The days quickly turn into a monotonous set of weeks. In the mornings Sanji would get up, most of the time before Zoro, and offer to spar with him before getting to the kitchen. Occasionally Zoro would refuse and sometimes Zoro was the one asking Sanji for a fight. It always ended in a tie. He figured ending every match as a tie would start getting on Zoro's nerves, but it looked as though he was enjoying their routine. After their fights Sanji would spend the next few hours running or helping in the kitchen. Zoro always met him on their ship by lunch and they would eat. About twice a week Zeff would join them. Sanji would disappear back to the kitchen after that and find Zoro later to get ready for dinner. Their nights were their own, but it was becoming a routine Sanji was beginning to enjoy. For the first time in months, he actually feels happy. Zoro was hard to read, but he seemed content enough with whatever it was he did daily.

It was mid-morning, and everyone was taking a break before the lunch rush. Sanji had offered to clean up and was finishing the last of the dishes when the door slams open, causing him to nearly drop a plate.

"Cook!"

Sanji turns around to see Zoro in the doorway, a look of panic on his face. There wasn't any danger nearby, not that Sanji can tell. If anything, It looked as though Zoro had just woken up from a nightmare. "What's wrong Marimo?"

"I-"he pauses, looking around nervously at the few employees loitering in the kitchen. "Can I talk to you preferably in private?"

Just what the hell had he done?

Sanji doesn't hesitate, "Yeah course." He gestures for one of the others to finish up and Lee moves to take his place without question. Sanji hands him the rag and moves over to where Zoro is, taking his hand and leaving the kitchen.

"What's going on?" Sanji asks as they move to a quiet place outside.

"I messed up."

"I got that." Sanji pulls out a cigarette and lights it. The familiar feel of nicotine calming him. He had rarely seen Zoro look so nervous. "What did you do? If you broke something I promise it'll be fine. The old man will yell but-"

"It's not that!" Zoro says quickly, turning to look at the calm sea. "When I left Mihawk made a point to tell me that he would see me-"he pauses, "and you soon."

Sanji lets out a stream of smoke. The last time Sanji had seen Mihawk was during the battle with Blackbeard and even more briefly after Shanks had died. Had even talked to the former Warlord? Sanji can't help the laugh that escapes him. "Is that all?"

"Is that all?!" Zoro protests, whirling around. "You realize Mihawk could've shown up before I even got here?"

"But he didn't."

"He could be here within the next hour! How are you not pissed I forgot to tell you?"

"Do you want me to be pissed? Why are you so concerned?"

"So you weren't worried about Zeff meeting me?"

"So you do think of Mihawk as a father figure?"

Zoro's face goes bright red. "I-sort of?"

Sanji falls into another fit of laughter. He was so stupidly honest sometimes. "Gods Zoro, I love you, but this is exactly the kind of thing you'd forget to mention."

"You're not mad?"

The worry in the other man's voice almost throws him into another laughing fit, but it was sweet he realized his mistake. "No I'm not mad. If the now retired greatest swordsman wants to visit his son, I can't stop him."

"You're really not going to let that up huh?"

Sanji lets out another lazy stream of smoke and moves to lean next to Zoro on the rail. "I absolutely will not. Besides, you just admitted it." Zoro lets out a laugh and Sanji can see his shoulders relax, the tension easing out. "Look, when he does show up we'll just do what we did with Zeff."

"What, send you off with a bottle of wine so you can meet up with him and say hey?"

Sanji gapes at him. Of all the stupid- "Is that what you did?"

"No." Zoro grins. "It may have been worse."

Sanji decides he didn't want to know what happened. After all Zeff seems to have accepted that Zoro is a part of his life now no matter how much he annoyed the both of them. "Well-"Sanji lets out a final stream of smoke before putting his cigarette out. "I'm heading back, you want me to grab you something before lunch?"

Zoro shakes his head. "I'll come with you. I want to get something to drink before going back to the ship to train." Sanji only tosses the cigarette into a bin before leading them back towards the galley.

