Pliable Metal (Is the strongest of all)

(This story originally had 54+ reviews)

Authors Note 1: Those of you who have asked, yes this story was once removed and replaced on . Yes I will be continuing this story even if it takes a while to update.

Warnings: This story is rated M for a reason!

Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece or its charters.

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Chapter 9

The Metal Glows Red

Sanji looked up when Zoro spoke, and the hand on his head gave him shivers. "No I don't," he said with a frown, and dropped his crust onto his plate. He sat back and looked up at the sky. "If I could I'd move out right now and live on my own or something."

Zoro watched Sanji and listened. It's as I thought he lives in some kind of trouble home or something, he thought to himself. "Sanji, what is it? Why don't you want to go home?"

Sanji sighed unsure how to answer the question. He wanted to tell Zoro everything but, he knew he couldn't; not when they were out in the open like this. His father had eyes and ears all around. Sanji only knew of a few of his father's followers, not all of them all. "Uh it's just after my mother died, Dad and I have grown… distant. It's just something I don't like to talk about," he shrugs.

Zoro nods his head and looks down at his soda. "I see," he said with a frown. "Well, I know we don't know one another too long and all that, but we grew close you know? I don't know why or how or whatever but we did, and I am glad that we did. I'm not good with this type of stuff, what I mean is, you can tell me."

Sanji's eyes widen at Zoro's words and he found himself smiling and he nods his head. "Yeah, you're right," he said softly. Your right Zoro, I can tell you, I just don't think you will like me so much after, if I do tell you. And if you do, I doubt you will look at me the same ever again,he thought to himself, shaking his head."I just, later okay?" he said in a whisper.

Zoro grinned at the blond considerate that Sanji would rather talk to him about it when they were alone somewhere. That was fine with him. When Sanji told him what was really making his life miserable, he wanted the cook to be comfortable. "Okay," he said, then squinted when something bright flashes into his eyes.

"What's wrong?" Sanji asked concerned, nibbling on his crust.

Zoro shook his head. "Some kind of light flashed in my eyes," he said, blinking his eyes to let them adjust again.

Sanji looked around. "Maybe you took a glimpse at the sun without realizing it?" he asked, his eyes scanning the place carefully. Not seeing anyone suspicious or out of place, he relaxed a bit.

"Uh, yeah maybe. I think it was from the reflection of my glass," Zoro said with a frown. "I'm okay though, it wasn't like it blinded me or anything.

Sanji smiles. "Yeah, well I'm finished; should we go?"

"Yeah sure."

The two teens stood up together and gathered their trash and tossed it away. Zoro then wrapped an arm around Sanji's waist with a smile and kissed the side of his head. "Let's get back to my place for a bit."

Sanji's cheeks turned cherry from the little affection Zoro gave him and he tried to hide it with his hair. "Okay…."

ZxS

When Sanji and Zoro got back to the house, they were surprised to see Zoro's uncle already there and eating. "Uncle Ben?" Zoro said, as he removed his coat.

"Zoro, Sanji," the older man said, lighting a cigar, and taking a few puffs.

"Hi," Sanji said, feeling uncomfortable. He never knew how to act around Zoro's uncle. In truth it was only the fourth time he ever seen the man. He didn't know much about Ben other than he being Zoro's uncle and he worked long hours.

Zoro was amazed to see his uncle sitting at home at this hour as well, usually his Uncle stayed at the office for lunch. Seeing him here now, it worried him. "Uncle is something wrong?" he asked as he sat down on the couch.

Smoker looked at Zoro and sighed as he sat back in his chair. "Not really, just thought I would come home for a few hours."

Zoro nodded, watching Sanji sit next to him. He could tell the blond was nervous, and gave him a small smile before turning his attention back to his uncle. "Yeah, but that's strange and you know it. So what's up? Or is this about a case that you can't speak about?"

A case? Sanji wondered. Does this mean Zoro's Uncle is a layer? Or does he have something to do with the feds? Oh shit, what if he is F.B.I or something? Sanji began to worry when he thought of Zoro's uncle being part of the law enforcement. He wasn't sure if that was a good thing or a bad thing. If his father found out he was sure to be in deep trouble. Maybe even dead or worse Zoro could get killed and his father could move them out of the state before any questions were asked. The good thing of this would be if he told Zoro's uncle about his father, and who he was, then perhaps he himself could go into witness protection or something. Get away from it all. It was a tough gamble, and either way he was afraid, even the better part was a gamble.

