Panting echoed out though the cool night air, each breath coming in a heavy wheeze as a stumbling set of footsteps came to a halt. Knees buckling inward as Zoro used the last of his remaining energy to keep himself upright, right arm cradling a particularly bad injury on his left as he stared down his assailant. One eye completely swollen shut from the brutal fight that had just taken place.

The rocking of the waves on the small marina vessel had Zoro's already unsteady body swaying dangerously while watching the other man near him. Gun sheathed and blade drawn as he really was just having fun with Zoro at this point, the whole evening having been just one large game.

"I'm surprised you're still standing." The operative noted with a lazy drawl, flipping the blade around in his grip to take a more natural hold as he continued stalking nearer, "What's your name?"

"Roronoa." Zoro gritted proudly, tasting copper on his tongue faintly as a rather nasty stab wound from their struggle below deck was beginning to get the better of him. Fighting back the faintness twinging his vision as he pushed himself a little more upright to face the other man.

"You're just a kid..." He noted with almost an air of surprise, sounding a little saddened by the notion as he continued, "Still very new to this, aren't you?"

Zoro didn't say anything.

Continuing to cradle his injured body as he glared down the other man confidently, carefully watching for any movement if the man intended to strike again. Much older eyes watched for a lot longer than Zoro would have thought, before he seemed to decide on something. Hand and blade lowering as he murmured, "I'll let you live."

"No thanks." Zoro grunted cheekily, lifting his jaw stubbornly as he finally released his injured arm to right himself properly. There was no way he would ever turn his back on somebody that could change their mind and so easily kill him; let alone make him look like a coward for running away. Chest jutting out as he managed, "Scars on the back are shameful."

Eyes widening in surprise, the other man seemed completely caught off guard by Zoro's reaction before a wide grin split his face as he jeered happily, "Well said."

And without a second more of hesitation the man was darting forward and bringing his blade down in a swift arch, the steel ripping through his chest in one clean motion. Pain not initially felt as the sharp metal sliced through his skin mercilessly, divided his muscles apart, and even struck bone. Blood immediately gushing from the wound that ran the length of his torso as the blow had him stumbling backwards against the low railing of the boat.

Zoro felt himself falling backwards towards the frothing water below, only the moment his back made contact it was replaced by the stiffness of a mattress. Eyes snapping open as his hands came up to grasp his shirt in large clumps and a tortured gasp was ripped from his throat in a raw, painful scream. Body spasming as he curled in on himself as the memory of the laceration lashed across his mind and body like a hot whip, each flash causing a seizure of pain to lance through him.

Flailing out of bed, Zoro landed hard on his hands and knees as he braced himself while still gasping desperately for any air that he could possibly get in his uninjured lung. The memory of his near evisceration so visceral in his mind as he couldn't calm himself long enough to rationalized that the pain wasn't real. It took several minutes of panicked heaving before he eventually managed to get control over his breathing.

Falling back on his rear, back resting against the edge of the mattress as his hand continued to rest against his body in shock as the painful memories still abated. Unable to properly fathom how the pain that had happened so many years ago could have possibly felt that real.

Pushing himself to his feet, he stumbled over to the bathroom of the small hotel and proceeded to splash handfuls of cold water onto his face until he began to feel a little more in control. Padding his face dry with a towel, and as he lowered it, he noted his reflection and the noticeable scar running the length of his body. An old scar that had long since healed since his stubborn, ignorant youth.

Tossing the towel aside with a vengeance, he ambled across the small suite and to the balcony, stepping out into the cool evening air and reaching out for the railing. Resting his hands heavily against it as he allowed his head to drop and his shoulders to rise tensely, finally beginning to realize the symptoms of what had been plaguing him the past couple months. Knuckles turning white in barely restrained anger as the reality of what was happening to him began to sink in.

~X~

Once again Zoro spent the next several weeks in the same early routine as he adapted to life in a cast, however found himself continually dragged into the misadventures of the charming blond and his group of renegade paramedics. Weekends were usually spent bowling and the occasional night had them over at someone's house watching a sport of some kind. One night in particular they spent at Usopp's watching a soccer game and it was the longest Zoro had seen his three boys sit still for.

Morning jogs had become a regular thing once more as his shoulder continued to heal, and it hadn't been long until they were taken over by the blond. Insisting to tag along for a lap around the park which usually led to an unnecessary race that had them both collapsing on a patch of grass by the time they were done. On one occasion Sanji had the misfortune of getting pushed in the lake and getting attacked by a duck; a sight which had probably been one of the funniest things Zoro had seen in his life.

The days grew longer as the heat continued to rise, a laziness spreading across the rural community as afternoons were spent lounging in the park or down by the lake. As spring came to an end, the arrival of summer had him once more in his therapists office as the monthly interrogation took place. One of the few dreary days they had had that month as he sat in the luxurious leather chair that was designed to comfort him despite its ability to put him on edge.

"Seems you've had quite the month." Robin noted sincerely, eyes on Zoro's cast as he sat opposite her in the office as a summer rain pattered on the window outside. While his shoulder had healed spectacularly, his arm was still in need of a few more weeks; a cast change needing to take place soon. "Do you want to tell me about it?"

