I wanted to get this up early but my word stopped working. Sorry it took longer than I thought to fix.

Chapter 4

Sanji paced back and forth in front of Marco. They had returned to their room after lunch.

"I can't believe he used that description," the prince complained, "At least he doesn't have a picture." Out of all the things Zeff could have done he did this.

"At least he didn't give out your real description," Marco finally says something useful. He had been teasing the young man sense he revealed the problem. "I think he only wanted to piss you off enough to get you to come home."

"It's working," the blonde ground to a stop, "Do you think it will be a problem?"

"Unless you dress like a girl I doubt it." Rumor has it one of Zeff's three daughters was missing. He gave a very detailed description of Sanji after his sister's dressed him up. Apparently it was also rumored that King Zeff was hiding his heir. Sanji didn't exist to other kingdoms. At least it explained why so many princes came for Nami's hand. If one married her they could take control. He was going to have to tell her this when he returned.

"Does he think I would be dumb enough to pretend to be a girl?" Sanji asked absently.

"Your costume is pretty convincing," Marco shrugged. "At least we dodged a bullet. I thought it would be worse."

Silence filled the room for a few minutes.

"Are you as reluctant to leave as I am?" Sanji finally asked.

"A little," he answered honestly. "I may have to watch you more but it's more interesting here."

"Are you sure the people aren't more interesting?" the cook smirked, "Or just one person in particular?" And like that they were on to less depressing topics.

Zoro's room

Zoro sat on a chair across from Ace who was also seated. He awaited a comment from his friend. The swordsman had told Firefist what had happened between him and Sanji.

"Just go with it," he said seriously. "I know priests and holy people frown upon it and he's not royalty but love is complicated."

"Who said it was love?" the prince demanded.

Ace sighed, "Relationships are complicated."

"I never cared what other people thought," he waved away the other man's 'complications.' "What will my father do? Better yet what will Sanji do? I still don't know if he's a spy or not."

"I don't think King Mihawk will care," Ace said, "And if he is you'll find out and throw him in the dungeon. When he gets out you can continue where you left off."

"This isn't a joke," Zoro snapped.

Ace laughed, "You're right, sorry. If it makes you feel better I got information from Marco."

"How?" the marimo demanded.

He placed a hand on his own bare chest, "My usual charms, but that's beside the point. They came to this kingdom because they wouldn't be recognized and because of the crazy stories Sanji heard. He wanted to see it firsthand."

"How do you know it's true?" he asked suspiciously.

"From the way I got it," Ace replied with an evil smile. "Trust me."

Deciding he really didn't want to know Zoro asked, "Do you think he'll cook breakfast again?"

"I hope so," Ace licked his lips. "He really is the best cook. What are we going to do when they leave?"

Zoro shrugged, "Make sure they can't leave."

"You do form a good idea every once in a while," Ace clapped then dodged a punch. Good thing his swords were across the room. By the time Zoro got his swords Ace was out the door and around the corner. The swordsman followed but ran right into Sanji. They fell to the floor in a tangle of limbs and curses. Zoro straddled Sanji's waist.

"Get off me you idiot!" the blonde shoved futilely at the others chest.

"I rather like this position," the marimo licked the shell of his ear then left a trail of kisses on his neck. Sanji shuddered when Zoro's hand went under his shirt. The cook moaned loudly when Zoro pinched his nipple. "Sensitive there, I see."

"Shut up!"

He complied but undid the chef's pants.

"I told you to get off me!"

Tired of his complaints the swordsman lightly placed his lips to Sanji's.

"Dog pile on Sanji!" someone yelled landing on Zoro's back slamming his teeth against the man's beneath him.

"Luffy," both growled.

Reluctantly Zoro stood with the monkey clinging to his back. As soon as Sanji got up he walked away. He fumbled with fixing his clothes as he made his way outside. Marco had promised to spar with him if he kept Ace off the older man.

Strangely Marco didn't show so Sanji had to train by himself.

What the hell was wrong with Zoro? Why does he keep touching him like this? Isn't it wrong? That's what most religions say. What does Sanji think? People should do what they think is right as long as it doesn't hurt others. So he doesn't care if Zoro is gay but did he have to experiment on the cook? Was Sanji gay? He had only ever talked to family or servants. He never felt anything for anyone. The perverted Marimo was his only emotional or sexual experience. Sanji was screwed.

