A/N : Sorry it took so long for this chapter, I had it done but I had to get in the mood to edit. I live with assholes! Was also worried that one of our dogs would die. She got into either nephew's or my sister's boyfriend's Dip, chewed tobacco. No, the assholes are grown men and neither know how to clean up after themselves. Within an hour she was shaking horribly, could barely breath, poor thing couldn't even walk she was spasming so bad, and she was drooling all over the place. Finally, she was able to puke. What has me pissed is I told my sister, it is from eating the tobacoo, nicotene is a poison. They use it in misquito repellent for fuck's sake and the dog ate a good bit. She is better this morning but my sister is such a dumb ass she is trying to say she ate bad food. WTF! Okay rant over.

Related to the fic, I'm currently working on the next chapter of this. I also have the next chapter to Deadly mostly done and need to just edit it a bit. I think I got a review and also a pm about whether or not I'm going to do the zoro/sanji. Yes, I got the idea worked out and a bit of the first chapter done but it will be a while before I get that up and going. Going to try to get Deadly completed and a good bit of this fic done before starting. Or you never know, I might get in a major ZoSan mood one day and start typing.

Disclaimer: Don't own it

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Chapter Four

Carlos laughed seeing the three choices standing before him inside the bedroom. Seeing the three made him glad that he hadn't passed the test. To have that kind of responsibility could destroy a person and he didn't think he could remain faithful to just three people. He'd be happy that it was his little cousin doing the hard work while he would be the one to take over the actual business part of the family. "Gentlemen, our host has gracefully asked that I give you three a quick run down of what will be expected of you. He sends his regards but he hasn't seen his son in over a decade so he asks that you forgive them both for not being present for this little meeting."

That meant Sanji was alright and somewhere in the estate with his father. Law kept his gaze from straying to the two men standing next to him. Those were the other two that had been selected for Sanji? What he could gather from the earlier talk with the father was that Sanji would be forced to marry three due to tradition and something about duty. When the man had coyly added that Sanji was free to choose any husbands he wanted, Law had known that it was his one and only chance to speak out. He could chance being returned or ask to be considered in order for a chance to remain behind and help Sanji. If going along with this noble wedding was the only way to remain close, he would do so. Pity, the other two chosen would be tough opponents if it came down to a fight.

"This is where you instruct us on the other half of our duty as a spouse?" Mihawk wondered why they were meeting in a bedroom of all places. Couldn't they be informed of this in a less personal setting? He knew how to fuck.

"No, this is necessary. Before we continue, I am to ask to make sure that each of you is absolutely ready to accept marriage to his son and will do what is requested of you by your government and your spouse." Carlos almost hoped one of them said no, just so he could get the chance to kill one of them.

"We didn't walk out of the room," Lucci reminded him. Well, two of them hadn't, the former warlord hadn't been present at all. Was his case special since he had been pre-selected? Did the former Strawhat have some kind of pre-existing relationship with the pirate captain?

"Very well," Carlos walked over to the statuette and opened the hidden doorway. "What you are about to be told is of the upmost classified information, so any hint that you are leaking information, you will be put on a list."

Assassins. Law wondered if what they were about to be shown had anything to do with why Sanji was agreeing to this entire wedding. He hadn't gone through with the previous match, would this one be any different?

"Follow, please." Carlos entered to lead them down the spiral staircase. "You were told that his safety is a top priority and you are about to be informed as to why. The Vinsmoke lineage is very important and Sanji is needed to ensure the continued safety of our way of life. At the end of this hallway is a weapon, one that has been kept contained for centuries."

What did a weapon have to do with Sanji getting married? Law took the rear, preferring not to be close to the asshole that had taken him. The cuffs were gone but they knew he wouldn't just vanish on them. They had offered him his freedom and he had declined on his own. He would see what was going on before making any hasty decisions and he still needed to see Sanji.

"What is that smell?" Lucci crinkled his nose and saw that he was the only one that was being afflicted by the scent. It stank of stale piss and burnt wax, it was almost too powerful. Heightened senses were sometimes a pain. It was nice to know that the one that had picked him to wed smelt strongly of cinnamon, tobacco, and something soft that didn't belong on a man.

