Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece.

A/N: A bit of a warning. There is a character death.

Also, on the summary it says, 'mention of rape.' It means that I'll say the words 'rape' but I won't write a rape scene.

A cold breeze swept through and made dead leaves dance. The leaves swirled lifelessly down the unused roads to either get caught in the grass or by puddles from the recent rain. The wind traveled far and trees whispered secret messages to each other and thin clouds swept across the blue sky. The spring wind finally made its way to the graveyard where a mass of people held a funeral that day. The naughty little zephyr slithered though the black dresses and coats and made the wearers try to hold their clothes down. It sailed up to brush strands of golden hair before it returned to the sky above.

Sanji Rob put a hand up to his face to straighten up his hair. His vision was obscured by the dark black veil covering his face. Around him, everyone was sniffling as men shoveled up dirt to cover a coffin down below. Sanji's dark blue eyes only saw the surface of the coffin and the person inside it. Lucci Rob, a member of the CP9, a good friend, and most of all Sanji's husband, died today. He was only twenty-eight years old.

Sanji wasn't able to hear the whole story on how his husband died, since his job was strictly confidential. The cook knew that and he also knew how dangerous Lucci's job was, but he never uttered a word against it. Lucci loved the job, just as much as Sanji loved to cook.

He felt a presence and turned to a man in a black suit. His short dark orange hair stood out from the dismal atmosphere, but his long squared nose won the whole attention. Today, however, that nose looked strangely natural.

"Kaku..." Sanji whispered.

"I...I'm sorry for your loss..." Kaku started in a formal greeting, although they had known each other since childhood, "How are you feeling lad?"

Sanji blankly stared at Kaku's nose for a moment. He shrugged, "I don't know...It happened all so soon."

There was a harsh sniffle and Sanji saw that Kaku burst into tears and he was trying to hold them down. The poor man was sensitive in these types of situations, even though he went through excruciating training to express no emotion.

"I'm sorry Sanji," Kaku managed to say through his sobs, "I- If only I used shigan earlier-!"

Sanji shook the younger frame's shoulders, "Stop, don't do this to yourself. It wasn't your fault." Kaku lifted his face and the cook saw those dark lively eyes reddened by tears. Sanji brought him close and hugged him. Kaku buried his face in Sanji's chest and tried to kill his crying. He attempted to talk to ease his sadness.

"...aren't you sad Sanji?"

Sanji squeezed Kaku, "I am." His voice told something else. Then, he was indeed sad. When a voice different from Lucci's handsome, velvety voice spoke through his home Den-Den Mushi, Sanji froze in consternation. He couldn't believe Lucci had died until he saw his body. If he closed his eyes, he could remember that day clearly.

He had rushed into the town hospital because the caller told him that was where Lucci's body was. When he entered the tiny room, he saw Lucci's group waiting for him: Kaku, Jyabura, Kalifa, Fukurou, Bruno, Kumadori, and Nero. Everyone was either covered in bandages or bruises from the special mission. They were all standing around a table where Sanji's husband lay. The instant Sanji entered, Kalifa shielded her face and began to cry. Fukurou and Kumadori were crying like waterfalls while the rest were standing firm, waiting on Sanji's cue to show such emotion.

Sanji slowly approached the table and uncovered the sheet that covered Lucci's beautiful face. The face stunned him. The man was not covered in blood or other gory images Sanji had in store. Lucci looked like he was in a peaceful slumber.

That day, Sanji cried, but not as much as he thought he would.

He didn't know why.

-.-.-

It had been a month since Lucci's death but still Sanji wore black. Things were coming back to shape. A week after the funeral, Sanji went back to work: opening the village café and running around the kitchen yelling orders while cooking some dishes. He grew social again and friends approached him tentatively. The only thing missing was Lucci. There was an empty hole in his heart and that hole always made Sanji sigh. Was this how it felt when people lose the one they love? It wasn't as dramatic as how the movies show it.

"Boss," one of his chefs called from across the room, "table three wants to speak with you."

Sanji assumed it was compliments about his dishes so he straightened his hair and suit and left the kitchen brawl. When he came to the table, there sat a wonderful young lady. She wore a light tan suit with two pearl earrings on both her ears. She pushed her orange hair behind her ear and greeted him with a sweet smile, "Long time no see, Sanji-kun."