Nothing can come from a relationship with Zoro. He had to go home and become king. The swordsman had to become king here. It would only make things harder when Sanji left. Maybe Marco would snap him out of it? Or at least give him decent advice. If only Sanji could find the older man.

He sighed; if he didn't start dinner soon then it would be late. One must never keep royalty waiting. Sanji had always thought that rule was ridiculous. Perfection took time and that's all anyone wants.

He cooked dinner as usual. By the time he sat at the table with everyone else the blonde felt calm again. As he ate the cook's mind wondered to the only lesson the old geezer didn't beat into him. It was a confusing time for Sanji. It was the first time the young cook arrived at the castle. He met the king's two lovely daughters. While Sanji was learning to cook Nami and Vivi would be there to taste his food. Feelings developed between them and the chef didn't know what to do. When Sanji told the old man Zeff had said, "If you kiss someone and it feels absolutely right. If you never want to leave that person then you know you love them. If not then it wasn't meant to be." Sanji had gone up to Vivi and Nami to kiss them on the cheeks. The former had blushed while the latter punched him in the face. When the ladies left the geezer walked over, "Why'd you kiss them on the cheek?" Sanji had replied, "Because it didn't feel right to kiss them on the lips." Zeff had laughed and said, "You love them but its brotherly love not romantic. The love I described was for romance but I knew they felt like sisters to you. I just wanted you to figure it out on your own."

….. What a fucked up way to teach someone.

Should Sanji kiss Zoro then? The swordsman had tried it before Luffy arrived. That had ended horribly though.

"Sanji?" a soft voice pulled him from his thoughts. Robin looked at him expectantly. She was standing next to his chair. Everyone else seemed to have left and the servants were cleaning away the dishes. How long had he spaced out?

"How can I help the beautiful Robin?" hearts replaced his eyes as he stood.

"Let's go for a walk," she suggested.

Sanji followed the mysterious woman outside. The sun had set but torches lit their path. Like his sisters Robin didn't seem to dress properly when away from prying eyes. She wore a short purple skirt and a matching very reveling shirt. It suited her more than her usual dress.

"What kingdom did you come from?" she asked.

"How do you know I didn't come from here?" Sanji countered.

"The way you stare at us fruit users," she smiled.

"You're smart like my sisters. I think you would get along marvelously," he replied. "I come from…." he paused. Should he answer truthfully? "Zeff's kingdom."

"The rival kingdom!" she exclaimed in surprise. "You could get in trouble for that."

"I know," the cook looked up at the starry sky. "But I'm sure you would have seen through any lie I could make up."

"So these sisters and father of yours live in the other kingdom?"

Sanji nodded.

"Do you want to stay here?" she asked.

"Of course," he replied. "The things I could learn here."

"You say you have to leave," Robin chose her words carefully. "Why don't you just move your family here?"

"My father hates King Mihawk," Sanji shuddered. "He would kick the shit out of my just to suggest it. I've already tried the loopholes. None seem to want to work."

"Perverted cook," Zoro appeared around a corner. "Get away from my sister!"

"Shut up stupid Marimo!" Sanji yelled.

As the swordsman approached Sanji saw movement from the corner of his eye. Making sure to keep the bulky man in sight he looked into the shadows.

Robin was looking as well. Franky was beckoning to her. Why didn't he just come up and ask her to join him? That's when the blonde realized their obvious looks aren't obvious to everyone else. Their relationship was a secret. They were in the same boat as Vivi and Kohza. If only he could help.

He smiled at Robin knowingly and pushed her in the blue haired man's direction. She seemed startled at first but then recovered and disappeared in the shadows.

Sanji bent backwards to dodge a sword. He placed his hands on the ground then lifted his feet to kick Zoro before finishing his flip and landing back on his feet.

"Stay away from Robin," he held two swords the third still in its sheath. "Where did she go?"

"To see her lover," the blonde used his foot to block the next attack. "Just so you don't get confused it's not me."

A crowd began forming as the two continued their fight. Both were holding back but they seemed evenly matched anyway. Sanji was afraid Marco would show but the older man remained absent along with Ace. The king was not there either. Loud cheers rang through the night as the crowd grew more excited.

