I'll try to update per week but I'm a procrastinator though every once in a blue moon I'll finish early and I'll post as soon as I can. Besides I have no life so I'm sure I'll have time for this story. I'm sorry chapter one was short but my dad wanted me to get the computer and I wanted to post something. This chapter is longer 4249 words to be exact. I know Ace is 20 but I made him 19. Please enjoy and I do not own One Piece.
Chapter 2
Everything went as predicted. They bought horses and a map even though it was very early in the morning. They left the town an hour before day break. They needed to get as far as possible before someone noticed they were gone.
Marco navigated them down the roads. He claimed that he lived outside castle walls and knew more about the outside world than a spoiled prince. Sanji rolled his eyes but allowed to be led. He never liked the responsibility of leading people.
They were riding side by side when Marco spoke, "Slow down your horse."
Sanji did without protest. Both their horses were trotting. "Why are we slowing down?" It was about midday and the sun beat down on them.
"There's an inn up ahead to get something to eat and switch out our horses," he pointed to the nearest building. "Good thing you always dressed like a girl when you went out or someone might recognize you as a man."
Sanji glared at the older man. "When do we get to the border?"
"About an hour after this inn," Marco replied dismounting. "Do you need help?"
"I'm capable of getting off my own damn horse," this may have been his first ride but he was a fast learner. He struggled for a minute before falling face first toward the ground. Marco caught him before he could hit the ground. Sanji was facing Marco's feet and Marco was looking at Sanji's long legs. Marco's arms were around Sanji's waist. "Put me down," he said calmly.
"I thought you could do it yourself," Marco chuckled.
"I'm going to kick your head in," he tried to bring his leg down.
"Careful or I'll drop you on your head," he laid Sanji down gently. "I think your father did it enough when you were a baby."
The angry blonde jumped up and tried to kick the older man but Marco blocked it easily and grabbed the horse's reins. "I'll take them to the stables. Get us a table."
Grumbling Sanji walked in and selected an empty table. When he finally calmed down and leaned back in his chair he noticed that the tavern was filled with men. What a pity that there were no beautiful flowers in sight.
One man walked over to his table. He wasn't exactly ugly but he was far from handsome. "Hey cutie, want to join me in my room?"
"Fuck off," Sanji glared at him. "Or I'll kick your ass."
"You're a feisty one," the man was not drunk. "I like them feisty." He reached for Sanji.
Without getting up the blonde kicked him in the chest making him stumble back a few feet.
"There's no need to get rough," the man stepped forward. "Unless that's how you like."
"I suggest you leave," Marco had a calm mask, "Before I'm forced to remove you."
"I can-" Sanji began.
"Just because you can doesn't mean you have to," Marco said watching the man scurry away. "I came to protect you and let you enjoy your break. When we return there will be hell to pay."
"Knowing the old man," he nodded in agreement.
After they ate they set out again. There was no further incidents and they crossed the border with little problem. By the time night fell they were resting in an inn on the outskirts of a town.
The room had two small beds with a table between them. One candle was lit to light the room.
"I'll get a job in the town tomorrow," Sanji declared.
"Are you sure?" Marco asked.
"Yes," he replied, "I want to know peasant life even for a bit."
The next day true to his word he got a job as a cook. He was only there for three days when an offer to work in a fancier restaurant came. Then a few days after that he was offered an even higher position. Eventually he got a letter from the king.
"The king wants to taste my food!" Sanji exclaimed happily. "Too bad I have to say no."
"What?" Marco demanded. He had been pretending to be the young prince's servant. "You can't say no to royalty. Just go cook then when they offer you a job decline politely. Think about what you do when someone tells you no."
"Here we are," Sanji gestured to the nice inn room they were in.
The next day they were escorted to the castle and showed to the kitchen. Sanji was practically bouncing off the walls with anticipation. He hadn't cooked in a palace kitchen in a while. He cooked boar, prepared soup, and made other preparations.
"I'm bored," Marco had been sitting at the counter test tasting the food. "I'm going for a walk."