"N-Nami-san..." Sanji suddenly felt like a young boy telling an older woman she was beautiful. Nami was named the queen at his high school and he, along with many genders, loved her. Joyous memories returned and Sanji couldn't help but chuckle on remembering a time when Lucci turned sour whenever Sanji told him how pretty Nami was. The conversation ended up with Lucci on top of him, telling him to shut up with kisses.

Sanji eyed the chair, "May I?"

"If you're not busy." Sanji looked over to the kitchen. Today wasn't exactly one of the busy times so his crew could handle it. If they really needed his help, they knew to call him. Sanji sat across her and gazed at her beauty. She hadn't changed since the last time they met, which was nearly eight years ago. The only difference was that she had a silver ring around her ring finger, which she was twirling it around from time to time.

"How have you been?" Sanji started.

"I'm fine as always." Nami smiled, but then turned sober, "H-how are you doing? I'm sorry I couldn't go to the funeral..."

"It's alright. Lucci will understand. He would have gone jealous if you did." He chuckled lightly. Nami tried to follow his laughter but hers ended up weak.

Sanji glanced at Nami's ring, "I never knew you married."

"Yes...just this February."

Sanji smiled. He loved to hear conversations about people falling in love. "Congratulations." Nami nodded and a faint blush formed on her cheeks, "May I ask who you married to?"

The young woman suddenly let out a giggle, "You'll never guess."

"Who?"

"Guess."

"I absolutely have no clue."

Nami sighed but her face was full of happiness, "It's Luffy."

"Luffy?" Sanji widened his eyes, "The kid who only cared about eating? Wow. How did this happen?"

"Well, we coincidentally met each other a year ago and after hanging out for a while, Luffy asked if he wanted to marry me and I just said 'yes.'" Nami covered her lips to muffle her giggles, "Love is a strange thing isn't it?"

"It is." Sanji agreed silently.

Nami picked up her spoon and swirled the plate of soup, "Is this the famous peppered trout stew everyone's talking about?"

"Yeah, my original recipe."

"Really?"

"Yeah, but it's a hassle because only I can make it, so I have to come here early in the morning to make a batch. It's really limited. You're lucky to eat this at this hour."

"I have always been lucky." She grinned. "I heard that lots of people come all over the country to eat this."

"You read the Delicious! Gazette?"

"I did and that's how I found you. But Sanji-kun," Nami dipped the tip of her spoon and made little circles, "have you thought of going out to the big world? Wasn't it your dream to create your own restaurant-not this small café in a middle of the countryside?"

The blond blushed. He did boast to all of his friends and classmates about his dream goal. He had told him the name of the restaurant, the specific furniture he was going to place, the location of the restaurant, and his recipes. The cook chuckled lightly and threaded his hands together.

"Dreams change."

"Sanji-kun," Nami pressed, "I-I'm sorry to say this, but now you're single you can do whatever you want now. You should try and reach for that dream."

"Oh I don't know-"

"You should." Nami's tone of voice grew demanding, "You're still-what-twenty-seven! You have many years ahead and I don't want to see you cooped up in the countryside! Besides it doesn't match your character!"

Sanji chuckled, "I thank you for your gratification Nami-san but-"

"So here," Nami clicked open her purse and laid a piece of paper in front of him, "This is an application form for the Baratie Restaurant." Sanji's eye almost popped out of his sockets at the name. "I heard how difficult it is to even getting hired there, but if you submit one of your recipes, maybe they'll consider. Why don't you try submitting this?" She pointed at the stew.

"Do you think they'll accept my stew?" Sanji was surprised to hear his voice so excited.

"I think they will. They probably heard about the great reviews about your soup, they'll just too full of pride to bring their butts over here. This is the first step Sanji-kun! You need to get recognized. If you get hired, you'll learn the tips of cooking and how to work around the place. Maybe Baratie will help you if you decide to open your own restaurant."

"Thank you Nami-san." Sanji held the application form as it was a golden ticket, "I'll try it."

Nami beamed, feeling accomplished, "Remember Sanji-kun, live life happily."

-.-.-

Sanji laid sprawled on the king sized bed where Lucci and he had shared together. The silent room awoke to the sound of the Den-Den Mushi. The blond man outstretched his arm to click the receiver out of the shell.

"Hello?"

"This is the Baratie Restaurant and we would like to speak to Mr. Sanji Rob."

All of a sudden, Sanji sat upright, "Yes! That will be me."

