Title: A race against death
Disclaimy: I do NOT own ONE PIECE. What I do own is some of its manga and the Zorro piccies I drew
Now I shall present to you without further adieu...
----
-Sanji's POV-
I have seen death, in the form of a doppelganger. Never had believed they were real but these ghastly visions had flashed before me multiple of times. I've heard from sailors who came to Baratie, stories. Had scoffed at them, even as a kid. The old man did not believe in them too so my faith in them went down to the rocks. Now, I had to believe them. The forms kept fleeting before me. I could not stop them. One moment I was cooking, the next, they play the gruesome scene before me. Folding out like an innocent drama, but I know their true meaning. I did not tell the others for it is too unbelievable, which will lead them into thinking me mad. Even I am not so sure of my sanity now, but the images meant chance, which I would not allow. Death to reach him so soon? I would not allow. It is just too cruel and I will never live with myself if it happened when I knew and did not prevent. You say I should trust his skills and determination? Well, that never stopped death before.
The visions vanished as abruptly as they had appeared when he floated to the surface of the sea, surrounded by his own blood, the finale of the cruel play, and I let out a small sigh of relief as my tense shoulders slacked relaxed. Suddenly, a weight landed on my right shoulder and I almost jumped into mid-air in surprise.
"What's wrong?" a gruff voice inquired behind me.
Did I mention that I almost spat out my heart? No? Well, currently it has dedicated itself to attempting suicide by banging itself against my ribcage. Now, that is not good thing. If I died, who will save that stupid, stubborn dumb guy?
Did I also mention that I almost tried to lob the green-haired head off his broad muscled shoulders? (Not with my precious hands of course. What I meant was that I had almost flown into mid-air and kick off his stupid cropped head.) Well, it wouldn't do to kill him now, especially when I am trying to keep him from a certain BLOODIED END!
Wait, I am getting hysterical. Calm...Sanji...just calm down and turn around to face him.
Somewhat regaining my composure and half-lidded eyes, I made a 180 degree turn and asked as nonchalantly as possible, "I beg your pardon?"
His eyes narrowed before he repeated his inquiry with an "I said" in front.
"Nothing is wrong but thanks for your concern anyway" I replied.
"Then why did you stop in the middle of cooking? It is unlike of you, cook." He pushed further.
"It is none of your business!" I snapped back, all pretense of nonchalance disappearing immediately.
He stared at me for sometime before grunting and turning, walking away, but still, the warmth of his palm lingered on my right shoulder.
That is so not a blush on my face.
--TBC--
Author's notes: Always wanted to try the last sentence
"It is none of your business!"—typical cool bishounen reply (in fan fiction) with major angst and attitude problem, except Sanji here is just stressed out. Okay, so he is somewhat a cool bishounen too, unless he is around beautiful girls.