Zoro is not normal. But what really is normal anymore? At first it was just Zoro and Luffy both of them were far from the definition of normal with them both trying to reach their dreams even though people thought they had lost their minds. They didn't care though, and no matter what they will reach their dreams or die trying.

Not everyone understood that. When comparing Zoro and Luffy sure they are both monsters and weird with the way they think, and sure Luffy is weirder than Zoro but sometimes Zoro is the more weird one. He stands out far more than Luffy at times. Like the way he didn't listen to them, or the way he gets more lost than Luffy or how he ignores them. Sometimes they can't understand him when he talks and all he does is eat, sleep and fight.

For Luffy he never had trouble with this. Ever since he met Zoro tied to the cross in the middle of the marine base they have gotten along really well. Understanding each other in a way the others could never replicate. It may have something to do with the fact Zoro speaks monkey. They think alike in many aspects.

Nami is not like Luffy. She couldn't understand Zoro, not at all at first but after traveling with the two men long enough she picked up on patterns and started to understand the basics of what he is saying. She honestly doesn't care because she knows he's not a bad person. He fought for her village. He didn't mind her so she doesn't mind him.

Usopp at first didn't think much of it at first. When all three, Zoro, Nami, and Luffy, came to shore he had more pressing matters to think about, his islands safety. Even after learning they mean no harm he didn't stay long, he left them for Kaya. One thing after another things kept happening that were more important than how Zoro talked. At the end of the day he knew Zoro wasn't bad, he is strong, very much so and Usopp admired him for that, a strength he doesn't have. A strength he did wish he had.

Sanji was the meanest. For one he thought Zoro was stupid for getting cut in half by Mihawk. No sane person, or with half a brain would let themselves almost die by getting cut across their chest. The blonde also thought of him as a brute for not talking properly. How can he talk worse than a toddler? It also gets on the blondes nerves when Zoro ignores the ladies or him. Sanji knows the idiot does it on purpose just to be an asshole. Another pet peeve is when the idiot gets lost, and easily at that. He's seen the man get lost down a straight path. How? Sanji doesn't know which one is worse, getting lost all the time or ignoring everyone. But there's not much Sanji can do he's apart of the crew, and they can't get rid of him, Luffy cares deeply about Zoro.

Chopper didn't know what to think. The only people he knows were those on his island. He also has never had friends before. But he knows he loves Zoro who is kind to him. Chopper is more worried about the injures Zoro always seems to get and Zoro doesn't likes to see him about it. Or he never listens to him. All he can do is make sure he helps Zoro by having all the medical supplies they need.

Robin didn't care much at first. She didn't want to get attached to them, any of them. So at first they didn't interact all that much, and when any of them did something she didn't care much but after they rescued her, and she officially became apart of the crew she didn't think much of it because she had gotten use to it. She didn't think twice as much. It was something that made Zoro, Zoro. His charm.

For Franky nothing compares to him. He's a cyborg. Plus they all weren't bad and they all had their quirks. Each having something that made them unique.

The same thought process could be said for Brook. He's a skeleton... how weird do you have to be to beat that? After so long alone Brook didn't care about much. The least of his worries would be how someone spoke.

Besides this minor points, Zoro wasn't bad. He's nice and caring, with all of them, of course he doesn't announce it, but they all have seen it. He protects them all, sadly, at the expense of his own body but he does make sure they are safe and many can be thankful for that. And the way he fights for them all, especially Luffy, they can appreciate that, glad Luffy got him. Can't imagine how they would all be off Zoro was still a bounty hunter. They might not have made it far if that were the case.


Life is smooth for the Pirates. They live day to day, going on adventure after adventure. They are far from thinking twice about how Zoro talks. Today is no different. Nami got on a trail for some treasure. No one was surprised by her announcing they will go after it. Her eyes green for the money of course they didn't mind, they are pirates, they love the adventure. Also it's not like they can tell Nami no. Or Luffy, as treasure means adventure and that's what pirates do.

And adventure they got. They weren't the only ones searching for that treasure. Another unknown group of pirate also wanted it. So it became a race. They all got very competitive on searching for this treasure and luck was on their side as Sunny got to the island first. Once it got into view Nami ordered everyone to be ready. They all packed their backpacks. Sanji making a snack for everyone to eat before they get to the island, even making lunch boxes for everyone to pack. With changed clothes, weapons cleaned and sharpened, backpacks packed, and ready they set off.

Nami wasn't taking any chances. They divided into two groups. Namis is the search group that consisted of everyone but Usopp, Franky and Brook. Those three stayed on Sunny just in case the pirates came and tried to steal anything off Sunny or Sunny herself. And once Franky docked they went in search for treasure. Both Nami and Franky carrying a transponder snail.

Through their effort and hard work, Zoro's strength, Nami and Robin smarts they found the treasure. They gathered it up, packing as much or all of it as Nami wanted. They left the old ruins hidden underneath the mountain carrying bags of treasure. A very happy Nami skip with her bag. This treasure could make them rich but not if she's got to pay for Luffy's stomach. This will last them for a long time. They were all excited about what they can do with their portion. Nami wanted to go shopping, Nothing new. Luffy wanted meat, also nothing new. Zoro didn't say anything about what he wanted. Sanji talked about maybe getting new knifes, or maybe some new pots and pans, maybe even new measuring cups, maybe even pay Franky to add some more locks off the fridge and storage. Chopper thought about new equipment or medical books. Robin thought of new books.

Zoro is the first to notice them getting company. Zoro hands half of the treasure in his hand to Luffy, then the other half to Sanji. Before anyone can ask what he's doing he runs to the side, into the forest. He disappears into the dense forest, then they hear gunshots. They look at each other and run towards Zoro, Sanji and Luffy using their haki to find him. Almost all wondering how Zoro noticed them first before Sanji and Luffy. It's not the first time something like this happened but they still wonder.

They catch up to Zoro, who got most of the crowd. It would seem they, their rival pirate group, tried to attack them. Zoro got to them first. They tried to help, downing as many as they can without dropping any treasure, if they do they will be punished Nami yelled as a warning. They all saw the captain do something to Zoro who dropped his swords and screamed at the top of his lungs shocking everyone who have never heard him do that before, covering his eyes. They run off as Luffy and Sanji charge towards Zoro to check on him. Nami saw the smile the captain wore as he and what's left of his crew run away, too willingly but first is Zoro. Luffy and Chopper try to help him but Zoro reaches for his swords and attacks them, pushing away from him, when he felt them far enough he runs into the forest. Luckily no one got hurt, Sanji shouting after Zoro that he could have hurt the girls.

Robin looks at Nami who seemed to be thought. "It's obvious it's a devil fruit." she says. They all agree, Zoro wouldn't attack them for no reason, at least without a good reason.

"So what do we do?" Chopper asks. He would like to check on Zoro to see what happened, get a look over his body.

"First let's head to the Sunny." she answers. Quickly they make their way to the Sunny, the three meeting the rest.

"Where's Zoro?" Usopp asks as they get closer. Franky going forward to help bring the treasure on board.

"Something happened and he ran off." Sanji growls remembering the fact that Zoro almost hurt the girls.

"We got into a fight with that pirate group. The captain did something to Zoro and he ran off." Chopper explains better. Worried about Zoro.

"It's obviously a devil fruit." Usopp says.

"We know." Luffy smiles.

"That much is obvious." Nami says. "Okay, Luffy, Sanji, Usopp and I will get Zoro and bring him back. Robin, Franky, Brook, and Chopper wait her while we get him. You can count and organize the treasure." Nami orders them. They all nod. Sanji wants to teach Zoro a lesson.

They spend most of the day searching for Zoro, glad that Sanji packed them a lunch box. As the sky got dark and they all considered searching more the next day Luffy says just a little longer. So they searched for a little longer. This time they paired Sanji and Usopp together while Nami pairs with Luffy instead of Sanji with Luffy and Nami with Usopp.

Usopp squints, he could see a light a few yards away. "There's something over there." Usopp points out for the blonde. Sanji squints along with Usopp, slowly getting closer. It's a fire, meaning someone is there. They carefully walk towards it. Not sure on who it is, Zoro or the pirate captain and what's left of his group.

They pass the bushes to a small area, in the middle lay the fire, across from them lay a sleeping Zoro, on the grass holding himself. They take a step closer and Zoro's eyes open. With his head still he reaches for his swords, stand up in a defensive stance. What was this? A memory devil fruit? Did he not remember them?

"Zoro its us, your friends." Usopp says trying to reason. Sanji should have known that wouldn't work with his stupidity. Usopp takes a step closer trying to talk to Zoro but Zoro attacks, Sanji gets Usopp out the way in time.

"What the hell marimo!" Sanji shouts looking at Zoro who only stood there. He wasn't looking at them, or even in his direction. Sanji only stared, watching the way the fire reflect off of the green haired mans gray eyes. It didn't normally look like that. Something was wrong. Before Sanji could say anything more Zoro turn and ran away. Sanji look at Usopp. "You can stop playing dead." he tells the sniper. Usopp carefully moved to see the spot Zoro stops. He saw it empty then sat up.

Zoro ran, it was dangerous. He didn't know who to trust. He didn't make it far when he felt something soft wrap around him. He thrashed and trashed trying to get out of what ever held him. What was it rope? It didn't feel rough enough, though who had him?

"Calm down Zoro!" Nami yelled for what seemed like the thousandth time. Luffy wrapping his arms around Zoro so he wouldn't run. He was having trouble though with how much Zoro trashed around almost like a wild animal. "Zoro! It's Luffy! It's us, calm down!" She yelled but he didn't seem to hear her, especially with the way he growled.

"You got him?" Usopp asks coming through some bushes with the blondes behind him.

"Yeah, but he won't calm down." Nami says looking at Zoro, she's never seen him like this. It worried her. "Let's hurry and get him to Chopper." she says. Luffy nod, lifting Zoro up easily. Slowly they made their way back to Sunny. Glad they got Zoro before the end of the day.

Nami runs ahead to the Sunny, coming back to meet Luffy. With the help of Sanji they got sea stones onto Zoro, who as soon as Luffy fully let go Zoro started to try to fight them but Luffy carried him over his shoulder, Zoro thrashing and biting, trying very hard to get away but nothing worked. Luffy dropped Zoro on the grass off the Sunny. Zoro grunts, slowly moving to sit up, pausing when his hand lands on grass. Very familiar soft grass. He sits on his knees, now calm, more than before. Like in a trance he continue to touch the grass. Not doing anything, as they all watched Zoro, even Chopper he didn't have the slightest clue where to start. And if it was psychological how can he help Zoro?

Robin is the first to step close to Zoro, they had all given him some space with fear that he will hurt them. "Robin!" Sanji says stepping forward to stop her, worried Zoro will hurt her. She ignores him, getting down on her knees close to Zoro. She reaches forward and touches Zoro's skin, they all saw his whole body flinch at the contact. He look down at where she touch him, on his forearm, then forward, at nothing in particular. On his arms she wrote with her index finger, across his surprisingly soft skin, 'we are on Sunny. You are safe with us.' Robin know Zoro got it when he nodded at her. 'What's wrong?' She ask. You can tell me. She hopes he can tell how worried they are and that he's safe, that all they want to do is help him.