Sanji just nodded as he concentrated on the spice's he was adding. He almost dropped the boar when he turned and saw a green haired man leaning against the counter. At his hip hung three swords. Was this a message to scare him? He shrugged it didn't matter he wasn't planning on doing anything. He placed the boar on a tray and made it presentable.
"So you're the new cook," the swordsman stated.
"I only accepted to cook for today," he turned back to the stove to stir the soup.
The man snorted, "Why wouldn't you want to work here?"
"I have to return home eventually," he answered honestly. "So it wouldn't be convenient to work here."
"Where do you live?" he asked boredom dripping from his voice.
"I left so I could get some peace," Sanji pored three bowls of soup. "It'd be pointless if I talked about it." He placed the bowls on another tray.
The cold steel of a sword pressed against his chest, "If I find out your trying to hurt-"
Sanji kicked the sword aside and went to make sure none of his food burned. "Come back when I'm done cooking, idiot. This food has to be perfect for the king and his children. Now go threaten someone who means harm to your king."
"What's your name?"
"Sanji Blackleg," hardly anyone knew his first name but the last was part was fake.
"That sounds like a load of crap last name," the green haired man said.
"Sanji," Marco appeared through the door. "Is he bothering you?"
"No," he turned with a spoonful of something that was a variety of colors. "Taste this."
Without hesitation the older man swallowed, "It's delicious. What is it?"
"It's a mix of vegetables and spices," he smiled. "I've been thinking about it for a while but hadn't had the time or resources to try it."
Zoro left without either man noticing. He went down the hall and into a room he had seen Ace led the cook's servant. To his surprise Ace stood there pale. The walls, ceiling, and floor were blackened from being burned. There were two foot shaped spots in front of Ace that remained unburned.
"Are you alright?" Zoro grabbed the other man by the shoulders.
He shook his head mechanically.
"What happened? Did you learn anything?" He was starting to get worried.
The raven haired man seemed to snap out of it. "It was crazy. The guy pinned me and when I tried to burn him blue flames surrounded him. I scorched everything else though," he shrugged sheepishly. "He is not some lowly servant. That's all I the info I got but I plan get more."
The swordsman sighed in relief that his friend was back to normal. He was about to question him some more but the bell indicating dinner was ready rang. Zoro smirked, "Time to see how well the new guy can cook."
….
As soon as the Sanji finished setting the table one of the many kitchen staff rang some bell. Soon after that people walked in to sat themselves but the head of the table, the king's chair, was empty. On the left side of the table sat a mature black haired woman. Next to her was a boy wearing a stray hat, a teen with tons of freckles on his face, and a …. Skeleton in a suit. On the other side sat the swordsman, a guy with a long nose, a reindeer? And a man with blue hair.
When they began eating Sanji was surprised they had no table manners. Besides the black haired woman they just seemed to be stuffing food into their mouths. The straw hat boy stretched impossibly to grab food and shove it in his gaping hole.
Words from the old storyteller came to mind, some make skin like rubber. Do they all have devil fruit powers? Sanji found himself getting excited by the prospect. It was said to be rare even here.
Suddenly everything grew still. Everyone stopped eating and stood. King Mihawk had just entered the room. Sanji bowed respectively like everyone else. Normally when he finished cooking he would return to the kitchen to start cleaning but something compelled him to stay.
"Relax," Marco said from behind him. "Your food is always great."
"That's why I'm worried," Sanji whispered. "How am I going to tell him no?"
As if the king could hear them he turned his infamous Hawk-eyed gaze toward them. It was the most intense stare he had ever seen. Sanji watched as the older man ate his food impassively. Sweat began to trickle down the chef's back with nerves. Too soon they all finished eating and the king called him over.
Sanji swallowed the lump in his throat and went to stand by the kings right. "How was dinner, your grace?"
"Now I see why you're the talk of the kingdom," he said, "What do the rest of you think?"
Groans and burps replied.
"It seems they all enjoyed it as well," he continued. "You will start tomorrow. Show them to their rooms." He waved at a servant.
"Actually you highness," Sanji sounded normal but inside he was a wreck. "Thank you for the offer but-"
Mihawk interrupted him, "But what?"
