A Deep Blue Story

by Hack Interrupted

Nearly 3 years have passed since Sanji last saw Sher.

2. Chapter 2

The Pirates Set Sail

1.

The next morning Sher had only the slightest hangover. A big glass of Duke's 'get the job done' juice took care of it easily. She didn't really know what the cook put in his special hangover remedy, she wasn't sure she wanted to. Luffy brought Nami over to plot out a course with Charlie. Nami and Sher were happy and excited to see each other again. Zoro and Sanji came with them, Sanji wanted to spend the day with Evan. While the navigators charted their course, with a few suggestions from Luffy, Sher took Sanji and Zoro back out on deck. Zack and Nails were already hard at work greasing up the ships upper most pulleys and checking the rigging.

Zoro noticed Sher was dressed for a day of dirty work. Her old white tank top was covered with grease stains so were her shorts, particularly around her pockets. She was looking up at her crewman high above the deck, Sanji was looking at Sher. Having a child had added to her feminine features. Sher looked good despite the ratty clothing and sloppy ponytail that held her hair back. Zoro cut his eyes from Sher to Sanji and grinned a little. Sanji was defiantly checking Sher out. Zoro looked back at Sher still grinning. "If you're going to polishing the deck today, can I stick around and watch?" he teased. Sher polished all wooden floors like she was cleaning a dojo, back and forth with a rag and her tail in the air. It was why Zoro called her sweet cheeks to begin with.

Sher turned to Zoro and smiled. "You remember that huh?"

"Of course I do sweet cheeks."

Sanji lit up a cigarette slightly annoyed with Zoro's flirty teasing. "Don't call her dat no more Zoro," he grumbled. "Sher's a mother now, have some respect." He looked Sher over again from behind his dark sunglasses.

"Look out below!" Nails shouted from above. The three on the deck looked up in time to step back out of the way of a wrench that had slipped from Nails greasy fingers. "Sorry captain!"

Sher bent and picked up the wrench. It was a little slippery so she wiped it off on her shirt. She looked back up at Nails. "You need this?" she hollered back up at him. She saw Nails say something to Zack, but couldn't hear what they were saying. A second later Zack came sliding down the lead line to the deck. Zack touched down between Sher and Sanji and smiled at her.

Zack took the wrench from Sher and stuck it in his back pocket. "Thanks captain."

Sanji was staring at Zack slack jawed. Last night the first mate had been wearing a jacket with long sleeves and gloves, today he was in a t-shirt full of holes. Holy shit his fuckin arm? From the shoulder down on Zack's right side, he was made of metal. It explained why Zack's grip on Sanji had felt so strange, so strong. Sanji puffed his cigarette looking Zack's weird arm over from behind. He couldn't believe a freak show like that had touched Sher. He aint even a real man.

Zoro addressed Zack. "So that's it huh?" he checked out Zack's prosthetic arm. "That's why they call you Iron Fist only it's not just your fist is it?"

Zack turned to Zoro. He was trying to give Sher some space this morning and it was easy to talk to the other pirate. He pulled his sleeve up and showed Zoro that the arm went right into his shoulder. "Shoulders made of metal too." He wiggled his fingers for Zoro. "It's a good arm, Nails and doc Mimi hooked me up sweet." He smiled at Zoro; he guessed he could like this Luffy pirate. "It's way better then my old arm."

"What happened?" Zoro wasn't too shy to ask. Zack seemed like a good guy, he wasn't even glaring at Sanji this morning.

Zack shrugged. "Got banged up pretty bad when I was a kid. The doctor in our village was kind of a quack. He put a bunch of metal pins in me cuz my bones were shattered. Problem was, I wasn't done growing yet."

Zack had a good attitude this morning. Sher was grateful. She elbowed Zack in the ribs and added, "When I met Zack his left arm was a whole two inches longer then his right one. I thought it was a scream." She smiled at Zoro and then at Zack.

Zack rolled his eyes. He never thought his disfigurement was funny but Sher and the other pirates didn't seem to mind at all. "Yeah real funny."

"So your mates made you a new one." Zoro wondered if Zack got a new arm just because of a size discrepancy or if something else had happened to him that required more surgery. The pins in his arm and hand could have just been replaced with longer ones, "Why did you go for all metal?"

That might be a touchy subject this morning. "Shark took a big chunk outta me. Didn't leave me with much flesh to work with." Zack tried to stay relaxed, but the memory hadn't faded much over the past year or so.

"Youch," Zoro offered as condolences.

"Swimin' wid sharks aint too bright," Sanji muttered from behind Sher and Zack. His tone was soft and calm; he tried not to sound condescending to Sher's freako first mate.

Sher turned and faced Sanji. Zack wouldn't have to speak to him; she would do it for him. She was his captain. "Zack got bit cuz of me. I was too boozed up to be swimming, but I was. He lost that old arm saving my ass."

Zoro wanted to keep things cool. He focused on Zack and broadened his grin. "Just had to save those sweet cheeks huh?" he laughed and Zack chuckled along with him.

Sanji didn't like it that Zack had gotten himself busted up looking out for Sher, especially a boozed up Sher. He wondered if she felt indebted to the freak. He lifted his eyes way from Sher to Zoro. He didn't like Zoro talking about Sher's cheeks in front of Zack. "I told youz to stop callin' her dat."

Zack was doing his best to ignore Sanji. He looked from Zoro to his captain and then back to Zoro again. "Sweet cheeks?" He thought Zoro had called her that last night.

Zoro chuckled a little. So the kid lost his arm saving Sher, pretty brave. "Haven't ya ever just sat back and watched her polish the deck?"

