The next morning, the predicted island came into view. Little Green stood out like an emerald gem against the greying sky, the sun still not visible but promising to appear shortly. A few mountains rested in the center of the isle, painted a dark green by the thick forest. The trees receded around the main city, letting it stand on its own colorful feet. Even from this distance, various shades of reds, purples, and yellows could be picked out against the cream and tan buildings, adding to the picturesque scene.
The Straw Hat's ship coasted past the harbor, taking in the view of the city as it slowly sailed past the docks. Little Green seemed rather active, despite the early hour; men rushing to and fro with boxes and other goods on their shoulders.
There were many ships already docked, some of them merchant ships, and others belonging to the Navy. However, the newcomers could see many establishments that promised a good time for visiting travelers and pirates alike.
"Since there is obviously a Marine presence, we will need to find a place to dock that's a bit hidden. And we also need to keep it down so that we have time to gather supplies," Nami's last statement was clearly directed at Luffy, who was busy picking his nose and clapping his sandals together happily. The redhead did not like the way he was eyeing the city, as if ready to catapult himself towards it without waiting for them to find a safe place to land.
"I'm not watching him. I'm still getting salt water out of my ears after yesterday," Usopp complained, "Besides, Franky and I were supposed to go get some things to fix the damage done after the storm."
"I don't need to be watched!" Luffy argued, paying attention now that his fate hung in the balance.
Chopper perked up, his cheerful tone catching Luffy's attention and distracting him from his annoyance, "Luffy, you can come with me! I have to go look for a certain mushroom and I wanna check that mountain!"
The idea of a mountain search seemed to spell adventure to the rubber man because he quickly agreed while everyone else sighed in relief.
"I'll come with you. Sounds like fun," Robin stated, a mischievous smile on her face as Chopper lit up with added excitement, going on and on about the mushroom that apparently Robin had been helping him research.
Nami ignored them, logging the three away as 'taken care of' and moved on to the remaining members of the crew. "Sanji, you will be going shopping for supplies, right?"
"Yes, Nami-swan!" Sanji chirped, hearts filling his eyes as he twirled to her side. "We still have a week's worth of supplies, but you said the next island might not be inhabited so I would like to stock up while I can."
"Sounds good," Nami said, passing him a fat coin-purse to pay for his purchases. Robin glanced over at her knowingly, an amused glint in her eye, before the navigator continued. "Zoro, you will go with Sanji and help carry supplies."
"What!" Zoro snapped, eye opening as he sat up sharply from where he had been dozing against the rail. "Why?! He can carry his own damn groceries!"
Nami glared at him, clearly unamused with her orders being questioned, "I was going to have you babysit but I thought you'd prefer this. And besides, with the Navy being here, I can't risk you wandering off and starting a fight."
So I get to babysit, Sanji mentally noted, torn between being stressed at spending time with Zoro, and delighted on completing a task for the beautiful red-head.
"Tsk," Zoro was saying, clearly having given up on arguing further.
"Okay, then that's settled," Nami said, moving on and ignoring the grumblings of the swordsman. "Brook, you get first ship's watch. I'll come back to relieve you once I get a few things I need."
Sanji suddenly spoke up, his mind focusing on what he needed to plan for dinner, "Are we going to be eating on the island tonight?"
"Yeah, I think that's a good idea," The navigator replied, nodding to herself.
That meant that the Straw Hat cook did not need to prepare a meal, which would open up his night for other activities. Such as finding someone to relieve his raging hormones.
With everything decided, the crew focused on docking the Sunny in a shady alcove. Once the ship had settled in her resting place, Luffy disappeared. Chopper raced after him, cursing in his high voice as a smiling Robin followed at a more relaxed pace. Sanji went along with Nami, Franky, and Usopp, sensing that Zoro was a short distance behind them.
The short, forest walk to the city was pleasant but the trees were soon replaced by buildings and cobblestone streets. The sun was shining brightly in the early morning sky and people were beginning to appear in greater numbers, their days officially starting.