"That's right, you're a Zoan type, this part of the arrangement might suck for you." Carlos smirked at the disgusted look. The elevator was heading down, "Your senses must be strong even for your kind, the glass is over ten feet thick, and there are no air vents between. We once tried scented candles but she didn't take kindly to the method. What you smell is a remnant from long ago, a beast. She is a weapon that was captured at the end of the war."

"Amazing," Mihawk spotted the large head that lifted at the sound of their arrival. Would it attack? It was some kind of dragon hybrid, but it was huge. That explained why this place had been built on such a large island. "Is she tame?"

"No, not really, only those directly descendant from her original master have the ability to keep her docile. Without someone to imprint upon her, you can imagine the devastation she could cause. Currently the head of the family is the one keeping her from breaking that glass and seeing how we taste." Carlos was sure the beast would love to rip him apart. She didn't care for his presence at all.

"She doesn't like you," Lucci knew bloodlust when he smelt it and the hate was glowing in the crimson eyes. That weapon was a living force of mass destruction, it wasn't something to try to tame. "Why hasn't the government put it down?"

"They can't, for centuries they have tried to find a means to penetrate her hide, but they can't. No amount of fire power can make a scratch and even blades have no effect. Poison isn't possible, to do so it would have to go in the food, and she smelt it out. I was told that they tried to starve her some decades ago. That ended in the hold breaking when she got too hungry and a few villages paid the price. That route wasn't taken again once she was back under control. " Carlos wanted to speed things up. "As to address the issue of your upcoming nuptials, there is a reason he was asked to select three. Sanji is the next in line to take over the responsibility of keeping her."

"You expect that little blonde to contain that thing?" Lucci had to admit that even he was intimidated and a bit frightened about being so close to it. That wasn't an opponent, that was suicide.

"Yes, he has the ability to take over. It takes a lot of energy to keep the connection to her strong but as a Vinsmoke, your soon to be bride has the uncanny ability to take trace amounts of energy from others. You three will keep him alive because if he is killed then there will be no one else to handle her when the old man can no longer do so. You will also have to allow Sanji to take what he needs from you."

"Energy from a spouse, is he an incubus?" Mihawk had once heard about one, years ago. The male had the ability to absorb energy while fucking. If it was able to be done just by a simple touch, then they could have been hired as simple guards. If they were to wed then it made the arrangement more personal, so there was a reason for it.

"No, he doesn't suck out your life force, just your haki, and it will never be enough to actually kill you. He could take it simply by touching but from what I've been told, transfer during intimacy is the best method. It will be a few years before he has to take over, so he has plenty of time to master the technique."

The smell was getting to him. Lucci put his position the furthest he could from the glass. Did they have to continue standing here while talking? As if reading his thoughts their guide hit the button to begin their return upwards. Couldn't the rest of it be explained in the bedroom?

"When is the wedding to take place?" Mihawk inquired once it reached the top. He had a few things to do before he made a permanent move anywhere. No doubt once he committed to this, he would be busy. It was a babysitting mission, with a few nice perks. He didn't mind, it was a purpose, and his skills would come in handy. He had to admit that the former pirate was very attractive.

"I believe in the morning, you'll have to get the details later. Sanji will need to remain here for the time being. If you have anything to do after the event, I suggest doing it and returning as soon as you are able. He will need to begin training and you will be needed here." Carlos escorted them out and back into the bedroom. "A bedroom has already been prepared for his and your use."

"When may I speak to him?" Law wanted to talk to him before the wedding. This was all happening fast and Sanji had to be concerned and stressed. What was the cook planning? If they wanted to take the chance to escape, it would have to be tonight.

"In approximately an hour or so," Carlos was ready to leave the three. "I will show you to the room, then take you down so you may receive dinner. He'll be up later this evening. I'm sure you three are wanting to speak to him, but try not to get too loud, my room is right down the hall from his."

"Did you fill them in?" Their host came from the open balcony, a cigar dangling from his mouth. The head of the family eyed the three that had been shown the government's most kept secret. "Good, now that you are aware of the responsibility my son will soon be burdened with, you can understand the magnitude of your own."

"And he has accepted this?" Law knew Sanji would feel coerced to accept. He had a big heart and would think of others before himself. What of his dreams, what of his nakama?

