Fallen Skies
Pairing: Zosan
Disclaimer: All one piece characters belong to Oda
"ROAD TRIP!"
"Luffy quiet down! Remember what Bonney said, if you're too loud you're staying." Ace, Luffy's older brother scowled. Ace is a tan teen with black hair just like his younger brother and had freckles.
"Ok, Ok. But I can't wait to go to the beach house. It's sooo hot and the ocean is what I need and the meat when we start grilling." A long drool slid down Luffy's open mouth.
Both brothers were outside waiting for Perona and Bonney to finish their hair and makeup. Kid, a red head and Bonney's boyfriend, Saga, Zoro and Sanji were inside the car also waiting for the girls. It was Kid's idea to go on a road trip to his parent's summer-house. It would be a two-day trip and they would be staying for a week. The summer heat was just getting ridiculous.
In the house both Perona and Bonney were finishing their makeup. "Bonney you ok? You look like you haven't slept since you left to live with Kid?"
"Tell me about it. I'm so used to Zoro sleeping next to me, I miss his snore. Kid doesn't do any type of noise when he sleeps." She sighed. She couldn't believe how close she got to Zoro, now she couldn't even sleep without him.
"How about Zoro?" She asked her younger sister.
"Same. Hasn't really slept since you left, only naps more often." Perona looked at her sister thinking maybe she could use guilt on her side.
"He misses you. He eats more than he used to maybe seeing all the extra food bothers him, you know, since you're not here to eat it. And he stays in bed longer, seeming not to want to get up. He doesn't really talk to me as much either. Could be depression."
"Depression? Has he had an...?"
"No. But he could. Bonney, come back. Please! My cooking is horrible and Sanji had to cook for us a few times already. We order take out almost every day now. I don't want to get fat. We can't live without you. Even though having chubby cheeks might be cute" Perona added getting side tracked.
"I already told you I'm not going back. And If Zoro is too much I can take him with me." Shaking her head Bonney decided to talk about this till after the trip. "We'll talk about this, but later, ok?"
Perona pouted, but nodded.
"Stop honking the horn. It's so not cute!" Perona commanded as she stepped out in her flower dress with Bonney at her heels, Kumashi running out the front door only seconds later.
"I wouldn't be if you weren't taking so long. Now come on. We are already behind schedule." Kid said clearly upset.
Bonney took her seat on the passenger side, Perona sat in the back where Zoro and Sanji were sitting with Kumashi on the floor. Both brothers sat in the middle chair with Saga by the window.
/
The summer-house was beautiful and huge, it was by the beach and was purely from wood. Inside there were enough rooms for each person to have a room if they wanted one, which was not the case. Bonney of course went with Kid. Luffy decided to stay with his older brother.
It was awkward even though they were together, but Zoro and Sanji decided to sleep in the same room. Bonney was against it, but soon gave in. Perona and Saga were the only one sleeping by themselves. Perona didn't complain as she had a room for herself, which she made known almost every time she returned. There was also a pool and a small Jacuzzi. The place was perfect for escaping a hot weather.
/
"I can't wait to get a tan. I'm going to look so cute when I reach home. Every boy would ask -"who's that cute girl!"
They had settled in the night before, exhaustion taking their bodies from the long two-day trip. But now it was morning and the sun's hot rays were out.
"I don't think you'll look cute just because of a tan. Now sexy and hot like myself, then maybe." Ace teased Perona. "Right Zoro?"
Zoro was lying under an umbrella, ready to take a good nap. "What?" He asked not hearing Ace's question.
"Stop making fun of me Ace before I tell Bonney on you. OI, what's so funny? Stop laughing at me Ace!" Perona blushed.
Sanji stepped out into the hot sand, letting his toes wiggle a little into the hot pebbles before making his way to where Zoro was laying down. Unlike the other boy's Zoro was still wearing a shirt, most likely not planning on going into the water and sweat pants.
"Hey, don't Marimos need to do photosynthesis or something like that?
Zoro smirked at Sanji from his position laying on his stomach, taking in Sanji's beautiful eyes and hair and the bright sun behind the blonde, making Sanji almost look like an angel. "You tell me."
