Disclaimer made in 1st Chapter!
--Heh, here comes more holiday goodness... sorta--
Forbidden Obsessions
Chapter 4: Competition
"This Strange Effect" by Hooverphonic
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
You make my world seem right
You make my darkness bright
And yes
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
And I like the way you kiss me
Don't know if I should
But this feeling it's love and I know it
That's why I feel good
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
You make my world seem right
You make my darkness bright
And yes
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
And I like the way you kiss me
Don't know if I should
But this feeling it's love and I know it
That's why I feel good
You've got this strange effect on me
And I like it
On New Year's Eve, a beautiful display of firepower was to be launched over Sakura Lake the second the clocks struck 12:00A.M. Sanji could only anticipate the time he and Zoro would have together there. But he was still under punishment and wouldn't be able to go out if he asked. Then again, his parents were early sleepers; he'd be able to sneak out and go then. He hated betraying his parents but the time spent with Zoro was just too precious to give up. He had to go.
December 30th he called Zoro to make the arrangements. "Hey, Zoro?"
"Sanji?" Was his excited reply.
"Yeah, you know about the fireworks tomorrow night right?"
"Yeah..."
"Lets go, it'll be great."
"But aren't you still under house arrest? And besides, what if we're seen?"
Sanji sighed and rolled his eyes. "My parents go to sleep early, I'll just sneak out. And we won't be seen if we sit back by the concrete wall. Com'on, please say we'll go."
There was a silence on the other end of the line until an amused sigh broke it in half. "Alright, fine. I'll pick you up outside your house at 11:30, come out when you see my lights."
"Okay, I'll see you then. Ciao."
"Later." Click.
xooxxooxxooxxooxxooxxoox
11:25P.M., his parents were sleeping like boulders across the hall and he was ready to go. "Second story window... I can't just wake across the hall, my dad'll hear. But if I climb down, he'd probably sleep through it..." Sanji sighed as he looked down the side of his house through the window he was to make his escape. And then he saw Zoro's green Mitsubishi pull up silently next to the curb. "Now or never."
The window only creaked slightly as he pushed it open all the way. At the bottom there was grass to support his landing; however there was nothing on the side of the house to help him climb down. There was now only one option. "I guess I'm jumping." He put his foot up on the window sill and had both hands holding the frame. With a deep breath he pushed himself from the window and down towards the ground below. Once his feet touched ground he bent his knees to repress the shock and put his hand out for balance. He was surprised it didn't hurt like hell but it actually felt refreshing. He quickly brushed himself off and jumped into the passenger seat of Zoro's car.
Zoro stared at him for a moment, shocked that he just jumped from the second floor. Sanji leaned into his face and presented a soft kiss with a smile at the end. "Com'on muscle-head, lets get outta here." The green haired boy nodded and shifted into drive; one hand on the wheel, the other laced fingers with the blonde sitting next to him.
They arrived at 11:50P.M. and parked in a surprisingly empty parking lot facing the lake. "Hey, why don't we just stay here? It'll be easier. My windows are tinted and we can see the fireworks perfectly from here." Sanji peered out the windows at the various people (mostly couples) sitting on the grass facing the lake. He looked back at Zoro and nodded; it was much safer and the view was just as good as any spot.
The two sat together, fingers laced and bodies leaning into one another. To Zoro's left, a familiar car pulled up and rolled down its windows. It was Daman and Chelsea, who both recognized Zoro's car, "Shit! That's Daman and Chelsea! Get in the back and keep low!" Without a word, Sanji climbed out of his seat and crouched down under the shadows of the back seats.
"Hey Zoro! What's up?" Zoro was forced to roll down his tinted windows and entertain one of his good friends.
"Oh, hey Daman. Nothing much, I'm just here to enjoy the fireworks... by myself... you know since Fuu is upstate... heh." Both friends looked questionably at Zoro as he grinned weakly at his idiotic response. Chelsea leaned over the edge of the passenger window and peeked into Zoro's car.
