25.

The door closed behind him with a hollow click, and the dull sound triggered all the things Sanji had been desperately trying to bury deep inside. Bile burned in the back of his throat as the memory of Zoro's incredulous and angry expression haunted him. It was the same look of deep hurt that had been on Zoro's face that day when Sanji had aimed his gun at his lover.

Sanji's knees gave, and he sunk into a crouch - right there in the hall. Tears were streaming down his face as he crossed his arms over his knees and buried his face in the crook of his elbow. This was so much worse than he'd imagined. Actually seeing the reality of what he had done felt like someone had thrust broken glass into his heart and twisted it, viciously ripping up his insides.

He didn't doubt for a minute that Zoro hated him now.

It was only to be expected - lies, betrayal, abandonment - there was a nauseatingly long list of horrible things he'd inflicted on Zoro. Worst of all he was STILL selfish enough to be shedding tears over his own feelings of loss after seeing the anger and fear in Zoro's eyes. He was a disgusting, horrible, sick fuck, and yet here he was wishing desperately that Zoro would comfort him, let him apologize, and make all the bad feelings go away. Sniffling behind the shelter of his own arms, Sanji contemplated if it would be better to drown himself in the nearest toilet, or to let Zoro stab him to death.

"Sanji?"

Nami's voice and the all-too-near sound of footsteps had him jumping up in a panic. He still hadn't told any of his friends how his relationship with Zoro had changed… and if he had his way they'd never find out. Cursing softly, Sanji rubbed at his teary eyes and the wet tear-tracks on his face. Considering he would probably be stabbed as soon as Zoro could move, at least he wouldn't have to worry much longer about hiding this whole mess. He tucked a smoke between his lips and flicked on the switch, schooling his features into a scowl just as Nami and Luffy stepped around the corner.

"Did he wake up?" Luffy's eyes were sparkling like a kid with a new toy and Sanji's silent nod made them shine even brighter, "YES! ZOROOOO!"

The damn rubber idiot crashed through the door without hesitation, and Sanji rolled his eyes - grinning just a little at their new doctor's horrified squeals, "DON'T YOU DARE JUMP ON HIM! HE'S SLEEPING, YOU BASTARD!" Sanji doubted that even Zoro could sleep through that ruckus. He chuckled darkly as he breathed out a stream of smoke.

"Sanji…" He startled to suddenly notice how close Nami was - her eyes sharp with little worry lines creasing on her pretty forehead.

"Have you… been crying? Are you alright?"

Well shit. He should have known that someone as amazing and smart as Nami would be able to see through him quickly. He put on the best smile he could manage. "I'm fine, my dear swan. I just got a fateful of smoke earlier when some of that shitty fake meat got a tad overcooked."

Nami's frown deepened, "Sanji, you have NEVER overcooked a thing in your life." Her eyes darted over to glance into the room where Chopper and Luffy were wrestling on the floor and Zoro's legs could be seen - wrinkling the sheets as he stirred sleepily. "You spoke to him didn't you? What happened? What did he say? I swear, if he hurt you after…!" She threateningly cracked her knuckles while scowling darkly - not that his swan looked anything less than gorgeous while doing so...

He interrupted before she could say any more and come closer to cracking his fragile mask. "I'm fine. We spoke. We both need… more time."

She patted his arm before leaning to kiss his cheek, "It'll be okay. I promise. I know we asked you to do something awful, but you did what you had to do, and you guys were friends for a long time before this happened. He has to understand, right?"

Sanji just nodded numbly as she smiled and bounded into the room to scream at Luffy. He knew she meant well, but they couldn't know what he'd lost with Zoro. There was NO chance the man would ever love him after this. Even if it was selfish, even if Zoro did someday forgive him - Sanji just couldn't bear to settle for a cautious friendship. He had fallen hard for Zoro, and now he couldn't help but wonder if he'd made the right choice by keeping his promise to Luffy.

Brushing some invisible dust from his clothes, Sanji took a deep drag of his smoke and considered the precious, real tobacco that he had hidden away in his room. This occasion just might be shitty enough to warrant a little indulgence. Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Sanji walked slowly down the hall. After getting a real cigarette he was going to cook. He didn't care what it was just as long as it took his mind off the sight of Zoro lying so very still and covered in blood.

"Oh, you're here, Sanji."

"Miss Robin…" Shaking himself, Sanji pasted on a smile, "What can I do for you my sweet swan? I was just headed to the kitchen. Perhaps I could make you some coffee?"

Robin looked at him keenly until he fidgeted uncomfortably where he stood. Her eyes were still sharp, but her smile sweet as she nodded, "I would like that very much."

Sanji felt his heart melt. His lovely Robin had obviously noticed his distress and decided to comfort him with her soothing company! Humming merrily, Sanji offered Robin his arm and escorted her down the hall once she had tucked her dainty hand into the crook of his elbow.

"Ah! Please forgive me my dear, but I need to get something from my room."

Robin chuckled softly and let him go, "It's quite alright. I am in no hurry."

