When they arrive home Zoro goes right back to training while Sanji goes into his large garden. He needs to check and see if any more of his vegetables or fruit is ripe enough to sell. Sanji didn't make too much money, but it was enough to keep him going.
He also liked having fresh fruits and vegetables for his cooking. Once every week he would go around town and give free food to those in need. He couldn't do it all the time but people also knew that if in need he would always hand out free food. It's not like that happened very often though, people didn't want to keep near him.
Judge and Spandam always seemed to help in that category. Well fuck both of them. Spadam was just his fathers stupid lackie that liked to act like he was actually in charge.
The cook filled the basket with fresh fruits and vegetables before bringing them in. After he had them all nice and sorted he gathered up all of his older produce and placed them all by the door.
Once finished he called out the back to Zoro, "I'm going out for a bit and will be back later. Although if you agree to be a pack mule I'll let you join me."
"Pack mule?" Zoro asked, eyebrow furrowed as he was balancing upside down on a single finger.
Sanji forced himself to ignore what Zoro was doing. "Yeah, I need to deliver some food around town. I normally have to do several trips but with you I could probably do it all in just one or two."
Zoro gracefully landed back on his feet, "Sure."
To Sanji's delight Zoro could pick up and balance five large baskets of produce with no problem, leaving only two for Sanji. It worked better that way because he needed to drop off the two baskets he had first.
As they left the house, Sanji told him, "If anyone looks hungry offer them any of the food in one of your baskets."
"Why?" Zoro questioned.
"Because, Marimo, those are about to start going bad. Food should never be wasted, especially when people need it."
"How much are you selling them for?" Zoro wondered.
"I'm not, they are free to those in need."
Zoro smirked, "Giving away food for free? What would your precious money hungry Nami say about that?"
Sanji bit his lip, "She would understand and even if she didn't… I'll never let anyone go hungry. Keeping people from starving is more important than anything."
There was a long silence, not awkward but the conversation stuck heavily in the air.
They had entered a more crowded part of town and Zoro did as Sanji asked and offered food to anyone who seemed like they may have been down on their luck. It was odd, people looked at them with knowing eyes, some even pleading but seemed scared to actually talk to them. Quickly grabbing food, and shoveling it down without saying anything.
When they took food from Zoro they seemed to look around in fear before accepting.
Sanji just ignored all of the negativity as they continued along their way.
When the area cleared up a bit they made their way to a vendor. The vendor was a pretty woman, "so it's true" she spoke staring at Zoro before looking back at the chef.
"What's true, my sweet?"
"You actually took in a beastman."
"Yes, I suppose the rumors are true than."
The woman looked nervous, "I'll buy your vegetables and fruits today but I really must not anymore. It's dangerous because of King Judge and Lord Spadam already. People will stop buying from me if they know I sell your goods, especially now that you have a beastman as well."
"I understand, and I'm grateful."
She paid Sanji for the two large baskets and they headed to the poorest parts of town .
"Didn't she not pay you enough?" Zoro asked.
"I'm already troubling her, half price is more than generous on her part."
"The food you grow is great though, and the food you cook is even better."
"I know" Sanji said with a little cocky smirk.
"Then why are people treating such a person like you as if you are diseased."
That smirk fell from the blonds lips, a pained look showed in his face for a moment before he hid it and smiled at Zoro instead. "It's fine, don't worry about it."
Sanji couldn't burden Zoro with this. He also didn't want to tell him that people looked at him like that because he was a disease.
In Sanji's heart and mind he was convinced that he was unlovable. The only way that someone could love him back is if he catered to their every wish.
Those were too heavy of topics, and he liked that Zoro hadn't left him yet. While he had the young beastman he wanted him to think of him as strong and maybe even cool.
The fifteen year old beastman clenched his jaw and stared off ahead as if he could see something that Sanji couldn't.
Sanji and Zoro handed out food to the poor and hungry, only leaving back home when the baskets were empty.