He shrugged, not really knowing the answer himself, he sat down next to Zoro while passing his finger through Zoro's green hair, something he found himself doing lately. "You going into the water?"
"Nah. I'm good here."
"Your hair's a bit longer, it grows fast." Sanji noted, while still passing his finger through Zoro's soft hair, the effect making Zoro sleepy. "I'm going into the water. You can come when you're ready."
Standing up Sanji wiggled into the water where Bonney, Luffy, Saga and Kid were, while chanting "Bonney-chan~." It wasn't long till Perona and Ace also joined the others by the water.
Zoro stayed watching from the sidelines, a small smile on his lips, but being alone and the distance the others were from him was starting to make him feel a little uncomfortable.
/
"Zoro doesn't like the ocean?" Sanji asked Bonney. Seeing Zoro was making no move to go into the water any time soon, and how far he was. Not even the crashing waves touching him.
"He doesn't like big bodies of water, anything smaller than a cup is fine for him."
Sanji found that a little puzzling. He didn't see a man like Zoro scared of anything. Maybe a little insecure was ok. But afraid? No. A flashback of Zoro bringing his hands over his head in a protective manner the day of Perona's birthday made its way to Sanji's subconscious. Zoro did show fear then, for no reason. All he did was stand up. He didn't understand what happened to provoke a reaction like that. Ace moving out the water caught Sanji's attention, Ace was heading towards Zoro.
/
Zoro seemed to not even notice Ace who was right next to him, calling him for the fourth time. "Zoro, earth to Zoro."
The green hair teen looked to his right to meet eyes with Ace. "Finally! Where were you? Were you lost in here too?" The older of the two asked while tapping Zoro's head.
"No. What do you want Ace?" he swatted the raven hand away.
Ace sat down before speaking. "You looked lonely, so I came to give you a little company."
Zoro scowled at Ace, starting to feel upset by how Ace was treating him. "I'm fine Ace. Go have fun. That's the reason we came here."
Ace stayed silent for a while as the wind started to pick up; the only sound coming from the crashing waves and Zoro's earrings hitting each other. "You were spaced out. Were you remembering?"
"Ace I'm fine. I have it bad enough that Bonney and Perona treat me like an invalid."
"Sanji's getting worried. I can see it on his face. He's going to know something is wrong with you sooner than later. I think you should tell him."
"There's nothing wrong with me! Sanji doesn't need to know anything." Zoro almost screamed at Ace, his eyes piercing Ace.
"There's nothing wrong with you? What the hell man?! I only know the surface of what happened to you and that alone bring shivers down my back!" Ace shook his head. "I'm done. I'm just trying to help you and you just keep pushing me away. Sanji could help you, if you only tell him!"
Zoro stayed quiet, his gaze averted to the side. He knew what Ace was saying was true. Sanji wasn't stupid and he would start piecing things together, like he probably started and will figure it out or ask him directly. But he was scared. If he told Sanji the truth... Sanji might hate him. Leave him. If that happens, he wouldn't bear with it.
Ace stood up while dusting his pants from the sand that clung to his wet swimming trunks. "If you are Ok, like you keep claiming you are. You should be able to come swimming with us. At least that would ease Sanji's suspicions." With that Luffy's older brother went back into the water.
Zoro watched as Ace enters the water, taking his time as he got used to the cold water again but was sadly splashed by Saga. Zoro didn't go into the water because he couldn't swim, that would be a lie. Luffy couldn't swim, but there he was with a floaty. No, it was the fear of drowning. That's what water does. It takes you and pulls you into its endless graveyard. And slowly the world you know is gone, the image becoming distorted as your lungs scream for air. The water just silences your screams for help... the waves hugging you as it pulls you deeper into its darkness.
/
Sanji entered his shared room with Zoro, soaked from spending the day at the beach. When Sanji didn't see Zoro by the shore, he went to his room where he found him seated by the window, with Kumashi next to him with some headphones hanging around his neck listening to music. Zoro almost looked...sad? Sanji guessed he could blame it on the setting sun, as the red and yellow rays highlighted Zoro's skin, but made his neon eyes dark and lonely.
