A/N: Thanks for the reviews! They make me so happy! So this story is already finished and posted in AO3 for those who don't want to wait. It's 15 chapters long and over 100k! There's also two sequels! But if you prefer to read it here, I'll be posting ever 2-4 days and the chapters are all pretty long :)
Zoro is an amazing father. It's not something someone would automatically think looking at the green-haired man, but it's completely true. As they quickly settle in a routine of Sanji arriving early in the morning to cook breakfast and prepare Chopper's lunch, then returning late in the evening to prepare dinner, he gets a chance to look at the father interacting with his son.
Zoro helps Chopper with his homework. Zoro is not incredibly smart—he's twenty-four, so it's been a while since he was last in grade school—but he's not stupid either, and he makes the effort to learn what he doesn't understand. Thankfully, Chopper is incredibly smart, so more often than not, Chopper is the one refreshing his father in some of the older topics. Sanji watches from the kitchen as father and son pour over textbooks that look too big to belong to a second-grader, and he can't help but smile at the sight.
Zoro also fancies himself a strict father, but it's obvious Chopper has him eating from the palm of his hand. All Chopper has to do is look at his father with his huge, brown eyes, and Zoro gives in. It's the only time Sanji ever gets to see a smile on Zoro's face.
Zoro isn't afraid of showing Chopper open affection, often pulling him into his lap to ruffle his hair or hug him tightly. He says 'I love you, too' whenever Chopper says 'I love you', he says 'I'm proud of you' whenever Chopper brings home a perfect test. He kisses Chopper goodnight, and always yells out a 'be safe' when he leaves for school in the mornings. Once, when Chopper arrived from school with paint all over himself from staying with the famous 'Luffy', he and Zoro showered together while Sanji prepared their dinner.
Sanji gets too see a thousand new faces of Zoro, each one more surprising and pleasant that the last. But no matter how much Sanji tries, Zoro doesn't lower his defenses. Their routine quickly turns into an awkward setting that ends with Sanji always leaving as soon as Chopper is put to bed. Zoro has set up boundaries around himself and his son, and he sticks to them adamantly. It soon becomes clear that Sanji really isn't anything more than the stranger who feeds them, regardless of the countless of times he's tried to do more—he's not even sure whether Zoro remembers his name, since he always refers to him as cook, shit cook, curly, or dartboard brow.
He knows Zoro has more than one job—his hours are too random, his schedule too busy for anything less—but other than Shells Coffee Shop, he doesn't know more. The green-haired man has a couple of friends that pick up Chopper from school and stay with him until he arrives home from work. Sanji would've never found out that little bit of information if Chopper weren't always talking about Luffy or Usopp, and even once, Nami.
Sanji has offered to pick up the second-grader twice, and both times he has been shut down as soon as the question leaves his lips. Zoro doesn't trust him, never leaves him alone with Chopper despite always being in the safety of their home. It's clear that while he allows—and very grudgingly so—Sanji to cook their meals, he's still highly suspicious of the cook.
And that is why it comes as such a surprise when—after almost three months of their arrangement—Carne tells him he has a call from someone named Zoro.
"Zoro?" he answers uncertainly, hunching his back protectively to keep the other cooks from hearing his conversation.
"Cook?" Zoro's voice is quiet and strained. "Hey man—listen, are you busy?"
"Not at all," he lies, sparing a guilty look at Zeff. "Um…did you need something?"
"Yeah. Usopp isn't going to be able to pick up Chopper today, and I is wondering—."
"Yes!" The silence coming from the receiver and from the kitchen behind him is awkward, and Sanji feels his cheeks burn in embarrassment. He squeezes his eyes shut and takes a deep breath, gathering courage. "Sorry. You were saying?"
The silence lasts for a few more seconds, and when Zoro speaks again, there is mirth in his tone. "Can you pick up Chopper from school? It's only going to be for a couple of hours. Usopp can take him off your hands around four or so."
"It's no problem," Sanji assures him. "I can watch him until you get home. I'll have dinner ready when you arrive."
