Franky sighed, sitting at his office chair. He glanced up at the three idiots sitting in front of it. They were his friends and he knew how tight knit the group was, hell after he had figured out what had gone down, hearing the story from all three perspectives (and Chopper's but he really wasn't in any trouble), Franky wanted to give Fullbody a piece of his mind as well. But as the teacher of course, he couldn't.
Needless to say in the end of things, a pregnant student got provoked, his friends stood up for him and now that shitty other student was being taken to the hospital from Zoro's protective wrath. That made this even more difficult.
"Well… Someone's going to have to take the suspension guys. I can't leave it alone when it's gotten this out of hand." He said, studying each of their expressions.
Zoro, who was still angry, didn't seem to be holding any regrets for his actions. If Franky didn't know them all on a personal level as well, he would have thought of just placing the blame on Zoro. Sanji's punch had knocked the guy down but the cook had walked away. Zoro had to practically be pried off the poor son of a bitch.
Luffy, who was just as proud in his earlier actions of keeping anyone from stopping Zoro, didn't look phased either. But really, their raven haired friend hadn't done much in this altercation. His problem was outside the fight itself. Though, then again, Luffy could have prevented a bigger fight from sprawling out if Fullbody's friends had gotten to Zoro.
Then there was Sanji. Aw man just thinking about suspending Sanji made Franky feel really bad. Poor kid already found out he was pregnant as a guy, that itself was a huge stress factor on its own, not to mention adding twins, having to deal with all that and not be able to do anything you were used to anymore. Fuck, Franky would've punched the guy too! Kids were the worst, why had he become a teacher again? Oh yeah, sexy Robin.
"I'll do it." Sanji finally said, moving his head up from where it was resting in his palm, elbow on his knee.
It made both Zoro and Luffy stare at him quickly. "What?" They repeated in a strange way, only freaked for a moment but still very surprised. They'd stuck up for Sanji after all, like hell they'd let him take the blame!
"Oi Cook, the hell. No way -"
"Shut the hell up." Sanji snapped, sitting up straighter in his seat and turned towards Zoro. "I think you've done enough, yeah? It was my fight, it's my fault." Then he looked at Franky. "You got that? Besides, I need a break from this place anyway…"
Franky shifted in his office chair. "Alright then little bros. Sanji it is..." He said it regretfully, he really didn't want to have to do it. He looked down at the suspension form on his desk and began filling it out.
Zoro was still glaring at the blond as he got up from his chair and took it. Then, silently he spun on his heel and left. That's when the Marimo's gaze moved down lower, knowing that both the teacher and Luffy were staring at him now. Dammit! Why couldn't Sanji just let him take the fall like he was supposed to!?
"Zoro bro..." Franky started, scratching at his hair with his pen. "I know you want to protect Sanji and all but you can't just go around beating people up."
Zoro gave him a solid nod and glanced over. Yeah he knew that. Just he got so infuriated at seeing Sanji upset because of that asshole. After what had happened he never wanted to see Sanji that upset again. He abruptly stood, his knuckles white.
"Sorry." He gritted through his teeth. "It won't happen again."
Then the marimo turned to storm out of Franky's office. He was dying to get back to the apartment to talk to Sanji but would instead have a full rest of the day of classes to attend to. What a way to start the new semester.
Sanji drove to the apartment fast from school. He'd hate to admit it but he was a mess. Dammit when had he gotten so soft? Shitty hormones messing with him. He didn't mean to, but he ended up slamming the door on his way into the apartment, rushing straight to the bed and falling on top of it. He felt like such crap and now he was angry, kicking off his shoes to the side.
He yanked at his school vest next, because screw it, it had been bothering him since he put it on that morning. Sanji needed to breathe! He ripped it off his frame then chucked it hard against the bedroom wall. Then, while pouting, curled back into the bed, gripping on the covers that just had to smell like that stupid Marimo's personal musk. He was glaring over at the wall, a numb shiver coming over him as his site slightly glazed.
Everything was just not going right for the blond. Here he was, only seventeen years old still a senior in high school while pregnant with twins. Not to mention adding the fact that he's a guy and they aren't supposed to do that, add on the harassment that would no doubt be coming and it was just going to get worse. Today was just a taste and had resulted when he was still not obviously showing. What in the hell was he going to do in a few weeks when he's huge?