Zoro continue to sit on his knees as he touch the grass of the Sunny, more like fist the grass. He's really holding onto it. He lowers his head, facing down at the grass in front of him. "Can' 'ee," Zoro says. Choppers ears flicker at that. He couldn't have heard that right. Zoro can't see?

'Nothing?'Robin wonders, looking at Chopper who got closer, the other stood in place not knowing what to do. No wonder he acted the way he did. He lost his sense to see, that would freak anyone out. Zoro shakes his head.

"No'ing bu' b'ackne'." Zoro says.

"I want to examine him." Chopper says. Nami nods, reaching forward to take the chains off. Once off Robin helps Zoro slowly stand up. Chopper leads them to the infirmary as Robin helps Zoro up the stairs.

Now there's no doubt that Zoro got hit by a devil fruit.

They all wait on deck for the three to come out, and when they did come out they saw Chopper come out ahead of them as Robin held onto Zoro's hand as she lead him to the others. The sight of Zoro holding Robins hand made him seem like a younger brother holding his older sisters hand. Zoro look scared, as he should be, he can't see. He's lost something important to him.

"He really can't see. His eyes no longer register light." Chopper says, he looks down, "he can't see at all." Chopper says.

"I'm going to go!" Luffy shouts, running off. They all stare at Luffy's back as he run, most likely to the captain. Yeah, they shouldn't be feeling sad, they should be trying to fix it.

"Franky, Brook, go with Luffy." Nami orders. They nod and run off, chasing after Luffy. Chopper stood closer to Nami.

"What do we do?" The doctor asks. Nami smiles down at him.

"Sorry Chopper you and Robin will stay with Zoro, we will go see if they have any treasure and steal it." Nami grin. Chopper nods.

"Okay."

"Let's go. They won't see us coming, it's so dark." Nami says ready to go. Sanji and Usopp go to. Sanji looking one last time at Zoro who got help from Robin to sit down. The blonde couldn't imagine loosing a sense like that.

Chopper helped get water for Zoro, keeping him hydrated, giving him snacks as they wait for Luffy. They knew he would win, it was just a matter of when. They knew it would take a while, Luffy did need to find them, and who knows if he might be on the ship where Nami, Sanji and Usopp went to.

Robin turned from her book in her hand to see the others coming aboard. She gave them a smile. They looked rough, must have been a good fight. They all collapsed on the grass, tired from the fight. Before anyone could asks they saw Zoro and Chopper sleeping next to each other near Robins feet. "Did it go well?" Robin asks.

"We'll see when Zoro wakes up." Nami groans getting down on the grass to sleep. Usopp dropping the bag in his hand, leaning against it. They could all hear the clattering of the treasure against each other. The others joining her. Everyone fell asleep just as the sun rose on the horizon. Robin continue to read as she let them sleep.

Ironically Zoro is the last one to wake up. They see him slowly wake up, sitting up as he rub his eyes. He looks at them staring at him, then he realize that he can see them. He looks at his hands, the grass, the ocean. His crew mates. He can see them again! "I 'ee!" Zoro shouts happily, a large smile on his face. They smile and hug him, especially Chopper. Zoro very glad to see again. He never wants to go through that again. It was scary to live in complete darkness. He didn't know who to trust, where to go, or even what to do next.

They continued the day, Sanji and some others going back to the island for some food. Nami and Robin counting the treasure and separating it. During this they all noticed that Zoro seemed back to himself. Ignoring everyone mostly, until he doesn't. He did seem happier than normal but they can all understand why. Who wouldn't be happy after getting their sight back? Other than Zoro's mood, the swordsman is himself again.

They all sat at the table enjoying Sanji's cooking like always, talking and laughing. Zoro sat with his head down, able to feel the vibrations from the wood table they all sat on. Of course everyone else is in a good mood, not just him. Nami with her treasure and Luffy with food. The others had fun, after a night long adventure they are glad to be able to sit at the table and rest while they eat what should be considered the best food on the grand line. Zoro chewed his food, swatting away Luffy's wandering hands, planning in his head, he didn't do much training for the day, he should also consider cleaning his swords. Maybe he'll see if he can help anyone else, as a thanks for them helping him. He should help Chopper and Robin first, if they need it. Then Luffy and the others. He looks over to the blonde who stood next to Nami and Robin like always laughing. It's good to see them, his crew, in such a good mood that he too started to smile.

His smile was short lived as he read Sanji's lips as he talked. He stared shocked, frozen in place, as Sanji made fun of him. But it wasn't the way he looked but the way he talked. He looked around to see them all laughing with Sanji. He spoke bad? He didn't know. Zoro looks down at his plate again, his chewing slowed down. Was it always bad? He couldn't tell, it felt like he was saying everything right, and he couldn't hear that he wasn't. He peaked at everyone to see them laughing. Were they laughing at him? Zoro swallowed his food. His face fallen, his expression hurt. He didn't want to be here anymore. Zoro carefully reached up to his ear, touching it. He couldn't even hear the chime of his own earrings. Zoro didn't notice Luffy staring at him. Has been for a while.

Zoro collects more food on his plate, piling it up. Once he's got what he thinks is enough he stands, caught everyone's attention. He ignores them purposely this time and walks around the table, from his seat to the galley door. Zoro doesn't look back or say anything as he leaves them all in their seats, or where they stood. They stared at the door after it closed. Then they looked at each other. What was that about?

Luffy stopped eating to think about it. Zoro seemed really hurt and sad for some reason. Then he started to touch his ears. Why his ears? Luffy blinks. He gets it. So he is the next one to stand up, but unlike Zoro he leaves his plate on the table. Everyone watches Luffy this time walk to the door. This time the others stand up and follow, curious on what he's doing.

They all walk out the galley to see Zoro sitting on the foremast alone, eating his plate. Zoro sat, trying to think if they may have been making fun of him the whole time. Was that why they always laugh? Because of him? Because they were making fun of him? To busy with his thoughts he didn't notice someone coming close to him. He felt a tap on his shoulder so he look up to see Luffy standing in front of him. With attention on him, Luffy raising his hands up. "Are you deaf?" Luffy signs. Zoro's eyes stuck onto Luffy in shock. Did Luffy just sign to him? Luffy knows sign language? The rest of the crew also starred shocked, Luffy was just waving his arms around. What was he doing?

What caught them most by surprise is Zoro, in return he set aside his plate, then also brought his hands up. He to started waving his arms around, "yes, I didn't know you knew how to sign." Zoro answers back. Luffy just gives him a smile. Before Zoro could sign anything else Luffy ran back to the galley, past the others, very confused at this point, then running back out with his own plate of food. Sitting right next to Zoro. Luffy sat and ate with Zoro.

The others just left them alone, going back into the galley to eat the rest of their dinner. This time they sat in silence. What just happened?

After their meal, and after Sanji put all the dishes away they all walked out the galley to find Zoro and Luffy sitting across from each other, waving their arms in the air, communicating with each other. Empty plates set to the side. This time they get closer to the duo. Nami clears her throat catching the captains attention. He looks at them. Zoro sees Luffy turning his head so he turns to see what his captain is looking at. Zoro frowns when he spots everyone there so he turns away again. He didn't want to read their lips, he was very hurt and mad at them. This reaction did not go unnoticed by the others.

"What are you doing?" She asks. Luffy looks at them then turns to Zoro who seemed to be choosing not to look at them.

"Zoro's deaf." Luffy tells them, looking at them again. They all gasp, looking understandably shocked.

"How do you know that?" Chopper asks. Luffy tilts his head.

"Ace is deaf too. They act the same sometimes. And I asked him." Luffy answers.

"When you were waving your arms around?" Usopp wonders. Luffy nods.

"It's called sign language." Luffy says, then he smiles, "I learned with Sabo and Ace when we were little." Those were good times.

Usopp turns to Robin. "I'm surprised you didn't know that." Usopp says, upsetting Robin. She uses her devil fruit to punch Usopp in the face, breaking his nose.

With a frown she answers, "I'm an archaeologist. I know ancient languages. Not a linguist."

"I want to check his ears." Chopper says. Luffy turns to Zoro who look away from them. Luffy taps Zoro on the shoulder again. Zoro turns to Luffy, who signed that Chopper wanted to check on him. Zoro's eyes widen at that, then he shakes his head rapidly, he didn't want to, and everyone knew.

"Why?" Luffy asks out loud this time. They watch as Zoro opens his mouth, about to answer but then his eyes turn to everyone there so he closes his mouth, remembering that they were making fun of him. Zoro brings his hands up and signs to Luffy, who turns to Chopper when Zoro finished. "He says he doesn't like going to the infirmary with you." Luffy says, this hurt Chopper a little. Is that why he was always so pig headed when it came to check ups, and exames?

"Why? he was there yesterday with Robin?" Chopper wonders, his expression showing how hurt he is about learning the truth. Luffy turns to Zoro, signing to him, asking him why he didn't like to go to Choppers. After Luffy finished Zoro signs back to answer.

"Zoro can't read Choppers lips right," Luffy starts, then turns to the little doctor, "so he can never understand what you are saying or doing. He also can't understand Brook." Luffy says.

"Then you can come with us to translate for me." Chopper says. Luffy turns to Zoro and tells him. Only then does he nod, but he's still reluctant to go, but it's better now with someone else, especially Luffy. They stand up and leave, only the others left as they process the biggest information they just recieved.

Zoro is deaf.

But now it felt like a mystery was solved. This explains Zoro's action a lot better than it just being some quirk of his. Nami sits down, feeling extremely bad. "I feel really bad." She says out loud. The others nodding their head in agreement. "I thought Zoro didn't care about the things we have said about him but in reality it's because he didn't hear us." She rest her head in her hands, groaning. Damn, how do they make it up to Zoro now?

All eyes fall on the blonde as he walks up to collect Zoro and Luffy's plate. When he turns he sees all the eyes on him. He pauses, "what?" he asks.

"Out of all of us I think you are the worst." Nami says. Sanji gulps, as everyone frowns at him. He has to admit that he wasn't the kindest to Zoro, and that's his fault. He didn't think Zoro would be impaired. To not be able to hear anything. So he doesn't ignore them. Sanji's face pales. The reason he doesn't speak correctly, it's because he doesn't know. He's just the biggest asshole of the strawhats isn't he?

"Things are starting to make sense." Robin points out, all eyes on her now. She looks at them back, they didn't seem to understand what she's saying. "When Zoro was attacked by the devil fruit he left us. He couldn't see and he couldn't hear. He must have been scared. What if he did hurt us, but he couldn't not do anything if it turns out it was an enemy." Robin tells them. That's right. Zoro must have been scared for himself and if he might have accidentally hurt anyone.


Sanji look out of the port window to see Zoro standing against the railing looking out into the sea. Luffy had told him to apologize, Zoro read his lips when he was making fun of him, and Zoro might not show but it really hurt his feeling. It's not his fault he speaks bad. Sanji looks down at the tray on his hand, on it sat a plate of small square sandwiches and a protein smoothie for him to have before he goes into the crows nest to train. The marimo is on night watch but he likes to stay outside a while before going to the crows nest for some late night training. He'll hand this to Zoro and say he's sorry.