Zoro was quiet for long moment, though instead of being out of reluctance to speak, it was because he honestly couldn't figure out what to say first. So much had happened in such a short period of time, and for the first time in all of his sessions with his therapist he actually couldn't decided on what to tell her about first. Eventually deciding on the beginning, as the injury was no doubt what interested her the most.

"I got hit by a car." Zoro finally stated bluntly.

"Sounds traumatic." Robin noted simply, though not at all surprised. Either the woman had just come to expect that sort of behaviour from him, or she had heard it in passing due to how small the town was and how much people loved to talk. Zoro was sincerely hoping it was the latter.

"It wasn't."

"Anything happen?" Robin inquired with an air of concern, "Recollections?"

"There was a moment – flashes – but I got it under control." Zoro explained tersely, remembering the painful memories that had begun to assault him and immediately cast them aside. Not needing them to resurface and bother him now of all times; especially not when the rest of the month had went by without any other incident.

"Considering the situation that is very commendable." Robin complimented him lightly.

"There were more important things happening." Zoro argued. As shocking as the situation had been, his concern over the child had managed to ground him enough to keep everything in perspective. It had taken some effort, but his sessions with Robin at least seemed to be paying off in some aspects; one of which was the times they had taken to practice redirecting his memories.

"Anything else?" Robin eventually prodded delicately, "It seems as though you have more you want to say..."

Zoro had to refrain himself from grinning wryly at her; always impressed with how perceptive she was, but had long since learned to not be surprised by it. She was correct, of course, there was still so much more he wanted to tell her about but knowing where to begin felt impossible. A smile finally working its way onto his face for an entirely different reason as he knew the exact catalyst that had started it all.

"Remember the man I mentioned?" Zoro began slowly, awaiting her nod of recognition before continuing, "He was the paramedic on scene."

"Interesting coincidence." She noted idly, "Is that important?"

"Well..." Zoro trailed off, feeling thrown by the noticeable underlying tone of her question, but unable to deny how accurate it was. Finally nodding, and admitting to her, "Yes."

"Why don't you tell me about it?" Robin urged softly, leaving the option out there for Zoro to refuse. However, Zoro didn't feel the need to shut down about this like he usually did, instead he wanted to tell her about everything. About all the mundane, normal interactions he had had that month and the simple – yet amazing – well adjusted people he had come to know.

And so he did.

Zoro began pouring out everything that had happened the past month from the accident, to the evening he spent with Sanji and his co-workers, and every event since. Reminiscing about the weekends that he spent at the alley with them, and the few nights Sanji had had him over to watch a game or two despite Zoro not caring for the sport in the slightest. And how he had come to know each one of them more than he had thought would be possible.

He told her about the excitable man named Luffy that spent almost all of his spare time at one of the downtown boxing gyms. How asking about his moniker lead to a lengthy discussion on pirates and the man's obsession with them; which ended up with Zoro being shown several of Luffy's quite detailed tattoos of various pirate lore. Even admitting to immediately finding himself taking a liking to a particularly vibrant ship tattooed on the boy's shoulder with an impressive lion figurehead.

He mentioned Usopp – the other EMT that had arrived on scene with Sanji – whom hated driving with either Luffy or Franky because they drove at neck braking speeds. And how the man was a whiz at bowling and darts, and when they had been over to watch the game he had painted his entire torso in vibrant colours in support of his team. Then he went on to talk about the man's family and his three sons, happily pointing out the drawing they had added to his decorated cast.

And then there was Chopper, who was the emergency physician that was generally on call whenever the rest had shifts. Zoro had been surprised to find out that the young man was actually a certified doctor, but a short discussion with him made Zoro realize just how intelligent the kid was. It also took no time at all to realize that the boy was worse at taking a compliment than Zoro was.

Then he discussed Franky, who worked for the NHS and was in charge of the maintenance of all of the ambulances at the hospital, as well as being a certified driver so he could go on frequent calls. He talked about how during one of the games Zoro had found out that his family actually owned the main auto shop in town and when he wasn't at work he was usually restoring some old relic at one of the empty bays for his brother. It didn't take long for him to bully Zoro into agreeing to bring his truck by at some point to get looked at.

There was Brook who had been working at the hospital for the past fifty years and had been shuffled through each department over the course of his employment. Just recently he had decided to work as an assistant in E.R. and now spent a large portion of his day helping Chopper and dealing with walk-in patients. It turned out that he was actually the same Mr. Brook that lived a few blocks away that taught violin lessons to a lot of the kids in the area.

And then there was Sanji; the vibrant, cheeky paramedic with a fiery personality and passionate soul. The foul mouth on him overshadowed by the genuine kindness he showed everyone he met, and the way he doted on his friends while complaining loudly to try and conceal how much he actually cared. The man spent all of his spare time cooking for his friends, and fishing out on the lake in the summer.

By the time Zoro had finished talking, Robin was leaning back in her chair comfortably and her clipboard discarded on the table beside herself. Hands clasped loosely in her lap as she simply smiled at him softly. A short silence stretched between them as Zoro was finally at a loss for words, and she broke the silence, "I'm proud of you."

