Chapter 11
A/N:This is gonna be a GREAT chapter for you fangirls out there. So please... Enjoy the show...!
Today was the day. Zoro thought he would be up before the price, but much to his surprise as soon as he opened the door to his bedroom he met the prince, face to face.
"Oh, hi," said the blond, scratching the back of his head, "I was just about to knock."
"Shouldn't you be sleeping still your highness? From what I understand this is a big day for you."
"Um... well.. You see, I'm kinda excited." He blushed. Zoro smiled, just a little smile. The prince was acting like a little boy, excited for his big day, and Zoro couldn't help but think it was cute, "Anyway. I wanted to help out as much as I could. If I didn't I would feel too spoiled. I hate that."
"I see. So where would you like to go today your highness?"
"Well, I was going to check out the kitchen, and see if they need any help there." Zoro nodded and they were off to the palace kitchen. The bodyguard had never been down there, why should he?
He followed right behind the prince, as he always did. The swordsman found his eyes slowly examining the young man's body once again. It was almost more beautiful when he walked. Zoro didn't realize it, but he was biting his bottom lip as he stared at the boy's backside. The way he moved when he walked made his stomach roll. "Ugh, what am I doing?" Zoro thought, "We talked about this kind of thing. We agreed that he was to be the prince, and I his bodyguard. Nothing more... So... what's wrong with me? Wasn't his words enough to make these thoughts stop. You're a bodyguard Zoro," he told himself, "Don't make him hate you. Don't make him hate you."
"Oh it's the prince!" said a young woman's voice suddenly.
"Oh the prince!" Zoro looked up from his thoughts and saw a bunch of maids of all ages huddled together in the kitchen as they whispered to each other and giggled as they stared at the handsome, young, blond prince. The head chef and baker greeted the prince.
"Good morning our majesty. What do we owe the pleasure?"
"I wanted to help," Sanji smiled big and bright. Everyone in the kitchen was surprised at first, then they smiled back and the head baker, a short, kinda heavy woman, stepped forward.
"Me and my girls are making some pastries, would you do us the honor of decorating them?"
"Yes! I would love too." The prince bowed and they bowed back before getting started.
Zoro situated himself on a stool in a corner. He watched as the woman crowed around the prince. The bodyguard waited for about fifteen minutes before leaning his head against the wall behind him, then closed his eyes. There was no danger here, in the kitchen, what's there to guard? The croissants? He managed to fall asleep for ten minutes or so when he was disturbed by the strange feeling he was being watched. Opening one eye, (he was too lazy to open the other), he noticed, once again, a group of girls huddled in the corner, whispering and giggling. He turned his head to look at them, which made them fully alert, "I'm gonna mess with them." He then licked his lips and winked. It drove the young girls CRAZY! One of them even fainted at such a sexy sight. Zoro closed his eyes again and smirked, "My work is done."
"Zoro! Look!" It was the prince's voice. The swordsman sat up right and opened both eyes.
"Yes your highness?"
"Look," Sanji smiled as he extended both his hands, which were cupped to hold a small little bunt-cake. It was beautifully decorated, and it looked delicious, "I decorated it myself. Pretty good huh?"
"Um..." Zoro didn't know how to reply. The prince looked so happy and pleased with himself, it was as if he was a little boy again, "Very impressive your majesty," was all the swordsman said. He found himself growing more and more found of the prince's smile. It lit up the room.
"You do this sort of thing very well your highness, if you don't mind me saying so sir," said the head baker woman. Sanji laughed,
"Thank you. But not as well as all of you. I must say," he put his creation down on a platter, "yours are too good to eat."
"Oh your highness, you flatter us." Not that Zoro thought the women were annoying, but this kind of small talk was something he could live without.
"Well, we should be on our way. I don't want to bother you any longer," Sanji bowed his head.
