Chapter 3

(The Metal's Design is designed by blood…)

…Belongs to the Maker

Zoro was lying on his bed, staring at the ceiling. After he got home the first thing he was asked was: "where did your hoodie go?" from Ace. And Luffy had stated: "It got lost when he did." And even Zoro had to laugh at the silliness of that statement even though it was an insult.

And when they continued to ask about it, Zoro had finally told them the truth: "I gave it to someone who needed it." After that the matter was closed and Zoro announced that dinner was ready. Not long after, his uncle came home and Ace and Luffy were kicked out for the night. It ended up being a normal, typical evening in the end.

But then… there was that one different thing that made everything else seem off: Sanji. Zoro couldn't stop thinking about the blond and how he was just sitting there in the cold like a sad puppy. And to think; part of him really wanted to just bring the blond into a hug and tell him it was okay.

That was what bothered Zoro the most. Why would he care for someone he hardly knew let alone hug them? Because of the sad look the blond always held in his eyes? Or because he felt an odd connection toward the blond he couldn't explain? Maybe because I know there is more to Sanji that meets the eye.

Whatever it was Zoro knew it was changing his life. He just didn't know if it was a good thing or a bad. And if he was honest with himself he was kind of scared to find out.

That morning, Sanji was in the kitchen putting left over sushi into an extra bento along with some baked fish, and rice. He smiled to himself as he put the bento into his bag and tied it together. He was thinking about last night and how it improved after he had seen Zoro in the park.

The other teen was very kind to Sanji last night, with lending him his hoodie. It was probably the nicest thing someone has done for him in such a long time. And it gave Sanji a very warm feeling inside.

Then, as he got home he found that his father was already in bed and asleep. That gave Sanji time for a decent shower and a good night's rest. And again that morning his father had left early, saying he will be home late. That wasn't anything new, but still it meant a small brake for Sanji.

Smiling still, Sanji threw on Zoro's hoodie, grabbed his bag, and left the house. It didn't take long for Sanji to get to school and when he did, he met up with Usopp at the lockers.

"Hey Long-nose what's up?" he asked as he put away his bag and took the books out he would need for the morning.

"Not much, Sanji. Nami wanted me to tell you she wont be in today," Usopp said, adjusting the bag on his side, grinning at the blond.

"How come?"

"Her father is taking her and Nojiko to visit her Mother's grave, she wont be home until Sunday sometime," Usopp explained, shifting his books in his arms in a more comfortable position. (No one understood why Usopp didn't carry his books in his bag.)

Sanji watched the younger teen and nodded his head. "Okay thanks, Usopp," he said and closed his locker door. "I'll see you later," he added and turned to leave. He had forgot about Nami going this week to see her mother's grave. Twice a year her father took her and her older sister to see it. Once was on their mother's birthday and the other was the day she died. Which one this one was, he didn't know, Nami never said.

Nami was probably the only one who somewhat understood what Sanji was going through. Her own grandfather often worked with his dad. Though, he never forced Nami to be pimped out. No, Nami was great with money so she often took care of the drug dealing, and steeling. Nami didn't receive the same pain Sanji did, but she knew the trouble it was having a family member like that.

Usopp on the other hand was a different story. He had only met Usopp's father once or twice, selling guns to his father. That was all. There was no say if Usopp himself had to do anything he or Nami had to. No, Usopp was just fun to talk to on bad days and was a great friend. Probably the only real friend Sanji had, besides Nami.

But then there was Vivi. Sanji couldn't say she was a friend, no, she was just a girl Nami hung out with and once in a while he would have lunch with the two girls. Vivi was just a pretty face and the daughter of the man who owned the city bank. He didn't know anything else about the girl.

There was also Zoro; the new face, and guy who recently hopped into Sanji's life. Sanji couldn't help the smile that spread on his face as he thought of the other teen. He was a mystery, a goof, and a nice guy..., a very nice guy in Sanji's book.