A snort from behind him and another awkward silence from the receiver make it painfully clear how his words have been taken.
"Thanks, cook. He goes to the Merry Go Elementary. It's off Syrup Street."
"Alright. Don't worry, I'll take good care of him."
"Thanks. Shit, that's my boss—I know, you fucking jerk! I'm hanging up now!—Bye, shit cook."
"See you later, marimo."
"So…did the fact that we're on rush hour escaped your mind, Eggplant?" Zeff growls, glaring at Sanji from his station on the grill.
"Why did you hire all these crap cooks then, if you're depending on me?" Sanji scoffs. "It's just for today, old man."
"Get out of my kitchen, you little shit. Out! Now!"
"I'm going, sheesh."
The other cooks watch, frozen, as Sanji quickly takes off his apron and rushes out. Patty is the first to break the silence.
"A man, huh? I sure did not see that coming."
Chopper's school is one of the nicer public school of the area. It's small, only housing a few hundred students, but it's cozy. Chopper is in second grade, in a small class of only a dozen. When Sanji arrives, there are a few other parents picking up their kids, a lovely blue-haired woman and a creepy blonde man talking to the beautiful blonde teacher.
"Sanji!" Chopper exclaims, running up to greet him with a hug. "What are you doing here?"
"Your Dad asked me to pick you up." Sanji ruffles the sandy hair, grinning down at the kid. "How was school?"
"Great! We read Nim's Island! And Miss Kaya had me read out loud and I did, and I didn't mess up once so she gave me a sticker; see?!"
"That's great, buddy," Sanji says, looking at the bright 'Amazing!' sticker.
"Excuse me…are you here to pick up Chopper?"
Sanji turns around and is greeted by the heavenly sight of Chopper's teacher. "Ah, what a lovely flower! Yes, my lovely. I'm…a friend of the family."
"Sanji makes my lunch boxes, Miss Kaya," Chopper adds.
"Oh…what happened with Usopp?" Kaya asks, curiously.
"I don't know. Zoro just asked me if I could pick Chopper up, and of course I said yes," Sanji says.
"I…well, I really needed to talk to Zoro," Kaya frowns. "It's rather important."
"Well, you can tell me!" Sanji is quick to say. "I see the stupid moss head every day, I can relay the message."
Kaya's frown deepens, staring at Sanji suspiciously for a few moments. Finally, she decides she can trust the blonde, and her face clears. "Alright. Chopper, why don't you go play with the others? It's only going to take a few minutes,"
"Yes, Miss Kaya."
The lovely teacher leads Sanji back to her desk, offering him a rather small chair. She takes out a file from one of her drawers and quickly skims it before turning back to Sanji. "Do you know what we did today in class, Mr. Sanji?"
"Please, just call me Sanji, my beautiful flower," Sanji praises. "Chopper mentioned reading a book. Nim's Island, I believe."
"The class read Nim's Island," Kaya corrects. "Chopper read a book titled Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism."
"E-excuse me?"
"He has been really interested in the human body lately," Kaya continues, ignoring Sanji's surprise. "He's already gone through quite the inventory. Books about anatomy, the numerous body systems. Honestly, just reading the titles on some of those books made my head hurt."
"Chopper is seven," Sanji says. "And you're telling me he's reading advanced medical books?"
"Chopper already knew how to read when he entered my class," Kaya says, again ignoring Sanji. "He knew advanced algebra, had a vocabulary greater than my own. His critical thinking skills are superb, and he shows quite the thirst for knowledge. I'm pretty sure Chopper knew how to read before he hit school age. The first time I caught him reading a medical book, he immediately hid it and denied its existence."
"But…but if he's as smart as you say he is, then this is a good thing!" Sanji exclaims. "I mean…wow! So he's a genius? What is he doing in second grade, then? Shouldn't he already be in, I don't know, college or something?"
"He should. I took the liberty of giving him an IQ test. He scored a 136—barely below the genius level, but definitely higher than either of us. When he continued to show great interest in the field of science, I gave him a test I took from the local university's biology class. He scored a perfect score. It's my belief, then, that Chopper is a medical prodigy."
