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Enjoy your reading.

Chapter 57

Give me time

"Not so hard, Luffy!" Usopp coughed. "I told you to pretend..."

"Sorry!"

The sniper took deep breaths. Still anxious about their next destination, populated according to Nami of bloodthirsty robbers, he had asked his captain to feign an attack in order to be ready to defend himself by then. Chopper and Brook had also asked to train, and eventually Franky had joined Luffy as an attacker. Then they had all settled on the front deck for the first simulation.

The straw hat boy had just thrown himself on his long nose friend to ask him for his wallet and Usopp hadn't had time to react that he had ended up emptied of the slightest bit of air when the captain had landed on his stomach.

"Your money or your life?!" the cyborg suddenly yelled, part of his face hidden under a scarf.

Chopper and Brook screamed in terror at the apparition that had leaped before them. Too engrossed in Usopp's misadventures, they had completely forgotten to be on their guard. They threw away all their personal belongings without asking for their rest, pale with fright.

Franky took off his mask and shook his head.

"You'll have to train hard", he noted, giving them back their stuff.

"I must say that you were particularly terrifying in this role", the skeleton replied, putting away a monocle a few moments later.

"Attack of the mutant balls coming through!"

Laughing, Luffy threw a basketball at full speed on Brook who bent down in a strangled cry. The captain then aimed at his three crewmates at the same time and his stock of balls rushed like cannonballs on their targets. That's how quickly, his friends continuously screamed in chorus while trying by all means to avoid the balls launched at a deadly speed.

The overpowered shots then shifted according to their messy flight and soon, a ball sped in the direction of the fencer perched on the figurehead. Barely standing up, the sniper wanted to yell at him to move and Chopper dashed forward.

"Zoro, watch out!"

The swordsman lazily turned his head and the reindeer's eyes widened in terror when he saw the ball rush towards him. However, Zoro grabbed it with a simple move of his hand.

"That's what you were looking for?" he asked the breathless doctor in front of him.

"Zoro defeated the mutant balls!" Luffy exclaimed, tumbling in his turn with delight.

"What are you doing?" the cyborg who had also come closer asked.

The fencer shrugged.

"Nothing special."

He gave them the ball back and Chopper brightly smiled at him.

"I'm really proud of you, Zoro!" he complimented him. "It's been three days since you significantly slowed down your workouts!'

The latter vaguely nodded before sighing, visibly embarrassed.

"About that", he mumbled. "I wanted to tell you, Chopper... Sorry I lost my temper last time..."

At these words, the little reindeer's eyes filled with tears and he jumped into his arms.

"So have I, Zoro, I'm sorry I didn't listen to you! I should have tried to understand you better; I know your training is very important to you..."

Chopper burst into tears against his shoulder and Zoro gently patted him on the back.

"You did right, Chopper, I needed you to raise your voice. It gave me a chance to think."

The doctor wiped his eyes, reassured, and Luffy planted himself in front of them.

"We continue the game?" he asked impatiently.

"Would you like to join us?" the musician offered to the fencer.

"We train for when we'll meet the inhabitants of the next island", Chopper explained to him, jumping again on deck. "Nami said their bounties are up to 80 million berries and that they'll steal all our money!"

"I don't know if Zoro really needs to prepare so if he joins Luffy and Franky, it'll be like a death squad", Usopp pointed out with a sigh. "We'll have no chance."

At these words, Luffy jumped to his feet in front of his friends gathered around the figurehead, a huge smile on his lips.

"Tornado-thieves attack!"

The captain took a deep breath which blew his belly up at the maximum. The next second, he expelled all the air in a gigantic breath that bent the Sunny's mast and blew away Usopp, Brook, Chopper and Franky against the kitchen's wall or the library.

"I'm on your team, Luffy!" the cyborg yelled in the air.

Zoro gave a hint of a smile as he saw the straw hat boy rush forward, laughing at his friends who had crashed all over the Sunny. He then repositioned himself against the figurehead and looked back at the ocean. The sky was blue and the sun rather warm since the day before. The climate was tending to stabilize on a pleasant spring side.

The swordsman quietly closed his eyes. Since his discussion with the cook three days earlier, it was true that he was feeling calmer. He had continued his training while moderating it and allowing himself long periods of rest where he was just gazing at the sky or dozing at the rhythm of the rolling of the waves.