His step was light as he pressed the button for his room. Moving inside as the door opened, he made a beeline for the crate that carried his personal possessions. He shifted aside a few cookbooks to reach the bottom of the crate, and he spotted a stray bottle cap. It was Zoro's favorite beer.

"Is something wrong, Mr. Sanji?"

"No." Sanji grabbed the box holding his tobacco and rolling papers and slipped the bottle cap into his pocket to throw away.

He met Robin in the doorway where she had been watching him with open curiosity, "Sorry for the delay my sweet. Shall we go?" Robin readily took his arm once more, falling into step at his side, "Would you care for anything with your coffee? A scone? A parfait?"

"Just your company."

"It would be my pleasure!" Sanji smiled brightly and opened the kitchen door before stepping aside to let Robin through.

Humming softly, Sanji flicked off the cartridge on his smoke and slipped it in his pocket as he gathered the things he needed for Robin's coffee. He put the pot on to brew and filled the teakettle with water for himself. Unable to stay idle while the drinks were getting ready, he selected a couple of oranges from a bowl on the counter and began peeling away the rinds.

Robin watched him quietly with her chin in her palm and her elbow resting comfortably on the table. After he'd cleaned and sectioned one orange and then begun on the second she pointed out, "Things have been rather hectic lately."

Sanji grunted in agreement as he poured the freshly-brewed coffee into a cup and added just the right amount of sugar. Robin didn't seem at all bothered by the blonde's lack of reply as he concentrated on arranging the orange slices on a dish after preparing the coffee. She smiled as she watched him work, "It feels like a long time since we've been able to sit and talk like this."

Handing Robin her coffee and placing the oranges within reach, Sanji nodded in agreement before returning to the stove to make his tea, "It has been too long. I've missed our talks my dear."

"We have a lot to catch up on."

Humming an agreement, Sanji brought his tea over and took the seat across from Robin. Her smile grew sly and she leaned closer to Sanji. "You never told me - exactly how you found out the Force's plans. Did that man tell you himself?"

Sanji felt a wave of guilt and nausea as he thought back to his betrayal, "He didn't… Zoro would never do something like that."

"So he's just another dog of the Force." Robin's tone was sharp and her eyes calculating.

"No!" Sanji couldn't help the need to come to Zoro's defense, "It's not like that. He's just… He doesn't lie. The shitty bastard can't even follow someone properly…"

"Oh? He was careless then?"

Sanji shook his head sadly, "I got close to him. It wasn't until after we…" Cutting himself off, Sanji pulled out his box and began tucking tobacco into the paper and rolling it with skillful fingers. His voice was quiet as he watched Robin's face, "What is this about?"

"I am merely curious." Robin took a long sip of her coffee as Sanji licked the edge of his paper to finish off the cigarette and stuck it between his lips before pulling a battered, old lighter from his tobacco box. "You have heard that our leader wishes to keep him on. I just want to be sure that is a wise choice."

"I don't know…" Sanji exhaled his precious tobacco smoke on a sigh, "But you don't have to worry about Zoro. He's a good man."

"May I?" Robin held out her hand with a smile. Sanji willingly handed over his cigarette and watched as Robin tucked it between her lovely lips. She took a long drag before releasing a smokey breath, "So. How intimate were the two of you?"

Sanji choked on his tea, and curled over the table coughing, "I-I don't know what you mean…"

"Sanji," Robin's voice held a dangerous edge, "There is an enforcer lying a few rooms away from us that, to our knowledge still IS an enforcer. Right now he is weak. All it would take is a hand over his mouth and nose to…"

"DON'T TOUCH HIM!"

Sanji was red in the face and panting after his outburst. It wasn't until he sunk back into his chair that he realized that he'd stood and shouted at his precious Robin. She also looked surprised for a moment, but her lips curved into a sly smile as she handed Sanji back his cigarette. He took it gratefully and breathed in the soothing smoke as he slumped unhappily against the back of his chair. Robin thoughtfully tapped the edge of her cup, "What a surprise. You're in love with him."

"That… it doesn't matter. Not anymore. You don't have to worry, Robin. If Zoro goes along with Luffy then he will keep his word."

"And what about you?"

Sanji stared down at his tea, his fingers trembling slightly as they tightened around the cup, "What's done is done. I am a Strawhat, and I did what was best for my gang. I am afraid though that there may be some… trouble between me and Zoro. But maybe if I stay away…"

Robin stood, reaching out to fondly brush a stray lock of hair behind Sanji's ear before leaning in to kiss the top of his head. Sanji sniffled, trying his hardest to hold back his tears. He weakly swooned over Robin's gentle attempt to comfort him, "Sweet Robin! My heart is filled to bursting with love for you! I do not deserve the attention of such a goddess…" His voice trailed off as a fierce ache grew in his throat.

"That's all I wanted to ask…" Robin petted his hair again before turning to go, "There is something else. A man named Usopp…" Sanji jerked guiltily in his chair and lifted his head to stare at Robin's back, "He has asked to meet with Luffy. It seems he doesn't know that your enforcer survived. He was quite distraught."

Robin glanced over her shoulder, "He also lived with you, yes?"

Sanji nodded, "He's a… he WAS a good friend. We got along well."