Zack knew what Zoro was talking about. He tried not to blush as he laughed with the pirate. "Maybe a few times," he tried to make it sound like he was teasing.

Sher turned away from Sanji back to the two he was frowning at. "Alright you slobs." She slapped Zack on the back. "Back to work ya greasy swab!"

"Captain!" Zack saluted, still grinning and shimmied his way back up the lead rope.

Zoro stepped closer to Sher and bumped shoulders with her. He just had to tease. "You look mighty good in them shorts Sher."

Sher just had to tease back. "Yeah well I look mighty good out of 'em too." Sher and Zoro broke into gales of laughter.

Sanji puffed his cigarette down to the filter and pitched it overboard. He knew how good Sher looked out of her clothes. He had looked her up and down a hundred times already this morning. He needed his mind on something other then Sher's form. "So can I see Evan for a little while Sher?"

Sher caught her breath and turned back to Sanji. "Sure, Mimi is giving him a bath right now. They'll be up on deck in a few."

Luffy came bounding out onto the deck. Nami was walking behind him with Charlie. They had hit it off really well. They were still carrying on about sea charts when Luffy reached Sher and his other mates. "We're all set and ready to go!" Luffy was excited to start their journey with the Rose Red running beside them. He wanted to see the ship with the wind in her sails.

Sher put a hand on her hip. "So are we going to Asguard or Tempa?" It had still been up in the air when Sher had come out to the deck, but she was up for either. Each was about a two week sail away. Time enough for her and Sanji to work something out about Evan. She was willing to sail with the Luffy pirates every so often, but she wasn't going to rearrange her life and the life of everyone on board to please Sanji.

"Asguard first," Luffy tested. "Then maybe we'll go to Tempa too. I kinda wanna see both." He smiled at Sher trying to win her over.

A double voyage like that would have the two ships running together for at least a month. Sher wasn't sure she could handle being around Sanji that long, especially if he acted like how he had last night. "We'll see Luffy."

It was a start. "Okay then, me and Nami are heading back to the Merry Go. Let's get underway!"

2.

Zoro and Sanji stayed aboard the Rose Red, Zoro even lent a hand pulling the ship out of port. They met the Merry Go in open water and started off. Once they were underway, Sher, Nails and Zack got back to greasing the pulleys. Zoro sat back on the deck watching them work. Mimi brought Evan up to the deck. She led the child over to Sanji.

Mimi figured dealing with Sanji would mostly be her job. She was in charge of Evan all of the time, she intended to keep it that way. She didn't really give a rat's ass what Evan's birth parents had to say about it either. "Somebody wants to meet you buddy," Mimi said steering Evan over to Sanji.

Evan looked up at the man staring down at him. It was the guy that had yelled at mommy yesterday. He clung to Mimi's skirt with one hand. "Don't wanna."

Sanji met them at the half way point. He couldn't take his eyes off Evan. It's like watchin a mini me. Sanji hunkered by the scowling child. The frown made him look more like his mother. "Hey there Evan, I'm Sanji. Nice to meet you."

Evan blinked at Sanji still not letting go of Mimi. "Sanji is my real daddy name."

Sanji was stunned. He remembered Evan pulling on Luffy yesterday; he knew Luffy was a rubber man. Did Sher tell Evan about me? Before Sanji could even ask, Mimi was speaking to the boy again.

"This is the Luffy pirate Sanji, buddy. This is your real daddy." Mimi was watching Sanji's reaction carefully. "What, you thought he wouldn't know?" She frowned at the pirate. "I thought you knew the captain better then that. She's an honest woman."

Sanji was speechless. Apparently Sher had told Evan about him, about the Luffy pirates. Maybe she wasn't the wicked bitch he thought she had become. He looked away from Mimi's scolding stare back to his son. "That's right Evan. I'm Sanji. I'm yer daddy."

Evan already had three men fathering him, but it was interesting to meet his real daddy. He reached over with his free hand and pulled off Sanji's sunglasses. He stared at him for a minute then looked up at Mimi. "Looks like me." Evan said and slipped on Sanji's sunglasses.

Holy tuwrds it is mini me! Sanji laughed delighted. Evan was smart as hell. Sanji was impressed with his confident attitude and crystal clear speech. "We sure do look alike don't we Evan." Sanji smiled at his boy ignoring the sun burning his eyeballs.

Evan reached over and took Sanji's hand. "Come on. Play with me daddy."

Sanji lost his heart to Evan right then and there. "Anything you say son."

3.

It took the better part of the day for Sher, Nails and Zack to work the pulleys and ropes over. Sanji spent the day with Evan under Mimi and Charlie's watchful stare. Zoro took the day easy. He had offered to help Sher and the guys, but she had turned him down. Zoro was having an afternoon cocktail with Duke in the kitchen when Sher and her tired greasy mates came in for a cold drink. Duke served them all cold water before asking if they wanted booze. It was still early.

Sher sat on the stool next to Zoro and slugged her water. She was beat, hot and filthy. "Man I need a shower."

Nails leaned over and sniffed at Zack. "You aint the only one captain."

Zack flicked Nails off with a metal finger. "You aint no prize smellin' rose yerself."

Zoro chuckled at Sher and her crew. "Nothing like the smell of a working ship." The Rose Red was big; there was never any short list of chores on a ship this size.

Sher finished her water and set her glass on the counter. She smiled at Zoro. "I should hug ya and get ya all crummy." She slid off her stool and headed to the door. "I'm hittin the head boys, line starts behind me." Sher went out to go shower.

