A/n: Sorry for the late update! I just got back and I just finished this chapter so..

I'm kind of just going with the flow here, so I hope you guys don't get too confused. I'll try to even things out... eventually. Ahahahaha~

Anyway, read on! And thank you for all the reviews!

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Chapter 9

"So what brings you here and what's up with your ridiculous appearance?"

Sanji's voice shook with laughter as he clutched his stomach and wiped a tear from his eye. Zoro growled and tugged at his dark hair. Then he turned to Freddy and the man nodded and walked off with a wave. "I'll go make sure you're part of the crew directly involved with the generators."

Sanji turned to Zoro with a raised eyebrow. "Generators?"

"Yeah. Apparently this island has a force field around it and…" Several minutes later, Zoro paused in his explanation of all the information he'd found out and pulled the shirt off his head. Sanji tapped his chin and hummed thoughtfully.

"Sooo basically, you have the worst luck ever."

"Why am I the only one with bad luck?!"

"Hah? That's obviously 'cuz you're the Marimo!"

"That makes no sense!"

"Exactly my point."

"Shit! I've had enough of your curlybrow logic. Now where the fuck are those shitty uniforms?!"

Sanji leaned against one of the large metal shelves that lined the interior of the single huge room at the end of the corridor and tilted his head. "You're wounds look better."

Zoro snorted and grimaced at the pair of shit coloured trousers and jacket that Freddy had given him. "I'll live."

Sanji scoffed and walked up to Zoro. He carefully ran his fingertips along the other's heavily bandaged chest and smirked when the action caused Zoro to shiver.

"I gotta say, you can even make bandages look hot." Sanji nearly bit his tongue as the words slipped out of his mouth. He didn't know why he said them; especially since the person he said them to was a certain national treasure of a specimen that he loathed. But the words rolled off his tongue like his brain refused to listen to reason and he couldn't stop the heat that rushed to his face at Zoro's answering grin.

"Oh really? You don't look so bad yourself ero cook. A whore's life really is becoming you."

And Zoro eye-raped Sanji, his single gunmetal eye burning with something that the cook hadn't quite seen before. The swordsman's eye reached Sanji's hips and a pink tongue darted out to lick chapped lips.

"My my, always hungry aren't we?"

Sanji took a step back and felt the cold metal shelf dig into his back. Zoro closed the distance between them and before either could think better of the situation or what they were about to do, they smashed their mouths together, tongues invading, arms and bodies tangling together, breaths intermingling. Zoro grabbed Sanji around his waist and propped him up against the shelf. He then brought one hand back around to palm the cook's erection. Sanji moaned into Zoro's mouth and pressed himself against the other. Zoro grinned and planted his lips on the blonde's throat. Sanji curled over Zoro and grabbed the dark hair to support himself. The swordsman growled and tore the thin pants that clung to Sanji.

"W-Wait! Oi!"

Zoro looked up, his teeth bared and his eye flashing, giving him the look of a predator. The heat from Sanji's face went straight to his groin.

"What."

"Ah.. No.. I gotta go soon."

Zoro swore loudly and pulled Sanji's head down. A loud crack echoed as their foreheads collided and the blonde yelped loudly.

"What the fuck?!"

"What does that guy do to you?"

The question made Sanji blink in confusion. His lips pressed together in a thin line and he tugged Zoro's hair sharply.

"Don't joke with me bastard."

"Does it look like I'm joking?"

Brilliant blue eyes stared into charcoal ones and Sanji swallowed. He looked away and propped himself up on the shelf under him. "..No"

Zoro waited for Sanji to say more, but when the blonde continued to look away, his blonde bangs hiding most of his face, the swordsman sighed in frustration. He leaned forward and placed his forehead on the other man's shoulder. Sanji stiffened at the sudden intimate gesture and found the heat returning to his face.

"…Sorry."

Wide eyes snapped open and down at the head that lay on his shoulder, as Sanji let the soft apology echo in the silence of the huge room. He felt a lump form in his throat and he found himself entwining his fingers in the soft locks that brushed against his face.

"Moss hair suits you better."

"And that annoying smirk suits you better." Zoro shifted so their eyes met and Sanji's face broke into a sloppy smile.

"Whaaaaat? Do I look like some damsel in distress who needs you to pull some corny shit on her?"

The answering smirk caused Sanji's heart to flutter.

"Good to know you've finally found your true self."

Sanji kicked at Zoro, but the man just caught his leg and kissed his throat.

"We're almost there."

"Yeah…."

"Don't die on me."

"Hah! I don't wanna hear that from you of all people."

"I mean it curlybrow."

Sanji looked down into the single intense eye and swallowed. He nodded slowly and pushed himself off the shelf.

