Transfer Student
Chapter 3
Thank you so much for your patience! I apologize this one took longer than normal. I've been drawing again and I've been spending so much time doing that, that I haven't made as much time as I usually do for writing. Enjoy!
Sanji paced back and forth in front of the athletics office. Each student that failed at least two courses got a pink slip and were sent down to the athletics department to sign up for a day and time for the obstacle course. The location was held at a camp twenty miles outside of the city and the course times were typically held over the weekends, allowing the students to pick which days worked best for them. Sanji wasn't too worried about the obstacle course itself, he had the utmost confidence in himself that he could take whatever was thrown at him. Unless that bastard teacher decided to change things up at the last minute, which he did quite a lot. What he was more worried about was Zeff finding out. With the course not within city limits he couldn't take the train or walk and Zeff would be his only way there. That old shit geezer would never let him live it down and might possibly completely cut his hours at the restaurant to make sure he did better in school. Sanji knew that he needed to cut down his hours at the Baratie to do better but he couldn't let the geezer take all his time away and that would be something that the old man would do.
As he paced, he thought up his options on how to get there without the geezer finding out. At the high school they left the students responsible for telling their parents about their grades, so if Sanji could find someone else to take him he had a chance that Zeff wouldn't find out. Nami's older sister would take him but she works weekends so that wasn't an option. Luffy's gramp was always out of town on business and it's too late to ask him when he'd be open since Sanji was about to sign up for his time. So he couldn't do it that way. Vivi's dad was the mayor of the city and he doubts he had the time. Chopper's foster mom worked at the hospital so there was no way she could take him. He didn't really know anybody else's parents, so he only had one option left. After this was over he'd go and talk to Ms. Robin to see if she would take him.
As he came to his conclusion, the athletic boards secretary came out and called for the next person. She was tall with long, blonde hair and tiny glasses. She always carried a clipboard with her, "Sanji? Mr. Spandam is ready to see you."
Sanji shuddered at the mention of his name, "Thank you Kalifa. You look wonderful today." he says to her when he approaches the door.
Kalifa pushed her glasses up her nose, "Might I remind you that could be considered sexual harassment. Don't make me warn you again." she glared at Sanji as he walked passed her. Kalifa found men quite annoying and didn't particularly like them. Any time a guy would hit on her or sometimes just bother her she'd threaten them with sexual harassment to get them off her case. She's never actually sued a guy but the threat alone works and she wouldn't hesitate to sue if it was needed.
Sanji rolled his eyes when he was far enough passed her so she couldn't see. Was everyone in athletics always this eccentric? He thought to himself, Aaaaannnddd that's a yes. That bastard was in his office chair facing the other way letting out a quiet menacingly laugh. This was what Sanji hated most about this school, for some reason athletics was filled with a bunch of weirdos and the biggest weirdo of them all was Spandam. Sanji heard stories that the department used to be normal until Spandam arrived. He got everyone else fired and got his own people hired at the school and by own people, he means the people he used to run a military school with. They treated any physical ed class like they were in a military camp because of it.
All the teachers would make them do exercises in perfect formation and if you didn't you'd have to run a certain amount of laps under a designated time, otherwise they'd dock your grade. There were never any games anymore, like kickball or flag football. It was all just yelling and uniformed exercises. Spandam was able to convince the school board that this was the best way to get children to do well in school, which is why phys ed was always like this and that failing meant you had to make it up by running an obstacle course. This guy was a sneaky bastard and Sanji couldn't stand him.
After Spandam decided that his laugh was satisfying enough, he slowly turned his chair around. Sanji rolled his eyes again but quickly stood up straight when he was completely facing him. Spandam looked a Sanji with a sinister grin. Sanji hated his face, he hated everything about him. His dark circles around his eyes and his wavy purple hair. He especially hated that weird leather mask that he wore that covered half of his face. Sanji heard a rumor that he got into a fight with on of the highers ups at his old job and he broke Spandam's face. As a result, he had to wear that mask on his face and he was now working on the athletic board at a high school. But most of all, Sanji hated that mans entire being. Always acting like he was smarter and better than everyone else when he was just a lowlife that hides whenever there's trouble. Sanji had no respect for the man and he wasn't going to let Spandam think he was scared of him or failing his little obstacle course.