"We have received your paperwork and the recipes for the peppered trout stew. Would you be able to visit us and show us a demonstration?"

"Oh y-yes, I would!"

The voice on the other side seemed to smile, "Would next week at noon be alright with you?"

"Yes, definitely." Sanji paused, "Oh wait."

"Yes?"

"Is this place located at-" Sanji stated the address Nami had given him to send the application.

"Oh, no that is the mailing address specifically for application purposes. Here is the address to get to Baratie."

Sanji deftly scribbled the names on a random piece of paper he found nearby, "Thank you very much."

"We hope to see you at the Baratie." Sanji waited until the Den-Den Mushi closed its eyes before he shouted out in joy. Thanks to Nami, he was really taking his first steps to create his own restaurant. Because of marriage and becoming a househusband, he had to abandon the huge dream. He was content working at the café for the rest of his life, but Nami was right. He needed to treasure and enjoy life.

If only Lucci was here...

Sanji shook his head to clear the gloomy thoughts and searched for a map. He needed to know where the main restaurant was. Sanji unfolded many maps, running his finger across the wavy lines of roads and streets.

"Wait..." Sanji froze and reread the address. The city in which the Baratie Restaurant located was in Rogue City. He glared at the town's name with utmost hate.

"...what a nightmare..."

Rogue Town was the most modernized city in the country. Many people went there to accomplish their dream or find a good workplace. For many, Rogue Town was a place to start a new life. For Sanji, it was the place where he entered as a naïve fool and left dark, gloomy, and violated.

Nine years ago, Sanji went to Rogue Town to get an education at the Grand Line University. There, he was raped by a man. If Sanji ever saw that man, he would surely kill him, but the government was on the man's side. The man had the power because he was the boss of a prosperous company called the Wado Corporation. Sanji used to have their goods and items because the Wado brands were in great shape even after being used for several years. Now, Sanji didn't even have one of the Wado items because of the incident.

Fortunately Lucci, who joined the CP9, had complete authority and was able to sue and get millions of dollars for winning the argument. Since then Sanji refused to enter the prosperous city of Rouge Town and never saw the man again.

Sanji squeezed the map with anger, "Zoro Roronoa..." He prayed he wouldn't meet him.

-.-.-

Sanji prepared necessary steps before heading out to the real world. The first step, which saddened his heart so, was to leave his cherished café. Many fans would be disappointed to hear that his famous dish was erased off the menu. His co-workers waved handkerchiefs as he said good-bye and gave his right handed man the new title of the head chef. Next, he counted up his money he had saved working at the café and subtracted the amount for train tickets, food, clothing, and a few days rest at a hotel at Rogue he had already reserved. Finally, he wrote a letter to Nami saying that he had passed the first test and thanked her with many kisses (in writing) and hugs (in writing) for helping him. When he was ready to leave, his co-workers met him at the train station to see their ex-head chef depart to the new world, a new life.

It was a cold, crisp morning when Sanji got out of the train. He carried necessary items and of course his treasured pots and pans. He flipped open a tiny note he scribbled down the nearby roads to the restaurant, To Sanji's chagrin, the restaurant located nearby the rumored Wado Corporation. These were times when life was a heartless asshole.

He appeared at the restaurant in time and was appalled to the size of the building. It was as large as a hotel lobby. In that hotel lobby sized restaurant there was the largest kitchen Sanji had ever seen. The university kitchen was like a child's kitchen play set compared to here. Here, Sanji and a few other applicants stayed in the kitchen and used whatever necessary to create the dish to present to the administrators.

Sanji's nerves were jittering like crazy. He noticed that the other cooks were just as anxious as him because they were making some mishaps that usually only amateurs would do. They worked silently and efficiently and the time ticked by quickly to them but slowly to the judges waiting in the restaurant tables.

Sanji was the fourteenth person to go and present his dish. He started to sweat as cooks before him left the kitchen. He was complete and all ready to go, but the nervous butterflies fluttered in his stomach. If he messed this up he would have to find some other way to reach his dream and that would take longer and harder steps.

Nami-san helped me get this far, so now it's my turn. Sanji took few calming breaths and patiently waited.

"Number Fourteen," Sanji flinched when he heard a female voice, "You are next."

