Author's Note: Okay, so something I'm going to do now besides say I don't own One Piece or Titanic, I will warn you of this: it's not sexual content so much as I kinda ended up making this a bit more dramatic then I had intended. Chapter 29 is written, and if you'd believe it, it's at least 11 000 words long and I swear, I didn't mean to do that. So basically, if you guys give me a nice amount of reviews (maybe I could have a total sum of reviews of 175?), you'll get a giant update for you. I did not mean for this to get so emotional, I swear, I didn't. I also pardon for my strange way of writing fight scenes when it comes to Zoro and Sanji. The thing is every time I write one, I'm always thinking, "I know Sanji's good and capable, but how does Zoro deliver blows without chopping him up into smithereens?" Because we like Sanji whole, not in boxed up packages.


Beautiful Disaster
By: Setkia


Full Summary

Sanji is the assistant cook of the world-renowned restaurant, the Baratie, the only restaurant like it in the world. He's a successful chef and flirts with the customers every chance he can get but there's a problem. It's all a facade. The cooks give a new meaning to the word "abusive", both mental and physical. The only thing keeping Sanji alive is his love for cooking and a good ol' pack of cigarettes.

Zoro Roronoa is a swordsman who suddenly has more change in his pocket than he expected and enters the Baratie by recommendation. His waiter happens to be a curly browed man with an adoration for cigarettes. An attempt speak to the head chef goes horribly wrong and he gets sucked into the crumbling world of the chef's, wondering how he can possibly save him and better yet, why does he want to save him in the first place?


Chapter 28: Play Fighting


"Hello boys, why are you here today?" asked the barmaid with a bright smile on her face. She eyed Zoro's swords. "Are you here to fight?"

"Yeah," said Zoro.

Makino nodded. "Well, there are some good opponents down there today so—"

"Oh, I'm not fighting them," Zoro said, cutting her off. He ignored Sanji telling him it was beyond rude to interrupt a lady and continued. "I'm fighting him," he gestured towards Sanji. "Nami's been getting on our backs for it for the past while," he explained. "So we figured we'd start the new year off with a bang."

Makino gave him a strange look. "But it's already the second week of January."

"Yes but, see, the Marimo here," Sanji gestured towards Zoro, "didn't want to be all bloody for the first week."

"As if you could beat me," Zoro scoffed.

"We'll see," Sanji teased back. "Can we go down?"

Makino nodded with a big grin. "Stay safe boys!"

"We will!" Sanji told her and they descended the stairs.

The moment the two were visible by Yosaku and Johnny, they quickly ushered them inside and the swordsman and cook were greeted by Nami almost immediately.

"So?" she pressed.

"So what?" asked Zoro in a gruff voice.

Sanji rolled his eyes at Zoro's inability to be chivalrous. "Good evening Nami, Zoro and I are here ready to fight, as you asked of us?" He sent her a grin. "We're ready when you are."

"How can you just tell her something like that?" demanded Zoro.

Sanji rolled his eyes. "I think she deserves to know," he pointed out. "Anyway," he said, ignoring Zoro's scowl, "when do you want us to fight?"

"Well, Luffy's in the middle of a fight right now, so once he's done I suppose," she replied. She looked giddy, as though all of her dreams had come true. "I can't believe you guys are actually going to fight!" She seemed to squeal. "This is going to the be the fight of the century!"

Zoro rolled his eyes, but Sanji dragged him to their usual table and sat down.

"Come on, it won't be that bad," Sanji said. "We just need to have fun, that's all."

"Good luck having fun when I bash your face in," Zoro said with a playful grin.

"What makes you think I'll lay down easily?" Sanji asked.

"Oh, it's on cook!" Zoro said, a big smile spreading across his face.

He swore, Zoro's smile was infectious and that was why he looked like an idiot at that moment when Luffy got away from the crowd and patted Sanji on the back proudly. Zoro went off to mentally prepare himself and Sanji realized something. This would be the first time he saw Zoro fight for a reason other than training. He was kind of excited.

"You going to be okay with this?"

Sanji looked at Luffy strangely. "What do you mean?"

"I mean Zoro's really competitive, he won't care if you're a friend or an enemy, he goes all out. And plus, you're in a relationship, aren't you?"

Sanji nodded. "It's fine, you're worrying too much Luffy," he assured him. "I respect Zoro as a swordsman, rival and adversary. It'd be stupid to take him on without knowing what he's capable of, I know exactly what I'm getting into. But Luffy, you forgot something." Sanji turned to him with a wide grin. "Zoro may be a tough fighter and a brilliant swordsman, but he's also the one who trained me. I'll be fine."

Luffy nodded, as though thoroughly convinced that everything was going to be fine. He grinned and gave Sanji a thumbs up before sitting down next to Nami to watch the fight.