Spandam sat up straight and lifted his hands up to Sanji in a welcoming manner before speaking, "Well, well if it isn't young Sanji. I was wondering how long it was going to take before I'd see you in my office." It was true that the man was waiting for Sanji. His grades were always on the low end and Spandam believed it was only a matter of time before Sanji would be sitting with him. Sanji stood there silent only looking at the leather masked man.
The grin left Spandam's face and his composure went from welcoming to hostile. He slowly dropped his hands and crossed his fingers in front of his face. He tilted his head slightly and looked Sanji directly in his eyes, "So...trying to play tough guy? Kids like you piss me off. You think that you're so cool by being so care free and having your grades be low but once shit hits the fan and you're in front of me you act like nothing's wrong. This is why we do things this way, to wipe those smug grins off of smart asses like you."
This guy was seriously starting to piss Sanji off. What grin? How was he being a smart ass? All he did was not respond to his first statement and now the bastard was making up shit about him. Tough guy? What the hell was that supposed to mean? Care free? He was working his ass off at that damn restaurant and didn't have any time to study properly. Sanji looked at the ground and closed his eyes trying not to show his anger. He didn't want Spandam to know that he was pushing Sanji's buttons in all the right places. The blonde wasn't about to lose it because of this idiot, he wouldn't give him the pleasure of doing so.
Sanji stuck his hands in his pockets and breathed out slowly, "If you say so." he said with a shrug. Maybe that wasn't the best thing to say to him but Sanji decided to play this little "tough guy" act that Spandam placed on him. Sanji saw Spandam's face contort with anger before he slammed his fists on his desk and stood up.
"You little punk! You think you're going to get anywhere in life with that kind of attitude?! You're pathetic and always will be. I'll make sure your course is especially difficult where even your prowess won't be able to get passed it." Spandam took out a piece of paper and slammed it at the end of his desk, "Now sign up for your day and time and get out of my office."
Sanji had to use all his might to not jump over that bastards desk and kick him in the face. He was going to have one hell of a time with his kick bag when he got home. Maybe he'd go on the school website and print out a picture of Spandam and tape it on it. Sanji smirked at the thought and now that he was calm, he walked over to Spandam's desk and picked up the paper and pen. He looked over the days and times that would work out best for him and he sees that there's an opening for this Sunday at four. He doesn't work that day and he could tell Zeff he was going downtown with everyone for the day. Placing the paper down on the desk and signing it, he hopes that Robin will be open during that time of day. She was his only hope that he'd be able to get away scot free without the geezer finding out. He lays the pen on the desk and walks out without saying another word or even a glance towards Spandam.
Sanji looked at the clock and saw that it was 3:10pm. School was let out almost a half an hour ago. He doubts Ms. Robin will be in the library still but he goes to check just in case. As he was walking through the corridors he sees Luffy up ahead and calls out for him.
Luffy turns his head and bounces happily towards him, "Sanji! What are you still doing here?"
"I was about to ask you the same thing. You're just the man I'm looking for. Is Ms. Robin still here?" Sanji says patting Luffy on the back.
Luffy looks up at the clock, "No, you probably missed her by about ten minutes."
Sanji shrugs and lets out a sigh, "Well I'm glad you're here then. Will she be home tonight? I need to ask her a favor. I don't want to go all the way out there and her not even be home."
Luffy looked up at the ceiling and raised an eyebrow, "She should be. Today is what? Tuesday? Yeah, she'll be home. She always stays home and reads on Tuesday's." Sanji thought that it was bit strange that she spent time at home reading. She worked in the school library, she had plenty of time to read all day. The raven haired woman must be pretty dedicated to books to do that.
Sanji pulled Luffy close into a headlock and throws his free fist in the air, "Alright! It's settled then! I'll be around after my shift tonight. Come over too."
Luffy struggled a bit before getting Sanji to loosen his grip so he could talk, "Gah! I'll probably already be over. What time will you be there?" he said rubbing his neck.
"My shift ends at 7:00 so probably around 7:30. Tell her I'll cook tonight." he says winking and giving Luffy a thumbs up.