"No, this one is Rob Lucci," Smoker said, gathering Sanji's attention.

Sanji looked up when he heard the name. It was something he wasn't supposed to know of his father, but he did. He had answered the phone when one of his father's 'Co-Workers' called and they had asked for a Rob Lucci. The second Sanji said the name out loud in front of his father, Frank took the phone. Afterwards Sanji received a good betting. That was a little over a year ago. So he is part of the police…, he thought to himself. I need to be careful of what I do.

Sanji suddenly felt sick, and he had a feeling it was written over his face because Zoro had noticed.

"Sanji you all right?" the taller teen asked, gently touching Sanji's shoulder.

Sanji nodded. "Ah yeah, for a moment there I thought that pizza was going to come back up…," he said and shook his head. "I am okay now though," he said and gave Zoro a smile.

Zoro nodded and turned to his Uncle. "Sorry, what were you saying?" he asked, folding his legs under him as he sat more comfortable.

Smoker eyed Sanji for a moment. He could tell from the boys face that he knew of 'Rob Lucci' which was rare. Hardly anyone knew of that name, even he didn't know the face of him, but he didn't say anything about it. He turned to Zoro. "It seems one of his members were spotted yesterday lurking around Endless-avenue. Stupid name of street if you ask me," Smoker mumbled the last part to himself.

"That's my street," Sanji said, not realizing he had spoken out loud. Whoever it was must have gone to see daddy….

"You live there?" Smoker asked his brow raised. Now he was becoming suspicious.

Sanji nodded, "Yeah," he answered, biting his tongue. It hurt but he needed to stay quiet, at least until he thought about how he was going to approach this.

"Hn," Smoker took another puff of his cigar eyeing the blond with interest. "Some of the homes are rather nice on that street, though it's a bad area. A lot of drug deals take place down there. Street fights, and a few times murder."

Sanji nods. "Yeah, I know. Always have to be careful going home at night, otherwise you could get mugged or killed. Only way the people won't bother you is if you knew someone big or something," Sanji said, his blue eyes connecting with Smokers.

"I never knew your street was that bad? I should have from the beating you got the other day, huh?" Zoro asked, eyeing Sanji with concern.

"Uh-huh," Sanji said with a frown, looking down at his lap. "Dad says he is looking for a new place though." Wow Sanji, two whole lies in one speech, nice.

"Who is your father, boy?" Smoker asked, causing Sanji to jump.

"Frank Kou," Sanji said, biting his lower lip. "He is the Water 7 Bank security." Not a lie, but not completely the truth either.

"Ah, I see. I've met him a few times before when entering the bank for my own funds. They keep a tight shift there, never known it to be robed. And when attempted, Frank and Kaku seem to take wonderful care of them," Smoker smiled. "Good man."

If I could only tell you what is behind the mask. "I suppose he is," Sanji said, looking away from the older man and back at the light blue skirt he wore over faded jeans.

ZxS

Zoro watched Sanji as the blond laid on his bed. It was becoming late and the two were still pretty much a wake. Zoro was leaning against the door frame grinning at the blond. They had spent the whole day together. It had been a good day for the two teens. "You tired?" Zoro then asked, moving away from the door and over to the bed.

Sanji looked at him, smiled and sat up. "No, not really, are you?"

"Well, no I'm not," Zoro said, and he sat down on the bed. He leaned forward and touched Sanji's face. "Sorry if my uncle scared you before."

"Haha," Sanji grinned, grabbing Zoro's hand and pulled the other teen closer. "Like I would be scared of him."

"I don't know, you seemed pretty scared to me," Zoro said, rubbing his nose against Sanji's then he kissed the blonde's lips.

Sanji kissed him back, moving his body so his legs were in Zoro's lap, and arms around his neck. His eyes closed even when they broke apart. He leaned his head into Zoro's shoulder then, taking in his smell. The other teen smelt good, just like his hoodie. "I'm okay." Right now, with you, I am okay.

Zoro held onto Sanji as the blond leaned into him. He kissed the top of his head and smiled. "As long as you're sure," Zoro mumbled, lifting Sanji's chin up, searching his eyes.