"I don't want the job," he couldn't look the man in the eyes.
"Why's that?" the kings voice was still calm.
Sanji couldn't think of anything to say but thankfully he didn't need to. Marco stood right behind him and began speaking, "It would be inconvenient on both sides. I know my master will get attached to working here and you would be out a cook someday soon. We are just roaming the land looking for new recipes and must return to my master's old father and his two younger sisters. This is our last chance at adventure but we will have to return soon."
The green haired man chuckled, "Your food wasn't that good. All you had to say was no."
Sanji glared at him, "My food is delicious you idiot." There were a few chuckles. "You're lucky I traveled out of my way to cook for an ungrateful asshole like you." Sanji was about to lift his leg to kick him but midway Marco grabbed his foot.
"Now master there is no hitting Prince Zoro. No matter what he says," Marco released his foot. "Now please apologize for your insults so we can leave."
Sanji stared at the marimo in surprise but shook it off quickly, "I won't apologize for the truth of my words."
Marco towered over the blond prince menacingly, "I told you if there is trouble I will force you home. Is there going to be trouble?"
As much as he hated to idea of apologizing his fear of Marco was stronger. Sanji had never seen the scary man fight to his full potential but neither did he want. He faced the 'prince' and bowed. "I'm sorry for all the insults I said to you," he grated.
Zoro smirked, "At least someone knows they're place. Anyway I don't forgive you. You'll have to stay until you have. "He stood and left.
Sanji was about to follow the bastard to kick the shit out of him but Marco had grabbed him.
"Show them to their rooms," Mihawk also left. Everyone else was already gone.
"Now look at what you've done," Marco playfully smacked him.
"He may be able to force my stay but I'll be damned if I cook for him," Sanji stormed after the servant. Marco sighed then followed.
The Next Morning
Sanji woke more relaxed than he ever remembered. He got up and looked over at Marco's bed. It was empty; in fact he didn't seem to be in the room. The blonde stretched his arms and legs then bent over backwards until his hands touched the floor. He stood up and got dressed in his suit then paused to light a cigarette. He exhaled as he opened the door. The hallway was empty and it was eerily quiet.
Creepy, he thought making his way to the kitchen. Nobody was there either. Sanji quickly made something for himself. He ate it then made his way outside. He noted that it was way past morning. He heard some noise and went in that direction. The courtyard he arrived at was crowded with what seemed the whole castle. There were maids, servants, cooks, and the people from dinner. All except the king. They seemed to be celebrating something. He shrugged and turned to leave. He figured he would find out from Marco. Nothing happened without that man knowing.
A taunting voice stopped him, "Here to congratulate me cook?"
Sanji mock clapped, "You formed a sentence."
Zoro growled, "Aren't you supposed to make me forgive you."
"It's unlikely both ways," the blond replied. "Why is everyone out here anyway?"
The marimo smirked, "I was challenged to a duel and won. They were watching."
"Big scary muscle head can fight. Big surprise," Sanji chuckled. "Perhaps I could show you what losing feels like. Unless you want to use your princeliness and demand I lose."
Before the man could reply Marco walked. "Sir, how did you sleep?"
"I haven't been able to sleep like that for a while," Sanji sighed happily. "Want something to eat? I'll make it."
"You must be in a good mood," Marco smiled. "I would love some of your delicious food. I glad you're not made at me for yesterday." He had glanced at Zoro when he said that last part. Both blonds left to the kitchen.
Ace clapped him on the back, "Nice job with that fight."
Zoro's eyes widened, "What happened to your arms?"
The fire user's arms were covered in nasty bruises, "Marco."
"What did he do?" he called for Chopper.
"Since he doesn't get flustered, like a normal person, when I flirt with him I made a bet with him," this sounded foreboding.
"What did you bet?" Chopper had arrived then told them to meet him in the infirmary.
"Information," they began walking. "For every time one of use fell we would answer one question. The weird part is I blocked all body hits with my arms but I was still knocked off my feet. But I did get an answer."
"What was it?"
