A/N: This was the story that never ended for quite a while. So I had to cut it in half, unintentionally creating yet another chapter. ^^;

[Written on and off between 9/24/17 to 5/6/18]


"Kaikan"

Part Seven of Koe

"Zoro?" He sidled closer to his pillow, too comfortable to move, least of all get out of bed.

"Hey." Zoro stubbornly kept his eyes shut, refusing to move. ~Zoro!~ The mental shout was everywhere in his head and Zoro couldn't block it out. His eyes snapped open, the flat plane of Sanji's chest greeting him. Zoro was tucked against his left shoulder, Sanji's arm underneath his neck.

Hastily, he put some distance between them, frowning when he discovered his side of the bed was cold. The urge to fall back asleep disappeared instantly. A yawn overcame Zoro as he sat up, scratching at his stomach. "What time is it?"

"Early morning, still later than I usually get up," Sanji replied, standing on the side of the bed, yanking on his clothes. "Stop corrupting me with your bad habits."

Zoro snorted, eyeing Sanji as he stood in the doorway, evidently waiting for him to get up as well. "I think we're both to blame for last night."

Sanji grinned, his hands tucked into his pockets, looking way too satisfied. "It was really good," he conceded, showing no hint of modesty at all. "'Course I was happy with you before, but now…" ~You've got your work cut out for you.~ The lift of Sanji's eyebrow was decidedly devilish and Zoro leered in the cook's direction.

"Sure you wanna tempt fate?" Zoro asked as he slid off the bed, leisurely picking up his clothes off a nearby chair. "Of course," said Sanji confidently, then tsked underneath his breath while Zoro put on pants. "You are the slowest dresser."

Striding forward, Sanji shoved the shirt over Zoro's upraised arms and pushed him into the hallway. "What's the hurry?" Zoro asked, rubbing the sleep from the corners of his eyes. "The hurry is I'm hungry and food isn't going to magically appear on our plates."

Zoro rolled his eyes, shrugging off Sanji's insistent grip. "Okay, okay, I get it."

After a while, even the direst of circumstances became mundane. With Sanji in charge of rationing the food and water supply, the only things left to do were hunt, forage, and take turns playing sentry. Screw around too if they felt like it.

Sanji delighted in all but holding his hand as they navigated the island in the morning. "You don't have to look so damn happy about it," Zoro told him, shortly after his path was corrected again as they traversed the forest. "It's just amazing to me that you've managed to survive this long, that's all."

Zoro could hear the grumpy tone in his voice as he replied, "Luckily, I know good people who make up for my failings." ~Shit, was that a compliment?~

"Zoro, you're going to make me blush." Sanji laid an arm over his shoulders. "Shut up," Zoro said hotly, some of his inner ire dying as Sanji nuzzled his ear. Didn't you get enough last night? Hot breath teased his neck when Sanji chuckled against it.

"It doesn't have to go that far," Sanji explained, Zoro realizing that trading thoughts no longer fazed Sanji. It was almost like an organic part of their relationship now. "Not every time anyway. There's other fun things we can do." Zoro flashed on an image of both of them naked, their heads bowed over each other's cocks.

He swatted away the suggestion while his heart sped up a moment and a shiver ran down his spine. "Damn ero-cook," Zoro said under his breath, stepping away from Sanji altogether.

Sanji sniggered, clearly in a good mood. ~But you definitely like me this way.~ Zoro ignored him, too busy trying to cool himself down from Sanji's earlier suggestion. Fine, now shut up about it.

"What are we looking for here?"

"Rabbit warrens. I saw some the other day," Sanji said, scanning the ground as he walked, instinctively evading dangling branches and tree roots when they appeared in his path. "Are we confident we'll catch any?" Zoro asked, interested in flushing out such quarry, even if the difficulty in doing so was set higher than deer.

Rabbits were fast, hardly ever found above ground unless feeding or traveling, and even then they only appeared during certain times of the day. Zoro made sure to walk just behind Sanji, stopping when he did so as to not make any unnecessary noise.

"Zoro, can I trust you to walk six feet in front of me without getting lost?" Zoro slipped into the tree line briefly so he could get ahead of Sanji, listening intently to anything that might have scurried away in the underbrush near him. He caught snatches of Sanji between trees, using that as a baseline to know which direction to go.

Sanji gave him a thumbs-up when he finally exited the forest edge, watching the field between them closely. Something shifted slightly under a mass of weeds before Zoro saw the shine of a rounded black eye.

Zoro pointed in the right direction, then kneeled down, picking up a large rock. Sanji nodded before he sprang into action, running towards the area. Zoro had entertained using his sword, but thought that would be a flagrant misuse of his cherished weapon.

Movement to the left before a panicked rabbit shot out of the undergrowth, Sanji redirecting to cut the animal off at the pass. It leapt towards Zoro, pausing for a brief moment as it realized something was in front of him, and Zoro flung the rock in his hand. He missed by an inch, cursing underneath his breath as he chased after the rabbit, Sanji hot on his heels beside him.

They stayed on it for what seemed like forever, Zoro eventually slowing, putting a hand to the stitch in his side that ached painfully. The damn rabbit wouldn't stop.

Sanji huffed loudly ahead of him, out of breath, his words halting. "What, too much for you?"

Zoro grunted, trying to eke out the last of his stamina. "Screw…you."

~Been there, done that.~

You little- Zoro veered sharply, tackling Sanji to the ground, who went down almost too easily. Sanji panted as he laid there, half-heartedly pushing at Zoro's shoulder in protest. Zoro raised his head in interest when the frantic scurrying ahead of them abruptly stopped, something wheezing loudly. "You're shitting me."

"What?" Sanji glanced ahead and broke out into laughter. The rabbit had collapsed exhausted, not unlike themselves. Zoro released Sanji's waist, flopping onto his back, his own shoulders shaking as he joined Sanji in his mirth. Talk about a rabbit run.

"Go get it."

"You're closer," Zoro replied, staring up at the sky through the canopy of closely knit trees. "You're the one who started this whole thing anyway." ~Scared of one rabbit?~

"Never," Zoro growled, sitting up, getting his second wind back. He knew goading when he heard it. Two could play at that game. "What about you?" he asked, watching Sanji shoot upward from the ground in agitation, his pride rankled.

He trooped off to fetch the rabbit, an awful screaming cut short before Sanji turned around and stomped back to Zoro, dumping the motionless rabbit into his lap. "Happy?" Sanji asked, wiping sweat from his forehead.

Zoro beamed at him. "Yep." ~What the hell am I going to do with you?~ Tired and hot from all the running, Zoro stood up, holding the rabbit in one hand. It was rather large and heavy. All the effort they'd expended into catching it had been worth it. "How about a bath?"

"Now you're talking."


He took his time eating the rabbit stew Sanji had prepared, glad they'd switched to another protein after having so much deer. The canned carrots and fresh herbs added another dimension to the meal and Zoro found he didn't care that they'd gone from full plates to half ones.

After a full week of waiting with no sign of the Going Merry and its crew, Zoro knew that they could only live in semi-comfort for so long. Sanji quietly smoked half a cigarette, trying to keep his meager supply alive as long as he could. He watched Zoro, his eyes almost boring a hole into Zoro's skull.

Dimly, Zoro became aware of something at the back of his mind, almost like a faint scratching noise. When it slowly became louder, Zoro tilted his head, his meal momentarily forgotten. No, not a scratching. A kick.

Zoro shoved the last of the stew into his mouth before he put the plate down and clasped his hands on his knees and met Sanji's gaze. "I don't know what you're trying to do, but could you stop it already?"

Sanji blinked, his concentration broken with Zoro's words. He took a slow drag on his cigarette, shrugging one shoulder. "Can't blame a guy for trying."

You'll give me a headache, Zoro added mentally. "You wanna know anything, just ask."

