He had fallen for Sanji. Hard. He didn't want to admit it, but after two weeks of strong deny and of seeing him almost on a daily basis, he couldn't refuse the feelings any more. He wanted to be more than just a "stupid Marimo" for him – though he secretly liked the fact that Sanji called him that way and was the only one to do so. He wanted to take it further. That was why he was standing outside the Baratie, ready to... do something. Maybe not confess his feelings, because that was something he so wasn't ready to do, but at least make Sanji understand. He could do that. He hoped he could.
Zoro entered after a deep breath and pulled a face while he waited for Sanji, arms crossed on his chest. When he saw him, he smiled and unfolded his arms, his posture more relaxed than before. God, he hated that feeling.
"What do you need?" Sanji asked, wondering what the hell Zoro was doing at the Baratie.
Zoro looked away and played with his hands for a while. "Can I talk to you? Outside?"
"Sure. But my shift finishes in ten minutes, can you wait or is it urgent?"
"No! No, nothing urgent, don't worry. I'll just... wait here. Well, not here, here, but... Anyway, meet you outside?"
Sanji frowned but nodded. Zoro finally stared at him, for a few too long seconds, then turned and left the building. He took a deep breath once outside then sighed. This was so stupid. He had never felt so foolish than at this very moment, blushing like a teenage girl, stuttering for nothing... He leaned against the wall and ran a hand through his hair. But it was the right moment, it felt like it. He needed to be more than just a friend for Sanji, or he at least needed to know how Sanji truly felt about him, even if he probably wouldn't like the answer. He couldn't just sit back and let life screw him with feelings he had for the cook.
When Sanji opened the door and walked out, Zoro jumped and crossed his arms again, suddenly wishing to be far, far away from here, not having this conversation.
"What did you want to say?" Sanji asked as he brought a cigarette to his mouth.
"Please don't," Zoro whispered, and Sanji frowned but still let his arms fall to his side, his lighter still in his hand.
They stared at each other for a moment, and Zoro felt his cheeks burning and he looked away again.
"Are you blushing?" Sanji smiled and Zoro shot him an alarmed look.
"I'm not blushing," he replied, so convinced. If he truly believed in it, maybe it would make it real, right?
"You are as red as the tomato I just served," Sanji laughed, bringing his hand to his mouth to take the cigarette he still had between his teeth away.
Zoro stared at the wall behind Sanji for a second then surged forward, blushing even more as he crushed his lips against the other man's. It was clumsy and a bit awkward, mouth closed, very static.
"Now you're blushing," Zoro smiled weakly when he pulled back, needing to say something, anything.
Sanji looked at him, indeed blushing, in puzzlement. What now? Zoro thought, but before he could start to justify himself, Sanji cupped his face, his unlit cigarette still between his fingers, and kissed him again. It was still awkward for a couple of seconds, then Zoro responded, purposely ignoring the warmth that suddenly spread throughout his body, starting with his chest. It felt strangely right, once the awkwardness gone. Sanji's lips tasted good and Zoro melted in the kiss, bringing his hands to the other man's hair, hoping this was real, that he wasn't dreaming and that Sanji was really kissing him back. Then he cursed the human body, because they had to breath if they wanted to live, and they parted, catching their breath, still close. Zoro didn't open his eyes as the cook rested his forehead against his', but he had to look when he heard a nervous laugh and felt it under his hands, still on Sanji's hair.