Ever since their talk Zoro seemed to be in a bad mood. He meditated, and trained as soon as they got back home.
The cook wondered if he had done something wrong or if Zoro realized how pathetic Sanji was.
He didn't want to be pathetic or weak. He would be strong.
"Stupid, ungrateful piece of moss." Sanji grumbled, getting to work on making the best sushi he had ever made in his life. Zoro was feeling down, and if there was one thing in this world Sanji could do, it was make food so good people had to feel better.
"Marimo lunch is ready."
Zoro walked back in, using the dirty shirt he was wearing earlier as a towel to dry off his hair. Sanji was about to make a comment about how gross he was and needed a shower but his voice died in his throat.
Sweat was slowly following down Zoro's defined chest, almost like the water caressed him. His skin was a beautiful sunkissed tan, and Sanji wanted to run his hands along those muscles and feel them for himself.
Once again he felt disgusted with himself.
Zoro stopped drying his hair and looked at Sanji. The look was one that Sanji didn't know how to read.
It looked primal and…hungry.
He suddenly wondered if beastmen ever ate humans. Zoro smiled, but even the smile was dangerous, and the beastman flexed his muscles making a shot of arousal shoot down Sanji's body.
Zoro chuckled and walked over to Sanji. He grabbed a hold of Sanji's shirt pulling him closer and sniffing the cooks neck. "Smells damn good love-cook" Zoro's voice almost sounded like a purr.
Sanji's heart started to hammer in his chest, the atmosphere in the house suddenly felt thick.
"Y-you must be hungry." Sanji couldn't believe his voice just shook. Why the hell was he turned on!? He cleared his throat and moved away from Zoro, "This is a late lunch so I'll start on dinner soon."
Zoro followed after him and Sanji heard the smile in his voice when he saw what Sanji had made. "Sushi. I've only ever tried this once."
"It's my job as a cook to make food that people will enjoy the most. Your pallet favors more savory flavors, while Nami for example favors citrus."
"Don't talk about that witch while I eat. She'll make the food taste bad."
"I only told you what kind of food she likes. Why do you hate her so much?"
"She uses you, and doesn't appreciate what she has. Not to mention she's my…" Zoro trails off.
"Speaking of, when I spoke to Nami yesterday it seems she may…" Sanji had a troubled look on his face. Sanji takes a deep breath, "A man favors a woman's heart over his own."
"What are you talking about?"
"I believe Nami wishes for you to mate with her."
Zoro suddenly stands up, slamming his palms down hard on the table. "What the fuck did you just say!?"
Sanji is staring down at Zoro's hands and Zoro follows the gaze only now noticing in his anger he slammed one palm into his plate of sushi destroying them.
"This is all her fault! I would rather die than ever mate with someone like her! It's already impossible, but how dare she want that when you have done so much for that ungrateful bitch!" Zoro, still fuming angry, takes the plate of ruined food with him and goes back outside.
Sanji still sits there, a part of him is mad at Zoro for so thoughtlessly ruining the food he worked so hard on. Another part of him is too sad to be mad. He's sad Nami still didn't consider him, sad that he'll never be worthy of her love, sad that Zoro doesn't like her, and sad that he made Zoro so upset.
It's granted Zoro will leave one day, probably soon, to settle down but… he wanted to enjoy this time of not being so alone and he ruined it already.
By time it was dinner Zoro came in without being called. Empty plate in hand.
"Do I have time for a bath before dinner?"
"Yeah, I'll let you know when it's ready."
Sanji heard the bath running and did finishing touches.
When everything was set and ready he went to knock on the bathroom door when he heard a soft moan.
The bathroom door was slightly open and Sanji took a peek immediately wishing he hadn't.
Zoro's head was leaning back on the edge of the tub, eyes closed, biting his lower lip as he masterbated.
Sanji looked away quickly but the image was already burnt into his brain. He shouldn't have but seen that!