Sanji tsked, seeming dissatisfied he'd been found out. "All that time you spent playing in my mind, I just wonder why it's not as easy for me." ~Tit for tat.~ Zoro took a sip of water from his glass, delaying as he thought of an answer.

He swallowed and exhaled heavily. "You only found about the link a few days ago. With enough time and practice, soon you'll be rummaging through my head, turning over long forgotten secrets." Zoro meant it to be comforting, but could hear the sullen note in his voice. He wondered how he would feel when such a thing did happen to him.

"Not on purpose," Sanji said softly, tossing aside his dead cigarette aside. He hoisted himself up from his seat on the log and walked up to Zoro, reaching out and touching the top of his head. "Not if I can avoid it."

Zoro snatched Sanji's hand from his head, bringing it down to his mouth. This close, he could smell the fresh tobacco on the cook's fingers. It said a lot that Sanji essentially promised not to pry in his private affairs when Zoro had no such issues in regards to Sanji's. Didn't he feel a little curious about what made Zoro tick?

Sanji blew out a breath and kneeled on the ground before Zoro, lacing his other hand in Zoro's free one, mirroring Zoro. He kissed Zoro's knuckles, smiling at the flush that swept up Zoro's neck and into his face. ~Moron.~ "That's not it," Sanji said.

Zoro felt his heart speed up as Sanji shifted his mouth up Zoro's arm, moving closer and closer until Sanji was pressed between his legs, looking up into Zoro's face earnestly. "I want you to tell me those things yourself. When you're ready."

Damn romantic, Zoro cursed, staring down into the face that had agitated him ever since he first laid eyes on it. The world wavered around the edges, then snapped back into place with a poignant finality, in sharper clarity than ever before.

Everything had changed. Everything was the same.

A fine tremble started in his hand and Zoro drew away from Sanji entirely, clearing his throat when he stood up from his seat. "I have the first watch today, I should…go do that."

Whether or not he knew it, Sanji let Zoro run away. He was glad his mind wasn't so easy to read because the newfound knowledge churning away in Zoro's head was heavy and hard to believe. He couldn't deny it wasn't true, no matter how much he tried.


The day had started out blazing hot, then around midday the clouds turned dark, banding together to form a thick layer that blocked out the sun completely. Thunderheads sounded in the distance, the sky's light show progressively getting closer until rain started to fall. It quickly became a downpour, the temperature dropping until it was downright chilly.

From his semi-dry seat under a tree canopy, Zoro had a front row seat as he watched the sky work out its fury. Visibility was crap, yet Zoro refused to abandon his post. ~Anything?~ Zoro glanced back at Sanji who was approaching from behind, an umbrella in one hand shielding him from the rain and the other one holding a blanket.

"Nope," Zoro replied, Sanji's pause small before he shook his head. Once under the cover of the tree, he closed the umbrella and sat next to Zoro, scooting closer so he could drape the blanket over both of them. Warmth blossomed on his back and Zoro bowed his head in Sanji's direction gratefully. "Thanks." Sanji nodded back, not fighting the silence that grew between them.

Zoro's thoughts wandered to another day in the past, its yield unforgiving, water drenching everything as he walked next to his sensei. He couldn't look at the final resting place of his friend, his grief still too raw. Zoro jerked the sword off his shoulder, his grip tightening on it. He'd had one setback, but things were progressing well. Kuina couldn't be too cross with him.

At Sanji's quiet intake of breath, Zoro looked over and took in his surprised expression. "They were important to you, weren't they?" The question was innocent enough, but still made Zoro's throat close.

"She really was," he said, Zoro dropping his shoulder against Sanji's, leaning over until he was resting against the cook's side. "What did you see?"

"The flash of a funeral procession…and a small coffin," he answered, his voice almost inaudible amidst a loud thunderclap. Zoro was grateful that was all Sanji got from the link. He was content to let the matter lie, letting himself completely relax. The view and company was anything but boring.


It was all too familiar scenery, the paper walls and tatami mat flooring instantly relaxing Zoro and rising a red flag at the same time. The tongue in his mouth took advantage of this state, Sanji almost crushing him against one of the walls. As his knees weren't terribly steady at the moment, Zoro let Sanji support his weight, focusing on the way his stomach jerked pleasantly instead.

The dojo door slid open across the room and Sanji stopped kissing him, his mouth slipping into a grin instead. "Oh, my god."

Tipping his head to the side, Zoro couldn't believe his eyes. There he was in all his youthful glory, the black uniform baggy on his small body as he ran through the katas, driven to practice again and again to achieve perfection. Thankfully, his past self was unaware of his visitors, the small grunts emitting from him filling the silent room. Sanji stood up, blowing cigarette smoke into kid Zoro's face as he walked around him, examining his past self closely.

"Don't you dare," Zoro warned, standing up from the floor, his muscles tensing in preparation.

"You were adorab-" He crossed the room in an instant, covering Sanji's mouth. Warm breath tickled his palm and fingers as Sanji's shoulders shook with stifled laughter. After a full minute, Sanji finally stilled, holding up both hands in surrender. Zoro chose to ignore the cook's smirk, turning to regard his younger self instead. It'd been a long time since he had lived within these walls.

Life had been much simpler then, an endless pattern of studying, sleeping, and practicing with friends that shared the same interest as him. Zoro wondered where they had ended up in the world, and whether or not they still used their swordsmanship skills. He crouched in front of what he chose to think of as Roronoa to avoid any confusion, the kid's sword strikes passing right through Zoro's head like so much smoke.

He wished he could interact with Roronoa and tell him everything was going to be okay. He just had to get through a few rough spots first. A voice cut through the wall next to him. "Zoro, something terrible has happened." The bottom of his stomach fell out, Zoro turning from his younger self, not wanting to see Roronoa's face fall as he heard the news.

"Kuina…she fell down the stairs and died." Roronoa set off in a frantic run. Sanji and Zoro somehow tethered, dragged along him as Roronoa pounded down the dojo hallways. Zoro put a hand over Sanji's eyes from behind when they neared a familiar door, knowing what would happen next.

"Zoro," Sanji said, warmth in his voice. He gently pulled Zoro's hand down to look upon the scene. Kuina's body lay on top of the futon, a white cloth covering her face. It was an old wound, but time had done little to soften the emotional impact. It was still the most terrible and gut-wrenching sight in the world.

It ached acutely, Zoro finding it hard to speak, staring silently at the old wound given dream form. Sanji had never let go of Zoro's other hand and he squeezed it, a silent show of support that made Zoro's chest hurt all the more. "Who was she?"

Rather than tell Sanji, Zoro concentrated on a specific memory. One that had happened after they'd made their promise together.

All too easily, Kuina knocked the shinai swords from Roronoa's grip, shoving him to the floor. She wasn't even out of breath as she stood over him triumphantly. "Aren't you ever going to give up?"

Despite putting all his strength into the match, Roronoa still hadn't been able to beat her. He pounded the floor of the dojo out of frustration. "Never!"

"You'll really keep challenging me?" Roronoa nodded firmly. "Even when I'm old and gray and you've lost a zillion times?"

He stuck out his chest proudly. "Especially then." Kuina knelt down, helping Zoro up. She handed him back the shinai he had been using, smiling.

"That's more like it," she said cheerfully, whomping Roronoa on the shoulder before she situated herself across from him again. "Now let's go again." The conversation around them died down in shock. Kuina had never challenged Roronoa herself and he wasted no time rushing her.

Sanji nodded in approval. "I like her, she's spunky." That was one word for Kuina. "Who knew you favored older women?" Sanji easily ducked Zoro's punch, looking way too amused as Zoro glared at him. "I can see why she left an impression," Sanji confided, Zoro's irritation disappearing at the solemn comment.