Sanji managed to back Zoro into a wall. Instead of trying to kick him again the blonde dodged the marimo's swords to get close. He fisted the swordsman's collar and kissed him. After a second's hesitation the green haired male opened his mouth allowing the cook in. Everything else was forgotten as they explored each other's mouths.

When Sanji did pull away they were both breathing hard. Without breaking eye contact the marimo put his swords away and reversed their positions. The crowd had disappeared leaving the two alone. Zoro's hands rested on the cook's hips while Sanji's were on the other's shoulders. He leaned forward to reclaim the blonde's lips but was ripped away.

Sanji stared wide eye at Marco. Shit, he was in trouble. But the older man didn't look angry he seemed worried. "Are you alright?"

Not trusting himself to speak the chef just nodded. Zeff had lied. There was more than the feelings he described would be in the kiss. Mostly Sanji just wanted more.

"Let's get you to bed," the guard led him away gentle.

The young blonde looked back at Zoro's disbelieving face. Sanji's mirrored his. Why was Marco being so nice? Was he going to lecture him when they got to the room? Knowing Marco, probably. The prince would just have to finish exploring later.

As soon as the door closed Sanji tensed ready for whatever the other would do. Marco just sat on his bed resting his elbows on his knees and his chin on his knuckles. He was contemplating something. Instead of bothering him the cook laid on his own bed hoping to fall asleep before his guardian could say anything. He had no such luck.

"What do you feel for him?" the older man asked.

"That's what I was trying to figure out," the prince replied.

After a few excruciating minutes of silence Marco stated in a monotone voice, "We have to leave tonight."

Sanji bolted upright, "What!"

The other didn't answer just began packing.

"We can't just up and leave," he lit a cigarette. "What about-"

"Sanji," Marco said sternly, "No more excuses. We leave within the hour. Pack what you want to keep."

Resigned to his fate the young prince began collecting his things.

Zoro after the kiss

After the two blondes were out of sight Ace approached his dazed friend. He nudged the green haired male in the side, "Nice lip work."

Zoro grunted, "Where have you been?"

The fire user began walking with the other following, "Blowing off some steam." There was subtext to that sentence but he was not going to find out what. "How was it? You looked like you were enjoying it until Marco broke it up. By the way thanks a lot I finally got him to do something fun and we hear something about you two fighting."

They stopped outside of Zoro's room. "How's it going between you two anyway?" the prince attempted to shift the focus onto the other man.

Ace's face brightened, "Very good," he replied cryptically. "You better get some sleep. Knowing your blonde you're going to have to woo him again. Speaking of my blonde will probably be the same so I'm off to bed." With that he was gone.

Zoro watched the raven haired man amusedly as he went into his room.

He hoped Sanji wouldn't be too difficult tomorrow. He wanted to able to explore those sexy legs and kiss that hot mouth. Just thinking about it bothered him in his nether regions. He tried not to think about it. There would be time for that when he saw his blonde next.

The next day news got around that they disappeared without a trace. Zoro ignored everyone and trained until dusk. His friends were all worried and had a meeting during dinner when both Zoro, who didn't eat all day, and King Mihawk, who was visiting Shanks, were missing.

"What have to find Sanji," Ace suddenly declared.

"We'll find him," Luffy replied with food in his mouth.

"Super!" Franky shouted, "Scavenger hunt."

"The great warrior Usopp will help," he pointed his fork at the ceiling.

"I don't want to see Zoro like this," Chopper sniffled.

That night in Zeff's palace

Sanji and Marco stood outside the gate into the castle. They were hidden in the shadows. Both hesitated for neither wanted to go inside and face their king. Knowing he would have to be the first to move Marco dragged Sanji into the light. Immediately guards came out to greet them.

"Prince Sanji," they bowed. "It is good to see you have returned."

"Where's the old man?" he wanted to get this over with.

"Finishing travel plans for Nami in the throne room," the guards led them to said room.

Sanji stared at the huge double doors. He knew as soon as he got in there Zeff would start yelling and kicking. Why prologue the inevitable? The prince opened the door and was almost immediately assaulted physically and verbally. He managed to block most of the kicks but the last one sent him flying. He stood only to be sent back on his ass.

"So eggplant," Zeff said calmly. "Where have you been?"

The blonde got up and dusted himself off, "Vacation."

He was slapped across the face by Nami, "You disappear for a month without telling anyone then come home and joke like it's not a big deal!"