"The pleasure was all ours sir!" Everyone one the room , (minus Zoro) bowed in respect as Zoro stood to his feet and walked out with the prince, but not before Zoro turned around and whispered,
"Smells real' good in here by the way," leaving a confused look on all the women's faces.
"What now your highness?" asked the bodyguard.
"To be honest, I don't think I'm allowed anywhere else but the gardens. My uncle town me that everything was supposed to be a "surprise". I don't see why though, I mean, I know it's happening."
"You mean tonight?"
"Yes. But I know the celebration begins at five o'clock." There was a pause. He then turned to Zoro, which surprised his bodyguard, "Do you..." he was hesitant.
"Y-yes?"
"Do you think that's its selfish, to be having such a celebration? I mean, it really wasn't my idea, but... I feel like it's too much." Zoro sighed.
"You're the prince of Grand Jipang. It seems only fitting. Besides, I think that everyone loves you, so don't think that anyone would think of you as selfish."
"Loves me?" asked Sanji, surprised.
"I-I-I mean. You know what I mean by love. They admire you. Yeah," Zoro struggled, sweat dripping from his forehead. It was then, that very moment, Sanji decided, to mess, with his bodyguard. He was bored okay?
He turned around fully, and took several steps forward until they were inches apart.
"So swordsman... Tell me... who loves me exactly?" His blue eyes practically glowing. It took all for Zoro's inner strength to stay calm. On the outside that is. Inside he was freaking out like crazy.
"I thought we talked about this already... your highness." They looked deep into each other's eyes. They had done it so much that this became normal, and they were no longer nervous.
"We did I suppose. But, just in case, tell me what we agreed on." The smirk on Zoro's face faded away. "Why must he always do this to himself?" he wondered.
"We decided... That I was a bodyguard. And you were to be the prince that you are. Nothing more." Zoro then watched as the light disappeared from Sanji's eyes, and the prince stepped back again.
"That's right." There was another long awkward pause between them. Sanji inhaled, "You are dismissed until tonight."
"Am I allowed to-"
"Yes," said the prince quickly. Zoro's heart hurt a little bit by the tone in his voice. He could tell that the boy was hurt, but there was nothing for him to do. So he bowed and was off.
Zoro managed to find Usopp and Luffy a bit latter on in the day.
"Hey Zoro. What's wrong?" asked Usopp. They were in the guard's hall having their lunch, Luffy was too busy eating and annoying Law to pay any attention to Zoro.
"It's nothing Usopp. I think..." answered Zoro, to which Usopp shrugged, "You've seen Kid anywhere yet?"
"No. He's with the other four, obviously guarding the king. Hey wait a minute! Aren't you supposed to be with Sanji?"
"He dismasted me," Zoro grumbled, unexpectedly unhappy about the subject.
"What do you mean? He's not allowed to dismiss you, not today!" Both Usopp and Zoro looked at each other surprised.
"What do you mean?" asked the bodyguard.
"Geez Zoro. You really are helpless!" Usopp leaned in, as if about to say something important, "When ever there is a big event, of any kind, going on in the palace, all bodyguards have to be on duty at all times!"
"If he knew that then why would he dismiss me?"
"I don't know..." Usopp thought for a moment, "Did you... make him angry or something?" Zoro stiffened.
"I wouldn't call it anger," the swordsman replied. His friend sighed.
"Look Zoro, when it comes to Sanji, he... he doesn't exactly know how to show he's angry. But I notice, that once in a while, when he does get angry, all the light in his eyes go away, they loose their sparkle if you will." At this, Zoro swallowed visibly. He couldn't possibly think of the prince getting angry, "I suggest that when you see him again, that you make up some how. I know Sanji; and I also know that he doesn't stay mad for long. He's probably cooled off now."
"Yeah. I'll go talk to him now." Zoro stood up once again, (Luffy still not noticing, and neither was Law at this point).
"Good luck!" shouted Usopp from across the room.