Before walking inside Sanji stops, his hand on the door. "Something wrong?" Zoro asks from behind him. "The only people I sense are your old man and some of the staff."

"That's just it. The old man is supposed to be picking up supplies from a nearby island."

"Think something's wrong?"

"I guess we're about to find out." Sanji shrugs pushing the door open and saying, "what's going on old geezer?"

Everyone was gathered around the staircase with Zeff in the middle. "Can't hide my presence from you at all can I Eggplant?" Zeff laughs, crossing his arms.

"Got to make sure I know you're alright old man. Now what is this?" There was no malice coming from anyone, but Sanji still feels Zoro move closer.

"When was the last time you got off this ship, or your own?" Sanji blinks in confusion but tries to recall. A face comes to mind, and he groans. "About a month after I got here you had me go on a supply run and I got into a fight with a bastard who called my captain a false king." Zoro stiffens beside him.

"That's how people realized who you were."

"And why I don't like going mainland." Sanji slides his hands into his pockets. "Too many curious people."

"Well, I'm sending you and your boy toy today."

"Why?" Sanji asks furiously at the same time Zoro chokes out,

"Boy toy?"

"Go get the orders and then enjoy the rest of the day." Zeff says. "I'm not going and I'm not going to send anyone else, so if we want to be able to serve food tomorrow you better go."

"Why are you doing this?"

"Because you need it idiot." Patty snaps from beside Zeff. "You rarely take a day off and you haven't left this boat in months. I don't know if this is some sort of depression episode or what, but you both need to get away, even if it is just for the day."

Sanji is about to argue when Zoro sets a hand on his shoulder. He knew they were right, but he really didn't want to get into another fight, even if the person deserves it. Sanji lets out a long-defeated sigh. "Fine." He holds his hands out. "Give me the damn list. I know the vendors, but you always forget something."

"Rude brat." Zeff grumbles shuffling throughout jacket and pulls out a wad of paper.

"Learned from the best." Sanji smirks grabbing it out of his hand and turning back around. "We'll be back by dinner." He takes Zoro's hand and walks back out.

"I can't tell whether you're mad about this or not." Zoro says later as they step onto the island. It wasn't large by any means, with farms as far as the eyes can see, but it was quiet.

"Not mad, just annoyed I got sucked into this."

"You that against being here?"

"Yes and no." Sanji sighs, leading him down one of the dirt pathways. "I love the idea of finally getting out and shopping, the variety of selections here are exquisite, but with everything going on with Dragon at Mary Geoise I know some idiot is going to want to fight."

Zoro scoffs, "if anyone is going to get into a fight cook it'll be me." He wasn't wrong, but Sanji hoped it wouldn't come to that. They make their way down the street and Sanji sees an awning of a familiar shop. Something must've shown on his face because Zoro shoves him and laughs. "Go on then. We're free until dinner as long as we get the supplies right? May as well enjoy ourselves."

He was right about that. "Come on then-"Sanji grabs his hand and pulls him towards the shop. "You're going to end up hating me after this."

"Hasn't happened yet cook I don't see that changing." He hears Zoro murmur as they walk in.

"I'm just going to be your pack mule for the rest of my life aren't I?" Zoro asks twelve shops later and several bags heavier.

"Surely you've known this?" Sanji quips, taking a sip out of the drink he had gotten from a wandering vendor. It was fruity, but had a minty aftertaste to it? He hands it to Zoro, who takes a swig of it. "Listen, there's just one more place I need to go and then what do you say we grab some lunch? After that you can go find a tavern and I'll grab the rest of what we need."

Zoro didn't even try hiding his relief. The store comes into view and Sanji stops. "You good?" Zoro asks, nearly running into him.

"I've known this vendor since the old geezer first opened the Baratie." Sanji shoves his hands into his pockets and pulls out a smoke. His hands shake as he tries lighting it. Zoro gives him a look. "Shut up." Sanji shoves him, finally getting it lit and inhaling some much-needed nicotine. "I'll be fine. He's just another friend of Zeff's."

"You want me to come with you?"