Sanji and an assistant carefully carried the tray of soup and headed to the restaurant. There were a total of five judges and all had hard looks. The blond felt intimidated but he kept his firm stance. He stood there, trying not to move a muscle, as the judges sipped the soup, poked and cut the trout into tiny pieces, and ate them. Sanji felt relieved when all of the judges drank all of the stew. Hopefully that meant a good thing.

He clasped his hands behind his back and twirled with a black beaded bracelet. It was a gift Lucci gave him on their first date.

"Mr. Rob, is it?"

Sanji straightened up, "Y-yes."

The judges shared glances and the judge in the middle spoke. Everyone had tall chef hats, but his was the tallest. His braided beard was also very long.

The wrinkles on the man's face stretched as he smiled. "The taste and the balance of the stew and trout are perfect. You can go far with your talent-and we will help you get there. We would love to have you in the Baratie."

Sanji took a second to register what the man said. He stiffened up and he almost burst into tears right there and then. He gave a quick, nervous bow, "T-thank you very much."

The chefs began barraging him with rules and regulations before Sanji left. Sanji bent his head down again because if he looked up he would be smiling like a child on Christmas morning. He was skipped out of the restaurant with lighted feet. All he needed to do was to wait until next week and then he would be a true chef at the Baratie. Then, after a few years or so saving up his money, (Sanji calculated to be between five and seven years) he would leave Baratie and open his own restaurant on the coast of All Blue. He imagined the restaurant to have two sides: one side viewing the gorgeous oceanic scene and the other would be a bar with a gigantic aquarium with many exotic fishes. He would cook using the world's best ingredients and his original recipes. That was his paradise.

His thoughts were broken to the cacophonic sounds of a car buzzing by. Sanji stopped at the crosswalk and looked around his surroundings. He had taken the wrong turn. Sick coincidence, but Sanji stood right in front of the Wado Corporation building. It was a skyscraper with a total of three hundred floors. The building was shining with the thousands of windows reflecting the sunlight. He glared at the building and a thought suddenly formed in his mind.

If the Wado Corporation was still working did this mean the man still worked here? Did the people forgave him for what he had done to him? The thought bubbled up demonic anger in Sanji. He suddenly wanted to enter the building and call for a boss and hope it wasn't the rapist. If it was, well Sanji was going to have fun tearing him up into pieces. The man deserved it because he ruined Sanji's life. If he never existed then Sanji might have gotten his dream restaurant sooner. Instead, he was forced to drop out of the university before getting any degree whatsoever. The man was able to stay at the university because money was on his side.

...but there was a tiny voice inside his heart that wanted to see if the man was alright. Sanji ignored the last voice and stormed into the building.

He walked through the busy lobby to the receptionist. The lady was young and was busy on the Den-Den Mushi. He gazed at her cute face. She had faint makeup splashed on her eyes and cheek and her lips were a soft shade of pink. He waited patiently until she finished her call.

She looked up and smiled, "How may I help you?"

Sanji forced a smile to look like a nice guy to hide his killing rage, "May I see Mr. Roronoa? I would like to have a word with him?"

The lady blinked a few times. She looked worried, "I-I'm sorry. I don't think Mr. Roronoa is available..."

Oh, so the man did leave. Sanji seemed relieved but at the same time he was disappointed. He thanked her and turned on his heels to leave.

"Are you looking for Mr. Roronoa?" Sanji turned to the voice. A man with dark skin with half lidded eyes stared at him curiously. The man wore a hideous patterned suit that was all too tight around his neck. "I am Yosaku, the co-executive of the Wado Corporation. You said you wanted to meet with Mr. Roronoa? Are you a friend of his?"

Suddenly Sanji felt rigid. He just entered halfheartedly and now he regretted it. "Er, no...I-I'm fine-"

"Unfortunately, Mr. Roronoa had to resign for specific reasons."

Sanji suddenly turned dark and he spat, "Is it because of the rape incident?"

The man was surprised, "Yes...but that isn't the main reason."

"Hm? Then what is it?"

"C-can we talk about this outside?" Sanji frowned but decided he grew curious as to why he resigned at a young age. That man was two years older than him so he should be twenty-nine this year. There was no reason for him to quit unless he did something relentless. Sanji was taken out of the building and to the side of a clothes store.

Yosaku looked both ways before whispering in the man's ear, "Mr. Roronoa became blind."

"B-blind?" Sanji repeated and was rudely hushed by Yosaku, "How?"

