My, my another chapter. You lucky things.

This is a weird, unplanned chapter and grew legs that ran away. It was meant to be a simple Zoro x Sanji bonding chapter but i sort of messed that up a bit...

The Little One That Follows Me
Chapter Thirteen: Monsters

Sanji

Sanji screamed.

Zoro was stood over him, pretending to look worried, but the Cook knew this wasn't the real swordsman. It was someone else.
Someone who could change what they looked like to appear like the swordsman. Someone who had attack the man last night whilst he was on watch.

At first, Sanji had been overjoyed at the thoughts of Zoro initiating that passionate moment. Sanji had been in a daze, until suddenly the man had pulled something from his coat and stabbed Sanji in the side of the neck.

Poison?
A sleeping draught?
Did that mean the man had taken him somewhere?
So that Kaine could take Blue, and Sanji would become the man's possession.

Sanji pushed away from the man pretending to be Zoro, falling from his bed onto the floor. Wait. The bedroom?
Sanji hesitated for a second.

This was still the Sunny. This was his new bedroom.
And Zoro…

"It was a nightmare," Sanji sighed, his hand rubbing his neck where he could still feel the pinching of the dream-needle. "I'm sorry," the swordsman muttered, looking around the room again. "I woke up early, but you weren't in the kitchen nor on watch. Usopp said you had already swapped with him so I came down here and you seemed to be in pain."
Sanji felt himself blush. Okay, so last night was a nightmare, but that didn't mean he was against having… doing that with Zoro. The cook pulled himself up from the floor, dusting himself off.

Huh? Was he… bigger this morning? The man looked down at his stomach. It certainly did look a little more swollen than yesterday. Or was it his imagination?
Slowly, Sanji lifted up his top, forgetting Zoro was watching. There, beneath his top was a visible bump. Nothing massive, but sure enough there was a bump. Sanji looked up to Zoro, utterly beaming. "He's growing."
Zoro was smiling too. Slowly, he moved closer, one hand slightly outstretched. "Can I?" he asked, gesturing towards Sanji's bump. "Of course." Sanji took Zoro's hand and closed the distant. Zoro's hand was warm and comfortable against Sanji's skin. He felt proud as Zoro knelt down, coming even closer. "Hey Blue," he whispered, smiling when Sanji did, although the Cook had a sudden urge to cry. (Seriously these hormones of his!).
"Enough of that," Sanji scolded playfully, pulling himself from Zoro's hands. "Blue can't hear you yet."
"That may be so," the Marimo said, pulling Sanji into a hug. "But that doesn't mean you can't." And with that, Zoro stole another kiss.
This was more passionate than the last. Sanji's breath hitched and for a moment he lost himself. He didn't realise his own hands had crept up Zoro's spine to wind into his short locks….

"MEAT!"

"Oh my god!"

Sanji pushed Zoro away, quickly rushing to his wardrobe. "I can't believe I didn't wake up," he groaned, opening the doors to root for more clothes. It was by coincidence that he pulled out the clothes that Zoro had bought him, but he didn't spend too long thinking about it as he rushed to get ready. Zoro had already left, hopefully to guard the fridge.
Sanji followed shortly after, deciding not to bother with shoes, barging his way into the kitchen as the others had already gathered outside.

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," the man yelled, rushing to the cupboards to pull out a frying pan for Luffy's meat. Everyone else had sandwiches which he had rightly made last night whilst waiting for his night shift on watch. No one seemed to mind, all settling themselves down at the table. Sanji apologised again when he brought drinks to the table, serving up the sandwiches and more meat kebabs for the captain.

It wasn't until Sanji turned back for his own plate did he freeze.
There, on the side of the sink, was a plate and a cup. Pastry flakes lay on the plate and there was coffee stains in the cup.

Sanji stared at it. He had made himself a snack last night but he always, always, cleared up, no matter how tired he felt.
And he always, always made a snack for the next person on shift.

