Thanks to Guest for your review.

Welcome aboard to the new readers for the last chapter.

Enjoy your reading.

Answer to anonymous review:

Guest: Thank you for your support, I'm glad you liked the Luffy/Nami part

Chapter 70

The language of the heart

Sanji couldn't help but smile at the sight of the Thousand Sunny patiently waiting for them in the creek where they had moored when disembarking on the island of lost paradises. Ten days since he had set foot on a ship. An eternity.

His gaze fell once again on the sparkling blue sea that rocked the Sunny. Despite the idyllic setting he was about to leave, he was eager to return to the familiar surroundings of their ship.

"Sunny, I missed you!" Luffy exclaimed as he was passing him to rush towards the boat.

Behind him, the sniper and the little reindeer ran in turn and Sanji followed them, a cigarette butt stuck between his teeth and a smile still on his face.

When he turned up on the deck a few minutes later, he put his luggage and those of the girls down while his crewmates did the same. Not far from them, Usopp and Chopper had thrown their things to admire Franky's repairs and the captain had literally wrapped around the mast in a powerful embrace, obviously delighted to be back.

"Sunny is radiant", the navigator appreciated, observing the hull.

"It looks like new!" Brook marveled at her side.

"Adam's wood's really wonderful", Franky confirmed with a proud smile.

A few feet away, Zoro sat down against the railing with a satisfied sigh as Robin was walking over to the plants. Sanji then thought of lighting a cigarette but finally decided to postpone his need for nicotine. Instead, he went towards the stairs before heading to his lair. A few days of rest had done him good but he was still eager to see again his knives and pans to simmer the best food for his friends. His passion for cooking never died down.

Once through the door, he came closer to the worktop to caress the fine wood of the furniture with his fingertips and to happily rediscover the feel of his blades in his hands. He instinctively inspected his supply before checking his storing with a glance. Satisfied, he then allowed himself to go out to quietly light a cigarette.

Downstairs, he saw Nami giving her instructions to leave the creek and Luffy and Brook took charge of setting the sails while Franky was grabbing the helm. The Sunny began to vibrate and the outlines of the island slowly drifted away.

The blond blew out his smoke and got carried away by the roll of the ship under his feet. He had forgotten how much the ocean was part of his life now. And there was nothing like coming home…

Life had quickly resumed its course on the Sunny. After lunch, Nami had grabbed her maps to study their next destination, Robin had settled in the library, Chopper in his infirmary, Brook had drawn his violin to play on the deck, Usopp had lined up his new powders to test their properties, Franky had grabbed a sheet to draw the first plans of a new invention in his workshop, Zoro had gone train in the crow's nest and Luffy had perched on the figurehead to observe the horizon.

As for Sanji, it was only natural that he had chosen among his finest ingredients for dinner. The joy of seeing again the Sunny and setting sail was embracing the entire crew and the captain had decided to celebrate the event with a big party that very evening. The cook was therefore rinsing beautiful sea breams when the swordsman had turned up asking for a drink. The blond had barked to wait until he finished his task but the fencer had done as he pleased and had headed for the reserve on his own initiative. It had only taken a second for the cook to throw his foot in his face and another second for the swordsman to hit back with his blades. Nevertheless, the fight was quickly over and Zoro had ended up at the table with his drink while his mate had resumed his preparations.

It had been almost ten minutes now since the fencer was frozen and Sanji glanced at him over his shoulder, puzzled. Obviously lost in thought in front of his drink he hadn't even touched, Zoro was definitely elsewhere.

"Hey, are you with us? Don't you have a workout or a nap to do?"

The swordsman looked up and nodded thoughtfully.

"I was thinking."

"No kidding."

Zoro frowned at the cook's barely disguised provocation before raising his glass to his lips and emptying it in one gulp.

"You remember when you told me I should talk to you when something's wrong and it's about us?"

Sanji suspended his knife over his half-cleaned out fish and placed it on his worktop before slowly turning to his partner.

"Yeah", he replied as calmly as possible despite the slightly faster rate of his heart. "What's happening to you?"

The fencer moved in his chair uncomfortably and Sanji leaned back against the counter to show him he had his undivided attention.

Still sitting at the table, Zoro sighed.

"I know you like big declarations and all that but I can't", he started, staring at his empty glass.

"You're still thinking about that thing I told you on the island of lost paradises?" the blond wondered.

"Sometimes…"

Sanji shook his head.

"I know it's not part of you and I don't mind", he assured him sincerely.

