"Sanji are you sure about this? You don't want to over work yourself-"
Sanji let out a small chuckle, reaching down and ruffling Chopper's exposed head. He'd never miss an opportunity to do so when he was being so concerned and doctorly, not to mention just the fact he was like a walking talking stuffed animal. That really never got old, nor ever made him any less cute. With a soft smile still painting his lips he retrieved his hand again, working on his yukata's sash.
"It's fine Chopper." He explained for the tenth time. But so long as it got his message across and made the doctor feel better, he'd repeat it a million more. "I want to go to this with everyone."
His eyes lowered, his smile ultimately fading. His hand moved lower, cuffing around his body.
"You and I both know it could be my last anyway."
The cold way Sanji spoke so calmly about his future sent shivers down Chopper's spine. He didn't like it, he didn't like anything about this situation at all. Why did something so bittersweet have to happen to those he had learned to hold closest? He was confident in himself, he would try his very hardest to make sure Sanji made it out of this, but even so that slight chance it wouldn't work was killing him.
But not only him, it was killing Sanji. The worst part of it all he couldn't say anything to change his mind that he hadn't already tried. The cook's mind was set. If he was going to die anyway, he'd rather live as long as he can as a host to his child, keep Satoru alive and well as close as he could to full term. Despite the fact room inside him was becoming scarce, the dangers on his organs becoming very real.
"Sanji-"
"Besides, you and me both know, Chopper, that Usopp worked his ass off to get this to fit me so let's just get through tonight, okay?"
The Cook shifted his weight, lifting himself off the bed and daring to glance down at how the fabric moved across his skin. He supposed it was as good as it was going to get. It would be mostly dark now that evening was approaching, so he needn't be so afraid of being seen or called out about it, since random island folk, mostly older in age, always seemed to be able to just tell in some way.
Chopper continued staring up at his friend.
"Do you think this could be the island we stay at for your procedure Sanji?"
"Eh?"
"Like we talked about... Asking Luffy. I'm not sure we will have enough time to find another with a hospital..."
"Now that depends on whether or not Luffy approves of their feasts, yeah? Come on, get going they're probably waiting. You guys can go on first I'll catch up."
Chopper nodded, pulling his yukata over his tiny furred chest a bit before turning and trotting off. Sanji just sighed as he left. He loved Chopper but honestly trying to keep up a face around him was exhausting as hell. He had thought that having spoken to him about their future plans of action that it might relax him, now that they knew the game plan.
It wasn't that hard to understand, Sanji thought bitterly, resting against the wall a bit just to gather himself and give him a reassuring pep talk about why the hell he was doing this again. His had cuffed his abdomen once more, his habit that was never ceasing.
"Look at you, already causing trouble." he hissed slightly, but not in scolding. "Better get used to it. Chopper's probably going to give you check ups every second when you get here."
Sanji took the next few moments of privacy to himself, finishing getting ready since it'd been forever since someone not on the crew had seen him and let's be honest this was Sanji and he valued his presentation very highly. If he was going to be the pregnant freak caught staring the cute ladies in kimonos, he was going to be a handsome one.
The ship up top had become a lot quieter which relieved him. He didn't like to think that he was holding back the crew to their festivities, as he knew how much they enjoyed them. They didn't always need to wait behind for him, sacrifice for him. It was like training them in some odd way to believe this, but they would sooner or later. Wouldn't they?
Except, Sanji seemed to forget that that didn't apply to everyone. Really, what had he been expecting to walk out onto the deck finally, probably prompted by the smell of festival food reaching the ship, to find a green barbarian waiting by the mast. It was getting much harder to escape him and he understood, yeah sure he was carrying the guys child, accepted his proposal, but did he really have to be there always? That was of course if Sanji ignored the feeling that spanned over his chest every time he saw him, like it was for the first time again and he was exposed and ready for slurs.
Zoro's eye had been closed until they heard the disgusted sound of a blond on deck, prompting him to peek over at him. The swordsman didn't much have to change out of his usual attire, his robe basically a more cool and floral color scheme. His haramaki though of course, was never changing, along with his swords. A sinister grin worked at his lips at spotting his baby momma crossing the deck towards him, all dressed up and needing a place to go.