"You didn't come into the water." Sanji commented as he stepped into the room while making his way to the bathroom to wash off the sand that stayed on his body and hair.
"Didn't really feel like it." Zoro answered petting Kumashi's big fuzzy head. Zoro heard as the shower turned on indicating Sanji was starting to take a shower. Zoro stayed silent as the blonde returned from showering, a towel dropped lazily over his shoulders.
"It would have been better with you there. I think tomorrow we're going to the pool out back. I'm going to do the barbecuing. I've never done it, I'm so excited."Zoro just smiled at Sanji. He was glad the blonde was having fun.
"You coming to bed?" Sanji asked as he fluffed his pillow to be able to lay down.
"Yeah. Come Kumashi." The bear stood up and followed Zoro to the bed. Not really caring for Sanji's space, Kumashi laid down almost taking Sanji's side all to himself.
Zoro didn't say anything as he made himself comfortable. The blonde looked at the little space provided, but just shrugged it off, he turned off the lights to then lay down next to Kumashi. The blonde had never slept next to a bear before, and he had to say it was a little scary. The thing could attack him in his sleep, but to Sanji's ease the bear was already fast asleep.
Zoro couldn't go to sleep that night. He was in a new place and it unnerved him. Kumashi helped, but it just wasn't the same as someone in his arms, where he made sure he was holding on to- to make sure nothing could happen. Zoro turned his head, glancing at Sanji's sleeping face. With the little moon light provided Zoro could tell Sanji was sound asleep, his hair still over his face almost perfectly. He really wanted to wrap his arms around Sanji, but something prevented him from doing so. He didn't want to show Sanji, he was scared that would be humiliating.
Pressing both palms to his face Zoro decided to just stay awake the night. No use trying to sleep. If he did his haunted memories would just take over, and if that happens Sanji will know. Hugging Kumashi's large body Zoro started humming to himself loud enough for only him and the sleeping bear to hear.
/
Zoro was up before Sanji, as expected considering he didn't sleep the night. Sanji woke up ready to cook and spend the day by the pool. He couldn't wait for his friends to taste his cooking. Everyone was outside by the time he made it there.
"Sanji this taste wonderful!" Bonney, Luffy and Ace said in unison. Sanji smiled as the three ate. The blonde's eyes went to the edge of the pool where Zoro was sitting, distant as ever. Perona and Kid were both in the water and Zoro seemed to be talking to them, but he still wouldn't go into the water.
"Hey Zoro, can you do me a favor? I need more charcoal for the grill that's dying out. Can you go and get some?" Sanji shouted to Zoro. "Oi, I'm talking to you, don't turn your face away! I know you heard me!
"Alright cook." Zoro stood from his seated position, taking long strides he made it next to Sanji. "I better get something in return." The green hair teen leaned close to Sanji's face.
"Here's your payment." Sanji shoved a hamburger into Zoro's mouth. "Now, can you please be a dear and get me the charcoal?"
Taking a bite, Zoro pulled the hamburger from his mouth. "I'll deal with you later." Zoro smirked as he walked away.
Zoro took the corner to enter the summer house; it happened so quickly he didn't have time to react, he felt a hand hold tightly onto his wrist and slam him to a wall making his earring's hit each other forcefully. Zoro hit the wall hard enough to lose his breath for a second. Zoro's eyes widen, his mind trying to process what was happening. A scream almost left his lips, if it wasn't for the familiar silver hair and tan skin.
"Saga!?"
The silver hair teen had a dark expression on his face. His mouth turned downwards into a hateful sneer. "Zoro, you are showing your hair?!"
"Sanji said I shouldn't hide it, and to let it grow. Saga are you alright?" Zoro asked because Saga's eye showed even more anger.
"Who gives a shit what that blonde says! You think the world wants to see it? Such a repulsive color? Sanji doesn't know what happened. But someone like me that knows, you should listen to me. Your hair color is hideous, I know you can't see it, but it's true."
Zoro turned his gaze away. "Sanji said he liked it and that's all I need."