Zack slid into the empty seat beside Zoro and downed the rest of his water. He held his glass out to Duke and the chef refilled it for him. He wiped the sweat from his face on his sleeve. "Hotter then fuck up there today," he grumbled. Greasing pulleys in the hot sun was one of his least favorite jobs.

"This ship must keep you guys pretty busy," Zoro sipped at his first ale of the day.

Nails leaned against the bar and Duke refilled his glass too. "You kidding me? I've done nothing but bust my hump since I came aboard this floating asylum." Nails took another drink and quenched his thirst. "First it was the remodel downstairs, then the sails, then we put in all those extra posts so Evan could be up on deck without crawling off into the ocean." Nails sighed tiredly. Adding extra spindles to the rail around the deck had been a great idea. The deck was made safe for the little guy so he could spend more time with the crew. "And of course there's this guys arm," he jabbed a thumb in Zack's direction.

Zoro looked at Nails. "You're quite the engineer Nails. Quite the architect too."

Nails shrugged it off. "If you can do something, do it right?"

The door to the deck swung open. Sanji held the door for Evan and Mimi walking right behind them. "Nails! Z!" Evan called excitedly running over to Nails.

"Hey buddy," Nails said bending to pick Evan up. He set him up on the bar so they were at eye level. "How you doin' today?"

Evan smiled at Nails. "You work up high today."

Nails nodded. "Sure did. I can't wait for you to get big enough to help." Zack and Zoro chuckled, Nails laughed a little too.

Evan puffed up. "Big enough!" he tapped his fist on his chest, a behavior he had picked up from none other then Nails himself.

"Trust me little buddy," Zack spoke up. "You wouldn't want to do all that hard stuff anyway." Evan turned to Zack and walked down the bar to him. Zoro was smiling at the little guy over his mug of ale.

Zack looked hot and tired. "Z works hard," the child empathized.

Zack smiled at Evan tiredly. "I sure do boss. How 'bout some love buddy." He turned his head and Evan planted a big smooch on his cheek. Zack was smiling at Zoro, but he caught the nasty look Sanji was giving him from the corner of his eye.

Mimi came into the kitchen and stood behind Nails. "Duke, would you be so kind as to get Evan some juice?"

"Sure thing!" Duke turned to the cold storage box. "You want red or blue?" he asked the little guy over his shoulder.

"Blue!" Evan turned his attention away from the big cook getting him a drink back to Zack. "Look Z," Evan pushed Zack's face so that he was turned in Sanji's direction. "I got daddy."

For a moment Zack's eyes were locked on Sanji's. The Luffy pirate had pushed his sunglasses up on his head. Zack could tell Sanji hated him just as much as he hated Sanji. "Yeah, I see that buddy." He turned back to Evan. "Get your juice."

Zoro looked at Sanji from the corner of his eye. He was glaring at Zack. "We should be getting back to the Merry Go. You still got your own crew to feed Sanji."

Evan stepped in front of Zoro to address him. "Daddy cook like Duke, but not fat. String bean."

Zoro laughed and gave Evan a playful pat on the head. "You too buddy."

Evan shook his head. "No. Evan captain like mama. Evan pirate!" he puffed up again. "Evan kick rubber man butt and be king instead of that old fart."

Everyone in the room laughed, even Sanji. "Give 'em hell little guy!" Zoro cheered.

Duke handed Evan his juice and turned to Sanji. "Our galley is big enough to feed both crews, why not cook with me tonight Sanji. We'll make a bloody party of it!" Duke smiled. He was dieing to see Sanji in action. The captain had raved about his skills as a chef. "I'll give ya my recipe for the best tasting brown betty in all the seas!"

Sanji nodded at Duke. He liked the idea of being able to cook for his son. "I suppose we could do dat." He was curious about the cook too. He doubted Evan missed any meals, but the kid was long and lean like Sanji.

Zoro set his mug down and slid off the bar stool. "I'll go give Luffy a shout. Let him know what's up."

Zack slid off of his stool too and followed Zoro to the door. "I'm next in the shower," he said to Nails over his shoulder as he followed Zoro out. Any excuse to get away from that damn Sanji. He wasn't happy the Luffy pirates were coming to dinner. "I'll let the captain know we're having a party."

Zoro headed to the port side to shout over to the Merry Go. Zack went another way to go below decks. Zoro thought the dinner party was a good idea. It would give the two crews a chance to get to know each other better. He could run interference between Sanji and Zack too no problem. It was clear to Zoro that Sher's crew loved the hell out of Evan. Zoro was sure Sanji understood that too. Just deal with it Sanji. Sher isn't selfish with the kid, you shouldn't be either. Zoro spotted Ussop on deck. "Hey Ussop!" he shouted over. Ussop ran to the starboard side of the Merry Go and waved a hand at Zoro. Zoro knew Ussop was dieing to come over and visit with Sher. He was wildly excited about her choice of weapons. Zoro smiled again and hollered over the plans for a dinner party.

4.

Much to his surprise, Sanji had a great time cooking with Duke. The Merry Go and the Rose Red weighed anchor at sunset and the rest of the Luffy pirates came over for dinner. Sanji and Duke served up some amazing dishes. Luffy stuffed himself before hitting the ale. Sher sat close with Ussop, the two of them swapping stories about some of the bull's eye's they had hit. Zack sat between Zoro and Nails letting Luffy and Ussop take either seat beside his captain. Nails seemed immediately taken with Robin and spent the meal talking to her and Chopper. Sanji sat to one side of Evan's booster chair, another of Nails inventions, with Mimi on the other. Beside Mimi Charlie talked with Nami, more sea chart stuff.