The memory blacked out and Roronoa was back to raging at Kuina's body, held back by his fellow friends, angry tears falling down his cheeks, her father watching despondently. Zoro felt himself smile despite the sad scene playing out before them. "She's what pushed me to be the best."

"That and your own bullheaded nature," Sanji added teasingly, dropping Zoro's hand to look around as time sped up until Roronoa was making that awful long walk in the funeral procession, his tears indistinguishable from the rain falling on his face. "I saw a bit of this before," Sanji said, holding up a hand, the oppressively heavy rainfall going straight through his outstretched fingers.

Zoro nodded, the imagery around them blinking out, reforming into an overcast graveyard. Must have been just after the funeral had ended, Kuina's body laid to rest in the earth. Sanji bowed his head, clapping twice before her graveside. "Thank you for being there for him."

"Stop it," Zoro snapped, finding himself annoyed. Sanji's respect was appreciated, but that he could keep his cool under the circumstances..."Stop what, Zoro?"

"Being so damn decent about it all. It makes me want t-" He bit his lower lip, shutting himself up. Screw it. They were past all reservations, weren't they? Zoro grabbed Sanji's shirt collar and kissed him, keeping it light. The idea of making out in a graveyard wasn't exactly appealing. Zoro's face was hot as he let go, Sanji's expression bewildered but pleased.

"Do that," Zoro finished quietly, the edges of the memory they inhabited shimmering, signaling another transition. He thought he saw a flash of a black figure dart around Kuina's gravestone for a moment. "Zoro, you-"

The world shifted, Roronoa kneeling before his sensei, begging to carry Kuina's sword and her ambition. It was embarrassing seeing himself cry so much. As an adult, Zoro kept a tight leash on his emotions most of the time. Likely because he'd been so expressive growing up.

Sanji silently examined the sword in Roronoa's hand, then glanced back at the one currently hanging from Zoro's waist. His gaze sharpening once he'd confirmed it was the same one.

"You loved her," Sanji exclaimed, his tone gentle.

"It wasn't like that." Maybe if Kuina had lived and they'd stayed in touch, their relationship could have evolved in such a matter. Zoro would never know. Sanji shook his head, patting Roronoa's back, or as close to it as he could get, his fingers lost within the confines of Roronoa's right shoulder.

"I don't mean romantically," Sanji clarified, standing up from the floor. "You really cared about her as a friend. I think it's nice you had someone like that. Everyone should," Sanji finished, the wistfulness in his voice clear. The only support system Sanji had was his mother and sister and he'd lost those early on in his life. At least until Zeff came along.

The kid clutched Kuina's sword tightly, happy through his tears. Everything went black around them, and-

Zoro blinked in the darkness of the bedroom, his eyes sliding up the body lounged next to him. Seemed Sanji was still asleep. Zoro wondered how much he would remember of the shared dream, then decided it didn't matter. It wasn't like Sanji would spread the information around.

"No need to," the cook muttered, his eyes still closed, making Zoro start. ~Just go back to sleep, will you?~ It took a while for his heart to calm down and stubbornly, Zoro tried to ignore Sanji's advice. Between vowing he'd have better control over his dreams next time and cursing he'd ever formed a link in the first place, oblivion carried Zoro away.


"Cook." The ocean waves kissed the shoreline and the sun shone bright, keeping Zoro warm. He shifted to the right. His attacker followed, settling behind Zoro once again. Sanji nuzzled his neck, his tongue catching a bead of sweat as it rolled down Zoro's skin. Zoro shivered even as he craned his head backwards, trying to look Sanji in the eye. Seeing as Sanji was hugging him from behind, all it accomplished was that Zoro ended up resting further on Sanji's chest.

"It's too hot for this," he complained, feeling merriment vibrate Sanji's chest for a moment.

"You certainly weren't complaining last night," replied Sanji, Zoro growling to himself. He wasn't a cuddler. At least he told himself he wasn't, but waking up to find he'd somehow ended up on Sanji's side of the bed said otherwise. If it was a one-time thing, Zoro would shrug it off, yet when it was three nights in a row…

Zoro sat up, pulling away from Sanji's grip entirely. Stupid goddamn sentiment. "It's cold at night," he muttered lamely, Sanji's eyebrow arching in response. ~Liar.~

Pervert. Sanji beamed at him obnoxiously. "Right back at you, Marimo."

Water dripped down his face as Zoro sat back, his elbows perched on the ridge behind him, closing his eyes in bliss at the coolness surrounding him. Sanji had dived down to the bottom, indulging his curiosity, Zoro only growing concerned when he didn't surface for a few minutes. He stared down into the blue depths, spying a moving figure, but the wavering water threw his location into doubt. Had the cook grown gills or something?

Zoro started when Sanji suddenly popped up in front of him, looking amused he'd managed to startle Zoro. ~Bit tense, don't you think?~ Ignoring his rapid pulse, Zoro shook his head. "You didn't have to jump scare me."

"I couldn't help it. Not when you looked so content."

"Find anything interesting down there?" Zoro asked, changing the subject. "It's definitely connected to a larger cave system, but I could only go so far." Sanji swept his wet hair back, exposing his full face.

The sight triggered Zoro's inquisitive side. He's gonna hate this question. Sanji looked close to rolling his eyes as he shrugged his shoulders. "Shoot."

"I wondered about this before, back in Alabaster. That alias of yours, Mr. Prince? Is it the truth or a lie?"

Sanji's brow crinkled as he peered at Zoro, likely gauging how much to tell him. Finally, he blew out a breath, only his somewhat twitchy hands betraying his uneasiness. "It's both to be honest. Not that my claim would ever be recognized. I prefer it that way."

"You like playing the part though," Zoro found himself saying, mentally trying to shut up. Sanji took a perch closer to Zoro, a smirk playing on his lips. Shit, it was like Zoro was admitting jealousy whenever Sanji flirted with a woman. It wasn't his intent, but Sanji would take it that way.

"I'd say that's more Zeff's influence than anything else," Sanji replied with a forlorn expression. ~Tough love, but…~

The restaurant was finally finished, Zeff held the keys to the entrance in his hand, both of them standing outside the locked doors. "Let's go in," Sanji said excitedly, eager to see all the final result. They'd spent so long planning it, he could hardly believe the building actually existed in reality now.

"In a moment." Zeff was stone-faced but his hand caught Sanji by the shoulder, lightly pressing him to Zeff's side in a half-hug. It was the first time the former pirate had shown him any affection and Sanji fought back tears, not wanting to let on how much he needed it. And how moved he was by the gesture.

"This is ours now, kid. You ready to work hard?" Sanji grinned so hard, his face hurt, buzzing with eagerness. "Yeah!" Zeff's recovery from the island had been a long and grueling process. That he was standing now was a testament to his strength.

Zoro was grinning as they came out of the memory, Sanji rubbing the back of his neck in embarrassment. ~I miss that old bastard.~

"Feeling's probably mutual if his goodbye to you was any indication," Zoro said, heartened by Sanji's slow nod.

"Speaking of memories," Sanji started, reaching for one of his cigarettes sitting near the edge of the pool. "Can you give me the memories you have of when I was sick?"

Zoro gaped at him, dumbfounded at the suggestion. "Why do you want them?"

Lighting the short cig, Sanji inhaled, a cloud of smoke floating from his mouth as he said, "It's like a huge blank spot in my mind. Kind of annoying really."

"They're boring," Zoro said, uncomfortable with the idea. He'd been panicked and not at his best back then. "Please, Zoro." The yearning in Sanji's eyes undid him and reluctantly, Zoro did as requested.

Reliving the awful moment Sanji stopped breathing, an unseeing body on the floor, then long drawn-out hours of waiting as Sanji thrashed in his bed, his fever running wild. The triumph Zoro had felt when he tugged Sanji back from the brink and the later realization of the heavy price he'd paid to do it.