He didn't know what he'd do then. It was hard for the blond to tune out taunts but he couldn't keep doing this to himself. At least for now he had a week off away from those things. Now that he glanced around, he could remember that there were some positive things coming from this. He sat up on his side of the bed, his shoulders were lax, his pouting abdomen out more than he liked. Sanji softly prodded at it.
Reason number one was right there. Although he didn't like being pregnant and the things that came with it, he had two babies on the way. He was going to be a Father with Zoro. Which came to his second reason. It made him flush. In the beginning there had been some dark moments with the Marimo, but now things were changing. After all things didn't change drastically between them, they were getting better.
And then all he needed to do was look at the apartment around him. He attempted to hug his knees close to him but it was something that was already a little awkward to do. He gave it another week before he couldn't do it anymore. He stared at his small selection of clothes in the closet, one of which was his work uniform.
He couldn't help but be stressed out. They were just kids! In school still! Would they be able to do this on their own? Would they be able to make enough money? He sighed, letting go of his knees and shifting his legs off the side of the bed. Well he wasn't going to sit there and sulk, he'd have way too much time to sit on his ass soon enough. He'd seen those damn brochures that Chopper had given him to read. The sore ankles and feet were just about to start. Bring it on.
While on his way over to the closet, Sanji slipped his cellphone from out of his pants pocket. It didn't surprise him the number of missed calls and texts he saw on the screen. The majority were from Zoro, worried about whether or not he made it to the apartment. Which was a little comical because even though he'd probably lived in it the last two or three years, Zoro still got lost on his way there. Then of course they turned rather mild and concerning, asking him if he was alright.
The other text messages not from the Marimo consisted mostly of the rest of the crew, one from Nami asking him if he was alright and offering assistance if he needing it – so sweet of his Nami-swan! Then of course one from Luffy that was nothing but the word meat with a lot of repeating letters that weren't needed. Basically, he was getting screamed meat in a text. Was that all Luffy thought about, really? He must have discovered without Sanji at school he was also without his left overs.
After spotting those though, he went to his real objective of grabbing his phone, the same time his hand found the hanger of his work uniform. He clicked on Zeff's contact and gave him a call. If he was going to be suspended for a good week, he wasn't going to spend it here, no offense to the nicely cleaned apartment he had. He was limited on time helping Zoro out with the funds and it hurt his pride if he couldn't also provide for his family, not counting the fact he was actually holding half his family with him at all times.
Usually he just had his part time job at the Baratie that he went to after school, but since he suddenly had time off, perhaps now he could work an extra shift or two. Who really knew if he'd ever have another chance before Zeff finally decided he couldn't keep cooking anymore, which the old geezer had already made clear might be soon considering the twins.
After tucking the phone between his neck and chin and talking to his adoptive father, all the while unbuttoning his school uniform and opting for his Baratie uniform, he was finally given more work time, albeit reluctantly. He thanked Zeff halfheartedly, because let's be honest he wasn't that sentimental with his father figure, then slipped the phone back into his pocket.
Sanji couldn't help but hiss though. Great, it wasn't just his normal clothes anymore it had to be his work clothes? His white top still buttoned up, thank god, but it was too snug a fit. Sanji could only guess the old man was right that he shouldn't be working soon since if he was big enough already to not comfortably fit in his uniform, it was going to get exceptionally harder to move about any kitchens.
Slipping his shoes back on he hurried out of the bedroom, only to halt in the center of the apartment. He stared at the clock on the wall. There was only a few more hours of school for the swordsman before he would come home. Sanji knew Zoro enough to know he'd storm through the door demanding to talk about what he honestly wanted to avoid. Even so, he glanced at the fridge. It was killing him to think that Zoro would come here before going to work and not have anything to snack on or eat.
Or perhaps that was just his excuse for his own desire to open the fridge and find something to snack on. Regardless, Sanji moved to the kitchen and turned on the stove. The least he could do was to make the Marimo a snack, and then himself one. If things went well he might be able to snag them dinner later from the restaurant.
Trying not to eat everything he pulled out was useless. Even when he wasn't paying attention he'd notice that there was something dancing along with his taste buds that he just threw into his mouth unconsciously. He cursed, putting everything that wasn't currently sizzling on the oven back in the fridge, frankly banning himself from it the rest of the time he was staying home before work.