"Man. I can't believe I didn't think of that! Of course he was mad!" Zoro's mind raced as he walked briskly through the halls of the massive palace, "Why does he do it? Why does he keep asking me about us? What does he hope to gain?" That's when he realized it. He stopped in his tracks. Eyes wide, "I understand now. He... He wants me to change my mind." He gazed out into the open courtyard from the second floor where he stood, "I've... been so stupid..." He took off once again.
Once making it to the garden, after getting lost for the seventh time, he was at his destination. Panting, he searched around. And yet, no prince. He swore under his breath before taking off once again.
Back in the halls he managed to come across a young maid girl, "Hey," he called out to her.
"Yes?" Her voice was sweet.
"Do you know where the prince is?" he asked, still panting.
"Why yes. He was summoned by the king. He had to discus something about the celebration tonight."
"Ugh. How long will he be?" Zoro's impatiens grew.
"I don't know for sure. But I believe two to three hours."
"Damn it." Zoro darted of without another word.
Hours past, and still no prince. Zoro was done searching, "He probably doesn't want to see me anyway. If I was always denied like that, I'd be pissed too." He couldn't think of anything else to do but nap and wait for the celebration to start, "When I see him, what do I tell him?"
Zoro was awakened by none other than Kid, who kicked him in the side, "Hey stupid, what are you doing? You're supposed to be with the prince. What are you doing way out here?"
"Has the party started yet?' asked Zoro, rubbing one eye.
"For all four hundred guests but you! Come on dumbass!" Kid pulled him up by the forearm. The swordsman noticed the king's other bodyguards where there too.
"What about all you guys. Aren't you supposed to be with the king?"
"He let us off the hook for now. We're still on duty but he said we could "relax" and "enjoy ourselves". We didn't see you anywhere. So we went looking for you."
"The prince should let you off too... if you where there," said another bodyguard, who wore a blue and white mask.
Zoro remembered what his self-assigned mission was. So he let the others guide him to the colossal dinning hall, where the celebration was being held.
After getting separated (lost), from the them a couple times, Kid and the others finally made it to their destination, with Zoro in tow. The king's hall, was a colossal room where the vivid and colorful calibration was being held. As soon as they entered, loud noises filled Zoro's ears, cheering, and clapping. Laughing and talking.
"Great, how am I going to find him in all this mess?" grumbled Zoro. As if reading his (empty) mind, Kid said suddenly,
"Last I saw him he was sitting by the king. In fact, it's almost ten o'clock."
"What happens at ten?"
"Just wait and see. But if you wanna talk to the blonde I suggest you start making your way through the crowds of people." At this, Zoro nodded and took off.
"Excuse me. Excuse me," he had to repeat over and over, "Ugh, why is he so far away?" He never took his eyes off the blond prince sitting on his throne beside his uncle. But right when it seemed he was getting closer, something big and red bumped into him, knocking him a little off course, "Ugh. HEY!" he glared at his interrupter, "Wha? LUFFY!"
"Mm? Hm Zumm!" Luffy cheeks were full of food, which he swallowed whole, "What's up Zoro? Great party huh?" he chuckled and smiled a huge smile.
"Are you still on duty? Or is everyone off and this entire palace is defenseless?!"
"Huh? No of course not. My shift is over. The guys guarding now had their share of the party," he smiled once again, "And now it's my turn. Usopp's here too but he's gone of somewhere. OH YEAH! And Onami too! She brought a TON of food!" With that, he stuffed more in his mouth and swallowed, "Oh um... by the way Zoro... have you seen Law anywhere?" Zoro didn't look pleased, he sighed.
"Look Luffy-"
"Hey you," said an additional voice beside them.
"Hey Law!" Luffy beamed once again. They then commenced in a boring conversation (well it was boring to Zoro at least). The bodyguard was about to take off once again after remembering what he was trying to do in the first place, but not before noticing that Law's tone was much softer when he spoke to Luffy. But he couldn't think about that know. He had to reach the prince. Time was not on his side either. It was almost ten, the giant clock in the middle of the wall on the far side where the thrones where was his enemy. It was a beautiful clock, as a matter of fact, it was known as the world's most expensive clock. It was the only one in the world made of diamond.