Though Sanji had just relaxed Luffy, he now felt tense as he stepped into the ring. He breathed and grinned at Ace, probably looking more confident than he felt. He could not deny that Zoro was an amazing fighter, that was impossible to say without being a complete and utter liar and Sanji wasn't going to become Usopp. At the same time though, he liked to think he and Zoro were on even ground, both putting in the same amount of effort into their fights and trying to one-up each other with an equal amount of struggle. He liked to think he was a bit of a challenge for the green-haired man.

"Tonight," said Ace in a loud voice, "we are here to see the fight of the century!"

The entire crowd cheered and Sanji gave Zoro a look, who was watching him from his corner of the arena. They exchanged smirks. Nami knew how to advertise.

"We have Zoro, a returning champion, master of Santoryu, three-sword style. He's tough, he's strong, he's agile, he kinda reminds me of a ballerina at times—"

"Ace," Zoro said through gritted teeth, warning him.

"And in the other corner," Ace said changing topic, but not before quickly sending Zoro a wink, "we have Sanji! Now you must know this blond, he's impressed us since his first fight against the great Captain Luffy and even in pointless bar fights, has come out victorious with style. Neither man has lost a battle." Sanji didn't want to mention how Zoro's encounter with Mihawk had injured him and landed him in the hospital and it seemed Zoro wasn't in the mood to correct him either. "Now, Sanji, or rather, Blackleg Sanji as we've come to call him, has never fought against an armed opponent before, as far as we know," said Ace. "Which could make this fight a little hard on him, however, a fact that is little known to others is that this swordsman and this savate master are roommates!"

Both Zoro and Sanji sent Ace a look. The entire crowd seemed rather interested in this fact and Sanji swore once the match was over, he was going to fucking kill Ace. He was pretty sure he and Zoro were on the same page.

"So perhaps this match won't be easy on this green-haired man's conscious." Ace grinned, far too happily for a man who was being glared at by Partys two most fierce fighters. "Now, let's revise the rules once more. Our little tangerine has requested special rules for this fight. Unlike the other fights, you boys are allowed free reign of the bar. If you want to take it into the stands, go nuts. Or so she says. Still though, this is not a death match, so please, no aiming for vital organs, we'd like to refrain from having to send one of you two to the hospital." He gave Zoro a look before continuing. "However, another point where this match differs from the others is the following: the crowd has no say in when this match will end. We are no longer the ones who determine whether or not the match is over, the match ends when either one of you two are knocked unconscious or until one of you surrender."

Sanji and Zoro scoffed at the thought.

Ace grinned as though to say he knew that would be their reaction. "Now, shall we?"

The entire crowd began to count down from three and the last thing Sanji heard clearly was Ace's voice booming, screaming, "FIGHT!"

The first attack, Sanji didn't even see coming. It went straight for his head and he had to duck, missing it by a second. He frowned. "Hey, bastard, you got my cigarette!" he yelled. His cigar had fallen out due to his surprise and was now no longer usable. "Fucking Marimo!" he shouted, before aiming a kick for his stomach.

The swordsman saw it, read it and instantly reacted. He blocked it with Sandai and, to Sanji's joy, Shusui. He grinned. "Nice sword, where'd you get it?"

"Oh you know," Zoro said with a shrug, his smirk as powerful with a sword in his mouth as it was without. "Just a little present."

Sanji laughed and jumped back from him. It didn't even feel like fighting, more like they were … playing with each other.

Zoro had a mischievous glint in his eyes.

Read him, what's he doing? Focus. Focus Sanji.

Zoro's swords were crossed over his chest. So he was planning on striking that way, huh?

Sanji jumped out of the way, landing on a table. He didn't want to disturb those who were eating, or rather, drinking seeing as it didn't seem anything solid was going down anyone's mouth at this hour. Though they were given free control over the downstairs basement, he didn't want to rack up a bill. He jumped back into the ring and went to attack Zoro in the face.

"And he misses by a mere millimetre!"

That was Ace.

Sanji's head reeled to see Ace with a megaphone. "What's Blackleg doing now?" asked the older brother. He seemed to be laughing at him.

Blackleg … Sanji liked the name.

He only just caught the sound of Zoro's sword swinging and skidded back. "Your fight's over here," said Zoro with a grin on his face.

"Wouldn't want it any other way," Sanji told him with a smirk.

"What's this? Now Blackleg's attacking with consecutive blows to the stomach! Is the great Pirate Hunter Roronoa Zoro being forced onto the defence?"

Sanji gave Zoro a look. "Pirate hunter?" he repeated, blocking an attack from Zoro's sword.

"Luffy's idea," he replied. "Shouldn't you pay more attention to me?"

"And look at that, Zoro's taken the lead back!"

Sanji ducked, avoiding a blow to his head. Zoro, caught off balance, teetered forward. Sanji kicked him in the back. Just when he thought Zoro would hit the floor, the man's hands came out to stop himself and he used the floor to push himself up again. He went to attack Sanji with all three swords in a special style attack, obviously, but with the way Sanji managed to dodge and evade, he only got a nick on the shoulder.