He squeezed all of the memories down and mentally flung it at Sanji, watching the cook's face as he experienced it for himself. By the end of it, Sanji reached out and touched Zoro's shoulder gently, saying just one thing. "Thanks."


Zoro closed his eyes, his fingers tight around Sanji's arms in a death grip. He twitched every time Sanji pulled away, his breath heavy and mind on fire. Thinking was beyond him, it was all need and base reaction.

"Zoro," Sanji growled into his ear, the rough voice causing a shiver down his spine. "I'm close." He put an arm around Sanji's neck, dragging him close, pressing his mouth against Sanji's, invading the cook's mouth as much as he'd invaded Zoro's body.

Now? It took Zoro a full minute to think the word, speaking it would have been impossible. Sanji shook his head as he leaned away from Zoro, sweat glistening on his forehead, threatening to fall. His careful pace was faltering, the struggle for control clear on his face. Sanji ground his hips in a circle and Zoro gasped, deaf to his satisfied moans.

"Now," Sanji exclaimed, Zoro letting his ability fly free, fully connecting their bodies as well as their minds. The heat around him pulsed just as Sanji struck the end of him. It was too much, it was perfect. Sensation flooded his senses, triggering his finish nearly the same time as Sanji's.

Zoro wasn't sure how long it went on, but when he came back to his body, he was a weak-kneed sweating mess. Sanji had collapsed over him, one arm holding himself up, releasing breathy chuckles.

"What?" Zoro's voice was rougher than he expected.

"Your timing was almost perfect," commended Sanji, letting his head drop, his forehead resting against Zoro's shoulder. "Well, we've had a lot of practice."

He could hear the smile in Sanji's voice as he replied, "Best training program ever."

"What kind of training?"

"Isn't it obvious, Luf-" Sanji's eyes were wide as his head slowly shifted to look in the bedroom doorway. Zoro followed his gaze to take the sight of Luffy standing there, calmly picking at his nose with a pinky finger.

They were both stark naked with the evidence of their recent activity smeared on their bodies.

Sanji drew away, Zoro wincing at his hurried retreat. He took a minute to clean them both up with the crumpled sheet at the end of the bed, then dressed in a hurry, Sanji not bothering to button up his shirt. "We were wrestling, of course."

~Get dressed while I distract him. The others can't be far.~ Sanji walked Luffy into the hallway, a hand on the captain's shoulder. He rolled his eyes at Zoro before the pair went out of view.

Zoro was too shocked to have time to be mortified. How long had Luffy been standing there? "Looked fun," Luffy said casually, Zoro shaking his head in disbelief as he overheard the comment. "You have to do it naked?"

"Not at all, that's just one version of it." Luffy was one hell of an innocent. Outside of Robin, Luffy was one of the few crewmembers who wouldn't freak out at the sight of them in bed together. Zoro freshened up the best he could, closing the bedroom door behind him.

It appeared their island getaway was over.

"Could we do the other one when we get back to Merry?" The conversation faded as they went outside, leaving Zoro alone with his thoughts. Even if he did figure out what they were doing, Zoro didn't think Luffy would give it a second thought. Relationships beyond friendship didn't seem to matter to him.

His legs were sore, having spent too long pressed up against Sanji's hips. He would have cursed Sanji for his enthusiasm, but Zoro was just as bad. Actually worse since they'd come to the island.

With no prying eyes to judge him, Zoro found he might have something akin to skin hunger. The heat and feel of it was nearly the best part of sex and despite what he said, the cuddling afterward was also nice.

Luffy's presence certainly meant they'd been found and rescued. They'd spent eleven days total on the island. The thought of the all the alcohol sitting in the storeroom of the ship gave Zoro something to look forward to. "Where's the girls?"

"Back on the ship, I couldn't wait for the others," Luffy confessed, not looking sorry in the least. If he had displayed a little patience, everyone would have assumed Luffy was sick.

"Why did you take so long to find us?" Zoro asked once he had caught up to Luffy and Sanji outside the house.

"Navigator-san had a rough go of it. This is just one island in a chain of eight. It took five tries to find you two," Robin explained, walking out from a section of the forest, her gaze flicking back and forth between Sanji and Zoro knowingly. "You seem very comfortable here."

Zoro looked away, scratching at the back of his neck. "We weren't limited by supplies," he replied smoothly. "Nor time," Robin said softly, beginning to smile.

He met her gaze seriously, silently warning her not to say too much. "No, we weren't."

"Good. The others are awaiting our return." Sanji raised an eyebrow, but let the conversation pass unremarked. The Going Merry was docked near the two call signs they'd left on the beach, the rest of the crew just disembarking the ship.

"Zoro!" Chopper raced forward, throwing himself on Zoro's leg. Sanji looked like he was going to pass out, overwhelmed with happiness, when Nami hugged him. As it was, his breath went straight out of him as he almost drooled on her shoulder. "We finally found you."

"You guys really did a number on each other," Usopp observed, his eyes scanning Zoro and Sanji, who had just stepped back from Nami. With numerous bruises and half-healed cuts adorning his body, Zoro supposed it did look like he and Sanji had been constantly picking on each other. Just not in the way Usopp was thinking.

"I shudder to think what would have happened if we'd been a few days later." Zoro chuckled before he could stop himself while Sanji lit his last cigarette, looking decidedly smug. The worst that would have happened is one of them would have gone too far, leaving the other unable to walk.

~You, of course.~ Sanji inferred, smoke dissipating above his shoulder as he exhaled. Zoro narrowed his eyes, leveling a stare at the cook. You're dreaming.

Usopp shoved himself into Zoro's line of sight, blotting Sanji out. "Now, now, let's be happy we're all together again! This calls for a celebratory dinner, right?"

"Meat?" Luffy questioned enthusiastically, his head perking up and his grin so wide it almost split his face. Sanji walked backward a bit, moving past Usopp, catching Zoro's eye.

"You want to collect what's left in the cave?" He shrugged, not minding being sent on the errand. He and Sanji had bathed there every day and even he remembered the route back and forth through the forest. "Guess so."

"I'll come with!" Chopper said, racing to follow on Zoro's heels. He pulled at Zoro's pant leg and Zoro knelt down to pick him up. Chopper immediately leaned forward and examined the wounds on Zoro's face, a brief shadow crossing his face as they passed by a tall tree. "None of them look infected. Sanji?"

Whether he meant Sanji was the cause or the cure didn't matter. Both were correct. "Yep." Chopper wrinkled his nose as Zoro put him down, remaining silent for a couple minutes. Finally, he asked, "Are you guys together?"

The reindeer had Zoro's immediate attention. "What?"

"Your scents are all over each other." While Zoro saw Chopper as just another crewmember, he was still an animal. It made sense that he would be able to pick on such changes. Just like with Robin, denying the relationship seemed stupid. Keeping it secret had always had a short shelf life anyway.

"Yeah."

"You're being careful?" Zoro had to smirk, especially when he noticed Chopper's face had gone bright red, twirling his hooves around each other nervously. As a doctor, he had to ask about it but clearly didn't want to know too much. "Relatively. He's more knowledgeable, but I trust him."

"Okay, good. I won't say anything more then." Zoro leaned down and patted the top of Chopper's head, the reindeer smiling up at him. He responded in kind, thinking that nice as it had been to be away, seeing his friends again made Zoro appreciate them all the more.

The cave popped up on the hill, Zoro slowing down. He ducked down into the entrance, Chopper's hooves echoing loudly behind him. He stopped before the pool, staring in wonder.

"Nice, right?" Zoro leaned over and grabbed the bag of leftover deer meat that hung from the side of the pool, slinging it over his shoulder. Sanji would likely have to supplement some of the ship supplies to feed everyone though.