Sanji looked away guiltily, "I just wanted to see another kingdom. Marco made sure I wouldn't get in trouble." He realized his mistake too late.

The king turned his glare to the captain of the guard, "Why didn't you drag his scrawny ass home?"

"I take sole responsibility for this," Sanji quickly stated. "I wouldn't have stopped trying to leave if Marco had taken me back. At least he was there to protect me instead of me being by myself."

The old geezer shifted his gaze from one to the other before replying, "Marco you will return to all your duties, except watching Sanji, immediately."

"Yes, sir," he began shouting orders to the other guards as he walked out.

"And Sanji," he flinched when his father said his name, "You will travel to the new world with Nami. She is to meet White Beards many sons and marry one."

"But-" he was cut off.

"You will leave tomorrow morning," the king turned to leave, "So you can't plan another escape," with that he left.

Travel to the new world was a month by boat. Then he would have to watch men flirt with his precious Nami. He shuddered at the very thought how would he handle watching it? Zeff was going to make his life a living hell. No that wasn't right hell would be easier to deal with.

Everything went as the king planned except when they were supposed to leave Sanji insisted that it would be easier for just him and Nami to go on horseback alone. Eventually just to get them to leave Zeff agreed.

Sanji wore his chef outfit and Nami was in a skimpy shirt and very short shorts. She had this on so she wouldn't have to go sidesaddle. They shared a horse Sanji in the back to make sure Nami couldn't fall off. They road in silence because the red head was still pissed at her brother and refused to talk to him.

Both failed to notice until it was too late that they were being surrounded. Sanji was forced to stop the horse or collide with another rider. He dismounted and noted that their attackers did as well. He lit a cigarette and took a long drag.

Because they had their hoods on he couldn't see their features. "I've had to make a very difficult sacrifice yesterday and am in a horrible mood. If you like your faces I suggest you leave," his voice was full of malice.

"Sssssaaaaannnnjjiiiiiiiiiiii!" one figure wrapped his arms around the cook. He looked into Luffy's giant grin. "We found you." The others reveled their faces; Robin, Zoro, Franky, Ace, Brook, Usopp, and Chopper in his human form.

Before Sanji could ask anything a pole connected with Luffy's face sending him to the ground. Nami stood next to her brother defensively.

Sanji grabbed her shoulders and whispered in her ear, "They're friends I made when I left. Please don't hurt or tell them that we're royalty. I'll tell you everything later just trust me right now."

"Why?" she demanded loudly.

"It could start a war," he replied.

Glaring at him she relaxed her stance but kept her pole out. It would have to do he decided.

Protectively the blonde pulled Nami between him and the horse. "What do you want?"

"To bring you back," Luffy stood rubbing his head. "Who's she?"

The red head stepped around her brother, "I'm Nami. Who are all of you?"

The chef hugged his sister from behind. He was extremely close to tying her up and throwing her back on the horse. Though he knew it would be futile because all she had to do was ask him to release her and he would. His number one priority was her safety. Even if he had to hurt her. Maybe.

They introduced themselves politely but then Brook asked to see her panties. He walked away with two bumps on his head. The others were being very flirtatious, except Robin and Zoro who had only said their names. The cook tried to maneuver Nami back to the horse but she wasn't having it.

"So how do you know Sanji?" she asked hotly only to mess with her brother.

"He stayed at our King Mihawk's palace as his cook," Chopper answered innocently.

Her eye went wide with shock. She yelled angrily at her now retreating brother, "You did what? How long do you think you could keep that a secret? Are you stupid? You must be to have done that. And Marco too since he allowed this. Father will have a fit when you tell him. When did you plan on telling him and what?" She was pointing a finger at him

Sanji backed up into Zoro. "I-I-He-Um," he stuttered. "He kind of kicked me out as soon as I returned. I didn't have time to tell him. And as to what I figured I'd have at least two months to decide on something. Besides I told you I'd tell you everything later so please don't ask anything else."

"Where is Marco?" Ace asked.

Nami turned to look at all of them, "They don't know, do they?"

"I have neglected to tell them," Sanji clasp his hand over her mouth. "I have something special planned and if we run out of time we won't get to do it."

"Tell us what?" Zoro asked angrily. The blonde had no idea why the marimo was angry. He had been this way even before he had taken his hood off.