No one spared the Straw Hats a glance, except for maybe a few stares at Franky's massive body. But there were plenty of interesting people on the island, so he did not stand out too much. The city was apparently called Trillampton, and it was known for welcoming anyone that could pay and did not cause a ruckus. This motto seemed to be enforced by the occasional Navy patrol, however, no one seemed to be on the hunt because even the Marines did not spare the Straw Hats a second glance.
Nami soon sent them off onto their individual errands. Franky and Usopp disappeared towards the harbor, while Nami slipped into the crowd, leaving Sanji with a grumpy looking marimo. He looked back at the swordsman, who was standing with arms crossed, muscles bulging, as he studied the people around them.
The market was nearby, Sanji could smell the fresh fruits and meats, and he snapped to get the other man's attention. Zoro glared at him but followed obediently behind as they cut through the crowd with ease. An angry man with three swords kind of kept people at bay, a fact that Sanji was definitely exploiting.
Trillampton was quite beautiful. The natives wore bright clothing that matched the bright flowers and plant life that seemed to cling to every bare space. The buildings were made out of various shades of cream and tan, which only accented the various flowers. There were deep reds, and blushing pinks, dripping gold bulbs, and perky purple petals. The scents were subtle despite the numbers, but they still managed to cling to the air, despite the smell of the market.
Shopping took slightly longer than expected, the various booths having a wider selection than Sanji had seen in awhile. He took his time, picking out new and interesting finds after gathering the necessities. All the while, Zoro remained silent and grumpy behind him, his arms easily holding up the various bags and boxes despite his occasional complaints.
The duo stopped at a stall that was selling a special kind of cooked sausage. The smell was mouthwatering. The spices used called to Sanji, his mind rushing to unlock the combination by the scent alone. He received a pleased smile from the owner, a hunched over old man with surprisingly dark hair for his age.
"You must be a cook!" The stall owner chuckled, reaching forward to hand them two sticks that had the special meat skewered on them. Sanji received them both with an excited grin, but passed one back to the obedient packmule.
They both pulled off the sausage, one chewing quickly while the other savored the taste, dissecting it and arranging the flavors into something to be replicated. However, both enjoyed it and it was clear on their faces.
"This is delicious," Sanji praised, and soon went off on a ramble of ingredients and cooking styles that went over the green-haired head. Zoro tuned it all out, however, he did hope that the cook got the recipe because it really had been good. It did not help that he knew the Straw Hat cook would know exactly which alcohol to pair it with, making it even more enjoyable.
Zoro's daydream of sake and sausage was interrupted, the meat skewer still hanging from his lips as Sanji passed him a bag full of the spiced meat. He grumbled in annoyance, though in reality, he was pleased that Sanji had bought some. The likelihood of the dish being served at a future meal had been solidified.
The swordsman let himself be guided to the edge of the market and watched as Sanji stepped a short distance away to purchase what looked like fried pastries on a stick. He took the one that was offered to him, and set down the large amount of grocery bags.
Inside of the doughy concoction was some type of beef and cheese. It tasted heavenly, and Zoro quickly focused on devouring the food while he was given a rest from shopping detail. Neither spoke to each other, enjoying the quiet meal without feeling the need to bicker or pick a fight.
The peaceful moment was interrupted when a patrol of marines marched past the two wanted pirates. While neither man reacted, the energy around them shifted into something more tense. Calm anticipation mixed with a deadly stillness as they studied the small group of white and blue.
Sanji nonchalantly pulled his recently lit cigarette from his lips, letting the smoke seep into the air, and watched from behind golden fringe. Zoro just continued to stand with his arms crossed, his one good eye casually tracking their movements. When the group of Navy soldiers finally disappeared into the crowd, the only difference in the two Straw Hats was that their auras returned to something relaxed and non-threatening, though not exactly friendly.
It was then that Usopp appeared, a single bag hanging off of his arm. The long-nosed man had changed from his normal outfit and was wearing a greasy pair of denim overalls, his hair pushed into a bright red and yellow beanie that almost resembled a beetle of some sort. However, due to their colorful surroundings, the outfit hardly made him stand out. In fact, Sanji was sure he had seen hats of a similar style for sale in the city.