Sanji looked at him and smiled. "Yeah, I'm okay," he said and once more he kissed Zoro. He pushed the other teen forward so they were lying on the bed, Sanji on top.

Zoro gasped as he was pushed, but he didn't mind it. He wrapped his arms completely around Sanji's waist and held him close. Their kiss deepening, mouths opening, and Zoro allowed his tongue to explore Sanji's. It felt good and the blonde on top of him was turning him on. It was very incredible, he never felt this way over anyone else before. Not when it came to romantic since anyway.

Sanji moved sliding his body up Zoro's so their groins rubbed together. He was no virgin, that much on his part was known. Even so, when it came to the romance, and being allowed to do as he pleased, that was all new to him. He wanted to pleasure Zoro, but at the same time he wanted to be touched by the other teen too. Then all together he was afraid.

He heard Zoro moan, and though last night it encouraged him, this time Sanji stopped and broke the kiss. He sat up quickly and shivered. My scars, the marks…, he won't like it! He thought to himself. He brought his hands to his face and pulled at his cheeks. He was becoming more and more nervous and he began to panic. Under my clothes, I'm disgusting! Filthy! How can I let him touch me?

Tears began to fall down Sanji's eyes, but he didn't even notice. He just held his face, pulling at his cheeks. Without realizing it he was making himself bleed as he scratched the skin. He didn't even hear Zoro as he spoke. No his mind had gone somewhere else, somewhere dark.

"Sanji!" Zoro shouted, getting to his knees and shaking the blond. Something went wrong. Now before him, Sanji was crying and not responsive. "Sanji stop! Sanji look at me! You're bleeding," he said, grabbing Sanji's wrist and pulling them off the blonde's face. He looked at his boyfriends hands and his eyes widened when he seen the scars and stitches that covered his wrist. "Sanji…."

"Oh god," Sanji said, he had snapped out of it just as Zoro pulled his hands from his face. His breathing hitched and he began to shake. He hates me! Its over! He hates me! I'm ugly to him! Nothing but scum! He hates me! The same thoughts repeated over and over in Sanji's head and more tears feel.

"Sanji!" Zoro said, panicking and bringing Sanji into his arms. "Sanji, calm down! It's okay," he repeated. "UNCLE BEN!"

Smoker had rushed up the stairs the moment he heard his name. It sounded as if his nephew was being murdered. He made it to the room in recurred time just to see what was going on. He rushed to the bed and touched the blonds back gently. "He's in shock, what happened?" he demanded, looking at Zoro and gently tried to shake Sanji. "Kid! Wake up! Kid?"

"I don't know! We were, fooling around or whatever…, and the next thing I knew he was acting out. What do we do?" he said, jumping off the bed to let his uncle try and snap Sanji out.

"You need to call 911 then call his father! Call Frank," Smoker shouted, lightly tapping Sanji's face minding his scratches.

"NO!" Sanji suddenly screamed, having quickly snapped out of it. He, without meaning to pushed Smoker out of the way and jumped from the bed and over to Zoro. He pushed at his boyfriend; grabbing his shoulder's and leaned his head downward, burring his face to his neck. "Don't call anyone," he sobbed. "I'm… I'll be okay. Please!"

Zoro dropped his phone, his heart hammering in his chest and he looked at Sanji. Slowly, and gently he brought his arms to Sanji's hips and looked at him. "What, Sanji what was that?" he asked, his tone soft.

"He needs to see a doctor," Smoker said, arms crossing over his chest. "A shock like that can bring someone to a stroke or heart attack at any time. Kid, does that happen often?"

Sanji shook his head but he didn't look over at the older man. He kept his face hidden in Zoro's neck.

"Uncle Ben, let me talk to him for a bit. I'll make sure he sees a doctor. I think it'll be okay," he said, staying still and keeping his hold on Sanji.

Smoker looked at Zoro like he wasn't sure but he nodded and walked out the door. "I'll be downstairs," he said and disappeared down the hall.

Zoro sighed and looked down at Sanji, frowning at him. The last time he felt that scared was back in Japan when his family was killed. "Come on Sanji, you need to talk to me," he said in a soft tone, leading Sanji to the bed and sitting him down. He grabbed a few tissues from his nightstand and turned to face the blond who wouldn't look at him. "Sanji?"