"Where are you going?"

Sanji raised an eyebrow. "I dunno, where do you think dumbass?"

Zoro growled at the accentuated word and ruffled his hair in irritation. "You're going to waltz out looking like that?!"

Sanji followed Zoro's gaze down to his half naked state. He wasn't sure what 'that' was referring to, the large tent under his thin shirt or the fact that he was butt naked. No like, his butt was naked. Sanji shrugged nonchalantly and blew a few stray strands out of his single visible eye.

"Yeah, what's it to you?"

Zoro's eyes nearly bugged out of his head. "Wh- The fuck is wrong with you?! Other than the normal stuff! Since when do you not have a problem shimmying about without any underwear?!"

And for that, Sanji shimmied and loped up to the cursing swordsman. He poked Zoro in the chest with one long finger, earning more curses and winked. "Whaaaat~ Are you jealous I'm leaving you for that guy?"

Zoro drew in a breath through clenched teeth and stared down at Sanji for a good long minute before smashing him against the back of a shelf and sticking his face right in front of the other's.

"I think this is waaay past something as stupid and primary as jealousy."

Zoro's voice was low and strained, like he was controlling his urge to throw Sanji across the room. Sanji's breath caught in his throat at the sheer number of implications that statement could bring about. He opened his mouth and spoke just as softly, his voice barely audible over their heavy breathing.

"Then what is this shitty swordsman? What exactly is this?"

Confusion flitted across Zoro's face, followed by hesitation and anger burned in Sanji's veins as he pushed the man off him and stomped away. Zoro stood stock still for a couple of seconds, the answers to the question bouncing around in his head. He noted from the corner of his eye that Sanji was making his way out of the room and plucking the coat he'd strewn across the floor, threw it at the blonde.

The cook stared at the coat like it would hiss and lunge at him and Zoro almost thought he'd fling it away. But Sanji draped it around his shoulders and disappeared around the corner.

Zoro watched the retreating back and sighed. He ruffled his hair and stared at the shit coloured clothes in his hand. With a strangled cry of frustration, he scrunched them up and threw them across the huge room. The bundle hit one of the shelves and fell to the floor uselessly. Zoro stared at it for a long time, his thoughts straying to the blonde every few seconds.

What did he mean?

Sanji slipped the coat off him and carefully hung it in the cupboard and out of sight. No need to cause Zeher to go off the edge about him returning with a coat that didn't belong to either of them. To avoid dealing with the other obvious problem as to why he wasn't wearing any pants, Sanji shoved off his shirt and walked into the bedroom. Zeher was lying on the bed, wearing an expensive maroon robe, a glass of wine in one hand and a book in the other. The curtains were drawn and the sole bed lamp was the only source of light in the otherwise dark bedroom. As Sanji entered, the man shut his book and placed it on the table beside the bed. He then curled a single finger in Sanji's direction and the cook slunk towards the bed.

He was still fuming about the previous 'situation' he'd ended up in with Zoro. He hated himself for acting on impulse, he hated that stupid Marimo for acting on impulse, he hated himself for being so damn roundabout regarding everything, he hated that national treasure for saying stuff without understanding the consequences, he hated himself for reacting the way he did, he hated that shitty swordsman for reacting the way he had, he hated himself for being so fucking weak and he hated that mossball for being slow as hell.

So, he focused on the new task assigned to him. Digging out more information regarding Zeher. He wasn't sure who the other fat man who had been with them was, but Zoro seemed to know him, so it wasn't his problem anymore. Now he was going to forget about annoying grassheads and do what was to be done.

Sanji snuggled under the blanket and tucked himself under Zeher's chin. He ran a finger down the middle of the other's chest, where the robe was open and Zeher hummed deeply.

"My, my, what's got you in such a good mood?"

"Mm I was just excited after seeing such a huge factory under the ground." Sanji purred as he rubbed his nose against Zeher's throat. "I've never been to a factory before." He added, when Zeher turned to look at him curiously.

"Is that right? Well there are things far more interesting that I'm sure you'll love to see, a factory being the last of them, if not at all."

Sanji took that as his cue to change the subject, but he continued to push a little more. "But it's so fascinating! A factory as huge as that, built under a city, on an island and you seem to be the king of it all!" The blonde was surprised at the excitement in his voice and he was sure his face betrayed the fascination and enthusiasm he was supposed to be feeling, because Zeher looked convinced. Sanji's acting skills had gotten better. Zeher caressed Sanji's cheek and smiled down at him, almost gently, before he dipped low and began trailing kissed down Sanji's neck.

"King? Now that's a perfect way of explaining what I am. I couldn't have done it better myself."