"Dammit Marimo, what part of go on ahead didn't you understand?" Sanji hissed, purposely pulling on his sash a little tighter while approaching. He kept closer to the wall of Sunny though then out in the open where he could easily be caught in the swordsman's grasps. Asshole didn't know how to keep his hands to himself.
Zoro huffed, rolling his head on his shoulders to loosen up, not that he wasn't used to staying still for long periods of time. Waiting for Sanji to get gussied up was no different.
"Shut it shit cook, you know what happened last time."
It made Sanji purse his lips just recalling it. Yes of course neanderthal, he remembered what happened. He lived it, he suffered from it. It wasn't a walk in the park. But still he couldn't ignore the Marimo's endearing concern.
"Idiot, what did I say about bringing that up? Don't make me bring up getting on the wrong ship." Sanji lowering his tone as he glared. "I don't need some fucking Marimo babysitter."
"Oi." Zoro pulled himself off from against the wall, his hand moving to hover over his swords, out of pure habit since he obviously wasn't about to attack the mother of his child. "I ain't your fucking babysitter. You and me tonight cook. Nami said there's bound to be fireworks or something, let's go."
Sanji's look of disapproval changed into an expression that read off his feelings. What the fuck was that? It made Zoro's eyebrow twitch, a slight flush to his face cause that wasn't actually easy to fucking say.
"Fine fuck you too!"
"Oh calm your tits Marimo!" Sanji snapped back, failing to resist a smirk. Breaking Zoro's bubble was a talent only few possessed and he loved abusing it. A spazztastic Marimo was an amusing Marimo. He struggled to bring his smirk down to a smile and glanced away from the others face.
"So.. fireworks huh?"
Sanji sighed, running his fingers up and through his hair. He had to admit it did sound a little fun. And he supposed the swordsman had brought up a valid point, the last time he had gone solo out and about away from the ship it ended with their unborn child's life, and his, in danger. It was best to be avoided if he could.
Also, he supposed, it might look better if he were to go on this date with the Marimo, seeing as he was the father of his child, he was the guy he promised to marry. It would look much better and make a lot more sense than his earlier plan of weaseling his face in between some gorgeous women racks.
That and one other reason had been lurking in the back of his mind for some time. The fact this might be one of the last chances he gets to be alone with Zoro and spend real time with him, excusing some of their more recent steamy events they'd shared. Of course this worry was from the most obvious reason, because soon it wouldn't just be the two of them. Right?
Zoro averted his eyes, his brow further furrowing. Why had he even tried! To think he was going out of his way to give into some personal want of spending time with his blond instead of going back to what he had originally planned, as he always did, which was his endurance training. He was willingly letting himself stray somewhat off the goal for those he held close here, but feeling bashful and stupid as fuck for doing it. He only looked up again when Sanji snorted, his smirk softening into a smile.
"Alright fine Marimo, I guess we can do this. But I swear if you try groping me in public again I'm kicking that ugly mug of yours into the sea."
"Tch!" Zoro spat, turning his body away and heading towards the side of the ship, as if he'd let on what he thought about that. "Do what you want cook, forget it I'm going ahead."
It was obvious though, to those who could read the swordsman, even with his permanent scowl of a face, that his words were practically a Zoro equivalent of Chopper's squirming and 'That doesn't make me happy bastard'! Even so though, the blond's eyebrow twitched in return and he glared at the back of the Marimo's thick skull.
"Oi! You asshole, you better wait for me! What the hell did I tell you about using the buddy system!?"
The sun was already hanging low in the sky when the pair got off the ship and headed into the city. Lanterns had been hung up and were already beginning to burn, the sound of festivities getting louder and louder with each step. The two men refused to look at each other, still annoyed from the little scene on the ship but overall over it.
Sanji was more worried for appearances sake, willing it back to his head and reminded himself why he pulled himself out here. He was going to have fun, he needed to have fun. But looking over at the stone cold expression of Zoro, he had to wonder why the hell he thought that would happen with him.