"Hmm... I thought I saw some guy in your car."
"No! Why would I have 'some guy' in my car? That's just weird." The two, once again, stared at Zoro oddly.
"Yeah, among other things. Uh, anyway, we're going to go..." The couple got out of the car and waved Zoro goodbye as they walked away. "We'll see ya later." And then they were gone.
Sanji sat up, climbed back over into the passenger seat and dropped himself down with a sigh. "Man, you need to work on your cover-ups. That was just-" He was cut off by eager lips that desired an affectionate pressure. The blonde gladly gave in and let the other steer him around all he wanted.
A bright green light glowed in front of their faces and a thick vibration sent a deep shock through their chest. The ball had struck 12:00AM and a wave of cheers erupted. Both broke away and looked out onto the lake to watch the bright fireworks dance in the skies, hands tightly woven.
"Happy New Year, Zoro."
"Happy New Year, Sanji."
xooxxooxxooxxooxxooxxoox
The vacation ended and Sanji's punishment was over without any regrets. School days started to pass easily at first but became more and more difficult as they grew in numbers. It was painful to see Zoro submerged in Fuu's affection and it hurt to see Sanji covered with girls 24/7. But their usual school show had to continue or the very compassionate relationship they've created will be destroyed. Nothing was worse then that and suffering through these minor inconveniences was worth it in the long run.
February came up fast signaling the last month of winter and, of course, Valentine's Day. However, it wasn't going to be that easy because of one person – Fuu. There was no doubt in either boys' mind that she had something planned or was expecting of Zoro. On the contrary, Zoro had a plan. This year, Valentine's Day was on a Saturday. That morning, he made a call that would hopefully save that special day for Sanji and himself.
"Fuu?"
"Yeah Zoro?"
"I feel really terrible doing this to you, but I'm too sick to take you out. I'm so sorry."
"Oh, that's horrible! What do you have?"
"A really bad stomach virus with a fever. I'm sorry, I really am."
"It's okay, honey. We'll do something once you get better, okay?"
"Alright, I'll call you later. Bye."
"Bye." Zoro smiled at his 'girlfriend's' obliviousness and hung up the phone only to dial another number right after.
"Sanji?"
"Hey Zoro," Sanji replied with a grin practically hugging the phone.
"We're in the clear; I'm coming to pick you up in 10 minutes."
"Alright, see ya!" Sanji hung up the phone and ran around his room excitedly, looking for something to wear. By the time Zoro was just arriving, he decided to go classy. He picked out a black suit with a rosy dress shirt and a black tie.
When the doorbell ran, Sanji's heart jumped and he ran to the door. Zoro stood on the blonde's doorstep in a deep red sweater and dress pants with a grin on his face. From behind his back he pulled out a bouquet of Valentine flowers and a heart-box of chocolates. Sanji mimicked the grin and wrapped his arms around his lover's neck, pressing their lips together into an innocent kiss. He gratefully took the gifts and led Zoro into his house for a moment. They went straight upstairs and into Sanji's room on the right. Covering his room's floor were cards, flowers and many boxes and bags of candies; all heart shaped and the colors of the day. Zoro furrowed his brow as he took it in and turned a sarcastic smirk on his guy.
"What's all this? Are you cheating on me with... 40 people?" Sanji lowered his flowers into a large glass vase and turned a blissful grin on the green haired boy.
"Oh yeah, definitely. Now com'on, lets get going!" He grabbed Zoro's hand and pulled him down the stairs and out of the house. They jumped into Zoro's car and burned rubber.
"So, where are we going?" Sanji's voice glowed and his face was just as radiant as the summer's sun. Zoro couldn't help but grin out at the road ahead; he had a heck of a day planned for the blonde.