"So you're Zeher the high and mighty?"

"Yes, yes I am. But to you my Prince… I am simply Zeher."

Violet eyes flashed as Zeher's lips met Sanji's and the last thought the blonde had before switching off his mind, was of chapped lips and coarse hands and what a fucking idiot he was to think about them.

Zoro stared slack jawed and bug eyed at the humongous machine in front of him. Freddy had returned shortly after Sanji had left, to inform Zoro that preparations were complete and Zoro was successfully a part of Cameron – the second largest generator – 's crew. Zoro was thankful he didn't have to wear that shitty uniform, but now he looked like one of those badass cops that they often showed in movies.

He wore a tight black shirt that was thin and showed off his muscles, beige slacks that were tucked into his boots and held at his waist by a heavy black belt with several hooks and pockets, his black leather biker gloves and black aviators coupled with his dark hair gave him the look of a perfect badass cop. He played with the strap on his gloves uncomfortably. He would've preferred the jacket he'd been wearing, for now there was nothing covering his earrings and bandages. He blamed a certain blonde curlicue for that. Especially since the other workers were giving him menacing looks. Not that he cared. Hell if those bastards could stand up to him. Ok maybe they could, since they were well over six feet, double his size and had clean shaven heads and beards. Seriously, was this a factory or the backstage of a wrestling/boxing tournament?

"Roroan kun! Over here!" Freddy waved Zoro over from atop a crane-lift-watchamacallit and Zoro loped over, hands deep in his pockets. Another reason he wanted the coat, now he had nowhere to hide his sword.

"So he's the one?"

Zoro nodded once to the huge man who was three times as tall as Freddy and double Zoro's size. He looked like a wild baby elephant. The man grinned good naturedly and pumped Zoro's arm up and down. "Good to have ya here sonny! Make sure you work hard so you dun have to pay the price later!" The man winked at Zoro and shared a knowing look with Freddy.

"Well, why not go over to the boys there and have em talk you through everything. Oh! I'm Jazz by the way. And you look better in green." Jazz winked again, patted Zoro on the shoulder and rumbled away. Zoro raised an eyebrow at Freddy and the man laughed heartily, his belly wobbling along with the laughs.

"Yeah, he's with us. Don' worry too much eh? Just go and try to blend in with the rest. Jazz'll tell ya when we're moving next."

"What about…"

"Blackleg? I'll try to do something about him. But considering Zeher's taken a liking to him…" Freddy frowned worriedly and Zoro felt his heart sink. He knew the guy was bad news since the first time he caught sight of him. Zoro hated everything about the man. Especially the way he called Sanji his toy and behaved like the blonde belonged to him. Zoro grit his teeth and walked up to a group of men who were sizing him up as he made his way towards them.

"Give it yer all ma'boy!" Freddy yelled out in his faux accent and Zoro flexed a shoulder.

This shit was taking way too long.

"Again?"

"Ah yeah I haven't been feeling too well."

"You barely eat Prince! I can't afford to let you fall sick!"

Sanji groaned, doubled over and promptly vomited all over the carpeted floor. Zeher swore loudly and wrinkled his nose. He scooted to the other end of the bed and Sanji rolled his eyes. Swiping a hand over his mouth, he padded towards the bathroom and splashed the ice-cold water on his face. He eyed the shower for a few seconds and decided he needed a bath. He let the cool water run down his heated skin and felt the bile rise up again. He knelt on the marble tiled floor and puked his guts out. He was sure this was a side effect of the drug Zeher had been forcing him to drink over the past few days. And he'd been drinking it atleast two to three times a day. Of course his body would start reacting. He'd felt nauseous before, the feeling one got when they drank too much alcohol on an empty stomach, but he'd managed to keep it down with food. Now though, he felt sick and tired and food was the last thing on his mind. He stood up and tilted his head back. Opening his mouth, he let the water wash away the filthy taste. After drying himself off, he slid on a pair of black jeans, a thick wool turtle neck the colour of his eyes and black boots. Smoothing his hair back, he placed the fake black rimmed glasses on his nose and exited the room.

He needed some air and fuck Zeher if he was going to throw a tantrum about it.

Sanji walked out of the building and wound his way through the streets. The first time he'd been brought to the huge house, he was too drugged to notice anything. But now, he noted that the manor was situated on a slightly raised piece of land at the back of the town. The front led straight to the main street and after awhile of walking, he recognized the part of town as where Amelia's clinic was. Just as his eyes scanned the area for the large plus sign, the familiar voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Prince san?! Oh I just knew it was you! What in the world are you doing here?! Oh and I must say you look fabulous as always." Amelia giggled and hicked and Sanji raised an eyebrow at the red faced woman. He kissed her knuckles and helped her up the stairs that led to her living space. Once they were seated on the sofa – that was pushed back and surrounded by a tangle of pillows, blankets, sake bottles and a futon – Sanji stood up to go the kitchen and make them some tea.

