Notes: I've been working on this the same time as Life and Times of a Former Assassin. Don't worry I'm still working on that and plan to keep posting weekly. I really like ZoSan mpreg stories and wanted to do one myself. I hope you like it. I plan on doing 2 parts but I can do more if there is interest.
There are a few very tiny similarities to Lady Elocin's Of Blond Hair and Blue Eyes. I PM'd her and she is cool with it. I just don't want anyone to feel like I'm stepping on someone's toes.
Please enjoy J
I don't own One Piece I just love their world.
Surprise
Sanji groaned as he saw the light spilling in the port window. He was late getting up for breakfast. It was only a matter of time before Luffy woke up and all hell would break loose if there was nothing to eat. Zoro lay curled up next to him in the deep level of sleep only he could get when he felt they were all safe. Sanji tried to push Zoro's arm off his waist but it only made the Marimo tightened his hold. He did not have time for this today. Sanji thought back how many nights had he slept in an uncomfortable position because of Zoro. It was too many for Sanji's taste.
Zoro was like a cat in many ways. Aloof and doing his own thing during the day but when he wanted to sleep he had no problem sprawling anywhere and loved to bask in the sunlight. At night he would wrap his muscled frame around Sanji snuggling in then he would be out regardless of his partner's comfort. But Sanji had a secret weapon that would get Zoro to move. It took some trial and error but he found it. The chef reached into the Marimo's armpit and pinched. Zoro immediately retracted his arm and turned over never once waking.
Successful Sanji pulled his lithe body from the hammock, pulled his clothes out for the day and went to the bathroom. He washed, shaved and dressed then went to the railing where he smoked his first cigarette of the day. It was nice out. The blue waters calm. The sky cloudless with a gentle breeze ghosting across his skin. He could hear sea birds in the distance and knew they would be finding an island today. Nami-swan hadn't said anything yet but she may be holding out for breakfast. They had been sailing too long without making landfall everyone was getting stir crazy at times. He had a feeling his precious Nami-swan kept the information about an upcoming island to herself to keep the craziness down.
Sanji walked into the kitchen feeling refreshed after his dose of poison. He started a pot of coffee and set to work pulling out the food for the first meal of the day. As he was making the mix for pancakes his stomach clenched. He ran to the sink just in time as the little bit in his stomach came up. He washed his mouth and the sink out. His first thought was the wine he drank last night he only had two glasses but it was the first time he drank it. It was a bottle from the last restocking. He never knew alcohol to go bad but it may have been exposed to something or just made with poor ingredients. He just hoped it wasn't something in the dinner or the flu. Either would be bad.
He continued cooking with no more problems. He wrote it off to his body just needing to rid itself of something. The others trickled in and breakfast began.
The next five mornings were more of the same. To say he was worried was an understatement. They had reached the island late in the day the first time he got sick. They were set to be there for two weeks. Wardencliff was a nice developed island with four main towns with lush vegetation and townspeople who didn't care if they were pirates as long as they kept the ruckus to a descent level and had beri to spend on the local wares.
Sanji was watching his symptoms carefully. He didn't tell anyone what was going on. He always hid his illnesses or injuries and in this case kept thinking it would get better though it didn't he just managed it better. He was beginning to suspect he knew the answer. He would get nauseous when his stomach was empty and only then. He would eat small meals throughout the day and kept snacks on hand. He was beginning to feel like Luffy always needing food at hands length and feeling better once fed. He had a feeling Robin may have picked up on the changes to his diet but she said nothing.
He was also beginning to feel off. It wasn't anything defined just that something felt different. He had gone through something like this before and he wanted to see if he was wrong. He really hoped he was wrong. Sanji left the ship with the excuse of shopping. No one questioned further and no one followed along.
Sanji went into a pharmacy and would have made Nami-swan proud with the way he swiped a few pregnancy test all the while singing praises to the beautiful women there. He went to a restaurant because there was no way he would do this on the ship and risked being found out. He quietly slipped into the men's room and locked the door setting to work. After an agonizing amount of time he had his answer. He was indeed pregnant.
He slumped against the wall refusing even in his moment of weakness to sit on the floor. He hit his head on the wall repeatedly. Why did this have to happen now? He had been so careful with Zoro. He cursed Judge. He cursed Dr. Vegapunk. He cursed the heavens for all the good that did. He heard a couple knocks on the door then took the time to collect himself and left the restaurant.
Sanji returned to the Sunny and went to the aquarium room. He collapsed on the couch and watched the fish swim around. He wasn't sure how long he'd been there but when he heard loud booted feet outside the door he knew someone would find him soon. He couldn't bring himself to get up or even smooth his hair into a more presentable look. The door opened and he still didn't even sit up. "Hey Marimo."
"Hey Cook. I thought you went out. What are you doing in here by yourself?" Zoro asked.