"Hey guys! You done grocery shopping?" Usopp asked as he squeezed his way to their side, all smiles and cheerful energy.
The blond could not help but smile back, casually lighting a new cigarette after tossing the previous one. "Yeah. We were just about to head back. Have you eaten?" Sanji asked, taking a deep drag of nicotine and smoke. When the sniper replied with a negative, he continued, "Hold on."
Zoro and Usopp watched as the blond disappeared. The green-haired man glanced at the bag hanging off of the other man's arm and nodded to it. "Something for one of your attacks?"
"Yeah!" Usopp enthusiastically replied, opening the sack to show the contents inside.
It looked like some kind of red berry and Zoro had zero idea what it could be used for. However, he had faith that the sniper could turn it into something useful, if not deadly.
"It's called a Harmflower berry. They are kinda rare, but I found a stall that was selling some! I'm hoping to use them in a new attack that I'm working on."
Despite the lack of conversation from his companion, Usopp continued to chatter on, explaining what the attack entailed and how the Harmflower would strengthen it. Even though Zoro did not say much, it was clear that he was giving the younger man his attention and respect.
Sanji returned holding two sets of the meat pastries, and he passed them to the long-nosed man. "Here, take one for Franky, too." He received an eager thanks and Sanji watched happily as the food was eaten, another one being put into a bag to be brought to their shipwright. The cook then took half of the bags, not having to tell Zoro to the do the same, and the three men left the market. Usopp re-explained the Harmflower berries to the blond while Zoro studied the passing citizens.
When they got close to the harbor, Usopp came to a stop. "I'm gonna head back to Franky. But do you guys have plans tonight?"
"Drinking," Zoro grunted, scratching at his ear. Neither of his companions seemed to be surprised by this announcement.
Sanji dropped his cigarette, using the toe of his shoe to smudge it into the cobblestones. He blew out the last of the smoke and shrugged, "Sort of. I need to get laid." Usopp nodded, not surprised by this either, but Zoro tensed slightly. It went unnoticed by the blond who continued on. "Why? Are you guys doing something?"
The sniper adjusted the bag on his arm and nodded, "Yeah. We found this pub near the harbor that is friendly to pirates and the like. We were gonna meet up there to grab something to eat and some drinks."
"I'll go," Zoro replied, not needing further encouragement after the words 'pub' and 'drinks'. Sanji, on the other hand, seemed to hesitate. Obviously assessing how such an activity would affect his previous plans.
"There might be some ladies there," Usopp stated with a nonchalant shrug. "And if there isn't, you can always just grab a drink with us and then leave." This seemed to do the trick because the cook finally gave in with a quick nod.
"Alright. What time are you guys planning on going?"
"Sundown, probably. Will you pass the word along to Brook? And the others, if you see them."
"Sure," Sanji replied, before watching the younger man wave and disappear towards the docks.
The walk back to the ship was short, neither man speaking. Sanji was planning out future uses for the supplies he had just purchased, while Zoro was contemplating the information he had just received.
The blond was planning on hooking up with someone that night, and that stirred something in his gut that he refused to acknowledge as jealousy. He ignored those feelings and focused on how he could prevent the cook from leaving.
When they got back on the deck of the Sunny, Sanji disappeared into the kitchen, taking the bags from Zoro and therefore relieving him from packmule duty. He was in a hurry. If he wanted to find someone to spend the night with, then he wanted to have time to take a shower and change into something nicer than his usual attire. However, he could not do any of that until he had put away the groceries. Meal planning could be done the next day, but he had to at least put everything away.
Despite the day's distractions, his dick had been a constant issue. Spending the day with Zoro had not helped. What was extra stupid, was that Zoro had not done anything particularly sexy. He had been his usual obstinate self, but various little things would catch the cook's attention and send warm gushes of arousal throughout his system. Things like how Zoro's gaze would soften when he saw a little kid, or the way he would study each food that Sanji purchased with a casual expression. When the marines had appeared, Zoro's predator energy had nearly made Sanji hard.
However, Sanji did not want to focus on the marimo. He wanted to focus on fucking an attractive stranger. At this point, he was leaning towards a woman, just because he was afraid that a man would remind him too much of Zoro. And while what most of what he was feeling was normal horniness, Sanji recognized that a lot of his frustrations were centered around a certain green-haired bastard.
