Take You In
Summary: When Sanji's great uncle dies, Sanji is told to empty the house and take what he wants. That's when Sanji finds something not human living inside the mansion.
Pairing: Sanzo Usopp/Kaya Franky/Brooks Ace/Smoker
This is my first fanfic. Not sure where this story is heading but hope you enjoy
Disclaimer: All one piece characters belong to Oda
Italic: Character Personal thoughts
Bold: Flashbacks
Sanji leans over the body that is curled into a tight ball, its small body trembling because of the cold. The human cat-thing had to be some kind of realistic looking toy-teddy bear or something -is the conclusion Sanji's confused mind can come up with.
The blonde can see the piercing green eyes looking at him from under its tan thin arm. Sanji's hand goes to touch the motionless 'teddy bear' but stops when he sees it blink.
"EEEEK!" The blonde chef hears his own voice go up at least three octaves. In a flash Sanji is downstairs trying to catch his breath. "Ok, there is a green cat-like human thing in an attic." He starts pacing back a forth, not knowing what to do. Heck, he doesn't even know if he is dreaming or not. Did he fall down and hit his head when he was climbing the attic stairs? Surely something like this cannot exist, right?
Mustering up the courage, Sanji runs to the kitchen to look for something to defend himself with, in case that 'thing' decides to do anything to harm him. He reaches the kitchen, and slides to a halt before he starts searching through the cabinets. Finding a butter knife, he curses, now remembering that the kitchen stuff are packed in a box in the attic. It was better than nothing he convinces himself, as he starts ascending the attic stairs again. This time he is able to see the human cat still lying where he left it last, still curled tightly into itself.
"Hey, kitty, kitty…" Sanji calls, now feeling stupid for calling it that. He's not exactly a cat. "I'm not going to hurt you." The chef says, while creeping closer, butter knife behind his back.
When Sanji reaches the location he was before he ran down the stairs, his defense starts to go down. Maybe this thing isn't dangerous. It is so motionless. Sanji thinks for the first time since he found the creature.
Reaching out again, he is able to see the cat's eyes follow where his hand is going. It didn't look scared at all, but it did look tired- even though he seems like he's been laying there for some time. The poor thing looks drained, and almost lifeless.
Sanji doesn't know why, but he has an urge to touch the big fluffy ears. Maybe because he is still in disbelief and needs to feel them to confirm they are real. He places the butter knife on the floor next to him, but in reaching distance. When his hands reach the tip of the fluffy ear, he starts to lightly pull on them, feeling how soft they are. This action causes the 'cat' to growl under its breath, but otherwise, it stays motionless. Not wanting to continue irritating the creature, Sanji lets go of his ears, but doesn't move his hands away.
"My naaaame is Saaanjiiii..." The blonde speaks slowly and calmly, as if the cat didn't understand what he is saying, while once again pulling on the tip of the cat's ears. He couldn't stop pulling on them, they are cute, big and fluffy and his hands are drawn to them. These ears are definitely his. "When Zeff sees you, he will probably kill me." Sanji chuckles. "You're a freak of nature, tail, ears, and green. Where did you come from?" Sanji's long fingers subconsciously start scratching behind the cat's ear.
The cat's head leans into Sanji's touch, it's eyes drifting close as it practically falls asleep on the palm of Sanji's hand. "I don't know what to do with you. I can't keep you… that's for sure." The blonde looks at the heavy chain around the cat's neck. Was the green key for this?
The chef takes the keys that are clipped to his pocket and slips the key into the lock. With a 'click' the chain falls onto the wooden floor- Sanji now being able to see the cat's full body because it uncurled itself and is now sitting on the floor, both feet outstretched in front of him. He is able to see the cat is indeed smaller than him and younger. Sanji can't seem to take his eyes away from this marvelous creature sitting in front of him.