Sanji pushed himself into a sitting position. "I came back awhile ago. I'm just watching the fish until dinner."
Zoro took in Sanji's disheveled and pale appearance. "You look like shit."
Rude Sanji thought. "I'm just tired Bastard. I don't take naps all the time like some people."
Zoro came and sat by him pulling Sanji over into his lap. "Then we'll nap together." He pushed Sanji's head to his chest and started carding through his soft blond locks.
Sanji was indeed tired. He was emotionally drained. He wasn't sure what to do but having Zoro by his side was comforting him. He fell into a dream filled sleep.
The next few days were agony for Sanji. He had to make a decision to terminate the baby and stay with his Nakama and help them reach their dreams or keep the baby. If he kept it he couldn't see staying there with them. It was dangerous in the New World and dangerous to be a Strawhat. He would be a liability to them at least until the baby was born and then the baby would constantly be at threat from everything from storms to marines and other pirates.
He knew if he told them they would demand he stay. Luffy would never agree to him leaving. His captain would promise his life to protect the kid. Chopper would dote on Sanji and fuss over the kid endlessly. Nami and Robin would coo over the kid. Usopp would spin tales and Brook would sing songs all to entertain or lull the kid to dreamland. Franky would make super toys and Jinbei would be the voice of reason when things got out of hand. And Zoro he knew with every fiber of his being would love the kid and protect it with his everything. But they all have huge dreams and he couldn't take that away.
Sanji also didn't like to think of the kid never knowing his father or having them meet years later without Zoro ever knowing about having a son or daughter. Either way Sanji was stuck with no right or wrong answer. No matter what he did it would be difficult and someone would end up hurt.
Slumped on the table in the galley he sat up when Zoro came in. The Marimo sat next to him. "What's up with you lately?"
Sanji knew he was acting strangely and couldn't hide his troubles much longer. "I'm fine just feeling tired is all."
Zoro felt his forehead. "You feel fine. I think you should go see Chopper. I don't want to wor – watch your back."
"No Marimo. I'm fine really. I promise I'm not sick or injured." Sanji said feeling a bit guilty.
"In that case do you want to get a hotel room and have some alone time?" Zoro lifted his eyebrow suggestively.
Sanji couldn't say no to that. "I'm in."
That night had been wonderful for the two men and they got to sleep in. Sanji had given Zoro a bullshit explanation of why he let him go without a condom for the first time since they got together. What's done is done there was no changing that. He had always used the excuse that it felt gross and that's why he made Zoro use one but the night before he said it was Zoro's reward for being so good lately and not such a manner less ape. When Zoro would bottom he would never complain about the mess making Sanji feel like crap.
He watched Zoro meditate sitting on the floor with his white sword on his lap and the other two on the floor in front of him. Sanji knew the story of Wado he knew how important Zoro's dream was to him but not just him also a little girl. A little girl that would be there in spirit when Zoro took the title of World's Greatest Swordsman.
When they returned to the ship Sanji watched his nakama go about their day each one at home and at peace on the Sunny. He could picture the baby crawling in the grass or sleeping under the Mikan trees with his dad. Yet he knew that would not happen. His nakama meant too much to him for him to hold them back or put them at greater risk. On the walk back he had seen children playing and made up him mind. He would leave but come back when he could. He also knew he couldn't tell them about why he was leaving.
Later in the day after lunch had been served. He set a roast to marinate and set to his plan. He went into the nearest town to the post office and sent a letter written by his non dominate hand to himself from Patty saying Zeff was sick and needed him. Then he went back and waited for the delivery.
The mail came the next day by bird. Sanji saw Robin collect the paper and bounty posters and also saw his letter amongst it all. He kept his head down hiding his features until Robin passed him the letter. It was rare for any of them to get mail. Some of them still had people to write to in other places but to get a response was rare as it was hard to find them. Sanji opened the letter fingers tense around the paper. When it was open he didn't need to read it. He just held it looking at it and let the grief he felt show on his face. He was heartbroken. He was truly leaving his nakama for years and couldn't tell them why. He would leave the man he loved and not be able to tell him about his child.
Sanji crumpled to the ground with the letter clenched in his fist. He let the tears slid down his face to his shaking arms. He could feel Robin's hand on his shoulder asking him what was wrong but he couldn't answer. Robin immediately called the others. He could hear running from all sides. Zoro slid to a stop next to him wrapping his arms around him. Robin pulled the letter from his hand and read it with a hand over her mouth.
When he could calm down he stood and clung to Zoro. His Marimo picked him up and carried him to the galley to get him a glass of water. The crew gathered in the galley to see what had upset him so much. Luffy already had his hat pushed down shadowing his eyes. Seeing the concern on everyone's faces Sanji wavered slightly in his decision but ultimately pushed ahead. "I got a letter from one of the cooks about the old geezer. He's sick and I need to go see him."