Zoro made it to Homeroom five minutes late, the teacher gave him a detention slip for morning detention the Monday morning. Grumbling, Zoro sat down in his usual seat, surprised to say the least there was a note on the top of the desk. After he sat down and placed his books to the side, he opened the note.

Zoro

Thanks for last night. Meet me for lunch on the roof.

Sanji.

Zoro stared down at the note and read it over twice. He then glanced at the back to see if there was anything else written, but there wasn't. He glanced over at Sanji, but the blond was staring out the window, chin rested in the palm of his hand. Zoro frowned and slid the note into one of his books.

Zoro felt a soft touch to his shoulder and he would turn around to see Rosemary, looking at him with curious eyes, and a wide smile. He knew what she wanted and he sighed. "I have to meet someone at lunch, nothing important."

Rosemary frowned, a look of disappointment showing on her face. "Oh, and I was hoping it was a love letter."

Zoro chuckled. "Sorry, but why would I get one of those from a guy?" Even if the guy is pretty enough to be a girl. He added to himself.

Rosemary smiled however. "Well..."

Before she could say anything, Zoro cupped her mouth with his hands, a faint blush powdered his nose. "Don't even say it," he hissed and let her go. She only smiled at him.

*~}{~*

Zoro was standing on the roof top waiting for Sanji. The cook was already eight minutes late and he wondered if this was a joke or if something happened on the way up there. Either way he was starting to wish he had grabbed something to eat. He was starving, and had been since the morning.

Just as Zoro was about to head to the lunch room, the door to school's roof opened and Sanji came walking through, a bag in his hand and a shy smile on his pretty face. Zoro smiled back.

"What took ya?" he jibbed, taking a seat on one of the benches.

Sanji sighed. "Uh, I had to talk to someone before meeting you,sorry," he said and sat next to the other teen, opening the bag he brought. "I hope your hungry," he said in a low voice, sounding as shy as he looked.

"Starved," Zoro said, watching Sanji with a curious stair. He was hoping the cook was going to bring food when he came. Zoro's mouth started to water when he smelt the food, coming from the bento Sanji had removed from his bag.

"Here," Sanji said, handing Zoro a blue bento with fish on it. "It's some sushi I made last night for dinner. Along with rice, baked fish and beef noodles. Oh and if you want a piece of cheese cake, I made it in Home Ech,' he added with a faint blush. Sanji had took out a second bento and placed it on his own lap.

Zoro stared at the food on his lap in awe. It was neatly made and looked incredible to eat. He picked up the fork that was added to the bento and glanced at Sanji, who was already eating. "Whats this for?"

Sanji didn't look at Zoro when Zoro spoke; only continued to eat. "Um, for last night..., lending me your hoodie. That was very nice." I sound like a dork, great work Sanji! He thought to himself sighing. "You thirsty? I also brought two cans of ice tea."

Zoro watched Sanji and nodded. He took the offered can and placed it on the bench next to him. "Ah, your welcome. Hoodie looks good on you," he said, wishing he could take the words back. He quickly looked away.

Sanji looked up and stared at Zoro. "Oh, you want it back?" he asked, beginning to remove the hoodie from his body.

Zoro shook his head. "That's all right, you can keep it for a while. I have my jacket," he said and smiled. Sanji nodded in response and the two went quiet after that, enjoying the meal Sanji had made the night before.

"That was really good," Zoro said once he was finished. He looked over at Sanji with a bright smile. "Didn't see you as someone who could cook."

Sanji chuckled, and put away both bentos, taking out the small cheese cake he had prepared in school just before lunch. "I started to learn when I was younger," he said and handed Zoro a piece of the cake.

Zoro took it happily, and nodded as he took a bite. He savored the taste in his mouth and hummed. Zoro wasn't one for sweets, but he loved cheese cake. It wasn't sweet but more bitter. "This is good."

Sanji had watched him as he took the first bite and chuckled. "Thanks. Same recipe they use at the Baratie."

"No shit?"

Sanji laughed. "Ah, I work there, and the friend who taught me, owns the place. It's not much," Sanji shrugged and finished off his own piece. He went silent after that a frown on his face as he cleaned up the small mess.

