Here's chapter one! Hope nothing's OOC…
As the Going Merry sailed languidly towards an island that seemed to be covered in a yellow mist, schools of beautiful, blue and silver fish swam in circles underneath, painting fleeting patterns into the coral-covered bottom. Chopper was torn between awe -over the spectacular colours and vibrancy of his surroundings- or anguish -over not being able to join the fishes and have a little chat. He cursed his Devil fruit powers sometimes, but then he remembered that if he didn't have them, he'd probably just be stuck at Drum island still, not having even a percentage of as much fun as he was having here.
Still, he wouldn't mind a swim. He'd ask Usopp if he could take him, but Usopp was busy sketching out the bottom of the almost surrealistically clear ocean. He probably wouldn't even hear Chopper over his own mind, Usopp sometimes got absorbed in his drawings like that.
Chopper suddenly felt hands lift him up and throw him over the railing. He emitted a squeal before another set of hands caught him, just above the water's surface. Another hand sprung from the keel of the ship, splashing the water just the teeniest bit, calling the fishes up. Chopper reminded himself to thank Robin, before he was actively talking with the shimmering fishes.
Everyone-even Zoro (not napping for a change) and Nami, was admiring the beautiful nature surrounding the isle. Sanji wasn´t even smoking, not wanting to taint the spring-like feel of the clear air. He could always catch up later.
His eye caught searched the deck for Nami and Robin, wanting to see the faces they'd surely make over something this amazing. He found Nami, however, she was somewhat hidden behind Zoro's feature as he leaned over, watching the sea. Sanji was about to call to him to get the hell out of the way so Nami was visible again, but decided against it. He hadn't seen the swordsman looking this content for the longest time. Sanji and Zoro had been arguing even more than usual, and not the normal way either; their insults had taken an edge to them, making them say things they'd sooner regret even thinking. Therefore they'd just stayed out of each other's way, not risking another fight, but not burying the war axe either. But seeing Zoro now made Sanji want to forget all about their banter. Zoro wasn't so much the irritating numbskull at the moment, he wasn't even scowling, just gazing at the landscape with an uncharacteristically gentle smile.
Guess even the marimo would find something to smile about here, Sanji thought to himself before moving over to ogle Nami.
Setting things straight with Zoro would wait until they'd dock.
Sanji whistled some made-up tune as he walked from street to street, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere this town seemed to offer. It was bountiful on two things; women and food. Obviously this town was simply ideal for one member of the Straw Hats, and Sanji was eyeing various tasty and delicious-looking merchandise. And food, too.
His little talk with Zoro had gone remarkably well, even better than Sanji had ever anticipated.
Sanji nudged Zoro in the ribs while everyone was focused on Luffy, who was talking with one of the residents of the island.
"Listen, can I talk to you, under four eyes?""I'd say that was three eyes, cook, but sure.
They walked a little way away, not so far it'd be considered suspicious, but far enough so no one could overhear them without trying.
"This is going to sound stupid and I'm not used to it, so I'll say it out straight. All this fighting's gotten out of hand, and Nami-san's been hinting that we should at least try and not kill each other. So, what say you we put everything behind us for now and just forget it?"
Sanji knew Zoro didn't like sugar-coating or hinting, preferring the straight-out and clean version of things. Zoro's scowl told Sanji he was going to retort with something spiteful (then again, Zoro was always scowling, how the hell was he supposed to read that mug of a face?), but it eased out into a marimo-version of a smile. "I've been thinking the same thing, Sanji. I've almost run out of names to call you, anyway." Zoro stuck out his hand , which Sanji took, understanding that the hurtful words in the past were now just that; words in the past.
"Who needs new names anyway….marimo.""Ero-cook."
"Knucklehead."
"Curly-brow."
"Shitty-swordsman."
"Dartboard."
As a result of their conversation (and the fact that Sanji'd overheard Nami-swaan discussing her new, very pretty and very revealing outfit with Robin), Sanji was in an exceptionally good mood. He had groceries that had a price way below their quality, there were plenty of women who -gasp- smiled to him when he addressed them, the weather was gorgeous and everything just seemed to be absolutely perfect in every aspect. For once.
Sanji knew exactly what Usopp would say if he knew what Sanji was thinking, "Don't jinx it like that, Sanji, now something bad's bound to happen!". But the little pessimist wasn't here, was he? So Sanji's mood stayed as good as it was. And it even raised a bit when he saw that sweet-looking little park with the innocent, white fence around it.
Where a discarded machine was lying in wait.
You get a nutella sandwich if you can guess what this machine has to do with anything.