He loved the guy, sure, but he was just standing there like a statue, obediently walking and following the cook around. Sanji shook his head and looked back forward from the place which they stopped. There were people everywhere, in beautiful traditional wear, even some wearing masks. There was a steady rhythm of music too filling the street.
Sanji's cook instincts were swirling inside him and he was dying to go look at the stalls among the street, producing such appetitizing and delicious aromas that were taunting him. But he resisted it, he couldn't fall into what the swordsman probably wanted him to, the way in the corner of his eye he could feel him staring almost expectantly.
But Zoro just shook his head slightly and craned his neck to look back and away, over towards a few kids that were very excited after their win in scooping up a goldfish in one of the carnival games. Not one other member of the crew seemed to be in this part of the crowd, going any which direction, which was quite unsettling due to the couples problem. They were boring as hell.
Sanji groaned slightly, taking a deep breath and glaring over at his counterpart.
"Don't just stand there bastard pick something to do." He snapped, pressing his lips together. Not like his inner child searching for fun was being smothered or anything here.
Zoro looked at him a little confused, shrugging.
"I don't know what the fuck to do here, you pick. I'm just here to make sure you don't get fucking kidnapped again."
"Tch! Some kind of date you are! Stop fucking standing around and come on."
Leave it to Sanji to make the first decision, stepping out from their place as nothing more than wallflowers and angrily stomping down the street. By this point he didn't even care who saw him or what they thought, he was just overall annoyed. The trailing green puppy didn't suit well either. Zoro caught up to him, almost forced considering his expression, and walked with him. This was the last time he takes any relationship advice or hints from Nami.
Though, that wasn't the full reason he'd brought Sanji out here with him, or rather stayed so that they could be together. Yes he enjoyed the company of the blond immensely, but it was that same blond that kept his conscious on high alert. He was overly concerned, kept at arms length, and wanted closure that everything would be alright, or at least what was happening.
The awkward stare down between doctor and patient before hadn't helped settle such thoughts at all. It ignited them. If he could just get his fiancé to open up again to him already, maybe he'd get it. That and he secretly did want Sanji to enjoy himself. It was a never ending reminder the baby thing kind of came from him.
He was pulled out of his thoughts, where he had somehow found his eye watching Sanji more than where they were going, when the blonde suddenly stopped and pointed to a row of stalls.
"Look, there. Some carnival games. Go Marimo, go make some kid cry and win us something."
Zoro raised his brow. As tempting as it was, no.
"I don't do carnival games." He explained, looking boredly over at his counterpart. He slightly strained his face. "Wouldn't you rather go eat or something like that?"
Sanji had to resist kicking him right then and there. Yes because the first thing he should think of because he's knocked up is about fucking food! Dammit, just thinking about it set him off in a way it wouldn't, making his cheeks slightly blush at the frustration and his stomach to lightly growl. He'd been purposely putting it off for reasons.
"No, I wouldn't rather go and eat shit face. You go eat if you're thinking about food so damn much."
Zoro rolled his eye, flaring his nostrils. He was being the responsible husband here! Trying to turn the other cheek about his engorged husband's new insecurities and cravings.
"I'm not even! Oi, you're the one that's supposed to be eating for two and shit. No one's going to care if you go eat something, they hardly even notice you they're enjoying the damn festival. They are only going to think you are fat."
Sanji's mouth fell open for a few moments before he closed it.
"You don't fucking think before you talk do you?"
Ignoring another one of the swordsman's shrugs his face softened. This wasn't about being insecure and yes he had noticed that apparently everyone, including the cutest of cute girls that passed in the corner of his eyes probably thought he was just a little over fed but despite that he had a different reason for doing it, as much as he loved festival and trying new foods. It was killing him but yet again Sanji was focused and keen on it.
"It's not that Marimo. I'm trying to save money, alright." Sanji explained, not in his proudest of voices.