Zoro watched him from where he was sitting, sipping at his ice tea. He could tell there was more to Sanji, and his learning how to cook, but he wasn't going to poke the blond to tell him. Instead another question popped into his mind, and he grinned, pulling at the end of Sanji's powdered blue skirt.

"Why do you wear skirts?"

Sanji blushed when his skirt was grabbed and he slapped Zoro's hand away. "Oi," he grunted. He ran his hand down his skirt and over his pants to straighten it out, and glared at Zoro who was grinning at him. "Because I like to."

Zoro tilted his head to the side and watched Sanji carefully. Then he let out a soft chuckle and looked away. "It suits you, I guess."

"You calling me a girl again?" Sanji asked, glaring at Zoro, but a hint of a smile was twitching at his lips.

"Yes."

They both went into a fit of laughter which was halted when the first bell rang singling lunch was over. They gathered their books and threw away their trash. Zoro then opened the door for Sanji. "Madam," he said, bowing lightly and holding out an arm. That received him a playful but hard punch to the arm. He chuckled and followed after the blond. "Hey, what class do you have next?"

"History room 232," Sanji said softly, leading the way to the stairs. "You want to carry my books for me?"

Zoro shook his head. "No. But I have the same class."

"I know, I told you we have a few classes together. I guess you don't listen and for some reason I don't find that surprising."

Zoro glared at the blond as they walked down the hall together and down the stairs to second floor. This time Sanji held the door open for him and he quickly noted the sly grin on the blonds face. Zoro thanked him by flipping him off and Sanji chuckled.

Once school was over and Sanji gathered his books from his locker he hurriedly tried to shove them into his bag while leaving the school. On his way out he had bumped into someone, causing the two to knock the books right out of their hands. "Shit, Sorry," Sanji said, picking up his books.

"It's all right," the other said as he grabbed the two books he was holding, plus an orange colored hat. He stood up and placed the hat back onto his head. "Shit happens."

Sanji nodded, putting the last book into his bag along with a pack of cigarettes. He glanced at the stranger in front of him with a frown, eyes hidden from his golden bangs. "Still, Sorry." If he was honest with himself he was nervous. Often when he did clumsy things like this in school, he got called out to a fight.

One reason why Sanji didn't like making friends in school was due to the rumors teenagers put on him. He knew he was called a "Loner," "drug user," and sometimes even a "sick rapist." Perhaps the first one was true but he never done anything other then weed before. The third well, he could never do something along those lines, since he himself was even raped by his own father when he was younger.

It hurt to even think to be called that, but he knew a lot of the jocks and preppy girls in school did. He also knew he was called an emo a few times, but he didn't mind that as much. In truth he probably was.

Sanji flinched when a hand rested on his shoulder and he looked up at the other teen standing before him. He was grinning with a raised brow.

"Relax, it's cool. I'm not going to call you out or anything like that."

Again Sanji nodded. He had recognized the teen to be Ace D Portgaz. They had Gym together and one other class. Sanji also knew he hung around with Zoro, often seeing the two in the hall fooling about.

Ever since he seen the green haired man that one night he swore, he was seeing him everywhere now. "Okay. Thanks...," Sanji said and nodded his farewell and quickly walked away, making a fast exit.

Ace watched Sanji practically run off and frowned; and right before the blond disappear out of the school doors he recognized Zoro's jacket, he grinned.

"Oi Ace!" Zoro said, running over to the older D brother. A look of worry shined in his eyes. "Was that Sanji?"

Ace nodded, and turned to Zoro, grinning. "Sure was. Never seen anyone but that Usopp kid, my brother likes to hang out with, act so nervous before."

Zoro frowned. "What was he nervous about?" he asked in concern. Part of him wanting to chase after the blond to see if he was okay, but he stood his ground.

"Accidentally knocked into me. No harm done at all. He seemed to be in a hurry though," he said, rubbing the side of his head and then looking to Zoro, patting the other teens shoulder. "Don't worry I'm not going to hurt your little friend. I'm not one of those jerks that call him out."