He wasn't feeling any urgency to sharpen his reflexes and further increase his physical strength anymore. Of course, he wouldn't neglect these elements in the future, but he knew he needed to give his body time to recover from the last exhausting weeks that he had set himself. Today, he was almost feeling peaceful. Almost. Although their conversation had helped him clear his head, it had raised other crucial questions about his future. Their future.

The fencer had actually been absorbed in an intense questioning for the past three days.

First of all, he was aware he had failed in front of the challenge he had set himself. He had underestimated the strength of the bond he had developed through his relationship with the cook and it had thrown him into uncharted territory. And instead of analyzing his environment and calmly facing his new opponent, he had backed down and let it devour him. Twice. The first time when he had tried to repel the new emotions he was feeling and the second time when he had shied away from the cook. Too obsessed with his own reflections, he had let fear came over him and he had behaved like the worst man. He had disrespected a crewmate. Zoro was now feeling particularly mortified.

Then, he had believed that by controlling himself more, he could overcome his demons but the blond had made him understand he wouldn't come out victorious in a fight against his own feelings. And his words had clearly echoed in him: it was obvious he would never succeed in defeating Mihawk if he didn't fully take responsibility for everything that was defining him. His objective was so huge it wouldn't allow any deviation, any imperfection. He had to know himself perfectly so that each part of his being became a force and that no weakness was left to the advantage of the enemy. At the slightest error, he would be sentenced to remain forever halfway to his ideal and he would be angry at himself for the rest of his life for not having known how to overcome the obstacle. So his next decision would be decisive.

At last, he knew the strength their feelings could offer now. So far, they had experienced the darkest side, letting them become as strong and devastating as a hurricane. But there was also that sparkling side the cook had told him about. The one which could possibly give him the decisive advantage.

Who else but Sanji could bring it to him? Who else had this way of looking at him that was awfully annoying while giving him an extra breath, the one who was awakening his instincts so that he could surpass himself?

And then, if he managed to put things in perspective between his emotions and his goal, the swordsman knew he would just be happier. Happy to be able to enjoy both the fruits of his labor and a unique relationship.

Zoro instinctively touched the hilt of his three swords in a protective gesture.

Maybe.

Maybe he could both keep his ambition and learn to love. Without betraying his goal or the promise he had made.

Maybe.

Sanji lifted another basket of bread and put it at his feet, being careful not to knock over the dozens of boxes placed all around him in the storeroom. The blond had wanted to reassure the navigator who was worrying to be able to go shopping at reasonable prices on the next island. He then had resolved, while waiting for the roast to finish cooking, to give her a detailed inventory of their provisions so that she could make the best decision on the organization to come.

The cook began to smile. Nami and Robin had always occupied his first thoughts, even in recent weeks. Yet he had to admit it had been a while since he had felt this excitement, however characteristic at the prospect of pleasing his princesses.

Sanji pushed himself to his feet and counted three other boxes of potatoes as well as two of carrots which he quickly wrote down on his notebook before going back on task. For three days, his mind was running at full speed, but even so he wasn't exhausted. He was even literally overflowing with energy which he was channeling by forcing himself to some of the most delicate recipes he knew. This is how he had successively served lobster raviolis with black truffles, sweetbreads with morels and a chocolate ball chiseled in the shape of intertwined flowers with tangerine coulis on the previous days to his friends. Their delight hadn't escaped him either and the scallops carpaccio prepared for starter for lunch was proving it.

His concentration didn't prevent him from thinking about the deal he had himself suggested to the swordsman. Somehow, he didn't know if he should be happy or worried about having made such a gesture. He was still too often torn between the euphoria of the moment and the dull anxiety which reminded him of the reality of the last weeks he had lived.

Again, he was wondering why. Why was he hesitating when it came to committing in a relationship that had already crushed him in such a short time? Why was the hope so intense when he was imagining the fencer being carried away by his feelings? Why was he attracted to someone so different from him?