Zoro just scowled incredulously, raising an eyebrow and scoffing in confusion, "Hm?"

"This was the first time you came in and willingly talked to me for our entire session." She noted, Zoro's eyes flicking to the clock in minute surprise as he realized that the hour was up. It had been probably the least torturous session with her to date, and it had flown by without him noticing, "I haven't ever seen you open up like this before."

A response died on his tongue as Zoro simply nodded in embarrassment, always a little annoyed whenever she commended him as it always sounded like she was praising a child.

"You're less withdrawn, there's positivity to your words..." Robin mused, "These people are clearly good for you."

Zoro managed a shrug, before forcing out, "I was coerced; not my choice."

Robin just laughed softly at Zoro's petulant words before noting, "I would like to meet and thank this Sanji for being able to put up with you and pushing past your stubborn walls."

"He's persistent." Zoro remarked.

"He must be." Robin countered with a smirk, "Anything else planned this week?"

"Yes." Zoro responded, almost sounding surprised by his own admission as he was still a little shocked at what he had agreed to, "Actually."

"Do tell."

"Well," Zoro paused shortly, head tilting to the side as he admitted casually, "I'm having everyone over for the game tonight."

"Really?!" Robin intoned seriously, eyebrows raising in interest as for the first time Zoro could discern actually surprise in her voice.

"Not my choice." Zoro echoed in explanation. It had originally be Sanji whom had offhandedly bemoaned not having a big enough apartment to really invite over everybody, let alone serve them a proper barbecued meal. Without even really thinking Zoro had offered up his house and his barbecue for the blond's use, and now he was on the rope for at least a dozen people taking over his house that evening.

"You don't sound too put out by it." Robin commented slyly, glancing down at her watch before politely excusing him, "I suppose you'll need to be heading home then."

"Yeah." Zoro nodded, already pushing himself out of the chair and relieved to be leaving without feeling like he was fleeing from her. Heading towards the door as he found his shoulders feeling lighter than they had in weeks, and an odd surge of pride at finally being able to express to somebody how excited he had been over everything that had happened to him recently. Pausing on his way to the door, he looked back down at Robin and admitted a bit shamefully, "I... I haven't really been working on that list."

"There is no deadline for that, Zoro." She admonished lightly, "It's just something for you to think about until you find something constructive you want to pursue. For now though it seems you have a much more important things to be concerned with."

Reaching for the door, Zoro cast another glance back to give a nod of farewell to his therapist, finding Robin still watching him with a sharp gaze as she simpered, "I look forward to our talk next month."

"Me too." Zoro murmured as he closed the door politely behind himself, surprised at his own words as for the first time ever he genuinely meant them.

~X~

At almost exactly six in the afternoon, the doorbell rang and had Zoro glancing up from where he had been lounging in the living room. Making his way to the door and not at all surprised to find the blond haired man standing on the other side wearing a neat, pink button up and vest with a large container tucked under his arm.

"Hey Zoro!" Sanji greeted amiably, wavy hair falling into his eyes as kept it down for once. It was probably the most formal he had ever seen the blond; though most times they hung out it was either just after work, or when he was wearing his workout gear for their run.

"Punctual." Zoro noted.

"Well, if I don't get started on these steaks before Luffy gets here then I'm gonna have to beat him off with a stick to keep him from eating them raw." Sanji explained with a hint of exasperation in his tone, "The fact that the man hasn't given himself food poisoning shocks me."

"Who is it, Zoro?" Kalifa simpered as she came around the corner to glance at their guest. Sanji stepping inside and toeing off his shoes while Zoro closed the door behind him, Sanji hardly getting his second shoe off before he was sliding up to Kalifa excitedly.

"This is Sanji." Zoro introduced with a small wave towards the already swooning man as he made his way over to the two blonds. Placing his hands into his pockets before glancing over and telling Sanji, "Sanji; Kalifa.

"Well I'll be happier than a June bug in July." Sanji crooned with his rich baritone, offering out his hand towards her with a charmingly lopsided grin, "To get the chance to meet a gorgeous woman such as yourself."

Zoro's eyes flicked over to his wife wearily, knowing full well that unless she specifically wanted attention she was not so keen when it was unwarranted. However, it seemed she was in a more congenial mood as she reached out and took his hand in a welcomed shake as she requested with a sweet smile, "Please keep the unnecessary flattery to a minimum."

"Ah, but 'tis not flattery; simply honesty." Sanji swooned with an over dramatic flourish as he lowered his head. Kalifa retracting her hand swiftly before he had the chance to place a kiss on the back or do anything else that might invade her personal space.

Kalifa turned slowly to eye Zoro up with a humorous glint to her gaze as she murmured, "Where did you find this strange creature?"

"He's the paramedic that was on scene." Zoro explained calmly as Sanji was once again not at all perturbed by Kalifa's stiffness towards him, and simply straightened as he grinned cheerfully at the both of them. How the blond could get rejected so often by women but remain completely unfazed was a trait that confounded Zoro more and more every day.

"Well then I guess thanks are in order." Kalifa mused, as she waved them both off, "Let me grab some drinks; you boys go out back and start up the grill."

