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Guest: Thanks for your review! I'm so glad you liked feeling's description! I love writing introspections, it's a great way to better understand characters in my opinion.

01/31/22 EDIT: Thanks to KumaZura for proofreading this chapter.

Chapter 5

Too late

The next morning, when Sanji got up, he was cheered up. He felt lighter and made a multitude of dishes for breakfast. Even if the reserves were decreasing, he knew he would have enough to feed his friends to the next island. The real problem was that meat was becoming scarce and Luffy would soon have to restrict himself in favor of other things…

He prepared crepes for the gourmands, a bit of meat for their greedy captain, fresh fruits for his princesses, pieces of toast, milk, tea, coffee, cola and even rice balls to please the swordsman. After all, he owed him one. Thanks to his technique, he had made considerable progress in his reflections and there was nothing like peace of mind.

While everyone chewed more or less noisily a few moments later, Nami retrieved the newspaper and glanced at it, attentive to the news of the world. Suddenly, she froze and the archeologist next to her noticed it. "What's going on?" She asked her.

"It's… Ace," She stammered, looking up at the captain. Luffy quietly gazed at her as the rest of the crew froze, waiting for her next words. "Is he all right?" The gunner asked, uncomfortable.

"He broke out during a transfer," Nami read, "He escaped the Marines, probably thanks to complicities and his crew. Nobody knows where he is."

"It's super news!" Franky exclaimed.

"Yes but he was wounded," The navigator carried on, anxious, "The World Government assures that, given his condition, they will quickly locate and recover him. They put all their resources into this…"

"Look at his Vivre Card, Luffy," Sanji suggested.

"There's no need." The crew stared at him, surprised by his reaction. "But Luffy, the Marine says he was badly hurt," The redhead softly reminded him.

"Are you sure you don't want to go to meet him?" Brook added.

"My big brother knows how to defend himself, it's no use worrying!" The straw hat boy explained with a big smile.

There was silence in the room, his friends hesitating between admiring his optimism or fearing a denial of reality. Finally, Zoro swallowed his mouthful of rice and stood up for his captain. "If Luffy thinks he's fine, then he's fine. Anyway, it's in the Marines' best interest to spread this kind of information to make it look like they're in control of the situation."

Luffy agreed and the rest of the crew could only nod at his words. Everyone then finished his meal in cheerfulness.

While serving some milk again to Chopper, Sanji glanced at the swordsman who was finishing devouring his plate. He had noticed since the beginning of their adventures the unshakeable confidence that Luffy and Zoro shared in each other. A simple look was enough for them to understand the other. Zoro was the best at understanding the captain's sometimes confusing reasoning. He was also the one Luffy listened to the most.

The cook had never understood how two people so unalike managed to get along so well but the point was that they had the same vision of the world made of unwavering willpower to achieve their goals and of steadfast loyalty towards their friends. And thanks to this tandem, the straw hat crew would achieve their goals, he knew it.

Moments later, everyone came out on the deck and the cook cleared the table before dealing with the mountain of dirty dishes. He then decided to take advantage of the warm air of the day by smoking his cigarette.

Outside, Luffy was pushing the little reindeer who was laughing out loud on his swing and Brook was composing a new song with the help of Franky. A little further in the grass, Zoro carried on the push-ups and handstands by bouncing the dumbbell on his feet. Sanji blew smoke while contemplating the fencer.

Yesterday, he had felt that he had reached the outcome of his reasoning. He now had the upper hand to make the best decision. He even had already made it. It had come naturally as soon as he had opened his eyes again.

He wanted to indulge in this new adventure. Zoro might be his best enemy but he trusted him. Much more than he would ever admit. The swordsman would have no problem remaining frank with him because he didn't mind to hurt him if it was to tell the truth. He would know how to put things in perspective if they faced opponents. He wouldn't judge him as long as the cook remained honest with himself. And that was enough for him. All things considered, what more could he ask for?

The blond had a drag of his cigarette again. He didn't think he would regret his choice but he wanted to take the time to get used to it. After all, his life was going to change and even if it probably was just a fling, it would forever change their already chaotic relationship.

Wondering what surprises the future might have in stock for him, Sanji let his eyes get lost in the ocean. The weather wasn't quite clear but the air was mild enough to enjoy it and he let himself be carried away by the rolling of the Sunny under his feet.

Tomorrow would be the first day of the rest of his life but today, he would just enjoy the moment.

Zoro glanced out the window of the crow's nest. The day was darkening and he drank a long swig of water as he was catching his breath.

