Chapter 2
The sunlight shone pass the windows, landing softly on the duo on the bed like an invisible veil. Sanji stirred a little before waking up. His body clock always in time to bring him up to prepare the breakfast.
Just that this morning feels a little different. Sanji woke up to a cozy room, with soft sheets underneath him and blanket draped over him. Strangely, his memory doesn't register any of these.
The blonde stretched slightly in bed, but startled when he felt heat and breathing sounds besides him. Wasn't he alone in the room?
Confused, Sanji turned to his side. His body instantly froze when he saw green hair and tan build, chest rising slowly from each breath, the person merely a few inches away, sleeping soundly. Him and Zoro -out of all people- sharing the same. freaking. bed?
Sanji instinctly felt for his legs, wanting to send a kick to the sleeping mosshead. Then, suddenly, a warm feeling surged within him, something so strong that he couldn't resist.
The one you see first will be the one you loved most.
Instead of kicking Zoro, Sanji found himself leaning down onto the sleeping figure, touching his lips softly on his forehead.
The sensation woke Zoro. He cracked open one eye and caught on Sanji, steel eyes void of emotions. At that split moment, Sanji thought the swordsman will throw him off and slice him to death.
To his surprise, Zoro reached out and wrapped his arms around Sanji's middle, closing the distance between them until they were chest to chest. Zoro settled contently into the crook of Sanji's neck, mind dozing back to sleep. He let out a low grumble of disapproval when Sanji tried to break free.
Then it all hits him.
Zoro and Sanji grew up together on this island. He worked as a cook at a restaurant, and Zoro teaches kendo at the doujo not too far away. They lived their live together for all they can remember, they loved each other.
Sanji relaxed at the newfound memory, maybe the alcohol they had yesterday hit too hard that he forgot momentarily about their life. He ran his fingers through his hair, smiling at his own stupid attics.
He looked down at the other man that held close to his chest, a soft smile creep up his face, how could he forget him. But this is not the time for cuddling, Sanji needed to prepare breakfast and get ready for work. He frowned at the idea of being late.
Zoro groaned and tightened his arms when Sanji tried to push him off. But when the pressure on his shouldern increased the second time, he knew he had to release his hold, or he would have to face the other's wrath. An angry Sanji is not something Zoro like to deal with.
Sanji planted another kiss at Zoro's cheek, before slipping out of the comfort of their bed. Zoro had a small tug forming at the tip of his mouth. He wanted to sleep in more a little more, but a pleasant burn smell from the kitchen wafted over and picked on his nose, he groaned again and leave the bed.
Like each morning, Sanji would prepare a simple breakfast before he heads out. Today's menu was buttered croissant with grilled bacon, top with some mashed potatoes and mushrooms.
Zoro groggily made his way over to the busy figure, once again slipping his arms around Sanji, head resting on his shoulder. He indulged himself in the other's warmth and soft sensation.
"Smells good."
Sanji elbowed the taller man behind him, trying to get him out of the way as to not restrict his movements. But after a few elbowing and Zoro didn't nudge at all, he gave up and turned his attention back to the bacon, flipping it once in a while until it turned a nice crispy golden color.
"Get the plates out for breakfast."
Zoro finally let go of Sanji, hands rummaged through the cabinets for the damn plates.
Sanji glanced over his left and laughed in amusement, "Marimo, the plates are in the second drawer at my right. Gezz, how can you get it wrong everyt – hmpf!"
Zoro always have his own ways to shut Sanji up, the best one he found is simply sealing his lips. He nibbled on the soft lips, lingered for a few moments before pulling back. He was satisfied with the blushing mess in front of him.
"… Idiot, hurry up and get the plates." Sanji huffed and averted his gaze from the smug grin.
Breakfast was good as usual, but it last too short much to Zoro's dismay. Sanji had to run after shoving down the last bit of bread in his mouth. He bid a quick goodbye to Zoro before sprinting out the door.
Zoro only shrugged and get himself ready for the doujo. His work doesn't have to be that early as the cook, but since he is already up, he might as well make a move there. He thought of doing some personal trainings before his students start flocking in.
Their days on the island were steady and peaceful. Sanji loved his work at the restaurant -which happens to be the one that those man crashed yesterday, not that he remember any of it- , being able to try out different ideas on new ingredients, and enjoying the customer's praises when they tasted his food.
Sanji also grew fond to the restaurant owner. She is an elegant mother with two young kids with her. Initially she had handled the business together with her husband, but some time ago her husband had to travel across the sea to visit his sick mother. So she was the one responsible for the restaurant until he returns.