The cat has two markings of that of tiger stripes emerging from where his 'human ears' are suppose to be located- stopping right behind his cheek bones. Two similar marks are also on his biceps. The cat's hair is outgrown, making him look like a fluffy Marimo. Sanji could also see some claw marks on the cat's neck. Angry lines running where the heavy collar used to be -most likely the cat trying to free itself. Its tail is long, with tiger like stripes, that wouldn't stop twitching. The cat has a small vertical scar over its left eye, the green eye color slightly faded. Sanji wondered if the cat could see through it.
Despite all this, the thing that catches the young chef's attention is how skinny and malnourished the cat looks. His tan skin looks stretched out thin, as if he didn't have muscles, but the skin only covering his bones. Because the cat is shirtless, he can also see the cat's sunk in stomach, ribs visible, clearly because he hasn't eaten in a while.
Remembering the letter was written about a month and a half ago, seeing the claw marks of the cat trying to free itself, and seeing no food or water near the poor thing made Sanji angry at his unknown 'uncle'. The cats clothing consists of no shirt and a short knee-length khaki pants. Horrible clothes for mid-November.
Standing up again, Sanji walks to a box marked as "bed sheets," opens it and takes out a small yellow blanket. While walking back the blonde notices that on the inside of the chain, which was around the cat's neck, there is a note. Picking it up and detaching it, Sanji unfolds it and reads.
Dear Sanji,
I hope you found my scientific experiment. His name is Zoro. He was created by me, sadly illegally... As you can see he is not exactly all human, but you are all it has. Its survival depends on you. Please do not turn him over to anyone. They wouldn't be nice to him; I trust that you can take care of him.
When they found my location at the lab, I knew I had to run. I had to hide my creation and my research. I left all my research here in this house. All the information you need will be labeled under the box "not important". I just wish they wouldn't have caught me so early. Please keep him a secret and safe. I know that if you get involved your life runs a risk. But Zoro is also human, so please don't abandon him.
Ps: There will be someone that will watch over you both. He is a secret messenger. Please, I beg of you, don't give him up.
Your Uncle, Roronoa
Sanji grits his teeth, crumpling the paper he throws it on the floor. Who are 'they'? He thinks. Sanji looks at the cat, who is numbly sitting on the floor, and his anger subsides. It's not his fault.
"So your name is Zoro?"
Hearing its name, the cat looks up at Sanji with its green eyes, and its ears straight. Sanji sighs, "Let's get you somewhere other than here." Wrapping the yellow blanket and hauling him up, the blonde can't help but frown at how light he feels. Zoro is lifeless in Sanji's arms, his head on Sanji's shoulder, and arms dangling next to him, not having any strength but to rely on Sanji to hold him. His tail is down, just as lifeless as he is, however his ears are straight.
He's hungry. Sanji thinks bitterly.
Sanji descends the stairs, adjusting the cat's weight with one hand, Sanji takes out his phone. Pressing the numbers with his thumb, he contacts his father. Going to voicemail Sanji leaves a short message. "I have some stuff to take care of; I won't be going into work today." With that, he ends the call and places his phone in his pocket again.
Covering Zoro's head with the yellow blanket, Sanji steps out of the old house and heads to his car. Opening the passenger seat he places the green cat inside, making sure to place Zoro's tail in before he closes the door. He stands there for a few seconds, contemplating if what he is doing is right, but seeing Zoro's thin fingers and hand, which is the only part of the cat that is visible from under the blanket, Sanji can't help but decide that he can't leave Zoro to starve to death.
Rounding his car, Sanji gets into the drivers side, and closes his car door. Leaning over the cat, he pulls the seat belt over his small body and clips it into place. Doing the same with himself, he turns on the car and drives off.
/
Sanji doesn't want to tell anyone about Zoro, but he needs help. There is only one person he can count on. He knows one person he can trust that won't backstab him, and will probably not run away.
Sanji pulls out his trusty cell phone again and dials the number he thought he would never call.
After a few rings, and hearing the answering machine, Sanji sighs. "I know you're there. Please don't ignore me; I really need your help..." Not hearing the phone pick up, Sanji tries another tactic. Attack his weak point. "I have an injured animal with me, at least do it for him..." The person he is calling is a veterinarian, and he would do anything for an injured animal.
"Hello?"