"Near as Sanji and I could tell, this island used to be an animal research station," Zoro said as they started back. Chopper looked interested, peering at Zoro curiously. "Were there any leftover notes?"

"There's paperwork aplenty in the house, but I haven't really seen anything on the island that would warrant such intense study."

"They could have been studying an endangered species," Chopper suggested. "I'll look into it later." He ran ahead to join the rest of the crew at the clearing in front of the house. There were already a few boxes next to the grill, Sanji unpacking ingredients for the upcoming meal.

Zoro sat down the bag of meat, pleased to see everyone seated around the grill, chatting excitedly. Sure they weren't going anywhere, Zoro continued onto the Going Merry itself, pleased to be boarding it once more. He ran a hand down one of its side railings, wishing for a moment that he could talk to the ship again.

"Thanks for moving out of my way back then." The only remnant of his pulley injury was a small bruise. It could have just been his imagination, but Zoro thought he felt Merry jerk a little under his fingers in response, the faint breeze buffeting the ship against the shore having nothing to do with it.

Shrugging it off, Zoro went onto more important tasks. The first necessity was a shower, which Zoro took care of in short order. Actual clean clothes felt amazing as he slid them on, and the weight on his hip finally balanced out, his other two swords joining the lone one he'd carried on the island. Zoro stared at the dresser in the corner that the guys shared. Irritated, he grabbed a change of clothes for Sanji and climbed back up to the main deck.

The second necessity was alcohol and Zoro went into the kitchen and snatched a large bottle of ale from the storage rack. He ripped the plastic covering off with his teeth since his hands were full, nearly salivating at the prospect of tasting its contents. The liquor sloshed nosily as he made his way back to the clearing.

Zoro took a seat on the flat rock he'd claimed as his own during their stay, putting the ale bottle on the ground between his feet. "Cook."

Sanji glanced up from his meal prep, in the middle of slicing vegetables, the deer and other meat, probably chicken, already in manageable sizes. Large wooden skewers sat nearby, the meal looking deceptively easy to make. Zoro threw the clothes in his lap to Sanji, who nodded his thanks, momentarily disappearing into the house to change.

When he came back out, he was adjusting his tie, a smile on his face. Sanji took his seat again and pulled up his shirt sleeves, getting back to work, cutting the rest of the vegetables in no time. He assembled the skewers quickly, placing them over the grill, which was blazing hot, the sizzle loud as the fire started to lick the food.

"What the heck did you do the whole time?" Usopp asked, surveying the house in front of him. Sanji laughed, turning over a few of the skewers. "You mean besides fight each other and keep watch for Merry on the beach?"

Sanji's eyes caught Zoro, winking an eye for a split second. "Eat and sleep. What do you think we did?"

Usopp looked incredulous as he said, "You didn't explore at all?"

"Of course we did."

"There's a hidden pool inside a cave!" Chopper interjected, bouncing up slightly on Robin's lap. "Really? That might be worth seeking out. Especially if the heat doesn't die down," Nami replied, standing well back from the hot grill.

"Mind the cougars though," advised Sanji, turning over the rest of the skewers, the side that appeared on top charred to perfection.

Zoro thought it was a welcome change, actually filling his stomach. He unscrewed the bottle top of the ale bottle and raised it to his lips, the smooth liquor washing into his mouth. It went down smooth and Zoro sighed in utter happiness after chugging half the bottle.

Conversation had died down and Zoro took in the accusing looks of his friends. "What? It's good," he said coolly. Nami's mouth quirked at the corners before disappearing, walking towards the beach. Zoro finished the bottle off in no time as the others started talking quietly again.

Nami reappeared with a bottle of champagne and a tote bag of glasses, passing a glass out to each crewmember. "Zoro gave me an idea. Given we're all together again, let's toast to our good fortune, shall we?"

"Yeah!" This from their brave captain who'd likely get drunk off the single glass.

"Sounds good to me," Sanji agreed, getting up to uncork the champagne bottle for Nami. She filled the glasses and returned to her seat next to Robin and Chopper. "A fine idea, Navigator-san."

They lifted their glasses into the air. "To the Straw Hats," Usopp started. "Together again," Sanji added, Luffy laughing merrily as he shouted, "Cheers!"

A roar of approval swept over the small group and they knocked back their respective drink. The bubbly liquid did nothing but trickle the back of Zoro's throat and he knew if he wanted any more ale, Zoro would have to go fetch it himself. First, he'd help his friends finish off the champagne bottle.

Sanji's gaze flickered between Zoro and Robin, measuring, considering, before he narrowed his brow, pinning Zoro down mentally. ~She knows, doesn't she?~ Zoro inclined his head. He knew Sanji would puzzle it out eventually. Time to pile on more bad news.

Chopper does too, Zoro thought, knocking back his ale bottle, his second in less than twenty minutes. Sanji shrugged one shoulder in response, seeming resigned about it.

~I would've been surprised if he didn't.~ He was taking the news awfully well, which Zoro found suspicious. Did Sanji think it wasn't bad some of the crew knew about them then? Zoro wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, relishing the remnants of the alcohol on his tongue. So damn good. Do you still want to keep it secret from the rest?

Sanji's expression shifted to thoughtful as he smoked what had to be the first cigarette from a new packet. No doubt more would follow suit. "Why are you making such weird faces?"

Zoro turned to Luffy who was sitting next to him, gnawing on the last hunk of meat from dinner, his face slightly red, buzzed from the champagne they'd had earlier. "I'm not," he insisted.

"Are too!" Zoro swung an arm over Luffy's shoulders, tugging him close. It would take a lot more than mild pestering to ruin his good mood. "So what if I am?"

"So nothing!" Luffy replied good-naturedly, seeming to forget he'd ever brought up the subject. The side of Luffy's face mushed up against his ear as Zoro gave him a quick squeeze, Sanji's quiet chuckle catching his attention. "What?"

~Big softie, aren't you?~ "Don't start," warned Zoro under his breath, Luffy's inquisitive look going unheeded. "What?" the captain asked, looking lost. Zoro shook his head, pointedly staring at Sanji, daring him to say anything more. "Just finish your food."

"Okay!"


As nice as it was to be back aboard Merry and among friends, there was only one problem. If he and Sanji wanted to fool around, they had to be careful and pick their moments. On the island, Zoro hadn't had to worry about touching Sanji. If he had felt like it, he just did it. Having a reason wasn't important.

Now, Zoro had to jerk back like he'd been burned at any physical contact between them, all while ignoring his body's reaction from the touch. It was tiring and frustrating to be on guard all the time. With his thoughts mostly his own, Zoro silently suffered.

Possessing a hunger he couldn't satisfy, Zoro threw himself into training, even more than he usually did. Exhaustion was his aim and he only succeeded at that on a few occasions. Retreating into his own mind was the only recourse, Zoro dragging himself down to the likes of fantasizing. What the hell had Sanji done to him?

He closed his eyes, leaning back against the wall behind him. Zoro snatched Sanji's arm as he passed by, the cook dropping the tray he'd been holding, colorful drinks shattering against the main deck. "Zo-" He fed at Sanji's mouth, what little resistance Sanji displayed dying after a moment.

He tasted sweet, having likely sampled some fruit in the kitchen before making the tropical drinks. When his breath was close to running out, Zoro leaned back, his hand tight on Sanji's arm. Damn, he should have done something like that sooner. The silence sans their loud breathing lingered and exasperated Zoro finally asked, "What?"

The color was high on Sanji's face, his eyes surveying the deck in worry. "Why in front of everyone?"

"It's not real," Zoro said, laughing, then abruptly stopped, releasing Sanji's arm. No, wait. That Sanji had panicked at all was wrong. Had Zoro accidentally pulled the real cook into his daydream?