"This is…I'm sorry, I'm just…wow." Sanji glances back at the kid, happily playing with a Buzz Lightyear action figure. To think that the cute little boy is smarter than Sanji. "So now what?"
"I think Chopper should head on to greater things," Kaya says simply. "It's clear to me that my class is no longer challenging to him. From here, I would like to give him a high school equivalency test. Once he has graduated, I don't think it would be a problem for him to be accepted at any University he wishes to attend."
"That's great. Yes, of course," Sanji nods. "I'm sure Zoro won't say no. I mean, his kid is a prodigy! He's going to be thrilled!"
"There's just one problem," Kaya cuts in, and her face hardens. "Like I said before, Chopper doesn't like to voice the fact that he's gifted. Multiple times, he has lied about his abilities, hiding them behind childish excuses. You see, Chopper understands that these opportunities come at a price. Higher education is not cheap, and while many programs would be more than glad to grant Chopper a scholarship, this would still be a great economic challenge for Zoro. Zoro is a personal friend of mine, and I know that he can't afford something like this right now. I have no doubts that he would do anything in his power to give Chopper this opportunity, but I'm afraid he's just going to bury himself in debt. Chopper, unfortunately, understands this. So you understand why this has to be dealt with carefully, right?"
Sanji frowns. He knows Zoro isn't doing well. He has seen him multiple times stressing over bills. The green-haired man is in debt, how much Sanji doesn't know, but it's clear that he's barely holding himself above water. If he hears the news, Zoro will immediately go to the nearest loan shark and sell his soul if he thought that would help Chopper. It will be a vicious cycle that will never end.
But they can't make Chopper give this up. The boy is a prodigy! He has so many opportunities in front of him, a great chance to climb above everyone and anyone and make something of himself. Zoro will never forgive himself if he denies Chopper this chance.
"I…understand," he finally answers. "I will let Zoro know. Thank you, Miss Kaya."
The pretty blonde nods and puts up Chopper's file. "I'm glad you understand, Sanji. From what Chopper tells me, you have been a great friend to Zoro. I'm happy he's found someone again."
Sanji's eyes widen and a blush spreads to the tip of his ears. "What? Oh no, we're not…I mean, we're just friends. He doesn't, I don't…feel, uh—no."
This time, it's Kaya's turn to feel embarrassed. "Oh! I'm sorry. I just assumed—well, let me go get Chopper."
Sanji nods, heat still burning his cheeks. Why do people think he's going out with Zoro? Even the cooks at the Baratie thought so. Sanji is straight, goddamnit. He's a lady's man, he was born to love women!
So what if sometimes he notices if a guy is attractive? It happens once in a blue moon, and it's never anything sexual. He can recognize attractiveness, even on guys. Take Zoro, for example; he's an attractive man. Extremely attractive, if Sanji is being completely honest. Zoro has a build similar to his own, except Sanji is better marked. Zoro does have wider shoulders, but that's just genetics. The green hair is a little weird, but it looks nice on him, especially contrasted against his tan skin. But he has never had those kind of thoughts towards Zoro. Why would he? Zoro is aman, and Sanji doesn't like men. Especially not arrogant, self-confident marimos with an oddly adorable side.
Sanji is sure that if he returns to the Baratie, Zeff will throw him out with a well-placed kick to the ass. He doesn't want Chopper to witness that, so he takes the boy to the Zoo instead. He has gone there plenty of times himself, it being one of his favorite dating spots, but it's a whole new experience going with Chopper.
They boy is excited about everything. He has boundless energy and drags Sanji from one exhibit to the other faster than the cook can think. He has a thousand questions for everything, and Sanji is sure their guide is happy to see them go. He doesn't want to head home and ruin the little boy's excitement, so he takes him to a local frozen yogurt stand, making sure he doesn't pick too many sweet toppings.
"This is the best day ever! Thank you, Sanji!" Chopper squeals, taking a large spoonful of strawberry yogurt.
