Sanji had just finished putting away the last of the shopping, it had been long lasting things like flour, dried stocks and new supplies of herbs and spices. If things went well he would hopefully be able to leave buying fresh food until the last day in town, the crew would most likely be eating in town for the next few days anyway with breakfast as the only exception. But Sanji didn't worry about that, it was an unwritten rule that while in port people -except Luffy- sorted out there own breakfasts in the morning -except Luffy- and washed up after themselves -except Luffy.

The afternoon was wearing on and Sanji sighed as he leaned against one of the counters thinking on what he would do once evening began and the night life of this town started up. He'd heard from several different store owners and market stall keepers about different places to go for different things.

The door opening distracted him from his thoughts, so blowing out smoke and feeling in a much better mood than he had when he'd left the ship, he turned with a smile to see who it was. The smile didn't so much as drop as fade away as Sanji laid eyes on Zolo, standing there looking a little unsure of himself.

"Look," began Zolo after a moment of silence between the two. "I want to kinda make up for the last few days." The words seemed a little forced to the blond but a quick flash back on just how many fights they'd had in the last few days and Sanji quickly put the awkwardness down to being man enough to do this sort of thing. "I've been strung out and now we're in port I feel a jackass." Zolo paused again, not once had he met Sanji's eyes as he'd spoke but as he continued, he made an effort.

"To make it up, I wanted to know if you wanted to go out on the town tonight, all drinks on me, my treat." There was only the faintest of tremble in the swordsman's tone as at last he met Sanji's eyes.

The cook meanwhile was in complete shock, he'd expected an offer to maybe do the washing up or help him haul groceries while they were in port the next few days, this had taken him completely by surprise.

In the silence Zolo began to speak again, once more looking away from Sanji, "I know your a ladies man and your worried I'll cramp your style, but I-I won't get in the way. It'll be like I'm not even there, just a walking wallet."

Sanji at last found his voice, "seriously?"

There it was, Sanji realized, the slight hesitation, the tiniest stumble in the man's words that meant he was honestly trying to make an effort here. He was worried and nervous but this was Zolo! He'd seen the man face down deadly killers, giant monsters and all other manner of shit the Grand Line had thrown at them. But here, the man was nervous? The man that could slice through steel if he wanted to, was worried?

Zolo sighed at Sanji's surprised tone, "alright, I'll take that as a no." He turned around and stomped towards the door looking only slightly dejected, which in itself spoke volumes still more to the shocked cook. "Just wanted to make it up to you, we're gonna be stuck on this boat together for a long time yet."

Zolo's hand was on the door handle when Sanji at last spoke up, "alright moss head," he said almost cheerfully, "but I get to pick where we go, your just along to pay for the drinks. We leave at nine." Turning to look over his shoulder, Zolo was surprised to see that same smile that the cook only wore for Nami and Robin. The swordsman just nodded and left the room, shutting the door behind him, leaving one amused and puzzled cook behind.

Silk was sitting in the men's shared bedroom, seemingly bouncing on the spot waiting for news but Zolo suspected she'd been spying on them again. He had no idea how the girl did it but he could feel her watching him even when she was no where to be seen.

"Well? Well?" She asked excitedly. The swordsman sighed and flopped down onto one of the sofa's, leaving the red head to fly over and poke him in the shoulder, desperate to know what had happened.

"It worked, now leave me alone," he muttered, eyes closed, "I nearly had a heart attack in that bloody kitchen."

"Really?"

"Yes, I was terrified! Now get lost. Please?"