Zoro stared at Ace with wide eyes. "Who the fuck calls him out?" he didn't know why but he felt sudden anger boil up inside, and wanted to hurt someone.

"Hey relax. Once in a while a few of the foot ball players like to toss him up. Though I witnessed one of the fights and usually Sanji ends up on top. The kid can fight. I guess he would have to, huh?" Ace explained and was glad to see the more relaxed features on Zoro. He again patted Zoro on the back and continued. "You know us teenagers have to spread out silly rumors. That's all it is."

Zoro nodded. "People shouldn't judge a book by it's cover," he mumbled and turned to Ace and for the first time noticed the mischievous grin on the others face. "What?

"I noticed the hoodie he was wearing."

"Oh... So?"

"Stop acting dumb, Zoro! It was your hoodie! He was "that someone" who needed it last night, wasn't he? And here I thought it was some homeless person," Ace laughed.

Zoro growled and a faint blush covered his cheeks. "So, I wasn't lying he did need it," Ace continued to laugh and Zoro got more annoyed. "Oi! Shut up! Crap this, I'm going to be late for work!"

This shut Ace up and the freckled face raised a hand. "Hey wait, what are you doing for your birthday tomorrow?"

Zoro blinked. "Oh, I forgot. Uh, Uncle Ben is taking me to dinner, Saturday I can have a party as long as it don't get to wild. I'll talk to you about it later, I'm going to be late!" Zoro said and ran out of the school without another word. Ace watched him and laughed again. Zoro could be such a dunce sometimes.

Zoro sighed as he stepped out side. His eyes scanning the area for a certain blond even though he knew he wasn't going to be there. Stepping to his car something caught his eye. Looking to the left he caught a glimpse of smoke. Turning to see what it was, he was surprised to see it was indeed the blond cook, leaning against a fence and smoking a cigarette.

"What?" Sanji asked, blowing a swirl of smoke into the air. Zoro wasn't sure what to say until the blond grinned.

"I thought you left?"

"Should have, but I needed a smoke," he said causally and flicked his cigarette to the ground. Zoro watched as he leaned away from the fence and made his way over. "See you," was all he said and continued on down the road.

Zoro watched swaying hips until he couldn't see them anymore. Once more he found himself blushing. Quickly before someone noticed he scrambled into his car and closed the door. He sighed and fastened his seat-belt. Gotta calm down, remember, he's a guy... a very cute looking sexy guy... but a guy. He thought to himself and easily started the car and drove away from the school.

As Sanji got to work he was greeted with the old man, Zeff. He grinned at the old man and waved a hand. "Yo, sorry I'm late, school problems."

The old man glared at the teen and shook his head. "Just get changed and get to work."

"Yes sir!" Sanji saluted and ran right up the stairs. The old man always under stood when Sanji was late; let it be his father or something from school he always understood. That was one reason why Sanji liked the old man. Even if he would never admit it to his face.

One reason why Sanji enjoyed working at the Baratie was because it was one way he could pretend as if the life he had with his father didn't exist. It was one way he could be himself for once and not have to worry about anything else. He was in his element when working here.

*~}{~*

Later that night after Zoro got home from work and scolded from his boss for being late, he went right to the couch and laid down. Today was a busy day and he had to run back and forth from one place to another. He was glad it was good training. Another thing in witch he was lacking on lately.

He sighed. He really did need to find the time to take out his weights again. He figured it wasn't to big of a deal since it was his last year of high school and once collage started he would have more time. Then as soon as collage was over he could do as much training he wanted and finally be qualified to enter a few tournaments. Hell, he'll be qualified as soon as he turns twenty-one.

Three years tomorrow. He thought absently and glanced at the clock. Better make something for dinner... Wish I knew the cooks number for a recipe. He smiled at the thought and grunted, getting up he went into the kitchen.

The following day after school Zoro went straight home. When he got there he was surprised to see his uncle already waiting for him. "How did you get out of work so early?"