"You really want to deal with another annoying old man?" He laughs taking another inhale before putting it out. It wasn't much but it would get him through this exchange. Zoro only cocks his head as if contemplating the idea and pointedly sits down on the ground next to the shop. Sanji laughs again and grazes his hand across Zoro's shoulders before bracing and entering the shop.

"Old man!" He calls out into the familiar space. Why was it so dark in here? The sign had said open, and the door was unlocked. Sanji picks up a jar labeled 'sweet onion sugar.' The shop owner was famous around these waters for collecting the hardest spices and herbs to find. It also helped that the owner is one of the few survivors of Zeff's old pirate crew. Sanji hears movement in the back and sets down the jar before calling out again. "Asta, you back there? It's Sanji!" Still no answer. He moves towards the counter just as something runs into him. No. Not something, someone. Sanji looks down to see a child no older than ten with a mop of black hair.

"Sorry." He laughs and holds up a small toy. "I didn't want to lose this again."

At closer inspection Sanji realizes it wasn't a toy but a small spice grinder.

A moment later an older man wanders out from the back. When he sees Sanji he smirks. "Hey kid, old man sent you in his place?"

"Something like that. I'm just here to pick up our order."

"Yeah, yeah it's in the back, hang on."

With that he turns around and walks into the back. Out of habit Sanji places a hand on top of the kid's head. If Asta wasn't going to acknowledge the kid Sanji at least wasn't going to ignore him. "What's your name brat?"

The kid looks up mouth dropping open. "Wow. Your eyebrows are funny."

Punk kid

"Hatori!" Asta comes back into the room holding a rather large package and sets it on the counter before saying, "While it's true it's rude to say it."

And this was why Sanji avoiding coming here. The old man was just as bad, sometimes worse than Zeff when it came to insults. "Who's the kid?"

"This kid has a name." Hatori pouts indignity.

There it was

No well-mannered kid can deal with Asta. Sanji knew that better than most. Hell, the number of times Zeff left him here to do gods knows what- but he still just raises an eyebrow at the old man.

"Sanji this is Hatori I found him half dead in the streets, so I brought him in and fed him." He shrugs as if bored. "Brat just refuses to leave." Sure. Just like all those times back when Sanji was a kid when Zeff would threaten to kick him out. "Brat this is- "

"Black-leg Sanji!" Hatori gasps excitedly. "From the Straw Hats! I thought I recognized you! Hang on!"

With that Hatori runs into the back and Sanji hears stairs creaking. Asta only laughs. "I'm surprised he didn't recognize you when he first barreled into you."

Sanji blinks in confusion. "I'm surprised a kid would recognize me at all."

"Anyways-"Asta waves it off. "Haven't seen much of you since you got back."

"Haven't felt like going out." Sanji replies tersely, sliding his hands into his pockets.

Asta crosses his arms and leans against the counter. "Yeah, Captain says you've been depressed lately." Damn it old man. "Heard your husband came back recently though, that didn't help?"

The actual concern in the old man's voice makes Sanji wonder how worried Zeff is, or rather was, about him. "Of course it helped." Sanji sighs deeply and his eyes find a charred spot on the counter. Memories of himself playing with a lighter and nearly burning the place down comes to mind. "It's not something that just goes away because something good happens, but I'm doing better."

"Glad to hear it."

Before the bastard could continue the subject Sanji asks, "and the kid? You never took me as the parenting type."

"You don't count."

"No shit I don't count!"

Asta only scoffs and pushes himself off the counter before walking over to the opposite side of the store where Hatori had run off and disappears. Sanji throws his hands up in annoyance. The old man really hadn't changed at all. Whenever something came up that he didn't want to talk about he would stop the conversation and walk out into the garden to smoke. As a kid Sanji would just move upstairs to cool off, but now he just follows him out. He finds Asta sitting on a stone bench under the lone tree lighting a cigarette. "You realize that's what's probably going to kill you right?"

The old man laughs and gestures to him. "Pot calling the kettle black."

"Yeah well-"Sanji sits down next to him. "It's partly your fault you know."

"Because I smoked around you when you were a kid?" He asks looking at him in confusion.