"Sanji mmm~" Zoro moaned so softly Sanji wasn't sure he hadn't misheard. Misheard or not he felt heat pull into his stomach at the thought of Zoro masterbating to him.
The cook's own manhood wanted some attention but Sanji felt disgust roll over him in waves.
He was the only person Zoro really knew, who else could Zoro really imagine? Also he was practically drooling over the beastman since this morning, probably confusing him.
There were so many things wrong with this.
"Hnnn~" Sanji heard Zoro probably finishing.
Sanji tried to pretend like he had just arrived, "Dinner is finished."
"So am I" his voice was deeper than usual. "How long have you been out there? Did you enjoy the show, pervert cook?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Sanji hastily lied.
It was really silent on the other side of the bathroom door, but the door suddenly opened. "I don't have any clothes in here."
Zoro was standing before Sanji completely naked.
Sanji looked away, embarrassed by his feminine response. They were both men so he shouldn't look away but he was also worried he might stare otherwise.
Zoro walked past him, brushing shoulders and it felt like where Zoro had touched him burned.
They ate dinner in silence and when it was time for bed Sanji really regretted not getting a second bed.
"We're going into town tomorrow to buy you some stuff."
"Like what?"
"You need some clothes of your own as well as a new bed."
"I don't want my own bed. We talked about this."
"We're talking about it again. Two grown men shouldn't be sharing the same bed."
Zoro grabs hold of Sanji making them both fall into the bed, "Says who?"
Sanji couldn't really think of anyone who said it, "it's just not normal."
"I don't care what's normal."
Sanji rolls his eyes, "yeah, you wouldn't."
"Do you dislike sleeping with me?"
"Well… no. Not exactly."
Zoro moves Sanji until he is completely laying on top of him. "Then stay like this, with me."
Sanji's ears burn.
"Let me turn off the lights first."
After he turns the lights off he climbs back onto Zoro, who wraps his arms around him.
He feels Zoro play with his hair as he falls asleep, and it's extremely comforting.
"I love you" he hears Zoro say but he's not sure if it's a dream or not.
Zoro is kissing him and Sanji passionately kisses back. Large hands run along his skin in the most pleasant of ways. Sanji moans, surprised that those hands can feel so good while just running over him.
Sanji wants more, he needs more.
"You're so fucking beautiful." Zoro's voice is heavy in his ear.
"Z-Zoro, please"
"Do you want more?" A large callused hand gently caresses over Sanji's bulge making the blond thrust his hips up for more friction.
"Than wake up. If you don't soon I won't be able to hold back and I'll bite you."
"What?" Sanji asked, feeling Zoro lick his neck.
The sensation is all too real.
Sanji wakes up with a gasp clutching onto the blankets as Zoro's hands are in Sanji's boxers, pleasuring him.
Sanji's brain is trying to catch up with what is happening. "Good morning" Zoro's deep voice seems to travel through Sanji like electricity. Sanji moans but reaches for Zoro's hand. "We can't."
"It's perfectly normal to help you get off."
Is that true? Did beastmen do this for each other?
It sounded convincing enough, and it felt so much better than his own hand. He released Zoro's hand. Instead covering his own face as he allowed Zoro to pleasure him.
"Does it feel good?" Zoro asks, and all Sanji can do is whimper.
Zoro makes a sound in the back of his throat and Sanji can feel him moving around on the bed.
He feels something hot and wet wrap around his sensitive member and cries out in surprise and pleasure. To his absolute embarrassment he cums immediately.
Sanji closes his eyes and wills himself to just disappear. How is he supposed to even look Zoro in the eye after all that?
After he catches his breath he opens his eyes to see Zoro jerking himself off.
Sanji closes his eyes again.
Zoro said this was normal for beastmen right? Did that somehow make everything that just happened okay?
Zoro finishes shortly after and stands up. "You said we're shopping today, right? I'm going to get some training in while I can. Call me when breakfast is ready."
Zoro was treating this like nothing was out of the usual. Sanji was determined to do the same. If this was a cultural thing he could deal with it.