Luffy starts to jump up and down with excitement, "Yahhooo! You're the best!"
"I'll see you tonight then!" Sanji yells running off in the other direction.
Luffy waves goodbye and slowly comes to the realization that having Sanji over might not be a good idea. He completely forgot Zoro was there and he might not be comfortable with that since he still wanted to keep it a secret that he was there. Though it might be funny if they met, Luffy thought that they'd get along well. He shrugs his shoulders and decides that he won't say anything to Zoro and only tell Robin. She would probably agree that them meeting would be fine, plus Sanji was going to cook and who could pass on his cooking? Luffy puts his hands behind his head before heading out the door and walking home.
Zoro wakes up in the middle of the floor head pounding and sweating, Shit. Passed out again, he thought. He was really tired of being crippled. All he wanted was to be able to get up and walk without using those damn crutches and start training again. He was losing a lot of time sitting around reading all day so he decided to at least try some light exercises every once in a while, despite what the doctor had told him, and every time he ended up passing out. The doctors said he could only walk on the treadmill for ten minutes at a time with at least a two hour break in between. Who the hell had the time for that? He needed to be better now. He groaned as he tried to roll over and pick himself up but with no luck, he couldn't even turn to his side. Damn. If Robin finds me like this she's going to be pissed, he turns his head to look at the clock, it said 7:20pm. Good. She should still be reading. Gives me some time to compose myself.
Zoro laid there for another good ten minutes before he was able to get up on his own. He picked up his crutches and went to grab his bottle of pills but couldn't find them. Robin would know where they were at so he hobbled off to find her.
"Oi! Robin! Have you seen my pills?" he called for her in his native tongue. He opened the door to the library but she wasn't inside. He called out again but to no avail.
Zoro was starting to get annoyed, "Where the hell was that damn woman?" he said to himself. He remembered the time and thought she must be in the kitchen by now getting ready for dinner so he started to head that way. With his injury being across his torso, he couldn't use his crutches like someone who had broken their ankle. They were just there for support, which made him walk a lot slower. He grumbled as he slowly made his way into the kitchen.
When he came close he heard Robin's voice and he called out again before entering the kitchen, "Oi, Robin! Have you seen my-" he tried to say but he was stopped dead in his tracks. Zoro felt like a deer in the headlights as he laid eyes upon the most beautiful person he thinks he's ever seen. He was tall and slender, he had shaggy blonde hair that laid across half of his face, he had a weird curly eyebrow but most of all he had these gorgeous piecing blue eyes. They were like the ocean. His heart skipped a beat when their eyes met and Zoro quickly looked away when he realized that he was staring. He looked back and noticed the blonde was looking at him in shock and almost...pity? And then he remembered that his bandaged torso was exposed and that the blonde boy was probably staring at Zoro for that reason.
He turned slightly towards Robin trying to hide his bandages and speaks to her, "Robin? Have you seen my pills?" his voice slightly shaking. Man why the hell was he so damn nervous? The blonde was getting to him, he hopes that with him speaking in Japanese the blue eyed beauty wouldn't notice the shake in his voice.
Robin turns around grabbing a bottle of pills sitting next to her coffee maker and sets in on top of the island counter closest to Zoro. He stumbles over stealing a couple of glances at the blonde and picks up the bottle.
"Thank you." he says to Robin.
"You're welcome. Would you like a glass of water?" Robin says smiling at Zoro. He nods his head and steals another glance at the blonde. Damn, he was still looking at him. The blonde probably thought it was weird that Zoro kept peaking at him like this. Robin hands him a glass of water and he takes his medicine.
As he drinks the rest of the glass Robin speaks to him again, "Why don't you introduce yourself?" Zoro choked on his water and took a few moments to compose himself. A slight blush arose across his cheeks and with wide eyes he stared at Robin. She nodded to him and he swallowed and turned to face the blonde. As hard as Zoro tried, he couldn't look directly at him. His heart would skip when they made eye contact, he was just too gorgeous.