Duke served up desert to those that wanted it; Luffy, Evan and Zack were all up for some pie, and Duke brought out fresh mugs of ale for the others. After dinner Mimi took Evan downstairs to get washed up and ready for bed. Sher suggested to the crew that they "bust out the band." To the Luffy pirates delight, the Rose Red was full of armature musicians. They moved the party out on deck. Nails got his bongos; Duke went and got his guitar, even Charlie got in on the act busting out his reed pipe. The three could make some funky music together.

Luffy and Sher were half way through their second mug of ale when Luffy decided he wanted to dance with her to the music her crew was making. "Come on Sher!" he said tugging her forward to dance with him. They passed their mugs off to Ussop and Zack respectively and hit the dance floor. They were both into the bohemian beat.

Sanji watched Sher with Luffy. She had come back topside all cleaned up and looking like a lady. She was wearing a long flowing skirt and a cute off the shoulder crop top. Her hair was down, it had gotten really long. She looked the part of a beatnik. Her and Luffy were smiling and laughing as they swayed to the beat of Nails bongos. He lit up a fresh cigarette and moved closer to Zoro and Ussop. Zack was over there too, but for the moment Sanji chose to ignore him. Sanji was the only one not drinking ale, but he had allowed Duke to pour him some wine.

"Hey Sanji," Ussop greeted and took a swig of Luffy's ale by mistake. "Your boy is really cute. Smart little guy too huh?"

Zack answered for Sanji. "Evan's smart as a whip. Comes from hanging out with adults all the time." Zack finished his ale. He was ready for another, but he stood where he was for a minute. He was watching Sher dance with Luffy.

Nami strolled up and looked the men over. Finally she decided on Zoro. "Alright swordsman lets cut a rug." She wanted to dance too.

Zoro emptied his mug and set it down on the step behind him. "Whatever you say Nami." Zoro was looking forward to fifth ale, but he wouldn't mind dancing with Nami. He was starting to get a good buzz and his mood was light. Ussop still stood between Sanji and Zack, it would be alright.

They joined Luffy and Sher and it became a sort of dancing circle. Sanji looked at Zack sidelong. He was watching Sher. "You know an awful lot about Evan," he directed at Zack. He was wearing a shirt with long sleeves and a glove on his fake hand.

Zack didn't bother to look at Sanji. "Sure I do. I came aboard the Rose Red when Evan was two months old. Been here for him ever since."

Ussop drank from the right mug this time. "Being the first mate of the ship kinda makes you Evan's step dad right?" Ussop asked before he thought.

Sanji kicked Ussop in the shin. "I don't think so ya moron."

Zack did turn to face Sanji now. Zack was grinning at Ussop's comment. Ussop scowled at Sanji. "What?" he yelled at his crewmate. "Captain's don't get married so duties like that would fall to the first mate right? Jeez, what's your problem Sanji?"

Zack was pretty sure he was Sanji's problem. He wondered if the suite knew he had been with Sher. His captain wasn't one to hide things. She might have said something to Sanji. "We all look after Evan," he directed at Ussop.

Ussop turned away from Sanji glad to have someone else to talk to besides the rude cook. "So what kind of captain is Sher?" he sipped his own ale again.

Zack looked back at Sher. "She's the best," he said with a little smile.

Nails dropped the beat a little giving it more grind. Nami laughed and waved Zoro off. She wasn't going to dance with him the way Sher and Luffy were grinding together. Sher guided Luffy with her hands on his weird rubber hips as he laughed like a loon. Zoro stepped over and pushed Luffy out of the way. Luffy went to Nami and the two twirled around. Unlike Luffy, Zoro knew how to dance, pretty dirty too. Sher threw an arm around Zoro as he pulled her against his gyrating hips. Ussop and Chopper whooped at the dancers and Robin clapped her hands to the beat to cheer them on.

Sanji didn't like the way Zoro was dancing with Sher at all. His hand was too low on her waist he's practically feelin' her ass and their crotches kept bumping into each other and grinding together. "Why I outta…" Sanji grumbled under his breath biting down on his cigarette.

Zack wasn't real happy about it either, but he didn't think he had to worry about Zoro putting a move on his captain. He looked at Sanji from the corner of his eye, Sanji looked pissed. "Just leave it alone Sanji, the captain does what she wants." It was well meaning advice, but a bit of a dig at the same time.

Sanji exhaled a cloud of smoke. He frowned at Zack. "Does she now?"

Ussop broke into a half assed jig between them ignoring their banter and still whooping at Zoro and Sher. "Get funky!" he shouted.

Zack couldn't help but laugh at Ussop. "Sure she does. She is the captain."

Sanji wanted to ask the freak if Sher went grinding her crotch into men all the time, but before he could he caught sight of Mimi and Evan at the head of the stairs. He headed their way to be there when Mimi tucked Evan into bed. As Sanji moved amidships he noticed that Sher didn't even see Mimi and Evan. 'corse not. She's to busy grinding her thing against that fuckin swordsman. Pair of sluts. Sanji finished his wine and pitched his cigarette. He followed Mimi below deck to Evan's room.

Zack looked back at Sher and Zoro. They were both grinning devilishly as they danced. Zoro had some slick moves, Zack was a little jealous. He finished Sher's ale for her. "Come on Ussop, let's get the refills." Zack led a jigging Ussop back into the kitchen to refresh their glasses.

When the music stopped so the band could have a drink too, Sher fell into Zoro laughing. She had danced with the pirate once before, but it had been far more contained then the funky grind they had just finished doing. "Why Roronoa Zoro! I didn't know you could dance like that!"