"Marimo! I just got this shirt fixed!" Sanji snapped, kicking harshly at Zoro's legs, trying to catch him off balance again.

It didn't work. "It's a shitty shirt anyway!"

"The fighters seemed to have taken to insulting each other while brawling!"

"SHUT UP!" both Zoro and Sanji snapped at the man.

"Oh, am I in trouble?" came Ace's voice with a chuckle.

No, it wouldn't do well to get distracted. Sanji could tune Ace out, it couldn't be that hard. Dropping himself to the floor, Sanji used his hands to sturdy himself as he made a forceful kick that got Zoro right in the gut. If Zoro were a normal person, he'd probably have fallen down, but Zoro wasn't a normal person and instead, he just staggered back.

He gripped his swords tighter and went to strike at Sanji. It took Sanji a moment to get himself back on his feet, but that was all Zoro needed to sweep underneath his feet and throw him off balance.

Sanji hit the floor, the wind knocked out of him. His chest tightened once more as Zoro went to attack him, to slice at Sanji, when Sanji used his feet to kick forcefully and he watched as one of his feet connected with the blade of Sandai. With a forceful push, the sword came out of Zoro's hand and embedded itself into the wall between a couple who had previously been making out.

"Sorry," Sanji apologized as he tried to stand, but just as he was getting up, Zoro jumped on him, trapping him on the ground.

Sanji wasn't going to lie. The swordsman was heavy.

With the wind knocked out of him, he tried to breathe and found he was having trouble. He was having a lot of trouble, actually. He tried to manoeuvre himself underneath him, but Zoro had him caught, grabbing his legs tightly. Sanji squirmed, but Zoro wouldn't let go.

"Fucking bastard," Sanji said through gritted teeth.

Zoro smirked. "Ditto."

Sanji rolled his hips forward, causing Zoro to freeze. His grip on Sanji didn't loosen, in fact, it tightened. Using his upper body strength, Sanji forced himself up so that he was in a sitting position. He then placed his arms a fair distance behind his head before thrusting upwards with his hips, trying to lift himself off the ground. Zoro was gritting his teeth and Sanji could tell this position was causing Zoro to get distracted.

Zoro's full weight and pressure on him was lifted temporarily and that was all it took for Sanji to flip himself over, his legs lifting and landing where his hands were in a way that was almost unnatural. Correction: it was unnatural. Zoro, still trying to hold on, was thrown against the floor harshly. As Sanji stood up and dusted off his pants, Zoro looked at him from the floor, starting to get up. He wiped his mouth where blood was leaking out of his bleeding lip. He grinned. "See, I told you, your flexibility."

Sanji tried his hardest not to blush. He would not be outed in front of a bunch of strangers. With this newfound goal to shut Zoro up, he forcefully kicked at him but Zoro dodged it with a clean jump backwards onto a table.

"Ahou!" Sanji snapped. "Don't you remember the tab?"

"We can pay for it," Zoro replied, jumping to a new table as Sanji tried to kick him. "Besides, we've got free reign, remember?"

"I can't tell if they're fighting or playing," Sanji heard someone say from their seat.

"I think they're … flirting?" one of them said in a confused voice.

Zoro had backed up three tables and the drinks and such were being thrown onto the ground. Sanji was surprised he hadn't accidentally stepped on someone's fingers. Sanji was about to kick at him again when Zoro sheathed his swords quickly. Sanji was caught off guard and so he didn't even realized Zoro had grabbed his shirt until he felt a tug and he was on the floor, lying on his back, staring up at the bright lights of the bar as Zoro stood up the table over him.

"I'm a martial artist, remember?" Zoro said. "Kenjutsu isn't the only thing I do."

Sanji gritted his teeth and stood up.

He coughed.

It wasn't fair. Zoro knew Sanji's weaknesses. He knew he'd never use his hands in a fight, not for offensive attacks or defensive attacks, unless they were for leverage. Zoro knew he was safe from any punches coming his way and as much as Sanji wanted to throw him through a loop and leave him stunned with a broken nose curtesy of his fist, he didn't dare. To injure his hands was as bad as the death penalty for him.

Your hands.

Zoro liked his hands. Now he had even more of a reason to treasure them.

So what could he do? Zoro had blades, he had fierce determination and as much as Sanji respected and appreciated this trait of the swordsman, it didn't help him in the least. He could feel himself getting anxious. Zoro had full use of his body, he could use anything to attack but Sanji was limited. Fuck, and Zoro had the swords too.