"You're welcome." Sanji smiles, picking at his own vanilla frozen treat. He has been thinking about how he's going to approach the subject of the boy's intellect to Chopper, but he hasn't come up with anything good. After all, despite his intelligence, Chopper is still a naïve little boy. Maybe it's just best to be honest. "Chopper…Miss Kaya mentioned your interest in medicine to me."
Immediately, Chopper's brightness dims. His legs stop swinging and the smile leaves his face. He picks at his yogurt, not meeting Sanji's eyes. "Y-yeah."
"Chopper, why didn't you tell your father anything?" Sanji asks softly. "You know he's going to be happy, right?"
Chopper nods slowly, but he's still staring at the floor. "I know." His voice is small, defeated, and it tugs at Sanji's heart.
"So what's the problem, then?" Chopper hesitates, then mutters something unintelligible. "I'm sorry, what?"
"I don't want to give him any more burdens." Chopper speaks slowly, as if thinking about each word before he says it. He's completely serious.
"Burdens? Chopper, you aren't a burden to your dad. He loves you! What made you think that?" Sanji asks, confused. "Has he said anything to make you feel this way?"
"No!" Chopper exclaims quickly, eyes snapping to finally meet Sanji's. "No, never! Dad is a little rough, and he's always cursing and yelling, but he's good to me. I know he loves me because he works hard for me. He reads to me when I can't sleep, he stays on the couch so I can have the bed to myself, and he always joins me when I have a nightmare. Before you came along, he always gave me the bigger share of food even when I complained. He loves me, despite all the problems I've caused him."
"Chopper, your father's problems aren't your fault. He's just—."
"They are! You just don't know."
"Then tell me. How is this whole thing your fault?"
Chopper stares defiantly at Sanji, lower lip trembling. His hands are fists on the table, and he looks ready to either run or fight. Finally, his shoulders and eyes drop, and he begins talking, his words directed at the table. "When I was little, it was just my mom and me. Dad doesn't think I remember, because I was really little, but I remember most of it. Mom used to work really hard for me too, but she had a boyfriend who helped her. Then, Mom got really sick, so she told me I was going to have to go live with my Dad. But after she died, her boyfriend wants me to stay with him. I don't know why, since he never really liked me. I…I didn't want to stay with him. I want to be with my dad. He was nice to me, and he didn't even yell at me when I cried for a whole day when my mom died. When I told Dad that I want to stay with him, he hired a big, expensive lawyer that made it so that I could stay with Dad. But he had to borrow a lot of money and he even got two more jobs just to take care of me. He even broke up with his boyfriend because he was mean to me. I want to be a doctor, and I want to go to college. But Dad can't afford it right now. When I get older, I'm going to work, too, so I can save up money and pay for school myself. I'm not gonna give him any more problems."
Several things stand out to Sanji. First, it looks like Zoro never married Chopper's mother. Had it been a casual fling, then? Zoro doesn't look like the type that would get a girl pregnant and then leave her. Maybe he hadn't known? He was pretty young to be a father, so maybe the mother kept it from him.
Next, Chopper's mother was dead. Sanji felt bad for the kid. He had lost his parents at a young age too, and knows how hard it can be. Also, it looks like Zoro owes some big money to some pretty important people. He's pretty sure he didn't get that money legally. A loan shark, then. Sanji briefly wonders if Zoro would tell him who exactly had lent him the money. Probably not.
The most striking bit of information—thought least important—is the fact that Zoro had a boyfriend. Is he gay, then? No, he had been with Chopper's mom. Maybe bisexual? Or maybe he's gay and that is the reason why he didn't stay with Chopper's mom. Is that why Kaya had thought he and Zoro were dating? It doesn't matter, though. It doesn't change anything. So Zoro is gay—or bisexual—so what? Sanji doesn't have anything against those type of people. Heck, one of his closest friends is gay. He wonders briefly what Zoro's type is but quickly discards the subject. That is dangerous territory.