Zoro still had an arm around Sher's waist. "Of course I can sweet cheeks. I am a dirty pirate ya know." He dropped her a wink and they both laughed.

Luffy came over to Sher and Zoro as Nami went to talk to Charlie and Robin. "Gimmie that captain!" Luffy stretched his rubber arms out to Sher and she went to Luffy. Luffy gave her a big squeeze. "Hot stuff!" he was impressed with the way she had danced with Zoro. It was sexy as hell.

She kept one arm around Luffy and hooked the other around Zoro. "Come on guys, let's have a drink."

Zoro didn't need to be asked twice and Luffy giggled. "Alright!"

5.

Mimi strapped Evan into bed, kissed him good night and went out. She left Sanji in charge of telling Evan a bedtime story; problem was Sanji didn't know any. He was busting his brain trying to think of one as Evan stared tiredly up at him.

"Story," Evan reminded daddy.

"I'm thinkin' son. I guess I don't know too many."

"Mommy and daddy story."

"You wanna know about me and your mommy huh?" Sanji supposed Evan's curiosity was normal. He wasn't quite sure what to tell his boy. It was sort of obvious Evan knew they were pirates, but Sanji doubted he understood all of what that entailed.

Evan nodded and yawned. Playing with daddy all day had tired him out. "Mmmhmm."

Sanji took a deep breath wondering where to start. "I met your mommy a long time ago Evan on an island in the east blue." Sanji smiled a little at the memory. "We got to be friends see?"

Evan nodded at daddy again. "Daddy thought pretty mommy." It was more of a statement then a question. Evan thought his mommy was pretty, daddy must too.

Sanji smiled sadly. "Yeah, mommy is real pretty aint she son. Daddy fell in love wid mommy. I wanted to marry her ya know."

"Daddy love mommy." Even could feel sleep trying to steal over him.

"Daddy loved mommy a lot little man," he said stroking the sleepy boy's cheek.

"Evan love mommy." He let his eyes fall shut.

Sanji could see Evan was about to fall asleep. "I bet you do."

Evan settled himself. "Daddy love mommy and Evan too."

"Sure I do." He wasn't going to contradict the child, what Evan was saying was true. Thinking about his past with Sher like this made Sanji realize he still had feelings for her. He had been crazy in love with her not so terribly long ago. It was the reason his heart felt so chopped up right now. Behind him the door opened and Sher came in. Sanji straightened. "Hey Sher," he greeted.

Sher came up next to Sanji and bent down to kiss Evan good night. "Sweet dreams little buddy," she said to her sleepy son. She straightened and watched Evan drift off to sleep.

Sanji looked from Evan to Sher. He wondered if she came every night and stood over him until he was fast asleep, he thought she might. Evan seemed to drop off right after she kissed him good night. "Sher…"

Sher looked up at Sanji. Her cheeks were still flushed from dancing with Zoro. "Did you have a good day together Sanji?"

"Yeah we did, thanks for dat Sher." Sanji sighed; he was ready for a smoke. "Ya know Sher; you coulda told me last night that Evan knew about me."

"What and ruin the good bitch you had on?" She looked back down at Evan.

Sanji did feel a little guilty for acting like such a jerk last night. "Sorry about that."

Sher shook her head. She kept her voice soft so she wouldn't disturb Evan. "I guess you had the right to be pissed off Sanji. It's true that I didn't go looking for you."

Sanji cut her off. "Why Sher? Why didn't you try to come and find me when you got to the grand line?" his heart was still hurting.

Sher stepped back. "You don't understand Sanji." She could still remember how horribly depressed she had been as the Rose Red had made her way to the grand line. It had been like a nightmare she couldn't wake up from.

Sanji faced Sher. "Then make me understand." He kept the malice out of his voice; Sanji wanted some answers not just another argument.

Sher swept her bangs back with one hand and sighed. "Things got a little tough for me for a while Sanji. I hit the bottle a little too hard, went a little crazy I guess. Evan and the Rose Red… they were a pretty big pill to swallow all by myself ya know."

Sanji knew some women got pretty depressed after having a kid, their hormones got all messed up and it could make them crazy. It wasn't as if Sher had been all alone though. "What about dat guy Zack," he snarled the other man's name.

Sher frowned at Sanji feeling the first pangs of real anger at him. "If it wasn't for Zack I'd likely be dead now. He even lost his arm saving me. I jumped in the water to swim with the dolphins, but they weren't dolphins Sanji they were sharks. He came in after me because I was too drunk to tell the difference! How do you think that made me feel huh?" Sher's hand clenched into a fist. She hated these memories. "I almost blew my fuckin brains out Sanji, that's how bad it was. If Zack hadn't walked in…" she had to stop herself. Sher had already said too much. She looked away from Sanji's wide eyes.

Sanji could hardily believe what he was hearing. Sher had been so depressed and drunk that she almost died. "Jeez Sher are you kidding me?" He stepped closer so that they were toe to toe. Sanji rested his hands on Sher's shoulders hoping to make her look up at him. "Why…?"

Sher sighed heavily. "I missed you ya big jerk. The pressure of being the mommy and the captain just got to me. I would just sit in the bars listening to stories about the Luffy pirates and get shit faced. It was all I had of you Sanji."

Sanji suddenly regretted every hateful thought he had about Sher. He hugged her against him and kissed the top of her head. "Shit Sher, why didn't you tell me? Why did you let me go on acting like an asshole last night?"

Sher pulled back a little so she could look up at Sanji. "Cuz you had the right to act like one. I chose not to come looking for you Sanji. I didn't want to. I didn't know… how it would be to see you again. It was better for me to just forget you."

