Sanji was irritated. He was agitated. But most of all, he was anxious. Walking into school the next day was like walking through a horror movie, nervously awaiting the next jumpscare. There was no way that shitty long nose had kept his trap shut, was there? The two didn't know each other very well, so he had no obligation to keep his mouth zipped. Sanji gripped the straps on his messenger bag tighter as he anticipated the first joke, jab or insult. It would be just like last time, and he would never know a moment's peace again for the rest of his high school existence.
But by the time the final bell rang though, nothing happened. It had been a perfectly normal day. Had he really kept his mouth shut? As Sanji walked out of school, he spotted the long nose in question as he was telling some animated story to his friends with huge hand gestures. Perhaps he hadn't given him enough credit.
While his secret wasn't out, he still had his missing boombox to worry about. He hadn't realized he had forgotten it until he had made it home last night. It was expensive and he really didn't want to tell Zeff that he's lost it. Sanji had already checked the auditorium and the lost and found for it but he couldn't find it anywhere. Had the shitty long nose taken it? He didn't seem like the type to steal since he didn't even spill his secret. Did that mean someone else took it? Damnit, he needed a cigarette.
Sanji navigated through the throngs of students and had just made it out the door when he noticed a familiar face.
"Vivi!" Sanji called out. "What are you doing here?"
Vivi's head turned sharply towards Sanji and her face broke out into a giant grin. "Sanji!" She answered, running up and hugging him tightly. Sanji wrapped his arms around her and chuckled.
"It's nice to see you too, Vivi." He told her. "But what are you even doing here? I'm pretty sure you're still going to your fancy private school."
"Oh, I'm just here to pick Nami up." She replied happily.
"Ah, is it date night?" Sanji asked, giving her a knowing grin.
"Yeah, I guess you could say that." Vivi blushed. "But what about you? I haven't seen you in a while. We all miss you back at the studio. Mrs. Robin's always asking about you."
Sanji's smile faltered. He remembered the dance studio. It hurt to think about, even more today since it's all he's been able to think about. Sanji took a quick glance around but thankfully most of the other students were already gone.
"I'm sure she's just sad to lose one of the few guy dancers you had." Sanji said softly.
"It's not just that Sanji." Vivi looked up at him sadly. "She misses you. We all do. It's just not the same without you there."
"Well," Sanji shrugged and looked away, not able to meet Vivi's solemn eyes. "It's nice to know I'm missed I guess."
"I'm sorry Sanji, I know it must hurt to talk about it." Vivi told him. "I'm not trying to pressure you to pick it up again. I know why you… you stopped coming." Vivi sighed.
"It's alright Vivi." Sanji tried his best to smile at her but he had the feeling it looked tight and fake on his face.
"Hey Vivi! Sanji!" Both Sanji and Vivi turned to see Nami running up to them.
"Nami!" Vivi's whole face brightened up as she ran up to her girlfriend. "Are you all ready for tonight? I know I set this up so short notice but…"
"It's fine Vivi," Nami waved it off. "I'm always up for spending time with you."
"Should I get going then? I don't want to ruin the mood or anything." Sanji asked, smiling softly at his two best friends.
"Well you already did ruin the mood but I'll forgive this time." Nami smirked at him. "How have you been Sanji? It sucks I have so few classes with you. I mean, we go to the same school but I still barely get to see you." Nami huffed.
"I'm doing fine." Sanji told her, ignoring the anxiety coiling around his gut. "I should probably get going though, since I'm sure you two want to head off. I've been dying for a smoke all day anyway."
"You know Zeff's going to kill you if he catches you." Nami informed him, with Vivi giving him a disapproving look.
"Then don't tell him." Sanji replied. "I'll see you later my lovelies!" He called as he walked off, waving goodbye enthusiastically.
"Bye Sanji!" Vivi replied, as she grabbed Nami's hand and headed onto their date.
By the time Sanji made it home the sun was already falling below the horizon. He was hoping for a quiet night since he neither had work nor any pressing homework assignments. The dream was shattered as soon as he walked in the door.
"Finally home, shitty brat." Zeff grumbled, staring Sanji down as he slipped off his shoes. "What took you so damn long?"
"None of your business shitty geezer." Sanji scoffed, returning Zeff's glare with one of his own.
"Well you should let your old man know when you're going to have company over! And at least have the decency to be here when they arrive!" Zeff yelled.
"What? Company?" Sanji's eyes widened.
"Yeah, your friend showed up and has been sitting in the kitchen for the last half an hour. So get over there!" Zeff jerked his thumb in the direction of the kitchen. "I got a restaurant to run." With that, Zeff stomped out the door.
Once Zeff left, Sanji quickly hung up his jacket and rushed to the kitchen. As he opened the door he saw none other than the shitty long nose from the night before sitting at the kitchen table. He turned around, giving Sanji a sheepish grin and patted lightly on the boombox sitting on the table.
"Oh, uh… hi Sanji." Usopp stuttered.