Saga tightens his grip while pushing himself on Zoro, his body pinning Zoro's body to the wall. "And that on your hand?" Zoro shudder under the close contact, something Saga knew he hated if the person did it without permission.
Zoro's eyes were huge, he didn't know what to do in a situation like the one he was in now. He could fight Sage off him. But the way Saga was on him, it reminded him of her. And his body did the one thing it always did, it froze.
Zoro's eyes slowly went from Saga's voice to his hand. His body wasn't obeying him at the moment. He didn't even know he was still holding something. His green eyes landed on the half eat hamburger.
"Sanji cooked it and gave it to me for getting the charcoal l I'm suppose to ge-" He found himself saying before being interrupted.
"Bullshit!" Saga slapped the food off Zoro's hand. "What? Do you want to get fat? That will only make you weak and vulnerable. You have to control your eating, especially around Sanji."
Zoro was shaking. Saga was in his personal space without permission, and it was making him lose his bearing. He didn't understand what Saga was talking about. First Saga had a problem with his hair (To be fair, he had always had something against my hair.) and now food? But what really caught his attention was each time he said Sanji's name, Saga seemed to get angrier.
"Saga? I don't understand."
"Oh, You never know a Person's true intention. Might be making you weak." Saga's hand trailed the well-defined body under Zoro's shirt.
The green hair teen breath hitched. What was Saga doing?
"Just be careful." Saga leaned closer to Zoro's ears. "I can already feel the difference."
"That has nothing to do with Sanji" Zoro hissed between clenched teeth. "It's Perona and her stupid take outs."
"See how that blonde has you? Now you're blaming your sister! How low can you ge-" A growl made both men look down to see Kumashi standing only a few feet away, baring his teeth at Saga.
The darker teen released Zoro immediately. "Just remember your role in this world, and don't ever forget it." With that Saga went back to the pool where everyone was.
Zoro placed a hand over his heart where he could feel his heart thundering. Saga had scared him. But what he said about Sanji... it sounded so off? Sanji loves me, so why would Saga think Sanji would do anything to cause anyone harm? Kumashi's whimper brought his attention back to reality. But his mind kept going to the blonde, and Saga. He wouldn't want distrust Saga, they grew up together and he of all people understood him. But Sanji. He was a good man. He helped him. He passed a hand under his shirt. He didn't understand what saga was talking about. He felt the same...
/
Finally leaving the grill Sanji took off his shirt and dived into the water. He swam until he reached by Zoro's side. The green hair teen was seated once again at the edge of the pool, seeming lost in thought. "The water's nice."
"And land is nicer. Go ahead and swim Sanji. Don't worry about me." Zoro waved his hand dismissively.
"Zoro, I came on this trip to be able to spend more time with you and learn a little more about you. I feel like you're avoiding me. Did you not want to come here at all?"
"Sanji, I do want to spend time with you. Just not in the water... is that too much to ask?."
The blonde looked crestfallen for a second before a bright smile took over his lips. "You can't swim, I can teach you if you want." The blonde offered, hopefully.
"I can swim. Why would you think I can't swim?" Shaking his head Zoro didn't wait for an answer. "Can't I just not want to be in there?"
"Alright then." Sanji placed both his elbows on the edge of the pool so he wouldn't have to keep moving his legs to stay floating over the water. "I'll just stay with you here." Looking up the blondes tilted his head to the side. "Zoro did you sleep yesterday night? You look tired."
Zoro rubbed his face with his hands, but before he could answer, he felt as something grab him from the ankles and pull him into the water. Zoro felt when his own breath hitched, as his hands and nails scraped the concrete effortlessly, but he just couldn't stop his body from being dragged into the water.
All he heard was the sound of the world going into mute. The water taking the oxygen from his lungs-He couldn't move.
/
It happened so fast. All Sanji knew he was talking to Zoro and the next thing Zoro was going under water. His surprised expression soon turned to a smile when he saw Kid emerge from underwater with a teasing laughter, clearly the one who pulled Zoro under.
"Zoro is going to be mad at you when he surfaces." Sanji smirked at Kid. Kid just shrugged.