Ace looked away, "I was a little surprised and I asked him where he came from. He said originally he came from here but he left."
Now was time to ask the question he was worried about, "What did you tell him."
Ace grinned when he looked at Zoro, "They were all about me so don't get too worked up. Nothing even remotely close to political crap."
Zoro sighed in relief. Chopper urged the prince to enjoy his party while he tended Ace.
Meanwhile in the kitchen
"How's it taste?" Sanji lit a cigarette.
"You know it's amazing so why do you always ask?" Marco finished off his plate.
The cook shrugged, "What were you doing?"
"Watching the match," his face was blank then he saw Sanji's look. "Prince Zoro's friend wanted answers so we had a bet. I only gave out a little information about myself and I asked meaningless questions about him. If we are discovered at least we won't seem completely guilty."
"Why is it when I ask about you you always seem to be the bully," Sanji puffed out some smoke.
"He challenged me," Marco said very defensively.
"Interesting," he threw his cigarette in the sink.
"With all due respect, shut up," he turned away. "On second thought forget the respect part," then he left.
Sanji smiled and began cleaning.
Zoro cleared his throat to get the blonds attention and was rewarded with a glare, "You making dinner tonight love cook."
"For you? No. For people who appreciate it? Maybe," he replied.
"What about a fight," the swordsman suggested. "I win you become the new cook. If you win you can leave."
"When I win I'll make a glorious dinner then leave just so you know what you're missing," Sanji agreed. "Now?"
"No tomorrow," Zoro stated sarcastically, "Yes now. In the courtyard."
When they made it to the courtyard Zoro drew his swords. Sanji drew a cigarette and lighter.
"Is that all you're going to use," Zoro joked.
"It's all I need," he lit it then ran forward to kick the moron but as usual Marco came from nowhere to stop him.
"I cannot allow you to fight," the protector said.
Sanji blew smoke into his face angrily, "I'm trying to get us out of here. Besides if I lose-"
"I will fight for you," he offered.
"No," The blond prince whined, "I can defend myself."
"If I brought you home hurt your father would have my head," that was a very good argument.
"If you can bet something dangerous," he whispered, "Then so can I."
Marco seemed to mull this over, "We can stay so you can cook for a little while. I know you like the kitchen. What did you bet?"
Sanji told him.
"He never gave a specified a time," Marco said softly. "If you back out and make dinner you'll have kept your promise." The younger blonde wanted to object but Marco continued, "Imagine all the new recipes you could learn here."
The cook froze as the possibilities ran through his head. He rarely gets the chance to learn new things and this was a different kingdom. They're sure to make things different plus there were some devices in the kitchen that he had never seen before. What better chance to try something new.
When he came back to reality it seemed Marco was explaining the circumstances to Zoro. Sanji shrugged and decided to start dinner.
After dinner was served and Sanji was done cleaning
Sanji sat at a small in the kitchen eating alone. Marco had gone off somewhere again. He didn't know or want to know where that man disappears to. It was a new place, with new people, and new things but Sanji still felt out of place. He didn't do well in palace life. He was never even supposed to be a prince just some cook. At least that's what Zeff told him but somewhere between adopting the little boy and announcing him the next heir the old man decided he was worthy. If the geezer had a blood related son then Sanji wouldn't be in this mess but that wasn't the case.
"If your lonely then you can eat with the rest of us in the dining room," the teen with hundreds of freckles said. "In fact everyone would be delighted if you did." He sat on the counter across from the blonde.
"Thanks for the offer but I don't think everyone would be delighted," Sanji stared at his food.
"You're talking about Zoro," it wasn't a question. "He's usually nicer to the staff but I don't know what's gotten in to him. So where're you from?"
It seemed an innocent question but he must answer with care, "I don't know where I was born," truth, "I've been traveling since I was little," half true.
"Didn't your parents tell you?"
Sanji flinched, "I'm an orphan."
"Shit," Freckles cursed. "I didn't mean to be inconsiderate."
"It's alright," he waved it off.
It was obvious the shirtless man was going to say more but the straw hat boy bounced onto him, knocking them both over. "AAAAACCCCCCEEEEEEE," he yelled.