Despite his thoughts being a bit scrambled, the cook managed to put everything where it belonged. He checked the time, noting that he still had a little over an hour before sunset, and quickly hurried towards the men's quarters.
Due to his rushing, he was unaware of Zoro who had been trying to nap on the lawn. However, Zoro was very aware of the blond man. His steely gaze watched the other man disappear below deck, quickly returning with a towel and a change of clothes. If Sanji noticed him that time, he made no indication, only hurried on to take a shower.
Zoro had seen this pattern many times. Sanji was not the only member to chase down an occasional island hookup. Even if the blond cook would deny it, Zoro was sure he had even seen the ladies of the crew disappear with a man in tow once or twice.
While most of the crew acknowledged it as a common activity, they rarely discussed it aside for the occasional explanation of why they would be missing dinner. But even if they did not mention their plans, it was clear that they indeed had plans. Extra bathing was always a clue, that or specific outfits being agonized over more than was necessary.
Watching the cook go through this ritual was particularly infuriating, and Zoro finally called the feeling by name. He was jealous. He did not want someone else to enjoy that lithe, toned body. That pale skin, and those sexy moans. Zoro wanted to be the reason the cook reached the levels of pleasure that would take him apart at the seams. Zoro wanted to be the one to see that glorious body laid bare.
And so, the green-haired man passed on his nap and, instead, began to build a plan of his own.
As the sun was finally beginning to set, Sanji emerged from the hold clean and well-dressed. He had picked a pair of burgundy pants that accented his ass and long legs perfectly, and a matching blazer. He had forgone the tie, instead choosing a white v-neck that plunged low on his chest. A chain hung off of his hip, accenting the lean curve, especially when he stood and lit up a cigarette in the dying light.
He had already mentioned the pub meetup to Robin and Chopper, who had arrived a little while back. Both of them had declined, mentioning how they wanted to continue working on their research. This ended up freeing Nami from watch duty, but she had already left, saying she might meet up with them later. Brook, on the other hand, had eagerly accepted the invitation.
The cheerful skeleton was just emerging, dressed in an outfit that somehow managed to artfully combine polkadots and stripes in a way that did not make one's eyes bleed, when Sanji approached the snoring marimo. "Hey, get up. We're heading to the bar."
Zoro cracked open his good eye and glared drowsily at his two nakama. It was clear that he was about to go back to sleep, much to the blond's annoyance.
"You better come with us or you'll never get there. And I don't want my plans ruined because I have to track down a lost mossball," Sanji commented dryly, taking a drag on his cigarette.
"What was that, crap-cook?" Zoro snapped, cracking open his eye and keeping it open. He got to his feet, adjusting the three swords at his side, and realized that his crewmates had already begun to leave. He followed after Sanji, brushing away the smoke that trailed behind the man. He could not help but let his gaze linger on the cook's toned ass, shaped like a work of art in his 'date' pants.
"You heard me, third-rate swordsman. I said you would get lost," Sanji commented without turning around, distracting Zoro from his perverted thoughts. The blond hopped over the railing, landing lightly. He knew the other two had done the same, and he continued to walk towards the city. "Actually, I think I was wrong about you being a marimo. You're actually a ram with green wool. So just follow along like a good little sheep."
"I will fuckin' slice you up, baka," Zoro growled before blocking a branch that Sanji 'accidentally' let snap back to smack him in the face. Glaring at the burgundy suit, he threw out an extra insult. "You never stop running your mouth."
"Says the guy following me like a good little lamb."
Sanji dodged the slice a second before it hit, smirking mischievously before blocking the next attack with a quick twist of his limber body. Brook continued walking past them, not sparing them a second glance as he hummed a little tune to himself.
When he had gotten a few meters away, the quick dispute returned to bickering and the two men hurried to catch up to him, their foreheads smashed together as they spewed out creative verbal jabs. It was not until they reached the docks that Sanji stopped their petty argument so that he could direct them towards the bar Usopp had mentioned.