Sanji coughed again, feeling his throat clam up. Fuck, he had to end this, somehow. He didn't want to hurt the swordsman. He knew Zoro didn't want to hurt him either, he avoided vital areas and some places that weren't vital, but would immobilize Sanji long enough for another attack. He had four options:

1: knock Zoro unconscious

2: let Zoro knock Sanji unconscious

3: concede

4: make Zoro surrender

None of these options seemed possible. Sanji knew of Zoro's competitive streak. There was no way he was just going to let Sanji throw him around and give up. No, giving up was impossible. Even with the craziness that was what felt like a battle to the death, Sanji wasn't going to give up and Zoro was too prideful to do that as well. He wasn't stupid, Zoro was a swordsman and honour was everything to him. At the same time, Sanji couldn't let himself fall unconscious either, so his only option was to knock Zoro out. It had never happened in all their time of training for either man. They always managed to get back up when the other thought that their opponent had finally fallen down.

Fuck, how do I do this?

The memory of seeing Zoro sprawled on the floor with blood leaking out of him profusely, his usually tanned complexion pale, had made Sanji's blood run cold. It was too fresh for him to stand to see that. What if he could somehow mimic unconsciousness? Could he get Zoro unsteady enough that he couldn't move? Could he knock him out for say, a few seconds? Was that enough to guarantee it was over?

Sanji was tired. He didn't know how much longer he could fight and the tightening in his chest had increased. He was swallowing back coughs, which felt like swallowing bubbles of air and it was starting to hurt his throat.

Listening to his own breathing, he realized it sounded like he was wheezing. Was he really that tired from fighting Zoro?

They exchanged blows for what felt like forever, none of them showing signs of a visible hit. Sanji was tired but Zoro looked fine. Stamina. He totally should've complimented the man on it.

He had to end this. Now.

Taking a deep breath that felt like needles were prickling his throat as each lungful of air was inhaled, he aimed strike at Zoro. Zoro grabbed his foot to stop him and their eyes connected for a moment.

Sorry.

With as much force as Sanji's tired body could manage, he forced his foot back into the ground. Zoro was holding his foot with both hands, standing right under him. He tried to move away as gravity came and helped Sanji accomplish his job, but he just wasn't fast enough. Perhaps it was the look that distracted him, but that was all it took. As Sanji's foot came down harshly against the wooden floorboards, Zoro seemed to follow it. By the time Sanji's boot hit the floor, it had managed to hit the green-haired swordsman squarely in the head.

Zoro let out a groan, unmoving.

"I think he's out," Sanji said, trying his best to breathe normally. He tried to concentrate on his breathing rather that Zoro's limp body. He could feel a wheeze as it came out of his lips and began to cough again.

"Sanji, are you okay?" asked Nami, running to his side.

"Fine," he said, coughing into his fist. He held it in and counted to ten. "I just need water. Is it over?"

Nami nodded. "I think Zoro's been knocked out." She got him the water he requested and Ace came over to him.

The dark haired man lifted Sanji's arm that felt like lead into the air. "And the winner is Blackleg Sanji!"

It was at that moment that Zoro's eyes slowly cracked open and the look on his face was devastating.


Going home three million yen richer didn't make Sanji feel any better. He and Zoro had driven home in silence and though the tightness in his chest had eased up, Sanji didn't feel any better. In fact, he felt even more sick.

When they got into the apartment, he took off his shoes and watched as Zoro went into the fridge and gulped down half a carton of milk in one go.

"Are you okay?" asked Sanji.

"Hmm?" responded Zoro, his voice sounding distant.

"Are you upset?"

"No." The crushed carton said otherwise.

"Look, Zoro—"

"I don't need sympathy," Zoro said, cutting him off. "It's fine, really."

"You're lying."

"I'm allowed to lie, fuck off, Curly Brow!"

Sanji bit his lip. He wouldn't say he was sorry, because he wasn't and he didn't want to lie to Zoro. Instead, he turned his head away and reached for a cigarette. It didn't calm him down like it used to. Not at all. He didn't want to be rocky with the swordsman, didn't like the tension in the air around them as Zoro bit into an apple. Didn't like the way his stomach coiled nervously. Where had the ease gone? Was the honeymoon phase of the relationship already over?

Sanji hadn't expected their relationship to be perfect, he wasn't a moron, but at the same time, he had hoped …

Liar, you are a fucking moron. Life isn't a movie, this isn't going to go off like some chick-flick or something. Get it through your thick head, this is real life.

Sanji entered the kitchen. Even if he didn't have the overly-romantic riding off into the sunset ending of those movies (which he would call bullshit, while holding on tightly to whoever was closest to him's arm, trying to hide his tears as the Titanic sunk. He didn't scream when that idiot Rose let go of the love of her life. No, he was a stoic manly man.), that didn't mean he'd let this slide by. If they fell apart and Sanji did nothing to prevent, then he'd really feel bad.

"Want me to make you something?" he asked softly.

Zoro shook his head.

Zoro had never refused his foot before.

"Not hungry," the moss-head mumbled under his breath.

And then said Marimo's stomach growled.

Sanji said nothing. Instead, he just opened the pantry and started to cook him food. Zoro said nothing when he heard the oil hiss, hitting the pan.

