Sanji smiles as he finishes cooking. He has more hair, it grew longer and he hasn't got the time to get it cut. And these days he barely has time to shave. It shouldn't be possible but he swears he's starting to look like Zeff. Sanji looks at the time to see dinner is really on time. Good thing too, last night he was late. This week he didn't have time to meal prep for the whole family. This whole experience has made him know he should, he won't be lazy this week. He's learned his lesson.
Sanji quickly turns around to start setting the table. As he got the food on the table, ready to shout that the food is done a small figure walks across him, the table. Sanji eyes follows the small figure as he walks, dinosaur socks padding on the hardwood floor. Sanji watch silently as Oliver walk to the door. He wore a dinosaur beanie, shirt, green Gilliam vest, and jeans. His straight blonde hair peeking out from his beanie. His dinosaur backpack rolling behind him. Sanji watch as his son, his 4 year old son sat on the little bench near the door so he can put his shoes on.
Done observing Sanji gets closer, squatting near his son watching Oliver expression. He look like he wanted to cry but why? Guess to know there's only one way. "Whatcha sound buddy?" Sanji asks. Oliver sniffs as he gets his dinosaur shoes on. They are blue, dark and light but the prints they leave are t-rex footprints. So cool that he promised both Sanji and Zoro that he will eat everything on his plate. It was a good investment. Oliver learned that he enjoyed some food even though they looked yucky.
"I'm going away, to live with grandpa. Marmo doesn't need me around no more." he says sniffing again. Sanji raises his eyebrow at that. Where did he get such a ridiculous idea from? Zoro, or as Oliver calls him marmo, from the countless times he's called Zoro marimo but not able to pronounce it properly, loves Oliver just as much as the day he was born.
"Why do you think that? Zoro and I love you very much." Sanji says though that doesn't seem to be enough as Oliver pulls the velcro tight on his shoes.
"I only care about marmo," Oliver say and Sanji knows that. Oliver loves Zoro, something they seem to share besides the blonde hair and pale skin. Oliver has Zoro's eyes and smile. "And marmo doesn't love me no more, not with Charlie here. Marmo loves Charlie more than me." Oliver cries a little. Sanji turns trying not to let out a chuckle. This is serious.
"Zoro doesn't love Charlie more. He's a baby, your baby brother, he needs more attention, remember he can't do anything." Sanji explains. Three weeks ago they welcome a new member of the family, little Charlie. They told Oliver he's going to be an older brother but they guess he didn't understand what they meant. The day Zoro gave birth to Charlie they waited for Perona and Nami, who knows the truth and has gotten really close to Perona, to babysit while Zoro and Sanji went to the hospital. Mihawk and Reiju meeting them there. When they got back home, four days later, he was very happy that they came back, he was mostly happy Zoro came back home, but he was very confused about the baby in Zoro's arms. He looked and poked Charlie's cheek but didn't say anything. Didn't get the chance as Nami and Perona swarmed Zoro for a look. Of course after that they both got busy with Charlie, taking turns feeding Charlie as the other feed Oliver. "Zoro is just taking care of Charlie like he did you." Oliver gave Sanji a look, like he was about to rethink his decision but he shakes his head and stands up. Both shoes on now.
"I'm going to grandpas." Oliver declares. Sanji thinks for a second. With a plan he sighs, standing up.
"Alrighty if I can't stop you." Sanji looks at Oliver.
"You can't. I made my brain up." Oliver says pointing to his forehead.
"Alrighty, now I don't have to share Zoro anymore if you're gone." Sanji crosses his arms, looking away. From the corner of his eye he sees Oliver flinch and look at him shocked. His toddler mind working the way it does.
If he's gone then his dad gets more time with marmo, and Charlie. And he won't get any if he leaves. What if he's not able to see marmo ever again? He'll be with his grandpa but that's not the same.
Thinking he's got him, Sanji turns away to the kitchen just in time as Zoro walks down. As Sanji has changed, hair getting longer Zoro is the same. It's like the marimo is stuck in a time capsule. Zoro gives Sanji a smile full of love.
"Charlie's asleep. Let's eat." Zoro turns noticing Oliver at the door. Dressed when he should be in pajamas, backpack next to him and shoes on. "Are you going somewhere?" Zoro asks getting closer. In a hurry Oliver gets his shoes off, when off he runs to hug Zoro. Not having a clue on what's going on Zoro hugs Oliver back, looking up at Sanji for a hint but the blonde smiles at him. "What's wrong?" Zoro asks looking down at his baby.
"I love you marmo, do you love me too?" Oliver asks with tears in his eyes as he look up at his parent. Zoro blinks, he's use to the name, he tried to get him to call him something else but it never stuck, but marmo did, now he wouldn't be surprised if Charlie starts calling him that when he's of age.
"Of course. You're my baby." Zoro brings him closer, kissing one cheek then the other.
"But what about Charlie?" Oliver asks.
"I love him too, like I love you."
"And dad?" Oliver asks. Zoro smiles as he can see in the corner of his eyes Sanji grabbing Oliver backpack, filled with his favorite dinosaurs and a picture of Oliver and Zoro.
"Yes but it's a different kind of love, but I still love you all." Zoro smiles. Oliver frowns. Not liking that his dad got a special love but it still made him happy to hear.
"I know we all love each other but we also love to eat food when it's hot." Sanji says, setting Oliver backpack near the couch. At that two stomachs growl Sanji smiles at them, he loves feeding their hungry stomachs but it is getting tiring with a new born baby.
"I'm starving." Zoro says sitting down. Oliver next to him. Sanji across from Zoro. They all love their family.