Sanji always respect the lady for her strong determination. Sometimes he would offered to take care of her two young kids when the business gets too busy. Sanji remembered one of the them actually went to Zoro to learn some sword skills.
Checking in at the nick of time, the owner jokingly teased Sanji, "Got stuck again?"
Sanji felt heat rushing up his face and he tried not to be flustered by the comment. The owner only laughed heartily when she saw the other escaped back into the kitchen.
Dropping the teasing, she informed Sanji that they will be expecting a fresh batch of mackerel today. They need to come out for the day's menu before customers starts to come in.
Sanji took in the owner's word and start to scroll through his mind for the perfect menu. Once they both decided, they set on the cleaning and preparations.
A young girl with the age of 5 appeared at the kitchen's corner. She beamed happily at her mother and plunge forward for a morning hug, her pigtails bouncing up and down at the impact. The energetic ball then also greeted Sanji with the same wide smile.
"Morning, Sanji-nii!"
Sanji smiled down and greeted back. The young girl had been helping her mother out in the restaurant ever since she managed to walk steadily on her own. They would give her some simple task like peeling the onions or serving some light dishes.
This morning she had been tasked to squeeze the lemons. The citrus will make a good pair with the mackerels.
On the other hand, Zoro occupied himself with his trainings in the doujo. The doujo was not too far away from their house, Sanji even made sure that Zoro can find his way there without getting off route.
"… 3998, 3999, 4000."
Zoro changed his stance to continue with the push ups. He came up with a training regimen to keep himself in a sharp state. Although the island had been fairly peaceful all these while, Zoro knew how strong he need to be to protect those precious to him.
He couldn't put his words to describe what made him thinks that way, but deep down he knew that he can't fall back on training. It's more like an instinct.
Just when Zoro is finishing up with the weights, he heard footsteps approaching the doujo.
The doujo won't be open until 10 in the morning, that's when he will be having the first lesson. Confused, Zoro cling a towel around his neck and head out to check.
A brat was standing and looking around at the entrance, his eyes brightened when he saw Zoro.
"Sensei!"
Zoro quirked an eyebrow at the brat. He remembered him. Zoro saw him in the restaurant before, if not mistaken, the 7-years-old was the son of the owner that Sanji is working for. One time when the two kids tag along Sanji over to the doujo, he saw Zoro swordsman skills and had been coming to learn ever since.
Zoro had to admit the brat had the talent for swords. Being a late starter but is able to come on top of others, he sure has the passion.
His expression softens a little and gestured for the brat to come along. Since the brat came earlier than the time for the class, he wouldn't mind give him extra trainings.
Unlike those sensei with extra patience and care, Zoro has his own way of teaching. His main belief in getting stronger will be training, be it repeated movements or adding more weights. Only on rare occasion he would give some deep advice that were known very useful.
Zoro's way can be straightforward and brutal, not many kids survive under him. Which he didn't care at all, until Sanji told him to keep the training down only he reluctantly cut it lesser.
So when the boy showed up earlier for more training, he earned Zoro's silent approval.
Zoro spent the time waiting for the others to adjust the boy's posture. He noticed that when the boy swung his katana at a certain angle, the movements came out faster and more agile.
"Listen brat, what you learned is not always the most suited style for you. One day, you will find your own, and by then, you will grow even stronger."
The boy can't really grasp the meaning behind those words, he just felt better and more confident after Zoro pointed out a few mistakes. He looked up to Zoro with respect.
"I will definitely find my own style one day!"
Zoro grinned and ruffled the boy's hair. They continued on until the others flood into the doujo. Today they will be learning to hold their stance and focus even when disturbed. They were grouped in pairs, where one will need to balance a rock at the tip of katana, while the other will be creating any disturbance that they can think of.
The lesson lasted till afternoon. Sanji had dropped by with the young girl to send lunch.
Zoro approached Sanji the moment he saw him, snaking around an arm at his hip, loosely trapping him in his embrace. Sanii instantly relaxed into the touch, shifting his weight to lean against the muscle wall behind. He tilted his head a little and pressed a quick kiss on Zoro's jawline.
"We have mackerel today, your favorite. I made some rice balls for you too."
"Oh really?! Been a while since I had it. Did you bring sake along?"
"Idiot marimo, you have a lesson to teach! And who drinks sake in the afternoon?"
Zoro tsked silently, expression a little let down.
Sanji appeared annoyed, but his action spoke otherwise as he shoved the bento into Zoro, another hand fished out a small white bottle for him. The bottle one third of the size of a normal sake.
"… but just a little to taste wouldn't hurt."