Sanji could understand if he tried, and he did. He wasn't the only one who had been heartbroken when they parted company and Sher had Evan there as a constant reminder of Sanji. "I'm… sorry Sher."

She shook her head. "You don't have to be Sanji."

"I shoulda went lookin for you when you didn't make it to Ices." He had thought that more then a few times over the years, now he was just sure of it.

"No Sanji, I knew you were coming to the grand line."

"So what? I didn't know what happened to you Sher. Had I known you were carrying my kid, I never woulda stayed with da Luffy pirates. I woulda been takin' care of you."

"Sanji it was your dream to find the deep blue."

"Deep blue don't mean nothin compared to you and Evan, Sher. Don't you understand how much I love you?" Sanji had meant to speak in the past tense, but it didn't come out that way.

Sher's eyes widened as color appeared high on Sanji's cheeks. He was blushing over what he had just blurted out. "Sanji…" Sher pulled away from him, her own cheeks turning a deeper shade of red.

Sanji let go of Sher and let her back off. "Uh… you know what I mean Sher," he was tripping over his words now. "I… It's just dat…" It was almost too much standing here with her like this with their son snoring softly beside them.

Sher wanted out of this uncomfortable situation, now. "I think we better go before we wake Evan up." She turned away from Sanji, she had already said enough for one night. "I need a drink," she grumbled and went out.

Sanji looked at Evan again. He thought about how hard it must have been for Sher to be all alone and pregnant knowing he was getting further away from her every day. She hadn't met Mimi until she was almost ready to have Evan. Sanji sighed. What a big jerk I am. Open mouth, insert food. Real smooth Sanji. He thought of Sher sitting in sleazy pirate bars listening to tales of the Luffy pirates and getting bombed out of her mind. Hearing about him had just made it worse on her, how could it not? She was saddled with his kid and a crew of her own while Sanji was off playing pirate in the grand line having a great time. He could really hate himself for something like that. He sighed heavily again. He needed a cigarette desperately. Sanji kissed Evan on the forehead and went out. He headed back toward the sound of the party out on deck.

6.

Sher was leaning on Luffy talking to Ussop when Sanji came up on deck. Luffy had an arm around Sher's waist and he was grinning. Zoro and Zack were standing near them engaged in their own conversation. The others were clustered together, Nails occasionally smacking one of his bongos as he talked to Robin. He looked at both groups wondering which he should join in. Duke waved him over. He had brought the wine Sanji had been drinking out on deck so Sanji went to him. He let the other cook pour him a fresh glass. "Thanks Duke." He nodded at the big guy.

Duke slapped Sanji on the back. "No problem Sanji. I gotta say that fillet you made tonight was divine." Duke was grinning at the other chef. Sanji was tall, but Duke was huge. Sanji had to look up at him.

Sanji smiled satisfied and took a drag off of his cigarette. "Dat soup you made was pretty outstanding too my big friend." Sanji sipped his wine. He liked Duke. He doubted anyone messed with Sher with a giant like him at her side.

Duke laughed heartily and took a big swig of ale. "One of my specialties."

Behind him Luffy, Ussop and Sher busted up laughing again. Sanji peeked at them from the corner of his eye. Sher had one hand on Ussop's shoulder; Luffy still had his arm around Sher. Sanji frowned a little. He had never seen Luffy so touchy feely with Sher before. Ya getting drunk ya little shit?

"You guys are crazy," Sher giggled. "Hey Z! Didn't I tell you these guys were nuts?"
Zack tipped his mug at his captain. "You sure did captain."

Luffy laughed again. "I'm gonna be king of the pirates!" he took a deep draught of ale.

Zoro chuckled. "Sure Luffy, if ya find one piece before Evan grows up and gets it himself." Zoro thought Evan was hysterical.

"Oh no!" Sher waved her mug of ale and leaned on Luffy. She was drinking pretty quickly, her mug was almost empty. "Evan is going to be a doctor like Mimi."

"Says who?" Zoro grinned at Sher.

Sher took another drink. "Says Mimi."

Ussop looked from Zoro to Sher. "Evan's not going to be a pirate?"

"Hell naw!" Sher finished her ale. "We're all gonna be stinking rich when we leave the grand line. He'll be set for life, no reason for him to be a pirate."

Luffy noticed Sher finished her ale so he did the same. "Come on captain, let's get a refill." Sher let Luffy steer them back to the kitchen.

Zoro shook his head as he watched the captains head into the galley. "I can't believe we're following those nut jobs." He chuckled and sipped his ale.

Luffy took a seat at the bar as Sher refilled their mugs. She handed Luffy his and set to pouring out her own. "I think our crews like each other," Luffy said pleasantly and sipped his ale. "I'm really glad we decided to run together Sher. The Rose Red is awesome." Luffy loved the sight of the Rose Red with the wind in her sails.

Sher filled her mug and turned back to Luffy. She smiled at him. "Thanks Luffy." She sipped her ale. Sher was ready and willing to get plastered tonight. She didn't want to think about Sanji or the horrible memories he had dredged up.

Luffy nodded at her. "Looks like you're doing pretty good Sher, but how are you? Are things okay with you and Sanji?" Luffy needed to know. Zoro had agreed to stay with Sanji on the Rose Red today just in case Sanji and Sher got into it. Zoro didn't want to see them fight anymore then Luffy did.

"It's okay Luffy. I can deal with Sanji."