As his eyes darted around the room and back to the blonde, his heart started to race and he finally brought up the courage to speak, "H-hello...my name is Roron-." he paused, the redness in his face going darker, "Ah..sorry. My name is Zoro." the other boy was looking at him with a small grin at the side of his mouth. He wasn't saying anything, so Zoro brought up the courage to speak again, "Sorry. I'm still not so good at introduct-"
"Zoro. You're speaking Japanese. He can't understand you." Robin interrupted. Just when he thought he couldn't embarrass himself anymore, there he was speaking his language to someone who doesn't. Zoro looked back at the blonde and his grin was stretching farther across his face. Dammit, the bastard thought this was funny. Zoro could feel the heat rising to his face more, his redness reaching all the way to the tips of his ears.
Zoro's heart started to pound harder and he was feeling dizzy. This is not good..., Zoro thought. He was getting too worked up about the situation and he was still exhausted from his exercises earlier and he needed to sit down fast. Zoro breathes in deeply trying to compose himself but starts to topple over. Robin runs over and catches him helping him to sit in one of the stools at the counter.
She cups her hands around Zoro's face and makes him look at her. His eyes are blank and blinking rapidly, he's starting to sweat and he's breathing is heavy. She lays her hand across his forehead and turns to Sanji, "He has a fever, he must have over exerted himself. Can you go next door and get Luffy? Hurry! Please?!"
Sanji trods up Robin's steps with groceries in hand. He had Luffy text him what Robin had so he didn't buy anything extra for tonight's meal. He was excited to cook for her but very nervous that she wouldn't be able to take him to his course time on Sunday. He rings the doorbell with his foot and waits for Robin to come to the door.
He heard the click of the lock and the door open. Robin smiled, welcoming him and motioned for him to come inside. They walk into the kitchen together and Sanji sets the bags on the island. He faced Robin and gave her a slight bow, "Good evening, Ms. Robin. How are you this lovely evening?"
She let out a soft giggle and waved her hand disapprovingly at Sanji, "Oh, please. Don't call me that here. That's just for formalities at school. How many times do I have to tell you to just call me Robin outside of school?"
"But a beautiful woman like you deserves to be talked to with respect." he says to her standing up straight. Robin laughs and shakes her head ignoring his comment. She walks over to the counter behind her and pulls out some tea leaves, "Would you like a cup?"
Sanji nods as she starts prepping the water kettle. Robin turns around and leans against the counter, "So, what brings you here today Sanji? Luffy told me you had a favor to ask of me." she says crossing her arms.
Sanji took a deep breath to get rid of his nerves, "Well, I was wondering if it was at all possible for you to take me to my obstacle course time this weekend? I can't tell Zeff. He'll take my hours away from the restaurant. I couldn't handle that. I'm going to cut my hours so that I can do better but if he finds out he'll definitely cut me for good. You're the only person I know that could possibly take me." he pleads to her hoping that she'll comply. If anyone would understand, she would and if she didn't he'd be screwed and has no hope of Zeff not finding out.
Robin straightens herself thinking about his request. She puts one hand under her chin and closes her eyes. After she finishes pondering she looks up at Sanji with a blank stare, "Now, as a teacher I really cannot condone this. You should tell your father and have him take you. It's the most responsible action to take." Sanji's heart drops. That's just great, he was going to lose the as he lost all hope, he sees that devilish smile Robin makes appear on her face, "But as your friend...I say it's a great plan. Plus, I wouldn't mind seeing the look on Spandam's face when you pass. When is your time?"
Sanji heart leaps and he practically jumps for joy hearing those words come out of her mouth, "It's this Sunday at four! Oh, thank you so much! I don't know how I could ever repay you." he says practically bowing to her.
Robin smiles softly, "I'm sure I'll think of something. Just make sure you come more often and cook for me."
Sanji was about to speak again but he hears a voice in another language coming from the other room, he look into the hallway and a young boy with short, green spikey hair stumbled into the kitchen on crutches.
"Oi! Robin, have you seen my-" the boy stops and stares at Sanji like he'd seen a ghost. He got a good look at him and Sanji was amazed at how green his hair was. He'd never seen such a shade of hair before. Was it even natural? It had to be, it wasn't a weird neon color but it was as natural as green hair could possibly get. He looked closer and the boy had such sharp features and dark eyes, he was broad shouldered and had thick muscles. Sanji was drawn to the three earrings that hung off his left ear. He looked at his neck and Sanji's eyes slowly went up and down his body, he was so...handsome. Wait..what? Sanji calling a man handsome? What was he thinking?