But Zoro was not looking at the diamond, but that big hand inching closer and closer to that twelve, about to strike ten, "Crap, I don't think I can make it on time! What happens at ten anyway?" He rushed, but it was too late. He was stopped by ten loud gongs. It was ten.
The bodyguard waited to see what was about to happen. First, the king stood up. Then he cleared his throat, grabbing everyone's attention. He spoke loud, his voice echoing throughout the massive golden room.
"As all of you know, the reason we're gathered here tonight is because today is my nephew's birthday. And to be perfectly honest with you, he didn't want a huge celebration like this... but we were finally about to convince him that he deserves it. I know you all agree." The crowds of guests clapped and cheered happily to show their agreement. King Zeff continued, "Now. I would like you to enjoy yourselves for the rest of the night!" He then gestured to Sanji. Zoro's heart skipped a beat.
When Sanji stood up, Zoro saw that he wearing a gorgeous dark blue kimono. When the prince walked, the flowing silk fabric was like a waterfall. It was trimmed in golden thread, which simmered in the light. And his hair was up in a pony-tail, letting his golden strains hang down his back. There was decorated pins placed in the in the rope that tied his hair back. All in all, he was the most beautiful thing Zoro had ever seen.
The people watched as the prince stood beside his uncle. He smiled, then said, "Thank you for coming," and bowed low in respect. Once again, the people clapped and cheered, Luffy shouted, "Yay Sanji!" But only Sanji (and Law, who was still standing beside him) could hear it. After, the party continued and they turned back to their conversations and laughter.
Zoro now found he was able to move again, but once again there were still people in his way. Without taking his eyes of Sanji, he watched as the blond boy started walking down the steps of the throne platform, "Crap!" Zoro had no choice but to push his way through. Sanji was walking somewhere out of sight, "Where's he going?"
After he was out of the crowd, he rushed out through the door Sanji went through. He hand been Sanji's bodyguard long enough to know where he went. The problem was... HE FORGOT HOW TO GET THERE! Nothing too bad right? WRONG! He was lost for seven minutes, "I gotta get there before he decides to leave!"
In the midst of the dark candle-lit hallways was a big figure. Zoro recognized it instantly.
"F-Franky!"
"Huh?" the cyborg turned around, "Oh hey Zoro-bro. Are ya enjoying the party? Wait, shouldn't you be with Sanji?"
"Ugh, I'm trying to get to him. Why is everyone asking me that? Where's the gardens?"
"But... don't you work here?"
"Hurry, I have no time!"
"Go down the hall and turn left!"
"Thanks Franky!" Zoro took off, once he reached the end of the hall he turned right.
"I SAID LEFT ZORO! LEFT!"
"GAH!" Zoro made a skid noise as he halted himself and spun around.
"That's it buddy! Tell Sanji I said happy birthday!"
Zoro finally made it to the gardens, but now he had to make his way through the maze, "I'm getting real' sick of this place," he grumbled as he began his trek.
(A few more minutes later) Zoro made it to the middle of the maze. That is when he saw him. The bodyguard stood up fully, panting heavily. He watched as the prince's golden head turned slowly, his blue eyes widening suddenly.
"Zoro," he said quietly, standing up and facing the man. Before anything else was said, Zoro bowed low.
"I'd like to apologies to you. I've been the worst possible person I can be. Not only as a bodyguard-" he straitened up once again, "-but as the person you want me to be." Sanji was about to say something, "please let me finished. I... I've been very stupid. And blind. I just wanted to let you know that... I..." He looked to the ground, "I want to be more than your bodyguard." Sanji's eyes widened.
"W-what did you say?" Sanji asked in disbelief.