It was the first time in a long time since Sanji had cooked in complete silence while the swordsman was present. Usually they'd be playing some kind of pointless game, whichever one popped into Sanji's head next, and then they'd sit down and eat. This time, Sanji made enough for one and set it on the table in front of Zoro.

He knew his show was on in a few minutes, but he didn't feel up for it. Instead, he was about to head to his room when he felt a hand on his wrist. Zoro's hand.

"Wait."

Sanji waited.

"I …" Zoro took a deep breath. "I want a rematch!"

Sanji nodded. The swordsman was blushing, from his too-loud declaration or the fact that he needed a rematch, Sanji didn't know. He didn't care. He just knew that going to bed without this resolved would surely haunt his dreams and he'd never get any sleep.

"Okay," he said softly.

Zoro had taken Sandai back from the wall and was ready to fight. He had determination in his eyes, the dedication that Sanji had complimented him on not so long ago.

"Okay," Sanji said. "Whoever lands three attacks first wins," Sanji explained. "Three solid attacks," he added.

Zoro nodded.

"Alright." Sanji gulped. "Start."

Zoro lunged forward and Sanji backed up, his back hitting the wall most instantly. He bit his bottom lip as Zoro aimed for his head and Sanji ducked down. The sword was instantly pulled back and Sanji's leg wrapped around Zoro's, pulling. Zoro hit the floor.

"One," Sanji said.


Zoro made a sound that reminded Sanji very much of a growl, picking himself back up off the floor.

They were both tired, to have a match so soon after they had just fought was utter stupidity. Still, Zoro probably wouldn't be able to sleep unless he tied with Sanji at the very least. Zoro struck at Sanji's back, but the cook flipped quickly over him, landing on the other side of him. Without his full supply of energy, Sanji was slower. He expected Zoro to use this to his advantage, but it seemed Zoro was also pretty slow.

Zoro made to attack, going to slice down on Sanji's arm. Sanji waited, determining Zoro's new timing given the new variables.

Now.

Sanji moved, but not before Zoro nicked him in the shoulder.

"One," Sanji said. "Tied for now."

Zoro shook his head. "No, that doesn't count. That wasn't a solid attack," he said. "It … it wasn't full power—"

"You ripped my fucking shirt again, that's a solid attack," Sanji argued. "Deal with it Marimo, we're tied for now."

Zoro grumbled under his breath.

Only someone who had as much honour and pride as Zoro would refuse to take a point freely given by Sanji. It wasn't a lie, his shoulder did hurt like a bitch, but Zoro was also right. It wasn't as powerful as it could've been. It wasn't "solid" in Zoro's opinion. They had to agree to disagree, as far as Sanji was concerned, they were tied. Zoro could either deny it, or accept it, but that didn't change his opinion.

Sanji tried to kick at Zoro's chest, but the swordsman blocked him. With his two swords preventing Sanji's foot from colliding with his face, Zoro angled his face to attack with Wado. The sword grazed Sanji in the shoulder. His already wounded shoulder. Sanji pushed himself back. "Two to one," he declared.

"That wasn't—"

"Two to one," Sanji repeated in a firm voice.

Zoro sighed. He prepared to attack again but Sanji beat him to it. He delivered a blow to Zoro's gut while his arms were raised to slash downwards and the swordsman's back slammed against the wall.

"Two to two," Sanji said. "Last point declares winner."

With that, he readied himself to defend. Zoro attacked at him forcefully, trying to push him against the wall like he had done before. The swords hit against each other, making a cringe-worthy noise as the steel screeched against steel. He had gotten used to it. He pushed back against him, but Zoro pushed harder until Sanji felt like his lungs were being crushed.

"Remitto!" Sanji gasped out, trying to get the air back into his lungs.

Zoro gave him a confused look.

"Yield, I yield."

Zoro didn't stop pressing. "Fucking bastard," he muttered. "What, you're saying you surrender?" he demanded. "You're just giving up?" he spat.

"Zoro," Sanji said in a raspy voice, "I … I can't … breathe."

Immediately, Zoro pulled away from him and ran his fingers through his hair as Sanji tried to collect his breath. "Fucking bastard," he repeated. "You're a right bastard, you know that, Curly Brow?"

"How can I forget, with you constantly reminding me?" Sanji asked, trying to hold back a cough. He shook his head. "Look you got your rematch, can we go to bed?"

"It wasn't a fair game!" Zoro yelled. "You fucking cheater, you totally threw the match!"

"Why would I throw a match? Why would I cheat so that you'd win?"

Zoro shook his head. "Don't you dare fucking pity me," he snapped. "I can handle a lost fairly won, what I can't is a victory handed over to me undeservingly."

Sanji was tired. He was pissed. He did not want to have this conversation. "Oh yeah?" he yelled. "I could see how well you were taking it!"

"That doesn't mean I want you to fucking give up in the middle of a fight!" Zoro snapped.