"There's a Valentine's Day carnival out of town. It's going to be a long drive but because it's so out of the way we'll be able to at least stand next to each other. Maybe if we're feeling a bit daring, show a bit more." He wasn't so much trying to talk Sanji into being open with their relationship, but himself. No matter where you traveled, there was usually going to be discrimination against same sex couples. However, since their date was so far away from their own community, public affection would have little to no affect on their long term social statuses. It was highly unlikely they were going to run into anyone who went to Sakura High.
After about an hour and a half ride, Zoro's green Mitsubishi pulled into a fairly packed parking lot just outside the carnival's entrance. Zoro had to shake Sanji awake who had fallen asleep on his shoulder. "Hey... So, are we friends or lovers for the day's adventure?"
The blonde culinary artist ran a hand through his hair, the golden locks falling perfectly back into place. He turned a wide grin on his boyfriend and gave him a soft peck on the corner of his lips. "Lovers, its Valentine's Day and we're on vacation from Sakura's society. It's just us and a mass of complete strangers." There was a smile and a nod and then they were holding hands all the way to the ticket booth.
"No, I'm paying, it's my date. Besides, it's only five bucks each." Sanji rolled his eyes at the stubborn grass haired boy and shoved his money back into his pocket. The woman behind the booth stared at the two; not so much disapprovingly, but with worry. She said nothing but watched their hands lace as they walked away.
It was very clear they were receiving plenty of stares; some disgusted, some just curious. At first it burned their backs, but it numbed over time and the smiles of support became easier to spot. ((Does Kip Dynamite 'Yessssssssss'))
There were games, there were rides, there were performances and there was food. They played games, they went on rides, they took pictures and they ate food. Fun, fun, fun and more fun.
"Oh hey!" Sanji caught site of a fairly small stage with three different versions of Dance Dance Revolution stations. He gave Zoro a tug and pulled him over to a sign just next to the stage.
"DDR Competition!
Winner receives surprise!
Rules:
Must dance to love song on Standard mode or higher
Winner chosen from score and audience combined.
Competition starts at 3:00"
"Its 2:55 now, hell I'm doing this. Cheer for me will ya?" Sanji bent over the clip board attached to the sign and printed his name under five other names.
"Of course! Hopefully you'll hear me over all of the swooning girls."
"Shut up, cactus-head!" The blonde smacked Zoro over the head playfully and stuck out his tongue. Said 'cactus-head' leaned in and stole that tongue for himself, causing Sanji to flush instantly. They were in public after all and it still felt awkward to be so open.
"All DDR competitors please present yourselves on the stage at this time, thank you." The boys separated with a wet pop just as the announcement ceased.
"That's me..."
"Kick their asses!" Sanji shook his head and turned to join the five other contestants on the stage – three guys and two girls. There they picked which version they wanted to use and which song to dance to. Only a minute or two later, the competition began.
The first guy was good. He didn't do a whole lot of jumps, but he added little spins here and there. Second was another guy; he did more ticks but still nothing to worry about. Third was a blonde, she was just like the guy before her except she was prettier which got her more points. Fourth was the last of the other guys who basically just sucked. Lastly was a brunet. She was beautiful and moved with such elegance that gave Sanji chills. This one was definitely going to be the only competition.
"Our last contestant is Sanji and he'll be dancing to 'Sleepless Beauty' by Nittle Grasper on heavy mode" ((yes yes I know that's not a song on DDR but it's my story)). Zoro whistled above the half enthused applause from the crowd and gave short, loud shouts every so often. Sanji took the microphone from the announcer and looked straight at Zoro.
"Oi, Zoro! Shut up!" Of course he was only kidding and tossed the mic back at the confused announcer. He stood up onto the middle station, pressed start and the dance began.
The song was set to an average tempo which gave Sanji the opportunity to do more tricks and out dance the brunet. He got down on his hands and spun, bringing his feet down when a rogue arrow came up. His crowd cheered wildly, drowning out Zoro's individual support and causing the brunet to frown ((she thought she won... loser)). He added a few other dance moves, lifting his feet and turning his body perfectly, flawlessly. And with the last arrow, he stomped hard on the left arrow and lifted his right foot up into an ending pose. The crowd freaked and sealed his victory.