Luffy sipped his ale studying the look in Sher's eyes. It seemed to Luffy that she didn't want to talk about his cook. "Are ya mad at me for bringin' Sanji to the grand line Sher?"

Sher shook her head. "I could never be mad at you Luffy. Besides, I knew where you guys were going."

Luffy figured it had been hard for Sher being alone and pregnant. It was madness to take on a ship of this size and hunt down a crew so soon after having Evan. Sher must have worked herself half to death. "It musta been pretty tough. Don't worry though Sher, I'm gonna make it up to you."

Sher waved a hand at Luffy. "Don't worry about it Luffy. You don't gotta make nothing up to me."

Luffy thought otherwise. "I am the captain that ordered us out of port at Ices. It was my decision where to go from there and I chose the grand line. Sanji wanted to look for you ya know, but the rest of us," he smiled guiltily, "we all thought you just changed your mind about coming with us and dumped Sanji."

It was nice to know that Sanji had wanted to find her. She had hoped as much when she had been sitting in that smelly jail cell. "Yeah, well," she shrugged and sipped her ale.

"You should come with us to find one piece. We'll be rich as kings!" his silly grin came back to his lips.

Sher leaned against the bar. "I'm not interested in one piece."

Luffy wiggled his eyebrows at Sher. "Sure, and your not a pirate and there's nothing in the grand line for ya either," he teased. All of the things Sher had said the very first night Luffy had met her. Luffy might be getting a buzz, but his memory was sharp.

Sher sipped her ale favoring Luffy with her best 'shit on me' look. "I probably wouldn't be a pirate if it weren't for you guys. I was a nice girl."

Luffy snorted laughter. "Blow it out yer asshole Sher you were a thief."

Sher's jaw dropped and Luffy laughed harder. "Luffy!"

"I'm not saying you weren't a nice girl Sher, but I could see the devil inside. I got an eye for shit like that." Luffy dropped her a wink and took a swig of his ale.

Sher stared at Luffy. He was no where near as patronizing as he used to be. He didn't speak to her like the guest he brought to dinner; he spoke to her one captain to another. They were on an equal playing field now. "I bet you do." Sher took a swig of her ale.

"You're a good captain Sher. Your crew is loyal."

"So is yours Luffy."

Luffy flashed her big smile. "Aint it great being in charge?"

Sher smiled back at Luffy. "Sure is."

Luffy bumped their mugs together. "To being captain," he toasted.

"To being captain."

7.

Luffy, Zoro and Sanji stayed aboard the Rose Red until it was late. They sat with Sher, Zack and Nails in the captain's lounge drinking until well after midnight. Luffy, Zoro and Sher were pretty drunk when Sanji suggested it was time for lights out. Sher walked them to the gangplank as her mates bid them all good night and headed down to bed. There was a whole other list of chores to do tomorrow.

Luffy hugged Sher picking her up off her feet, twirling her around. They were so drunk they almost fell over. Sanji put out a hand, but Luffy steadied them on his rubber legs giggling like a school girl. "Take it easy Luffy," Sanji growled.

Luffy gave Sher a final squeeze and turned to Sanji. "Lighten up would ya?" he took a step back toward the Merry Go. Sanji was frowning at him.

Zoro stepped between Luffy and Sher for his own good night hug. "Gimmie some sugar," he teased Sher. She hugged him and Zoro bit at her neck playfully making a growling noise. Sher laughed at his ticklish breath on her neck.

Sanji caught Zoro's good bye bite from the corner of his eye. What the fuck? He turned to yell at Zoro, but Zoro let Sher go. They were still standing together laughing. "Let's go," Sanji said trying not to sound too pissed off. "Night Sher."

Sher nodded at Sanji. "See ya tomorrow Sanji."

Luffy led Zoro and Sanji across the plank over to the Merry Go. He was ready for bed. "Boy, that sure was fun," he said and yawned.

"Yeah, a real blast," Sanji scoffed puffing on his cigarette indignantly.

Zoro cut his eyes over to Sanji. "What's your problem Sanji? You got to spend all day with Evan. The party after dinner was nice too."

Sanji blew his smoke at Zoro. "I'm sure you think so."

Zoro hated it when Sanji blew smoke in his face. He waved a hand in front of him and frowned at Sanji. "What the fuck is your problem?" Zoro had about enough of Sanji's pissy attitude these past few days.

"Maybe you are," Sanji snapped. Luffy looked over his shoulder at them but kept his mouth shut for the moment.

"What the fuck did I do?" Zoro hadn't yelled at Sanji all night. There was no reason for Sanji to cop an attitude with him.

"What the fuck was you thinkin bitein' on Sher like dat huh?"

Zoro blinked at Sanji. "That? Jeez Sanji we were just playing around. Get over it."

"Eh, fuck you Zoro. I suppose I should just get over the way you was dancing wid her too right? Youz was practically fuckin wid yer clothes on!"

The green eyed monster of jealousy had reared its ugly head. Zoro crossed his arms across his chest. "We were just dancing and having a good time asshole."

Luffy stopped walking two seconds after Zoro and Sanji and turned around to face his mates. They were staring each other down. "Hey guys," he tried to intercede.

Sanji plucked the cigarette from his mouth and pointed at Zoro. "You don't need to be havin' that kinda good time wid Sher ya slut!"

Zoro's frown deepened. He was starting to get angry. "I don't think that's any of your business Sanji. Sher aint your girl no more." Zoro supposed he didn't have any plans to put a move on Sher; he was just having fun with her. Sanji was blowing things out of proportion as far as he was concerned.

"She's my baby's mother," Sanji growled.

"Umm, guys?" Luffy tried again.