"He has," the father didn't look appeased however. "However, he has forced me to agree a small stipulation once he has completed his training. My son wishes to fulfill some foolish dream of his, which will take him away for an undetermined amount of time. It will most likely be putting him back on the Grand Line and away from where he is safest. Here you will have the assistance of those loyal to me, as well as the government to keep him safe. Once he has left this compound, he will be in even greater danger. This is where you three will have to make sure that no harm comes to him. I have been informed that he is a skilled fighter in his own right but even the strongest can fall."

"What of your next generation?" Mihawk wanted to know what happened after. Once the son was too old, who would replace him? Who would be the next to take over the operation? "We are all male, what of an heir?"

"I will simply hire a female fitting to undergo the procedure to carry another heir for him. When the time comes I will see this done and give him the children to raise. If you'd like the doctor could even see to it that the child comes from Sanji and yourself."

"You mean tampering with gene-splicing," Law snapped. What kind of asshole would do that? That could cause complications to the fetus and it wasn't natural. He knew that Sanji wouldn't agree to that.

"Not at all, when it was discovered that I could no longer impregnate a female, he simply experimented with a few tests. He has found a way to take an unfertilized egg and clean it, able to erase all genetic markers, think of it as a clean slate. He was going to use some of my sperm and Carlos there to create a child. Sadly, I'm completely sterile so it wasn't possible."

So the head of the Vinsmoke family was shooting blanks. Law was glad to hear of it. If Sanji had left home then the man couldn't be very fatherly. A child made from him and the cook, the idea had merit, but that was something to worry about later. First, he needed to speak to Sanji to see what they were going to do. If the plan was to try to run, he'd do what he could to get them out. If the plan was to do as the father asked, he'd have to accept that he'd be sharing the one he wanted with two others.

Law let his gaze go to the other two males. Later he'd accuse the blonde of having a thing for dark and dangerous men. The few times he'd been in Mihawk's presence he was sure he'd be able to get along with him. What about the other? Something rubbed him the wrong way when it came to Rob Lucci. The man had an air about him that was not only dangerous but explosive. It almost reminded him of Zoro, was it bloodlust? What had they been dragged into?

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How much longer? Sanji leaned back further in the recliner, enjoying the peace and quiet after a disastrous dinner. The old man had insisted that the wedding be in the morning and that he 'consummate' it immediately. After half an hour of bitching, he had agreed to go through with the wedding but he would not consummate it with all three of them that night.

At least the room they had put him in was nice. The décor was expensive and soft, but why the hell were there five dressers in the room? Did they really expect his husbands to remain here with him at all times? That would explain the freakishly huge bed and the twelve pillows. There was a small dining table with four chairs, a couch next to the recliner he was enjoying. Both were facing the fireplace that was lit. There was a private bathroom off to the right, it was nice to know he wouldn't have to share.

The idea of having people around him constantly made him nervous. He might be able to handle Law for an extended period of time but two others, two that he had picked. Three that were taking their sweet ass time enjoying a dinner that had to suck. The food that had been prepared had been dry, overcooked, and tasteless. If he remained there was no way he was going to allow the chef to cook for him, or those that were staying here with him.

How much longer before they came back to the room. He was sure Law was waiting to speak to him about what was going on. He had to figure out what to tell his nakama, what to say to Law and the other two. Had they been told the reason he needed a spouse? How did they feel about becoming a babysitter? The idea of having them around made him feel weak and inadequate. He could take care of himself but his father didn't seem to think so. The only reason he had agreed to the three male spouses was of how horrible the idea of using some sweet, innocent lady made him feel like shit. The men knew what they were getting into and none of them were meek or gentle. He wouldn't have to worry about them getting distressed because he had to take on more than one lover. He needed to get some sleep, to forget everything that had happened in the last twenty-four hours.

The door finally opened to the room but only one person stepped inside to join him. It was the one person he had been waiting for. Sanji couldn't prevent his heartbeat from increasing. He hadn't thought he'd see the surgeon again under these circumstances. This wasn't how they were supposed to meet up and he had no idea what he should say. "I'm sorry you got dragged into this."

That was not what he wanted to hear. Law took in the stiff posture that wasn't the least bit relaxed in the recliner. The other two prospects had asked for a separate bedroom for tonight. "I got myself dragged into this when I allowed myself to be taken. Should I not be apologizing since they used my safety as a means to get you here?"