Sanji slides his hands into his pockets again and grips the half butt from earlier. Did the old man really not remember? "No. You're the one who told me it was something a real man would do and that it helps keep your appetite down." Gods he wanted to smoke but manages to release his grip on the butt.

Asta stares at him a moment and then realization dawns on his face. "Oh shit. I always forget they found you starved and half dead."

"I'm not looking for an apology and I don't want one. The decision to start was my own."

"It was, but you're still right." Asta lets out a stream of smoke. "Maybe I shouldn't be trying this kid thing."

"You can't do any worse than the old geezer."

"That's true-"Asta amends. "Though, you turned out to be one of the most feared people in the world."

"Don't give Hatori any ideas."

Asta puts out the butt and laughs. "Don't worry the kid has a knack for foraging and planting. Compared to you he's pretty mild mannered."

At that they both hear footsteps coming back down the stairs and a moment later Hatori reappears holding a scrap of paper. He runs up to the two of them and Sanji is surprised to recognize it as his wanted poster. "Why on earth do you have this?" He asks as Hatori hands it to him. It really was the best photo the navy ever got of him. He just wishes it hadn't been right after Mary Geoise. He looked terrifying as hell, but exhausted. And the bounty always surprises him. Yes Zoro's was higher but still 2.3 billion wasn't something to balk at.

"Uncle Zeff gave it to me. He's always telling stories about you." Sanji clutches the paper tightly. Damn old man. "It was easy to tell he was worried about you. Sometimes I think he just wanted you back safely."

The number of times that almost didn't happen flashes through his mind. Shit, how many times had he almost gotten killed? He should be dead. Trying to distract himself from that thought Sanji holds out the wanted poster and grins. "You want an autograph?"

Hatori blinks, the thought looking like it never occurred to him and grins. "Yeah, but I want you to promise me something."

"And what's that?" Sanji finds a pen he must've accidentally took from the last shop.

"Don't make uncle cry again."

He pauses and glances over to Asta, who's attention is focused intently on a patch of grass. Cry again? It's been a long time since Sanji saw Zeff cry, and even then, he can't recall if it had actually happened or if it had been a bad dream. Guilt buries its way into his body. The number of times he almost didn't come home. He forces a smile on his face and turns back to Hatori. "Of course I won't." That was one promise he knew he could keep. Zeff didn't care what he did, and even if he did wander off again it wouldn't be on another life-threatening adventure. Sanji had enough of those to last him a lifetime. He signs the poster and hands it back, before placing a hand on Hatori's head. "I'm not going anywhere for a long time. Zeff may be a bastard of an old man, but he's the only one I recognize as a father."

Asta looks at him at that, probably recalling Sanji's biological father and lets out a laugh. "I'm sure he'd be happy to hear that."

Had he told Zeff that lately? He really was a terrible son.

"Is it true you married one of your crew mates?" Hatori breaks him out of his thoughts. "Huh? Oh yeah-"Sanji gestures through the shop. "Zoro is actually right out-"he pauses and sighs, "never mind. Apparently, he's taken off." How had he not noticed beforehand?

"You can tell?" Asta looks at him in surprise.

Sanji is about to tell him of course when it occurs to him that while Haki is a good radar he and Zoro don't depend on it to find one another. The mark does a good job with that. Though, they don't know the exact range. "Yes." He answers carefully. "The bastard and I know one another's presence far too well." It was a bullshit answer and Asta knows it, but what could he say? Sanji lets out a long breath and stands up. "I better go try to find him before he gets in trouble."

"And the possibility of that happening?"

"Higher than you might think." They walk back through the shop and Sanji grabs the box of supplies before patting Hatori on the head again. "Next time I'll introduce you. For now, take care of this old geezer huh?"

"Watch it." Asta growls from behind them.

Hatori nods once and Sanji gives them both a salute before walking out the door.

Sure enough both Zoro and their stuff weren't where he had left them. He seriously hoped Zoro had just taken them with him. Closing his eyes, he lets out a long sigh and focuses. Zoro's presence wasn't hard to find, but he was surprised to sense it on the other side of the island. He really must've not been paying attention while in the shop. Rolling his neck once Sanji opens his eyes again and starts making his way towards his swordsman.