Sanji believed he had discovered an explanation as he was replacing the heavy jars of pickles and onions on the shelf. In reality, he and Zoro were more similar than they looked. They had the same determination, the same perseverance, the same point of honor to apply their principles to the end. Until losing their lives if necessary. Maybe Zoro was getting on his nerves because he was like him. And for the same reason, maybe that was why he liked him.

But could he still lay himself open like he had done to a man who had the power to break all his expectations in seconds? How far was he ready to go to find the sensations he had thought lost?

The cook finally put away another bag of rice and sighed. Regarding certain questions, he still had no answers.

The sun was slowly starting to fade on Grand Line in the middle of a still azure blue sky. The crew had gone out on deck to enjoy the mild air from the open sea and Sanji had leaned a little apart to savor a cigarette without disturbing his friends. Out of the corner of his eye, he suddenly saw the swordsman's figure coming in his direction and he instantly tensed up. He knew what was bringing him.

It had been five days now since this famous discussion and he had caught his inquisitive gaze on him several times. Each time, the cook had made him understand he hadn't reached a satisfactory conclusion and Zoro hadn't insisted.

Yet, at the end of this afternoon, Sanji took a deep breath when the fencer leaned next to him in silence, leaving him the choice to go away.

He didn't move. He was ready. It was time.

"Well..."

Zoro looked at him, watching for his first words. But this kind of conversation didn't make talkative and the blond sighed after a few moments of silence.

"You know what our problem is, marimo?" he suddenly asked while the other was shaking his head. "We both have too much pride..."

The swordsman shrugged with fatalism, forced to admit it. Sanji then grabbed his pack of cigarettes but didn't take any, just turning it between his fingers and silence fell again.

Zoro moved awkwardly. He didn't like when the cook didn't know what to say, it was a bad sign. So, both by impatience and to get rid of it, he spoke.

"I've thought it over. I'm ready for this new challenge."

He knew Sanji had heard him but no particular sign could make him guess his reaction. As if to prolong the wait, the blond finally took out one of his cigarettes and slowly lit it.

"I..."

The cook winced. The words were burning on his lips. He was so aware of their weight that he was wondering how the fencer could have said it so easily.

"If you break my heart again, I'll skin you alive", he finally murmured, staring at the ocean that was shining under the sunset.

It wasn't exactly what he had wanted to say, but it had the merit of being clear. At least for him.

"That means you're up for this, too?" the swordsman asked, frowning.

Sanji rolled his eyes before meeting his gaze and sighing.

"Yeah. That means I'm up for this, too..."

The fencer then stared at him mockingly.

"This is the lamest love declaration I've ever heard."

"Shut it, you idiot."

Sanji finally lit his cigarette and turned to lean his back against the railing, trying to hide his nervousness he was suppressing for several hours already. Since he had made up his mind and was threatening to change it every moment before returning to his previous position.

He then watched their crewmates go about their usual business a little further while enjoying his cigarette. Usopp, Brook, Franky and Luffy had started a game of cards. Nami was showing Chopper something on a map. Robin was reading a book in the setting sunlight. And he had just sealed his fate with the one of a marimo.

In one instant, his life had changed. Like the day he had decided to join the straw hat crew. One second, and he had changed the course of his life.

In the middle of this ordinary setting, the cook let the intensity of the moment entirely envelop him for a few moments before its power slowly ebbed. Then he could turn his attention to the swordsman who was silently watching him, a little calmer.

"I know it's not easy but if we want it to work, we'll need to find some balance", he said, taking a drag from his cigarette butt. "The goal isn't to be unhappy but to trust each other enough to enjoy what these kinds of feelings can offer us."

Zoro fixed his gaze on his as if to estimate what the blond was ready to sacrifice for him and how much he himself would have to give to meet him halfway. By saying these few words this evening, he had given his word to try everything to make this relationship live, so he would, but he wasn't forgetting that Sanji was starting from a little further. His confidence in the fencer had been shaken and it would be up to him to do a little more at first.

"Fucking balance", he finally groaned, looking back at the sea.

"You got that right", the cook replied, smiling.

"It better be worth it..."

"So I'm told."

The two men remained silent for a few more minutes, becoming fully aware of the tacit agreement they had just exchanged. Sanji was feeling his confidence come back to him and he took a deep breath on his already almost completely burned cigarette.