That took Zoro somewhat by surprise. The last person he'd ever imagined to be broke or in a pinch about cash would be Sanji. For one he was that witch's bitch, she probably filed his taxes or something. Second unless it was edible or a suit (which he obviously hadn't bought one of those in quite some time) what would he had blown it on. Zoro narrowed his eyes, tilting his head lightly, and then of course asks in his usual gruff, "Why?"
Sanji lowered his eyes, swallowing thickly. "It's for Satoru, that's why. What else moron?"
The Marimo however wasn't sure how convinced he was about this. What did Sanji mean by that? To buy things for Satoru, which seemed the most logical because obviously they would be spending a pretty penny as parents, but it felt like it meant something else. Like instead he was saving it just to give to Satoru, like to leave it to him, a gift from his Mother who had nothing else to give.
Sanji couldn't take the silence much anymore, kicking the swordsman's shin to grab his attention and gesturing his head in the direction of festivities. He put on the most victimized face he could muster, one that made him pout like a little kid that wasn't getting what he wanted, despite being a grown man now.
"Dammit Marimo, I just wanted to come to this shitty thing to have some fun. Now get your ass over there and win our future kid some shit so I can afford to buy some fucking food. Oi! Learn to love festivals too cause your ass is going to millions of 'em with peanut, you get all that?"
It was all he had to say. That face had the swordsman melting in ways he hated but simply couldn't control. He glowered away quickly, unable to stand the.. well.. cute that came with such a flustered cook, looking like a giant kid complaining about a bummed trip to the festival. Really what was this? Not to mention the use of a nickname they'd given to their poor son in the beginning.
"Fine. I'll play one. But that thing," he gestured in the general area of a large handmade toy that was apparently a top prize. "Is not sleeping in bed with us, got that shit cook?"
The cook's face softened quickly, then grew into an enormous grin of victory. He'd gotten what he wanted, a change of subject and now he could laugh his ass off at the swordsman as he tried to win rigged carnival games. Which, he did, a lot, as they played through the night, Sanji laughing from the side lines watching Zoro fail with precision for once trying to land a ring around the top of sake bottles, his sense of direction failing him there too.
Sanji wished he had a video den den mushi the moment the swordsman dared to try the next obstacle of checking a fish in a small net lined with a kind of paper. The rip was hilarious, followed by the surprised Marimo's face seconds before being splashed, the colorful fishes revenge at escaping. Eventually though Sanji had gave in, finding himself with a bag of cotton candy from one of the traveling candy carts. That was a reward to himself secretly after trying that damn game himself, but falling back on his ass for trying to crouch over for to long and silently fuming, but behaving when Zoro helped him up again. Shortly after though the Marimo got lucky and finally won, cursing that luck however, since it wasn't really lucky at all. He just ended up spending way more than he would have liked of the money Nami had lent him for the night just to win it. Some luck that was.
His hair soaken from an angry fit of rage at the fish stall, he proudly smirked and held the toy up high. Fuck yeah he was going to win that for his son, he deserved the best after all. What's another life time of debt to Zoro anyway? By that time it was dark and the streets lined with entertainment had died down, most people heading towards the lake in the middle of the island, where the fireworks were apparently going to be held.
The couple, after fighting a little more since Sanji just had to take the opportunity to tease the Marimo that he'd gotten the wrong prize, eventually headed there.
Author's Note: I know I'm a bad person who doesn't reply to all the reviews I receive, mostly cause I'm to nervous to actually do it, but I wanted to let everyone reading to know that I really appreciate all the feedback and any support. QuQ You guys are the best and I love working on this story for you, even if I'm late. Hmmm.. Sanji bro what you be hidin? ifitsnotobvious. Oh and friendly reminder to anybody and everybody theres fanart on my profile if you want to have a gander at it AND there's AUP EXTRA, where there are just random little side events happening in this prego!Sanji universe which I'm kind of taking suggestions for little situations and stuff.. had a list somewhere.. ANYWAY 8D Today's Chapter was Beta'd by the lovely MerryAnchor (?) I think thats her fanfic name, I'll have to find out. But still yes! and a silent hurry the hell up and get out of school to myladyday.
All reviews and comments welcome, guest or not! Till next time~