As he nears the other side of the island he realizes again why Zeff never liked coming over here. He knew this was the ritzier side but the suddenness of it was unnerving. The dirt road suddenly turning into a cobblestone road and the modest housing turning into a gated neighborhood. It wasn't that the poor and the rich disregarded one another. Hell, Sanji had been to Mary Geoise and seen for himself the horrors of what went on in there, but this small island seems to have a way of handling things. Sanji quickly realizes he's heading towards the opposite port as he passes one of the more popular taverns. A crowd has formed around the docks and as Sanji passes through people begin moving out of his way and whispering his name.

"Black-leg"

"Pirate Kings chef"

"2.3 billion beli"

"He's got to be here for pirate hunter"

"What are they both doing here you wonder?"

"Doesn't Black-leg work on that sea restaurant?"

"Last I heard Roronoa disappeared."

Honestly these people, Zoro had been back for almost two months now. Though he supposed to them Zoro not being in the papers was as good as disappearing. Sanji lets out a sigh and is about to call out to the Marimo, who he can sense a little further out, but when he reaches the front of the crowd he stops. Zoro had two of his swords drawn and is standing opposite of an alarmingly tall man who had twin blades pointing at Zoro's chest. He looked to be nearly twice their age and had such an annoyingly smug grin on his face that even Sanji wanted to kick him. They hadn't started the fight yet, but he can tell it wouldn't take more than five minutes. The opposing man was giant yes, and had the muscle to back it up, but it was obvious he hadn't seen any real action in a while. Sanji's eyes catch on a small pile of boxes and bags near Zoro and recognizes them as their stuff. He makes his way through the crowd again and when he reaches the pile, he adds his box to one of them and promptly sits down on top of one. Zoro's opponent flicks his eyes towards him a moment and Sanji smirks. Anyone starting a fight with the greatest swordsman is a fool. He glances at Zoro. Yes, including him. Sanji crosses his legs and takes the half butt out of his pocket. He lights it and inhales deeply, knowing the fight would be over before he would finish.

The fight was over in less than five minutes. Sanji wasn't surprised, but Zoro's opponent truly was weak. It would be one thing if the guy put up a good fight, but he just...didn't. He lets out a stream of smoke and watches Zoro lean over the guy and say something to him before turning around and walking towards him. "It's a shame." Sanji says in greeting. "All these people gathered around looking for entertainment and you didn't even provide that."

Zoro grins wickedly and leans in close. "I mean, we could give these people some decent entertainment if that's what you want." Before Sanji can reply Zoro leans in and meets his lips with his own. It was soft and languid, not at all what Sanji was expecting from him after a fight, and definitely not in front of what feels like half the town.

"Huh-"He manages after pulling away. "And here I thought you'd want to spar."

Zoro gestures behind him at the man still on the ground. "That didn't even spark up an appetite. I'll let you know if it flares up later though."

"You're probably just hungry." Sanji jokes and gestures behind him. "I'm starving, you want to go grab something to eat? I know a good seafood restaurant a few blocks over."

"Sounds good."

With that the two of them grab their goods and head out, ignoring the crowd who parted for them.

"So am I allowed to ask?" Sanji asks, as they take their seats. The restaurant was small, but it overlooked the ocean and had a seating deck right over the water.

"About what?"

"You're not one to start a meaningless fight-unless it's with me." He points out. "I was curious if the guy had said something to piss you off."

To Sanji's surprise Zoro lets out a laugh. "And here I thought you were pissed off that I got into a fight at all."

The waiter comes by and Sanji takes the moment to order drinks before turning back to him. "Again, you don't start fights, unless it's with me."