Sanji walks out the galley and to Zoro, stopping behind him. How does he say sorry? What does he start with? Does he just say it? How does he get Zoro's attention? He wonders as he stood behind the swordsman, who didn't seem to notice him as he lean against the railing either looking at the dark horizon or down at the sea. He opens his mouth but closes it. He's a damn idiot. What to do? What to do?

As Sanji thought he tapped the tip of his shoe on the grass. He does that often as he thought, or as he got ready to fight. Zoro stood straight and turned around to look at him, Sanji pausing. The blonde gives a grin, at Zoro's face, one of his thin eyebrows raised in an arch. Sanji shows Zoro the tray in his hand, Zoro looks down then up at him again, watching his face. Did Zoro always look at him like that? "For you." Sanji says, beating the nervousness. "I'm sorry. About how I've treated you. You must be pretty strong to have lasted this long without hearing. I didn't even think that is why you don't always answer us. It annoyed me when you did that, because I thought you were ignoring me. And the ladies. It got on my nerves but now I see why, it's because you can't hear." Sanji felt his mouth move more, but he had no idea what came out of it. He just kept rambling on and on, but Zoro didn't do anything, didn't tell him to stop or that it's enough, or even call him names. He just stood there drinking his smoothie with the most unimpressed expression he could make. What the hell is wrong with him? "Anyway, here," Sanji hands the plate of sandwiches over to Zoro who takes them. "You can just set them on the table in the galley when you finish. Or you can come and tell me if you want anything more." He tells Zoro, who gave a nod, then he runs back to the galley closing the door behind him. He sighs as he slid down to the floor, knees to his chest, and hands on his face, covering the blush, embarrasses with himself. Damn he's the idiot. He just embarrassed himself in front of Zoro, like a fucking idiot. What did he just do? There must be something wrong with him.


It was obvious that something changed, for everyone but the most major one is that Zoro doesn't talk anymore. Not at all, he answers with nods or shaking his head. The only one he really talks to is Luffy. It was also a learning curve for the others. They would start talking, or in Nami's case start ordering Zoro to do something only to realize she's been talking to his back for the past five minutes so he didn't hear a thing she said, might not even know she's there.

Luffy has educated them on proper etiquette for how to treat and react to Zoro. Never thought Luffy, of all people would be teaching them something but they don't meet a lot of deaf people on the grandline. Those hard of hearing don't become pirates, at least they don't think they do. Going back to etiquette, Luffy had told them that the best way to get Zoro's attention would be to tap him on the shoulder, anything else would be rude. That making them realize that this whole time they have been the rude ones, they have never once tapped Zoro's shoulder to get his attention. Luffy also had to tell them that Zoro can read lips, so they had to make sure not to talk too slow or too fast, otherwise he won't be able to understand what they are saying.

It was starting to get hard with Zoro not talking at all, even in his broken english, they would have to play twenty one questions for information. It does get tiring and tedious.

But they are far from fully being accustomed to Zoro, some more than others.

They all docked at an island. From what Nami has heard it's another uninhabited island. No people live here and that's evident by how green and luccious the trees look as they got closer. The forest also look really big.

They all stood in the middle of the deck, on the grass in a circle. Nami talked about her plans on what she wants everyone to do. Zoro real her lips, keeping his eyes on her. Even when she stop, but when she look at someone else Zoro turns to who she and everyone else is looking at. Usopp who didn't want to be the one in any danger, like always. Zoro couldn't keep up with the conversation, only to get bits and pieces, which is normal for him, he can get the basics of the talking most of the time but he still feels left out. Having to hurry and scramble what little information he got together.

Nami separated the group, the ones going to collect thing on the island being Zoro, Sanji, Franky and Usopp. Zoro is able to understand that he is to help collect food, herbs, spices, mushroom for them, while Franky just wants to get some wood for the Sunny if and when she needs fixing, also for any other inventing he and Usopp may do. Knowing what he's going to do he focuses on his task making sure he pick any herb he found, any mushroom he spotted, any plant the blonde could use as spices. He wants to fill his bag to the brim, making sure they have more than enough cause one will never know what will happen when out on sea. It's happen once, they got into a huge storm pushing them back in sea a few days more than what Nami predicted. By the time they got to the island they ran out of food and Sanji was conjuring small meals from what was left, which were all random things that, against Luffy's belief couldn't be put into a pot and made into a meal. How do you make a meal out of fish, tomatoes and ginger?

Zoro looks up, turning around as he squat down, only to see no one there. He swear they were behind him. He remember sensing them with his haki. Zoro stands up, turning his head, looking around for the others. Where did they go? After a while of not seeing anyone Zoro gave up and frowned. He should have known they would get lost, they always do. But now the question is, where is he? Zoro puts the mushrooms he just picked up cause he knows Chopper uses them, into his bag, putting in on and walking forward. Nowhere to go but forward.

But he still couldn't find them or anyone else, not that he minded, he could protect himself of course and he doesn't need a babysitter. As he wondered he found himself in front of a large raging river. He followed it up stream, Nami once telling him to do that once, if he couldn't find anyone else. Zoro stops when he spots some good looking spices and herbs. All in rather large quantities. He goes forward to collect them. He hopes the others are doing as well as him.

Nami's eyebrow twitched with anger as she look down at the three men who sat on their knees, as they should. She was relaxing working on her tan after working hard on her maps, taking a break when the boys came back, having gathered enough supplies and Sanji who hunted a boar he found. A very large one at that but no Zoro. She raises her fist in the air then brings it down on all three of their heads. How can they not come back with Zoro? They aren't going to be long on the island. "Why isn't he with you!" She shouts. The others, who stayed on the ship with her stared silently at them. Can't fully blame them.

"We went to move to a different area so he can cut some trees up for us," Usopp starts as he rubs the back of his head, feeling a bump form, "but when we turned around he wasn't there." she rubs the bridge of her nose with her thumb and index finger, closing her eyes and taking a deep breath to calm her anger.

"Did you even tell him you where moving, making sure he knew?" she asks. Usopp look over at Sanji who was the one to tell them to move, Usopp and Franky just followed him, not thinking to much about it he was acting leader. "Did you?" she presses, wanting an answer from the blonde, changing her target.

"I-I d-didn't." Sanji stutters. Head down in shame. He was somewhat focused on the side quest given to him by Nami to take some measurements of the island.

"We tried searching for him but decided to come back and put some of the things we gathered away before going back." Usopp tries to settle her mood. But it didn't seem to work. This is now their fault.

"How were you looking? By screaming his name? Seriously? He can't hear!" she shouts, face almost red, chest heaving from anger.

Luffy starts to laugh, they all turn to him. Nami calming somewhat down but is still angry. She crosses her arms already demanding an answer to why he is laughing. "Nami don't worry, Zoro use to be by himself before us. He's strong, he can handle himself." Luffy says. Nami sighs, calming completely down from the words said by Luffy, very true words. Zoro spend years as a lone bounty hunter before joining Luffy. She knew he is strong she's seen it many times but she can't help but worry remembering the day Zoro lost his sight, that night when they went searching for him. How Zoro reacted to being tied by Luffy, growling and squirming from his hold. He was both in survival instinct mode and scared. She couldn't imagine being in darkness and in silence. She couldn't imagine being in silence all the time.

"Sanji go find him." she orders, and not in her usual sultry, flirty voice she has when getting the blonde to do her bidding. Sanji nods, he would have volunteered to go find him. He did feel bad, this time it's his fault that Zoro wasn't able to stay with the group. This made him think about maybe the true reason he always wondered off because no one ever told him where they were all heading so he kept walking and he gets lost easily so that doesn't help the situation either.

He stand up, "I'm going to put the things away." He says picking up the boar, giving Luffy a glare. "Then I'll search for Zoro." Sanji tells them. Nami nod, didn't want anything to go bad.

After Sanji locked the storage and fridge he set off to find the marimo. And it was proving a lot harder than he remembers. He usually was the one to go find Zoro and by now he would have found the man but now that he's aware, he can't just start shouting the man name, like he would normally do, then get mad at the swordsman when he find him thinking the swordsman was ignoring him. So he just went searching and searching, Sure at that point that he has been on every inch of the island. Not going back till he finds the marimo, knowing very well that Nami would kill him if he didn't show up with Zoro.

It was not normal to see her seem too worried about Zoro, but it must have hit just what it really means to not be able to hear and be in the forest by oneself when you can't hear. She also made the face she had on when Zoro couldn't hear or see them. She must have been thinking about that time, he did to for a second but Luffy's words reassured the blonde. The man lived on his own traveling the east blue before becoming the swordsman to the straw hats. He wasn't in any real danger. That's what Sanji believed at first, but there are something even Zoro couldn't fight against. Kuma, falling into a strong river, getting buried in an avalanche or mudslide, a strong wild animal, or worse a heard/pack of strong wild animals that are aggressive. Zoro would also never call for help if he were in fact in danger. He doesn't .

A cold shiver went down his spine. He needed to find Zoro and fast but he's been searching for hours with no luck. He came along a large rushing river, one that Zoro could easily drown in. Sanji gulp, what would he do if something did happen to Zoro? It would be his fault, for not being a good leader and not telling Zoro, who can't hear like the others, that as a group were moving. Everyone would blame him, he would blame himself.

A very cute sound catches his ears, it sounded like a cat sneezing. He turn his head towards the sound to see Zoro huddled against the trunk of a tree, knees pushes against his chest as he sat on the floor. This time Sanji saw the way Zoro's face scrunched up as he sneezed rather cutely. He watch as Zoro rubs his nose moving to reach into his bag, pulling out a canteen, Zoro look wet. Did he actually fall into the river? His clothes stuck to his body frame. Sanji ran to him wondering what the man is doing?

Zoro sat as he drank his water. He tried looking again having filled his backpack to the brim, but he fell into the river so he decided to just wait for someone to find him, he knew someone will it was just a matter of time.

"Zoro!" He yells getting close. "Everyone is worried about you. I can't believe you can't find your own way back to the Sunny how stu-" Sanji pauses, his sprint turned to a slow walk as he gets closer to the man, watching as he look up at him shocked to find him here. Sanji's whole face turns red as he remember the man did not hear a word he just said. Now Sanji is the idiot, stupid, for just remember Zoro can't hear. Zoro just stares at him, drinking from his canteen, innocently watching the cook, has no idea the cook had even said anything to him. "Come on, lets head back to the Sunny." Sanji says tapping the toe of his shoe down on the ground. He doesn't get an answer, but at this point that's to be expected, Zoro hasn't said anything in almost two weeks. He look down at his feet then up at Zoro to see him looking at something else, eyes wide open, looking surprised for some reason. Before Sanji could reach forward to get his attention Zoro jumps at him, tackling him to the ground.

The tree Zoro was leaning against destroyed by a very large looking tiger, one he doesn't remember seeing at all, or any hint of it as he wondered the island. They both sit up and look at the animal circling around where they just were. Sanji turns to Zoro as he makes a noise in the back of his throat, might not even be aware he made the noise. Sanji thought it was a little cute, but he could tell Zoro was frustrated by the tiger, from the noise and his expression. Sanji turns his head back to the tiger to it sniffing Zoro's bag, his canteen on the floor, water getting the dirt wet. Sanji sat there watching, his attention turning to Zoro's direction when he gets up angry. The blonde could only stare as the swordsman charges at the tiger with no ounce of fear.