"There was internal bleeding in his head and the blood clot added pressure to the nerves around his eyes. He had done surgery to remove the blood clot and it succeeded, yet he still cannot see a thing. Now doctors are saying it's probably mental stress...from work and maybe the incident that nearly ruined his status." Sanji clenched his teeth at the word nearly. "He resigned in hopes to find a cure to his blindness. I think it took him five years to finally find a good doctor."

"Five years?" Sanji gasped and then he made a face. Why did he suddenly felt sympathy over that man? His voice grew dry, "He's been blind for that long?"

"Yes, but even though he found the right doctor there isn't much improvement. Pardon me for asking but if you are free, would you visit him this weekend and maybe cheer him up? He doesn't have many visitors and the place is so rural, he is getting a bit lonely." It appeared that Yosaku thought that Sanji was Zoro's close friend. The man pulled out a notepad, wrote something, and tore out the page, "This is the home Mr. Roronoa's staying at currently. I think he'll be glad to meet you."

Of course he'll be glad to meet me. He loved me so much he raped me.

"Thanks." For the first time during the conversation, Yosaku smiled. Upon this, Sanji's stubborn frame faltered and he smiled back. The man bowed and headed back to his work. Sanji stared at the tiny piece of paper with grimace. The man wasn't in Rogue; well that was a good sign. The man was an idiot for asking him to do this. Why didn't he ask for his name? Like boss, like co-executive he guessed with indignation. He crumbled the paper in his hand and searched for the trash bin. When he found one, he headed toward it with great speed. He came here to start a new life, not to return to the horrid nightmare. That man was nothing to him anymore.

'...he is getting a bit lonely...' Yosaku's words suddenly appeared in his head. Sanji's fist froze over the trash bin. He ordered the hand to open but it did not obey. The man's words were preventing it.

"Shit!" Sanji cursed and stuffed the note in his pocket and marched to the train station.

He really hated life.

-.-.-

The train to Syrup Village was long and dreadful. The scenery dramatically changed from urban skyscrapers, concrete roads, and people to fields, rivers, and forests. Many times Sanji debated whether he should get off on the next stop, but Yosaku's words prevented him to. The metallic clanging of the train sounded like deadly chants as he inched his way closer to hell.

The trip between Rogue and Syrup was a day long, so Sanji had to sleep in the room quarters. Luckily there weren't many people heading to the suburban neighborhood so he had the quarters all to himself. As Sanji pulled the covers over his head he wondered, 'why the hell did I get here in the first place?' and 'damn you Yosaku!'

That night, Sanji dreamed of something extremely eerie and frightening.

Sanji stood at an unfamiliar place. Everywhere he looked was mixed shades of gray and he couldn't tell where the sky and the ground met. When he took his first step, he saw something flying at him at top speed. He leaped to avoid getting hit and he crashed onto the cold gray floor. As the object soared right over his head, Sanji saw that it was a colossal navy blue velvet box. Its mouth was open and he saw a glittering diamond ring the size of an elephant.

The box zoomed away like a rocket and disappeared into the gray horizon. Sanji thought it was safe to stand up when he saw more object zooming past him.

"Wah!" Sanji shouted as he jumped past a merry-go-round that was spinning in a horrifying speed and children were sitting on the ride, laughing mechanically. He shielded his head as a humongous stage with his favorite rock band mixing all of his favorite songs into one nasty tune. He dodged all of the plates of exotic food that shot at him like missiles. White satin table cloths, napkins, curtains, and a wedding suit tangled up around Sanji's body and in frenzy, he tore them into pieces. In this chaotic mess, a wave materialized out of nowhere and it crashed into all of the objects, even Sanji. He was tossed and turned as he was swept away with the strong current and the merry-go-round, the stage, the food-all washed away with him.

As he heard screams and laughter amongst the crashing waves, he saw the velvet box again and he climbed onto it for safety. Using debris, he paddled feverishly to avoid a monstrous cruise ship that sailed past, nearly running him and the velvet box over. The waves of the cruise ship splashed over Sanji, but he held on to the box so he wouldn't get washed away. He wiped away his hair sticking onto his face and glared up at the sky and paled. The gray sky and a gigantic silhouette came into view. The giant leaned toward Sanji and saw the familiar green hair and the sharp gray eyes that were fueled with menace.

'Why?' the giant asked in his booming voice that nearly tore Sanji's eardrums.