The room burst out in a cacophony of voices. Sanji tried to sort through them but was unable to. Not many knew who the old geezer was they seemed to guess and everyone was on board with all of them going. He thought that might happen. Sanji raised his hands. "I'll go alone it's fine. It will be easier for me to travel that way. I'll find you guys as soon as I can. And I'll call as often as I can. Please Captain can I leave for a while?"
Luffy nodded with his voice of authority he said, "But you have to come back."
"I promise I will. I have everyone's vivre cards so I can find you again and you have mine. We'll always know where we are." Sanji said.
Chopper tugged on his pant leg. "Take me with you if he's sick you need a doctor."
Sanji patted his hat. "I would but they need you more. You know how much everyone gets hurt."
Zoro spoke for the first time. "Well I'm going with you."
"No Zoro you're not." Sanji used the man's name to let him know how serious he was. "You are the protector. You are needed here."
Zoro scowled and crossed his arms. "We'll talk later."
"When will you leave?" Nami asked
"The log pose sets in three days right?" Nami nodded. "Then I'll leave then. I'll make sure the ship is stocked and prepare meals for a few days ahead. My cookbooks are in the cabinet. I'm sure I'll think of more but that's all I can think of for now."
Resigned to the fact their cook was leaving most of the Strawhats began to leave the galley. "I'll start working on medicines for you to take with you." Chopper said as he headed to the infirmary.
The two left was Sanji and Zoro. The swordsman glared the cook down trying to read his face. He even tried observation Haki but Sanji was always better at him and all he got back was no ill intent. "Marry me." Zoro said with his arms crossed.
Sanji was dumbfounded. He expected a lot of things but not this. "What?"
"I said marry me?" Zoro stood there clearly not budging.
"Do you think I won't come back?" Sanji was a little offended. Although in truth what he was about to do Zoro should doubt him.
The swordsman clearly struggled with his answer but finally said "…yes."
"Do you really think I'd give my family up?" The cook saw a glint of guilt in Zoro's eye. "I won't no matter what happens. I will come back." Sanji stepped forward and hugged Zoro. He wanted to let Zoro know how much he loved him. He nuzzled into the tan neck inhaling Zoro's scent of steel and musk that was all his. "I'll marry you if that's what you really want but not because you're worried." He felt Zoro nod and could feel wetness sliding down his neck. He tightened his arms around the other man because the great Demon of East blue was crying.
The next few days were chaos. Sanji was running all over the island making sure the ship was properly stocked. He also sat down with an empty notebook and before long he filled it with notes. He put it next to his cookbooks. He spent as much time with the crew as possible. At night he never once complained about the crushing strength Zoro held on to him with. Or the fact that the Marimo would wrap his arms and legs around him like he might run away.
On the third day he made a hearty breakfast of pancakes made especially for each crew member. Lunch was sandwiches so he could spend more time with everyone. Dinner was a feast fit for a king which was fitting as he was feeding the future king of the pirates. He made everyone's favorite meals. Desert was the same. Everyone walked away from the table holding their stomachs except Luffy who was rolled out.
Sanji began to start the clean up and dishes but Zoro stopped him. "I'll get that in the morning. Come up with me to the crow's nest for tonight."
He didn't like leaving a mess but this was their last night together so he followed his Marimo. They ascended to the crow's nest and he was floored. Zoro had really outdone himself. There was a mat with a pile of blankets and their pillows on the floor. On two benches were lamps with the light dimmed low. A chilled bottle of wine and a bottle of sake with cups to match were by the makeshift mattress. "Where has the romance been all this time?"
Zoro blushed and mumbled "Romance is really more your thing."
Sanji didn't need to hear anymore. He caught Zoro is a searing kiss and pulled him down to the mattress. Before things got too heated Zoro sat up and pulled a box out of his haramaki. "I'm not one for words. I love you Sanji. I need you. Will you marry me?"
"Yes Zoro of course I will."
A small sigh of relief left him. "Good." Zoro opened the box and inside was a gold ring with three bands of metal twisted around. "Franky made it but it was my design."
Sanji let Zoro slip it on his left ring finger. "It's perfect."
Zoro kissed him. "We'll get married when you get back."
Sanji felt a tinge of worry. A lot of things could happen in the time they would be apart. He debated telling Zoro about the child again but stopped. He had to protect his nakama and their dreams as well as his unborn child. "Yeah we will. Make love to me tonight?" Zoro only answered with a kiss full of love, passion and desire.
The next morning Sanji stayed cuddled against Zoro as long as he could. Eventually he knew he had to leave or confess to the truth. He had to admit the swordsman was making it hard to leave. He rubbed a hand over his stomach and had to remind himself this was for the best. Reluctantly he stood dressed and made his way to the galley to make his last meal on the Sunny.
