A/N: The next chapter, yes, here it is after all this time. For those following, I am starting a new training program this week BUT it is near home so, I will be home every evening. I am going to put all other fics aside and I am going to try to focus on finishing this fic. Got so many going, it is wracking the brain. I've decided to pick one and finish it. Then move on, etc etc. I stand by my original estimate, this fic will end with approx fifty chapters. Close to another twenty incoming, with updates each week until it is done starting with this chapter! Hope you enjoy! And yes, the Strawhats will be making an appearance sooner rather than later. Thnx for being patient.

Disclaimer: Don't own it.

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Chapter Twenty- Eight

It was hell watching the blonde standing inside the galley, working without having any idea what his presence was putting him through. Mihawk flipped a page, not really reading the text that was printed. His attention solely on the blonde that had been with him for three days. It was a miracle that Sanji had managed to survive, even with his enhanced abilities, but to have been able to find him again, it meant something more. It had taken two years to accidently come across his lover, two long agonizing years.

Mihawk focused on the strange feeling that was a constant in his chest. Relief and something else, he wasn't sure what to name it. He had thought it foolish to dare hope that it was possible, but it was, and he had found him. A part of him was still pissed off at the one that had tried to take Sanji away, again. Most likely his appearance had caused the group to act rashly and ahead of schedule if abducting Sanji had been their plan all along. Yet he didn't regret accepting the invitation to dinner, because it had led him to the blonde. Sanji was back with him, it was something to be grateful for.

It stung that he was the only one that recalled their past together. There was a chance that Sanji might never remember everything. That didn't mean there wasn't a future for them. Sanji was here and he had agreed to remain on the ship for now. It might take some time, but he was going to get his lover back. He was still the same man Sanji had been with the first time around. The only setback he saw was that the cook seemed to be more docile, gentle, and not as crass as before. Perhaps because the life he knew had been peaceful. His Sanji was still in there somewhere and the one smiling while cooking was the part of him that hadn't been allowed to surface before. There had been little signs of him, but circumstances hadn't allowed for it. Both aspects belonged to the man, and he'd have all of him, because he wasn't about to let anyone or anything take the blonde away.

"Do you need another bottle?" Sanji made note of the near empty wine bottle. He had used half of the bottle himself in the stir-fry, which he was grateful for. It was an expensive brand, Eugene had purchased it once and had complained with each sip. Having someone that could speak back while cooking was pleasant, and he found that he liked the man's company. If they spoke it was on a subject both of them could participate in, and it was never worthless banter. The former warlord was educated, well-mannered, and completely fuckable. It bothered him that he often found his thoughts straying after only a few days in Mihawk's company.

It wasn't that shocking, when he let his mind calculate the why. Sanji knew he hadn't had actual sex since his accident and he was a healthy male. The attraction had been instant, even if he hadn't remembered the man upon sight. They were the only two on the ship that were human, so who else was he going to admire? Mihawk was a fine specimen and he would have to be straight not to notice. Knowing that they had once been lovers only made him more curious. There was the fact that the older man hadn't made any hint that he wanted to resume their former relationship.

"After dinner, perhaps." It would take something stronger to distract him from the taut ass being displayed in those jeans. Did a professional cook really need to bend over and hike up their ass just to place something in the oven? He was regretting the decision of spending quality time together now. "When you have a few moments, I wish to show you something."

"Alright, let me set the sauce to simmer." Sanji had made note of the maps sitting on the table. He didn't want to pry into anyone's business and he had a feeling that his host was a very private person. After making sure it wouldn't stick to the pot and that the bread was covered, he reached inside his pocket to grab a smoke. It wasn't lit until he took a seat, "You don't mind, do you?"

"Not at all," he didn't give a damn. Sanji could smoke anytime he pleased at this point. He would rather see those slim fingers lighting up after sex but just having the familiar sight eased up the pressure that had been weighing him down since that day. It was still there, but it was different. He had him back, in one way and he was willing to wait until the memories fully returned. "Yesterday you asked where we were heading. I'll show you, help me roll this out."

Assisting ensured that he had to scoot closer and lean towards the other. Sanji placed the cigarette in the ashtray, using both hands to hold out the corners. The furthest, he used the ashtray to pin it but kept fingers on the edge closest to himself. It was a world map, not very detailed but he was sure there was a point in being shown. "Sadly, I have no idea what I'm looking at. I never asked about the exact location of the island I was on."

"That was this island here, the smaller one next to it is where I normally reside." It was where they had spent the beginning of their relationship together. It was there that he had begun to become attached to the pirate. Mihawk directed their attention to their current location which was directly south-west. "We are not that far from the Red Line here but my plan is to continue along the Grand Line. My goal is to continue to this strip of land here."

"I see," it was the other half of the Red Line. Why were they going that far? It was going to take more than a few days to get there. There were many islands on the way so what was there? "How long is it going to take?"

"Depends, we will have to stop several times for supplies. That will add some time to our journey, that is if you are willing to come with me." Mihawk wanted to assume that there would be no issue with his plans but he would ask to make sure. He didn't want him unwilling or for Sanji to feel like he was being pressured into remaining.