Sanji hears the voice he thought he would never hear again. "It's me, Sanji..." He doesn't get to finish before the other voice starts to speak.
"Look, if you really don't have an emergency then I'm not going to humor you. I'm working right now. You of all people should know that."
Sanji sighs. "I wouldn't be calling if it wasn't. Is there a way I can meet you in at the back of the clinic... in private?"
"Sanji…" The voice sighs in frustration and anger. "If you're trying to get back together, you know I'm already seeing someone else..."
Sanji taps his finger on the steering wheel. "I'm not trying to get back toge"- Sanji doesn't get to finish what he is saying before the voice on the other end interrupts him.
"Then why do you want to see me in private? I'm working Sanji..."
"Look, I found a... I found." Sanji glances at the yellow blanket covering the sleeping figure next to him. "I think I found a tiger, or cat; I don't know what it is. If people see me with it, it will raise a commotion. Can you please do me this favor?"
The blonde can hear the man sigh. "Fine, go around back. I'll leave the door unlocked. Go straight to my office."
"Thank you Law, I really owe you one..." Sanji hangs up right after.
Upon reaching, Sanji takes out the cat from the passenger side of his vehicle. Making sure Zoro's head is covered, Sanji makes his way into the animal clinic. He stops right in front of Law's door, feeling nervous about entering. He doesn't know how Law will react, and for another reason…
Since they broke up, he hasn't seen him… he doesn't know how he will react when he sees the doctor. If old feeling will arise again. If he still likes Law. The same can be said for Law. He says he's moved on, and is even dating again, but what if he didn't… Either way, he needs Law to check on Zoro.
Zoro is sleeping, his head on Sanji's shoulder, as the blonde opens the door. Law is seated at his desk looking through some paper work when Sanji steps in. Law lazily looks up at Sanji, his expression stoic but with a hint of annoyance. Sanji can tell Law still doesn't believe him. "What's big enough to be under the blanket?" He questions, his grey eyes taking a curious look to them.
Sanji closes the door behind him with his foot. "This." Sanji pulls the yellow blanket to reveal the sleeping cat's face. Upon seeing this Law stands up quickly, making his chair fall back and rounds his desk in a blink of an eye. His hands are in a grabbing motion, clearly wanting to touch Zoro.
"Is this a joke? No way..." Law is now looking at the sleeping figure that is currently drooling on Sanji's expensive suit. "Place him on the table." Law orders, turning around to look for some equipment.
Sanji places the cat on the table, but does not let go. Looking at the drool, Sanji makes a face. Here goes another suit. He sighs. Law returns shortly after to Sanji's side with the required equipment, his eyes on Zoro.
He can't help but feel a little uncomfortable having him so close, and is happy when the raven hair doctor takes Zoro from his hands, meaning he can step back and have some distance.
Law takes the cat up from the armpit and sits him up, effectively waking Zoro. Zoro blinks up at Law. "You are real. Wow, I've never seen this in my life." He says, fascinated.
Law places his stethoscope on the cat's chest. "Where did you find it?" Seeing the discomfort on Zoro's face, Law huffs on the stethoscope before replacing it on the cat's small chest.
"My uncle apparently made him and handed him over to me. A burden if you ask me..." Sanji replies, while looking at what Law is doing. Soon his face turns into that of amusement when he sees how excited Law is, enough that the doctor is shaking with poor curiosity and joy.
"Open wide" Law instructs. Zoro obediently opens his mouth. "Hummm, seems like he's around 12 years old..."
"How do you know that?" Sanji asks, leaning closer to see what Law is seeing. All he sees are teeth and… are those fangs?
"A cat's age can be determined by how thick their teeth are and how sharp. But it's weird; he hasn't lost all his baby teeth yet… His canine teeth say he's around 12, but the other… 6, maybe 8… weird."
"What's NOT weird is the question" Sanji says, itching to light a cigarette. He knows he can't. Law would kill him if he lit one inside his office. "He doesn't look like a 12 years old, he looks younger."
"Could be because of the malnutrition. He could develop differently than other animals... or humans, er..., whatever he is." Laws not sure what to call it.