Sanji turned his angry eyes on Luffy. "And you!"

Luffy's eyes widened in surprise. He pointed at himself. "Me?"

"Yeah you!" All of Sanji's pent up frustrations were coming out. "What the hell is wrong wid you? Hangin on Sher like a monkey all night long." He looked away from Luffy's shocked expression back to Zoro's scowl. "Youz guys better learn to keep yer hands to yerself."

Zoro rolled his eyes and sighed. "Chill Sanji."

Sanji pointed his cigarette at Zoro again. "Just stay away from Sher Zoro. No more 'fuck me baby' dancing, you dig? And don't be callin her sweet cheeks no more either!"

Zoro could understand Sanji might be a little jealous, but this was ridiculous. He was being an ass to him and Luffy. They were just glad to see Sher and enjoyed her company. "I have always called her that. She likes it." He grinned at the horrible face Sanji was making. "Look Sanji, you better wake up and smell the coffee. Sher isn't your girlfriend anymore. We all respect the fact that she is your son's mother, but she is also our friend. Just because shit has changed between you and Sher, don't expect any of us to treat her indifferently. We happen to like Sher, a lot. Right Luffy?"

Luffy nodded in agreement. Zoro was right on. "You bet Zoro."

Sanji puffed his cigarette glaring at Zoro. "Bunch a fuckin traitors. You never grind yer junk up against Sher like dat before ya slut."

Zoro was annoyed Sanji was still hung up on their dance. Jealous prick. "Yeah well last time we saw Sher she was your girl. She aint no more."

"Shut the fuck up Zoro," Sanji warned. When Sher had spent time aboard the Merry Go she had danced with Zoro then too. That dance had been pretty mild, not the crotch mashing fest Zoro was having with Sher on the deck of the Rose Red.

Sanji was killing Zoro's buzz; turning it into a pissy drunk. "Why don't you shut the fuck up Sanji? You're being an asshole."

"Come on you guys," Luffy said taking a step closer. "Knock this shit off."

Sanji turned on Luffy again. "Fuck you Luffy. You saw the way the slut here was rubbin' Sher all over his dick!"

Luffy grinned, he couldn't help it. He had drunk too much to control his smile. "That was hot." He looked from Sanji to Zoro. The swordsman grinned at him.

Sanji blew a disgusted sigh through his teeth. "Don't do dat shit again," he growled the warning at Zoro.

Zoro had enough. His good buzz was all pissy drunk now. "Sher didn't seem to mind. As I recall she rather enjoyed it. Maybe I should ask her if she wants to try that dance again with no clothes on, eh Sanji?"

"Why you son of a bitch!" Sanji stepped forward meaning to get his hands around the swordsman's throat and throttle him good.

Zoro was drunk, but his reflexes were sharp as ever. He side stepped and got behind Sanji. Zoro grabbed Sanji's arm and twisted it up behind his back to hold him. "Pull your head out of your ass!" Zoro yelled close to Sanji's ear.

Sanji was furious. "Let go of me Zoro before I fuckin kill you!"

"That's enough you guys!" Luffy shouted.

"Tell that to him!" the pissy drunk barked.

"Get offa me!" Sanji lurched forward and Zoro let him go. He faced the swordsman with eyes that burned. "You wanna fight me bitch?"

Zoro was frowning. "No, I don't want to fight you Sanji. There's no reason to."

"Sanji," Luffy stepped into the fray to calm things down. "Look, we were just having a good time with Sher, that's all. She's a lot of fun, you know that."

Sanji looked at Luffy from the corner of his eye. "I know what kinda fun Sher can be. That's something you two slobs don't need to find out either!"

"Nobody's trying to fuck your ex," Zoro was feeling pumped up. If Sanji really wanted a fight, he'd give it to him.

"Sanji, are you still in love with Sher?" Luffy asked quietly.

"No!" he snapped at Luffy. "But dat don't mean I want one a you guys all up in her panties!" It was a half truth at best. Sanji realized he not only still loved Sher, but that he was still in love with her. He didn't want her getting too fun with any man other then himself. He didn't want anybody else touching Sher, playing around or otherwise.

Zoro sighed and shook his head. "If the Merry Go and the Rose Red are going to run together for a while Sanji, you better chill out and learn to see Sher as the woman she has become. She's not your girl anymore and neither one of us are trying to get her in the sack. Even if we were, it's none of your business."

"She's da mother of my child. I say that makes it my business."

"Evan is your business," Zoro stressed, "not Sher. She's her own woman Sanji."

Sanji was pissed. He crushed his cigarette out in a nearby ashtray. "I know dat. I'm just letting ya know I'll have to kill youz if you try putting a move on her." He glared at Zoro. The swordsman had been too flirty with Sanji's love tonight. "You aint good enough for her. Sher deserves better then a slut like you."

"You sayin' you're a better man then I am Sanji?" Zoro grit his teeth.

Luffy jumped in and ended the argument. "Let's just say Sher's too good for both of you and hit the rack. That's an order." He didn't want these two arguing anymore tonight. He could see that Zoro's drunk had turned mean. If they kept going like this, someone was bound to get hurt. He frowned at his mates authoritively. It wasn't often Luffy played his captain trump card.

Zoro turned away and headed below deck. "Whatever you say Luffy."

Sanji waited until Zoro was out of sight before making a move himself. "Fuck you too Luffy," he grumbled at his captain before heading off to bed.

Luffy let loose a frustrated sigh. He had a great time over on the Rose Red tonight, he thought they all did. Damnit Sanji why you wanna complicate things? Luffy shook his head and headed off to bed himself.

19