Right now, he needs to help Chopper. It's clear this is really bothering the child. He's guilty about having asked Zoro to stay with him, but Sanji is sure the man would have done everything the same even if Chopper hadn't said anything.
"Chopper, I want you to listen to me, okay?" Sanji begins seriously. "Your father is an adult. Any decisions he made, he did them out of his own free will. None of this is your fault, alright? He loves you and he wants to be you. That's why he hired that lawyer, that's why he broke up with that guy. Did he make a couple of mistakes on the way? Yeah, sure, but you're in no way responsible for any of this. Zoro is your father, he's supposed to sacrifice stuff for you. Don't you ever feel guilty for asking for anything, you understand? I get it, trust me. My old man sacrificed a lot of stuff for me, too. And for a long time, I felt really guilty and I made a lot of stupid mistakes. And when he finally found out what I was doing, do you know what he did?"
The little boy shakes his head, staring wide-eyed at Sanji.
"He kicked my ass," Sanji says, and Chopper laughs. "He kicked my ass so hard I couldn't sit down for weeks. But now that I'm older, I understand a little better. You see, Chopper, when you care for someone, you can't help but give them everything you can. You want to see them happy and safe, and you do whatever you can to make them feel that way. That's why parents do so much for us. So Chopper, do you think lying to your dad and keeping this from him is going to make him happy?"
"No," Chopper mutters, pouting. "But I don't want him to spend any money on me."
"Well, that's too bad," Sanji laughs. "He's gonna do it, Chopper. But I'll tell you what: if you promise me that you will tell Zoro about your mad genius, I promise I will do anything I can to help him. Deal?"
"Deal!" Chopper says quickly, smiling.
"Alright. Now, let's head home and make something tasty so he'll have a full belly when we tell him the goods new. What do you wanna make?"
"Dad loves rice balls. Can you make those?"
"Sure. C'mon. I think there's some salmon left that we can use as filling. And it wouldn't be too bad to get him a bottle of sake."
"Alright!"
Sanji and Chopper stop by the grocery store to buy a few extra ingredients; Zoro is running low on eggs and ham, as well as water and bread. Sanji also grabs a few bottles of food coloring, to make the rice balls a little more fun for Chopper.
Zoro arrives late, almost at eight o' clock. Sanji helped Chopper with his homework (not that the kid needed it. He really is incredibly smart) and they are finishing putting up his books when Zoro comes in.
"Hi, Dad! We made Onigiri!" Chopper exclaims as soon as he sees his father. "Look!"
"That's nice, Chopper." Zoro looks at the array of colorful, unshapely rice balls with a little apprehension. He pats his son's head. "I bet they taste great."
"I made some, too," Sanji adds, showing him the platter of perfectly shaped Onigiri.
"Oh thank god," Zoro sighs, and Chopper smacks him in the arm.
Zoro seems a little more relaxed today than any other night. He actually initiates the dinner conversation, talking about the new employee he's training at work. Sanji is still a little confused as to what he does for a living, but he doesn't want to ask in case Zoro closes off again.
Throughout dinner, Chopper and Sanji shared meaningful looks, the cook trying to convince the little kid to steer the conversation towards his medical expertise. Chopper tries twice, but always backs down at the last moment. So Sanji takes matters into his own hands.
"Miss Kaya mentioned how smart Chopper is," Sanji says conversationally, throwing another look at the slightly panicked Chopper.
Zoro grins. "Yeah. Chopper's real smart."
"Thanks, Dad."
"She says she wants to talk to you about something, though. Some kind of special class." Sanji shrugs in nonchalance.
"Special class? Like, for slow kids?"
"Dad, no!" Chopper exclaims. "Ugh god. You're not really supposed to call them slow, Dad."
"Sorry." Zoro rolls his eyes, clearly not bothered. "So what kind of classes, then?"
Sanji raises an eyebrow in Chopper's direction. The little kid nods and sets his mouth, a determined expression settling on his young face.
"Miss Kaya thinks I should be in more advanced classes," Chopper begins.