"Because I love someone else!" Sanji screamed as loud as his voice can carry, "I never liked you! Get the fuck away from me Zoro!"

The man's expression darkened and his large hand reached out. The hand hovered over him and the velvet box and he let out a scream when he was blinded by darkness.

"Uwaaaah!" Sanji screamed and sat upright, resulted him hitting his head on the low ceiling. The blond bent down to recover. Sweat that poured out of his skin began to cool against his drenched attire. He shivered, both from cold and fear, and huddled close. He covered his mouth because he felt like throwing up.

Why was he doing this? Why did he have to do this? What did he do to deserve this punishment?

He squeezed his eyes as he tried to erase it. He over lapped it with a better memory, the day after the incident. Everyone in the Cipher Pol 9, except Lucci, approached Zoro and kept him away, threatening him if he did. Lucci didn't participate in it because he stayed at Sanji's side, comforting him and easing his pain. Those memories gave Sanji splendid dreams and so he slept peacefully for the rest of the night.

The day broke and Sanji stepped out and into the train station. He took a breath of fresh air. It cooled his lungs like ice.

"This fucking sucks." After quarreling with his mind to change his mind, he reached Syrup Village. He ran to the time schedule and skimmed through the hours, "Damn, I have three hours." Should he wait here until the time arrived or take a tiny (very tiny) peak at Zoro? The first was the better choice, but what if Yosaku called Zoro saying that a friend was visiting? The idea to see the man disappointed pleased Sanji but it didn't feel really good. Sanji cursed at Yosaku and stormed into the town.

Sanji stepped through the road, glancing at the note and the street names. Why did he come all this way for? Was it because he felt the pity in Yosaku's smile and his feeble attempts to please his former boss? What was the merit for Sanji? It was lower than meaningless. He could turn around and forget this whole thing. If he got any closer to him, Sanji was going to encounter something that he might dread over.

He passed the stores and to a fork in the road. He glanced up at his note and took the North side. Suddenly, the scenery began to change. There were still thick forests with luscious greenery, but in between there stood Victorian homes. Sanji gawked at the sight as he passed each one of them. All of them were tall and had a clean, sophisticated air to it. Most of them were painted white with large iron fences. Many of them had an acre of flowers in many sizes and colors. These were like the homes Sanji saw superstars had.

Finally Sanji stopped at what looked like a mansion for the houses' size was twice as big. He read the golden block letters on the gate: "Law's Clinic." Right next to the letters sat a mini Den-Den Mushi. The blond stuffed the note in his pocket and pressed the little creature.

"Ring~" the little Den-Den Mushi sang. The creature began singing a whole measure of something and Sanji impatiently waited for it to stop. When it finally finished with a soprano 'A' the gate suddenly slid open. Sanji hesitated first, weighing the cost and benefits, and somehow with miscalculations he stepped in. Once the gates closed automatically Sanji felt trapped.

He fell into the lion's nest on his own. What could he do now? Lucci wasn't going to save him anymore.

"You're late!" Sanji jumped to the shout, "I told you to come at eight you fool!" A young man dashed toward Sanji with great speed. He grabbed Sanji by the arm and dragged him through the rose garden. As Sanji tried to wring his arm free, but the man's grip was strong. He warily looked at the man who was taking him captive. It wasn't Zoro, thank god, but who the hell was he?

The man had dark tattoos etched all over his arms, hands, and fingers like exotic artwork. There were dark bags under the man's eyes and it was quite daunting especially when the man was furious. Finally a black spotted hat donned on his head. The first thing that came in Sanji's mind was he was from a dangerous group, so in a panic, Sanji slammed his fist in the man's side.

"Urg! What are you doing?"

"What the hell are you doing?" Sanji screamed, relieved that the man stopped, "Yelling at me for no fucking reason and dragging me like some lame ragdoll!"

The man examined Sanji from top to bottom and raised an eye, "...you're not the new nurse?"

"I'm no nurse. I'm a chef." Sanji snapped, "Who the hell are you?"

The man scratched his head, "Oh my bad. Um...nice to meet you. I'm Law Trafalgar, the doctor of this town."

"You're a what?"

"Yeah, I hear that a lot." Law crossed his arms, "You seem new around here. Are you a new resident in the North?"

"No. I came here to...meet someone."

"Hm, we weren't expecting any visitors today." So Yosaku didn't call! Sanji gritted his teeth. I should have left when I had the time! "But since you're here, I'll let you in. What's your name by the way?"