He walked into the kitchen after getting dressed and started on food.
His eyes kept traveling to the Swordsman. Zoro was definitely bigger than him at this point and it looked like he would bust out of Sanji's pants at any moment. The shirt he was borrowing from Sanji looked ready to rip with every flex of the beastman's muscles.
Breakfast prep and the meal went by Ina haze, Sanji's mind far too scattered and fried with these recent developments.
They went clothing shopping first so Sanji showed Zoro to a few nice tailers that apparently the beastman wanted nothing to do with.
"I want something I can breathe in, not these stiff feeling clothes you wear."
"There is nothing wrong with my clothes, you barbarian."
"Maybe if you just want to be a beautiful cook, but I need to be able to train."
"Oi, I'm not beautiful" Sanji thought better on telling him that Nami was, "I'll take you somewhere you will probably like better." Sanji huffed.
They headed to the town market which was crowded with people looking at wares and people selling just about anything you could imagine. Music played loudly outside, possibly a band. They passed many colorful booths with things on display.
Sanji was holding onto Zoro's hand out of habit and was glad he did when the beastman suddenly stopped. Sanji was about to complain about getting his arm torn out of his socket when he noticed what had caught Zoro's attention.
It was a jewelry stand, they had gold and silver necklaces, rings, arm bands, earrings, nose rings, and bracelets.
The vendor smiled happily, "All these are made from real silver and gold. We can measure your size for a better fit on our jewelry and we can even give you free piercings."
Sanji didn't think this would be much of Zoro's thing but the Beastman seemed almost mesmerized.
Sanji noticed the golden earring Zoro was admiring. It was fairly common around here for people to get their ears pierced.
"Do you want to get your ears pierced?" Sanji asked.
Zoro looked at Sanji, "I do, my left ear."
"Just the left?" Sanji asked.
Zoro nodded.
"We'll take one of those gold dangling earrings and the free piercings." Sanji told the vendor. Zoro seemed happy but they're was something off. "Anything else?"
"I want three."
"Three piercings?" Sanji wasn't sure if that's what Zoro meant.
Zoro nodded, a happy look on his face.
"Sure, just tell the vendor what you want and I'll pay."
It didn't take long before Zoro had three dangling earrings in his left ear. Sanji paid and they were back on their way.
By the end of the day Zoro picked out three identical white stretchy shirts, three identical dark green (almost black) pants and a large green robe matched with a red sash that Zoro claimed would be his "formal" wear.
Sanji argued there was nothing formal about it and chose a singular suit for Zoro as well.
Somehow by the end the bed he was going to buy for Zoro turned into just a bigger, sturdier bed that they could share easier.
Once they had arrived back home and the bed was all set up Zoro seemed to be in a very pleased mood.
It wasn't too late when they arrived back home so Sanji started on some food and approached Zoro who was outside training.
"Still feel like you can fight me blindfolded?"
Zoro's smirk is wide, "You ready to get your ass kicked?"
Sanji smirked right back, "That's my line." Sanji threw a handkerchief at Zoro. "Cover up your eyes and get well acquainted with the ground."
"Winner gets a prize."
"What kind of prize."
Zoro's smile could almost be a weapon at this point. "The loser has to do anything the winner asks."
"So, for how long will you have to do what I say?" Sanji responds snarily.
"You only have to do what I say for the rest of the night."
Sanji is completely confidant he's going to win and is already thinking of things for Zoro to do, starting with making him do dishes, and maybe teach him some manners as well, "Deal"
They shake on it and Zoro puts on his blindfold.
"The loser is the first one whose back hits the ground first."
Sanji decides to start off easy though which is his downfall considering he almost hits the ground flat within the first minute. The realization that he needs to fight seriously against his blindfolded companion is startling.
Sanji wishes he could say that the match was pretty even but the truth was that no matter how fast and light on his feet he was Zoro seemed to always know where he was and he was strong. He still had nothing on Sanji's speed but he really didn't need it.