"No, if not you, they would have found someone else. If not for who I am, you would still be with your crew. You're only here because my cousin discovered that I like you and you feel indebted to hang around because of Luffy. I'm sure I can convince Carlos to take you back if you want." Sanji didn't want him to leave but he didn't expect him to stay either.

"Send me back? Am I to return and tell your nakama that I left you here? I believe I have already accepted a position as your spouse." Law planned on returning long enough to speak to both of their nakama. "Or do we figure out a plan to leave before dawn?"

"You know I can't, he told you, didn't he?" Sanji sighed at the nod, so Law knew. "Then you know why I can't leave yet. I got to remain here for a while, it is no longer a matter of what I want. I have to do what is right."

"Even if it means giving up your freedom?" Law wanted him to realize what it meant if he stayed. If they didn't return, then Sanji would have to get married. If he left, then Sanji would have to find a third, and he'd lose whatever chance he could have.

"I will be giving up most of it," Sanji knew what he had to do. "That is why I can't ask you to stay behind. I will have you taken back because we both know you don't really want to be here. Your crew is probably concerned with your disappearance. All I will ask in return is that you speak to Luffy and the others, let them know that I can't come back right now. Just tell them that my father is ill and that I need to remain here for a while."

"I will inform them of his failing health when I go to speak to them. However, I have arranged for your cousin to take me there after the wedding. After hearing the circumstances, I'm sure your nakama would understand if they were able to be told. If you are set on remaining then I will as well. I believe your nakama would feel much better knowing that I remain with you."

"You don't have to do this," Sanji didn't want him to stay because of the relationship they both had with Luffy. "If you don't leave then you will be one of the three that I have to wed. You do realize what that entails, what it will mean for us?"

"It means I'll have to share you with two others, two you have selected. I understand that at some point you will have to start taking over your father's responsibilities. Or was your family remiss in leaving something out?" Law already knew what he had to do if he stayed.

"That isn't what I meant," Sanji sat forward in the seat. "I'm referring to us being together in a relationship. I can't ask you to leave your crew to babysit me. You'll be allowed to leave for a few days but that is all. After that it could be a year or longer before you can do anything else besides concern yourself with me."

"I'm aware," Law already knew the details and what was going to be asked of him. He had already decided on what he'd do about his crew. If he stayed he couldn't ask them to wait around for his return, not for this. It was his crew or Sanji, his crew would be just fine without him.

"Did you see it?" Had they been shown the family secret? Did the three know what was really at stake? Sanji pushed up from the chair to stand, "Where are the others? They didn't want to come to the room?"

"I politely insisted that I be given a chance to speak with you. They sleep elsewhere tonight," Law refrained from saying that the idea had been the warlord's idea and they had both gotten Rob Lucci to agree that only one needed to spend the evening with their intended 'bride'. Seeing as he had the closer relationship with the other pirate, he was the likely choice. "During dinner I had a civilized conversation with the two you picked."

"And?" What did they have to say? Sanji wasn't shocked that all three had been able to sit down and converse. Each one had a level a maturity that most of his own nakama lacked. Only Robin came close to the maturity of the three males he'd selected and that was probably one of the reasons he'd felt inclined to pick the two he had. Tales via complaints from the marimo led him to know that Mihawk was a serious individual. The other, Rob Lucci, had been the true leader of CP9, not that fucking idiot with a beat-in face.

"We each have our reasons for accepting the role as your spouse. I believe theirs tend to lean towards the danger you'll be in. You're going to be high-maintenance and I believe they see it as a challenge. They don't know you well enough to know that you can take care of yourself from most threats and if anything will be challenging it will be dealing with your temper." Law tried to prevent his mouth from twitching at the insulted expression. Marriage meant a domesticated union between the four, centered around the blonde. The main concern that had been stressed is the health and welfare of their spouse.

"I don't have a temper," he was a very pleasing person. Sanji didn't want to hear that shit. He could take care of himself and he wasn't that hard to live with. "Discuss anything else?"

"In a way, I was asked to inquire as to your preferences seeing as you will be using us eventually once you take over your father's duties." Law was curious as well but he had been interested for a while. It was enough to know that Sanji was open to a same sex relation, one with himself mainly. He had thought they'd have time to figure out the aspects of anything physical between them. He knew what he liked but that didn't mean Sanji would prefer to bottom.