After the quietest meal the Sunny has ever had Sanji went and packed his things. He left everything in galley just took his clothes and pictures. On his way to the deck Chopper handed him his spare backpack filled with vials, pills and compounds. "Now I labeled everything with what it's used for and how much to give. Without knowing his symptoms I'm not sure what to treat. But this should be good. If you have any questions you call dammit."
"Yes Chopper. Take care of the Marimo for me okay? Make sure he doesn't miss a meal. Make sure he drinks enough water. Don't let him get away without getting treated for wounds. Thank you for all this. You're the best doctor ever." Sanji said.
Chopper wiggled and clapped his hooves. "Your compliments don't make me happy! I'll watch out for Zoro while you're gone."
No one said farewell it was only see you later once he got to the deck. He squealed in delight when he hugged the two ladies and they gave him a kiss on the cheek. Nami had slipped him a stack of beri for the trip. Lastly he hugged Zoro and the man kissed him with a silent plea to be safe and return soon. Panting they broke for air with their foreheads pressed together. He tried to covey all his love to the man. Sanji pulled away and walked down the gangplank before he changed his mind. He turned around and waved then strolled into town with his bag slung over one shoulder.
Two months later he had been hopping ships to get back to the Baratie but his pace was slow going. His physical nicotine withdrawals had past but the need to have the cigarette on him as usual was still present but ebbing. He was sending letters every time he reached and island hoping they would get to the crew and at least assure them he was okay even if he couldn't say where he was. He had also sent a letter to the old man saying his Eggplant was coming back and what happened at 16 is happening again. He had dyed his hair black before he even set out to hide his identity and started letting all his facial hair grow out.
The last ship he left was a fishing ship that smelled awful. He found himself on a summer island that reminded him of Vivi's kingdom. The buildings were all painted a light color and the land was mostly sand. Over a hill Sanji saw something that sparked his interest. It was a floating ship kept in the air by a massive balloon.
Out of curiosity Sanji went to check out the airborne ship. It was tied to the ground by rope and spikes. A man was standing next to it loading boxes and barrels with his back turned. "Hey." Sanji called once he was close by. "Is this thing yours? What is it?"
The man stood up and proudly puffed out his chest. Sanji felt a painful twinge. This man looked like and older version of Usopp before he became stronger and lacking the signature nose. He had the same skin tone, the same bushy curly black hair and that same haughty look Usopp gets right before he jumps into one of his boastful stories. Sanji really missed his nakama. "It's my dirigible. I've been flying around the world in it for the past five years."
Sanji looked it over the thing seemed sturdy enough. "By chance you wouldn't be heading to East Blue would you?"
The man smiled. "For the right price I would."
Sanji smiled back the heavens were finally looking out for him. He pulled out part of the stack Nami gave him. "Will this do?"
The man stuck his hand out and shook Sanji's hand. "The name's Jonno and I'll be taking you where you need to go."
"Sora and thanks." Sanji gave his mother's name one that could be used for both genders to hide his identity plus it was fitting it meant sky and he would soon by flying in the sky.
Once the supplies had been loaded the two men jumped in the ship and took to the air.
Months later Sanji had gotten used to being referred to as Sora and he got to know the crazy man who piloted the floating ship. Jonno loved to joke and sing. He raved enthusiastically about the meals Sanji prepared telling him it was the best food he ever had. And he loved his dirigible like Franky loved Sunny. Jonno would have gotten along great with his nakama.
One night the two were sitting on boxes eating stir fry when Jonno asked a question. "I'm pretty sure that's not a beer gut under your shirt so what's going on with your stomach?"
Sanji briefly thought of what to say. "The doctor said it's a tumor that's why I'm on my way home to see my old man."
"Ah. I see." Jonno replied and dropped it as that.
One day Sanji woke from his nap rubbing his eyes. He saw his large billowy shirt had pulled up in his sleep so he tucked it back down covering his growing bump. He looked up to see Jonno at the helm with an odd look in his eyes. "I'm not sure how to say this." Jonno started. "I don't want to come off bad here. I mean no disrespect and you can tell me if I'm wrong."
"Go on I won't be offended." Sanji replied.
"Are you a woman? Now before you get huffy let me say I would understand why a young miss would hide who she was if she was travelling alone. You never know who you're gonna meet. And maybe you were always thin so it's easier to hide being a woman. If you are I gotta say the beard is an impressive costume it looks so real. I'm only asking because I'm pretty sure you're pregnant." Jonno said looking at Sanji with a mixture of relief to say what had been on his mind and concern he was wrong.
Sanji sighed. "How did you know?"
Jonno motioned to his stomach. "When you were sleeping your shirt rucked up. Your stomach moved."
The pregnant man jumped up with a wide smile on his face. "It moved!" He couldn't stop the tears of happiness. His baby was moving now. He rubbed his hands over his bump and felt a few strong flutters. He thought he felt movement before but wasn't sure. But now he knows! He was ecstatic. He was over the moon with joy. "Yes I'm pregnant that's why I have to get home to my old man."
