Hello again!

In the last chapter i used a phrase from somewhere else (nope not from One Piece). If someone noticed you'll get a virtual cookie. :3

Now have fun with this chapter.



After Sanji left the building he was confused, he didn't know what to do or think anymore. He was shocked, not because his best friend and a man too was in love with him, but because he never noticed. All this time he thought he knew Zoro, only to find out it isn't so.

He lit a cigarette and took a deep drag with the hope it could clear his mind a bit, but it didn't help. His mind was still a mess. So he did the only thing he could think of right now, to act on Zoro's advice. He walked home and called Nami to tell her that he wants a date with her. He didn't tell her about his feelings because he wanted to tell her in person not on the phone but none the less Nami sounded really happy which eased his mind a bit.

(~*+*~)

Back at the apartment, Zoro was still in his position with his back leaning at his door. He felt miserable. He had destroyed everything. The relaxed relationship between the two of them, the intimacy, the whole friendship … And he didn't know how to fix it, at least, if there even is a way to fix it. Because if Sanji didn't get a sudden loss of memory there's no way they would ever be the same again. And it was completely his fault.

He was scared that Sanji would hate him after all that. But he knew he wouldn't, he's just not that kind of person. Even so he almost wished to be hated by Sanji. To be hated is better than to be pitied. He wouldn't stand to see that look in those blue eyes.

But the worst of all things was that Sanji and Nami would most probably start to go out. He couldn't blame them for that, they liked each other and Nami doesn't know about his feelings and it would be the best if Sanji forgot about them too, but the thought of grinning and bearing it and congratulate them when they announce their relationship was breaking his heart. He would have to do that, because he didn't want Nami to find out. He wasn't sure if she could take it.

He sighed and stood up trying to forget the self-pity for a moment, only to drag himself to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of Jack. He downed it with one gulp and felt a bit better afterwards.

He poured himself another glass and made a decision while he drank.

He would lock up his heart. He would try to talk as less as possible with the cook because he didn't want Sanji to feel uncomfortable and because he was afraid of Sanji's reaction. He would do everything in order not to be alone with the blonde and make a happy face while congratulating Nami for the relationship. Yeah, that's what he'll do.

(~*+*~)

Just like he feared Nami called him a few days later to invite him to dinner with all of their friends because she wants to tell something to them all. He knew exactly what it was and another wave of despair rolled over him. The last days have been hell for him. He was alright as long as he had been at work, he could keep himself busy, but the moment he came home everything changed. His apartment suddenly seemed empty and small as if he didn't get enough air to breathe, but it also felt too big for only one person.

So most of the time he went to some kind of pub to drink alcohol. But it didn't really help. He couldn't run away from it forever. He never ran away from his fears, because it just seemed too weak in his eyes.

(~*+*~)

Just like that the day of the dinner came and he dressed himself up a bit. Black jeans and black shirt with the upper buttons left open. He was standing in front of the mirror and tried a smile and as he looked at himself he thought the smile wasn't too bad and his mood lifted a bit. Even though Sanji would be there he would have no time to talk to him because of their other friends and it's been a bit since he saw them for the last time, excluding Robin of course.

He suddenly remembered what she had told him and was once again confirmed of his thought that Robin knows about everything. She knew what would happen and tried to warn him and he thought he was prepared only to notice it hasn't been like that.

He sighed one last time and with a grim expression on his face he walked through his apartment.

"Go in and win."

The door clicked when he closed it behind him.

(~*+*~)

When he arrived all of his friends were already at the restaurant (he had got lost on his way there and therefore came a bit late). He waved a greeting to them all and sat down.

And just as he sat Sanji stood up in order to explain them why they had invited them all. Everyone was quiet and listened to him even though Franky and Usopp were currently busy with stopping Luffy from eating the food before Sanji finished with his speech.

Zoro didn't really listen because he knew what Sanji had to say but when the blonde was finished he smiled like everyone else and joined in their congratulations and blessings. He felt sick.

Therefore he was glad when his cell rang and "work" was written on the display. He excused himself and went outside.

It was his boss who asked him if he could come to the office next week because he had something important to tell him.

He didn't go in immediately after he finished his call and looked at the ocean which was right next to the restaurant. It looked beautiful and calming with the slow waves and the light of the pier reflected in the water. As he looked at them he thought about his life and the whole misery he was in. He was interrupted when Nami walked up to him.

"Hey Zoro is everything alright?"

He turned around and smiled at her.

"Yeah, it was just my boss."

"Any problems at work?"

"I don't think so, maybe there were some changes with the plans or the budget or anything. It's nothing for you to get worked up over. It's your day today isn't it? I'm happy for you. I knew something was up when we talked in my kitchen the other day. "

She blushed slightly at his comment but stayed serious and he wondered why she couldn't enjoy that evening.

"Thanks, but you know I want to ask you something."

"What is it?"

"Did you have a fight with Sanji?"

"Why?"

"You know, he asked me to call you to invite you here, but I thought he wanted to be the one to tell you because you were such good friends for the last few days."

"It's alright. It's nothing to rack your beautiful head about it."

"Ah please shut up, you're sounding like Sanji if you're talking like that."

Zoro laughed at that and Nami relaxed a bit.

"I'm serious Zoro. Sanji's not his normal self and I think he doesn't want to be on bad terms with you."

"I'm sorry but it's nothing that can fixed that easily and you can't do anything either. It's something between Sanji and me. I'm really sorry if you're troubled by it but please don't let this ruin your evening."

"I'm just worried. Not only about him but about you too, I hope you know that."

"Of course, thank you. I really appreciate your thoughts."

"If you want to talk about it please don't hesitate to talk about it. I'll listen to whatever it is."

Zoro chuckled and thought that he would rather cut off his legs instead of telling Nami that he loves her boyfriend. He liked her and he didn't want to see her hurt.

"Thank you. Your offer is good enough for me. You should go back inside, I'm sure the others are waiting for you. I'll come in a bit later, alright?"

"Alright, don't wait too long. You're one of our friends too and we want to celebrate with ALL of our friends."

"Of course, I promise I'll come inside in a few minutes."

Nami turned on her heels and walked back inside, she was still worried but felt a bit better after talking to Zoro.

Zoro turned to the water once again but didn't fail to notice that Robin stood a few meters away in the dark.

"You heard everything?"

"I didn't mean to eavesdrop but yes, I certainly did hear everything."

"…"

"How are you feeling?"

He grinned but it wasn't a happy grin.

"Terrible. Even though you warned me, it didn't help much."

"It's never easy. I wish I could have helped you but it seems as if what happened was inevitable."

"You couldn't have done anything. It's alright this way. I'll get over it. Am I right if I assume that you'll stay quiet about this?"

"Of course. It's your decision and I don't want to scare Nami over nothing. Let's just hope that you, as well as Sanji will be normal soon. At least as normal as possible. But I think we really should go inside or we won't get anything to eat. I came outside to get Nami and you, because the meal was served. I hope Luffy left something for us."

She smiled genuinely at him and Zoro followed her thinking about how fortunate he is to have such good friends.


Hope you liked it.

See ya :D