Then, turning over to the stove top and sliding his work onto a plate, Sanji wrapped it fondly and set it out on the counter. There, now he didn't have to feel bad thinking of that idiot swordsman coming home and staring at the fridge for hours, waiting for something to make itself. Or worse, leaving and going back to it three more times before resorting to something easy. Like if he still had that damn take out place's number! He wouldn't dare!
Regardless, he grabbed his keys from his things and finally made his way out of the door, unsure if his leaving would only make things worse when he'd get home with the fifty percent chance of an angry Zoro there waiting for him.
Sanji's concerns reappeared when he pulled into the apartment complex's parking lot and saw Zoro's car. He hissed in the back of his throat, but nonetheless took the walk of shame to the elevator and up to their floor. He hesitated in front of the door. Suddenly, for the first time in his life, Sanji actually seemed to be worried on the other side of the situation. What if Zoro was really mad with him? It made his gut swirl a little nervously.
He didn't want Zoro mad with him. He loved Zoro and honestly didn't need the more stress. Things were just now getting better! Though he didn't blame him. Zoro could be mad if he wanted - Sanji did do something pretty careless. Finally, taking a deep composing breath for motivation, he turned his key in the lock and opened the door, being careful with the container of food that he held in his other hand.
The TV was on and Sanji could spot the top of green hair over the side of the couch. So Zoro was home, just like he already knew he'd be. But still seeing him made his heart quicken. He shut the door behind him, expecting to hear some sort of remark but it never happened. He waited but still one never came. Finally, after hearing a snore from the couch, Sanji was relieved. Ah, he was sleeping.
Well it made sense. While Sanji was at the Baratie working hard, Zoro had been off at one of his jobs. He was probably just as exhausted. So instead the Cook went back into the kitchen, smiling softly at the empty plate from his earlier snack. He was glad Zoro wasn't mad enough that he wouldn't be accepting free food. Even so, if he was that tired he probably wouldn't be eating any of these left overs, well they weren't really left overs it was just something he made before he left the restaurant.
He got himself a plate down, since he still needed to eat, but could at least put Zoro's away for later. Maybe use it to make his bento for the next day, since he'd be needing it going to school on his own. He was too busy in his craft of preparing it perfectly again for himself that he didn't notice the movement on the couch.
Zoro had woken up, hearing some of the dishes being moved around. He yawned, scratching at his head before glancing over at the cook in the kitchen. He watched for a little while, lost in his thoughts. Sanji hadn't been home when he came back, which scared Zoro more than he'd like to think. He instantly ran to the bedroom just to make sure that his things hadn't been moved. He wasn't sure what he'd do if the blonde had left him, especially since he wanted to talk to him.
Staying to the end of the school day, definitely not paying attention to his classes, gave the Marimo time to think. Perhaps he had acted a little out of line, but he was still adamant about his reasoning. He wasn't going to just stand by dammit! Not while people tried to make some kind of joke of his lover. Still, as much as he wanted to take the blame for Sanji, he supposed he understood why the blond might have opted to take the punishment instead.
"Oi." He finally said, nearly scaring the cook as he was putting his portion of food away. "Keep that out."
Sanji's mouth grew dry as he met Zoro's dark eyes. He turned back to the plates. Guess the swordsman was awake and assuming since he wanted the food, he hadn't eaten. Though Sanji didn't blame him, if he had to work around that stench Zoro came home with, he wouldn't want to eat the food either. After fixing the Marimo's plate as well, he balance both on his hands with silverware and just like he did at his job, brought them over to the couch.
Zoro had moved by that point so Sanji sat on the opposite side with his leg half way, handing Zoro his portion. He tried to avoid his eyes as he repositioned himself to sitting properly and staring at the TV. For another moment of silence, it was just them shoving their food around with utensils. Both of them were trying to figure out what to say.
"Cook-"
"I'm not sorry." Sanji found himself blurting out. His heart was beating fast.
Being brave he glanced over at Zoro, whose expression was concentrated. He was quiet, allowing him to explain himself.
"I want to provide for this family as well while I still can. With a week off I can work extra." He started off, feeling that might be the strong point of his argument. "And when I can't anymore... Marimo what were you thinking? You can't get suspended! You could lose your jobs if you do!"