The pub was a little rough looking, and Sanji vaguely hoped that Nami would find other plans for dinner so that she would not have to subject herself to the no doubt questionable environment. However, the more pressing matter on his mind was that it was unlikely that he would find a beautiful lady to bed at a place like this. This type of locale would cater more to tough men and rough fucks, but that was the opposite of what Sanji needed. That would only remind him of a certain swordsman, and that was what he was trying to avoid.
Despite his inner turmoil, Sanji followed Brook and Zoro into the pub and they quickly located Franky and Usopp. Luffy was with them, having been dropped off by the archeologist and doctor a while back.
The two younger Straw Hats were just returning from the bar and were already overladen with food, food that Luffy was trying to devour on his own, while Usopp fought him off. Franky had secured a table, away from the bar, and was helping Long-Nose defend the plates from grabby, rubber hands. He grinned when he saw his nakama.
"Yo! You guys made it!" He yelled above the din of the bar. The blue-haired cyborg got the bartender's attention just as the three men took seats at the table. It did not take long for drinks to be delivered, and the food to be eaten and enjoyed. Once their hunger had been sated, more rounds were ordered and Zoro made sure that drinks were constantly being pushed in front of the cook. If his plan was going to work, he needed the other man relaxed, and at least buzzed.
When Sanji got up to pay for the next round, and also save Usopp from being chewed on by Luffy, Zoro could not help but casually watch the relaxed swagger of the cook. Or at least, he thought he was being casual about it. Little did he know that two sets of eyes had both caught the action, and when Zoro dragged his gaze back to the table, those two sets of eyes caught his attention and held it.
"What?" Zoro asked defensively, the growl in his tone meant to shut them up before they opened their mouths. It did not work.
"You okay, bro?" Franky asked, his tone chill, even though his gaze was heavy with suspicion. "You're drinking more than usual."
"Is there something wrong with Sanji-san?" Brook asked before the swordsman could answer Franky's question, his tone light but also laced with slight concern. However, Zoro got the feeling that both the skeleton and the cyborg knew more than what they were letting on. "You seem to be watching him a lot."
"I'm fine," He grunted dismissively, taking a swig of his drink. "And how the hell should I know if something is wrong with the cook? What am I- his babysitter?"
There was a long silence, and Zoro hoped that meant the interrogation was being dropped, but the next words from Brook's mouth dashed all hopes of that happening.
"Are you and cook-san together?"
Alcohol sprayed across the table and was followed by a rough bout of coughing as Zoro tried to get control of himself. Franky slapped harshly at his back, making it worse, and it took a moment for the swordsman to catch his breath and block the cyborg's large hand. When he finally did, he glared at the skeleton, "What the fuck, Brook?! Why would you even think that?!"
Brook noted the lack of definitive 'no'. "Because a few weeks back, I might have heard some interesting sounds coming from the galley."
There was a flash of something like embarrassment and then Zoro's normal stoney exterior took over. He crossed his arms and leveled that unamused gaze at the other two men. His lack of verbal response confirmed their suspicions and Brook hurried to console the swordsman, since he was clearly shutting down.
"We don't care! We were just curious if something was going on there!"
There was a slight huff from the younger man, and he looked away in annoyance. But he did respond, even if his tone was clearly irritated. "Not really. I mean, yeah we fucked that night, but that's it."
Brook and Franky glanced at each other, both reading the other man more easily than he would like to know. The cyborg decided to push the green-haired man a little. "Is there something there?"
"What do you mean?" Zoro asked, eyeing him suspiciously.
"Like, could there be more there?"
After a slight pause, Zoro seemed to understand and he shrugged, clearly annoyed. "I mean, I want to do it again. And I think the cook does, too." He paused, still processing the question.
Brook let out a soft 'ah' and nodded. Neither he, nor Franky, had expected the other man to easily admit to more than physical attraction.
"So, you're planning on talking to him?" The skeleton asked, trying to keep the conversation on track. At this point, most of the men knew about Sanji's plan for the night, so it was clear why the swordsman was irritable.
"Yeah."
"This is a weird question, considering that it's you two," The musician suddenly began, getting the other two men's attention, "But do you like each other?"