"Usopp?" Sanji called, still facing the sink. "Yeah," the man answered around a mouthful of food. "Last night, when we swapped shifts, what happened?" Usopp laughed for a second, but on realising Sanji was serious, answered as such. "Just the usual really. But you seemed tired and went straight to bed. You were a little edgy so I left you to it. I took over watch and that was it. Why, something wrong?"
"No, just couldn't remember for a second," Sanji lied, his hand moving back to his neck, brushing the skin there.
There was still the pinching sensation…

"Sanji you okay?" Sanji hadn't heard Zoro call out to him. He wasn't really focused on much except the tugging sensation in the pit of his stomach. The baby's weight felt heavier all of a sudden. Not by much, but enough for Sanji to notice.

Was it always so painful to stand up?

The pressure was rising. He tried to take a step backwards, towards the table, but as he did he felt that something pull painfully inside of him, quickly followed by another wave of dizziness. Quickly he slid his plate onto the island, as not to drop the food and waste it. His motions went unnoticed as he turned away from the group, his hands clamping down on the counter top.
The more he thought about it, the more Sanji realised that this feeling was different. It didn't feel like the tugging sensation that came before he was usually sick. This was a different feeling.
A painful feeling.

The pain began to burn stronger. This was a new pain. One he hadn't experienced before; from kicks or hits in a fight.
Not even Marimo had inflicted this much pain when the two had sparred with each other.

But this? This hurt…
Just as painful as the torture, just as strong. Enough to make Sanji want to cry out…

"Cook-san?" Robin's voice called smoothly over the din of their fellow nakama. No one heard her though as they were too entertained by conversation and Luffy's loud complaints about Zoro not being nice and sharing his food. "Oh I'm fine," Sanji smiled warmly, half turning his body, leaving only one hand holding the side in a death grip. Robin smiled back, although she didn't look one hundred percent convinced. "I was just cursing myself," the cook continued, turning back to his plate of food and wondering if he would make it to the table.
Maybe if he waited, the pain would pass. Maybe it would just go if he waited a little longer, like all the other times he got aches and pains after working out. Sanji hesitated for a second. When was the last time he worked out?
Just before his pregnancy. During his fight with the marines…

"I was going to prepare a lovely fruity sauce for the melon platter, but I didn't have time. I'm so glad to have your concern though Robin-chan," he added in his usual swooning tone, ignoring the sweat on his brow. "Oh well if that's all," Robin said, smiling again. She turned her attention back to the table, an extra arm picking up her plate as Luffy's fingers decided to creep in her direction. "Luffy. How many times do I have to tell you to leave the ladies food alone?"

Sanji remained at the side, turning his back to the table once more. His hands were clammy and he could feel himself breathing heavily. Why was Blue giving him so much grief this morning?
But Sanji remembered his dream. Where Blue and Zoro sat on the deck of the Sunny, sometime in the future.
Where Sanji wasn't there, because Sanji had died, giving birth to the baby…

Oh.

I'm dying.

"You can have one more month with your boyfriend before he takes you back." That wasn't right.
Kaine and the fake-Zoro had given him a month. A month to live….

Sanji became aware of the dying voices of the others in the room. It seemed the crew had realised he was still to return to the table.
Maybe they had noticed his sweaty skin, how pale it had become or the way his body seemed to shake slightly. A shiver ran down his spine and the burning sensation increased yet again. No. He wouldn't be able to walk to the table smoothly.
"Sanji are you okay?" The small voice came from the doctor. Concerned yet, laced with something Sanji couldn't quite place… "Yes, Chopper. I'm perfectly alright." The blonde didn't know if he was being convincing or not, but something told him it wasn't quite working. Sanji decided to make his hands busy so the attention would leave him. He reached over to his dirty pots and pans and placed them in the sink. "Hey, Sanji," Nami piped up. "You haven't eaten yet. Why are you washing the dishes?"
"Ah, as diligent as ever dear Nami-san. I was just letting these pots soak as the sauce I made is just a little tricky to clean when it dries," the Cook said, spouting whatever excuse came to his lips first. He hadn't spoken to her like that in a while. Would anyone notice something was off?
Not really. Everyone took the excuse and returned to their chatter, helping themselves as well as cursing the Captain who had taken the opportunity to steal most of everyone else's food. But Sanji's excuse ended quickly when he realised he was still yet to clear away the plates and replace them with a display of fruit. He wouldn't be able to.
And there was no way he could hint to anyone for help without them realising. The only one that would work on was Luffy but the numbskull would just eat all the platters as well as everything in the permanently padlocked fridge (designed to keep said captain out). Sanji remained frozen by the sink, aware that he had been stood still too long. Someone was bound to notice something any second…

