Sanji had bought.

Zoro bristled defensively. "I asked for directions!"

Nami ignored him. "Where are my navigating tools?" She rummaged through the bags. "I specifically asked Sanji to get them for me."

"How should I know? He's probably keeping them in his pants."

"MAAARIIINES!" Luffy screamed.

Nami tensed and Zoro automatically ran out on deck, his hand already at his swords.

"Where?!" he demanded, scanning the horizon.

"Right there." Luffy pointed to the detailed picture Usopp had drawn of a Marine fleet.

Nami aimed a punch at the youth's oblivious form and yelled, "Don't ever do that again!" while Zoro shook his head ruefully and sheathed Wadou.

"Did Sanji get the medicine I ordered?" Chopper inquired, blinking up at Zoro with wide brown eyes.

"He was carrying it the last time I saw him."

"Well, I hope he gets here soon," Nami sighed impatiently, glancing at the placement of the sun. "We should get going before nightfall. A hurricane's supposed to be on its way and Going Merry can't handle a storm of that degree right now."

"Eh? A hurricane? But there are no clouds," Luffy objected, squinting at the clear blue sky in puzzlement.

"This country is known for sudden, violent weather," Nami explained. "It's got something to do with the moon's arrangement at night. I read in a book that the people of this region always have a lockdown before the sun sets in order to avoid casualties, so I'm guessing the storms are a big deal."

"Where was Cook-san going when you two parted ways?" Robin addressed Zoro.

"Uh… He didn't say." Zoro scratched the back of his head.

"I wouldn't worry," Luffy said stoutly. "Sanji can take care of himself."

"You never worry!" Nami pointed out, jabbing an accusing finger in his direction. Usopp peered expectantly through his binoculars past the shoreline of the docks and Zoro found that his gaze was traveling the same route, instinctively searching for a lean, gangly figure with blond hair and long legs accompanied by a cloud of smoke.

"I don't see him," stated Usopp.

"He'll be here," Luffy said confidently. "I'm hungry."

"Is that the only thing you're concerned about?!" Nami barked shrilly. Luffy dodged her fist, laughing.

"Zoro?" queried Chopper. "Where are you going?"

Zoro nimbly jumped down to the port and ambled towards the village entrance without stopping.

"I'm going to find that shit-cook," he answered carelessly.

"I'll go with you!" Luffy volunteered, racing enthusiastically to the shore after him.

"Don't get lost!" Nami warned.

"And make sure to return before sunset," Robin added.

"Like it or not, if you don't make it in time, we'll be sailing without you." Nami planted a hand on her hip and glared tersely at Luffy's retreating shoulders.

"B-but we'll come back for them, won't we?" Chopper's fading voice asked anxiously, and that was the last thing Zoro was able to hear before Luffy caught up with him and they both stepped into the bustling village of Elreiya.

The houses lining the street were built exceptionally sturdy, made with bricks and strong mortar. All the doors and windows had bolts or varying methods of fastening any openings shut. The people appeared friendly, but Zoro couldn't help thinking there was something about them that didn't feel right. The first time he had strolled through the rural dwellings, their inhabitants' smiling faces put his nerves on edge and he had been secretly relieved when Sanji had told him to go ahead to the ship by himself.

Luffy seemed totally at ease with them, grinning at little kids who ran in the streets and pausing at the stalls of dealers to goggle at their merchandise.

The people of Elreiya were dark-skinned and fair-haired, with misty eyes and generally humble demeanors. They were a somewhat bonded community; everyone knew each other well and welcomed newcomers warmly. Zoro noticed that they had liked Sanji on the spot, entranced with his charming personality and fawning chivalry for girls. Many merchants lowered their prices as soon as Sanji attempted to haggle and gave him the best offers on fresh produce or equipment.

It was a bit unsettling, Zoro had thought. The villagers treated everyone else equally save for Sanji, whom they obviously esteemed highly. Zoro wondered what exactly they saw in him, and why they valued him so greatly. Sanji hadn't seemed to perceive anything unusual, though he had mentioned once that the Elreiyians possessed extremely sophisticated mannerisms, and then had promptly fallen over a flood of hearts at the sighting of another pretty lady.

Zoro was suspicious of the country's generosity. Surely the villagers had seen pirates before? If they were always so gracious with unannounced guests, it was a wonder they hadn't been pillaged yet.

"SAAANJIIIIIIII!!" Luffy bellowed, startling a flock of birds from a nearby fruit tree.

The instant the crew had docked at the port and entered the modest village, they had been bombarded with salutations and greeted sincerely. Even when wandering the streets alone, every so often a stranger would catch their eye and nod his or her head respectfully. However, Sanji had been immediately singled out as a superior individual and hence, instead of a polite, cordial gesture, numerous villagers would hail him from across the road or abandon their stalls to shake his hand with something akin to simple affection.