"Zoro will forgive me, I'm sure."
Both males fell silent as they both notice Zoro had yet to surface for air. Panicking Sanji dived in, his eyes stinging as he opened them under water. Zoro was underwater, not even making an effort to move. Grabbing Zoro by the collar of his shirt, Sanji pulled him closer to be able to wrap his arm around his waist and pull him to the surface.
"What the HELL Marimo!" Was the first thing to escape Sanji's mouth. His anger blinding him of Zoro's terrified face. It wasn't till Zoro hugged Sanji so hard the blonde thought his ribs might crack that he notice Zoro was scared, shaking and breathing hard. Sanji could feel Zoro's hot breath on him and as Zoro's chest heaved for air and to calm down. "Zoro?"
"What happen?"
Sanji looked from Zoro to Bonney. She looked livid. Perona and Luffy were on the other side of the pool, since Luffy couldn't swim their game of catch temporarily paused because of the commotion. Ace was behind Bonney, clearly confused on what was going on. Saga was in the water swimming, but stopped when he heard the fuss.
Before Sanji could answer, Zoro pushed himself off Sanji to be able to reach the edge. Pulling himself out Sanji didn't miss how Zoro's hands shook, and his nails bled from when he desperately tried to prevent himself from entering the water. He mutely walked back to the house, not once looking back.
"What happen!" Bonney asked a little louder this time. Her eyes going to both Kid and Sanji.
"Sorry I didn't know." Kid started. "I saw him there, talking with Sanji, and since he didn't enter the water yesterday I just thought I could get him in. I didn't know he was going to react that way."
Bonney looked ready to rage. Taking her gaze of the two she looked at her younger sister. "Perona don't. Stay with Luffy."
Perona halted in her movement, looking confused. "But Zoro?" She wanted so badly to go with her younger brother. To see if he was alright.
"Sanji go and check on Zoro."
Sanji's eyes widen. She wanted him to look for Zoro, not wanting to make Bonney even more angered, he pulled himself out of the water and ran to where Zoro disappeared to.
Kid also got out the water, guilt written on his face. "I didn't mean to Bonney."
"I TOLD you Zoro isn't like other people. I told you to take caution when dealing with him! I told you he wasn't physiologically stable! You hurt him Kid! I don't have to tell you the details of what happened to him, but the reason I said something to you was for you to not do something as STUPID as this!" Bonney said, her voice coming out low and almost raspy, a voice that deemed that she was enraged.
Bonney lifted her hands in defeat, not knowing what to do with all the anger she was feeling at the moment. "Kid just move from my sight. Just stand in a corner or something." With that, she turned around and sat in one of the chairs.
Perona understood why Bonney sent Sanji. 1) She wanted to talk to Kid without Sanji knowing something was wrong. And 2) If Sanji could get to Zoro, maybe Zoro will tell Sanji what happened and Zoro could really start his healing. At least that's what Robin said, his therapist. She said that Zoro didn't open to her, but if Zoro could find someone who wasn't family and that he cared about and opens up; maybe Zoro could make significant steps to healing.
She remembers when she and Bonney talked to Zoro about telling Sanji, but he didn't want. Zoro was bent that Sanji would leave him if he found out, and if Sanji stayed it would be because if pity. Something Zoro didn't want.
Ace looked at the house Zoro and Sanji were in. He felt his own emotion take hold of him. He recognized it, he was jealous. He had known Zoro for so long now, and he knew he had feelings for the other man. But the way Zoro was now, he thought Zoro would never be able to be in a relationship, because unlike Kid he knew a little more of what happened, and knowing that made him give up on ever being in a relationship with Zoro. But here was Sanji, a blonde who literally came from nowhere and was in there trying to help Zoro, he should be the one in there with him. He knew what was wrong. How can Sanji do a better job than him? Ace didn't know how Zoro saw Sanji and not him. He was better looking, better built and was tan! And he would give it his all to Zoro.
Why was HE not the one with Zoro right now?
AN: Thank you for the reviews they really motivate me to write more. Thank you! Thank you!