"Luffy," they sat up. "I told you not to jump on people." He turned to address Sanji but the blonde had already left. "This better be good."
"You told me to watch Marco," he pouted.
Ace sighed and pat his little brother's head, "What happened?"
"He-" Luffy was interrupted.
"Is looking for Sanji," Marco stood above them. "Did he say where he was going?"
Ace and Luffy shook their heads.
He glared at them, "Sanji would have stayed here all day talking to you. What did you say to upset him?
"I just asked him about where he came from," the raven stood and got into the taller man's space.
Without another word Marco stormed out.
"You couldn't have told me earlier that he was coming," Ace demanded but Luffy was stuffing his face in the fridge.
Ace decided to tell Zoro the little he found out so he set off. Unsurprisingly he found the bulky man training outside in the courtyard. He was lifting weights and counting to impossibly high numbers.
"Is that how you learned to count," Zoro grunted in response but didn't falter. That is until Ace told him about to recent episode in the kitchen.
"An orphan?" he asked. "How do you know he's telling the truth?"
"The way he flinched and the pain in his face," Ace rolled his eyes. "Why are you so interested in him anyway? You've never gone to this much trouble with anyone else."
"He feels different," Zoro began pumping iron again. "But I don't know why."
"I think you're attracted to him," firefist crossed his arms.
The swordsman dropped the weight on his foot, "Fuck!" then he glared at Ace. "I'm not attracted to him."
The fire user's eyes closed halfway, "Poor little Zoro doesn't know why he gets a hard on around the cook. Nor can he control himself or maybe he doesn't want to."
Zoro was pissed that Ace would even joke about that. Subconsciously he attacked. They fell to the floor with Zoro on top but Ace quickly threw him off and pinned him to the ground.
"Can't stand the truth can you?" he smirked. "Next time you see Sanji and have the urge to mess with him it just means you want his attention." He whispered the next part in the man's ear, "It's your way of flirting and it's nothing to be ashamed of." The teen jumped off and ran off in whatever direction to get away from the angry man. He turned to see if he lost Zoro and hit a wall. When he turned he found he did not hit a wall but had run into Marco.
Marco grabbed one of his hands to prevent him from running. The older man's other hand lifted Ace's chin and hold it in place. He gazed into the ravens eyes. "I didn't think you'd come running to me," Marco smirked.
In Sanji's New Found Hiding Place
Sanji rested his elbows which supported his head on top of the walls edge. He was on the roof hoping to avoid everyone. As the sun disappeared he could see lights from a town close by. He pulled out another cigarette, there were already three on the floor beside him, and lit it taking a long drag.
What Ace had said didn't really bother him but it did make him miss his adoptive family. Were his beautiful sisters, Nami and Vivi, worried about him? He should have at least left a note. Did the geezer even care? Probably not but he was sure to have missed his captain of the guard. Out of all people why did Marco have to come along? Damn it all should he go back at all? Should he stay? All he would be here is a cook and he was alright with that. But Marco would never let that happen.
"Good afternoon cook-san," said the mature black haired woman from dinner. "Are you enjoying the view?"
Sanji got on his knee in front of her. Hearts were coming off him in waves and his eye was one too. "How rude that I forgot to introduce myself to a lovely flower such as you," he clasped one of her hands in both of his, "My name is Sanji Blackleg." He kissed her knuckles.
"I'm Robin," she giggled behind her other hand. "How do you like the castle?"
"With you in residence makes it perfect," he replied. "What brings a lady such as you here?"
She smiled down at him, "I like to watch the world turn into shadows and darkness."
That was a bit creepy but Sanji decided to ignore it and stood. "I should probably be going. If there is anything you want to eat just let me know and I'll make it."
"Thank you cook-san," Robin waved. "Have a good night."
"You as well my beautiful lady," with that said he went back inside. Marco was probably looking for him and he didn't want his protector to know about the roof.
When they finally met up Marco seemed in a happier mood than Sanji had ever seen him. The older man refused to admit to it thought so the cook gave up trying to get answers.