"Sanji." Sanji reluctantly replied. When he looked at the doctor, he was surprised to see the man frozen on the spot. The cook irked at the intense stare. "W-what?"

"A-Are you by chance Sanji Black?"

Black was Sanji's last name before he married. Sanji didn't like how this was going. "Y-yeah..."

"And did you used to attend Grand Line University to major in culinary arts but dropped out because of certain reasons you might not want to talk about?"

"Y-yeah..."

Law suddenly fell silent as he mulled over his thoughts. Sanji, on the other hand, was trying to find a way to get the hell out of here.

"This might work...hey Sanji-"

"No thank you."

"What? I didn't say anything yet."

"Because I know what you're going to say. I am not here to make Zoro happy. I have never forgiven him for what he has done to me and never will. I'm just here because his co-worker, or whatever, forced me too. Once I see his face, I'll leave."

"Well, could you at least say 'hi' to him?" Law's frown tightened, "He isn't doing well in his recovery so he's kind of bummed. He needs some...encouragement."

First Yosaku and now this doctor? How much money did Zoro bribe them? Sanji hated how this was going, oh so much, but he could not back down.

"A-All right...I will do that," Sanji said through clenched teeth, "but that's all!"

Law seemed relieved, "Thank you man." He gestured a hand, "Right this way."

As Law led Sanji down the hallway and up the stairs, he asked a few questions. It was directly to the point and it embarrassed Sanji. "So, why did you suddenly come here? I thought you hated him."

"I told you. His co-worker forced me to."

"Really? If I were you, I would have never come here. You're such a naïve idiot."

Sanji scoffed, pissed on how easily Law was able to read through his mind. "Thanks for the compliment."

"You're welcome." He turned away from Law to look around the clinic. Sanji noticed that the hospital was just like any other home. The first floor contained a roomy country kitchen, a dining room with a table for five people, and the living room with comfortable couches. As they ascended the stairs, there were picture frames decorated on the walls and flower vases were placed on every drawer.

"This is a hospital right?"

"Yeah, but I'm a traveling doctor. I go to every home to check and hand them medicine. That way, people with severe illness or disabilities can stay at their homes. Only patients who really need my attention stay here." Law stopped at a door. This one stood out from the rest of them because the door was a size bigger and had golden trimmings around it.

Law knocked on it twice, "Zoro, I'm coming in. I brought in a visitor. You'll be surprised to hear who it is." Sanji shot a glare at Law and the doctor only tartly smiled.

When the door opened, Sanji was first blinded by the sunlight. Once he adjusted to the brightness he was able to look into the room. Everything was white as snow. A large glass window was right in front of them, and all of the sunlight entered through the cozy room. Bookshelves surrounded the room and many books were piled on top of each other on a table. From afar, the pages on the book looked blank but Sanji saw ridges and bumps on the surface. There were two armchairs and one was occupied. Sanji's frame suddenly shook at the sight of the man. The man had changed since the last time they met. The short green hair was longer and some fell on his shoulders. He had a few wrinkles around his eyes and lips and only was apparent when the man smiled. The gray eyes that were full of youth were dimmed by the blindness. Sanji averted his eyes and gripped his racing heart.

Law noticed Sanji's quivering and whispered in his ear, "You'll be alright. If anything happens, I'll protect you." Sanji heard him whisper, 'I highly doubt it though,' but the blond didn't believe him. If a man raped once, he would do it again.

"Hey Law. Who's the visitor?" Zoro asked. He faced the two but his eyes were not looking at them.

Law nudged Sanji, "Say something. He can't see you and he could only recognize by voice."

Sanji hesitated greatly. Zoro's voice was kind and soothing. It had changed also but the sight of the man brought the memories back. He hated the man. He hated him to guts. He wanted to strangle him to death, cursing at him how he destroyed his dream and how he was glad that he became blind. Law looked worried and waved his hand around the cook, signalizing him to speak.

"...H-Hi Zoro..." Sanji spat, glaring at the ground.

There was a moment of silence and the cook wondered what the matter was. He took a peek at the patient. The man stayed in his chair comfortably in his seat. He didn't gasp or cry out at the sound of his voice. Zoro only blinked and those dead eyes scrutinized Sanji.

Then Zoro smiled, "Law, who is this?"

To Be Continued