"If you don't want my fucking pity, don't make me pity you!"

BANG!

Sanji was pressed back up against the wall. This time it was just Zoro's hands holding him there, gripping him tightly by the collar of his shirt. "Don't you dare pity me, you bastard. I have never pitied you, never, you understand me? And I will admit you were a very pitiful thing when I first met you. You were pathetic, now that I think about it. You were abused, you were a wreck, I can admit that but I never once felt an ounce of pity for you. Not because I didn't care, fuck no, I care, you have no idea how much I fucking care, but I never thought you were weak, never looked at you with those fucking sympathetic eyes. Don't you dare do this to me, if you do, I swear, I'm never forgiving you!"

His breathing was rough, so was Zoro's. As Zoro gripped him tighter, the longer he took his deep breaths, the more he froze. Suddenly, his grip loosened on Sanji entirely and the blond slid to the floor, coughing. There was pure terror in Zoro's eyes as he stared down at Sanji. "No …" he muttered under his breath. "Fuck no!"

BANG!

Zoro's fist connected with the wall above Sanji and he flinched. He couldn't help it. Zoro looked down at him with self-loathing in his eyes. He dropped to his knees in front of him and went to reach for him, maybe to pull him into a hug, Sanji didn't know, because then Zoro's hands recoiled back.

It was at the moment, when Zoro turned his head away and stood up, shoving his hands tightly in his pockets, that Sanji realized what was going on in Zoro's head.

He's scared. He's scared that I'm scared. Of him.

Zoro couldn't be more wrong. "Zoro," Sanji called to him, scrambling to get to his feet. "Zoro!"

The swordsman didn't turn around. In fact, he just kept walking.

"Zoro, fucking listen to me when I talk!" Sanji demanded. He ran after the swordsman, hearing the bedroom door slam. He felt like one of those stupid men in the movies, that chasing scene that was always crucial to every romantic comedy or romantic movie in general, the trope. He leaned his forehead against the door. "Fucking listen to me Marimo," he said.

He bit his lip when silence was the only answer he got. After a moment, he took a deep breath and started to talk, feeling incredibly stupid as his voice traveled through the door.

"I don't hate you, if that's what you're thinking. You're an ahou, of course that's what you're thinking. You don't need to be gentle with me Zoro, I'm not made of glass. I'm not fragile. I can handle a bit of roughing up." He paused. "But … I can't say I'm not scared of you."

He could hear a sharp intake of breath on the other side of the door. Zoro was listening.

His chest squeezed tightly as he tried to speak, fighting even though his voice seemed caught in his throat. "I'm terrified." He fell down to his knees, leaning against the door. "But it's not what you think," he said softly. "Trust me on this Zoro, I'm not scared for the reasons you think. I don't mind when you get mad, or when you're a little too forceful. I don't care about that. I don't mind that you raise your voice either. You need anger management, remember?" He let out a dry laugh. "This is going to sound stupid, but … I heard someone tell me something once. When I went to go buy those stupid flowers, I met this man. He asked me if I wanted to buy roses." Sanji shook his head at the stupidity. "I told him he was fucking insane since roses represented love and I wasn't in love. I told him that roses were a stupid symbol for love. They have thorns, you know, Marimo? They're really prickly. Kind of like a thistle." He laughed again. "Anyway, he told me … he told me love was like that. Love was letting someone have the power to hurt you, but trusting them not to. And I'm not saying I'm in love with you, because I have no fucking idea, but …" Sanji took a deep breath. "I'm trusting you here, not to hurt me. Because you can be as rough as you want to be with me, I'll forgive you because I know that's who you are Zoro, it's part of you and I respect that, I like that. The reason I'm terrified … the reason I'm afraid of you …" He bit his lip, unsure whether or not he was able to finish his sentence. He felt like he was choking up, like his brain was telling him to do the sensible thing and to stop himself from speaking before he said something he'd regret. Instead, he pushed forward, ignoring that stupid voice of common sense. "Because you can hurt me. If you ever … if you ever left, if you ever decided you didn't need me anymore … I …" Sanji bit the inside of his cheek. Focus on that pain, ignore the blurriness. Ignore it. "I …"

Sanji wiped his face, despite the fact that no tears had fallen. "You get the point," he said. He remembered at one point Zeff told him that if the word he wanted to say didn't work at the moment, don't force them. That would make him even more anxious. Find a different route, say something else. You'll always have time to come back to it when you're ready, when you really can say it. He rose to his feet again and tapped his knuckles against the door. "Hey Marimo? Wanna have a rematch? Fair and square, winner takes all."

There was harsh breathing on the other side of the door.

Sanji sighed and began to walk away when he heard the door open.

"A-are you sure?"

He turned around to see Zoro leaning against the doorframe, staring at the ground. "I don't … I don't want to hurt you," he said softly. "Jesus Sanji, it's the last thing I want to do, but … I know my temper's …"

"It's fine," Sanji said. "I'm a big boy, I can handle it. And if I ever couldn't, I'd tell you."