"Maybe you don't but I got a problem with that", the swordsman continued, gritting his teeth.

"I told you it doesn't matter", the cook insisted in turn. "You listened to me and you even tried, that's all I ask. Why does it bother you so much?"

"Because…"

Zoro sighed a little more heavily and folded his arms over his chest, shrinking in his chair.

"Because now that I pretty much understand how I feel I want you to know but I don't know how."

Sanji searched the fencer tensed face for a moment before smiling fondly.

"Don't worry about it, marimo. I already know."

The swordsman abruptly returned his attention to him, clearly surprised.

"What you mean?"

The cook quickly wiped his hands before taking a seat beside him. He then pulled up the right sleeve of his shirt and showed him the scar now barely visible on his palm.

"When I saw the way you looked at my hand thinking I couldn't cook anymore."

The fencer examined the old wound for a second before flushing in spite of himself.

"Yeah, well I-"

"When you got jealous of that girl after the island of four weathers", the blond quietly continued.

Zoro looked up again, frowning, before fixing his gaze on that serene of his mate.

"When you told me what happened to Kuina. When you gave me your sword. When you took care of me when I hurt my back. When you confessed you were scared to death in front of your feelings for me. When you kissed me last night…"

Zoro was now listening to him with wide eyes, discovering with amazement all the details his partner had locked in his memory as so many proofs of his attachment to him. And sure enough, those elements that he had sometimes expressed without even realizing it were clear evidences of what he was feeling.

Finally, Sanji's voice dried up and the blond moved closer to him until he gently placed his lips on his.

"It took me a while to notice, but in reality I don't always need words when your actions speak so well."

At these words, the swordsman felt a sensation more and more frequent embrace his heart when he was with the cook. He then put a hand around his neck and pulled him into a passionate kiss.

He didn't need words to convey the emotions he was feeling. Sanji was interpreting them for him.

"Wow!"

A cry of admiration arose as Usopp was deftly lighting the last fireworks. A sparkling spray burst into the black sky above the sea and exploded into a huge golden palm tree that crackled for a few moments before dying out. Immediately another burst replaced it and a multitude of colors danced on the horizon.

Finally, the last light disappeared and Luffy turned to his friend, eyes shining.

"It was so cool, Usopp!" he congratulated him.

"Absolutely stunning", Robin agreed.

"It was magical!" Chopper added, overjoyed.

"Perfectly super!" Franky added with conviction.

"I told you I'll give you a terrific show", the sniper boasted.

As his friends were complimenting him again, Sanji took the opportunity to bring tea, coffee and desserts which he placed on the table set on the grass of the deck. The temperature was still warm despite the late hour, and dinner had happily taken place amidst laughter and general enthusiasm. Usopp had then offered the crew members a demonstration of his new powders to continue the entertainment.

"And now, let's dance!" the musician decided.

He resonated a few cheerful notes on his violin and Luffy immediately rushed beside him, dragging Chopper, Usopp and Franky in his trail. For her part, Robin sat down next to the navigator who was pouring her a cup of tea.

"Don't you have a less sweet dessert, cook?" the swordsman asked him as the latter was offering lemon and red berry tartlets to his princesses.

"Take the red cup", the blond answered, pointing it with a nod.

"What is it?" Zoro wondered before grabbing it and sniffing its contents.

"Caribbean Irish coffee."

The fencer questioned him with a look, puzzled, and Sanji smiled back provocatively.

"Drink it. I guarantee you'll like it."

Raising his eyebrows, Zoro cautiously swallowed a sip of the hot liquid as Sanji was taking out a white chocolate mousse for Chopper and a whole bunch of varied macaroons for the rest of the crew. The cook then returned his gaze to his mate who was now enjoying his drink with a satisfied smile.

"What did you put in it, Sanji-kun?" the navigator asked, the scent pleasantly reaching her.

"Strong coffee, cane sugar, unsweetened cocoa and Caribbean rum!" the blond listed with delight.

"Smells good", the young woman approved, casually coming closer to the swordsman. "I wonder what it tastes like…"

"Hey, aren't you embarrassed!" her crewmate took offense when she tried to steal his cup.

"I just wanna taste", she assured him, batting her eyelashes innocently.

"I can make one just for you, Nami-san!" the cook immediately stepped in. "With whipped cream!"

"I'd gladly appreciate it. Thanks, Sanji-kun", the navigator replied with a smile.

"Robin-chan, would you want one too?" the blond then inquired.

'No thanks, this tea is delicious", the young woman declined.