The match only lasted for about seven minutes before Sanji was winded and he ended up back against the ground and a marimo smiling in his lap.
Zoro pulled off his blindfold and had an absolutely smug look on his face. "I win"
"No one likes a sore winner."
"No one likes a sore loser either" Zoro chides. A large calloused hand gently lands on Sanji's heaving chest and slowly travels down along his stomach, "you look good like this" Zoro leans in and whispers hotly into Sanji's ear, "flushed and panting underneath me~"
Sanji feels heat coil quickly in his stomach, a surge of it traveling south, wanting Zoro's hands all over him. "Oi!" Sanji lightly pushes at Zoro.
Zoro's nose moves along Sanji's neck, making him shudder, "I can smell your arousal. It's so fucking strong." Those words make Sanji's head spin, is that actually a thing Zoro can do? Zoro licks along up Sanji's neck, making him moan softly. He needs to stop this but Zoro's voice goes deeper than Sanji has ever heard it, "Everything about you is so sexy. Your smell, and taste" Zoro nips at his skin, "My heat is coming up Sanji, it's not even here and I want to breed you so bad it's driving me crazy."
"Z-zoro" Sanji's voice is shaking with desire, "We need to stop. It's not right."
Zoro growls, "You're my mate. How is it not right?"
Mate?
The reality of the situation snaps Sanji back into his senses, "Seriously get off."
Zoro growls from deep in his chest but slowly moves off Sanji.
Before Sanji could even get into the clusterfuck of what just happened, Zoro says, "Name five things you like about yourself."
Sanji is so thrown off, blood is still pumping to the wrong organ, "What?"
"Five things, Swirls, it should be easy."
"I don't know."
"It should be easy, there are a million things, I'm just asking for five. Remember our deal. You have to do anything I ask for the rest of the night. Five things you like about yourself."
Sanji sputters as nothing comes to mind really, "I'm a great chef." he finally says and Zoro holds up a finger. After a moment, Sanji groans, "I don't know, I can't think of anything. It's not important, we have to discuss-"
"It's very important. Look it's easy: You're considerate of everyone's feelings. You give to others even if you can't afford to. You always think the best of people. You don't let negativity keep you down. You are very strong in every sense of the word. There, I just named five, now it's your turn."
Sanji's face is probably bright red at this point. "Well it's easier saying it about someone else than yourself."
Zoro shrugs, "Okay, if you can't say five things you like about yourself then tell me five things you like about me." Zoro's cocky little smirk is back with a vengeance.
"It's embarrassing"
"No it's not. You put your all in everything you do. You have a smart mouth but a kind heart. You're passionate about food. You genuinely enjoy providing for others. You make me want to be a better person. Look, I named five more."
"Shut up Moss!" Sanji is beyond flustered, "Give me a second."
Sanji's heart is hammering so loudly in his chest he wonders if Zoro can hear it. "You're always there for me. You're always so determined. You have a short temper but you're always sincere. You make me stronger by just being near me and" Sanji considers the last thing, something in him telling him it's wrong to say it but he can't help himself, Zoro should know, "I've never been happier in my life than I have been since I met you. I like that I feel like I was always meant to meet you."
Zoro leans forward catching the back of Sanji's neck and pulling him into a soft yet passionate kiss. The kiss is so packed full of emotions that Sanji has a hard time just not getting completely lost in it, but he manages to pull back.
"I'm an awful person."
"No you're not."
"I am" Sanji tries to explain. "I'm supposed to look over and take care of you. I'm like your guardian."
"You're not!" Zoro protests angrily.
"Like a parental figure" Sanji continues, "and you're hitting hormones suddenly and I'm taking advantage of you. All you have really known is me and it's like I'm manipulating you."