"It doesn't matter," Sanji forced Nami on the horse. "Go home I don't have time for this." If they stayed any longer he would be tempted to just go with them. There was no way he should risk that. Even if seeing them made him happier. His happiness didn't matter. His sister's did.

"You said you had at least two months to tell your secrete to someone," Robin spoke, "Where are you going?"

The cook mounted behind Nami, "I have to go to the new world."

"You're welcome to join in this special surprise Sanji's planning," Nami smiled evilly at him.

"We should," Zoro answered getting on his horse with the others following suit.

Sanji was about to protest when his sister interrupted him, "I'm sure whatever you planned can change slightly to include others."

He couldn't tell her no. "It can," he conceded, "But I don't know if they'll enjoy it." He spurred their horse to the front to lead them. "How did you find me?"

"Robin tracked you," Zoro grunted right next to him.

The cook looked at Robin asking a silent question. She nodded with a knowing smirk. He would have to discuss this with her later.

The ocean was approaching and so was the split in the road. Instead of taking the path that lead to the docks he took the other. Nami had never been this way but she knew it led to a beach. Was that were he was taking her? She always wanted to swim in the ocean without someone telling her to get out.

The navigator decided to ask, "Are we going to the beach?"

"The captain told me there was a problem with the ship and that he would be delayed," Sanji replied. "I told him to call us when it was fixed."

Nami smirked, "Bribing the captain." She turned to look at him. "That's the nicest thing you've done for me while hurting someone else. Thanks Sanji."

"It's my way of saying sorry," he said sincerely.

"I forgive you," she looked ahead. "You know I still love you."

"I know and love you too," he smiled.

"How long until we get there, curly-brow?" Zoro asked irritated.

"You don't have to come, marimo?" Sanji snapped. "We're here."

The beach was beautiful and empty. The blonde prince made sure to have someone remove the people and keep them away. Selfish he knew but anything to make Nami happy. When he returned to Zeff's castle Vivi was next.

Nami and Sanji changed into the bathing suits he brought while everyone else except Robin just swam in their underwear. The water was cold but they all plunged into it anyway. The cook stood off the side the water coming up to his chest when Zoro strode over. The waves were knocking the blonde off balance but the swordsman was just completely immobile.

A brilliant idea popped into Sanji's head. He wrapped his legs around the other's waist and his arms circled around the muscle man's chest.

"What are you doing?" Zoro shouted in surprise.

"If I hold onto you like a buoy I won't float away," Sanji laughed.

The blonde noticed how close the swordsman's mouth was and remembered their kiss. He had enjoyed it. Did Zoro? Sanji gave into his urge to kiss the other man. It was a chaste kiss but when he pulled away Zoro tangled his fingers in the blonde's hair to force him back. Zoro plunged his tongue into Sanji's open mouth. The cook moaned as he fought the green haired male for dominance. Good thing the water was cold or they could have a problem or two.

Zoro didn't want this to end. In fact he wanted the others to see so they knew Sanji was his. Especially that witch. He didn't care who she was to the blonde. He had wanted to tear her from Sanji that moment he had seen them. The more provocative his friends had gotten the more protective the cook became. It took all his willpower not to just take Sanji.

They only broke apart when they heard a gasp. Sanji watched confused as Zoro smirked at Nami's surprised face. He burst out in laughter when he realized what it meant.

"What's so funny shit-cook?" Zoro growled.

Sanji pushed the swordsman away and went over to Nami. He hugged her from behind and placed his chin on her head. "You're jealous of Nami."

The navigator smiled amusedly at that. "You really didn't tell them anything."

"What?" the marimo demanded angrily.

"Nami's," more laughing, "my sister."

A guard yelled from the beach, "The boats ready."

Sanji looked away sadly, "That's our call."

"You're coming with us dartbrow," the swordsman stated.

"How are you going to accomplish that?" he asked hopefully. Maybe he could find a loophole.

Luffy bounded up yelling, "We're going to kidnap you both if you don't come willingly."

I couldn't resist doing that to Sanji in the beginning. Anyway that buoy part was random. I went to the lake with my sister and her girlfriend did that to her. I thought it was funny and decided to fit it in somewhere.

The next chapter will hopefully be up soon but I'm still deciding Sanji's next move. The only person who knows he's a prince is Robin and I plan to make them talk but I'm unsure how he's going to get caught. At least I know how the story ends I just need to get to it. Let me know what you think of this chapter.