"I let Tashigi be in charge for the day, any trouble at school?" Smoker asked as he lit a cigar. He tossed the lighter onto the table and sat down in his chair, putting his feet onto the coffee table.

"No, I was good," Zoro answered with a grin, dropping his bags onto the floor next to the couch. "Have a shit load of home work though."

Smoker nodded and turned to his nephew. "And what about your new blond friend? Know if he is a she yet?"

Zoro looked up from the book he had removed from his bag and blinked. He slapped his forehead and chuckled. He had forgot to tell his uncle about what happened yesterday and about giving Sanji his Kendo hoodie. "Ah yeah, he's a dude... just a pretty one."

Smoker laughed right out and turned his full attention to Zoro a brow raised. "Really now? A pretty boy you say? You sound like you have a little crush there, Zoro."

Zoro blushed and stutter a bit. "O-oi! I do not! He, he is just a cool guy. Just a little cute is all... OI! Don't look at me like that!" Zoro said and covered his face with his hands. "It's not a crush..."

The next day school went by without much trouble. Zoro was a bit disappointed that he didn't get to see Sanji at lunch, but the day went pleasantly well. He had told everyone that Saturday night he was having a small party at the house for his birthday.

Some of his friends like Ace and Franky was excited about the news, but Zoro assured them it couldn't be to wild due to his uncle will be in and out. Not that that was a big deal. It just meant no booze.

Zoro sighed as he made it threw the small crowd a bit annoyed that people were just standing around, talking and less moving. He grunted some and pushed a few people away muttering 'excuse me' here and there. Finally as he made it to the school parking lot he seen a glimpse of blond hair.

"Sanji?" he question and watched the blond as he he pushed his way threw the crowed and dashed down the street. Zoro frowned disappointed he had missed the blond once again. He slapped his forehead. It's almost like Uncle is right... No way, I just think he's a cool guy that's all.

"Uncle Ben, I am home!" Zoro called out as he made his way into the house, tossing his jacket into the closet and kicking off his shoes.

"About time. Get ready, There is a restaurant I want to take you too in an hour," Smoker said, lighting a cigar and taking a seat in his chair.

Zoro grinned. "All right, where we going anyway?"

"It's a Surprise."

*~}{~*

Sanji watched as the door to the restaurant opened as more customers came in. He turned the burner down and tossed a towel over his shoulder. "Patty I got the next order!" he shouted and walked out of the kitchen and to the dinning area.

He grabbed a few menus and strolled over to the table. "Welcome to the Baratie, I'm your sues chef Sanji, and I will be serving you today."

"Sanji?" said a deep and familiar voice.

Sanji blinked and looked down, coming face to face with Zoro. "Roronoa?" Sanji grinned about seeing the green haired teen. "What brings you here to the shitty restaurant?"

Zoro let out a soft chuckle. "Shitty huh? Well Uncle Ben said this was the best restaurant in town and promised me good food for my birthday, but if you say it's shitty."

Sanji blinked, but grinned. "Your Birthday huh? Yeah, this here restaurant is the best in the city, I call it Shitty to piss off the geezer."

Zoro nodded as he took in Sanji's appearance. It was the first time Sanji wasn't wearing a skirt and looked more like a dude. His long legs were clad in black suit pants, matched with a suit jacket, blue pin stripped suit dress shirt, and black tie. Zoro had to admit he looked good, and to Zoro more Sanji? "That is a good phrase of words. So your the sues chef? No wonder your cooking is good."

Sanji's grin grew into a full smile and he nodded, handing both Smoker and Zoro the menus. "Well, I am the sues chef, but today we are short on waiters so I'm serving. So is there anything I can get you two to drink?"

"I'll have a beer," Smoker said as he looked threw the menu. Sanji nodded, and then glanced at Zoro.

"I'll have, a coke," the teen said looking at his menu too.

Sanji nodded, with a smile. "Okay, I'll be right back with your drinks then," he said and walked away.

Zoro watched as the blond retreated into the back and a smile spread on his face. He had forgot that Sanji had said he worked at the Brataie. And here he thought he wouldn't get the chance to invite Sanji over to his party.