Jonno looked to the cook's hand with his ring. "What about your husband? The baby's father?"
Sanji lost some of his happiness his face fell from the wide smile. "We're not married yet and I haven't told him yet. He's an important man with a big dream who lives on the sea. It's too dangerous for a baby and I don't want to take his dream away from him."
Jonno nodded. "Men and their big dreams. That's why I never married. I just hope you tell that man about his kid. He has a right to know."
"I plan on it." Sanji said. He missed Zoro and the others now more than ever.
"There! There! Down there!" Sanji cried pointing to the Baratie. Jonno began their descent to the floating restaurant. Sanji was tempted to sky walk in his excitement but held back. "Hey old geezer!"
The dirigible had caused quite a stir from the people outside. They were pointing up at the odd flying ship. The murmurs carried inside with patrons looking out through the windows. A tall blond chef in the kitchen who had been driving his staff crazy with his worry over his son hidden by anger heard the magic word geezer and ran outside. "Eggplant! What the hell are you doing up there?"
Relief flooded Sanji at seeing the man who raised him. "I'm flying!"
Zeff had been afraid since he received Sanji's letter but no further response from him. He had stayed close to the den den mushi and badgered the staff when mail came in. He could tell his son's stomach had grown quite a bit. He looked like he had a large ball under his shirt though the rest of him looked a bit thinner than he remembered. And his hair was longer and shaggy and dyed black. There were changes but it was his son. He let out a choked sob. "I can see that. Get your ass down here."
Jonno was happy to see father and daughter reunited. He could see both had tears running down their face. He was worried for the lass but knew she would be safe now. Looking at the attention his pride and joy was gaining his gears began to turn on ways he would make some money giving short rides to the restaurant's customers. He made a big show of coasting the ship down by the roof then lowering a rope ladder.
Sanji climbed down and tore through the building to get where Zeff was with Zeff meeting him half way. They were about to crash into each other with a hug that spoke of how much they missed the other over the years apart but stopped that was never how their relationship worked. "Fuck it." Sanji hugged Zeff mindful of his bump. "I missed you shitty geezer."
"I missed you too shitty Eggplant." Zeff said.
Hours later Jonno was gone with his pockets full of Beri and ship full of supplies and Sanji had Zeff filled in on everything from his time leaving the Baratie until his return. Zeff was pretty miffed about his actions at Thriller Bark but at the same time he understood and was proud of him. He had gotten some letters from the Eggplant over the years but he knew a lot was left out for their protection. Every letter had always mentioned the green haired swordsman so he wasn't surprised when he received a letter stating they were together. When his son talked about his decision to leave and hide the pregnancy from his crew he wished the idiot had just told them. He knew from personal experience how dangerous the seas could be but they at least should know. He also knew from all the newspapers and letters home that each one would go to hell and back for the other.
Once Sanji started talking about all the things the baby did he lit up with joy. When he felt it moving he put Zeff's hand on his belly. Zeff was amazed. He was going to be a grandpa.
The reality of things really hit him. They had so much to do. Sanji was already far along and had never seen a doctor. Plus it's not like he could actually have the kid he wasn't built that way they would need a doctor to cut it out when it was time. And they needed all the stuff that went along with a kid. Zeff realized he should have been planning ahead once he got that letter. "Why don't you go to sleep it's getting late."
"Sure." Sanji trudged off to his old room and closed the door.
Zeff took out paper and a pen and started a list of what they would need at the top of the list in big letters he wrote 'DOCTOR' and underlined it. Then he put clothes, diapers, formula, and a crib. He thought more about it and knew he would have to ask someone maybe at a baby store.
He kept thinking about the doctor situation but none came to mind. It had to be someone they could trust. The Eggplant already had a huge bounty on his head. Now he was one of a kind. Something the Celestial Dragons would pay a lot of money for. And the Vinsmokes were still hovering around he wasn't sure what they would do if word got around. First step would be keeping the idiot upstairs from now on.
Keeping the idiot upstairs had proved to be a difficult task. However, Zeff noted that his son wasn't his carefree cocky self he was guarded around others and mindful of keeping himself covered. It didn't stop him from coming down to the kitchen and try to cook breakfast. Zeff argued with him and made sure he only cooked for himself then sent him back upstairs.
Sanji ate and felt more relaxed then he had since before he found out about the pregnancy. He still needed to call his nakama and let them know he was safe and reached the Baratie. He picked up the den den mushi and called the Sunny while he was still calm. After a bit Robin answered. "Hello. Is this our wayward nakama?"
Sanji sighed at hearing his angel's voice. "Yes it's me."
"Before we go any further don't say any names or where you are you never know who is listening in. I already told the others and they came up with nicknames." Robin advised.
"Got it." Sanji said. His angel was a smart one.