Focusing his mind on something else, Sanji tried to pull his mind away from the burning sensation in his stomach. He felt clammy and his breaths were becoming sharp and shallow. Black spots appeared around his vision and he realised that if this pain didn't subside he would faint. And then everyone would know something was wrong.

"Sanji." The little voice came again and Sanji realised how quiet it was. He also realised his was shivering slightly. When did it become so damn cold?
"Sanji are you alright?" It was deadly silent now and the Cook had to take in a deep breath just to concentrate his thoughts. "Of course Chopper," he said, slowly twisting around. He had locked his knees and now only pivoted on the ball of one heel, careful not to move too much. His hand let go from the side for a brief moment before snapping around his body to grip it again. He was now stood facing everyone, his back resting against the countertop.

The crew were staring at him now. The plates were empty and the food cleared. But dinner had been forgotten about and the focus was on Sanji. He gave another smile, aware it could've looked like a grimace. "Sorry I was just a little lost in thought. That's all." He was met with smiles before Luffy's cry shocked everyone. "Sanji! I've eaten dinner. Now where's the dessert?"
Sanji's smile slipped. Shit. There is no way…

"Cook?" The blonde man looked up to the swordsman. He looked puzzled, his eyes a little concerned. Damn Marimo. Why was he so observant?

"Sanji. Food!" came the order from the captain. Sanji's smile dropped completely, revealing a worried expression. The Captain read it the wrong way. "You forgot?"
That got a sniggered response from the marimo. "No," Sanji said quickly, his muscles prepared to move to fetch them but the sudden increase of burning made him stop.

Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. If this goes on I'll…

"Sanji?" Nami stood from her chair, fixing the cook with a pitying expression. Everyone looked more concerned. Usopp stood up, as did the swordsman. Luffy's expression was serious and the others were focused.
"Sanji. Are you in pain?" The little Doctor asked from the table as the navigator continued to approach the cook, one hand outstretched. For some reason, her aim of focus was directed at the small concealed bump. Stop! She can't touch it. She'll realise what's wrong! Sanji's eyes widened in horror as Nami closed the distance.

But before her fingers could rest against the man, Sanji moved his arm. His hand connected with Nami's, slapping her away.

Everyone was on their feet. They gasped in shock as Nami recoiled, taking several steps back from the cook.
Sanji hissed from the pain of moving, aware of Zeff's voice scolding him for what he had just done. Raise a hand against a lady? Outrageous.

Zoro's expression was serious; Luffy's unreadable.
Sanji felt like running. But he couldn't move. All he could do was drop his head, keep his eyes scrunched up, and try to think of anything but his nakama's disbelieving stares. And then everyone found their voices and the questions were pelted at him.

"Sanji how could you?"
"What were you thinking?"

But Sanji heard one voice above all the others. "Cook?"
The sound came from right next to him. As the words was spoken, Sanji felt a hand on his shoulder, another pushing his body to face him. Instantly, the burning pain ripped into agony and Sanji couldn't help but cry out. His façade was destroyed, his knees buckling under the strain of having to force himself to stand. It was too much for the cook.
Tears burst behind scrunched eyelids and he howled in pain. It felt as if his body was ripping him in half. Voices clouded his mind and his vison went black.

Sanji was thrown into darkness.

The sounds of steady beeping woke the man. But what he wasn't expecting, was to wake up in a box.
Sort of.