"I'm just as mature as you are, if not more so!" Zoro is livid, "I'm only one human year younger than you, and by tomorrow we will be the same age! You're not my parent or guardian because the day I met you I realized you were my mate! I followed you because as far as beastman culture goes you're pretty much the equivalent of my husband! I've been trying to tell you, but in two days I'm going into heat, and I'm going to want nothing more than to consummate our mating."
Sanji is reeling from everything he was just told. "Husband?" he finally managed to croak out.
Zoro looked away, "You don't have to see me that way, but you need to know that's basically what I see you as. You don't have to return my lifelong loyalty. I will provide and care for my mate so at least let me do what I need to do. I can chain myself down for my heat if I must, but don't treat me like your child."
"I keep hearing about your heat. What exactly is that?"
"I go onto something called rut where I will want nothing more than to mate with you, mark you, claim you, and give you my mating bite for four days."
"Mating bite? What's that?"
Zoro sighs heavily. "It's a physical mark to show we are…" Zoro seemed to struggle for the right word, "together."
"Oh so kind of like a wedding ring."
Zoro scoffs at the comparison, "It's much more meaningful than that, but sure."
"That's… a lot to process. I haven't even known you for two weeks."
"And?"
"I'm…" he struggled with the next word, "attracted to you I guess, but that's a lot of commitment. Typically you don't think about those things as humans until you've dated, and fallen in love."
"You don't love me." It's not a question, it's a statement. Zoro isn't showing it, but he can tell the beastman is hurt. This whole thing is crazy and Sanji isn't really sure what he's supposed to do at this point.
"You just met me, you don't love me either."
"I've loved you since the moment I smelled you."
"Smelled?"
"I smelled you before I saw you, and I knew in an instant."
"So beastmen just fall in love at first sight… or smell?"
"Yes"
"But what if my personality changes or I start smelling different?"
"You're my mate for life. Nothing is going to change that."
"But-"
"Swirls" Zoro cuts him off, "Do you have a problem with me loving you?"
"No, I guess not…"
"Then let me love you" Zoro leans in again, and his lips are on Sanji's once more.
Sanji doesn't want to lead Zoro on, but at the same time, Zoro knew where Sanji stood on this. This was okay wasn't it? It felt too right to be wrong.
The kiss was better than anything Sanji had ever read about in any story, his whole body tingled, and he desperately wanted to pull Zoro closer and closer until there was nothing separating them.
Zoro growls, and it sounds no different than that of a wolf, as Sanji is picked up and thrown over a large bronze shoulder. "Oi!" Sanji yelps.
"I know you don't feel the same, but I need to touch you, I need to taste you, and sniff you." Zoro carried Sanji to their bed before flopping him down on it. Zoro was over Sanji the next second, teeth, tongue and lips on Sanji's neck as though he tasted good.
"Sanji~" The broken wine from Zoro, had Sanji's body reacting readily.
With another growl Zoro lifted up Sanji's shirt and that hot mouth was now on his chest, licking, biting, sucking and sniffing him everywhere. Sanji hadn't ever known that his body was this sensitive but it burned and ached where Zoro touched, demanding more from the man above him.
He hardly even noticed Zoro pulling down his pants until he was exposed and Zoro moved down to spread his legs, taking deep whiffs of Sanji's crotch.
"Zoro!" Sanji wanted to push him away, embarrassed, but Zoro looked so gone when he saw his face. The beastman's eyes had dilated and he looked so turned-on.
"You smell so good" Zoro inhaled deeply again, "I want to devour you" His mouth for the second time wrapped itself around Sanji's length.
Zoro sucked him hungrily and when Sanji came Zoro moaned happily as he swallowed everything before going to kiss Sanji's thighs and legs over and over again.
It ended with Zoro's mouth back on Sanji's, and Zoro ran his hands in loving caresses over Sanji's skin over and over again, the kisses getting softer and fewer until Sanji fell into the deepest most comfortable sleep he had ever had.
Authors Note: Sorry I took so long to update, a lot of huge things have been going on in my life, but it's all really good stuff. I should be back to more regular updates and uploads.