It got to be a pain in the ass after a while, but Sanji kept up appearances and continued to acknowledge each villager separately, bestowing kisses on the knuckles of particularly lovely maidens and heartily joking with men and elders alike. The children were usually too shy to approach him, but Sanji always regarded them with the utmost care and attention. After countless displays of his endearing, princely qualities, Sanji would often turn to Zoro with a snappy retort for the blank stare he wore.

Zoro really didn't understand how Sanji's mouth could be so gentle and kind when he was in a genuine mood, and then a split second later would abruptly have the ability to spew gory threats, like excess waste that overflowed from his lips. It was frustrating sometimes.

"WHERE ARE YOUUU?!"

The villagers paid no heed to Luffy's shouts, as though they didn't believe in the existence of the disturbance he was prone to causing in the town square. Several people blinked at the boy in amusement, knowing by experience not to bother conversing with him. The rest settled upon receiving Zoro hospitably, waving or bowing when he passed them.

Zoro had been invited to drinking sessions on more than one occasion. He would have been happy to comply--after all, booze was booze--but he never failed to prompt a fierce kick from Sanji when it looked as if he was about to take advantage of a suggestion.

"I'M HUUUNGR--"

Zoro paused next to a shop he recalled visiting briefly on his trip out with Sanji. He ducked under the doorframe.

"Excuse me."

His sharp eyes skillfully located the lone shadow sitting behind the counter, hidden tactfully behind a stack of maps. The quiet man raised his chin, testing the nib of his quill on the tip of his tongue and smiling pleasantly.

"Why, hello, sir."

Zoro nodded curtly in response, involuntarily keeping Luffy in his peripheral vision from the doorway as the raven-haired youth marched down the street, yelling Sanji's name.

"May I help you?" the man ventured softly, his baleful gaze eerily thoughtful.

"Have you seen a guy around here? The one that was with me earlier."

"Earlier…?" the man repeated slowly. He tilted his head to the side, perplexed, the smile still twitching vaguely at the edges of his lips. "I'm sorry. I'm afraid I will need more information than that."

"Um… He's tall," Zoro said lamely. He was unaccustomed to characterizing one's outward aspect and it was even more awkward trying to clarify what Sanji looked like because what was there to say? "Blond hair, blue eyes. Smokes a lot. Worships women," he included reluctantly. "Oh, and he has these weird curly eyebrows. He came in here asking for navigational tools…" Zoro trailed off when he saw the man shaking his head.

"I cannot remember anyone matching your description," he apologized. "But perhaps you may try speaking with Rosella. She owns the floral shop at the end of the crossroads and tends to be more sociable than I."

Zoro narrowed his eyes. "Thank you."

"Good luck."

"SANJI, WHERE ARE YOU?! I'M--"

"Let's go, Luffy."

Zoro snagged the collar of his captain's shirt and dragged him along. Luffy fell silent during the unexpected ride, pondering.

"That man…" Luffy glanced up seriously at Zoro's broad frame. "He was lying, wasn't he?"

Zoro grunted. "The love-cook was probably the only customer he had today, and they talked for half an hour about improved equipment that was shipped in overseas. Besides," he muttered, "it's not that easy to forget someone who walks in next to a guy with green hair."

"So are we going to a flower lady's shop?"

"Yeah."

Luffy scrunched up his face. "Think it's a trap?"

"Could be." Zoro absently fondled the hilt of his katana and his expression grew shrouded. "I don't see why else he would lie." Zoro fell into a brooding silence after that. He could conjure no reasonable explanation for Sanji's disconcerting absence. For the moment, he was at somewhat of a total loss. His mind vehemently denied the idea that he was actually worried about the shit-cook, his gut told him something fishy was going on with the overly optimistic villagers, but his heart was on the verge of a sinkhole.

Zoro had figured Sanji would rather die fighting or pleasing girls. The cook had too much pride and self-worth to give up his life without challenging fate. In fact, he had too much pride, period. Sooner or later, his sassy mouth would get him into more trouble than he bargained for and he'd be stuck between a rock and a hard place. Zoro had been prepared for that, and had imagined relishing the satisfaction of saving Sanji's sorry ass.

But really, he didn't think it'd be a stupid rescue mission. Sanji wasn't dumb enough to be kidnapped. Maybe he was just lost, or flirting with women. The only problem was that although the scenario seemed likely, it wouldn't support the motive behind why the man from the shop felt compelled to lie to Zoro about Sanji. Zoro scowled moodily at the ground.

This was so messed up.

