"I saw you, but I want to hear it from you. Are you and Zoro dating?"

Sanji just stared at the older man in front of him. Did he hear that correctly? Was he hearing things? He has to be because that means that one he was seen and two the man knows. He thought he was hiding it well. What's bothering him is he can't tell the man's mood. Is he disgusted? Mad? Is he going to be kicked out like Zoro almost was?

Sanji couldn't find himself move, if he doesn't move maybe he will turn invisible and he can avoid this. But he doesn't think he can, what can he do? If there is he hopes it would pop in his head but not right now it seems. Sanij swallows the lump in his throat. Oh god, he is going to cry. He felt it coming, and now he freaking out because he doesn't know what to say but it's too late to deny it. How long has he been quiet? And now what does he answer?

"So? Are you dating him? Or are you tricking him? Playing with his emotions?" Zeff asks knowing that is not the case, not with how happy he is.

"Of course not! I'm serious about dating him!" Sanji answers with a frown, any tears about to be shed evaporated into the air. How could the old man think that lowly of him? He knows he can be an asshole but still, even that's low for him.

Sanji stopped frowning when the grumpy older blonde gave him a grin under his mustache. What? Sanji gasp out loud, it was a trap! "So how'd it happen? I thought you two hated each other? Didn't you both get suspended for fighting each other?" he asks curious, and maybe confused about it.

"Well," Sanji starts looking away from the older man, he honestly never thought they would be talking about this together. At least he's not mad. Or looking at him like he's a poorly cooked dish. So that's good. "I did hate him but I started to understand him a little." he says, his attention taken by the stuffed tiger Zoro gave him and it has grown on him. "After hanging out with him I started to like him. We talked and next thing I knew he was all I could think about. A-are you mad?" he asks still not making eye contact.

"Why would I be mad? He makes you happy. Everyone noticed, and was curious. We have never seen you this happy." he says. Sanji takes a chance to look at him. Was it that simple?

"You've noticed?" he wonders.

"How could we not, you smile way too much, looking at your phone all the time. It's hard not to notice." he tells the younger blonde.

"Does everyone know?"

"Only that you're dating someone, they haven't seen who." Zeff answers, Sanji lets out a sigh. If they knew they would make fun of him for it, he's sure of it.

"How long have you noticed it?"

"Since the beginning."

"And you're okay with it? That I'm dating Zoro." he asks to make sure.

"It was a shock but you are happy right? That's all that should matter." Zeff answers.

"Yup, I'm happy. I actually wish he wasn't busy with his family right now." Sanji says. Zeff smiles as the young blonde shows off that smile that can melt a frozen heart. Now that he thinks about it...

"Since when was he from a wealthy family?" Zeff asks.

"I was shocked too but it seems like he was born a young master." Sanji answers.

"Doesn't act like it."

"That's how he was raised." Sanji shrugs.

"You should bring him over." Zeff says standing up. Sanji looks at the man like he spoke another language. That's something he will never do, not voluntary. Unless it's business like the last time. "It's want a suggestions." Zeff says as he close the door. Sanji frowns. Damn.

Oh, and he should tell Zoro about this. He feels better now that he doesn't have anything to hide. Everything is good.

He'll wait to invite the man over. Soon but not right now.

Sanji hums as he stood in the kitchen. Another day for school, another day to see Zoro. He wonders what Zoro has been doing with his family. Wonder if he's free after school. Hope he is.

"You're in a good mood. Talking to Zoro lately?" Zeff asks walking into the kitchen himself. He goes to the refrigerator as the blonde makes his lunch. Sanji felt himself blush. He forgot the man knew about them. The worst part is that he's wrong but he's still so happy about the idea of seeing Zoro. That's all it takes to get him so happy, just thinking about him. Man he's in deep.

"I've got to get to school." Sanji says grabbing his just made lunch box and going to his school messenger bag to put it inside.

"Don't forget to bring Zoro over. Maybe have him stay for dinner." Zeff reminds him as he pours himself some cereal. Not wanting to make a breakfast meal for just himself right before what is going to be a long day at the restaurant.

"I can invite him but I don't know if he's going to be busy. He has been with his family a lot lately so I don't know." Sanji answers, now hoping Zoro won't be free any time soon. Hopefully his family stays busy just a while longer. At least till he can get use to Zeff knowing, and after the others know. The other chefs at the Baratie are his family and he knows they will tease him about it. He doesn't mind them knowing now but he wants to get use to it first and bring Zoro when they have settled down. Plus he should give Zoro sometime to settle with the knowledge that Zeff knows about them. He's sure the man will be shocked about the news.

"Well, invite him over when he's free." Zeff says as Sanji gets his bag on and his shoes on.

"Right," Sanji answer, "well I'm off to school bye." Sanji says leaving through the back door.

He felt closer to Zeff, like he could talk to him about anything, doesn't know if he will but it's nice to know he doesn't have to hide. With a smile back on his face he made his way to meet Zoro.