Uneasy, Zoro turned around and froze. The crew, except for Robin who was engrossed in a book and Chopper who was nonplussed, were gawking at them in shock and confusion. They were motionless and Zoro had an even worse thought.

What if he'd kissed Sanji in real life, mistaking it for fantasy? He hadn't meant to out Sanji. Then Zoro noticed something strange. No one had moved since he'd laid eyes on them. No blinking, no breathing, almost like a photograph. A wave of relief washed over Zoro and he laughed. He was asleep.

"Have you gone insane?" Sanji asked quietly. As the cook looked on, the colors of his crewmates leeched away until they all dissolved, one grey flake at a time. "Fuck me, it's a dream."

The wind picked up, literally blowing his friends away, leaving only Sanji and Zoro on the deck. "I didn't know I could do this," commented Zoro.

"Are you sure you did?" Sanji asked, pointing to a black spot. No, a figure, sitting against the kitchen door. The dark inky mass seemed to sneer, exposing its jagged teeth.

"The little shit!" Zoro lunged for it, cursing as it seeped under the wooden door. He just about fell on his face as Sanji stepped over him, not bothering to help Zoro up. Sanji slammed the door open, perhaps hoping he'd injure the aberration doing so.

"Dammit." Rubbing at his sore chin as he got up, Zoro leaned against the door frame. "It's gone?"

Jerking awake, Zoro immediately went into the kitchen. Sanji was slumped over the table, vegetables scattered around him. Sanji stirred slowly, turning his head and meeting Zoro's gaze, looking a bit put out.

"Zoro, you do realize that thing put both of us out of action, right?" Shit, he was right. Sanji tapped a finger on his forearm, having crossed his arms. "I think it's still inside your head somehow and growing more powerful over time."

In other words, it was a problem, a damn big one. That was all Zoro needed.


Zoro found himself in a dark hallway, surrounded by stone walls. Something touched him in the dark and he spun around, ready to beat down anything and everything.

"It's just me," Sanji said, sounding a touch irritated as he let go of Zoro's shoulder. "It's happened again." Zoro looked around, peering through a small slit in the stone that he supposed doubled as a window. A moat ran along the outside of what he assumed was a castle. The drawbridge was up, which meant they'd have to fight for an exit if they wanted to leave.

"Where the hell are we?"

Sanji cleared his throat. "Last time I was here, I killed two dragons." Zoro smirked, glancing at Sanji, amused at his admission of guilt. "That dream, huh? I suppose Lord Arlong is here then."

"He is, though I've never gotten that far," Sanji admitted, his gaze flicking all over the place as they walked down the corridor. "I always wake up after locating Nami."

"Haven't added Robin or Vivi to the dream then?"

"Hey!" Zoro chuckled to himself. That Sanji could sleep with Zoro with no trouble, but still just fantasize about the girls struck him as funny. Did he respect them too much to try making a move in the real world? Maybe Sanji knew he'd be turned down, which is why he only went for their dream versions.

Sanji stopped before a large elaborately decorated doorway, two bright gas light fixtures on either side of it. The throne room laid beyond them. "Any idea what's in there?"

Sanji shook his head, grabbing one of the large metal handles. "If it's like everything else around here, it'll be old-fashioned."

"Don't forget hackneyed," Zoro joked, laying his hand on the other handle. Sanji snickered before he met Zoro's gaze. "On three then, shall we?"

"One."

"Two."

"Three," Zoro said, yanking open his side of the door the same time as Sanji did. The entire throne room was filled with a veritable army of knights in full armor, shields and swords at the ready. "You've got to be kidding me."

"What, you're turning down the challenge?"

"There's a difference between a challenge and impossible odds."

"We beat those every day," Sanji reminded him, briefly bumping against Zoro's shoulders as the crowd of knights began charging them, the clink of their armors loud, echoing in the large hall. "True."

He joined the fray, pushing against a shield, kicking another knight back at the same time. Sanji toppled the group nearest him, smiling at something in the distance.

"What's with the dopey expression?" Zoro asked, glancing in the direction Sanji was facing.

Nami stood off on the sidelines like their own personal cheerleader, decked out in a gaudy pink frilly affair of a dress. She had her hands around her mouth, shouting, "You can do it, Prince Sanji. I believe in you!" Zoro almost gagged at the corniness of it. He rolled his eyes and ignored Nami, who was more of a distraction than anything else, focusing on the battle in front of him.

"This," Zoro grunted as he pushed back another knight in armor. "Is all your fault." As soon as he defeated one, another two would pop out of the woodwork like some demented carnival game. Zoro had to assume was Lord Arlong done up in royal gear somewhere behind the army of knights.

"How so?" Sanji retorted, doing a round house kick that felled two of his opponents.

"It's your dream, isn't it?" Zoro accused. "Give me my damn swords already!"

"I don't have any control here," said Sanji angrily. "I tried when I first realized where we were, remember?" Frustrated, Zoro grabbed the tip of a broadsword, wincing as the weapon sliced his palm. He pulled it away from the panicking knight, disregarding his throbbing hand.

Finally armed, he wasted no time slicing into weak spots, the openings in the knights' armor. Equipped so heavily, they were slow and missed more often than not with their weapons, but had numbers on their side. Pretty soon, he and Sanji's stamina would give out and they'd be completely screwed over.

"You're to blame, you know," Sanji shot at him. Zoro scoffed, casting a doubtful look Sanji's way. "What did I do?"

Sanji's gaze stuck to him for a minute, kicking a knight in the side without looking. "I'd completely forgotten about this dream until you mentioned it back on the island."

"Oh, come on." Zoro hacked through one of the knights' armor and finally saw through a thinning of their ranks, the fishmen standing at the front of the room visible. One of his men was holding a twig of grapes near Arlong's throne, popping them in the sawshark's mouth whenever he opened it. Bastard was enjoying the floor show.

Maybe there was some satisfaction to be had in Sanji's dream if he could beat Arlong's ass into the ground, taking some much-needed revenge. Zoro could do without rescuing the princess though.

"Aren't you done with your half yet?" Out of breath, Zoro leaned on the pommel of the long broadsword after striking the floor, having finally defeated the last knight on his side of the room.

Two knights crashed to the floor, large dents visible in their gray steel armor. Sanji took the time to readjust his tie, his steady gaze falling on Zoro, sweat visible on his brow. "Of course I am. What took you so long?"

"Hmph." Zoro turned to look at Arlong, his eyes narrowing at the sight of Arlong's two henchmen leaking black out of any openings in their bodies. Eyes, ears, mouth, all were coated in black, and they seemed to be slowly melting. "Do you think it's here?"

When they were nothing but black puddles on the ground, Sanji walked beside Zoro towards the throne where Arlong lounged calmly, a smirk on his lips. "Has to be," Sanji said. "Why else would we be here?"

"You get the feeling it's messing with us?" Sanji asked. Before the aberration seemed to be testing the limit of its abilities, but with this dream, it had clearly matured and was using everything it had to make life difficult for both of them.

"If you were stuck in someone's mind, wouldn't you do anything to get out?"

"Wait. Say that again."

"If you we-" Sanji rolled his eyes, Zoro's mouth closing in annoyance. "Not that, the last part."

"Wouldn't you do anything to get out?" Sanji crossed his arms, one finger tapping against his forearm. "It's fuzzy, but I remember you cutting into my dream when I was sick. Can you try doing that again?"

Uncomfortable, Zoro rubbed the back of his neck, avoiding Sanji's gaze. "I was kind of desperate back then, I don't really know how I did it."

"Isn't it as simple as slicing and dicing?" Arlong stood up from the throne and Zoro clenched his jaw, flashing back to when he was held up in the air, his wounds reopened and bleeding profusely. He'd come a long way since then.