"So that's Sanji, huh? Where is his skirt?" Smoker said, ruining Zoro's thoughts.

"I guess he doesn't wear it when he is at work. He must bring extra cloths with him or something. I'm going to ask him to come over Saturday," he said with a grin, sitting back in the both.

Smoker nodded. "If you want. As long as your friends wont start fights with him. I don't want to be called at work to say I need to go to the hospitable."

Zoro smiled. "I wont let anyone fight with him. Though I don't think anyone will."

Smoker nodded and let a small smile slipped on his face. "Good."

After dinner was over Zoro had caught up with Sanji, while the cook was busting some tables. "Oi cook."

Sanji jumped when his name was called and he turned to Zoro with a smile. "What is it, Birthday boy?"

Zoro grinned. "Not much. Though Saturday, tomorrow I am having a party of sorts you want to come?"

Sanji frowned. "Um, what time you having it?"

"It starts around nine. It'll probably continue till after twelve, can you make it?"

Sanji thought a moment, looking at the dish he had in his hand. He slowly put it into the bucket and sighed. "I might... If I do I'll be late. Where do you live?"

Zoro smiled and rubbed at the back of his head. "Well cool, know where Water seven street is?" Sanji nodded in response. "Well, I live on that street. It's a white house, with blue sheds, number 1326."

Sanji nodded again. "Okay. That isn't far from here. I can probably make it after work, if my dad doesn't have anything planned."

Zoro nodded. "Cool, see you cook," he said and turned to leave, catching up with his Uncle.

"Zoro," Smoker said as they stood at the door way. "Here," he said handing the green haired teen an envelope.

Zoro stared at it with confusion and opened it, a small key sliding out. "What's this?" he asked with a raised brow.

"It's the last thing your mother left for you. Tomorrow morning I'll take you to the bank, and I'll show you what's there. It's a key to a saving's bond."

Zoro blinked, flipping the key in his palm a few times and he frowns, then pockets the golden key. "Thanks... how did you get it?"

"Your mother must have sent it in advance, because I got it two days after you showed up. Come on lets go home."

Zoro nodded and followed after his uncle to the truck. "Thanks for Dinner. By the way," he said, closing the door behind him.

Sanji had watched from the window and just smiled at the small seen. Zoro was a lucky guy to have an uncle like that. Though he wondered what happened to his parents.

Saturday night came surprisingly fast for Sanji. Like most Saturday's however his father had a few jobs for him. Several drug deals and few clients that wanted Sanji personally. When the last man left, it was going for eleven. Sanji figured if he hurried he could still make it to Zoro's party.

When Sanji got out of the shower and dressed he was suddenly grabbed by the back of his head. His father pulling hard at his hair. "Ahh...what?" he cried out, grabbing onto the side of his head.

"Where do you think you are going?" his father asked, anger clear on his face.

"I, I was going out... we are done aren't we?"

Frank threw Sanji to the floor and kicked him in the side. "No! We are not done! And you are not leaving me tonight!" He kicked again this time in the blond's stomach.

Sanji cried out in pain and held onto his head and he coughed. "Okay... What do you want me to do?" he asked, tears threatening to escape his eyes.

"I want you to shut up. Now get in that room," he said, picking Sanji up from the back of his head, once again pulling on his hair. He took a look at the blonds face and frowned. Sanji stared back, fear written in his eyes. Then without warning Frank punched him in the jaw, and tossed him into the main bedroom.

"Your not getting out for the rest of the night. Time for punishment Sanji," he said, stepping into the room a wicked smile on his face. Sanji just stared at him and fear.

That night when the party was over, Zoro sighed and sat on the couch. It was a fun party, but he was disappointed that Sanji didn't show. He figured he will just see the blond in school on Monday. Rubbing his face, Zoro reached to the side of the couch and placed the white sword on his lap.

He ran his fingers slowly down the blade. It was like his mother knew what was going to happen that night she died... to give him his older sisters sword. She had to have known.

TBC