Sanji rushed over to his kitchen and Nami delicately took a bite out of her lemon tartlet before sighing in relief. She was about to taste the red berry one when Luffy's hand in front of her eyes stopped her.

"Come dance, Nami!"

The navigator stared at him in surprise before tilting her head in front of her captain's huge smile, amused.

"What dances do you know, Luffy?"

"I dunno! All of them!"

Nami giggled and put down her spoon before grabbing hold of his still outstretched hand.

"Maybe now is the time I teach you a few steps for the next dinner where we go", she agreed, standing up.

At that moment, the cyborg approached Robin who was quietly finishing her tea.

"Show us some ballroom dancing moves, Robin-sis!"

The archaeologist smirked, falsely surprised.

"I didn't think my secret was uncovered", she said, putting her cup down.

"That's a super cool secret!" Franky assured her.

The young woman smiled again and got up in turn to join her partner. Seconds later, Sanji returned with his navigator's precious mug which he placed on the table while awaiting her return as Chopper and Usopp were sitting down to enjoy their desserts.

The blond then sat down next to his mate who was drinking the last sips of his drink and he watched his friends on the improvised dance floor to the beat of Brook's tune.

"You wanna dance, marimo?" he suddenly asked him.

The fencer choked and Sanji burst out of laughing as Chopper and Usopp were oddly looking at him. The cook then grabbed his own cup of coffee and a pistachio macaroon before leaning towards the swordsman to whisper in his ear.

"If you can't dance, I'll give you private lessons…"

Zoro shook his head and quickly returned to his cup but he couldn't help blushing a little at his suggestion.

Sanji stretched out in his chair. Everyone had finally fallen asleep after hours of dancing and talking that had exhausted the crewmembers. Nami and Robin had dozed off at the foot of the mast, Chopper on Franky's stomach who was snoring not far from Brook, Luffy and Usopp had collapsed on the table and Zoro in the middle of the grass.

The blond slowly stood up and saw that dawn would soon break. He then grabbed the few remains of the meal to put them in the fridge because his cooking soul couldn't bear waste, even in small scale.

While he was closing the refrigerator door after a quick clearing, he felt a breath of air behind his back as the kitchen door opened and then closed. He turned around with a smile, already knowing who it was, but he frowned nonetheless when he saw the swordsman in the kitchen entrance, arms folded and face closed.

"Sanji."

The blond swallowed. The use of his first name through the deep and serious voice of his partner had surprised him as much as it had sent him chills. He then realized that a bubbling aura was echoing between the walls and that the fencer's gaze was piercing right through him, which further unsettled him.

"What is it?" he whispered while coming closer, almost worried.

"You understand what I mean when I act, don't you?"

The cook looked at him for a moment, unsure of what it was.

"Uh, yes. Yes, I think so", he replied cautiously. "Why?"

"Because I wanna do something. Something I've never done before and that I don't wanna do with anyone else."

Sanji waited for the rest that didn't come. Yet he really wasn't sure what the swordsman was trying to convey to him. Zoro finally took a step closer, decreasing their distance to a few inches and thus increasing the intensity of his gaze in his.

"You said you'd teach me how to understand feelings and you showed me how to express them without needing to speak. This method is fine with me so that's why I wanna do it. I trust you."

Somewhat stunned by his serious attitude and his enigmatic speech, the blond allowed a good minute of total silence to pass before speaking again.

"I am humbled by this trust, marimo, but if you could tell me precisely what you're thinking about, that would help me…"

The fencer then took a deep breath and fixed his determined gaze on that of his mate.

"I'm ready to let you take charge next time."

Sanji frowned before slowly widening his eyes.

"You mean… everything? Even…"

"Everything."

At these words, the cook struggled to suppress both the excitement that had assailed him and the emotion that overwhelmed him. He was understanding the solemnity of the swordsman better now. It was the best declaration he could have made. Leaving it up to him that much was like yelling his love in his face and Sanji couldn't help but shudder at the intensity of the moment.

The cook then smiled, a flash of gratitude lighting up his gaze and face. They were finding that balance, he suddenly realized. Yes, tonight they had never been so close of it.

Suddenly, Sanji wanted to pounce on the concerned man in front of him but he restrained himself. He wasn't going to jump on him like he had been waiting for this for months. In reality anyway, he didn't think about it as much as he did when they first started their relationship. The serenity that now emanated from their interactions had appeased his eagerness in this regard and getting it unexpectedly was giving him a feeling of huge pride in the end. They had come so far…

He gently leaned towards his partner and placed his lips on his before fixing his gaze on his.