He had felt Sanji's eyes on him all day. Not an irritated or disgusted look as he used to feel but a rather calm and pensive look. The swordsman didn't take long to understand that the relaxation session he had suggested had been constructive and he had started to imagine the cook's body under his own before the end of the day. Unfortunately, the night was falling and Sanji was taking his time, perhaps to weigh his choice a little more.

The swordsman relaxed his muscles a little by taking a few steps, pensive.

After the suddenness of their first time, he had himself been surprised by the desire he had had again for the blond's body on the island of Nerwa. The previous days, he had thought that the accumulated tension between them had flown and that their hand-to-hand would stop there but it hadn't been the case. When he had realized it, he hadn't wondered if what he was suggesting to the cook was good or bad, logical or not. He had felt like it so he had made his point.

However, Sanji was far from taking things as simply as him. From the fencer's point of view, the blond didn't accept some of his desires and was hiding behind logic. In contrast, he was only taking into account what he was feeling. Reason didn't dictate his behavior, it was his body that was sending him signals he could interpret. He had more confidence in his perceptions than in his judgment.

Zoro wasn't a thinker, his greatest strength was his body and he was spending his time hardening it a little bit more every day. His mind was useful to capture information from his environment and to extract new ways to improve his power and strengthen his mind. The swordsman was aware of being vulnerable to more complex reasoning because he didn't always understand it but he didn't care. His way of thinking might seem simplistic but it has always been successful for him so far.

Being a swordsman presupposed him to be connected to the spirit of his swords, their metal, and thus to nature. And nature didn't weigh herself down with hatching useless plans. Nature could grant all her power to the attentive enough observer but in return, she required constant humility and work. It was only by getting rid of his superfluous thoughts that nature offered her treasures and Zoro knew it perfectly. He was following the example of nature to get closer to his dream and it's in the same way that he was taking every decision of his life. By listening to the sensations from his body and trusting his instinct.

Zoro had noticed from the first day that the cook was reasoning very differently from him. It probably was the root of their rivalry, inherent in their so opposite personalities. The blond was trying to rationalize his thoughts as much as possible and the swordsman thought that his sensibility was at the origin of this way of working. Sanji felt everything to the extreme and the emotions that pierced him from all sides left him both stronger but also at their mercy.

The swordsman secretly admired the ease with which he decoded the intentions and the thoughts of the others, it was an indisputable advantage because this way, he was adapting to all situations. That's why he was doing an excellent job as a cook because he was on the look-out for everyone's desires and knew how to anticipate them. Nevertheless, he was suffering in return from the infinite possibilities of his reasoning. He couldn't control everything but he was trying and today, he was in trouble because what he was feeling didn't match to what he had always understood of himself.

So it was quite natural that instead of wondering when, how and why he was there, the fencer had just accepted this unexpected attraction. Everything had quickly and logically found its place in his head. For him, there was indeed only pleasure to get at the prospect of this new occupation.

A jubilant pleasure at the thought of defeating the most insolent cook of the Grand Line. A sadistic pleasure to watch Sanji realize that Don Juan or not, men's bodies didn't leave him so indifferent. A dizzying pleasure to taste his slender and muscular figure and to hear him moan under his caresses.

There was nothing degrading or incongruous that could have stood in the way of his desire or tried to stop him. Sanji was unbearable most of the time in his opinion but he also admitted that the blond was no less a worthy person who thought as highly of his pride and principles as Zoro did. And for that, he respected him enough to suggest that they could share a new intimacy.

After all, they weren't promising each other anything. It was the simple opportunity to enjoy a few moments of pleasure between two consenting adults. So he hoped that the blond's thinking would tip the balance in his favor but if he couldn't see beyond the appearances of their rivalry or his sexuality, he couldn't help it and he wasn't going to persist. He wasn't going to chase after him for simple carnal contact, even if the taste had left his mouth watering.

Taking his dumbbells back in his hands, Zoro repositioned himself on his carpet, his muscles contracted and his breathing ample. It was still early and he had time to perfect his exercises. Concentrated, the swordsman soon forgot his crewmate.

The next morning was cloudy but it went normally until Usopp suddenly alerted his friends. "Ship in sight at ten o'clock!" Glasses screwed on his head, he pointed the direction of the ship out to the crew who had rushed on deck. Nami took her own binoculars and pointed them at the sea. "I see a flag…"

"Pirates? Tell me, are they pirates?!" The captain by his side immediately wanted to know.

"I have trouble seeing it…"

"It feels like an adventure!" The straw hat boy exclaimed, already stamping with impatience.

"It's a trade flag," She finally stated.

"A trade flag?" Franky asked. "What are they selling?"

"It's a pharmacy ship."