"Listen," Zoro took a step closer, "Ever since the day I became your bodyguard, I've thought that you're the most incredible and amazing person I've ever met. You fascinate me. I have to admit. Whenever I look at you," he took another step closer, "I just want to hold you..." they were getting closer, "...and I wanted... to touch you."
"What... what are you saying?" asked the blond prince, eyes still wide and trembling.
"I'm saying, I'm sorry."
"And?"
"And..." This time Zoro took several steps closer, making them inches apart, "I...love you." Then, Zoro lifted his hand to Sanji's face, and gently pulled the golden bangs out of the prince's face, revealing both blue eyes together for the first time.
They gazed deep into each other's eyes, something they had done so many times before, and yet, this time was different. Zoro's eyes drifted to the boy's lips. Sanji's did the same.
The swordsman suddenly leaned in and whispered into the blond's ear, making him shiver, "Sanji."
"You said my name!" Sanji said, unintentionally pulling away, "I'm so happy!" He beamed. He took several steps back, then turning his back to the swordsman. He didn't mean to, he was just so happy, "I didn't think you'd ever say my name. I was trying to think of ways to make you say it!" He was so excited he didn't know what to do with himself, "I was beginning to give up," the prince admitted.
"Geez you wanted me to say it really bad huh?" Zoro's lips were tingling, they wanted to touch the prince's soft skin in that moment. He watched as Sanji spun back around. His dark blue kimono flowing with his movements. And his golden hair like a long waterfall tied up in a high pony-tale swooshed in the air as he spun around, "Yeah I was almost desperate," he chuckled.
That smile. That golden flowing hair. Those gorgeous blue eyes. Zoro couldn't take the wait any longer. He was able to hold back until now, but with the way his prince looked tonight, he lost all self control. Sanji laughed, "Thank you Zo-"
Zoro grabbed the boy by the waste and slammed their bodies together. Sanji's eyes were as wide as saucers. He felt a pair of rough lips upon his own. When the prince didn't move Zoro pulled away, "Did you do something wrong?" wondered the swordsman. The look on the blond's face was shock. For a moment Zoro thought he might of misunderstood the whole thing, and that he might of just done something unforgivable. They stood frozen. Zoro's heart pounded in his chest.
"I...I'm so sor-" Out of no where Sanji lunged forward and smashed their faces together in a deep kiss. Now Zoro's eyes were wide and Sanji's were squeezed tight. Soon though, both relaxed. Zoro titled his head to one side to deepen their kiss. They finally had to break for air.
Panting loudly, their eyes half closed and full of desire, Sanji spoke first, "I love you Zoro." The green haired boy smirked down at him.
"I love you too, prince Sanji." He saw the way Sanji's eyes sparkled when he said his name, this gave him an idea. Putting his hands on the boy's shoulders, Zoro gently pushed him back on the stone bench by the pond. Sanji sat down, his head tilted upward to gaze up at his bodyguard.
Zoro bent down and hovered above him and kissed him hard. So hard in fact that Sanji was forced on his back. They didn't seem to notice the change, they were still so into each other's mouths. Zoro remembered his plan and continued with it. Bending down even more to reach the prince's ear he whispered, "Sanji."
"Z-Zoro," Sanji blushed. Zoro continued to kiss the other boy's lips lovingly.
"Sanji. Sanji. Sanji," he said over and over again. They were like that for ten good minutes, when Sanji remembered something.
"Zoro!" His eyes shot open as he pushed himself off the bench, "The party! Uncle Zeff is probably wondering where I am. I said I'd be out for only half an hour at the most!"
"Shit," Zoro swore as he stood to his feet, took Sanij's hand, and pulled him up, "Sorry."
"Don't be," Sanji smiled at his bodyguard, "Let's get going," he said before nipping his lips with a tiny kiss.
"Heh. Oh yeah."
"Hm?
"Franky says happy birthday..."
A/N:YAAAAAAS! Finally its happened folks! The forecast shows lovey-doveyness coming up in later chapters. Hope you liked it!