Now that seemed to tick the Marimo off a little. He put his plate off onto the side table and turned back towards Sanji.
"That's bullshit cook and you know it. So what if I did? You want me to just stand by while some assholes pokes fun? I don't think so. I can't do that."
"No one asked you to stick up for me shit head! I don't need you to! I'm not weak alright?"
"You don't have to ask me to! I'll do it anyway! I'm not going to let people harass my fiancé!"
"Fiancé? That's another thing you thick brained piece of shit, I don't exactly remember how that went down-"
Zoro's eye's widened as he moved quickly to assist Sanji. For some reason in the midst of his argument his face paled and he dropped his grip on his plate, food spilling over him.
"Oi! What are you doing?" Zoro mumbled, grabbing the food and putting it messily back on the plate. "You alright?"
Sanji was still a little stunned about what had happened to him, but then took over cleaning himself up, pushing Zoro away and standing up.
"I'm fine, I'm fine."
He was trying really hard to ignore the stains that were now on his shirt, but what had that been? It was so random and so surreal feeling, it frightened him. His heart was racing. Zoro, still in his seat gazed up at him in confusion.
"What happened?"
Sanji swallowed thickly, taking a deep breath before heading to the kitchen to clean up. He was still trying to find that out himself. "I… Felt something..."
"Felt something?" That worried Zoro. What was the cook feeling? Was it in his stomach? Was something happening to the babies? Should he call Chopper? "Do I need to call Chopper?"
Sanji shook his head, putting the plate down on the counter. He hissed at the state of his shirt now and began to unbutton his uniform. "No… I don't think so. It was like this weird… Just forget it, I barely felt it anyway."
Zoro scowled. Barely felt it his ass. It made the cook lose focus and drop a plate on himself! Oh shit that food hadn't been hot had it? He couldn't even remember. Though, as he saw Sanji strip the fabric from his skin, he didn't see any red marks or burns. It still worried him none the less. But still? Feeling things that didn't necessarily hurt?
"Do you think...?" He began, getting up with his plate. He'd offer half of it to Sanji of course, since his had been ruined. "It was the twins?"
That made Sanji pause again, lightly pursing his lips. The twins? He gazed down at his pouting abdomen. Surely not, right? Though they were growing like crazy on him, he wasn't sure what to think. Could they already be kicking him and he didn't realize? It was in that area? He lightly pressed on his stomach again, swallowing anxiously. Then, Zoro grinned at him, entering the kitchen as well.
"They agree with me then." He said, putting it down then approaching his shirtless cook, who glowered up at him. "I know you aren't weak. But for a while..." Zoro wrapped his arms around the blond, embracing him closer against him, comfortingly rocking them back and forth. "Let me protect you and our babies..."
Sanji had a lump in his throat now. Dammit he'd been pouty but truth was he did need Zoro. Needed him in so many ways. His forehead rested against the fabric on the Marimo's chest, his nose wrinkling at the smell of his stench from work. He pulled away and looked up at him, slightly frowning. Okay so maybe he felt bad, but still he didn't feel sorry about taking the fall for Zoro. It was his fight after all. But if Zoro really wanted to put his neck out for him… He should be more flattered than mad, shouldn't he? It wasn't an insult to his own strength.
"Zoro..." He breathed out, averting his eyes regretfully. "About the fiancé comment..."
Zoro shook his head and released the Cook. "Nah, its fine. I understand." He explained, grabbing his plate from earlier and handing it to the blond. "It's kind of hard to imagine without a ring or something right? One of these day's cook. When, everything's come together."
It made Sanji slightly smile, just hearing that Zoro was still adamant about it. He looked down a little unsure at Zoro's plate of food though. Surely, he wasn't just handing it over because Sanji ruined his. Sanji took it though.
"You aren't going to eat?" He asked softly. It was appetizing of course because he was starving in his state. But Zoro had to be just as hungry and tired as he was.
Zoro shook his head, scratching at the back of his neck. "Nah, I snacked on some things at work. You eat it." Then he gave him a reassuring smile, leaning over and kissing lightly at his cheek.
"Going to bed, night."
Sanji's face was still burning as he watched Zoro leave and head off towards the bedroom. He glanced back down quietly at the food. Well, he didn't like to waste… And if Zoro really meant that he had eaten he supposed he wouldn't mind. Still his heart was racing. Had he felt the twins?