"What do you mean preference?" What did they want to know and wasn't that something that should be discussed between all of them? "Shouldn't we have a discussion on preferences when all of us are present?"

"No, they didn't want to embarrass you." Law didn't complain about the lighting up in the room. "The men your cousin all brought were either bi-sexual or homo-sexual, but he didn't check to see exactly what their preferences were. The ass probably didn't think that was important as long as they were willing to be with another male. Do you realize that the three you are to wed in the morning all prefer to top?"

"So what the hell does that mean?" Sanji hadn't thought about that when he had picked them out. What they might like had never crossed his mind. His mind hadn't thought to wonder if the men liked to top or bottom.

"I'm marrying you, the other two are marrying YOU." Law took a seat on the edge of the bed. "I'm not agreeing to be with either of those men, only you. I might be willing to compromise if you decide that you also prefer to top."

"You'd compromise?" That was considerate of him. Sanji couldn't believe he was standing in a room discussing having sex with the surgeon. "I don't know what I'll like to be honest with you. You know I've never had any kind of experience with another male. You said you're willing to compromise, why do I get the feeling that it is a warning?"

"Zoro-ya was right, you never do things the easy way. You picked two very dominant and aggressive men to wed. They are strictly seme, they are not the kind to bottom. Three dominant husbands, you'll have a lot to deal with."

"Are you kidding? I'm more concerned about what my old man wants me to do. You saw it. What happens if I fail? What if I fuck up one day? What if he's dead and I can't contain her? What about after me? Who takes over after I am gone?" Doing this would be placing a lot of responsibility on him.

"Don't stress yourself over that. Your old doesn't strike me as the kind to do things half-assed. He won't let you take over until you are ready. We can worry about the future when it gets closer. Don't worry about your nakama either, I will speak to them." Law didn't want him to get too stressed, it had to be tough knowing so much was riding on you. In a span of a day Sanji had gone from a carefree pirate to someone of great importance. It didn't matter if the rest of the world never knew of his sacrifice, it didn't change the fact that Sanji would soon hold the safety of millions in his hands. "You should try to get some rest, the wedding is tomorrow."

"Cute, I've already told my old man I'm not having a night full of consummating." Sanji reached for his tie, he was tired. He would have to ask Law to bring back his belongings or he'd have nothing to wear.

"Then who will you consummate with? You do realize that you will have to consummate your vows with at least one of us, don't you? Or the marriage will not be legal." Law shrugged off his coat after discarding his shoes.

"Then I guess you'll just have to be the one to instruct me on what it takes to be bottom, because I'm not fucking someone I've never had a conversation with." The jacket was placed on the chair across Law's coat. The removal of his shirt was done in haste, he wanted to get in bed before the conversation got too real.

Instruct? More like show him the pleasures of being on the bottom. He could show him that being the submissive partner could be even more enjoyable than taking the top. Law unbuttoned his own jeans, "Shall we begin your schooling tonight or wait until after the wedding?"

The soft laughter wasn't the answer the captain was asking for but Sanji had to laugh. He couldn't help it, the way it had been asked, it wasn't even the least bit romantic or sexual. It did make him feel better, to ease some of the tension that weighed heavy on his mind. "It's a generous offer and I won't say I'm not tempted. How about we get some sleep instead?"

"If that is what you want," Getting down into boxers, Law climbed on the opposite side of the bed. All four of them could lay down with plenty of room to stretch out. Having seen the blonde in similar attire already, he still felt his gaze drawn to the pale chest. "Would you take offense if I were to tell you that I want to be your first?"

"No, I was already planning on asking you to be the one to spend the night with me tomorrow. If I got to be intimate with anyone, I'd rather it be you." Sanji got comfortable underneath the covers. Talking about the wedding made it feel too real, "I think I'll feel much better after getting some sleep. Try to stay on your side of the bed, we aren't married yet."

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A/N: Okay, I didn't think a romantic night was really called for here. I don't think Sanji would be in that kind of mood, he's had a stressful day. I was also asked about Lucci's pigeon Hattori, he is around, he just wasn't allowed in the meeting.

Next chapter: The wedding, a group discussion, and nuptial bliss. Please review for me.