"True enough cook." Zoro leans back and lets out an annoyed huff. "The bastard showed up a little after you went inside. I was napping when he kicked my leg. He wasn't a threat, so I ignored him, but as the idiots usually do, he just kept at it. He called me a punk again and I opened my eye and said, 'what do you want old geezer?'" Sanji lets out a laugh at that just as their waiter returns with their drinks. They order and Zoro takes a swig of his drink before continuing. "Not surprisingly he looked pissed, and I asked him again. He still looked mad, but asked, 'you're Roronoa right? The famous pirate from these waters?' "And if I am?" 'The pretty blonde who just went inside, black-leg right?' "Look if you want a fight both of us can kick your ass in the time it takes for you to draw a sword." 'I doubt that, but that's not what I was asking.' "Then what do you want geezer?" 'Watch it punk you're on my island.' "I'll call you whatever I want, you're annoying. Tell me what you want before I cut you." 'Black-leg' Zoro pauses and Sanji's stomach sinks. He had a feeling he knew where this was going. Zoro takes another swig of his drink and sighs. "You really are too pretty cook."

"Your admiration is noted Mosshead." Sanji picks up his wine and drinks a hefty sum of it. A part of him really didn't want to know, but the memory of the look the guy gave him before he fought Zoro flashes through his mind. "What happened?"

Zoro sighs and continues, "you realize he's my husband?" 'Yeah that's why I'm asking you.' "For what? He's not a possession and even if you did ask him he'd literally kick your ass." 'I'm the strongest person in town I think I can handle a pretty boy cook.' "You're not going to get to him without going through me bastard and if you think you can take me then bring it on." Zoro lets out a sigh. "From there I'm sure you can guess what happened."

He could

The man accepted the challenge and led Zoro to his part of town to where all his friends were and proceeded to get his ass kicked by the greatest swordsman. "The fact he thought he could take you is baffling."

Zoro shifts uncomfortably. "So, you're not mad at me for starting a fight?"

Sanji takes another long sip of his wine. "No. I'm annoyed my first mate had to trouble himself with that bastard." He smiles warmly. "But as your husband I want to thank you for sticking up for me, even if I could've handled him myself."

"I'm not sorry for it."

Sanji lets out a laugh. "Love you too Mosshead."

Their waiter comes back with their food, and they take a moment to thank him. "How did it go with the old man anyways?" Zoro asks, between a mouthful of fried fish." You seemed upset after I beat that asshole."

Sanji pauses on his bite of salmon and looks at him. "You could tell?"

Zoro shrugs, "I thought it was about the fight but since you aren't upset about that I'm guessing it was about something else?"

Sanji takes a bite, as a way to contemplate his thoughts. The glaze was too sweet, but the rice was perfect. "It was an eye opener." He settled on. Zoro raises a brow and he laughs. "I don't know how else to explain it."

"But you're good?"

"Yeah I'm fine. It's nice to have someone else confirm I'm not a burden to the old man."

"Zeff? Of course you're not a burden. The geezer has your wanted poster in the middle of the damn dining room. He's probably worse at saying it then I am, but anyone can tell he loves you."

"He is worse," Sanji grips the base of his wine glass, "but it's nice to have someone tell me that I'm not a worthless stain on his legacy." A flash of Judge's face flashes through his mind and the glass in his hand shatters. He blinks rapidly, surprised, and catches Zoro's knowing gaze. A waiter quickly runs over and asks if he's alright, but Sanji barely hears him. It isn't until Zoro kicks him from under the table that Sanji even forces himself to turn to the concerned man. He puts on his own waiters smile. "Sorry about that. I seem to have forgotten my own strength."

The waiter only bows nervously. "Of course sir, would you like more wine in another glass?"

Sanji picks a piece of glass out of his palm and tosses it into a bin the bus boy brings over to clean the broken glass. "Yes that would be great, thank you." He takes the wet rag the man had brought over and dabs at a spot in his shirt.

"That's not going to come out with a wet rag." Zoro smirks and downs his bottle. "Aren't you the one always telling me that."

"Shut up Mosshead."

After everything was cleaned up and they both had new drinks Zoro sighs. "I know the answer, but are you good?"

Sanji stares at the remaining food on his plate, his appetite receding and lets out a long breath. "Yes and no. Sorry about that."