"Promise?" He sounded so small.

A small smile spread itself across Sanji's lips. "Promise."

Zoro nodded, still a little shaken. "So … the rematch. You sure you're up for it?" he asked. "You must be tired, you sure you can fight?"

"No, not that kind of rematch," Sanji said.

Zoro blinked.

"Marimo, have you ever played Are You Nervous Yet?"

Zoro gave him a blank look.

Sanji grinned evilly.


"It's simple," Sanji said. "All you need to do is get the other person to admit they're nervous first," Sanji explained. "Each person takes turns touching the other person. You start at the head and move downwards. Each time you go down, you ask if they're nervous. The first one to say yes loses."

"And you're not going to cheat?" Zoro asked, raising a skeptical eyebrow.

"Tell me Zoro, how can I cheat in a game like this?"

Zoro nodded slowly, but frowned. "Are you sure you want to?" he asked. "Are you … are you comfortable with …?" Zoro trailed off.

"Zoro, I gave you a blowjob, I think now's a bit too late to act all self-conscious," Sanji said bluntly.

Zoro blinked but slowly, a grin started to spread across his face.

Sanji was lying though. He was nervous, beyond nervous. But he'd hold himself in as long as it took. He wouldn't squirm, he wouldn't lie to get out of it if he felt slightly uncomfortable. Being uncomfortable and nervous were different to him, at least around Zoro and if he won this game, so be it, Zoro would accept it. He wasn't going to throw another game, not after what he had just gone through with the swordsman. "Do you want to start?" he asked Zoro.

Zoro nodded. "Okay." He lifted his hand, beginning to run his fingers through Sanji's hair. "Like this?" he asked softly.

"Yeah," Sanji replied, feeling his whole body respond to Zoro's touch.

"Are you nervous yet?" Zoro asked, his cool breath brushing the shell of Sanji's ear. He shivered involuntarily.

"No," he said, trying to sound firm.

Zoro let out a laugh. "This could be fun."

Sanji ran his own fingers through Zoro's hair, feeling the soft texture underneath his fingers, tugging gently. "Are you nervous yet?"

"Nope." Damn that cocky bastard with that confident smirk. Zoro's hand moved from Sanji's hair to his cheek, catching Sanji off guard. He'd expect Zoro to go for his neck, but instead he caressed Sanji's cheek gently. He could feel the man's calluses as they brushed against his soft skin and Sanji knew he was blushing. "Nervous yet?" he asked.

"No," Sanji replied. He lowered his hand from Zoro's hair to Zoro's left ear, pulling lightly at his earrings. Zoro seemed to freeze at this, slightly shocked. "You? Are you nervous yet?"

Zoro shook his head, but Sanji could see his Adam's apple bob.

Zoro's hand moved from Sanji's cheek to the back of his neck, slowly pulling him closer. They were forehead to forehead, so close Sanji could taste Zoro on his lips. "Nervous?" Zoro asked in a seductive tone.

"N-no," Sanji stuttered. Zoro smirked. Sanji glared at him.

Sanji's hand moved down from Zoro's ear all the way to his chest. He could faintly remember running his fingers across Zoro's bare chest when he had been drunk, but feeling his muscles through his shirt sent a shot of thrill and wonder through him. As he felt each of the dips and valleys of Zoro's chest, he almost forgot about the game completely until Zoro cleared his throat. "Nervous yet?" Sanji asked.

"No," replied Zoro. "See something you like?" he teased.

"Maybe," Sanji replied in a small voice.

They were still leaning on each other's foreheads, Sanji's hand pausing its exploration of Zoro's chest. Sanji didn't dare move as Zoro moved from his neck down to his chest. He felt himself tense up almost immediately, feeling Zoro's hands as they went down his shoulder-blade, sure to go down to his torso once he was finished, but instead, Zoro let his hand slowly skim down Sanji's arm, leaving goosebumps. "Nervous?" he asked and with each letter, Sanji swore the distance between them was closing.

"M-maybe," Sanji admitted.

"That wasn't a yes," Zoro pointed out. "Your turn."

Sanji moved from Zoro's chest down to his thigh, slowly running his fingers across it before squeezing lightly. Sanji looked him straight in the eye, but Zoro closed his, breathed through his nose and seemed to be counting. "Nervous?" Sanji asked, feeling the thick tension around them.

"You wish," Zoro replied, his eyes opening. "Daring, aren't you?" he asked. He let his hand move from Sanji's arm to one of his hands, lacing them together. "Nervous yet?"

Sanji couldn't hold in his blush. "Yes," he admitted.

"Too bad," Zoro told him softly, closing the space between them.

Sanji practically sunk into him, the hand on Zoro's thigh about to lift to wrap around his neck, but the swordsman used his other hand to keep it from moving. Instead, he let go of Sanji's hand that he was holding, held onto the hand that was on his thigh and used his free arm to guide Sanji closer to him.