Franky's eyes got big and he leaned forward to get Zoro's undivided attention, his tone serious, "If you do… you know the crew will support it, right?"
The green-haired man rolled his eye and picked up his drink again, "I know, I know." He very clearly did not answer Brook's question, but the older men did not feel the need to push him further. His unspoken answer had been clear, and they both wished him luck.
Neither were surprised about the developments, having both seen Sanji leave a bar with a man, even if they had never commented on it. And knowing that Zoro was flexible with his sexuality had also not come as a surprise. He had always seemed rather relaxed about those sorts of things, or so they had assumed.
"Wait," Franky suddenly began, causing both of his companions to look at him expectantly as his brow furrowed with intense thought, "Is that why one of the galley chairs was destroyed?!" Zoro immediately winced, mug frozen at his lips. However, before Zoro could explain or defend himself, seeing as it had been him who had smashed the piece of furniture, Sanji suddenly appeared with a tray full of drinks.
The blond noticed the weird atmosphere but did not comment on it, instead making room on the table for the new round of alcohol. He helped pass out each cup, mentally steeling himself on making this is last drink.
While at the bar, saving Usopp, Sanji had noted the selection of bargoers. There had been a few guys that had caught his attention, but like he had predicted, the bar was slim on ladies. His choices were either to make himself miserable with a guy, and at least relieve the pressure of the past few days, or leave and try his chances elsewhere.
He was sipping on his drink, mulling this over, when Franky mentioned something about needing a song and both him and Brook got up, instruments magically appearing. They soon had the bar in an uproar, leaving Zoro and Sanji to sit by themselves and drink. The swordsman noted this, automatically annoyed while simultaneously thankful for his nakama's meddling.
With an annoyed sigh, he decided to take advantage of their sudden lack of audience. He finished his drink and glanced in the cook's direction. "So. You about to head out?"
"Yeah."
"... To fuck someone?"
Sanji glanced at him, brow cocked questioningly. ".. Yeah. Why?"
There was a long, heavy pause. Zoro picked up his drink, took a swig, set it back down, and then asked, "Wanna fuck me?"
"..."
Sanji stared at him, his expression impossible to read. However, internally he was racing to comprehend this new information.
Zoro just continued, explaining himself a little, "You said that the next time, it'd be my turn, right?"
The blond finally responded, though he spoke slowly, as if still trying to process what Zoro was suggesting. "Right.." He paused again and then asked, "You want to?" It was clear that he was unsure of the other man's commitment. Zoro planned on proving his sincerity, if the cook gave him the go ahead, that is.
"Yeah," The swordsman stated, his voice firm and without hesitation.
Sanji studied the other man, brow still furrowed with deep thought. After the past few weeks, he had been sure that that night had been a one time thing. He had been so sure but now he was having to reevaluate and re-strategize, which was making his reaction time a bit delayed. However, the logical side of his brain was having to run in the background because the majority of his thoughts were variations of 'oh fuck' and 'yessssss'.
Finally, he managed to form a decision and then words to verbalize his decision. "Okay. You wanna get a hotel room?"
His tone did not match his internal dialogue at all. While he appeared cool, and calm, cigarette getting placed between his lips like everything was normal in the world, Sanji was spazzing out on the inside. He was going to get to fuck Zoro! He had given up hope on getting to do such an act and not only was it happening, but Zoro had been the one to suggest it!
On the other side of the table, Zoro was in a similar state. Equal parts excited and shocked, while only showing a bored exterior. To accent this, he tilted his head in a brief nod as response to the cook's question.
Sanji stood up, lighter illuminating his face for a brief moment before he tucked the object back into a secret pocket. He nodded at the door, "Okay. Let's go then."
Zoro followed suit, one arm resting on the hilts of his blades as he left the bar at Sanji's side. Neither noticed the grins they received from Franky and Brook, nor Nami who arrived at the pub just before they disappeared onto a side street. She stared at their retreating forms and then hurried inside to hear the latest gossip from her nakama, who had better have details on what the fuck was happening between the resident cook and swordsman of the Straw Hat pirates.