He was laid in a bed with a box shaped machine over his chest and stomach. Before Sanji could freak out and try to free himself, Brook appeared by his head. "Sanji-san. You're awake. Finally." He smiled, just as Chopper tottered over. His eyes were a little puffy from crying, but he was grinning widely. "Thank goodness," he beamed. "You can go now Brook," Chopper said, ushering the skeleton of the room. The man left all too willingly, closing the door behind him. Sanji could hear his voice through the wood, reassuring someone that Sanji was now awake and ok.

"The baby moved," Chopper said, pulling the weird box machine further up to Sanji's chest. "When he did, he crushed your other organs," the Doctor said, his voice tinted with anger. Sanji sighed. At least the baby was okay. He knew that Chopper was angry at him for hurting Sanji like this, but Blue didn't know what he was doing. If Chopper should be angry at anyone, it should be Kaine. And fake-Zoro.
The one that wanted Sanji…

"Chopper, can you check my blood," Sanji whispered, one hand moving back to the spot where he thought he had been injected. Chopper looked confused. "Yes, I am. But why?" Sanji shrugged. "It doesn't matter. I just thought of something." The small reindeer shrugged it off, pressing weird buttons on the machine which was positioned over Sanji's stomach. "What is it?" the cook asked, a little concerned at the unknown thing so close to Blue. "it's the X.R.A machine. I wanted to use it as soon as possible to check on the baby."
Sanji nodded, watching as a bright light shoe down on his stomach. Chopper pressed more buttons, waiting for the small black screen to flicker on. As he did, something wet and cold touched Sanji's bare stomach. It made him jump, but before he could complain, he saw the screen in front of him flicker on.
And what he saw made him freeze.

It was disgusting.

Sanji could see a black shape, twisted around. There were too many arms, too many legs and nothing cute about what was growing in his stomach.
And he wanted it gone.

"Sanji?-"
"Turn it off."

Chopper was shocked by the anger in the man's voice. "Turn it off," Sanji repeated, feeling the urge to vomit. Kaine was using him to breed a monster.
Nami was right. What he had growing inside him, was a monster.

Chopper pushed the machine away. As soon as he could, Sanji stood up, grabbing the blankets to wipe away the gel the machine had put on his skin. He pulled the hoodie down over his bump; once something he was proud of, now something he didn't want anyone to see. He felt repulsed by the idea of a monster in his chest, ready to claw its way out and destroy everything, just as Kaine had planned.
Sanji felt like stabbing the thing himself. He should've known the result of an experiment as demented as impregnating a man would not result in a sweet child.
The cook felt like something was ripping out his heart. Ripping out his heart, crushing it in its hands and the shredding the remains.

The man stumbled from the infirmary, out to the back of the ship. He leaned on the railings, trying to stop the dizziness spell that had washed over him. He was aware of eyes on him, but he didn't want the attention right now. He was too busy thinking of something…

His kitchen knives?
No. He couldn't taint them with something as evil as the parasite that lived inside him.

Sanji felt another pang of guilt shot through him but he opted to ignore it.

One of Chopper's scalpels?
Brook's cane?
One of Franky or Usopp's tools from the workshop.

"Oi, cook. What's up with you?"

No.
Sanji knew what to use.

"It's nothing," he said, turning around to the man. "I'm just a little disorientated that's all."
Sanji watched, staring as the man stood there, his hand resting on the perfect implement. "Not cuz I was worried about you or something," he said awkwardly, scratching the back of his head.

What Sanji did next, he wasn't proud of. He knew he shouldn't have done it; toying with the swordsman's emotions to get what he wanted.
But he needed to kill this parasite, before it needlessly stole his life…

"I can't think straight," Sanji said, moving closer to lay his head on Zoro's chest. "It's all too much. Please…"
Sanji tilted his head up, catching the marimo's lips with his own, searching for a reaction.

He got one.
Two large hands grabbing his arms, firmly, yet gently. A warm tongue nipping at Sanji's lips, silently asking for permission as he touched at Sanji's sensitive skin.
Sanji complied, his lips parting to let Zoro enter. The blonde moaned softly, trying to block the thoughts of his nightmare.