"Really? Like skip a grade? That's really great, Chopper. So you're going to be a middle school kid now or something?"
"Um, no," Chopper murmurs. "More like a college student."
There is a short pause, Zoro frozen with the bottle of sake's mouth on his lip. "College student?"
"Chopper's a prodigy," Sanji cuts in, afraid the little kid will burst with tension. "He's shown a real aptitude for the medical field, and Miss Kaya wants him to take the high school equivalency test and go on to college. She thinks he can easily be accepted, and I have to agree."
"Chopper?" Zoro looks at his son, frown in place. "Is this true?"
"Yes," Chopper mutters, ears tinged red.
"Well, that's…Chopper, that's great!" Zoro exclaims and a bright smile breaks through. "A prodigy? Shit, that's amazing! Chopper, I'm so proud of you." The green haired man stands up, reaching over the table to wrap his arms around Chopper in a tight hug. "Fuck, I'm so proud of you," he repeats softly in his son's ear.
"Thanks, Dad," Sanji hears the little boy whisper.
"A college boy!" Zoro lets go of Chopper to grin at him. "You're gonna do great, I just know it. So, when does Kaya want to give you this test?"
"Whenever. She just needs you to sign some paperwork," Chopper says. "Once I pass the test, I just need to apply to the colleges I want to attend. Once I have my pick, I can start looking for scholarships and grants."
"Don't worry about that." Zoro waves his hands dismissively. "College. Fucking college. Wow. I just—Chopper, this is great!"
"You've said that, Dad." Chopper rolls his eyes, but he's blushing.
"It's fucking college, Chopper! This is amazing!" Zoro repeats, still a little bit out of it. "Alright. We have a busy day ahead of us so you better start getting ready for bed. Sanji and I will take care of the dishes. C'mon."
"But Dad—."
"No buts. Your curfew is not changing, buddy. You still have to go to bed at nine."
"Fine. Good night, Sanji."
"G'night," Sanji replies, watching amusedly as Chopper stomps out of the kitchen. He tries to slam the door close, but chickens out at the last moment and softly shuts it instead.
Zoro snorts and follows him, leaving Sanji to pick up the plates and wash the dishes while he helps Chopper get ready for bed. It's almost ten o' clock by the time the green-haired man finally closes the door to Chopper's bedroom and joins Sanji in the kitchen.
"Congratulations, marimo." Sanji raises a bottle of sake and two cups. "Care to celebrate a little?"
"Fuck yeah."
Sanji isn't a big drinker, but he downs the cup of sake. He shudders at the taste and instead takes out one of his cigarettes and lights it.
He doubts Zoro can get drunk anymore, but he wants to keep the other man in a good mood before he makes his suggestion, so he keeps serving him sake as the night progresses. Two smokes and a short anecdote about one of Zoro's coworkers later, Sanji finally feels confident enough.
"So, college…it's pretty great," Sanji begins.
"Yeah. I mean, I knew he would eventually go, but I thought I still had eleven years," Zoro mutters. "It's great, though."
"Yeah. But you know, it's not that bad. I can help—."
"No."
"Why the fuck not?" Sanji hisses, hurt by the flat out refusal.
"We have an agreement. You only help out with food," Zoro says firmly.
"So what? You're just gonna go find a loan shark and borrow twenty thousand Beri?" Sanji sneers. "Why don't you want my help?" he demands when Zoro stays quiet.
"What I do is not any of your business. Now, it's getting pretty late so if you could leave…"
"Fuck that!" Sanji yells, lowering his voice when Zoro glances at Chopper's door. "Chopper told me about what happened after his mother died. And if you think I'm going to believe the bullshit story you told him, think again. You don't need to hire a big shot lawyer to fight child custody when the other person is the mother's boyfriend. You got yourself in debt for some other reason, and as your friend, I think I deserve to know why!"
"Friend? We're not fucking friends," Zoro hisses, glaring at Sanji with cold eyes. "You're just a guy I put up with because you're too fucking stubborn to go away!"