As Sanji's eyes went back up the boys muscular body, he noticed that the white across his chest was not a shirt but bandages. His eyes widened with shock in his realization. What happened to the poor boy for him to be wrapped up like the way he was? They made eye contact and the green, haired boy quickly looked away. Sanji watched as he faced Robin and spoke to her. They were speaking in Japanese and it seemed like he was asking Robin for some sort of medicine because she put a bottle on the counter towards him. As the boy walked over to his pills, Sanji notices that he's stealing glances at him. It was kind of cute. Cute? Are you serious? Sanji punched himself internally at the thought.
Robin hands him a glass of water and Sanji watches his adams apple go up and down as he drinks. Robin says something to him and he chokes on the water. After he stops coughing, Sanji sees his face go red and he turns towards him.
The boy stands there but won't look directly at Sanji, at least not for long. His eyes are darting between him and everywhere else in the kitchen. He seems to be able to build up the courage to speak. He has such a deep, harsh voice, "H-hello...my name is Roron-" he cuts off in the middle of his sentence and turns redder. Sanji grinned a little, the boy was so red now. Even with how dark his skin was he's never seen someone turn so red before. The boy spoke again, "Ah...sorry. My name is Zoro."
So this was Zoro. Sanji should have guessed knowing about Robin's cousin from Luffy. Who else would he have been? But that means that whatever bad thing that happened to the boy, him being all bandaged up was the result.
Zoro tried speaking to Sanji again but he started speaking in Japanese. Before Sanji could say anything, Robin interrupted him, "Zoro. You're speaking Japanese. He can't understand you." Just when Sanji was thinking that the boy couldn't get any redder, he does and it reaches all the way to the tips of his ears. Sanji can't help but smile, this was just too cute. He didn't think anyone could be as cute as Chopper while being embarrassed. Oh, come on. Again? Cute? Why was he thinking that this boy was cute? He was just another guy, it was okay to call Chopper cute because he was but Zoro was big and looked so strong and a little scary. There's no way Sanji could think he was cute.
Just as Sanji was about to introduce himself he notices something is wrong with the boy. His breathing is uneven and he's staring at the ground with his eyes slowly closing. Zoro takes a deep breath before starting to fall over. Robin runs over to catch him and she helps lead him to one of the stools at the counter.
Sanji watches and she cups her hands in his face and makes Zoro look at her. An expressions of shock reaches her face as she puts her hand on his forehead. Robin bites her lip and turns to Sanji, "He has a fever, he must have over exerted himself. Can you go next door and get Luffy? Hurry! Please?!"
Sanji stands there in shock, he had no idea what had just happened. One minute Zoro was perfectly fine and the next he was practically passing out. Robin yells at him again to go get Luffy, he snaps back to reality and runs out the door to Luffy's. Sanji quickly goes up the steps and knocks on his door. Luffy opens it and without a word Sanji grabs his wrist and drags him towards Robin's.
"Sanji! What's happening? What's wrong?" Luffy asks with a worried voice.
"I'm not sure why but your friend is not doing so well right now and Robin told me to come get you." Sanji responds pulling Luffy along faster. They bust through Robin's front door and go straight into the kitchen. Robin is trying with all her might to keep Zoro awake. Luffy marched over to Zoro and lightly slapped him on the side of his face. He turns to Robin with an almost relieved looked, "I don't think he's going to hallucinate. He should be fine. Where do you want me to put him?" he asks Robin.
"Put him on the couch, he hasn't eaten dinner yet." She responds. Luffy starts to put Zoro on his back with Robin's help.
Sanji watches as Luffy leaves the kitchen carrying Zoro. What the hell just happened? Sanji thought. He turns to Robin and she has a worried look on her face. She seems very stressed out, it must really hurt to see this happen to someone you love.
He walks over to Robin and puts a hand on her shoulder, "You okay?"