"Since we're looking for balance, listen to me carefully, marimo", he went on, fixing his gaze on his. "I don't care if you're scared about it or any bullshit. The only thing I ask you is to not withdraw into yourself because otherwise I can't help you. Got it?"

At these words, Zoro felt himself blushing in shame and couldn't help lowering his head. Sanji shook his before throwing his cigarette butt overboard.

"Don't make that face, we talked about it. We're together in this relationship and it's together that we solve the related problems. Everyone needs others at some point anyway. Even the great Roronoa Zoro, the future best swordsman in the world."

The fencer in question sharply looked up. Together... If Sanji was right, he had a real chance to learn to live with his feelings, a chance not to be overwhelmed and to draw additional strength. To become the best swordsman in the world.

A shiver ran through him and the feeling reminded him of the way Luffy had told him to feel his dream grow stronger at the mention of his relationship with Nami. He hadn't really got his meaning at the time, but today he better understood what his captain had meant. At that moment, he didn't feel his goal threatened by his bond with the blond but rather pushed towards new horizons.

"I'll keep that in mind."

Sanji agreed with a satisfied look and Zoro approached him imperceptibly. He wanted to kiss him passionately all of a sudden but he suspected it wasn't the most suitable in the immediate future. Yet he wanted to hug him until he suffocated and as the blond was raising his eyebrows, smiling mockingly, he understood he had just betrayed himself. Fortunately for him, the cook took matters into his own hands. He didn't want to make the wrong move so quickly.

"We're gonna do it my way", he offered. "Gently."

Puzzled, the swordsman felt the cook's hands settle pleasantly around his neck and their bodies brush against each other as they were approaching. Then he saw the blond hesitate for a second before slowly placing his lips on his.

Zoro instinctively closed his eyes. The cook's touch was as light as a breath, but it gave him deep shivers. He then forced himself not to press his body against his but his arms closed tight around him for their bodies to come into full contact and he increased the kiss without realizing it. His tongue asked for access to his mouth and when he got it, he found himself deliciously bathed in all the feelings he had been trying to ignore for weeks. He got carried away by their reunion and forgot they were on deck just a few steps from their crewmates. Nothing else mattered but this incredible perception and he enjoyed it for long seconds, pressing more and more against the other body until Sanji finally caught his breath, gently parting them.

The fencer blinked. He was okay with the gentleness if it tasted so good, but he was also sensing that despite its calm surface, it could trigger storms and he gritted his teeth when the cook preferred to gaze at him rather than embrace him again.

"We shouldn't rush this", the blond whispered a few seconds later. "I still have dinner to prepare and then... we'll see."

Zoro released the pressure of his arms around the cook's body and his heart, still dizzy with sensation, focus on the present moment. Sanji was nervous and he couldn't blame him. Despite his own desire, he was aware that this physical rapprochement was rapid. The cook wasn't ready to take this step so he would wait.

"I'll come by later."

The blond nodded before slipping away toward his kitchen and Zoro watched his figure until he disappeared into his lair. Turning around in his turn, he was about to head for the crow's nest when he fell on the excited looks of his crewmates, all fixed on him except for Robin and Luffy. He then rolled his eyes and walked past them without taking it into account.

When he came back down for dinner two hours later, he noted that Usopp, Franky and Brook were staring at him again with a big smile as he passed. Annoyed, he frowned and was about to snap at them when the cyborg stepped towards him.

"We're all super happy for you!" he got enthused, putting an arm around his shoulders.

"I told you not to worry about them!" Usopp proudly lied.

"I composed a song in your honor!" Brook added, taking out his violin.

"Guys, leave him alone", Nami chimed in from the doorstep of the stairs. "He doesn't need your comments and Sanji-kun is waiting for us, we should go."

The three friends nodded before making their way to the kitchen and for the first time in a long time, Zoro felt truly grateful to the crew's navigator. She smiled to show him she understood when he came up to her.

"I guess you'll find it useful again."

She handed him the small key to the room, her eyes sparkling, and the swordsman thanked her with a nod before they headed for the kitchen in their turn.

Well, I guess you really understand the title now :)

For me, it's like Zoro and Sanji walked the same path, but in reverse. Sanji had to question himself in the beginning and now it's Zoro's turn.