Sanji blinks a couple times at the scene in front of him, of Zoro fighting this tiger. He gets up, standing on his feet. He dusts his clothes off of dirt. He looks back at Zoro, like an animal himself, fighting this tiger with one sword. The white one. He doesn't know why but laughter start bubbling inside him and he lets it out. Laughing at the sight in front of him.

There Zoro stood, in front of a tiger larger than he is, can't hear, but is still fighting it. He will admit to himself that he was worried about Zoro, will not tell anyone he felt that but he was worried. But of course, he should have known Zoro would be fine. The man is more amazing than he'll ever be, being as brave as he is, and strong without one of his senses. They don't have to worry that much about Zoro but... he thinks he'll watch Zoro just to make sure.

Zoro's fight with the tiger moves so taking the chance Sanji goes to Zoro bag, grabbing the dropped canteen, closing it, then putting it away into Zoro's bag. Sanji takes a moment to look at Zoro's bag, it filled to the brim with berries, mushrooms, spices and herbs. Half of them could be for Chopper while the other half Sanji could use in the kitchen. Sanji smiles. It's kind of cute to think about Zoro collecting all this even thought they got separated from each other. Thinking back now, Zoro sitting in his spot waiting was kind of adorable. Guess when he isn't so angry at Zoro's behavior now that he understands him a little, Zoro is kind of a charming person. Sanji closes the backpack, making sure nothing would come out, then puts it on his back. Sanji turns to check on Zoro to see the swordsman walking towards him as he wipe some blood on his face with the back of his hand. He didn't kill the tiger, Sanji could tell because he would have seen the body slung over Zoro's shoulder to take back to eat. He must have scared the animal away. Sanji just grabs Zoro's hand and starts walking, not taking a chance of Zoro wandering off.

When they both are close enough to the Sunny Sanji lets go of Zoro's hand, everyone greeting them as they walk onboard, glad to see them both back after so long. Sanji rubbing his hand against his leg. The marimo's hand, smaller with thinner fingers than he thought they would be. Not that he imagined what Zoro's hand would be like but after seeing him hold his swords so many times, don't know, he thought that they would be large and chubby.

Choppers nose twitches as he makes his way closer to the two. He smelt blood, and when those two are alone he knows it's either from a fight they had with each other are they met something dangerous on the island. "Move it!" Chopper says shoving past everyone. He gets a look at the swordsman and instantly goes into doctor mode. "I smell blood. What happened? Why are you drenched?" Chopper starts asking. Zoro could only look at Chopper, the little doctor is cute and adorable but he will never be able to understand him. He looks at Luffy. They all smile, the young doctor seemed to forget about his patient. Luffy signs what Chopper was saying. Chopper takes his backpack off and sets it on the floor, he reaches forward grabbing Zoro's hand and pulling it down, bringing Zoro down to his knees to get closer. "What's this on your arms? Why is it so dirty?" Chopper wonders, he smells blood but what on his forearms is not blood, what looks like a combination of dirt and berries? It also smells like a large mixture of spices? Maybe? "What were you doing? What if you have an allergic reaction to something on this island? Be more careful." Chopper orders, wiping the dirt off to see his arm to make sure Zoro isn't having an allergic reaction to anything. He looks up to see Zoro is not paying attention to him, with a frown on his face he's about to shout like his usual when Zoro doesn't listen to him. He stops himself when he see Zoro nod. Then turns to see who Zoro is looking at, he sees he's looking at Luffy. They all are as he signs to Zoro what Chopper just said. Chopper flinches when Zoro looks back at him. He tugs his arm a little and Chopper lets go.

The others stand quietly as Zoro signs to Luffy. "Zoro said he was testing the things he gathered on his arm before taking them. He also said he always does that to make sure he's not allergic to it or to make sure it's safe for us all." Luffy explains to them all. Chopper looks down.

"I see." He says. After a moment he looks back to Zoro's arm, he still smells blood. He stops when he see something on his bicep. "What about the scratch on his bicep?" Chopper points. Zoro follow where the reindeer pointed. He finds the large gash, making a rip his in jacket that he wore. Instead of looking at Luffy, this time Zoro look at Sanji to explain what happened.

Sanji grins as he blew smoke out of his mouth before he answered, "Zoro fought a large tiger on the island that almost attacked us. He chased it off." Is all he says. That should be enough for them.

"Luffy tell him to take off his shirt." He instructs and Luffy does.

"Take your shirt off, Chopper orders." Luffy says when Zoro look at him. Zoro nods, taking his jacket off and shirt that was underneath it. Both still soaked. It wasn't just that scratch on Zoro's bicep that he got from the tiger. He got another on his back, his waist, and a bite mark on his shoulder. Chopper started to really worry, but after getting a better look at them he calmed, saying they weren't as deep or bad as it seems. Sanji did feel bad, especially after knowing just how much Zoro had collected.

As Chopper treat Zoro Sanji took Zoro's bag with him to the galley to put it all away, as he plan a berry themed snack for Zoro, as a reward and thanks, plus Zoro did collect them.


Zoro grumples as he turns on the other side of his body, feeling the bunk beds shake at his movement. Zoro groans as he moves his hand over his ear, rubbing it as he push his face more into his soft and plush pillow, groaning into it more. His ears hurt so bad. Zoro lets go of his ear as he curls in his bed. He didn't feel like doing anything, didn't feel like getting out of the bed. Both of his ears hurt so bad he can't even think straight, he doesn't even want to train and he doesn't think he can meditate with his ears hurting like this.

"Where's the marimo?" Sanji wonders as he turns, serving everyone plates so they can eat their lunch. Instantly he knew someone was missing when he saw that the table wasn't full, there was an empty chair and when he didn't see the fluffy green hair he knew. He saw, as he served the ladies, everyone looking at each other. Usopp shrugged his shoulders.

"I don't think Zoro got up this morning." He says.

"I think I saw Zoro still sleeping." Brook points out.

"Has he been sleeping this whole time?" Nami asks, that's got to be a new record for Zoro. He never sleeps in or long, but he makes up for that by taking naps throughout the day.

"I'll go get him," Luffy says stuffing his face with his food then leaving, Usopp running behind him too.

As soon as they walk into the room all they hear is Zoro groaning. Luffy and Usopp look at each other. They have never heard Zoro groan before, or cry, anything that would point out that he's in pain. Luffy and Usopp move around to where Zoro face only to see his face scrunched up in pain as he groan in pain more. "Zoro?" Luffy calls but he doesn't get an answer, only Zoro groaning more as he move his head into the pillow more. Luffy looks at Usopp with the same expression. They both make their way to the galley in a rush. "Chopper! Something is wrong with Zoro!" Luffy shouts. They all pause in place.

"What?" Chopper asks.

"Something is wrong with Zoro, he's crying." Luffy says worried, as he should be.

"Zoro wasn't crying but he did seemed hurt." Usopp says. Chopper quickly grabs his backpack and runs with Luffy and Usopp to Zoro. The others follow not far behind him. What could be wrong with Zoro?

They all walk in to Zoro groaning louder than before. They stand far from Zoro, letting only Luffy and Chopper get close to Zoro. Chopper changes into his human form, he flips Zoro onto his back. "What's wrong?" Chopper then looks at Luffy asking if he could communicate with Zoro. "Luffy can you talk to Zoro for me?" he asks. Luffy gets closer to Zoro, with a smile on his face. Zoro stare at Luffy's face.

"What hurts?" Luffy asks.

They watch as Zoro raises his hands. "My ears hurt." Zoro tells him moving his head to groan into the pillow some more. He's never felt like this before. He's never had his ears hurt. No, it has hurt before. During aqua laguna on Water 7. But once they got to Enies Lobby it stopped and he was able to focus on fighting. He remembered what a doctor said in his the old village once, when his ears hurt then too, not as much as now, it was a minor ache then compared to now, he said that his ears might hurt because of the whether, it was stormy that day. Might have been the worse storm the village ever got. Zoro looks at Luffy to continue. "There's going to be a bad storm." Zoro signs again to Luffy, who stare at him for a while shocked.

"Are you sure?" Luffy asks. Zoro just nods. Luffy just looks at Chopper. "His ears hurt and he says there's going to be a storm."

"What?" Usopp asks with a chuckle. Now Zoro can predict the weather?

"No there's not. It's clear skies for two days at least." Nami says crossing her arms.

"Luffy, tell him I'll give some medicine for the pain." Chopper says digging in his backpack. Luffy talk to Zoro as he lay there groaning, not aware that he's making a noise. They all leave as Zoro takes the medicine. Chopper telling Luffy to tell Zoro to rest some more. Sanji shouting at Luffy to also tell Zoro to come to him when he's feeling better for a meal.

They don't see Zoro for the afternoon.

Sanji turns his head to see Zoro standing next to him, the blonde jumps in his skin. "Zoro, are you hungry?" Sanji asks, knowing the man has been on his bed almost the whole day. He must be hungry. Zoro just nods but the blonde could tell that the marimo is not himself. "Then wait a second." Sanji tells him, watching Zoro move, more like wobble to the table. Sanji quickly moves to catch Zoro who leaned a little to much to one side and started to fall. It must be the medicine Chopper gave him. He warned them all that he had to give Zoro a lot for the pain, so he's going to be loopy. He had no idea what the little doctor meant by that but now he does. Zoro seems almost drunk.

Sanji helps Zoro get into a seat, he pours some water into a glass then gives it to Zoro who drank it but not without spilling some of it. Sanji went and made Zoro a snack, large one since he hasn't eaten anything all day. He sat with Zoro watching the man, to make sure nothing happened. It was a little funny to see Zoro's head falling, threatening to fall asleep. Or how Zoro swayed back and forth, can't seem to find his center of gravity. Once Zoro finished he handed the plate kindly to Sanji who took it to wash it. When Sanji turned around he found the galley empty. Zoro had left. Sanji shook his head with a smile. That was funny to see.


They all, but one stood near the railing, eyes either on the darkest clouds they have seen or the large mountain sized waves they could see. The Sunny shaking, rocking along with the waves. It was the grandline so they knew that the weather can change in the drop of a hat but this was almost instant. It wasn't gradual, it just happened, and usually they get Nami to warn them that a storm is coming but she didn't even see it coming. Zoro did though. And he did warn them.

They all turn their eyes on Nami. "I thought you said it would be clear skies." Usopp points out, not smug just really wondering what went wrong. Nami glare at him.

"Looks like Zoro was right." Brook says, also getting Nami to glare at him.

"Don't just stand there! We have to get away from it!" She shouts at everyone. They run to do their jobs to get away from the storm. Making sure to turn the Sunny away from the storm and to go around it. But sadly they weren't fast enough, they got into the storm and it's worse than it looked. Nami did make it up to everyone by navigating them out of the storm.

They had to put on their heavy raincoats for the harsh rain and hail. As much as Nami is good, the storm is beating them. Nami takes a break from running around, take deep breaths, she wipe her face of the rain water but that did nothing as another layer of water fell on her face. She took a look at everyone. Franky at the helm. Luffy and Sanji on the foremast, making sure the sail doesn't open. Brook and Robin in the back with the jib. Usopp and Chopper helping, as they complain. Nami looked around. There is someone missing.