They both watched her saunter way, Zoro idly noting the other man watching her retreating figure with a tad too much enthusiasm than was necessary. It wasn't something Zoro was unfamiliar with when it came to his wife, however he hadn't expected the blond to be so blatant about it. Once she was out of ear shot Sanji was turning back to Zoro with raised brows and a jeering grin. "Dude."

Zoro just watched the other man with a deadpanned expression, hands remained buried deep in his pockets as he grunted in warning, "That's my wife."

Sanji didn't seem at all threatened by Zoro as he just gushed firmly, "She is so hot."

"Noted." Zoro grunted flatly.

"Seriously though," Sanji pressed, following after Zoro as he turned to make his way through the house and out to the backyard. The barbecue out on the back porch had been set up since they had moved in two years ago and still had yet to be properly used, "How did you land her; it must be a fantastic story."

"Long story."

"I have time."

"You really don't." Zoro shook his head firmly, not entirely in the mood to relive that part of his life; not to mention the entire explanation of his past career that would have to take place first. Despite how much he had come to know Sanji the past few weeks it was still something that he would prefer to only discuss with his therapist; and even then barely with her.

Pulling back the patio door, he showed Sanji to the grill as the blond seemed to tell that Zoro wanted the subject dropped and instead began cooing over the barbecue. Complaining about how he wasn't allowed one on his apartment balcony and even if he was he wasn't sure he could afford one so expensive. Leaving Sanji to his devices as he began setting everything up, Zoro made his way back inside to find Kalifa in the kitchen just finishing up topping a second glass with a cold beer for Sanji.

"Sure you don't want to stay?" Zoro asked gently, already able to read from her body language that she was remaining polite to Sanji simply as a favour to Zoro. In all honestly Sanji was lucky the woman hadn't put him through the wall for continuing to coo over her after she requested him to stop.

"No." She mused with a cheery smile, turning and handing the two glasses to Zoro, "I think having some you time with your new friends is important; besides I already have plans."

"Okay." Zoro gave in simply, not at all willing to fight her on it as he knew it would be pointless. Hands preoccupied, he leaned down to receive a loving kiss before bidding her farewell and heading back to the backyard. Leaving her to finish getting ready as she would no doubt be gone before anyone else had the chance to arrive.

Handing Sanji his beer, Zoro kept a hold on his own near-beer as it had been a year since he had been sober at the request of his therapist and wife; something that still had him on edge every once in a while. While he still occasionally missed the numbing affects of alcohol, it was crutch he couldn't allow himself to fall back on; no matter how in control of his addiction he had thought he had been.

"Kalifa not staying?" Sanji pried with a hint of dismay.

"She has plans."

"What a shame." Sanji sighed with a disappointed shake of his head, setting his beer aside as he turned his attention back to the grill and beginning to lay the steaks out methodically. Doubling back to adjust the spacing as he mused petulantly, "Even when the girls come to hang; our friend group is still such a sausage fest."

"You scared her." Zoro muttered scathingly, taking a sip of his drink before adding with a jeer, "Probably why the girls aren't around too often."

"Oi," Sanji rounded on Zoro, brandishing the barbecue sauce stained tongs at him with a scowl, "you're just saying that to hurt my feelings."

"No." Zoro intoned with a false inflection of surprise, feigning innocence.

"Well, they're coming by tonight." Sanji countered haughtily, "And you can ask them; I'm a delight."

"Uhuh." Zoro grunted, completely unconvinced as the doorbell rang distantly and cut the conversation short. Zoro setting down his near-beer and giving a short nod to excuse himself to go answer it. Still more than a little unnerved at the fact that he had somehow been manipulated into having so many people over at his house at once; not to mention the fact that he wasn't as nearly as bother by it as he should be.

Pulling open the door, he greeted the three people on the other side with a polite nod and a grin. Franky and two women whom he hadn't met yet making their way inside and kicking off their shoes as Zoro closed the door behind them. Rounding on them, he offered to take the case of beer Franky had in his grasp but was quickly cut off.

"It's alright, my man!" Franky boasted loudly, "Just point me in the direction of the fridge and I can deal with it myself."

Zoro made a gesture towards the kitchen and Franky was quickly sauntering away to make himself at home as Zoro was forced to turn and be left alone with the two strangers. Turning on them as he was very suddenly faced with short, fiery red head whom was watching him sharply, and a much sweeter woman that was already approaching him.

"I don't know if you remember me." The girl with much kinder features simpered with an embarrassed chuckle, hand coming up to tuck a stray strand of vibrant blue hair behind her ear as she murmured, "But I was the E.R. attendant that helped you when you were brought in."

"Of course." Zoro nodded warmly, extending his left hand with gratitude as he vaguely began to recall her name from Sanji's introduction of her. The pain and adrenaline had made some of his memories from that afternoon hazy, but he could remember her quite clearly, "Vivi?'

"Y-yes." She conceded with a tone of surprise, reaching out with her right before recovering and taking up his left in hers to give a firm shake, "Glad to see you're doing well."