This was Zoro.
This was the real Zoro.

And he would be the one to cut out the parasite.
If not, then it would be Sanji.

Sanji lay on his bed, his breath slightly hitched. In the heat of things, he had removed all of his clothes, something he now regretted as he stared at the horrible swelling of his lower abdomen.
Zoro was also naked, now laid beside him, asleep on the bed, his nudity covered by a blanket.

The man's gentle snores were comfort to the cook as he sat there. Wado was in his hands, still in her sheath. Sanji felt guilty for taking her, but he needed a weapon. He needed something strong enough to cut the parasite out.
With shaking hands, Sanji drew Wado from her sheath. Sanji felt the weight grow in his hands, as if there was something weighing the sword down.
It wasn't evil, nor was it unpleasant. A sad, loving memory.

Sanji held his breath, pulling the sword out further. He could see his pale reflection mirrored in her blade.
He couldn't help but freeze at the sight of the mussed hair, revealing two shadowed eyes that looked sad and tired.

"Do you need to do this?"

Sanji's gaze was broken by the sound of a child.

"Sanji."

The Cook looked around him, but he couldn't see anyone.
"You won't just hurt yourself by doing this," the girl continued, her voice soft and slow as she spoke. "You'll be hurting your nakama, your family and the one you cherish most." Slowly, the blonde looked down to the sword. Was it her talking?
Suddenly another voice chimed in, similar to the little girls although sweeter, kinder. Her voice was gentle, her words calming, touched with a giggle of childish laughter. "Sanji."
The man pulled Wado close. Was this another dream?

"Who are you?" He called quietly, in hopes to get an answer.
"Please don't do this," the second voice said, ignoring the man's question. The first joined in, trying to convince Sanji to stop. "I've seen evil. I have killed evil by Zoro's side. We have seen and heard far more than you know, but at least know this. The child that you bare, is not evil."

Sanji hesitated. "Please, tell me who you are?" he called again, his voice growing.
He didn't notice Zoro stirring on the bed.

The second girl giggled again. "We watch over you Sanji. We keep you safe. We keep all of you safe."
"But who are you?" Sanji asked again, his voice begging to know the answer. "Please! Why would you know of my child? How would you know what I was going to do? How could you know that my child isn't evil?"

"The machine Franky and Usopp made for you was wrong," the first voice said. "Take another look before you kill them, or you will regret it afterwards."
"Please don't harm them Sanji," the second voice called. "They are your nakama, and your children after all. Even if it was Kaine that gave you this ability to bear your own family, don't throw it away."

"Look again."
"Look again!"

"Sanji!"
The man looked up, aware of Zoro's voice. The Marimo was sat up on the bed, reaching out desperately as if. Sanji stared at his hands, at the way the held Wado, poised over his bump, ready to drive the blade through his flesh. How had he...?

"Sanji! What are you doing?" Zoro asked, his movements slow as he moved across the bed. He was treating the man like a scared animal, as if any sudden movement would make Sanji strike down at himself injuring… "I'm sorry," Sanji said, pulling Wado's tip from his bare skin, passing the sword back to the green-haired man. "I didn't mean to take her without permission," Sanji said, his voice hollow. "Why would you-"
"I need to see Chopper," Sanji said, standing up, letting the bed sheets fall from his bare skin. "Sanji, look." Zoro was in awe, staring at Sanji's body, seemingly forgetting that the man was about to commit Seppuku. The man looked down himself. "You've grown again."

It was true.
The bump was larger than it had been yesterday. Sanji stared down at it, a subtle breath of warmth rolling across his skin. He still felt affection for what resided in his body, but what if it was a monster.
Even now Sanji was searching for a small glimmer of hope that it wasn't…. Were the girls right?