Zoro tossed the broadsword to Sanji who stared at it frowning. "You try then." Looking like he'd rather do anything else, Sanji brought the sword down to his right, slicing at the air. Nothing happened. "See? Not so easy, is it?"

Sanji returned the sword. "So now what?" Zoro brought the sword up to his shoulder as Arlong rolled his shoulders and crouched down, readying himself to attack them.

"Now we kick ass."

"I can work with that," Sanji said, cracking his knuckles. The two black puddles on each side of the throne room twitched before a shape took form from each. A distinctly familiar one with razor sharp limbs and red eyes.

"Oh, come on," Zoro said, quickly having to roll to the side to avoid Arlong's dart attack. Sanji frowned as he took in their new opponents, glancing at Zoro.

"They're…from your dream," he said, looking up when the throne room went dark, a bright full moon blinking into existence above them, illuminating the woods around them. "I remember now. Stinky bastards."

Zoro crouched on the ground, wondering where Arlong had gone, not liking the way the woods were filled with red eyes. "Sorry my dreams aren't as pleasant as yours," Zoro replied, defensive about a dream that he'd actually enjoyed having. At least until the end of it.

He looked down at his hands, the broadsword gone, and concentrated on the idea of his own katana, putting all he had into the visualization. A familiar weight rested within his hands as something trickled from his nose. Two out of three wasn't bad.

Zoro carefully touched his nose, glimpsing black on his finger. For a moment he was worried that he'd been infected again until it occurred to him that the blood only looked so dark because of the moonlight.

Sanji touched his shoulder, pointing out the circle of creatures that were slowly surrounding them. "How did you defeat them last time?"

"I killed one," Zoro admitted quietly, not sure how many were out there. "You did in another one. I think…"

"You think?"

"I had other things to worry about than your victories." Sanji rubbed at his forehead, looking frustrated. "Okay, so, anything to look out for then?"

"Their blood burns," informed Zoro shortly. "Well, that's just great. Have I mentioned your brain is a messed up place?"

"Never complained before."

"Shut up," Sanji said, a hint of a smile playing about his mouth. Whatever he said, some part of him was clearly enjoying the current scenario.

The time for words was over as the creatures around them rushed them, Zoro heading to the left while Sanji went to the right. He didn't have to worry about the cook as he could take care of himself. For the most part.

Between dodging weaponized limbs, cutting down monsters, and staying intact, dream or no dream, Zoro wasn't taking any chances, he lost himself. There was a sense of peace in the chaos, a clear sense of purpose that Zoro had never found outside the thrill of battle. His willingness to put everything on the line was what separated him from the pretenders who only played at fighting, so used to winning easily from luck alone, they never put any actual effort into their skills.

~Idiot looks like he's dancing. ~ The thought drew Zoro back and he took stock of his surroundings. Dozens of the monsters laid died at his feet and his arms hurt, the skin burned in multiple places. "Your self-destructive streak will be the death of you someday," Sanji chided, his own clothes charred in certain areas as he walked towards Zoro.

"Not today," Zoro said proudly, watching Sanji tear off part of his sleeve and bind it around a deep gash on his arm. Movement behind Sanji caught his eye and Zoro had only a second to react as one of the tall monsters leaped from a tree, headed straight for Sanji.

Without thinking, he threw one of his swords, catching the beast in the gut, throwing it off-center.

It fell onto its back, squirming as it shrieked piercingly. A loud death rattle that went on and on.

"I can't stand that noise. I'll go put it out of its misery." Sanji stomped over to the monster and rammed his foot through its head with no hesitation. He stared down at it for a moment, then crouched down.

Curious, Zoro went to look over Sanji's shoulder, plugging his nose at the rancid smell and gaped at the small tear in reality that had opened up in the viscera of the monster's head. An inhuman screech of glee near deafened Zoro as it neared, the aberration flying over his head.

Sanji hissed when it scratched him on the cheek, diving face free into the gore and slicing the opening wider. It wiggled its strange threadlike body though the gap a moment later, disappearing from sight.

Zoro turned to Sanji, focusing on the injury the aberration left in its wake. "It didn't bite you?" he asked, making sure they wouldn't have a repeat of the whole experience.

Sanji shook his head. "I'm fine. That is the damnest thing I've ever see-"

Zoro opened his eyes, slowly turning his head to Sanji's hammock, meeting the cook's gaze. ~You're welcome. ~ Sanji gave him a slow smile and Zoro had to respond in kind before turning away to resettle in the hammock.

With the strange creature gone, back to where it had come from, likely reuniting with whatever the hell it called family. With his mind his own again, Zoro intended to catch up on all the sleep he'd lost over it.


~Come eat, idiot.~ Cracking open an eyelid at the light touch on the top of his head, Zoro saw Sanji's legs him pass by. Stretching his arms upward, Zoro stood, moving slowly, making no effort to hurry along to the kitchen. If everyone had finished serving themselves, he wouldn't have to deal with elbows and hands in his face as Zoro grabbed food for himself.

Supper turned out to be quiche, two large pies, one already demolished, sitting on the kitchen counter. Zoro took a few pieces and squeezed in next to Usopp. Things had settled back into a sense of normality. Well, as normal as it got on their ship.

"'Bout time you got here." Zoro met Sanji's eyes across the table as he shoved a forkful of food into his mouth, noting with pleasure that there were thin slices of tender pork belly inside the quiche. That was one thing he didn't miss on the island, the hastily thrown together meals that only took the edge off his hunger, but never completely sated it.

Satisfied laughter sounded in his head and Zoro looked askew at Sanji. Don't get a full head or anything.

~Never.~

"You've outdone yourself, Cook-san," Robin commented, pushing her empty plate towards the middle of the table. "It's good to have you back."

"Yeah, Sanji's cooking is the best!" Luffy interjected, hugging Sanji's arm, the cook trying to look irritated, but his smile gave away his good mood.

"Better than anything Nami could make," said Usopp, hissing in pain as Nami grabbed his ear roughly. "I mean, it's almost equal to her immense cooking talent."

Nami smiled sweetly, releasing Usopp. "That's more like it." Robin laughed, Chopper snickering into a hoof beside her. Usopp rubbed his ear while Luffy refused to let go of Sanji despite the cook trying to leave the table. Zoro smiled as he gripped his glass of ale. As rowdy as it could get sometimes, it sure felt good to be home.


"Cook…" Zoro had a hard time catching his breath, his brow dripping with sweat.

"…Yeah?" Came Sanji's breathless reply, proving he wasn't doing much better.

"I need a break," he said softly. Sanji laughed underneath his breath. "Really, so soon?" Zoro glanced over his shoulder darkly. The cook knew exactly what he was doing.

The hand holding his arm across his back tightened and Zoro grunted as Sanji moved closer to him. "I know you've got more in you. I'll prove it."

"Shit," managed Zoro before Sanji's other hand dug into Zoro's hip, renewing his attack from behind, half of Zoro's face pressing against the pillow as he moaned, his free hand gripping the edge of bed tightly.

Pleasure burned its way across nerve endings that were raw and sensitive, but still remarkably receptive. Zoro writhed under Sanji, fighting to endure the sensations. He didn't know how many times they'd done it, but each time was better than the last.

Zoro wanted it to stop. He never wanted it to end.

Sanji let go of Zoro's hip, grabbing Zoro's remaining free hand instead, drawing Zoro back until he was sitting in Sanji's lap. Zoro shivered at the new angle the position afforded him as Sanji clutched at Zoro's chest, his mouth ghosting around Zoro's neck, nipping lightly in places before he dug in his teeth into a particularly meaty part.

The spike of near pain was enough to break him, Zoro shuddering as he came, near bucking off Sanji's lap in the process. His neck slipped out of Sanji's grasp and he collapsed backward, his head resting on one of Sanji's shoulders, exhausted.