"I'm sure that thick forehead kept him safe from any brain damage." The other woman crooned with a scathing bite, watching Zoro playfully as she was clearly daring Zoro to say something.

"Nami!" Vivi scolded in a hushed tone.

"What?" Nami chuckled innocently at Vivi, before looking back up at Zoro with a shrewd glance, "Just saying."

Zoro wasn't at all sure what to make of the woman's instantly hostile nature, but as he met her shrewd look he could immediately see something playful hiding beneath. Still not entirely sure what her game was, it was clear she was testing him for some unknown reason.

"Bit of a bitch, aren't you?" Zoro commented flatly, keeping his eyes locked on her and playing whatever weird psychological mind games she wanted. A choked noise came somewhere from their left as Zoro refused to break eye contact with the other woman, waiting as she seemed to considering him before eventually breaking.

A smile split her face as she closed her eyes and she let out a genuine guffaw before levelling Zoro with a sharp look, "Alright, I like you; you can stay."

"It's my house." Zoro deadpanned.

"Not as long as I'm here." Nami boasted haughtily, snatching up Vivi's hand and dragging her along as she crowed loudly, "Sanji, baby! Where are you?!"

Zoro just watched her go with an incredulous look on his face as he could hardly believe someone could be so confidently cold hearted, and yet enjoyably likeable at the same time. It was probably only because her attitude reminded him a lot of many of the spunky women he had worked with back in the army. A cocky arrogance to that was a strangely attractive quality, yet infuriating at the same time.

It didn't take long for everyone else to turn up, Luffy arriving with Usopp and Kaya; as their three boys immediately ran out into the back yard to make good use of the tree that certainly never got climbed in. Brook and Chopper coming a short while later, and the both of them stepping out onto the porch just in time to see Usopp waltzing over to his kids waving a dramatic hand as he boasted.

"I'll have you know I won many a tree climbing competition back in my day!" He gloated proudly, "Why, I was known as the World's Best back in my prime!"

A lot of quietly smothered chuckling came from most of the adults as a rather painful snort was heard from over near the barbecue. The kids however bought into the lie easily, and Usopp began pulling himself up into the tree to attempt to get up to where the kids had gotten.

"Boys!" Kaya admonished softly, "Please don't go wrecking Mr. Zoro's nice backyard!"

A chorus of disappointed groans coming from the tree, as well as one that sounded distinctly relieved while Zoro waved her off politely. Talking loud enough for the boys to hear, "It's fine; it needs some use anyway."

Several cheers of excitement – and one of clear reluctance – were shouted back in response as the boys returned to their attempts at getting as high as possible. Usopp only a couple branches off the ground but from the way his knees were shaking he was already clearly regretting his decision to climb so high.

"You sure?" Kaya insisted in concern, "If you'd seen what they have done to my house you would not be so calm."

"If they managed to break the tree; then I'll just be impressed." Zoro assured her.

"Shh." She hushed playfully, shifting her drink into her other hand to reach out an gently smack his arm, "Do not let them hear you; they'll take it as a challenge."

Zoro just gave a small chuckle in response.

~X~

It wasn't long until Sanji finished cooking the first round of steaks that were handed out before starting on a smaller batch that was no doubt for Luffy's benefit. Everyone milling about while sipping on their beers as they talked about work and daily events, Zoro caught in the middle of all of it as the initial awkwardness faded and he found himself enjoying it far more than he thought possible.

Everything from the relaxed atmosphere, to the easy way dinner was enjoyed out on the back porch, to the kids screaming excitedly while running around the backyard. All of it was something Zoro had never thought would be something he'd be part of – let alone enjoy – yet here we was. Currently having a conversation with Brook as the man casually told him about some of his new violin students that he had just recently taken on.

Eventually the sun began lowering and everyone crowded into the living room to watched the opening ceremony of the game, and for the first time Zoro was grateful for the ridiculous size of the house. With only two people living in it, most of the rooms had always felt too large and ridiculous for how often they were left unused, but now it seemed rather useful. However, despite the seating options, Luffy still found himself enjoying a spot on the floor.

Zoro remained seated in his chair watching as the first period began while Chopper leaned over him and gently poked and prodded along his arm while Zoro was just required to answer a few yes or no questions every few seconds. At first it had been strange having the near stranger all over him, but the past few weeks had made him realize that the young man just simply couldn't turn his work brain off.

"When are you scheduled to get your cast changed?" Chopper prodded seriously, finally satisfied with Zoro's shoulder even though he had been the doctor that had inspected it the week before when Zoro had went in for x-rays. The crack to his humerus was almost completely healed at this point, and the fracture to his forearm was coming along perfectly.

"Next week."

"Okay, good." Chopper nodded with a relieved smile, pulling himself away enough to take a seat on the couch as he continued to lean in towards Zoro, "Make sure to hold onto the old one though!"

"Sure?" Zoro inquired with a skeptical brow, glancing down at the collage of signatures and drawings that had faded over the last few weeks. A lot of the ink just dark smudges, though the 's' of Sanji's name still had a boldness to it, "It's starting to smell."

"It's good luck!" Chopper chirped happily.

"Aren't you a doctor?" Zoro asked carefully. "Are you supposed to believe in luck?"