"And Franky?"

He blinked in surprise, "The cyborg? What does he have to do with any of this? He was a regular at the bar?"

Robin stepped through the kitchen door, "I imagine we'll leave soon if you want to see them."

Sanji straightened his spine and sat properly in his chair. He listened to the kitchen door shut as he contemplated his tea. Should he go? He had betrayed Usopp and Brook as well as Zoro. He doubted the long-nosed sniper would be happy to see him. However, he was incredibly curious as to what Usopp and Franky were doing together, and what they wanted with Luffy…

He sat quietly, resolving to go but then second-guessing himself over and over until his cigarette was spent. He tapped off the last of his ashes into his cold tea before stubbing out the butt on the bottom of his shoe. His stood slowly, gathering his cup and the uneaten oranges. His body felt heavy, and his senses felt dulled. He put the oranges in the fridge so they would keep, and carefully washed his cup; then Robin's cup. Sanji put everything away and then closed the cupboard door.

"They must have met them by now…" Sanji sighed and fished his electronic cigarette out of his pocket. His fingers lingered longingly on the box that held his real tobacco a moment before withdrawing and tucking his smoke between his lips, flicking on the cartridge. He felt lethargic and irritable. His shoes dragged slightly as he walked back toward his room. "I want to sleep…"

'SANNNNNJIIIIII!"

"Lu… Luffy!"

Sanji yelped as the enthusiastic gang leader bowled him over at full steam. He cursed from on the ground as Luffy chortled and grappled with his flailing limbs. Nami stood over them with crossed arms and an adorable pout, "Geez. We were waiting for so long!"

Kicking out viciously, Sanji watched Luffy's body skid down the hall and slam into a wall with satisfaction. He sat up and looked to Nami and Robin, who had also joined them, with confusion. "You waited… for me?"

'Shishishishishi! Robin said these guys are your friends! Your heart is hurt because that green guy got hurt! Won't your friends will help you feel better?"

"Luffy…"

Wiping some blood from his nose with the back of his hand, Luffy jumped to his feet with a huge grin, "Let's go, Sanji! I'm hungry!"

"HOW IS THAT RELATED?!" Sanji snarled and sprang to his feet, brushing the wrinkles out of his suit. "It feels shitty - being worried about by an idiot like you…"

Robin smiled at him as she walked by, "We shouldn't keep them waiting any longer."

-/-/-/-/-/-/-

"What's taking so long?!" Usopp paced angrily, occasionally stopping to adjust his new weapon, "Do you think she lied to us?"

Franky shrugged looking up from the mess of gears and wires in his hands, "I don't know, bro. That would be suuuuuper uncool. However, she is very mysterious. A cool beauty, ow! So it's possible…"

Fuming, Usopp turned his dark scowl on Franky, "You told me she would lead us to the Strawhats! Didn't you say you knew where their bases were?!"

"Hey, hey! It's not as simple as that! You saw for yourself right? That the bar was closed? They are suuuuuper careful and they move around a lot. I don't know where their new base is!"

"Shit!" Usopp was in near tears as he gripped his hair in frustration, "I won't let them have Zoro! I just won't…"

Franky was silent except for the soft clicking of his mechanical fingers. Usopp ground his teeth in frustration. He was on the verge of snapping at the cyborg when the soft hum of an aerocar drew near to under the abandoned ruins of the overpass where Usopp and Franky were waiting. His head whipped around toward the sound, "Franky…"

"I hear it."

Franky tossed away the object he'd been fiddling with and stood, rotating his hand out to check his gun before spinning it back into place with a hollow click. Usopp grabbed some of the strange, round ammunition to keep it handy as he clutched the tall slingshot in his other hand. A small, dirty aerocar landed outside of the overpass, and Usopp watched grimly as the Strawhats stepped out to stand among the debris. His throat went dry and his hands shook with rage as Sanji came to stand and stare at him with a blank expression.

"You…" His voice cracked embarrassingly, so Usopp cleared his throat to try again, "You have my friend! GIVE ME BACK ZORO!"

"Shishishishishi, no way! He's gonna be my swordsman!" The infamous outsmuggler and gang leader, Luffy stepped forward with his finger digging up his nose as he chuckled, "Your nose is so cool! Can I touch it?"

Usopp's mouth flapped uselessly as he stared at this fearsome criminal in shock. Franky stepped forward, "I'm super confused right now. Usopp here wants to bring back his bro to give him a proper funeral. How…?"

Luffy shrugged, "Chopper says he needs to sleep and we can't bother him, so you can't have him!"

"Wait…" The slingshot clattered to the ground as Usopp fell to his knees, his hands limp at his sides and his eyes wide and teary, "Zoro is… ALIVE?!"

A broad smile spread across Luffy's face as he stood there before holding out his hand. Usopp looked at the waiting hand, stunned, and after a moment his self-control and anger all evaporated. Tears were streaming freely down Usopp's cheeks as he stared stupidly at the gang leader. How could this be?! He had been there! He had seen everything!

"Come with us!"

Luffy's eyes were shining as he took a step closer, hand still extended, "Let's go together!"