"I'm the last person you need to apologize too. I knew going in that I fell in love with the person in most need of coddling." Sanji kicks him. The jab was to distract him, and while he was grateful, the kick was still deserved. "You're 100% entitled to be mad at those bastards and I, once again, offer to go deal with them." Zoro continues, downing his glass and taking Sanji's plate.

"And I once again decline the offer." Sanji giving him a grateful smile and taking a sip of his wine. Zoro knew how much he hated wasting food but understood that talk of the Vinsmokes would rid him of his appetite. "For one I would go with you and even if I see them in hell it would still be too soon, and two-"he trails off.

The silence was long enough that Zoro looks up. "Do you not think I can take them?" He asks.

Zoro had never met them, nor had he seen them fight but, "I think-"Sanji bites his bottom lip in thought. "I think individually you would be able to win. Hell, I think if I actually tried I could take them one on one, but if it came down to the three of them verses you I honestly don't know."

"You don't trust me?"

"It's them I don't trust." Sanji says quickly. "They would fight dirty, and it wouldn't be fair."

Zoro gives him a look and rests an elbow in the table. "You're implying I would be fighting by myself. Didn't you just say you would be with me? And are we not, as Usopp put it, actual demons when we work together?"

He had a point. He knew he had a point and Sanji is left gapping and imagining it. What would it be like to find them and actually prove just how strong-no. He shakes his head once and smiles. "As tempting as that sounds I want nothing more to do with any of them and I'm not going to go actively seeking them out."

Zoro backs down and takes the last bite of Sanji's food. "It'll always be your call when it comes to them, but I do want you to understand that when it comes to that geezer, you aren't a burden."

"You know it sucks." Sanji sighs deeply. "In my head I know that, but there's always going to be that voice that says otherwise." Zoro finishes his drink and burps loudly. Sanji scowls but can't help the grin. "Ready to go? It looks like the other patrons may be at their limit."

He watches Zoro glances around them where the closest people were five tables away. "Think they know who we are?" Zoro grins, as Sanji stands.

"That would be my best guess." He pulls out his wallet and drops such a ridiculous amount of bills on the table Zoro raises a brow. "I broke a nice glass and seeing that we're scaring the other customers it only seems fair to compensate." He grabs the sleeve of Zoro's jacket. "Now come on, didn't you want to get drunk before heading back?" With a wicked grin back Zoro stands and follows him out.

"You aren't even drunk!" Sanji snaps, as he drags Zoro onto the ship hours later. "The hell did you do?" He had found Zoro not in the tavern he had left him in, but in another one across the island and arguing violently with someone inside. "I'm amazed you didn't slice him in half with the way you were yelling."

Zoro shoves him away. "Shithead-"he grumbles and quickly adds, "not you."

"Clearly." Sanji crosses his arms, "you good?"

"Bastard was complaining about the shit going on in Mary Geoise."

Ah. It had been in the paper this morning, and even Zeff had asked the two of them what they thought about Dragon taking full control of the government. Sanji didn't remember much from when they had first left, Zoro had still been healing, but it had been nothing short of chaos. A lot of the world leaders had been on edge and demanding answers. Actually, most of them tried to argue that what they had done was a coup. In a way yes, it had been, but those bastards needed to be taken down. Even Sanji wasn't sure about Luffy's father. He would be forever grateful to him for bringing Zoro back to him, but how much control would he have?

"You want to talk about it, or can I just assume he's one of the rich assholes who benefitted from the bastards who ran it before?"

Zoro brushes a hand through his hair furiously. "I just need to cool off."

Sanji resists the urge to grab a cigarette, and grabs Zoro's jacket. "I know a way you can let off some steam." Zoro grins and pulls him closer. "I can either have you out here on deck or we can go to our room."

Sanji leans in, his lips a hair's breadth from Zoro's own. "And here I was referring to a spar." He lies placing a finger between their lips and grinning,

"And I'm the pervert?" Zoro responds by sticking his finger in his mouth. Sanji's face heats up and he backs away. "So, you're telling me you don't want to?" Zoro's voice goes deep and Sanji can't help but grab Zoro again and kiss him senseless.