"Something wrong?" Sanji asks hopping down with Luffy. She looks at them.

"Where's Zoro?" She asks worried. Sanji and Luffy look around, not finding Zoro. Sanji wasn't worried, not yet, the Sunny is a rather big ship he could be anywhere.

And anywhere he is, Luffy, Sanji and Nami find Zoro sleeping in the aquarium. On his back, on the couch, one leg raised up against the glass, the other hanging off the couch, both arms raised above his head. Mouth open to snore like crazy. Nami felt her vein on her forehead twitch. He has been sleeping this whole time? Nami stomps forward to wake him up but Luffy stops him. "Choppers medicine made him sleepy." Luffy tells him. Nami calms down at that.

They all fall over, Sanji reaching forward to catch Nami before she hit the floor. Luffy reaching for Zoro who got pushed off the couch. "Come on!" Nami shouts, pushing herself out of Sanji's arms. The blonde following behind her, taking a quick look at Luffy carefully putting Zoro back on the couch.

Without Zoro's helping hand and strength they make it out the storm but tired as hell. They all lay on the damp grass of the deck, all sore and too tired to move even an inch. They don't notice the aquarium door opening to Zoro walking out as he rub his eyes of the tired. He pauses and sees everyone on the floor. They must be relaxing.


It didn't bother Sanji but it is something that he noticed as the days go by, besides Zoro no longer talking to anyone it's Zoro only signing to Luffy. And he knew it's only because on the crew Luffy is the only one to know how to sign sign language. He doesn't know if he's the only one who feels this but it feels like Zoro is getting distant from the others, since he can only really communicate with Luffy. He knew that he made fun of Zoro but that was their relationship, and now it's changed into almost nothing. That goes for everyone. They talk to him but Zoro only ever nods to them. They don't even know what he's thinking anymore, he just stands there, going along with what is being told.

Sanji gets his backpack on, checking his wallet, then pocketing it as he look at the island in front of them, bustling with life. The last two islands baren of any human population. He wants to get some shopping done. Maybe get some things for dessert, something they haven't really been having since they haven't gotten any ingredients for it.

"Sanji~" Nami calls for him, he turns to her with a smile.

"Yes~" He purrs back. Nami grins.

"Here." She hands him a piece of paper. He takes it, opening it, eyes reading the address written on tha paper. He looks up to Nami.

"What's this? Need me to get you something from here?" He asks, always willing to be her personal shopper. She shakes her head.

"No, drop Zoro off at this address then you can go shopping." She instructs. Sanji looks down at the address again.

"Sure." He agrees, looking up to see Nami walking off the Sunny, most likely to go shopping with the treasure they had found. Sanji waits on the dock for Zoro, eyes on the small piece of paper as he memorize the address, with his backpack on and other reusable bags inside for his shopping. He wants to treat everyone to a very good meal and the best dessert they've had in a long while. He felt the wooden planks on the dock shake and a loud thumb, he looks over to see Zoro had just jumped down and is walking towards him. Sanji couldn't help but stare as he watch Zoro, he didn't have his swords on him and he wore some more casual clothes, a white shirt that seemed to hug his figure, a dark green bomber jacket with a tiger print on the back and a small one in the front near the zipper, Zoro also wore jeans, dark blue jeans but jeans! He's never seen Zoro wear anything but his black pants. And instead of his usual black boots Zoro wore white converse. He didn't know Zoro owned anything like that. Of course he doesn't go looking through Zoro's locker but he swear he's seen glimpses of it as he walked by, and Zoro never had anything like this inside. He looks good, normal, not at all like a pirate, even with his earrings, now just seems like a trend, a look. "Let's go." Sanji says reaching forward to grab Zoro's hand again. So the marimo doesn't get lost is what he tells himself.

Sanji heads to the address, looking over at Zoro once in a while. He thought about what to do, should he talk but what about? Also, Zoro doesn't look like he wants to talk as he look down at the ground. So Sanji says nothing, focusing on getting to the address Zoro want to go to. Which is what? Where are they going and why doesn't Zoro not have his swords? Sanji's eyes land on the building number matching what was on the paper. He pauses when they get close.

A community center? That's where they are going. Did he get to the right place? Sanji doesn't care that Zoro bumped into him, taking a step back to wonder why the blonde just stopped walking as he rubbed his nose. Sanji took the note out of his pocket to read the address again, looking up then down multiple times making sure he's reading that correctly. Only stopping when he feels a pull, looking over to see Zoro walking forward. Was this really where they are going? Sanji just follows, getting closer to the lady who stood near the door greeting. She watches them as they get closer, Zoro releasing his hand to bow to her. Zoro starts signing to her. Her eyes widen a little but she nods, smiling at him. She tells him to go in, and that they will be starting soon. Sanji, curious, walks closer to see Zoro walking into a classroom, from the looks of it, with other adults and kids signing to each other. Zoro gets motioned over, so he goes. Sitting down in a chair and starts signing with them. Sanji didn't know what Zoro told them but they all stared in awe.

"The class ends in an hour." The woman says.

"Class?" Sanji looks at her.

"Sign language class. It's for the deaf we'll be brushing up on sign language, helping them." The lady smiles. "How long have you been together?" she asks.

"For three years now. Is sign language hard?" Sanji wonders, it has to be if Zoro needs to brush up on it.

"It depends. Some people learn it at a young age and sign everyday, but others learn it but talk, so they get rusty. Then there is some who don't need to learn it but do it because they know someone who does. Here," she goes in then walks back out, to him, with a large book. "So you can practice, or learn." Sanji takes it because how could he reject something a lady gave him.

"Thank you." Sanji says putting it into his backpack. Sanji turns to the large grandfather clock ringing.

"Time to start. Remember, one hour." She says with a smile as she close the door. Sanji could see through the window everyone sitting down, Zoro too.

He should go shopping. He bought everything on his list and some more, to spoil everyone. And Zoro. He'll spoil the man, as apology. There are many things he needs to say sorry for, the way he's acted or the fact that he was an asshole, talking behind Zoro's back making fun of his about something he can't really control. That's his fault, for not taking the time to know Zoro. And now she's willing to make it up to Zoro.

Sanji goes back to the community center seeing people walk out. He gets closer, peaking into the classroom, when he doesn't see Zoro, hoping the marimo hasn't walked of by himself. Nami didn't tell him to pick up the swordsman after but he thought it would be best, so he doesn't have to be sent out to find the green haired man anyway. It's more efficient this way. Zoro is easy to find with his hair, and outfit, standing out from everyone in the classroom. Sanji silently watched as Zoro happily signed with the others, a smile on his face. One of the boys Zoro is talking to sees him first, then signing something to Zoro who in response turns around to meet eyes. Something Sanji just realized they haven't done, look each other in the eyes. Were his eyes always that breathtaking?

Sanji gives him a smile, "let's go home." he says, not sure if Zoro has told anyone they are pirates, doesn't know how these people will handle that, so he'll keep that hidden for now. Zoro nods, standing up and signing goodbye to everyone. Zoro walks towards him, getting a good look at all the bags Sanji has. "Here." Sanji says handing Zoro a bag. Zoro takes as many as his hand can carry. With one hand holding many bags, and the other hand left empty Zoro looks at Sanji ready for more bags but the blonde only held his hand and said, "Let's go."

Again they walk in silence, looking around or at the floor. Sanji thinking about how he doesn't know Zoro. What makes Zoro laugh? What makes Zoro smile? What does Zoro hate? What does Zoro's laugh sounds like again? What does his voice sound like again? He really messed up, making assumptions about Zoro. Was he born deaf? If he was then how did he learn to talk in the first place? It made him feel guilty about making fun of Zoro's speech.

Sanji look up to see Robin standing on the dock hear Sunny, like she was talking to someone. He took a second to look at Zoro to see him staring at something else. He look back to see Nami looking a them, she says something to make Robin turn her head at them. He sees Robin look at him, then Zoro, next down, lastly back up at him. Giving him a smile. Nami grinning with her. Sanji then remembers that he's holding Zoro's hand. He doesn't let go, they've already seen him, he might as well get Zoro to Sunny before letting his hand go. The blondes face burns hot as he gets closer.

As he's serving dinner to everyone, they all sat watching Zoro happily communicate with Luffy, the only time anyone has seen their captain take a break in stuffing his face. He still chewed but used that time to sign to Zoro. Sanji couldn't not stare, remembering the lady giving him a book. Maybe he should learn sign language?


The next day Sanji is sent to drop Zoro at the center again. For the second time, Zoro walk without his swords, this time he wore a black denim jacket, dark green shirt with shark prints on it, jeans again and his white converse. He of course held Zoro's hand, once they got close Zoro let go of his hand and ran a head to the lady, greeting her as she look at him shocked. Sanji walks up to her also greeting her politely, "hello again." she looks at him, surprise for a second then smiling at him.

"I'm shocked you both came back."

"We won't be staying. We're leaving tomorrow, and I was curious on learning sign language."

"The book I gave you yesterday to should help. I think it's sweet you want to learn for your boyfriend." she grins at him. This time Sanji look surprise.

"Boyfriend? No!" Sanji shakes his head, face red, "he's my crew mate." he explains.

"Oh," her smile fades. "But he's so sweet." she says to herself. "Then why do you want to learn sign language? Most people don't, even crewmates, or friends." this shocks Sanji.

"Really?" he asks, stunned, that doesn't sound right. The woman nods.

"Most people find it too much work so they don't. Some parents don't, siblings sometimes don't, Of course there are families who do, lovers do too, but not all the time. Also usually the kids who are deaf are hidden, considered to be embarrassments to the family, not normal. But it happens. It's sad because it's still a new thing that people are getting more comfortable around."

"Comfortable?"

"There was a girl on this island that was born deaf, but everyone, all the kids and parents stayed away like she had some sort of sickness."

"Was?"

"She sacrificed herself to save some younger kids who were also deaf, they were about to be hurt by some pirates, this community center was founded for her."

"Is everyone treated that way, who can't hear?"

"Most off the time, people fear what they don't understand. And that behavior is taught to kids, so they mimic what they see, making it worse. I'm not surprised if your friend, crew mate, has been bullied, made fun of or treated harshly." she says. "Most people think they are a burden but I don't." The grandfather clock chimes. "See you in an hour." she smiles as she goes inside. Sanji watches as Zoro pays attention. He looks down at his feet, ashamed, he was the bully. He didn't know just how many people there are like Zoro. How many deaf people have they passed on their travels and didn't know. How bad they may have been treated. Sanji makes his way to the sunny, going to his locker and taking the large book out. With the book in his hand he goes back into town, taking a break at a small café.

He ordered a coffee, waiting for his drink he took the chance to look through the book. Once he finish scanning through the book he goes back to the first page. He starts reading the introduction. His coffee coming during, so focused on the book that he gave a half-assed thank you to the server. A server who may have been a woman. After his second cup he closes the book, rubbing his eyes. So it may be harder than he thought. But it's not unlearnable, Zoro and Luffy know it, granted they're learned since the were young, he's not sure on Zoro's part but he's guessing that's true.

"Sanji, did you already drop Zoro off?" Nami asks with Robin next to her. Sanji smiles at them.