He dropped Luffy when he strolled into the store. It was a roomy, spacious area, with cool air circulating the multiple potted plants lining the walls and windows. The lady behind the counter was definitely one Sanji would have appreciated. She had gorgeous curves in all the right places and a royal tinge to her fine features. Her attraction didn't deter Zoro in the least.

"Rosella," he deadpanned.

"Yes?" She smiled sweetly. "May I help you?" A graceful waterfall of tumbling golden curls cascaded down to her shoulders, bouncing slightly when she moved her head. A single violet was tucked behind her ear. Zoro could only envision what Sanji would be doing right now if he was in Rosella's proximity. He'd most likely be swooning over her coffee complexion and verbally exploring the lovely hue of her blue eyes to the flower in her hair, which was inevitably "dreary in comparison". He would get down on one knee, his mouth curved benignly as he held her hand in his, and regale her with honeyed words that rolled like unadulterated sin off his tantalizing lips…

All of a sudden, Zoro decided he didn't like Rosella.

"I was told you might have information on a comrade of mine."

Her gentle eyes flashed for a split second. "Describe him, please."

"Tall, blond, blue-eyed smoker with curly eyebrows," Zoro recited plainly.

Luffy investigated a corner of the shop, digging his nose into a patch of pink flowers and flaring his nostrils, inhaling so deep the petals wilted drastically.

Rosella blinked innocently, returning Zoro's steady gaze. "Name?"

There was a hint of smugness in her tone, as though she knew something he didn't and was reveling in her condescending knowledge. Frankly, Zoro didn't care either way. He had been in risky situations before, where he was completely clueless as to what was happening but managed to survive anyway because that was what he was. A survivor.

"…Sanji."

"AH-CHOO!!"

The floor began to shake. At first Zoro assumed it was due to Luffy's gigantic sneeze, but then he glimpsed the smirk on Rosella's face and he swiftly balanced the palm of his hand on Wadou's hilt, sliding his foot back into a battle stance as the ground rumbled beneath his boots.

He glared at her. "What's going on?"

Luffy wobbled about on exaggerated jelly legs, delighted. "Whoa! Zoro, I started an earthquake!"

"I am afraid Sanji-san can't be with you anymore," Rosella said calmly, and wispy tendrils of vines poked rapidly through the miniscule cracks in the floor. The boards creaked and groaned in protest. "He has… other priorities."

That got Luffy's attention. "Ehh? Whaddya mean?"

"I mean you will never see him again." Rosella smiled at them. "It's best if you leave."

"You say that," Zoro growled, "yet you're getting ready to attack us."

Rosella's smile widened and the plant shoots thickened, writhing upwards and sprouting wicked thorns as they circled the two pirates.

"Where's that shit-cook?" Zoro snarled, drawing his swords warily. "What did you do with him?"

"Trust me." Rosella eyed him apologetically, at the same time raising her chin and sniffing in mild disdain. "Sanji-san is in good hands. I daresay he's much better off in Elreiya."

"I don't give a damn," hissed Zoro. "He's not going anywhere."

"It's too late. Sanji-san is being initiated as we speak."

"I said I don't--"

Rosella's cunning stare flickered underneath extensive lashes and the vines lashed out. Zoro reacted skillfully, bending his knees and bringing his swords down to cut away the plants. To his surprise, they flowed beneath the blades like water, dodging his offense, and darted closer to his arms in an effort to restrain them. He jumped back, watching Luffy bounce off a wall from the corner of his eye.

"GOMU GOMU NO…"

Zoro thought fast. There was a solution to the vines' flexibility, and that was to simply put more power and more speed behind his attacks. He pivoted, keeping equilibrium in the center of his body, and whipped out his swords, the edge of their blades honed with flawless accuracy as he made a clean slice through the advancing plants.

"BAZOOKA!!"

Luffy went sailing over his head with a loud whoop, crashing through wooden chairs and burlap sacks of fertilizer.

"Where is he?" Zoro demanded, more than a little pissed off. "Tell me. Now!"

"Aggressive, aren't we?" Rosella chided placidly.

Zoro hadn't been in a good mood from the moment he was sure Sanji had gone missing, and this unprovoked battle was doing nothing to improve it. Dusk was approaching. There wasn't much time left before the coming of the hurricane Nami had predicted.

Tasting steel in his mouth and feeling the thrumming of his body, Zoro knew he was in his element. Nothing could stop him now.

Unless, of course…

"Zoro, look out!!"


A/N: Sadly, this is about as far as I've gotten on the story. I'm hoping that by publishing at least this much, I'll be motivated to write more... (yeah right xD) So anyways, be on the lookout for cruddy chapters later this month or the next, depending on my slacker schedule. See you then! :]