Zoro was beyond surprised, his eyes lit up at the sight of his favorite drink. He glanced over at Sanji, only to find him avoiding his gaze, slight shade of pink set at the tip of his ears. Zoro couldn't suppress the grin forming on his face, he is too precious for him.
Zoro tightened his grip, sending the other closer to him. He leaned forward to capture his mouth. Sanji jumped at the sudden affection and quickly pushed Zoro away by the face.
"S-stupid, the k-kids are watching!"
Zoro shot a glare at his students before declaring lesson dismissed. The sound of dismissal sounds like heaven's bell to end their torturous training. They instantly scrambled away from the duo's sight.
That left Zoro and Sanji alone in the space.
Zoro had to give his students a thumbs up, the smug grin found its way back to his face as he turned back to Sanji. "So, shall we continue?"
"As if! Eat the god-damned bento and go back to teaching! Damn no-brainer!"
Sanji didn't stay long in the doujo, for he mainly came to deliver Zoro's lunch, and helping the restaurant owner to check on her son's progress. The young girl was also happy to see her brother picking up quite the skills with his sword.
The rest of days passed with another round of lesson in the doujo. The kids ended their day with a little spar with each other. It was nice to see their blood boils from the sheer excitement of fighting each other. Though Zoro made sure to keep an eye on each of them to prevent any accident.
While for Sanji, the restaurant kept busy with the constant customers and orders. He threw his best to perfect each dishes served. The owner also running up and down, ensuring the business is running smoothly.
Sanji had just passed his shift over to the night shift, ending his work from the restaurant. He did offered the owner to stay a little more but the she had insisted Sanji to have more time for himself.
That's why whenever Zoro reached home after a long day in the doujo, he would always be greeted with warm lights from their home, and the presence of his lover waiting for him. It always made his heart swell up in content every single day.
"Cook, I'm home."
Sanji peeked out from a corner of the house, hands still holding on a saucer and spatula. "Oh, welcome back, you are a little early today, didn't lost your way back?"
"Only a 3-years-old will lose their way." Zoro followed Sanji's steps and found his way beside him, peering over the stove to see what they will be having for dinner.
Sanji gave a snort, "Well marimo, good job at being better than a 3-years-old."
They messed around a little before Sanji gave a light kick at Zoro's shin, ordering him to take a bath and be ready for dinner.
They had their usual routine. Sanji cooking up dinner, Zoro tried to help after getting out from the bath, which usually ends up stealing a few bites whenever Sanji was not looking. It resulted to a few scolding and kicks sent to him. But anyhow, both had their meals without blood shed and broken bones. They would chat over everything and share interesting things they caught on.
Sanji was cleaning up the dishes when he felt the other came up behind him and wrapping him in familiar hands. He tilted his head and eyed Zoro, sending the latter a silent question.
Zoro stared back intensely, "Don't you think we have something unfinished?"
"Huh?" Sanji glanced at the empty plates he just put in the sink, he was hundred percent sure they just ate everything. He didn't remember cooking anything else. "What els – Zoro!"
Sanji felt the room spun around and everything else is spinning, the next moment he knew, he was lying on the bed with Zoro looming over him, gray eyes eyeing him like a predator, the smirk on his face showing off his sharp canine, his muscle tensed with strength.
He felt like a prey underneath him, that made his blood boils. He lifted one leg and pushed against his shoulder, voice irritated. "Dumbass, how dare you throw me around like that."
Zoro grabbed the slender ankle easily, exerted some force to spread his legs wide open. He took the chance to squeeze in between his leg, one knee teasingly rubbing against the other's groin.
Sanji threw his head back at the sudden, but pleasant sensation, back arching a little in a seducing manner. Zoro's eyes turned a dangerous shade of gleam, "Time for some dessert."
He pressed against Sanji, lips crashing with each other. His hands slipped under the thin clothing, caressing the smooth skin. The rough calluses made Sanji open his mouth in surprise, and it opened an entrance for Zoro to slid in his tongue to explore. Sanji moaned in pleasure, voice muffled by the passionate kiss.
Before Zoro knows it, Sanji became a total mess, his pale skin failed to covers the crimson blush at every part of his body, his eyes half lidded, lust apparent amidst the blues, his swollen lips slightly apart gasping for air. Sanji felt eyes on him again, he wrapped his arms around Zoro's neck, one of his hand entangled itself in the moss-like hair.
He whispered into his ears, "Be gentle with me…"
That sent heat towards south. Sanji didn't knew he was playing with fire, or he knew but didn't care less. Zoro scooped him nearer, biting down marks and licked it in circles. His ears, his neck, his clavicles, his chest… Zoro slowly trail his way down.
"I won't stop even if you cried for it."
They have the whole night to themselves.
-TBC-