"It was a close call, but the winner is Sanji!" The crowd once again went wild as Sanji stepped forward and gave a bow. All the other contestants except the brunet clapped; she just crossed her arms over her chest and pouted.
"So what'd you win?" Zoro asked just as Sanji jumped off the stage, a package in hand.
"I got a freakin iPod." He flashed a cheeky grin and spun the Apple box around his fingers.
"Swe-" Zoro stopped short, his eyes making eye contact with a Sakura student; Blake of all people. He turned around quickly and gave Sanji a worried look. "Blake's here with some girl! He already saw me but I don't think he saw you. Go run over to the ticket booth and I'll meet you there as soon as I can." Sanji nodded, turned on his heal and ran through the crowd back to the entrance of the carnival.
"Hey Zoro!" Blake strode up proudly with the same brunet that had competed against Sanji possessively under his arm. "How ya been? Where's Fuu?"
"Oh, she's just in the bathroom. I was just about to go get her coat from my car so uhh, I got to go. I'll see ya later man!" Zoro ran through the words quickly, nervous about every lie he told and the watchful gaze the brunet paid him. But once he got them out, he turned and ran for the ticket booth, leaving Blake to stumble over his pride.
Sanji was leaning against a telephone pole just diagonal from the ticket booth, his new iPod still spinning around his fingers. He looked up as Zoro approached and smiled to see him still in one piece. "Everything okay?"
"Yeah, let's get outta here though, it's not safe anymore." The blonde nodded and the two headed back to the car together.
It was around 5:00 when the two guys arrived at Zoro's house; a perfect time. "My parents are out until 7:00 so we can hang out here at least until then."
"Alrighty then." Zoro pushed open the door to his home and headed into the kitchen. He took out a pad and pen and began to write. "Sleeping downstairs, don't disturb!" Before he taped it to the basement door, he showed it to Sanji with a mischievous grin on his face. "Just incase we lose the track of time..." Sanji blushed and pushed Zoro through the basement door closing it securely behind him.
xooxxooxxooxxooxxooxxoox
6:00 and the front door opened. "Zoro!" Fuu poked her head into her 'boyfriend's' house with a happy smile on her red face and arms full of get-well-goodies. Since she was well known in the house, she was privileged with the ability to enter the unlocked home whenever she felt the need. Since she received no answer, she strolled right on in and closed the door gently behind her.
"Zoro!" Still no answer. Slowly she made her way through the house, peeking in the rooms for any sign of her beloved. But she found no sign until she crossed the kitchen where she found a literal sign on the basement door. Her grin returned as she giggled lightly at his note and stepped silently into the basement.
Just when she reached the floor of the finished basement, her eyes widened at the sight she saw. Her so-called boyfriend was lying on the couch, no asleep, but making out with a guy! And not just any guy, it was Sanji! His hands were caressing him like he never did to her and their lips were in perfect harmony. Fuu wasn't just pissed, she was stunned, so stunned she couldn't do anything but stand there and watch as they expressed their love for one another unknowing of her presence.
It only took her a minute to regain herself completely and find herself searching her bag for her phone. With an evil glare, she set her phone to take a picture of the scene and took the picture. As she lowered the phone, tears were swelled up in her eyes under the glare she still pointed at the lovers but sis not fall. Only when she turned to run up the stairs, every 'goody' she brought with her left on the floor where her feet once were, was when those pain stricken tears began to roll down her face. She ran out of Zoro's house and ran home; not weeping, but crying still. "Oh Zoro, you're going to pay! And your little boy toy too!"
Notes:
Oh my goodness! 4 reviews! Wow! I have so many! (If ya didn't know, that's sarcasm for ya) Please review, please review, please review! PLEASE!... That will be all.