Sanji wasn't finished though, gently thrusting upwards, his grunts and groans so close to Zoro's ear, the sounds near reverberated inside his head. He kissed Sanji just so he'd stop making the awful stimulating noises, feeling the exact moment Sanji's control gave out.

His breath hitched and Sanji panted, managing a lazy peck on Zoro's cheek before he moved away, Zoro sitting there limply, his legs refusing to move.

Zoro had lost track of time altogether and didn't even know if it was his or Sanji's dream. Not that it mattered in the end. The result was the same either way. Sanji had discovered stamina wasn't an issue inside a dream, a fact he had exploited to the hilt. "I'd fucking kill you if you tried doing this in real life."

Sanji looked devious as he puffed away on a cigarette. "I'm fully aware of that."

"If the others knew how manipulative you could be…," Zoro said lightly, falling back against the bed, laying a hand across his forehead, slowly recovering his breath. Smoke drifted out of Sanji's nostrils before he leaned down, resting his chin on Zoro's chest.

"Only when it comes to you," Sanji admitted softly, Zoro's breath catching in his throat for a moment as he put his arm down. That Sanji could spout such nonsense with a straight face was unbelievable. He stilled, a look of contemplation overcoming Sanji. "And our enemies too, come to think of it."

"So I level the same consideration as a villain then?" Zoro asked, glad Sanji had broken the oddly heavy mood between them.

Sanji smiled mysteriously. "Something like that."


Though he'd had a full night's rest, Zoro found himself yawning, the maw of oblivion taking him under in less than a second. He twitched when Sanji poked him, Zoro curling in on himself to make himself less of a target. "Seriously? Frickin' hopeless case." Sanji sounded exasperated before he left the men's quarters.

Zoro fell back asleep, only stirring when a hand grabbed him by the ankle, pulling him out of his hammock. The floor was freezing, Zoro springing up onto his feet, rubbing his bare arms as he glared. "You've been asleep for hours now," Sanji said accusingly, then added, ~Idiot.~

Zoro put on a shirt, amused despite the annoyance at being awakened. "Whose fault is that?"

Sanji stared at him, crossing his arms, all attitude today. "Are you blaming me?"

He nodded, finally warming up now that he had finished dressing.

"For your own laziness?" said Sanji incredulously. Zoro scoffed as he walked past Sanji near the ladder. "Yeah, right. I'm talking about the sex marathon."

"…In our dream?"

"Yes, that," Zoro confirmed, swearing he could feel an echo of Sanji's hands upon him still.

"Not that it wasn't great and all, but it didn't happen in real life."

Zoro thought about all the ways he could contradict that statement. By virtue of sharing the same space, they made it a reality. Retaining memory of the encounter, they absorbed and incorporated it into everyday life, therefore making it as real as anything that happened while they were awake.

Rather than go off on a tangent, Zoro sighed as he met Sanji's gaze, dropping most of his hostility. "I probably should have mentioned that sharing dreams can be very tiring." For me.

Sanji narrowed his eyes. "That would have been helpful to know."

"Well, consider yourself informed then," Zoro replied. ~Thanks ever so much. ~

Zoro started up the ladder. "You're welcome."


There was a warm weight on his chest and Zoro stirred, opening one eye. Chopper had a hoof pressed against his forehead while Usopp lurked nearby with a worried expression. "What're you doing?" Zoro asked, refusing to get just yet.

"He doesn't have a fever," Chopper confirmed. "That's good," Usopp replied as he looked over Chopper's shoulder.

"Hey, talk to me, guys." Chopper crawled off him, surveying Zoro closely. "Nothing's appeared on your body since the island?"

"No, why?" Had the cook come down with something again?

"You and Sanji haven't fought for two weeks," Usopp stated. Zoro frowned as he sat up from the deck. Of course they hadn't. Well, not physically. Mentally, they'd thrown countless barbs at each other. "Your point being?"

"It's not natural," Usopp confessed the same time Chopper said, "It's creepy."

Zoro couldn't help but snicker. His crewmates were concerned because they assumed one of them would eventually break and kill the other after suppressing so much aggression.

Instead, as if by silent agreement, Sanji and Zoro saved it up as ammunition in their shared dreams. In what could be argued was a much healthier manner.

"You realize how insane that sounds?"

"We're just worried."

Zoro scratched the back of his head, touched by their apprehension, but slightly annoyed at the same time. "Isn't it a good thing that we've learned to get along?"

"Well, yeah, but it's just strange," Chopper said, a shudder racking his shoulders.

"Until Blondie gives me just cause, I'm fine with the way things are," Zoro announced, lying back down against the deck, the conversation over as far as he was concerned.

"It's a sign of the apocalypse for sure. You watch, Chopper, the sky will start falling next," said Usopp as he and Chopper headed back to the main deck. Zoro turned on his side, one corner of his mouth lifting, amused they had actually thought him sick.

His smile wavered as Zoro realized he had contracted something on the island. It just wasn't something he was willing to own up to…yet.

He slowly approached Sanji from behind, his heart beat fast and the palms of his hands sweaty. There was no way he could say the actual words aloud, that wasn't how their relationship worked. He wasn't willing to change the status quo, but Zoro could allow for a little compromise.

Sanji was smoking silently on the stern, watching the sunset on the horizon. No one else was around.

Zoro reached out and held Sanji's hand, the cook looking askance at him. He didn't pull away though. Ever since the island, Zoro had wanted to do this again. The simple pleasure of the act made him feel a bit lightheaded, blood rushing to his cheeks. He should not have felt this happy at the small bodily contact, yet Zoro was. It was so stupid.

Screwing up his courage, Zoro called out, "Sa-" His voice failed him. He couldn't do it. It didn't matter though because the cigarette dropped from Sanji's mouth, and he turned to face Zoro slowly, disbelief and shock in his expression.

Zoro had never uttered part of his name, and he hoped Sanji understood why he tried at all.

~What did you just say?~ Urgh, he knew perfectly well what Zoro had said.

"Don't be a dick." Sanji squeezed his hand, raising his other hand to clasp Zoro's remaining one, his face all warm and open. "I'm not being a dick, douchebag. I just want to hear it again," Sanji explained, moving close enough to Zoro that they were an inch away from kissing.

No.

"Zoro." The cajoling tone didn't sit well with him, embarrassment starting to grip Zoro. "Blondie," he responded, amused when Sanji brow creased, a tsking sound emanating from him. ~Just say it already.~

"I said no."

"It's simple," Sanji insisted. "So few syllables. You already conquered one."

Zoro took back his hands, tension rising in his shoulders. Lay off.

"Why?"

"You're wasting your time, Cook." He went to turn around and automatically raised a hand to catch the end of Sanji's foot as it came at his face. "You are so goddamn stubborn," Sanji said, scowling at Zoro. Letting go of the cook's foot, Zoro grinned, watching Sanji's mouth turn down further.

"That I am." He drew one of his swords and blocked off the next volley of kicks Sanji fired off, enjoying the exercise the fight afforded him. As he rushed Sanji, Zoro noticed the cook was slowly beginning to smile.

Jumping down the stairs to the main deck, Zoro ducked as Sani sailed over him, his feet half an inch from hitting Zoro's head. Luffy whooped in the background while Chopper and Usopp both breathed a sigh of relief. Nami shook her head in exasperation as if to say how silly men were before going back to reading the newspaper. Robin shot Zoro a knowing look when he caught sight of her in a free moment.

~Oi, pay attention!~ Sanji landed a kick to his gut and Zoro took a few steps back, slowly recovering his breath. Gritting his teeth, Zoro unsheathed another of his swords and came at Sanji from the side, Sanji rising a leg to deflect the blow, breathing hard.

They stared at each other for a long moment and Sanji winked at him before he pressed Zoro back. ~I'll make you say my whole name one day.~

Never. They battled on.

To Be Concluded…