"I'll gather the others then." Robin set the mushi down and crossed her arms placing mouths throughout the ship. "Galley everyone. Curly's calling.
Sanji chuckled no surprise who picked his nickname. He heard a lot of shuffling and excited voices. He couldn't help the overflow of emotion at hearing his nakama's voices. He missed them terribly.
"I thought it would be prudent for all of us to give our nicknames before we begin. I'm Bookey." Robin said.
"Stormy." Ah his sweet Nami-swan.
"Sword boy." His grumpy Marimo.
"Plant guy." Usopp said. Better than bug guy Sanji thought.
"Cap." His captain added.
"Super!" Frank shouted. Sanji wasn't sure if that was his nickname or just his usual.
"Pinky." His cute little doctor he wished he had with him.
"Skull." Brook sang out.
"Fishy." Jinbei said lastly with an exasperated sigh.
After the introductions the rapid fire questions began. Zoro finally broke through the chaos. "How are you and how is the old man?"
"I just got here yesterday I'm still tired from traveling this far but I'm glad I'm here. The old man seems okay now but he's a stubborn bastard and I think he's hiding his illness. I showed him all the stuff Pinky gave me and we're going to see what he could use." Sanji lied. He hated lying and knew he would be doing that a lot over the next couple years but he had committed this far and would keep up the rouse.
"Has he seen a doctor yet?" Chopper asked.
"No we have to find a doctor." That wasn't a lie Sanji really needed to find a doctor soon.
"Oh okay." Chopper said. Sanji knew his friend hated not being able to help.
Sanji wanted to brighten the conversation and share some of his travels. "Hey guys you're never gonna guess how I got here. Part of it I just hoped from ship to ship but then I found a special ship." He debated what he could say without giving Jonno away. "I can't say much but about it now I'll have to tell you when I see you but let's see… I fly like a bird of many colors through the sky. I am made with both wood and fire but I do not burn up. You can see me clearly during the day, but I am nearly invisible at night. What am I?"
"I got it." He heard Nami-swan and Robin-chwan both reply. "We'll explain it later."
"Well I don't know what else to say for now without giving things away. You bastards better be taking care of the ladies. Cap no breaking into the fridge. Sword boy," oh that made him laugh. "Sword boy don't try to marinate yourself in booze. I hope you all are eating good and not wasting anything." He wanted to tell them to get a new cook but he knew the second he mentioned that Luffy would storm off to find him demanding he come back even if it meant bringing Zeff with them.
The crew laughed and gave half hearted responses back "of course they were taking care of the girls" and "Cap would never get in the fridge." A grumbled response of "shitty Curly I won't."
"Bye everyone." Sanji said. He wanted to talk longer. He wanted to just sit and listen to them. He really wanted to hear Zoro's deep voice but he worried the Marines were listening in and they would give their location away or he would give his away.
"Bye." They chorused back.
Sanji was pissed. Maybe even beyond pissed but he had to do it. Two years spent with the Okamas and now he willingly though with many curses and grumblings put on a dress and wig. He had shaved all his facial hair when Jonno thought he was a woman and kept that up. This, though, this was humiliating for him although he did wonder why the all male crew of the Baratie had a dress and wig on board. He hoped no one took it from a sweet lady and made her leave without clothes. He would put his foot through their skull if they did.
He stood in the middle of a market with the empire waist baby blue dress on, a scarf with sunflowers on a blue background around his throat to hide his adam's apple and a long curly blond wig with bangs covering his eyebrows. He had to keep reminding himself he had to do this. He looked pregnant there was not denying that any longer. If people found out he was a man it would cause problems and the only way Zeff let him leave was in a dress. And he had to get out of the Baratie he was going stir crazy. Zeff hovered over him constantly and kept asking questions he didn't know the answer to about baby stuff.
They came to the market for supplies and he was directed to find a baby store. First he wanted to see the vendors. The nice thing he noticed was that he got free samples from most of the food stalls. Once he had complained loudly that his feet hurt and he was hungry and a nice man ran out and pulled him to a chair and set a plate filled with barbecue chicken on his lap. Either the man was a gentleman or had experience with pregnant women.
After his trip through the stalls he found a store with baby supplies. He stepped inside and was immediately overwhelmed. He never knew so much was needed.
An older woman stepped up to him no doubt seeing the frightened look on his face. "First child eh? Well don't worry I'll help ya. What do you need?"
Sanji gave a frantic chuckled. "Everything and how do you use the stuff."
"Oh we have some work ahead of ourselves don't we?" The woman laughed and pulled him further in the store.
Hours later he had a notebook filled with information and boxes filled with everything a baby could need for the first month on its way to be delivered to their ship. She had also walked next door to a toy store and bought a doll with his money to show him what to do and told him to practice. He was grateful for her patience.