"Yup, I still have half an hour before the class is over." Sanji looks at his pocket watch.

"What are you reading?" Robin asks. Sanji looks at the book in front of him, then at them with a blush on his face.

"It's," Sanji starts as he picks the book up, showing the cover, "a sign language book." Sanji finishes. Nami and Robin look at each other then back at Sanji with a smile, he doesn't see, embarrassed to meet their eyes. They thought what he's doing is very kind of him. Never thought he would do this.

"Do you mind if I were to borrow it sometime, I'm very curious." Robin asks. Sanji smiles, shaking his head.

"I don't mind. Borrow it whenever." he tells her. Nami sits down in front of Sanji, the blonde and Robin could see dearly how upset she is, which confuses Robin who was just shopping with her. Everything seemed fine then. But before either can ask she starts to speak.

"Do you think Zoro will ever talk again?" she wonders. "I feel bad about how I treated Zoro. I've blamed him for many things that he can't control." Nami says. Sanji nods, agreeing with her. He's guilty of the same thing. He wants to make it up to Zoro by learning sign language but it might prove to be harder than he thought.

When it's time to pick Zoro up he leaves the book with Robin to read. He finds Zoro signing with the lady. She spots Sanji, who walk towards them.

"Remember to practice." she says as she signs to Zoro. "Time to go?" she smiles at Sanji who nods. That's when Zoro turns to face the blonde, who notice Zoro has a thin book and papers in his hands. Sanji grabs Zoro's hand and they start walking, but the lady had something to say, "if want to learn, don't give up." Sanji gives her a nod with a smile. Zoro only able to look between the two.

They all sat around the table talking while eating dinner until Nami interrupts everyone's conversation. "We'll be leaving tomorrow afternoon, so you want to pick up anything before we leave do it quickly." she announces. Zoro makes a noise but only Sanji notices it.

Zoro thought they would stay longer. Sometimes they stay on an island for an hour, or sometimes they stay on one island for a week. He thought this island was a week one but it turns out to be a two to three day one. He was hoping to go to the community center again.

"Uninhabited." Nami says, Zoro catches it when he look at Nami again. He frowns, he really wanted to go back to those classes. "So who's on night watch tonight?" she asks. Zoro looks at Luffy, reaching forward to tug on the captains sleeve. When Luffy looks at him, Zoro starts signing. "I'll do the not get watch for a couple nights."

"Zoro says he wants to do the night watch for a while," Luffy tells everyone. No one complained, Zoro is on night watch. After diner he spends most of the time in there.


Sanji walks out the kitchen, looking up after deep cleaning the kitchen. Making a small list of items to buy. He looks up to see the light on in the crows nest. That's right Zoro is on night was a coin flip between both Nami and Usopp, who both didn't want to do it. To see if Zoro might want something before he goes to bed, he makes his way up. He opens the hatch to hear a noise. He gets closer to Zoro, the marimo seems to be the noise, practicing his talking but Zoro seems to be getting flustered and angry. Sanji taps the tip of his shoe to let Zoro know he's there. Instantly Zoro freezes, pausing for a moment then turning to find the blonde is indeed there. He is the last person Zoro hope to see.

With eyes on him he asks, "what are you doing?" that question causes Zoro's whole body to flinch. Zoro slowly turns away, back towards the blonde, who is close enough now to see papers and a notebook in front of Zoro. The swordsman grabs his pen and turns the notebook to a blank page, writing his answer there. Once he's done he turns to hand his notebook over to the blonde. Sanji takes it and reads.

I am practicing how to talk because you all said I talk horrible so I thought I would practice. So we can talk, but no matter how much I practice by myself I don't think it works, and Luffy is a horrible teacher, that's why I went to the classes. I thought the next island we would go to would have a village so I can be with them and I can practice.

Sanji looks up at Zoro who blushed, embarrassed that he was caught by the blonde of all people. Sanji remembers all the times he made fun of Zoro, about the way he talked. He's really sorry and he would tell Zoro but the marimo doesn't want his apologies. Not by him anyway. So Sanji made a choice, instead of saying sorry he will show it. "I'll help you." He tells the swordsman, whose expression changes from embarrassed to shocked. Zoro reaches for the notebook and writes some more, this time showing his answer. Sanji ignored what he already read and looks at what was just written.

Don't you hate me?

Sanji eyes widen to saucers, reading that one small question over and over. It wasn't much but it hit him like a punch to the gut. He looks at Zoro. Does he hate him. He doesn't think so. He's never hated Zoro, it was his action that bothered him. But never hate, and now he knows more about the way Zoro acts. "I'll help you." Sanji smiles. Zoro could only openly stare at Zoro before nodding shyly. He will take the help. If it's Sanji he knows the blonde will be able to help and teach him correctly.

The next day they got ready to leave and left, and that night Sanji meet Zoro in the crows nest to help teach him how to speak. Which consisted of Zoro pressing his fingers against the blondes neck as the blonde voiced the sounds of each letter, different combinations of words. Some words sounding different than how they are spelled. Conjunctions, and all that. Of course it was nice to see Zoro trying so hard, listening to him try to copy the blonde. Sanji enjoyed watching Zoro frown as he tried to made his own voice feel the same as the blondes. Of course during the day he has a small lesson along with Robin on sign language, both helping each other learn. Of course Robin wanted to know about it. She's also been a huge help to Sanji. After reading the book he began to grow overwhelmed with what to do first. But Robin helped him through that, even learning things herself.

His progress in learning sign language went slow compared to Robins, but him teaching Zoro is going well enough. So far he's learned things about him that he's not sure the other know. Like he learned about Kuina. The girl who was older than Zoro when they were little and how good she was in her swordsmanship. Zoro had told the blonde that when he was little he couldn't even talk. All he knew was sign language, he didn't remember his parents or who taught him it, he just knew. He would travel challenging dojo after dojo, win after win, until he got beaten by Kuina. Where he stayed, with her and her father who owned the dojo, and they had learned sign language, but Kuina also taught him how to speak, the same way Sanji is. But after she died her father continued to teach Zoro. And he could tell Zoro tried really hard to learn, he admires Zoro for it but it also made him wonder how hard he tried in the passed to even get as good as he was. From not even knowing how to speak to only speaking is easy to remember letter pronunciations. He shouldn't have faulted Zoro for that, but he too has grown.

Zoro hadn't talked, only for practice, the only noise he ever makes or grunts or other noises he doesn't know he's making when showing his emotions, like a groan or squeak, but he never talks. He still largely communicates with Luffy only, Robin does catch some of it, and Sanji even less that Robin. Sanji always finds the noises cute, for some reason, plus it was the only other way for Zoro to express his feeling, besides talk, or his expression.

Zoro being deaf has also saved their asses. A bounty hunter group started a fight with them. Their leader had a devil fruit, which had to be some sort of sonic voice. When she screamed it was so high pitch that everyone ended up falling to their knees to cover their ears. The only ones not affected are the leader themself, the rest of their crew who had earmuffs, and Zoro. When the others fell to their knees at the sound, Zoro continued to fight, not having any clue about what happened to his friends. He was curious as to why they looked at him in shock, but he didn't think about to much as he sliced each one in half. When he got most of them and the only ones left are the one's near the leader he headed towards her, the leader. She seemed very smug about it, grinning as he ran to her. He didn't know what she did but his crew were all on the floor and they didn't look good, besides Brook, it was hard to tell with him. She opened her mouth for some reason, but Zoro continued on, she finally closed her mouth and stared at him shocked. Why wasn't he falling? She freaked out, and that was her downfall. Zoro beat her, easily enough as the others got up and disposed of the rest. Leaving the ship sinking as they sail away in the Sunny. Chopper checked all of their ears to make sure there wasn't any lasting damage, all besides Zoro of course.

Robin tried her hand at sign language for the first time after, explaining to Zoro what Chopper was doing as she saw his worried face to everyone getting checked up. That the woman's devil fruit was a noise one, and thanking him for saving everyone. Who knows what would have happened if the circumstances were different.

After being on sea for a whole month, they finally made it to the next island. The fight with the bounty hunter group delayed it by a few hours but they got there. Once they docked Sanji and Zoro are sent to explore and get resources. Nami basically sent them as guinea pigs. They didn't need to go that far, the forest is lush with greens everywhere. They started picking what they know and saving it. Sanji is able to get a good first hand look at the way Zoro collects foods for them. He saw that Zoro would rub things on his arm, watching for a long time if something happened on his arm. When nothing did Zoro stuck his tongue out at tested a small amount of it on his tongue. Again he waited for something to happened but nothing so he grabbed an arm full and added it to his backpack. Now it made sense, to why Zoro always came dirty but with a lot of goodies. Sanji couldn't help but wonder who taught Zoro that.

Sanji and Zoro walked further and further into the island. This island has many rich resources. The trees are strong and the fruits that grew on this island are very sweet and flavorful. It must be the soil. Sanji made a mental note to tell Usopp, Nami and Robin for their garden. Usually they wait for a town but if the soil is good maybe they can store a few bags of this soil for themselves. Sanji pauses and turns when he noticed Zoro stopping, the marimo bending down to pick somethings up. From what the blonde saw it's aloe. When Zoro had put it in his pack back carefully, and put his backpack back on he walk towards Sanji just as the ground gave up beneath the blonde. Zoro runs to try to catch Sanji's waving hand. They hold hands but instead of pulling the blonde up, the cook brings Zoro down with him.

Falling and falling down a deep hole, until Sanji lands on his back as Zoro lands on top of him because of their still held hands. Sanji's eyes widen as he felt lip on his own. They had kissed. Sanji letting go of his hand, as Zoro fell off him and to his side. Sanji lay on his back, not caring about it aching, as he watch Zoro slowly sit up, checking himself. Then the swordsman moves to check his backpack, making sure nothing fell out. Sanji slowly gets up, mind racing a mile and hour about his kiss with the green haired man. Zoro didn't notice it happened, to focus on the feeling of falling then landing. As Sanji is having a crisis, Zoro stood up and looked around the room they have found themselves in.

He didn't see a way out, besides the way they fell. He looks up, wondering if they can use sky walk to get up, but it was a little hard to tell how far they fell or where the hole is. Maybe they should go forward and find a door out. He looks over at the blonde, to see him standing in a daze. He reaches forward, shaking the blonde's shoulders, getting him out of his daze. The blonde shakes his head and looks at Zoro. "I can't find a way out. Do you have a den den?" Zoro signs. Sanji stare for a while after Zoro finished. He shakes his head. He got some of it but didn't fully know what Zoro had signed.

"Sorry, I got some of it, maybe but I don't know what you just signed." the blonde tells him. Zoro puts his hands down. Sanji bites his lip, hopefully he didn't hurt Zoro's feelings.

"There-'s no way ou-t. Do you h-have a den-den? S-so we can ask for hellp?" Zoro says, blushing. It's been a while since he's actually talked and not for practice. It was the only thing he could think of, Sanji can't understand sign language and he doesn't have his notebook. Sanji just stared at him shocked, he didn't think the marimo would speak feely. He knew Zoro's voice when he practiced but when he's actually talking it sounds so different, smooth but deep. And he found he really liked it. When Sanji didn't answer he started to frown, did he saw it wrong? It felt like he said it right but maybe it wasn't.