She looks at him and sighs, "Yeah, I'm just worried. When he gets like this sometimes..memories stir and he hallucinates. Luffy thinks he'll be fine this time but I can't help but worry. It's scary and it's so painful to see him like that."
Sanji let's her words sink in, so this injury he got wasn't just some accident. There was a lot more to this story than Sanji could guess. The kettle started to whistle and Sanji went over to the stove and turned off the heat. He offers to make the tea and he gets two mugs ready for the both of them. After he finishes, he hands Robin one of the mugs and takes a seat next to her. They both sit in silence, the only sounds of them sipping their tea.
Sanji tightens his grip around the mug and stares into the liquid, "Is he going to be okay?"
"He'll be fine since Luffy is with him." Robin says looking at her mug. She takes another drink.
Sanji does the same, "Seems like they're pretty close."
Robin let's out a light laugh, "Yeah, they are. Ever since they were so small. Zoro...has always had a hard time making friends. It's more like he chooses not to. A lot of people talk to him, he's kind and passionate and he's good at talking to others, but he just doesn't seem to let himself get too close to anyone. He's only ever had two real friends. One here, which is Luffy, and one over in Japan. She was a sweet girl." Robin lets out a sigh and a sad look reaches her face. Sanji noticed that when she mentioned this girl she said "was". He felt hurt knowing that this girl might not be a part of this earth anymore.
Robin's expression turned a little lighter and turned to Sanji, "Luffy is the only one that can carry Zoro without hurting him. He's so light and gentle and almost soft. He's very good at keeping Zoro in reality when he hallucinates. Probably because Luffy is the person he trusts the most. When Zoro is being stubborn all I have to do is get Luffy and he'll listen." She laughs and takes another sip of her tea, "And you know Sanji...I think you could be pretty special to him too. I've never seen Zoro react to someone like that before. It was astonishing, even when he first met Luffy it wasn't like that at all. He hid behind me but when Luffy got close to him Zoro yelled at him and threatened to punch him. I've never seen him be so timid."
Sanji was touched by her words, he never expected that he could make someone so nervous before. The other boy had made him feel something too. Maybe not something as far as nervousness but it was something. It was almost like he felt an instant connection between them. So, he decided he'd work up to being friends with him even if it did take some time. Thought with what Robin had been telling him, he had this gut feeling that this guy was going to be a pain in the ass.
Luffy came back into the kitchen and took a seat with them. He let's out a sigh and turns to Robin and Sanji, "He'll be alright. He's sleeping on the couch now, we can wake him up once dinner is ready."
Sanji let out a quiet gasp, "Oh! That's right! I completely forgot, I haven't even started yet."
Luffy laughs at him as Sanji gets up and starts scrambling around the kitchen preparing dinner. Robin asks if he needs any help but Sanji declines and tells her that she should just sit and relax and that he could handle it. They talk amongst themselves as Sanji cooks and Luffy starts to ask Robin about his homework. Shortly after they get up and go to Robin's library, leaving Sanji alone. With dinner ready now, Sanji puts together four bowls and a small plate of rolls. Carrying the food he decides if he should go to the library or go to the living room. Part of him wants to go the living room and try to talk to Zoro by himself but the other part of him thinks it would be a better idea to go get Luffy and Robin first. As he passes the doorway to the living room, he stops himself and decides that he's going to wake Zoro up himself. When he enters the first thing he sees is a figure with green hair lying on the couch wrapped up in a blanket.
Sanji takes a deep breath, hoping that his plan doesn't backfire. After he sets the food on the table he kneels in front of Zoro lightly shaking him awake, "Hey, dinner is ready. I've got food for you." Zoro stirs slightly and mumbles something in Japanese. Sanji sighs and shakes him again, "Hey, man. You're speaking a totally different language. I have no idea what you're saying."
Zoro jolts awake staring wide eyed at the blonde, Sanji must have startled him. The green haired boy tries to sit up groaning in pain. Sanji leans forward to help him sit up but Zoro smacks his hand away, "I don't need your help."
Sanji gave Zoro a dirty look, "Sure does seem like you need my help."
"I don't need your damn pity. I can see it in your eyes." Zoro snaps at him.