"Really?!" Chopper had suddenly stars in his eyes and he whirled round on the deck. "I'm going to be able to buy all the medical innovations from the Grand Line's latest scientific magazine!"

"We'll stay careful, Chopper," The redhead calmed him down, already seeing the berries escaping her, "It's true that you need some equipment but they shouldn't take advantage of it because we can't get fresh supplies elsewhere for the moment." The little reindeer approved and speeded towards the infirmary to check on his reserves.

A few minutes later, a sales representative of the pharmacy ship asked for permission to dock and Brook threw him a rope to moor a gangway. If he was surprised to be greeted by a skeleton, he didn't show it. "Good morning, young people. My name is Frinks, I'm a pharmaceutical representative from the collaboration of the best doctors in the New World," He introduced himself, cordially lifting his top hat.

"Wow, the New World!" Chopper and Luffy gushed, in awe.

"Crews wishing to go there should have a strong interest in having the necessary medicine in their infirmary as well as competent staff!"

"We have a great doctor," The captain showed him, pointing to the little reindeer that began to waddle and blush.

"Very honored, dear colleague." The man shook Chopper's paw who blushed even more.

"Are you giving discounts?" Nami immediately inquired.

"Of course. We have a wide choice as well as discounts depending on the amount of your purchases. Do you have our catalog?"

"I don't think so," The doctor said, saddened, "The last island we visited had only old copies."

"Astrid, please bring me the latest catalog!"

A young woman with a dynamic look and short purple hair held by a flowery scarf turned up a few seconds later, a thick catalog in hand. In record time, she unfolded a table and three chairs on the deck of the Sunny before inviting Chopper to sit down there.

At this sight, the crew's cook didn't miss the chance to liquefy with love. "Miss Astrid, let me introduce myself. Black Leg Sanji, cook of this ship, at your service."

"Pleased to meet you. I'm a nurse and I inform the crews about the latest medical techniques as well as the necessary equipment for any crossing on the seas of the globe."

"Nurse?" The blond exclaimed, subdued. "What an absolutely admirable job! I bet you must be gorgeous in your tight little white coat, Astrid!"

"Do you have paper and a pen, please, Sanji?" She interrupted him with a bright smile.

"Absolutely!" As the cook literally flew to fulfill her request, the young woman turned to the rest of the jaded crew and winked at them. "Don't worry, I'm used to it. Men tend to fantasize about nurses, especially lonely sailors at sea."

"Unfortunately, he doesn't need to be lonely to behave like a moron," Nami grumbled as Robin held back her laughter.

"Do you have elastic bandages? I mean, really elastic?"

The little reindeer was examining the different types of dressings in front of him, indecisive. "We have those rolls made from an extremely modern alloy capable of significant twisting," Frinks showed him. "Those bandages are water resistant," Astrid completed, holding them out.

The doctor stretched them a few moments in all directions before nodding. "It seems really solid…"

Chopper put them aside before showing an illustration on the catalog. "How about sling immobilization, are they robust?"

"The best quality of all the Grand Line!" The sales representative assured him. "A mixture of ultra-strong carbon and duck feathers maintain a balance between immobilization and the flexibility needed for the injured limb."

"I have recalcitrant patients," The little doctor confided. "Do you mind if I test one?"

"Please."

The reindeer turned to the mast and called the swordsman. "Zoro, can you come for a minute, please?" The fencer approached and Astrid fixed the sling to his left shoulder for the demonstration.

"How do you feel?" Chopper asked him. Zoro shrugged, "Normal."

"This is the usual position," Frinks confirmed. "Astrid." The young woman nodded and sharply adjusted the sling which strengthened, preventing the swordsman from moving his shoulder despite his annoyed movements. "Impressive," Chopper stated, examining Zoro.

"It's a unique model. It's useful for headstrong patients." As the doctor agreed and walked away to move on, Luffy crept up on his first mate and engaged the sling to the maximum, guffawing. The swordsman gasped and contorted with his other hand to escape the hold on his back, without success.

As the straw hat boy burst out laughing, Usopp passed by and stared at the swordsman who was huffing and puffing. "Maybe it's a bit too tight, don't you think? He's turning blue…"

"Let me see!" Luffy planted his face in front of the fencer's and agreed, "You're right! It looks like he can't breathe anymore, this thing is really tough!"

"The marimo suffocates?" Sanji inquired, interested.

"Yeah, look, he's all blue!"

The cook got closer in his turn. "This color is really terrible with his hair…"

"What a bunch of idiots, I can't believe it!" Nami pushed through the crowd and released Zoro who collapsed on the deck, eyes wild. "Stop playing with the medical equipment! If you damage it, it's you who will pay it back!"