"You said it right?" Sanji answers, "You paused in some places, and extended some syllables but it was right for the most part." Sanji tells him. Then he things about what Zoro asked. He didn't have a den den, because there wasn't anyone here they didn't think he would need to bring one. "I don't have a den den." He tells Zoro who nods, frown still on his face but now for a different reason. Sanji looks ups, the light filtering through the hole they fell through, which caused more holes. It was hard to tell how big the holes are with the light blinding them.

"Search separately?" Zoro asks, more confident than before. Sanji looks back at him and nods.

"Call if you see something." Sanji answers walking away. He could hear Zoro's boots scuffing away from him. Now alone again Sanji thought about their unintentional kiss. They kissed each other! But Zoro doesn't even seem to remember it, or even seem to know it happened. Maybe he should just pretend it didn't happen at all. Plus they are in more pressing matters. Getting out of here.

"San'i!" Sanji jumps in his skin at his name being called. Not correctly but he caught himself thinking it was cute how Zoro called him. He ran to where he heard Zoro calling him. He found Zoro near what looked like a door. Sanji walk towards Zoro who was looking at something in the wall near the door. He gets a closer look to see it's a button. He lands a hand on Zoro's shoulder, making him jump a little then turn to him. Zoro stands up straight, then moves Sanji to stand in front of the button. Sanji only watch as Zoro walks to the other side. Zoro raises one hand, showing three fingers. "On tree." Sanji raises his eyebrow, knowing he ment three but why on three. "One..." Zoro saw moving his hand to a button the looks similar to the one the blonde stood in front of. "Toe..." Oh, Sanji got it. They are suppose to press it at the same time. "Three." Zoro says, this time correctly. They may need to practice numbers. Sanji and Zoro, in sinc press the button. Sanji could hear clink from the button, knowing they activated something. Hopefully nothing bad. Then Sanji felt the tremble of the ground as the door opened. Sanji looks at Zoro with a smile. He found the way out. Hopefully. They look at each other ready to go forward, this may or may not be the way out of where ever they are.

Instantly they know this is no normal place. For one, there is naturally light despite the fact that they are inside of a building, that obvious with the low ceilings. So they went from one room to another, maybe? But why is this room lit but the other wasn't? And where is the light coming from?

They continue going into the room, looking around. It seem to Sanji to be a large room, held up with many pillars. He knew for a fact that Zoro will get lost in here so he reach over for the marimos hand, use to holding it now. They walked slowly as they moved forward, or what Sanji assumes is forward, as they look at all the painting on the wall, that are very well kept. They looked new, but they couldn't be because the outside, the door and button was covered in black dirt and vines, it was amazing that the door still needed to be opened by buttons. The painting on the wall though seemed to be picturing something like a war, or fight. He looked over at Zoro tugging him, Zor leading him to a skeleton. In worse condition that Brook, it was cut in half. Sanji watch silently, in discussed as Zoro bends down to look at them, by touching dead people, who to be fair may have been dead for centuries for all they know. Sanji flinches when Zoro stands up an look at him. From his head down to his toes. Sanji tilts his head. "What?" Zoro asks. Zoro just shook his head. Before Sanji could ask anything more Zoro jumps at him, the blonde somewhat used to this from their tiger encounter. They both land on the floor, they both look over, two pairs of eyes wide as the sight of large sword swiping away, cutting in half the pillar they stood in front of. They watch as a robot looking thing makes itself known. It didn't have features like General Franky, it had a human shaped head but a blank face, no eyes, nose or mouth. Sanji and Zoro look at each other, who wants to fight it? They look at it again, it's faceless head was facing them so Sanji decided to take a page from Usopp's book, so he grabbed Zoro's hand, pulling the man to his feet roughly and running. Once they got far enough Sanji shoved Zoro to the side quickly against the pillar, pinning himself against Zoro. Face close to each other, breaths mixing. Trying to hide from the robot.

How can they fight that thing. Could they? Do they need to? Zoro didn't mind being this close to Sanji, it was a life a death situation, he would be blushing out of his mind but contained himself as he focus on feeling the ground beneath him. He felt it, even through his shoes. Something heavy made the ground tremble. He felt before the robot showed up. He though it was Sanji but when he looked over he saw the man just standing there, calm as always. He felt the tremble getting closer. It had to be the robot, because that's the only thing he could think of. His instincts the first time didn't fail him, them, so he'll trust them. The tremble got stronger, wondering if Sanji could feel it or not. It was getting to close, acting on his instincts again Zoro raises his hands up to Sanji's collar, pulling him to the side, but with the tangle of being so close their feet caught into each other falling to the ground. Sanji feel on top of Zoro, the blonde tried not to think about how red his face must be at the moment. He hears the sound of something destroying, turning to see the robot there again, having again cut the pillar they were against in half. The blondes eyes widen, how did he not notice him?

This was not looking out to be a winning battle, and they haven't fought back yet. They needed to get out of here again. The thing, the robot, look like it was trying to find them so he grabbed Zoro's hand again, got him up to his feet and ran.

The robot kept finding them and cutting the pillars in half. Soon, the building that they think they are in started to become unstable, as they tried to find a way out. The ground shook more as the place seem to be about to collapse. Sanji looked up as they ran, then down at his feet to see the ground cracking as he felt the large trembles, almost like an earthquake.

This time Sanji pushes Zoro out the way as the robot cut the wall they ended up in, another dead end. Quickly Sanji scramble Zoro to his feet, moving away from the robot. As he gave the robot a look he saw that the robot had made a hole leading to the outside, if the light coming in was any indication. They had to get out of here, it was like a maze of pillars. Sanji runs them away from the hole, then he waited for the robot to follow them, once the robot got to them Sanji ran them back to the hole where they jumped out of it. But what they found was that they were on top of a very large slope. They did not land on their feet, so they tumbled down the slope, crashing into small rocks and bushes. Sometimes during their journey down the slope they let go of hands.

Once they reached the bottom they both started to groan in mild pain. Nothing to much for them to handle but it was still pain. Zoro's eyes still spun as he felt someone help him get up to his feet. When his eyes started to focus and not spin, he saw that Chopper was helping him, not the cook like he was expecting. He look over to Sanji who is getting helped by Usopp. He saw that it wasn't just these two but the others. Zoro leaned over on his hands on the ground as he calmed himself. He gasps as he felt the tremble he's recognize as the robot. He stands up quickly, he pulls out his sword, coating it in haki, and standing in front of the group. They looked at him like he was crazy until they heard the sound of something smacking the swordsmans sword, hard. Sanji and Zoro widen their eyes, the robot can turn invisible too.

"Everyone run!" Sanji shouts. Before they can ask why the robot turns visible, so they start to run. Sanji runs forward, sending a flying kick to the robot. Making the robot back off Zoro. Then he grabs his hand and runs, following after the others.

They ran for about thirty minutes before taking a break. Some of them sat of the trunks of fallen trees.

"What was that?" Nami shouts in between harsh breath. "And why didn't you fight it?" Nami asks.

"It's a robot Zoro and I came across while inside the building. I can't seem to sense it with my haki, but I was never really good with observation haki to begin with. It's not alive." Sanji answers, taking deep breaths himself.

"Then how did Zoro know it was there?" Usopp asking pointing to Zoro who sat on the floor, back against the trunk of the tree as he took deep breath like everyone else. "He blocked it perfectly fine." He adds, glad to be taking a break from running. That is a very good question. Even before, since the beginning Zoro just knew. How?

Sanji gets Zoro attention, with eyes on him he asks, "How did you know the robot was there, and where to block?" Sanji asks.

"I can feel it walking, when it steps it moves the ground." Zoro explains, not knowing the right work but they all got it, "when it cuts he goes horizonally."

"How do you know he cuts horizontally?" Sanji asks.

"The skelly where cut like that." Zoro says as he moves his hand cutting horizontally across his waist to show them.

"What do we do now?" Chopper asks looking at them for answers.

"Zoro will have to fight it?" Sanji says out loud.

"What?" They all ask shout, wouldn't Luffy be the one to fight it. He is the captain.

"Zoro is the only one options to fight it. He's the only one who can sense it without his haki. Me and Luffy can't do that, especially since it can turn invisible.

"That can be plan B. Plan A will be running to the Sunny." Nami says. Usopp seconds that, with Chopper as third so they do it. Zoro was a little upset, he kind of wanted to fight it. So they run to the Sunny.

They don't make it far before the robot attacks them again. Again Zoro gets in front of them, with his swords out to deflect it's attack. Saving Nami, Usopp and Chopper.

"Let's go with plan B." Nami says. Zoro gives her a grin. He takes out his other sword, coating that in haki too, swiping at the robot he stepped back. Zoro put his white swords, that Sanji knows is named Wado, into his mouth, then grabs his last one. Zoro ready to fight.

As Zoro fight the robot, they all ran to the Sunny. Once they get on board Sanji felt bad. For leaving the man to fight this mysterious robot. To distract the blonde Robin ask what happened, and what they may have found. Sanji told them all what happened. How they fell into a hole, got lost in some sort of ruin. Also told Robin how there were many drawing on the wall, don't know if they are still nice with the robot cutting all the pillars trying to get to Zoro and him. Nami told Sanji that they were waiting for them, and that they have been gone for a long while so they set off to find the two. Luffy said that he felt them, so they followed Luffy to the slope. But after finding nothing, Nami started arguing (yelling at Luffy) about finding them. Then the two they were all looking for came tumbling down.

After what felt like forever of waiting Sanji decides he's going to find Zoro. Robin telling them she's going to find the ruins. Franky wanting to join Sanji to see if he can get a better look at that robot. He wanted to see if he can find out how it kept running, for how ever many years it's been created, that part is for Robin to figure out.

They, Usopp, Franky and Sanji, find the battle. Trees cut in half, sideways and vertically, dirt very much disturbed, and slices into the ground and nearby trees. Sanji ran a head as he saw Zoro laying on the ground around the robot parts, from what he could tell, they stood out amongst the green and brown of nature, compared to the black robot. Worried about Zoro Sanji runs to the laying body. As he gets close he see Zoro's head follow his movements until Sanji stops in front of Zoro. Sanji let out a breath, relieved that Zoro wasn't actually hurt. A bruise here and there, maybe but nothing else. The marimo gave him a grin, one that caused the blonde's heart to start thumbing, wildly as he helped Zoro get up to his feet. Franky ran towards them to gather the pieces. He saw the blush on Sanji face as he look at Zoro. He ignored it for now, focused on the task he gave himself.

They made it to the Sunny, Luffy demanding a feast with some animals he found on the island and brought back. Sanji agress, it giving him time to think about what's going on.

Franky walks into the kitchen to grab a cola, one of the last ones he was saving. He needs the fuel. Sanji sees him, making conversation he asks, "how's the robot?" Franky smiles.

"Very complicated. Oh and Robin says she might be late tonight for dinner. She found where you and Zoro came from. She thinks it's going to take a lot longer than she originally thought." he answers. Sanji nods, keeping a note to himself to save some dinner from the feast and to make a snack, knowing she'll want to stay up and do some more research. "How about you?" Franky asks.

"What about me?"

"How are you and Zoro. Getting along very well." Franky says, making Sanji blush.