"Zoro," Sanji gasped, pulling him closer by tugging at his hair gently. Zoro let himself be guided to him and took Sanji's bottom lip in between his own before letting it go. It felt so sensual, so … intimate.

It was soft and it was slow, innocent almost. One of Sanji's legs lifted from its position and slowly tried to wrap itself around Zoro's waist. The two of them were sitting, so it may not have been the most comfortable position Sanji had ever been in, but he couldn't help it. He pulled Zoro closer and Zoro didn't seem to be complaining when Sanji felt his stomach knot and his breath seemed to be cut short. He couldn't breathe and slowly let Zoro go, pulling away. Still pressed forehead to forehead, he tried to catch his breath.

"I win," Zoro said with a smirk.

Sanji nodded, giving him a small smile but something told him that this feeling in his chest, his shortness of breath, wasn't entirely because of Zoro's kiss.


Author's Note #2: The thank yous!

takafumi: Okay I kinda went crazy like two days ago and just reread all of Kisa and Yukina's stories and re-watched those episodes and I was so glad that episode 4 of Junjou Romantica season 3 was Shinobu and Miyagi! And how his friends asked him about his "girlfriend" and he's like, "she's older. By seventeen years" and they were all like, "YOU'RE DATING A COUGAR?!" God I laughed so hard, especially when he attacked the pumpkin ... I really like Kisa and Yukina's relationship because I like a splash of angst and Kisa provides it, he really does. I love how his name is "Kisa Shouta". Shouta. And also, if you remember chapter 6, Sanji says he knows nothing about Zoro, so Zoro gives him this long list of things about him, which was inspired by Yukina's confession to Kisa. Yup, I have no life and really love Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi, I think I like it more than Junjou Romantica just because I feel the development with relationships is different and Takano doesn't molest Ritsu as much as Usagi does to Misaki. Quite frankly, I've found that all the ukes of Junjou Romantica are tsunderes. God I love them!

Guest: I might've been lying. The time in the story might have not been August ... Um, well it's January now for them ... I don't know why, but I can get into wintery holidays easier than I can autumn ones when it's not autumn. I'm gonna guess and say you're JustCallMeLucie?

Okay I will now proceed to tell you all the references I made and in their order from the last chapter.

Junjou Romantica (Nowaki! Yes, I put him in there again because I love him very, very much. He just looks so huggable!)
The steak maker thing that Zoro said he got Luffy, I saw an ad for it and it just talked about how you just put in a stake in this box thing and then set it for a certain way you wanted it and it made it perfectly. I figured Luffy would love it. I suppose that's a reference?
InuYasha, because you know, where else do you find a monk who loves groping people with a wind tunnel?
Ranma 1/2, because you know, drowning pandas and shit like that ...
Fullmetal Alchemist/Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, because I could, I can, and I WILL! YAY ED! (remember kids, drink your milk.)
Rurouni Kenshin, Sanosuke is a street fighter who stopped being a street fighter. The author mentioned that people sent him fan letters accidentally writing his name "Sasuke", so uh, yeah, that's why he's there...
Bleach because that's where Ichigo's from, in case you didn't know cause not all main characters can have their names in the title.
Naruto, because he's Naruto, come on!
One Piece. Yes, I referenced One Piece in a One Piece story. RANDOM FACT: DID YOU KNOW SANJI'S NAME WAS GOING TO BE NARUTO? And then they realized that Naruto fit the name of a hyper-active ninja with ADHD and swirly tattoos on their stomach and not awesome smoking (literally and metaphorically) cooks with badass personally stylized savate. They didn't want the two to get confused.
Pokémon, because even if we don't watch it now, we did at some point.
Bridget Jones' Diary because it's quirky like that.
I sort of referenced people who are singing Christmas jingles when it's like June, but then they're like, "Jesus was actually born in June!" and I'm like, "Um, I'm basically atheist, so uh, no thanks."
The Grinch Who Stole Christmas because you can't write about Christmas without mentioning him!
A Christmas Carol. "Bah humbug!"
BuzzFeed, thank you for explaining how a relationship works!
The Hobbit. I don't remember when, but Zoro mentions the way Sanji's smoking and I totally thought, "that's a Hobbit reference to the smoke rings!" Sorry if that wasn't clear.

Told ya, lots of references. Now for my question, I've actually got a few.

One: SANJI SPOKE IN LATIN! For like, 1 word, but still. Try to tell me what it means without using Google Translate!

Two: I like music. If you were to give Sanji and Zoro a theme song to describe their relationship in this story, what would it be? Give me the title and the artist, I always like learning about new songs!

Three: OKAY PERTINENT THINGS TO THIS CHAPTER! What'd you think of Sanji and Zoro's speeches? Did Sanji say the right thing to Zoro? Are Zoro's fears about scaring Sanji completely unfounded? How do you think their relationship is, at this point?