The small group split up, lowering their heads, and Zoro got up with difficulty before dragging himself along the crow's nest to catch his breath away from his so-called friends.

The two sales representatives had left several hours later. Sanji had brought them a snack while they continued to look through the catalog with Chopper. Then, Nami had ferociously negotiated each price before finally agreeing on the final amount. The little reindeer had ended up with dozens of boxes spread out on the deck to put away in his infirmary and Franky had lent him a hand. Zoro had remained locked in the crow's nest for the rest of the day and he had only been out for a few minutes to eat his lunch and go back to his lair.

In the evening, the doctor kept on raving about his purchases during the meal and the rest of the crew listened to him with tender smiles.

At last, night fell and Robin filled her little watering can for her flowers. The cook didn't forget to bring her some coffee as she was going to be on watch and she smiled at this delicate attention. Sanji also offered a cup of tea to Nami and Brook then he cleaned the room before going in search of the swordsman.

He had given himself the time to be sure of his decision and now that he was, a sweet excitement was coming over him at the idea of what he was going to do.

He quickly turned up at the crow's nest but found no one. He then searched at the back of the ship and in the boy's quarter but his bunk was free and the others were peacefully sleeping. The cook thought for a few seconds before a smile of anticipation stretches his lips.

He knew where to find Zoro.

A draft in the bathroom made the swordsman turn around. He had just taken a shower and his towel was still hanging from his hips. He had been relentlessly training for long hours and even he wouldn't have been able to go to bed after having sweated so much.

The door closed behind his surprise guest and he gave a hint of a smile. He had no doubt about the identity of his visitor despite the steam still present in the room. He saw his figure stand out among the curl of hot water and stop before joining him.

"Have you recovered from your adventures this morning?" The blond said in a mocking voice.

"And you, are you ready for the one you're getting into?"

The cook didn't reply but went over, nodding. "Maybe you're righter than you know, marimo." Zoro stared at him for a few moments without moving. The cook had a proud and confident look, at the edge of arrogance, impertinence on the tip of the tongue. No doubt he had made his decision and immediately, the swordsman decided to put him in his place. It wasn't because the blond wanted to assume his desire that he had to take a big head.

Zoro brutally pinned him against the damp wall and began to lower his hands on both sides of his body which flinched at his touch, spreading his threatening aura to the fullest. "I haven't said anything yet," The blond shuddered, suddenly hesitating between excitement and apprehension, "What makes you think the answer goes your way?"

"Your body speaks for you." In doing so, the fencer cocked his head, leaving it to the cook to fill the remaining distance between their mouths to prove it to him. Sanji doubted just for a second before strongly grabbing the lips of his crewmate, dragging him into a hectic ballet where their tongues tried to master the one of the adversary.

After a few minutes busy fully discovering themselves, Sanji caught his breath, his cheeks red and his eyes bright. "It's weird to kiss a seaweed." "It's weird to kiss a twisted eyebrow head."

With a mocking smile, the blond quickly put his hands around the neck of the swordsman, moving their two bodies - already drunk from one another - closer to resume their fight. This sensation had a delicious taste of the forbidden and he let himself sink into it with a sigh of well-being.

Without waiting, Zoro brutally pulled on the sleeves of the cook's jacket and Sanji hastened to follow the move to prevent it from being torn. Not giving him a break, the swordsman then put his hands up his chest under his shirt, wringing a shiver out of the blond in front of him. "I hope you're not gonna run away, cook."

"Why?" The other stammered against his mouth.

"Because I really don't wanna stop."

He pressed his body against his and Sanji felt the fencer's desire against his hip. This finding made him shudder and he felt his own desire assaulting him from all sides. He loosened his tie then grabbed the fencer's back and pulled his arms up his bare skin as he nibbled at his neck. Impatient, the swordsman carried on his caresses under the still present shirt then forced the garment.

"Wait-"

Too late, the buttons scattered on the floor and Zoro chucked out the fabric, satisfied. Seeing the blond coming forward excited all his senses and he had no wish to dwell on details. So he seized the temptress' mouth again while firmly holding the cook against the wall.

For his part, Sanji quickly forgot the incident. He put his hands over the chest of the fencer in turn and for the first time, he enjoyed the sensation of the hot body against him without a second thought. He then let his fingers go up and get lost in the hair of the swordsman, becoming intoxicated with his masculine and still wet smell, never parting their lips.

In any case, it was too late.

Too late for his shirt, too late to want to back down and too late not to be caught by bliss.

You finally got Zoro's point of view!

I tried to show that Zoro and Sanji handle things very differently and that's why they're always arguing but that's also why they value each other.