"Y-yeah. We are." Sanji says, heart racing at the thought of Zoro.

"He talked to us today. Well he talked to you." Franky points out.

"He did." Sanji remembers. He forgot about that. He did remember when they were alone and he spoke. He felt very special then. Wants to keep Zoro to himself. That thought made him pause, why does he want Zoro to himself. He remembered the kiss. It's embarrassing but he wants to do it again. Wait, what? Again. To kiss Zoro? Does he... like Zoro? Like a crush? "I have a crush on Zoro?"

"It's kind of obvious." Franky says, having seen the way Sanji blushed and the way he looked at the man is a million times different than before.

"What do I do about it?" Sanji asks the cyborg.

"The only logical option is to tell him how you feel. You shouldn't be afraid, we're pirates, we deal with deathly things on a daily basis. Tell him now because you may not get the chance too, especially on this journey." Franky says.

Those words stuck with him for the whole day. He knew it's true. How many times have they had close calls? How many times has Zoro come out of a fight with a foot in death's door? He couldn't not tell him, but he knew Zoro wouldn't feel the same way. He was only helping Zoro, plus he use to make fun of the marimo. He was essentially the marimos bully. He wouldn't like him back after all that. But he doesn't think hiding it would do any good. It's best to at least tell Zoro, just so he knows. Then Zoro could get his own revenge or something. Maybe humiliate him as payback.

It was silent as everyone finally went to sleep. Robin taken her snack, and a extra meal to continue exploring. Franky locking himself in his workshop to work. Sanji walked out of the galley to see Zoro still up, standing against the railing as he look at the moon, a beautiful crescent this evening. Sanji takes a breath. He'll do it. Just get it out. He stands next to Zoro, taking a look at the moon himself then over at Zoro to see the marimo looking at him first. Zoro gave him a smile, making Sanji's heart race more than it already is.

"I like..." Sanji's hear thumbed as Zoro start talking, his hopes getting the better of him, deflating when Zoro finish his sentence, "when every person depend on me." Sanji isn't to disappointed, it's always nice when Zoro opens up. It's rare, and he gets to see it, hear it.

"Even at the cost of your own body?" Sanji wonders, remembering Kuma. Zoro shrugs.

"I like to be helpful." Zoro answers. His hand going up to his ears, something Sanji notices he does when he thinks about not hearing, he starts touching his ears, even making his earrings chime, like he's testing if he still can't hear. "I can't hear anyway. My ears don't work." Zoro says sullenly. Sanji grabs Zoro's face, making the swordsman look at his face.

"That doesn't mean you have to kill yourself for us. Hurt yourself for us." Sanji says. Zoro could only stare at Sanji's pained expression. He looked really hurt. Why? Sanji has always been impulsive, but this was on a whole new level. He moved forward and kissed Zoro again. When they part, he sees Zoro staring at him shocked, he gives the man a smile then runs away. He can't believe he just kissed Zoro, it's okay though, if Zoro doesn't feel the same way he will hear it tomorrow. He gets into his pajamas and gets into bed. Ready for the next day, with a clean kitchen.

Zoro just stands there. What? He didn't know what to do, or why the cook just kissed him? Kissed him? He gets that they have changed, since they hardly fight but is it normal do just kiss someone? But the weirder part his his heart not calming down.


They dock late evening to the next island, a week trip from their last one. Of course Sanji is tasked with shopping with Zoro. Sanji held his hand but nervously, as they haven't been alone since the kiss. They rarely see other now, their lessons on hold, not like anyone knew it was happening.

As the sky got darker the streets got fuller. Which made it harder to shop and walk. Sanji making sure that he doesn't let go of Zoro's hands as they made their way from one vendor to the next. As Sanji is moving to pack the food into his backpack he saw light flashing and a boom, he looks to Zoro to see him watching the fireworks. Sanji took look at the fireworks then at Zoro, who stare at them in wonder. It's always a treat to see fireworks. None of them ever get that many chances to see them with the always traveling on the sea.

"The fireworks will be on all night. Today is a festival for the island, happens every year." The street vendor says. Sanji gives the man a nod and a smile as thanks. He grabs Zoro silendly to hurry back to the Sunny, he finished his list. Zoro silently follows with the bags in his hand. When they get to the Sunny Sanji gets them to the galley and start putting all the groceries away quickly, hurrying up. Once he done he drags Zoro along with him, Zoro didn't say anything, thinking Sanji wanted to do some more shopping, while Sanji looked around for the tallest building he could find, then walked to it. Once they stepped in front of a clock tower, the tallest building the blonde could find, Sanji moves to Zoro carrying bridal style, using skywalk to the top. He sets Zoro just in time as another wave of fireworks start. Sanji sits next to Zoro quietly as they watch the explosion of colors above the whole town. It looked amazing, and the blonde knew Zoro enjoyed it with the smile on his face as his grey eyes reflect the explosion almost like a clouded mirror. When the fireworks stopped, and Sanji's ass felt sore from sitting so long he looked over at the green haired man, tapping his shoulder. When he gets the green haired man's attention he raises his arms. "Let's have fun." Sanji signs. Zoro stare at his hands then at the blondes face. He just signed to him. He learned how to sigh. Zoro smiled with a nod.

They watched one more round of fireworks then hopped down to explore. The town more lively than before so they had to hold hands. Sanji was surprised to see Zoro with his own money, he usually doesn't. Only ever given scraps by Nami, or when he really needs it. Zoro had told him, spoke to him, that Nami gave him a larger allowance than normal. As they continued to walk around the fireworks started again. So they went to find a place to sit down and watch them again. They found a fountain, they sat on the edge as they ate their food, Sanji got some noodles, while Zoro ate some takoyaki. Sanji couldn't sign much but what he couldn't sign he spoke. He was able to make Zoro laugh with a very bad joke but Zoro seemed to find it funny. As they waited for the next round of fireworks, Zoro gave Sanji a small sign language lesson. The kiss forgotten for the night as they enjoyed each other company and they had fun, loads of it.

A fun night.


The next day they buy some last minute things then head off. With the island far behind them Zoro went to the crows nest to train, hoping it would help with his might. The marimo had remembered the kiss and their night together, watching fireworks and walking around town. It was fun but now he is able to think about it. Why was Sanji so nice to him? Maybe it's because they know each other a little better now. But why the kiss? Maybe Sanji was trying something? But Sanji wouldn't kiss him, a guy for anything? Does Sanji like him romantically? No way, that can't be. He's a skirt chaser, isn't he?

Well he actually hasn't seen Sanji flirting with the girls for a while now. So something has changed in Sanji.

What about him? How does he feel about Sanji? He's gotten to see a new side of the blonde, a kinder side. He's always known Sanji is a nice person, but doesn't show it as loud as he does a woman. He does have fun with Sanji, it different than a fun he would have with Luffy. Sanji and him have a different trust than Luffy and he does. A different understanding.

Zoro sets down his weights, reaching over for his towel. He wipes the sweat of his face, letting the towel rest around his neck. He sees that he didn't bring a glass of water with him. So it's time to get some water. He makes his way down to the deck, he spots the girls and wonders if he should ask for their help. He has no idea what to make of Sanji's confusing actions, between the kiss and the fireworks, it almost seemed like Sanji's likes him but is he reading to too much into it? He would ask but he doesn't want to talk and they may not understand when he sings, especially Nami. Robin will get most of it. He also doesn't want the girls in his business.

He makes his way to the kitchen, which the girls and Chopper are heading to, so he joins them silently as they talk about something. They all walk in, Zoro stopping as Nami and Robin stood in front of him. He looked to see Sanji standing with his back towards them. He leaned on one knee then the other. He knew that as Sanji's thinking pose. He must be talking to himself. Probably about what to cook for lunch.

"I have to tell him. Who knows what he might think. I can't just kiss him and expect him to understand. But would he even agree to a date? Ahhh! Would Zoro even want to go on a date with me? But the fireworks were fun." Sanji mutters to himself, not knowing he has an audience. Nami stared at his back shocked, Robin amused and Chopper didn't really care, but made a mental note to keep track with their relationship status, especially if they are sexually active with each other. He checks everyone, at least those that are on this crew. Not saying who.

Nami clears her throat. Making Sanji pause. He shut his mouth as he stared at the other end of the room, to afraid to find people behind him. He didn't want to see the faces of his crew mates who may have heard him. Slowly he turns around, he could stay with his back towards them forever. And there he saw more than one person. Nami, Robin, Chopper and Zoro of all people. He was save with Zoro though, knew he didn't hear what he was talking to himself about but the other three. He hope they didn't make a big deal about it. Sanji blushes.

Zoro steps up, having no idea what's going on with the mood. "I want water." Zoro says and signs to Sanji. Sanji just nods, with a blush on his face. Sanji watches as Zoro walks over to his kitchen, grabs a glass and purs water into his cup.

With Zoro's back turned to them Nami speaks up, "what's that about? Are you serious? Do you like Zoro?" she asks. Sanji is still blushing but he nods. Nami is shocked because she heard something about kissing.

"Is there something you all need from me?" Sanji asks wanting to change the subject.

"I came for a snack." Nami says still shocked.

"I came for a drink, coffee perhaps." Robin says.

"Can I get some mint? I need it for my lotion I'm making." Chopper asks. Sanji nods and he gets it. He gets Choppers mint first. Zoro had gotten enough for them both. As he get's Robin's coffee Zoro walks out after his drink.

See the person in question gone, Nami continues her interrogation. "You like Zoro, why? Does Zoro like you back? Wait..." Nami, thinks about it, "does Zoro even know about relationships?" Nami wonders.

They look at Nami, especially Sanji, he didn't think about Zoro not having any experience. How much experience does Zoro have? "I don't know. I haven't told Zoro my own feelings. We haven't talked about it but I do plan on telling him. But how?" Sanji asks. Nami looks at him like he's ridiculous.

"I don't know. Just ask him." Nami says, in the way she does when reasoning with Luffy.

With that in mind Sanji makes his way to Zoro, in the crows nest with a plate of snack on it. He gets Zoro's attention by tapping the toe on his foot. Zoro look up and to see Sanji with a plate of food on his head. "I got you a snack." Sanji signed. Zoro sat up from meditating and sat down on the couch as Sanji got closer. He sets the plate down in front of Zoro and the marimo immediately digs into it to eat. After Zoro gets through most of the food Sanji taps his foot again, Zoro looks at him as he munch on the small dangos he made. "I love you." Sanji signs, blushing like crazy, he could feel his face burning red. "Will you go on a date with me?"

Zoro stops swallowing to stare at the blonde. Is he serious? He couldn't be so he stared for awhile waiting for it, but nothing came. "That was no joke?" Zoro says. Sanji frowns.

"Why would you think I would joke about that?" Sanji says cause he doesn't know how to sign that. Zoro shrugs.

"You made fun of me." Zoro says, still a little hurt by that but not as much as before.

"I'm sorry, for being mean. I just misunderstood you. But now I know you and I love you. I want to go on a date with you." Sanji says, face still red in the face.

He nods, after a few minutes of silence. He'll give Sanji a chance. He has seen a way they can be the day before during the fireworks, he wouldn't mind doing something like that again. Plus Sanji helped his speaking, so why not?