"hmm?"

"Look at me," Zoro said, his tone just above a whisper.

Sanji shook his head, but gasped when he felt a hand touch his cheek and guide his head up so he was looking at Zoro.

"It's okay," Zoro whispered, gently dabbing some of the blood from Sanji's cheeks. "I'm not mad or anything."

"I'm sorry Zoro, I thought I was okay," he said, closing his eyes to allow the other teen whip away his tears, and bits of blood. "I have a lot of problems; I don't think I am the best person to be with. I should have stayed away from you. I'm sorry," he cried, more tears falling.

"Don't say that," Zoro said, bringing Sanji into hug, holding him close. "Don't say that, these last few days, Sanji they were something else. I care for you a lot and I want to help you. If you think I'm going to leave you or something because of some scars on your wrist your wrong. I'm not like that!" he sighed, and kissed the top of Sanji's head. "Something about you has me stuck to you, Sanji. I don't know what it is yet, I'll figure it out in due time, but I'm not about to push you away cuz of something bad in your life."

Sanji looked up at him, biting his lower lip and he nodded. "I don't want to lose you as friend, boyfriend whatever we are, and not just because of what's on my body but because what I have done, and what people have done. Shit, it's so complicated and messed up! Some things I don't even know if I can tell you," he yelled, covering his face with his hands.

Zoro watched him for a moment. Carefully he then reached out and grabbed Sanji by the hips and pulled him to his lap. He leaned the blond into his chest and held him there, looking at the ceiling. "Let's take it one step at a time. Our relationship is going a bit fast, and maybe I am still learning about you, but that's okay. You're still learning about me too. We can get to know one another one step at a time. I want to be here for you and help you anyway I can. You don't have to tell me everything all at once or whatever. But I think you need to tell me something as this relationship continues, okay?"

Sanji relaxed and he nodded. "Yeah…, I mean. I know… I plan on telling you. Well bits by bits. I just didn't want anything coming out like this in one night. Though, I don't know what happened. I feeling fine then we started to fool around and I couldn't stop thinking about…," he stopped, looking down.

"About?"

"My back and the rest of my body, it's not the prettiest thing. I'm not even sure if I am ready to show you. Okay, it's not that I don't want to. Part of me wants to lie down and let you, well you know," he blushed. "However when I think of what's on my back and hips, I don't know how to explain it. I could tell you the flat out truth, but that's not easy. Trust me when I say that, okay? I can get someone even you may be hurt because of something I say, and if that happens, I wouldn't be able to bare it."

Zoro took in every word and he nodded. He rubbed Sanji's shoulders gently and kissed the back of his head once more. "That's fine. Are you afraid because of the stitches, your wound on your back, Sanji?"

"That has to do with it, yeah," he said, turning his head and looking up at Zoro. "And it didn't happen exactly the way I said it happened either. There is more to the story, but I cannot tell you that yet," he said, looking away again.

"That's fine," Zoro hummed. "Does it have to do with where you live and stuff?"

"Yes."

"Your dad?"

"I can't say who."

"All right."

The room went silent after that and Zoro could feel that Sanji had calmed down. He smiled and gently turned the thinner male so he was facing him. He touched his cheek and pushed back a few strands of blond hair. "It'll be okay. Whatever it is I'll find away to help you. Maybe you don't believe it now, but trust me, okay? I've been through hell and back myself when I was younger. I can promise you, I'll stick by your side. Even if this, whatever you're in fucks up our relationship, which I don't think it will, but even so I'll stick by your side."

Sanji shivered. He didn't know what it was, but something told him he could trust Zoro. He nodded and hugged the other teen, burring his face in his neck once more. "You, are so kind," he whispered, feeling tons better already.

Zoro chuckled, and held him close. "Well to you I try," he said, looking up to see that his uncle had returned. He nodded to the older man and glanced back at Sanji. "But you still need to go and see a doctor."

Sanji groaned he wasn't sure how that was going to play out. He knew Zoro was right, but he didn't like it. "Fuck, can't you just monitor me during the night?"

"No, I don't know what to look for. Sanji, stop being a baby, it's not that late I can take you to Chopper's. I am sure he can look at you and see if you will be okay," Zoro smiled.

Sanji grinned. "Okay, that'll work."