On his way back to the docks he met up with Zeff and showed him what he got. Zeff was amused with the doll. They set off to board their ship to take them back to the Baratie when a person Sanji did not expect to see walked past. She hadn't changed since Drum Island still wrinkled face but with the stride and stance of a much younger person. "Hey I know her." He told Zeff. "She was Chopper's teacher, kinda like his mom. She helped Nami-swan get better and fixed my back when it got broke fighting the giant rabbits. She's like a mad genius doctor. I never expected to see her off Drum Island."
Zeff acted as though he wasn't paying attention that the information was not interesting in the slightest. "Oh really. Well why don't you get to the ship. Me and the boys forgot to get something." He watched Sanji walk away. "Patty, Carne I think we just found our doctor."
Zeff was not proud of his actions but for the Eggplant and future baby Eggplant he would do what he had to. After some fighting him and the boys managed to tie up the doctor, stuff a gag in her mouth and put her in a crate. They carried it back to the ship and set off home.
Sanji thought he was pissed before but to find out they kidnapped Dr. Kureha made him livid. He tried to kick them but she stopped him right away. "Sanji right?" She asked.
"I'm surprised you remembered my name." He said.
"Since Chopper left I have been following the Strawhat's exploits. Seems like all of you really like taunting the establishment." Kureha mussed. "Well let's get down to it why did you kidnap me? I'm guessing because your boy has an odd tumor no one else can take care of."
"Sort of." Zeff replied. "He's pregnant."
"Impossible!" Kureha said with a thought that maybe it could happen.
Sanji lifted his shirt he had changed into once they returned. His round belly with slightly protruding belly button displayed for her to see. "I am. When I was younger Vinsmoke Jude and Dr. Vegapunk played test subject on me and put a girl's reproduction system in me. It's all hooked up and works." He caressed his bump feeling the baby respond to his touch.
She crouched down and started poking and prodding his belly. "Interesting. I'll help you. Does Chopper know?"
"No." He launched into his story of what happened and why he didn't tell them. She had a pensive look but each time she glanced to his exposed belly her eyes lit up.
The doctor looked to Zeff. "I hope you picked up my bag during my kidnapping." Zeff handed it to her. "Good time for an exam."
She took blood and urine samples. She measured his stomach. She listened with her stethoscope to the baby's heartbeat and other test. After much testing she stood up. "I would say you are about seven months along. Given you were not born for this I would say the baby could be born anytime. It sounds good. We would need an ultrasound to see it but the island we were on didn't have one. Until that kid is born you have to stay in bed or risk having it too early or killing yourself in the process."
"Ugh. I can't stay in bed for two months." Sanji replied from the bed.
Zeff kicked him in the shin. "Do what she says or next time I'm breaking it."
Tough love Sanji knew but he also knew Zeff meant every word.
Kureha stayed at the Baratie after her kidnapping. She was invested in the results of the pregnancy. Nothing had sparked her mind like this in quite some time. Medicine had become easy in many ways. She hadn't seen something truly challenging since she was younger. That was part of the reason for her travels.
After Warpol was defeated the doctors came back to treat the townspeople. There was no longer a shortage of healthcare workers. Her gruff bedside manners were no longer appreciated.
After Chopper left she no longer had her pupil and in many ways her son. She knew he had a life of adventure and with that straw hat kid he would be taken care of and treated like family so she only worried a little.
She had set out months later when a ship came through. She had been traveling and staying in places as long as she felt like it. When the three men kidnapped her that was a bit of a surprise but she now had the case she was looking for.
Kureha had been monitoring the pregnant man for a month now and in the meantime she would treat wounds the fighting chefs would receive. She also got to enjoy messing with them and eating the best damn food she's ever had. Sometimes it was a pain watching over the pregnant man. He complained constantly and his mood swings were really getting to her making her laugh at times. The struggle he had with the doll to do the simplest things made her roll her eyes. Women had been doing this since the beginning of time sure he was the first man and all but she still thought he was being overly dramatic. From what she understood that was his way.
Sanji had been reading a book about babies while lying in bed. He was getting tired of being in bed all the time his only reprieve was to go to the bathroom and that he had been doing almost hourly for weeks now. As he flipped a page about swaddling he felt a sharp clenching pain. He breathed through that and it went away. Odd he thought but not concerning yet. A few pages later it happened again. Now he was concerned. Did that mean he was in labor or was something wrong? He heard Zeff's familiar steps on the stairs. "Old man get the doc!"
Zeff dropped the tray he had been holding with Sanji lunch on it and ran downstairs calling for Kureha. Her, Zeff and a few others ran back up the stairs. "What happened?" The doctor asked.
"I felt pain twice like everything is squeezing." Sanji felt it again and put his hands on his belly faced scrunched in pain.
Kureha ran over felt the hard belly then felt it relax. "It's time. Get him to the room we prepared."