It was true that Sanji was worried about him, the guy was in pain for crying out loud. But what wasn't true was that Sanji was pitying him and that was starting to piss him off, "I'm not pitying you so shut up and let me help you." he says holding out his hand.
Zoro stares at his hand for a moment before grabbing it. Putting his free hand behind Zoro shoulder, Sanji helps pull him up into a sitting position. Once Zoro was facing forward on the couch, Sanji takes a seat next to him. They sit in silence together awkwardly looking everywhere in the room except each other.
"So, my-"
"Than-"
They gawkily stare at each other as they both had just tried to speak at the same time. Sanji feels his face go a little red and he sees that the other boys does the same. They both quickly look away from each other again. Sanji was getting annoyed at himself, why was he having such a hard time talking to this guy? He moves to face Zoro and the boy turns his head to look at Sanji. They stare at each other again and Sanji notices how beautiful his eyes are. From far away you couldn't see them but from this close he could see they were a dark hazel and they sparkled in the dim light of the room. Looking at them made Sanji's heart skip a beat and he could feel the heat rising to his face again.
Sanji snapped back into reality and tried to hide his blushing face hoping Zoro couldn't see his redness in this dark room. Why was he feeling this way? Why does this other boy make him feel so funny? He pulls himself together and finally speaks, "My name is Sanji. I didn't get to introduce myself properly earlier. Sorry about that."
Sanji could see pain fill in Zoro's eyes, "Don't apologize for that. That wasn't your fault." he says in a pale tone, "I'm sorry you had to see that."
Sanji was at a loss for words, what was he supposed to say to him? It wasn't his fault that he almost passed out, it wasn't his fault that he was injured and got exhausted easily. What was he supposed to say? Sorry you're hurt? Sorry you can barely stand or sit up on your own? Sorry that this happened to you? Sanji starts to get frustrated and decides to just change the subject. He picks up one of the bowls and holds it out to Zoro, "I made dinner, it's a beef stew. After what happened it'll be good for..." he trails off. Now he's getting pissed off at himself for his failed attempt to change the subject. He clears his throat, "Anyways...I brought some rolls too that I made this morning."
There was a long pause as Zoro just stared at the bowl in Sanji's hand not saying a word. He closes his eyes and turns away, "I'm not hungry."
Sanji flinched at his words, "Seriously? After all that you're not hungry? You have to eat." he punches himself internally, he brought it up again. Man, he sucks at avoiding subjects.
He sees Zoro clench his jaw, "Don't bother, I'm not going to eat it." he says not moving an inch.
Sanji's anger started to go back towards Zoro, "Just eat it dammit! You're injured and you need to regain your strength!"
Zoro turns to Sanji and glares at him with sharp eyes, "What the hell gives you the right to tell me what to do?"
The blonde felt his anger course through him, "Because I am a god damn cook and it's my duty to make sure sick and injured people eat right. So quit being so god damn stubborn and just eat already!"
Zoro continues to glare at Sanji, "No."
Sanji put the bowl on the coffee table and stood over Zoro, "You shithead! I should kick your ass for this!"
Zoro stands up and grabs Sanji by his collar, pulling them closer only a mere inch separating them, "I'd like to see you try."
Just as Sanji is about to yell at Zoro again, Luffy and Robin come running into the room with panicked looks. They all look at each other and their composure's lighten. Robin lets out a gentle laugh, "I see you too are getting along nicely."
"As if!" they both yell in unison.
Robin and Luffy look at each other and start laughing, they knew that the two of them were a lot alike and would make good friends. Zoro clicked his tongue while letting go of Sanji's collar and he takes his seat back on the couch. Sanji does the same and holds his hands out to the food on the table, "Dinner is ready if you guys are hungry. I made a beef stew."
Robin and Luffy take a seat around the coffee table, grab their bowls and each take a roll. Robin notices that Zoro hasn't eaten any of his stew, "Not eating again Zoro?"
"No, he's not." Sanji says grumbling.
"I'm guessing that's what the fuss was about earlier?" Robin asks raising an eyebrow.
Sanji nods, "Yeah, the stupid moss head over here won't eat my food," he says poking Zoro in the side of his head.