"Oh! Would you please make me some of that wonderful tea you made me before?"

"Of course my dear, whatever the lady wants." Sanji purred as he looked for the ingredients he needed.

"Ah I really am ashamed of myself. I don't usually get drunk, but I was so worried! Roroan san hasn't been back in days and I have no idea where he's gone! All his stuff are here so I can only assume he'll come back.. but what if he's gotten into trouble again! What if he's nearly dead again! What if-"

"He's perfectly fine my lady. Really! That bastard has no sense of preservation, making a lady worry about him so." Sanji placed the cup and saucer in Amelia's cold fingers and draped the blanket around her.

"It's getting chilly isn't it?"

"It is." Sanji had a sudden fore thought and sat up straight. "Amelia san… I don't mean to sound rude, but would you mind telling me everything you know about this island?"

Amelia started and her hands began shaking. The sound of the cup and saucer clinking together and the tea spilling over lasted until Sanji decided to pry them out of her hand.

"Th-That.."

"It's alright if you can't" The cook said softly, as he placed a reassuring hand on her frighteningly cold one. She looked up at him with wide brown eyes and swallowed loudly.

"N-No, I don't mind telling you.. it's just.."

"I'm perfectly capable of taking care of myself. I couldn't possibly have a fragile flower such as yourself take on the burden of worrying about me."

Amelia gave him a small smile and then stared at her hands.

"Well this island.. it was just a normal island, with a normal town before. People who got lost, or were shipwrecked or marooned, wound up on this island. And considering this part of the grand line, the cases were all too numerous. The island was a sort of savior to all those lost souls who had nowhere to return to or no way to go back home. But then.." She took a trembling breath and Sanji thought she looked thinner and paler since the last time they met. "..Then He came."

"He?" Sanji urged when Amelia stopped abruptly. She looked close to tears and the cook felt guilty, but this was something he needed to know.

"Yes.. He used to be a marine but then he was taken as a hostage by a bunch of pirates and since then turned to the dark side. He killed his captives of course and then he found this island. He was furious that a place such as this existed. That a place so peaceful existed when he'd been deprived of everything he longed for. So he built the red light district. Initially he forced all the young women and men on the island to work as sex slaves. But later, he made connections with the underworld and soon pirates and all kinds of shady people started to trade and indulge in the sex slavery of our island. They even say they're manufacturing goods for the black market here. I- I'm not very sure, but everyone is forced to go the red light district at night and spend their days working in the factories. All the others who can't run small shops or cafés or clinics like me. It's really very.. disturbing."

'That explains the lack of people during the day.'

"And the World Government or the Marines don't do anything about this?"

Amelia's face went extremely pale and she looked like she would be sick. When she spoke, her voice was trembling and barely audible. "The Government has forsaken us. And the Marines.. They themselves come here to enjoy themselves. Atleast they did, until-"

"-Until they wiped the island off the charts and put up the force fields."

Amelia looked surprised that Sanji knew about the force fields. She nodded slowly. "Yes. Now, no one can come or go without permission. We… we don't have any hopes or dreams or wishes of leaving.. ever."

Sanji looked at the shaking women beside him solemnly. Then he asked slowly, "And the person you mentioned, what's his name?"

"Nero Phaustus. But he calls himself Nero of the underworld."

"Wait, not Zeher?"

"Zeher? Whose that?"

Sanji stared back slack jawed as Amelia looked on, confused. His mind was reeling. He had assumed all along that Zeher was the one pulling the strings. But what Amelia said opened a gate to innumerable possibilities. Either Amelia was lying, which she couldn't possibly be, considering the state she was in; Or she was misinformed; Or Zeher was hiding his identity; Or there really was someone higher up who was quietly watching everything from the shadows.

"Shit…"

Looks like they weren't going anywhere anytime soon.

A/n: Agh I'm confusing myself! x(

Eitherways, this inspired me to draw a picture(s) of Sanji with black jeans, boots and glasses.

And hopefully I can get more chapters done so the updates are regular!

Sneak peak at next week's chapter: Sanji seems to have found out several things at once and not all of it adds up. He vows to look into the matter more and solve the mystery of the island. Zoro has been given the task of locating the other two generators and destroying all of them, which means they have a chance of escaping. Meanwhile, the strawhats come across several ships waiting to enter the island. Are these people friends or foes and can the crew get past the force field and to their missing members?

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