"He has a tiger's tail, and marks..." Law continues. " Cat ears, jaguar eyes... I'll say he has a combination of many felines. This is just awesome!" Law is almost squealing now- inspecting the cat's long green tail.
Zoro's attention at this point is on the stethoscope Law has placed beside him. He's not even minding Law behind him, while he nibbles on it. Apparently Law didn't care or didn't see.
"He's healthy physical wise... but he is malnourished and extremely dehydrated and if you don't want him catching a cold, I suggest better dressing." Law smiles at Sanji, finally looking away from the creature. "I'm sure you can take care of that." He says, still touching Zoro's tail.
"Thank you Law... I really owe you big time." Sanji walks over to Zoro, wraps him in the blanket again and lifts him up. Taking the stethoscope from Zoro and placing it on the table, he faces Law. "See yah." Before the blonde could leave, Sanji hears Law call him.
"If you need anything... don't hesitate to call." Sanji looks back at Law with a small smile. Law is blushing, scratching behind his head. "I mean... if he needs anything... you can call."
"Tomorrow, I'm going back to where I got him from to look for more information... you can come. I could really use the help figuring things out."
A smile takes over Laws lip, as he nods his head. Waving goodbye, Sanji leaves thought the same way he came in.
/
While driving, Sanji kept glancing at the cat, whose attention is purely on the road and the world around them. It's kinda cute seeing the cat looking outside with such interest, with both hands on the windows, and face almost pressed against it. His head really did remind him of a fluffy Marimo, with fluffy ears. Apparently, after a while he gets bored or tired because the young boy leans back onto the soft car chair. Zoro grabs the yellow blanket and wraps it around his shaking body.
Thinking about the cat, a question passes through the blonde's mind, in which he instantly asks. "Can you speak?" He almost blurts out. Zoro, who was nodding off, looks up at Sanji. "A... little. RoRo never allowed me to speak without his permission."
"Is RoRo, Roronoa?" Sanji asks, tightening his grip on the steering wheel when hearing the answer Zoro gives him.
"Yes, his name is hard to say..." Zoro's ears are flat on his head. "I didn't know him long..."
Watching the road, Sanji's mind begins to wander again. How am I going to hide him from Nami and Robin. They don't want any animals inside the apartment. I definitely can't explain that Zoro is some kind of green mutated human-cat.
Reaching at the apartment building, Sanji decides to sneak the cat into his apartment. "Stay quiet until I get you inside."
Sanji wraps the cat tightly in the yellow blanket, covering Zoro's head. Stepping inside the apartment building, Sanji silently heads to the elevator. Eyeing Nami who is at the counter doing something on the computer, Sanji tiptoes to the elevator. To Sanji's 'luck,' Nami looks up at him, her eyebrow creasing when she sees him. She instantly knows something is wrong... or off, that a better word.
"You're home early..."Nami notes suspiciously from across the room.
"Me? Early? Ha-ha, I'm-not-early!" Sanji response nervously, his voice coming out shaky. Nami's eyebrow goes up in suspicion. Sanji is acting... weird.
"What's under the blanket?" Nami questions while standing up, getting ready to head over to Sanji.
Sanji clicks the elevator button "Nothing, just some... OLD laundry, yeah..." Come on elevator, get yourself down here now! Sanji could hear Nami's heels hitting the tile floor as she makes her way towards him.
Sanji's foot starts to tap. Open! Open! Open! OPEN! When Nami is about a yard away, the elevator door opens with a ding, and Sanji quickly slips inside and presses his floor number.
Nami is dumbfounded; Sanji is trying to run away from her. Speeding up her pace, Nami reaches in time to see Sanji waving at her with a weird smile on his face as the doors close. Right before the doors could completely close, Nami sees a green tail under the yellow blanket.
"What the? Sanji can't bring an animal in here..." Shaking her head Nami concludes that Sanji would not disobey her simply because she is a girl, and second there is no animal with a fluffy green tail like that. Only if he is bringing in some kind of reptile, in which she counted against. Still, she will tell Robin and see what she thinks of it.