"Irrelevant." Chopper waved a hand exaggeratedly in front of himself and raised his nose haughtily, "Saving your cast is a good omen; every good doctor knows this."

Zoro just chuckled fondly at the young man before conceding, "Alright, I'll keep it."

Chopper grinned ecstatically before finally turning back to the game, neither team having scored yet, but apparently they were collectively cheering for the one's in blue. Zoro tracking the ball lazily as it was kicked around on screen, still a little perplexed at why this was so exciting, but trying his best to enjoy it.

"Zoro~" Luffy singsonged from his seat on the floor, "Is Sanji done yet?"

Zoro wondered at what point he had been put in charge of cook watch, but he assumed since it was his house it was now partially his responsibility. It also seemed likely that Sanji might have imposed a 'No Bothering Sanji While He's Cooking' rule on the hungry menace. Pushing himself up from his chair with a grunt, he muttered, "I'll go check."

Leaving the rabble to continue watching the game and chatting loudly, he made his way out towards the backyard where everything was already infinitely quieter. Zoro stepped outside, finding the blond leaning against the deck railing several feet away from where the barbecue was smoking pleasantly. A smell of rich meat cooking underneath as Sanji puffed on a cigarette patiently waiting for the food to cook to his specifications.

"Game's started." Zoro explained tersely.

Sanji shrugged, pulling the cigarette way from his lips and resting his hand on his thigh as he responded with smoke swirling off his breath, "It's okay; nothing interesting happens in the first quarter anyway."

"Luffy's hungry." Zoro added.

"What's new?" Sanji scoffed through a chuckle, shaking his head fondly to belie his harsh words as his gaze grew soft at the mere thought of the ridiculous man. Taking another puff before drawing himself from his musings to glance over at Zoro, flicking his hair out of his sharp eyes as he noted, "Not much of a soccer fan, are you?"

"It's interesting." Zoro allowed simply, not really having much time to enjoy or partake in sports since he had back in high school, and even then it had been rare. There had been far more fascinating things that had consumed him from a much younger age; things that now were hard to enjoy lest he cause a relapse.

"Bullshit." Sanji laughed loudly, a large billow of smoke gushing from his mouth as he stated quite frankly, "I can see you falling asleep every game you've watched."

Zoro didn't reply; he couldn't. Nothing he could say would properly justify why he found most thing so mundane in the wake of what he used to endure. Though it seemed almost unnecessary to try and excuse himself around the blond since it had become apparently obvious that the man at least had an inkling of what Zoro had been through. How could he not?

After seeing the wounds that decorated his whole body in the ambulance ride Sanji no doubt had put the pieces together that Zoro was ex-military. Which was almost a relief since he didn't have to try and explain himself to the other man. However, that still didn't stop the blond from being curious despite his best efforts to appear aloof.

"Man..." Sanji reminisced softly, allowing the subject to be dropped as he usually did, "Really jealous of how nice it is having a backyard."

"Then get one."

"Pft." Sanji scoffed sardonically, "Like I could afford it; not all of us can have a job that pays so well."

Sanji never prodded, however he had a habit of leaving very open ended statements hanging in the air in case Zoro ever felt the need to respond. It was a little cheeky on the blond's part, but Zoro had just come to find it endearing in a very immature way. Obviously with his injuries, there was no way Sanji wasn't curious, and Zoro had to appreciate how much effort Sanji put in to not outright prying into his past.

"CIA."

"Hm?" Sanji glanced over in shock, cigarette hanging loosely between his lips as his wide eyes turned on Zoro as he still clearly wasn't sure what he had just heard Zoro say. Body tensing and turning ever-so-slightly in Zoro's direction as the blond's curiosity was obviously horribly peaked.

Sighing heavily, Zoro pushed himself up off the railing but kept his hands gripping it tensely as he was already wondering what had come over him to admit something that private to him. Trying to shake his annoyance as he grumbled once more, "I was CIA."

"Huh." Sanji hummed deep in his throat, enigmatic eyes watching Zoro intently before finally turning away to stare off distantly. Hand raising to take another long drag, before releasing it and then just continuing to lean on the railing beside Zoro quietly. Thoughts clearly racing, but his demeanour calm and no sign of any more inquiries wanting to be made; it ticked Zoro off.

"That's it?" Zoro asked somewhat indignantly, keeping his gaze pinned on Sanji as the man turned his head to watch Zoro just as calmly as he had before. If not a little surprised at Zoro's sudden outburst as his eyebrows raised slightly at Zoro's behaviour.

After careful consideration, Sanji finally spoke, "If I did ask you anything; what would you tell me?"

"It's classified."

A wry grin split Sanji's face, "Exactly."

Pushing himself off the railing, he ground out the butt of his smoke on the bottom of his shoe before pocketing it and making his way over to the grill. Opening the lid as a wave of delicious smoke came wafting up to billow around the blond, before he set to work inspecting each of the steaks. Beginning to flip a few of them as Zoro made his way over to watch, a tinge of annoyance beginning to set in.

"If you didn't want to know," Zoro began stubbornly, "Why'd you keep bringing it up?"