ZxS

Zoro had brought Sanji to Chopper's; he had thought that was the best option. However, when Sanji seen the place he became very nervous. He had no idea that Chopper was related to his father's personal doctor.

"Come on, I think Chopper's grandmother is asleep," Zoro said, gently leading Sanji in the house by his arm.

Sanji nodded and moved along with Zoro. He glanced around the area, looking for anything familiar. The two went on inside before Sanji could see the black sedan pull up behind Zoro's car.

"Hi Sanji, Zoro!" Chopper greeted and led them down the hall heading right to his room.

"Chopper! You better not play with my medicine!" Chopper's grandmother yelled from another room.

Sanji and Chopper both cringed at the voice, and Zoro took note with an amused grin on his face.

"I won't!"

Zoro snickered. "You both are scared," he said with a smile.

"Oi," Sanji glared at the green head, glad when they got to Chopper's room. This was a part of the doctor's home he never seen before.

"Doctor!" a man's voice shouted from the other room. This time all three of the teenagers jumped at how loud it was. Though Sanji recognized the voice and he had to pop his head out to see who it was.

His eyes widened. It was one of his father's workers; a tall man with a long nose, and blond hair. Someone Sanji got a long with when he came over. "Kakku," Sanji mumbled, but his eyes widened when he seen the man who was in Kakku's arms, and bleeding. "Daddy!" he shouted without realizing. He pushed passed Zoro and further to the hall way.

"Sanji?" Kakku said, looking over at the younger blond as he came out of the back room. "Shit," he said and quickly rushed Frank out of the boy's sight.

"Damn what happened here, Sanji? What has your father done?" it was Chopper's grandmother, Doctrine.

Sanji shook his head, he was confused. He had no idea what his father was up to this evening when he was with Zoro all day. He swallowed. "I don't know I didn't come with him," he admitted, sweat dripping down his forehead.

Kakku had laid Frank down on the operating table, he was bleeding badly around his rib area and he was knocked out could. "He was on his way out and he got in the middle of a shoot in by his home. A few gangs were shooting at one another. Lu…Frank just happened to be there at the time when it happened."

Sanji cringed; it was a good cover up. It made sense everyone there knew how bad his street was. "Idiot," he mumbled and turned away from them all, going back to Chopper's room. He couldn't take it. Part of him wished his father wasn't going to make it, as sad as that was. Though another part of him was very worried, who had shot his father and was actually able to hit? Unless it really was unexpected which that could happen to anyone.

He sat down on the small bed in the room, looking at the floor deep in thought. He didn't even notice as the others walked into the room, or as Zoro sat down next to him. It wasn't until he felt a hand on his shoulder did he look up.

"You okay?" Zoro asked, concern written all over him.

"Yeah," Sanji said and looked to Chopper.

"Your dad's going to be okay Sanji. It seems the bullet went right through, my grandmother will be able to patch him right up," he smiled.

"Oh, okay," he almost sounded disappointed. He rubbed his forehead. "Why did we come here again?" he asked.

Zoro frowned and thought about it. "To check and see if you were okay. Chopper before we came here Sanji had some kind of panic attack. My uncle told us to bring him to a doctor."

"Yes, panic attacks aren't something to be played with," Chopper said, grabbing his personal medical things. He laid them down on his table and grabbed a mini flashlight moving right over to Sanji to check his eyes. "Let's get to work!"

The checkup didn't take long. Sanji answered all questions Chopper asked and everything seemed to be in check. "Okay Sanji, it might have been with a lot of stress. You should try and take it easy and not think of anything bad," he suggested. "Otherwise you should be okay. Though if it's okay I would like to check on your stitches?"

"Which ones?" Sanji asked without even thinking.

"Which ones? Sanji the ones I did on your back…, AH! Don't tell me you have more!" Chopper shrieked.

"Chopper keep it down in there!" his grandmother yelled.

Chopper shivered and nodded. "Sorry!" he said, looking at Sanji. "What other ones are you speaking about, Sanji?"

Sanji sighed, closed his eyes and he stood up. He removed his hoodie and then rolled up his long sleeves lifting both hands up as if he were being arrested by the police, showing chopper the cuts he had on wrist. Scars, little ones, and even some long ones surrounded the stitches. It showed it wasn't Sanji's first time cutting himself, but a blond ready to commit suicide, and very serious about it.