"Hey Zoro," Sanji said, turning to the man. "Does… does Wado ever talk to you?" The marimo looked shocked, and very confused at those words. "What do you mean?" Sanji shook his head. "Nothing. I was just dreaming."
The man said no more as he moved to his wardrobe, searching through his clothes, pulling ones on that left his bump looking partially concealed. He left the bedroom quickly, unaware of the Marimo trying to talk to him. He hadn't thought anything of waking up beside the man, after their conversation last night and where it led to.
Sanji felt his cheeks blush slightly. Okay, it bothered him some but he wasn't opposed to it. His night with Zoro felt more like a one night stand than anything. Besides, Zoro would be angry with him if he found out that Sanji only slept with him so that he could get to his swords. Maybe it was better if they just pretended it never happened. And then they could go back to their usual routines….

Sanji prepared breakfast like always, but instead of sitting with the rest of the crew, he took himself away to the observation tower to think. If the others thought it odd, no one mentioned anything, instead letting the man do as he pleased.

"They are worried about you, you know." It was the girl from this morning. The gentle one.
"You will tell them what's happening, won't you," she pressed, her voice on the edge of tearing. "I care for all of you Sanji, but I cannot do much as I am."

"And just who are you?" Sanji asked again. He hadn't got his answer that morning, but with the way the girl was speaking, Sanji didn't think he'd get an answer now.
"Where's your friend," he asked instead. "With Zoro."
"Can he hear her then?"

"Sometimes. When he listens."

The girl began to hum. Sanji could almost see the smile on her lips. "You do love him, don't you?" she sang.
Sanji hesitated before replying. He sat himself down on one of the sofas, his eyes gazing out to sea.

"Yes. I've always admired him. I guess I just wanted him to notice me as his equal. That's why I always fought with him. I wanted him to notice me. But he's only noticed me because of Blue. He wouldn't take a second look at me if it wasn't for him."

Sanji wasn't aware of his voice breaking. He just continued to stare out of the window, his eyes on the horizon.
A flicker caught his eye. A veil of white.
Sanji stared at the figures reflection, his body twisting to face into the room.

A girl stood in the centre, her body clothed in a white dress with a white hood. The tips of white hair could be seen underneath her hood.
The girl smiled, pushing the material back to reveal two golden glowing eyes.

"Sanji. We both know that is not true. He cares for you as deeply as the others but his love for you is in a different form."
The girl took a step closer. Sanji couldn't help but watch her, mesmerised by her body that had been wrapped in a gentle ethereal glow.

"Tell me what to do," Sanji begged.
How he knew he could trust this girl, he did not know, only that he did and that she was the one that would help him.
Just then, the air beside the girl shimmered, and another stepped forward, only this time, her skin was golden, her hair golden and her eyes a shining white. "Oh Sanji." The girl was gentle, older. "You bare too much weight. Your Nakama, and even I are here to help you share this load." She wasn't the first voice.
This was another girl.

Both of them seemed familiar, like family, yet Sanji didn't recognise their faces. "You're… you're…"
"It's been a while Sanji," the younger girl smiled.

Sanji couldn't believe it.
She was still here, with them all. She hadn't gone.
She was still sailing the Grand line with everyone, here aboard the Going Sunny.

"Come Sanji," the girls said, holding their hand out. "We'll go together."
Sanji let the girls lead him back to the grass deck, up the stairs, past the kitchen and to the back of the ship. They entered the infirmary door, locking it behind so that no one could enter. Sanji hesitated at the sight of the machine, still on, still whirring away.

"Come see," the girls whispered, floating just in front of the screen.
"Come see Sanji." They faded slowly, letting Sanji take their place, too look down at the picture of his body.

And there, curled around in his chest was Blue.
Beside him, lay another.
And another.

Sanji stared, the gross form of a monster vanishing to reveal three small babies nestled in his stomach.
Three babies.

Three Blues.
No.

Baby Blue, Baby Sky and Baby Indigo.

Sanji stared at his children.
How could he have dreamt of hurting these precious children?
His children.

Sanji sank to his knees, hugging his small bump gently, vowing that nothing would ever harm them again.

Seppuku - When a swordsman kills himself with his own sword.

So Guys, what do you think? Any guesses as to the three girls were (in order of apperance)

Favourite/Follow/Review

xxxxx