Sanji shrugged, turning over one of the steaks before glancing shrewdly at Zoro with a smirk, "You seem like the type that needs to talk, but doesn't like being asked."

Zoro was nearly indignant with how confidently the blond assumed he knew him, but was even more annoyed by the fact that the blond was absolutely right. He stood so long standing and fuming with self directed confusion that Sanji had already finished the plating the steaks.

"Here." Sanji ordered, pulling Zoro from his musings as he offered Zoro the large dish stacked high with several steaks. Sanji already shooing him towards the patio door before Zoro even had chance to respond to Sanji's earlier accusations, "Make sure to hold your hand flat when you feed the Luffy or he'll likely bite your fingers off."

~X~

The game had ended with raucous cheers, toasted drinks, and excited screaming from some of the more invested fans as they narrowly won. Second half a bit more exciting as the score had been tied, however Zoro admittedly had drifted off for a few minutes early on before Sanji had very subtly woken him up by shoving an unlit cigarette up his nose. Crumpled remains of it were now in the trash after Zoro had managed to return the favour by cramming it in the blond's ear.

Everyone began heading out – Kaya rushing the boys out first as it had gotten well past their bedtime – most people giving each other a short farewell and discussing their next shifts. Zoro standing by the door as he bid Brook goodbye as the elderly gentleman began walking off down the block towards his own house. Barely getting the door closed before he was accosted by a far more amiable redhead – after having a few beers – as she gave him a cheeky pat on the shoulder, "You're a good guy; I like you."

"You seem alright." Zoro commented back, his deadpanned expression seeming to only delight her more as she cackled happily. Slinging an arm around his shoulders and pulling him down so he was more on her level, not nearly as much alcohol on her breath as he had suspected and he began to wonder how much of this behaviour was an act.

"How do you feel about stock investments?" She inquired quite seriously.

"Aaalrighty." Vivi chirped hurriedly, scooping the other woman away from Zoro and physically pushing her towards the door. Her attempt at a reprimanding tone failing as she whispered into the other woman's ear, "Time for you to leave."

"Aw, c'mon Vivi." Nami pouted, allowing the other girl to guide her out the door as she cast smirk back at Zoro. The predatory look on her gorgeous features sending a chill down his spine, "He seems like a wise investor."

"Ignore her." Vivi pleaded with a sincere smile over her shoulder, a timid wave followed as she managed, "It was wonderful to see you again, Mr. Roronoa. I look forward to next time."

"Same." Zoro nodded congenially, waving them out the door before turning around and immediately being face with a chipper Chopper whom insisted on a hug goodbye. By the time he had gotten the rest of the visitors out the door, he was feeling particularly exhausted, but not at all stressed over their extended company.

Gathering up the last of the dishes from the living room, he made his way into the kitchen where Sanji already had the sink full of hot, soapy water and was in the midst of washing up. Sleeves roll up past his elbows to expose his hairy forearms, and his hair tied above his head in messy bun as he worked to scrub a particularly large amount of barbecue sauce from a plate.

"You don't have to do that..." Zoro urged as he made his way over to the counter, beginning to set down the last of the dishes on the counter.

"I insist." Sanji argued stubbornly, snatching a plate right out of Zoro's hands before turning back to the sink to begin washing it as well. Despite the fact the Zoro very obviously had a dishwasher, he instantly knew that there would be no arguing with the blond on this and resigned himself to the man's help.

Snatching up a dish clothe, he stepped around the stubborn blond and began snagging dishes from the rack to begin drying them. Sanji noticeably a little surprised at first, but refraining from saying anything as they continued to work in silence until the sink was empty and a large pile of dry dishes sat off to the side waiting to be put away. Sanji just finishing off drying his hands as he asked politely, "Where's the bathroom?"

"Upstairs." Zoro replied absently, vaguely waving his hand in the direction of the stairs while beginning to stack several plates to be put away in the cupboard, "Third – no... second door on your right."

"Do you not know your own house?" Sanji snorted snidely, already heading for the stairs but not before raising an incredulous brow in Zoro's direction.

A wave of heated embarrassment washed over Zoro's face as his shoulders tensed incredibly, pausing with a glass in hand and he rounded on the blond with a snarl, "No!"

"Sure~" Sanji cajoled playfully, making his way up the stairs as he crooned, "Little directionless vegetable."

"I'll show you a directionless vegetable, you dumb curly frickin'..." Zoro grumbled angrily before he trailed off, having absolutely no idea where he was planning on heading with that insult. Turning back to the dry dishes, he continued to put them away as he was relieved that Sanji had been out of ear shot and had not heard him. Setting the last of the cups on the shelf before trudging over to one of the chairs and falling into it; the day finally taking its toll on him.

Out of habit he found himself tracking the other man's movements upstairs, and it wasn't long before he heard the bathroom door opening once more. However, the footsteps seemed to falter, and when no sound of him descending the stairs could be heard Zoro found himself glancing over in interest. Slowly pushing himself to his feet and making his way over to the staircase, not wanting the blond to think him paranoid but also curious as to why the man wouldn't come down stairs.