Chopper gasped and he grabbed Sanji's wrist, pulling the blond closer to him. "Are you nuts?" he screeched, but kept his voice down.

"Probably," Sanji said with a frown. "Don't give me a lecture, I'm not allowed to do it anymore. Your grandmother already said so," he chuckled, though it wasn't a laughing matter.

"Sanji, you know this isn't something to joke about. Someone who tries to commit suicide is someone who needs to be monitored! Does your father know?"

"Yes," Sanji said, his eyes closing and rolling his sleeves down.

"Sanji, why hasn't he done anything? After two attempts you should have been put into a mental clinic!" Chopper said, looking at Sanji with big nervous and worried eyes.

Sanji laughed, and shook his head. "Chopper, relax my father can't take me to such a place. Besides, I won't do it again. I… I have no reason to now," he said, glancing at Zoro who was just sitting there listing to everything.

Chopper nods, lowering his head. "All right, then show me the ones on your back?" he asked.

Sanji sighed and nodded. He slid his shirt up and over his head, reaching out and handing it to Zoro.

Zoro, who was quit this whole time, took the shirt, his eyes going to Sanji's back in mild shock. The stitches on his back were long, and around the area were turning red. Though that's not what he was surprised about. There were scars going across Sanji's back in a similar fashion. It was like Sanji was whipped more than once. Like the attack Sanji had the other day happened a lot. Zoro was starting to see, that there was more to the story. What is Sanji involved in?

Chopper looked at the stitches on Sanji's back in a careful manner. He smiled and gently touched the heeling tissue. "I can take them out if you like Sanji. They will be fine. Maybe just put some wrap around it when I am done. You know, it looks like these ones wont scar, or as bad."

"Ok," Sanji said and moved to the bed when Zoro stood to his feet. He lay down on his stomach to allow Chopper to do what he needed to do.

Zoro watched from across the room, staring at Sanji's back. He was worried, everything he found out so far tonight, was just, it seemed like something wasn't adding up. He wanted to know what it was, but he didn't want to scare Sanji away either. He was going to trust Sanji into telling him on his own. For now though, he was just going to support the blond.

Once Sanji was finished with everything there, he and Zoro headed out, saying so long to Chopper. Sanji stopped, just for a moment to look in at his father. He wasn't surprised to see him sitting and already talking to the others.

Frank paused and looked at his son, the two stopping and their eyes connecting. "Sanji," Frank said, wondering what his son was doing there.

"Father," Sanji mumbled, having lightly pushed Zoro away from view. "Was seeing a friend for school help, I'm going though…."

"I see," he said, watching his son carefully. He nodded and went back to his own conversation.

Sanji relaxed and he rushed after Zoro, feeling his heart hammering in his chest. He did not want to be there any longer. The whole night was bizzar, and if anything Sanji just wanted to sleep, or something, anything to get him to relax.

Once the blond stepped outside and to Zoro's car, Zoro grabbed him by the arm and pulled him into a hug, as if reading his thoughts. "Are you okay?" he asked, holding the blond as gentle as he could, almost afraid he may break.

"I will be," Sanji whispered, hiding his face into Zoro's neck and holding onto the other teen. "Today was just…," he paused thinking about it. "Crazy and I had enough of it."

"Yeah, no kidding," Zoro said and let go of the blond, brushing his hand over Sanji's face. "Things will get better, slowly," he said and smiled.

Sanji smiled in return. He really hoped they were getting better. Now that he found Zoro and knew who is uncle was, they just might. He just had to figure out how or when would be the best time to tell him, or if it was a good idea in the first place. It was a scary thought but Sanji really wanted all the bullshit to stop. Even so, when it did stop Sanji was afraid of what might happen. Either way, even if he didn't tell Smoker who his father was he was still afraid to lose Zoro.

Coughing lightly Sanji tugged on Zoro's shirt. "Let's go," he mumbled.

Zoro smiled and held Sanji for a moment longer. "Good idea," he whispered, allowing Sanji to move from his arms and into the car. He followed, looking back at Chopper's house one more time before starting the car and driving off. For some reason he had an uneasy feeling in his stomach, and he couldn't put his finger on what it was, and it almost scared him.

TBC