"Sounds interesting, if you don't mind me tagging along," A trip would be nice. As much as he loved the family he had come to think of his own, he wasn't against some adventure. Sailing around with a hot male, he wasn't going to say no. Carmela was right, he really needed to get laid, and the former warlord was very sexy. Which got him to thinking about their having a past together. Had he been happy? What had the relationship been like? His dreams were nice but that didn't make them a reality. Hot or not, Mihawk could be horrible in bed and have small equipment. Not that he knew whether or not if size mattered, he was basing it on what his female friend had said. The woman had complained several times about her husband's size, so it had to matter. Did it matter if it was two men? It sucked not having actual memories he could think on.

"It would please me greatly," Mihawk wanted to wait to discuss their trip in length once they were closer. The trip could take months, he planned to drag it out and make the most of it. If this trip didn't work, he would take drastic measure and take Sanji to meet with his old crew. He really didn't want to do that but he did want Sanji's memories to come back at some point. "However, if we run into any problems, you are to remain hidden. There is a chance we might run into the navy at some point."

"But aren't you wanted as well?" Sanji leaned back and reached out for his smoke. Why hide? Sure, he had a high bounty but didn't Mihawk? He wouldn't be able to help much if they got into trouble but hiding didn't sit well with him.

"True, but most will leave me alone. My bounty is active with the hopes that some damn fool will try to collect. The military however will not waste their resources on trying to capture me. They know I will destroy whoever they send after me, so most of their ships steer clear when they see me coming." The last two that had thought to come upon him with cannons firing didn't get the chance to fire a second time. Since then most turned when he neared, they had orders to leave him be. As with Shanks, the military wouldn't bother him if they didn't have to. That would change if Sanji was spotted, they would hunt him with a vengeance. "You on the other hand are a top priority for the world government, even if you don't remember why. Don't ask me why, your memory will return on its own."

"I won't, I assumed as much when I saw the bounty." Sanji wanted to recall why but didn't want a headache trying to force it. The explanation was the same as what Carmela had been saying. Mihawk was a feared man, not many would attempt attacking him. "Doesn't that mean that your having me here is going to cause you unneeded problems? Wouldn't your trip go more smoothly if I wasn't around?"

"Not having you around isn't an option and I will handle whatever problems that may arise." Without Sanji the trip was pointless. "I will take out any ships that get too close so you need not worry. You are safe with me."

"So I have my own personal body guard, I could get used to that." Sanji tried not to laugh when the amber eyes went wide with the light brush of his fingers coming down on the man's thigh. He liked the idea of having someone looking out for him, it made him feel less alone in the world. Add in that his guard was someone incredibly attractive, it made the mind wonder. "What other services do you offer?"

"Are you flirting with me?" That was so Sanji but not Sanji, he found himself baffled at the adorable smile and the quick nod in confirmation. He knew all about the cook's flirtatious attitude but their relationship had always been more direct. Was it because this Sanji had been aware of his sexuality from the start so it was easier to be his normal self? It was cute but dangerous, because he would love to service him. "You aren't ready for what else I have to offer."

"What the hell does that mean?" Sanji bristled at the assumption. If they had been lovers then he obviously was ready or had been. Dammit, he didn't like that smug look, it pissed him off. He'd been trying to make light and tease but the asshole wanted to be like that. "Stop smirking before I kick that cocky grin right off your damn face."

"Heh, there you are." That was the Sanji he knew and loved. The nasty temper he had gotten to know well, "My meaning was simple, Sanji. You do not recall our past, I do, and you made it a point that you weren't willing to be my lover again. Be careful of what you do and say, or you'll find yourself naked and on your back. You may wish to check whatever you have on the stove."

"Shit," Sanji pushed away from the table. He had completely forgotten that he had left something on. Dammit, he hated having his words thrown back in his face. He knew what he had said, the words had come out of his mouth. He had just learned that they shared a history, it had been a lot to accept at the time. What mattered was that he could already see why he had been tempted to jump into any kind of relationship with the former warlord. No way his tastes were that different from before.

The sauce was spared in time and it gave him something to do. It didn't take his wayward thoughts too far from the naughty area they seemed to want to travel to. The feel of the man's thigh beneath his fingers had left an impression. Sanji had felt the strength, the hardness hidden beneath the denim. For an older man, Mihawk was still very solid. It didn't help that the asshole usually wore something that exposed the chiseled chest. Seeing it brought up the dreams, then it made him think about what may have happened, and that made his body respond. If the entire kidnapping hadn't occurred by now he probably would have tried to seduce their dinner guest.

Seduction had been the last thing on his mind with Deigo, Sanji hadn't wanted him. The sexual appeal had been mild, just enough to know that he liked him because of his boyfriend being of the same sex. Just looking at his host got him ten times as hot as making out with his ex had. It wasn't fair, things just weren't fair at all. He had agreed to stay on board with someone he was physically craving but he was loath to do anything because they had a past that he couldn't remember.

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Yes, it is somewhat short but I already have the next chapter started and am working on getting it up very soon.