"I know what it means to you. I am honored."

He then saw the swordsman relax imperceptibly and smiled playfully.

"Is there any expiration date on this offer?"

"No… You wanna do it right away?"

The cook gently shook his head, dreamy.

"I wanna savor the idea first. We'll do it when the time is right…"

Zoro seemed to approve of his decision and he grabbed his lover's lips in turn, this time in a fiery kiss.

The feelings that were colliding in his chest didn't give up, but he had the impression they were resonating in the cook's reaction. He was going to be able to express them in his own way and thus he would learn even better how to tame them and enjoy that dazzling side of their relationship Sanji had told him about.

His resolution was made and he was now feeling relieved but also burning with apprehension. This surrender he was going to give him was the best proof he had found to make him understand what he was feeling. He was letting him half-open a door that he himself had no idea what it might reveal, but he was ready to face it with the blond by his side.

Because now, Zoro knew. That letting go didn't mean being defeated. That surrendering didn't mean giving up. That feelings didn't necessarily pave the way to weakness but more to discovery.

Because now, he wanted to share this adventure just like his mate. This whole story from day one had never been a fight against Sanji but a fight against himself and against what he thought he knew about bonds between two beings.

Zoro wanted to test now. To test how far the emotions could rush inside him when Sanji was looking at him that way.

He also wanted to know. To know the full extent of his attachment to the cook in order to learn more about himself and thus pursue his goal of becoming the best.

At last, he wanted to believe. To believe that what he was feeling, Sanji would feel it for him for a long time.

He then remembered all that had slowly strengthened his feelings but also all that had allowed him to accept them. Tonight he was really feeling like he had progressed and he also owed it to the man standing in font of him.

At that very moment, his attention fixed on the blond who had been looking for something in his reserve and who was excitedly beckoning him over. His eyes were sparkling and his smile was lighting up his face with a mischievous glow.

The swordsman took a few steps in his direction, both relaxed and confident. Sanji wasn't his weakness. He had become his greatest strength.

A cry of joy made the cook of the crew look up and he put down the chives he was holding to go out onto the deck while wiping his hands. As he was walking down the stairs, Sanji spotted his friends who had gathered by the Sunny's left railing so that they could better observe their next destination which was looming on this late afternoon. As Nami had predicted, the next island wasn't far from that of the lost paradises and they had taken less than forty-eight hours to reach it.

The blond approached in turn but stayed a little behind to light a cigarette without disturbing his crewmates while contemplating them. A feeling of peace of mind and contentment overwhelmed him at this sight so typical of their crew. Luffy was gesturing towards the island and Chopper was looking at him in awe. Beside him, Usopp was biting his lip, hoping their destination would be safe despite Robin telling him about its dangerous history. A little further, Nami was focusing on her notes and Franky was patting the musician on the back, who was clearing his throat to sing. Finally, his eyes reached Zoro who was gazing determinedly at the horizon.

Sanji blew out the smoke of his cigarette and smiled. He had thought back to his conversation with Robin several months ago when he was wondering with despair by what strange quirk of fate his feelings for the swordsman had grown.

The young archaeologist had been right about it. Without him having to look for it, the explanation had come to him on its own a few days earlier while he was watching his captain and first mate challenge each other in yet another volleyball match.

And if his perception of the fencer had changed, it was because Zoro had the gift of revealing him. The fact that he was unleashing his fury was awakening at the same time his desire to surpass himself and to give the best of himself, to maintain his principles against all odds. Unconsciously, he had probably sought the constant challenge the swordsman was able to offer him and which had led him to completely question the greatest foundations of his life. This ability to force him to transcend himself was without a doubt the swordsman's greatest victory over him, and Sanji hoped for a moment his mate would never know. After all, they were rivals…

THE END

Well, this is it. It took me 3 years to translate it, but I did it. Thank you for your patience, I know I didn't post regularly and it can be discouraging to wait between chapters. So I hope you enjoyed the ride and you recognized your favorites characters along the road. It was a lot of work but I'm proud I never quit.

About the gift Zoro gave Sanji, I guess it can be frustrating but I think it wasn't the right time for them and what was important was the meaning of the act more than the act itself.

I really appreciated readers who took the time to leave me a little comment once in a while or regularly. It really meant a lot every time.

This story has a sequel but I'm not sure I'll translate it. It's a very long story (longer than this one!) and I'm writing other fics right now so…

Anyway, thank you for reading this far. I wish you all the best. Take care of yourselves.

Pommedapi