Sanji felt himself be lifted and rushed down the hall to the sterilized room the others had put together a bit after Kureha found out about the pregnancy. He was laid down and she started stripping him. He tried covering himself but she batted his hands away and covered him in sheets. He felt a needle in his arm and his mind felt a bit fuzzy. He could see her cut into his flesh but felt no pain. He watched in numbness as the blood ran from the wound. He could see her pulling the baby out and see her scoop gunk out of its mouth. She turned the baby around and he saw it was a boy. He had a boy. He had Zoro's son!
Sanji cried as the baby boy was placed on his chest. Zeff helped him hold the crying slimy newborn against his son. Sanji lifted his heavy arms and held the baby close trying to calm him. What Kureha did after that he didn't care or see. He briefly heard Zeff asked if the "girl parts" could be removed but she said no they were too much a part of him now.
After that it was a whirlwind for Sanji. He was stitched back together and washed clean of the blood. Then wrapped in a blanket and laid back in bed. The boy had been taken by Zeff and he washed the little one. Then carefully put a diaper and footed pajamas on the baby. He wrapped him in a blanket and sat in the rocking chair they had gotten by Sanji's bed rocking his grandson. Sanji was tired from the medication and the ordeal he fell asleep looking at his son with his light marimo hair.
10 Hours Old August 2nd
Sanji woke at night. He sat himself up feeling the stitches pull. He had been shot, stabbed, electrocuted and beat damn near to death but this was a new experience having been cut open down to an organ have something removed then stitched back up.
He could hear snores coming from Zeff's room and lightly padded over to the crib. He looked down at his son and ran his ran over impossibly soft gold green hair. Sanji wanted to hold him but didn't want to wake him up. He had just come into the world and looked so peaceful. He could see hints of Zoro in his features with a skin tone lighter than his lover but darker than him, a nose and chin that would define as he aged and he hoped for the grey eyes of his Marimo. A slight curling of the eyebrows the only hint of himself.
A deep sadness clutched his heart at the sight of their son. He wanted Zoro. He needed Zoro by his side. He made his way down the stairs no longer feeling the pulling of the stitches only the aching of his heart. He called the Sunny and prayed someone would answer. When he just about gave up hope he heard the sleepy deep baritone of his lover. "Yeah?"
Sanji collapsed on the floor clutching the poor den den mushi with tears rolling down his face. "It's me." He managed brokenly.
"Curly what happened?" The concern in his voice evident.
Sanji couldn't bring himself to talk. He wanted to tell Zoro that he had a son. A beautiful son that looked so much like him. He couldn't though. That's why he left. Zoro and the others couldn't know until it was time. "Nothing just had a bad day." It was a wonderful day he thought one he wished he could have shared with the other man.
Zoro sighed. "What about your old man?"
Sanji considered what to tell him. He thought through illnesses that could keep him there. "The doctors say he has Lupus. I need to stay here longer to take care of him and keep the restaurant going until someone else can take over."
"He'll be okay. He's a strong one." Zoro tried to console him. All he could hear was choked sobs and the agony in his beloved's voice.
When Sanji could gain some control again he asked, "If we ever adopted a kid what name would you want?"
Zoro sighed again. "Have you been drinking?"
"No." Sanji pouted. "Just answer okay. If you had a boy what would you name him?"
"I don't know. Something that meant something I guess. Honestly if we picked up a kid I would want you to name him." Zoro decided to answer truthfully to his bizarre question.
"Okay." Sanji nodded knowing Zoro couldn't see him. "I miss you! I need you so much right now! I feel lost without you!" He wailed all his thoughts pouring out. "I love you so fucking much!"
Zoro was surprised by his outburst. The pain he was in was breaking Zoro's heart. Sanji had never been so open or expressive like that. If Sanji needed him to be like that too he could do it for him. "Baby." He heard a choked gasp and wasn't sure if he should have said that. "I love you too. I miss you too. I can't wait to have you back. I can't wait to marry you. I lost the light in my life with you so far away. Your strong you can handle whatever is going on and when you come back I am never letting you go."
Sanji loved that man. He gave him what he needed. He needed his love. He needed his reassurances. That was the most honest they had been with their feelings in… Sanji looked at the calendar it was three years to the day fitting he had their son that day. "Happy three year anniversary."
Zoro heard the calm return to the other man's voice. "Happy three year anniversary."
"I'll call again when I can okay. I love you." Sanji felt better he still missed him but the aching pain was replaced by warmth.
"Okay. I love you too Curly." Zoro said. "I think you need some sleep. Goodnight."
"Goodnight." Sanji hung up the den den mushi and stood then returned to his bed and lay down hugging his pillow to him knowing what to call their son. He would be named Roronoa Ren.
So that is part 1. Part 2 is on its way. You know how I remember the difference between its and it's from watching Futurama. There is an episode where Leela yells at a guy about it. Anyway I can always do a part 3 is there is interest.