Zoro flinches and smacks Sanji's hand away, "Who are you calling stupid, dartboard?"
"Dartboard?! WHAT?!" Sanji yells clenching his fists.
"Yeah, 'cause of your weird curly brow." Zoro says swirling his finger around his own eyebrow.
Sanji kicks Zoro in the shin, "Take that back you meat head!"
Zoro retaliates and punches Sanji in the arm, "Make me!"
They fall into a flurry of kicks and punches with Luffy laughing in the background until Robin gets up and splits them apart, "Now, now boys. We don't want anyone getting hurt now do we?" Robin had this dark aura about her and they both got the feeling that if they continued fighting she'd be the reason why they were getting hurt. They both sat up straight and faced forward, "Very good." she says before going back to take her seat.
"So, Zoro? You're not going to eat?" Robin asks pointing his spoon at him.
"No. I already told curly brow that I wasn't hungry." Zoro says pointing his thumb at Sanji, he turns and glares back at Zoro.
Robin tilts her head at Luffy and he gives her a nod back, "Just eat, Zoro." Luffy says putting his bowl in his lap. Zoro stares at Luffy before clicking his tongue and picking up his bowl. Sanji gawks at how easily Luffy was able to get Zoro to listen to him. They really must be close, Sanji had gotten into a physical fight with Zoro over this and Luffy was able to get him to listen with just a few words.
Zoro puts both of his hands together, "Itadakimasu." he says and picks up the spoon in his left hand. He takes a bite and let's out a quiet hum of appreciation.
Sanji tilts his head and raises an eyebrow, "What was that? And you're a lefty?"
"It's something we do in Japan before we eat, closest thing in English would be like saying 'thanks for the food' or ' let's eat'. And yes I am." Zoro says taking another bite of food.
Sanji looks at Zoro with a confused look, "But you're in America now. Do you really need to do that?"
Zoro shoots Sanji a fiery glare, making him flinch, "I don't give a damn where I'm at. I'm not going to give up something I do in my culture just because I'm in some other fucking country."
Sanji clenches his fists awkwardly, "O-okay...sorry." as he watches Zoro eat, he gets a feeling that he isn't quite happy with being here.
When Zoro finishes he says something again in Japanese, probably another culture thing and he turns to Sanji looking at him with a raised eyebrow. Sanji looks away quickly realizing that he was staring at the other boy the whole time he was eating and he probably noticed. He bites his lip and tries to break the tension, "So, how did you like it?
Sanji turns back to Zoro and the boy's expression is blank. He watches as Zoro purses his lips, "It was okay I guess." he shrugs looking the other way.
Sanji narrows his eyes at Zoro, "What do you mean it was only okay?"
"I mean exactly what I said. It was okay." Zoro says crossing his arms.
"You son of a bitch. You know how hard I worked on that?" Sanji says. He leans forward to look Zoro in the eyes but the green haired boy turns the other way.
"Looks like you need to work harder." Zoro scoffs.
Sanji kicks Zoro in his side to get him to look at him. Once he does, Sanji grabs him by the hair, "You're really starting to piss me off. I'm going to make sure you eat those words. I'll make you the best damn meal if it's the last thing that I do."
Zoro grabs Sanji's wrist, twisting it to make him let go. He snatches Sanji with his other hand by the collar and brings him close so they're face to face, "First off, don't you dare ever touch me like that. Second, I'll be anticipating that meal." he says with an evil grin. Zoro tosses Sanji and he lands on the couch facing up. Truth was, what Sanji had made was really one of the best things he's ever eaten, he also figured that it was Sanji that made the pasta Luffy gave him the other day. Though he was never going to admit that to Sanji, not now at least. He enjoyed pushing the blonde's buttons.
Sanji stared at the ceiling dumbfounded, he thought he had the upper hand in that fight but now he's laying on his back on the couch. On top of that, he has to make sure Zoro would admit his food was good. It was almost as if the green haired boy was planning for this to happen.
The blonde let's out a groan and sits up quickly, he shoves Zoro on the knee with his foot, "You're an asshole."
Zoro clicks his tongue, "Right back at you."
Sanji crosses his arms and shakes his head, he was right. This guy was going to be a huge pain in the ass.