Reaching the top floor, he passed by the bathroom – whose door stood open – as he neared his office space where Sanji was easily spotted standing in the doorway. Looking around at all the bottled ships with a mesmerized expression on his face, clearly so absorbed that he didn't even hear Zoro approaching.

"Hey." Zoro muttered, making himself known.

"OH! Hey!" Sanji said through a startled jump, Zoro enjoying the guilty way Sanji began fumbling over his words as his hands began waving erratically in front of himself. Smirk reaching his lips as he genuinely got to see the blond out of his element for the first time, "Sorry, I didn't mean... I was just walking by and the door was open."

"It's fine." Zoro finally grunted, releasing Sanji from his tortured embarrassment despite the fact that he would have enjoyed watching the blond grasp around like that all day. Relief lighting up the blond's face as he once more turned back to looking around the small workshop and all the finished ships lining the walls.

"You collect?" Sanji asked absently, nearing one of the larger one's as he raised onto his toes to peer down onto the deck to get a better look.

"Make them." Zoro shrugged modestly, shoving his hands into his pockets as he continued to watch the way Sanji excitedly inspected each ship. No one had ever really seen them before – aside from his wife – and he had always just assumed that most people would find them as dull as she did; it certainly wasn't an exciting hobby.

"You..." Sanji started numbly, eyes still dancing across the room in awe before finally levelling on Zoro, "You made all these?"

Zoro just offered a shy nod.

"These are incredible!" Sanji grinned broadly, a sincerity to his words that seemed far too excited and genuine for something so mundane. Turning back to the one he had been eyeing earlier and reaching out a hand, he cast a glance back at Zoro, "May I?"

Zoro shrugged with an encouraging smile.

The ships, accessories, and everything else was all properly glued down, unless Sanji decided to give it a good shake then it wasn't likely that anything would fall apart. Zoro watched as Sanji carefully picked up the bottle and began turning it over in his dexterous hands, long fingers shifting the container around as he continued to inspect the ship from all angles. A familiar warmth had once more sparked in Zoro's chest as he couldn't help the surge of happiness at how genuinely interested the other man was in what he had made.

"This is indescribable." Sanji murmured as he carefully turned the bottle over in his hands to inspect the underside of the ship as well, "It's gorgeous.

"You can have it." The words had left Zoro's mouth before he had even known he had uttered them, eyes widening nearly as much as Sanji's did as when finally realizing what he had said. That warm sensation taking hold as he didn't want to loose that feeling, desperate to say anything that might keep it alive.

"Oh, no." Sanji immediately shook his head and made to place it back on the shelf, "I couldn't."

"Seriously," Zoro intoned as he gently reached out to place a hand on the bottle to keep Sanji from placing it on the shelf, shoving it back towards the man. Attempting an aloof nature to hopefully mask the odd happiness that was threatening to make him smile like an idiot, "I have too many anyway; need shelf space."

"Well..." Sanji floundered for a moment – still holding the bottle – before finally seeming to sense that there was no use arguing over it as he conceded, "I don't know what to say..."

"A thank you is usually customary."

"Was that a joke?" Sanji snorted, raising an eyebrow, "You making jokes now?"

Smirking wryly, Zoro gave a noncommittal shrug.

"You know..." Sanji mused, following Zoro out of the room as he continued to cradle the bottle in his arms as delicately as possible, "I don't know why you don't have more friends; your dry wit is quite attractive."

Zoro couldn't quite place why he felt a tiny rush at the odd compliment, but he accepted it graciously by keeping his back to the man as they descended the stairs. Offering just a quirk of his head in response as he honestly didn't have an answer to the blond's question; not many people seemed to understand that a lot of his flat statements were actually just facetious comments.

"Maybe you got lost and couldn't find them?" Sanji mused seriously from behind him.

Zoro reached the bottom of the stairs, turned, and looked back up at the blond flatly, "Get out of my house."

"That's it, isn't it?!" Sanji exclaimed with a gasp of mocking realization.

Both of them making their way to the front door as Sanji just continued to laugh harder at his own running joke and Zoro couldn't do more than roll his eyes at the behaviour. Fighting back a smile and losing as he just opted for opening the door and jerking his head out of the portal, "Go home."

"Okay! Okay..." Sanji conceded, finally seeming to calm down as he finished pulling on his shoes and stepping outside, before turning back to Zoro and reaching out a concerned hand. Face turning rigid as he murmured seriously, "Don't go anywhere while I'm gone; we can't have you getting lost."

Zoro just responded by flicking the door closed in the still cackling blond's face, listening as the laughter followed him well down the driveway until he finally got into his car. Even after the car pulled out and Zoro had spent the next hour cleaning up the final evidence of all the people that had just been in his house he could still hear Sanji's cheerful laughter.

TBC...


A/N: I know some people will find the idea of Zoro not drinking VERY weird, and trust me I was heavily debating it for a while. However, a lot of people dealing with PTSD tend to stray towards alcoholism(and other addictions) to deal with it, and I wanted to incorporate that struggle into Zoro's life as well. Over the course of the fic a lot of things will be addressed and of course resolved; so I hope anyone reading will understand. Thank you for reading, and I hope you enjoy.