Sanji recoils as if hit. He did not seen that coming. He knows Zoro felt that way at the beginning, but he thought he had changed his mind after a couple of weeks. He's surprised by how hurt he feels; hurt and fucking pissed. "And you are a fucking moron with an ego the size of this shitty building! You're so fucking worried about trying to prove that you can do everything yourself that you haven't realized that you don't fucking have to! It's okay to ask for help, you shitty moss. There's nothing wrong with that. I can help you!"
"I don't need your help! Why do you fucking keep insisting so much?!"
"Because that's what you do!" Sanji yells back, shocking Zoro. He's breathing hard, his heart hammering a thousand beats per second. He bites his lip, fighting to lower his voice before they wake up Chopper. When he speaks again, his voice is much softer. "That's what you do when a friend needs you. You fucking help them."
Zoro stares at him, his expression dripping with suspicion. Sanji glares back, daring him to deny their friendship again.
Finally, Zoro looks away. When he speaks, he does so to the carpet, his posture tense. "Chopper's mother was named Alice."
Sanji nods, but doesn't say anything. He needs to hear this, he needs Zoro to trust him.
Zoro sighs and continues. "She was seventeen when she got pregnant. I was sixteen and drunk; it was the first time I went to a party with beer. She offered, and well…what kind of sixteen year old doesn't want to lose his virginity with an older girl? Anyway, she moved a couple of months after that. She didn't tell me she was pregnant until Chopper was three. She had cancer; the doctor's gave her four months. You can probably imagine my reaction; I went from being a nineteen year old with no responsibilities to having a child to take care of. I didn't go to college instead going straight to the workforce. I used to teach swordsmanship to kids in this dojo in Shimotsuki, but since it was a volunteer job, I had to stop." Zoro stops talking and leans back on the couch. He has a faraway look in his eyes and a slightly dopey smile on his face. It's the type of smile Sanji only gets to see when Zoro is looking at Chopper.
"When I first met Chopper…I don't know how to explain it. It's like I didn't even care what I had to do, I knew I had to give this little crying kid the best life in the world. Alice's boyfriend was a guy name Daz Bones, a member of Baroque Works. Chopper thought Daz wants to keep him, but that's not true. Truth is, Alice owed a lot of money to the boss, a guy named Mr. 0. So Bones told me I either paid them what Alice owed, or they would make sure child services took Chopper away from me. You can guess the rest."
Sanji frowns. It makes more sense than Chopper's story. He knows Baroque Works, Robin worked for them for a little while, and he knew they were a nasty piece of work. No wonder Zoro is still in debt, those guy are experts at taking money. That explains most of the questions Sanji had about Zoro's past. Well, there is still one more. "Chopper felt pretty guilty about that, you know? He even thought you broke up with your boyfriend because of him."
Zoro laughs and finally looks at Sanji. "Is that your way of asking me if I'm gay?"
Sanji winces, but nods. No point in denying it now.
"I've never really labeled myself," Zoro answers with a shrug. "I don't care if they're guys, girls, or whatever—thought I've only ever been with three girls and one guy. Saga was my first boyfriend. We were high school friends and when Saga confessed after graduation, I said yes. He was hot and we got along. The fact that we fucked like bunnies didn't hurt, either."
Sanji blushes at this, and Zoro grins wide. He drags an appreciative eye over Sanji, smirk widening when Sanji shifts uncomfortably. "When Chopper came along, though, Saga couldn't understand that my son was—and still is—my one and only priority," he continues. "He was getting jealous so I broke it off. Working three jobs and taking care of a kid doesn't give you much time to for yourself, though, so I haven't really been with anyone since then."
"Oh." Sanji feels pretty stupid for his simple response, but he's a bit shocked at how much Zoro revealed about himself. Still, there is a warmth in his stomach that is giddy to know Zoro is starting to trust him. "Zoro, I like Chopper. And I like you. You're pretty annoying when you want to be, and you're kind of an asshole, but then again, so am I. I really thought you we were friends."
Zoro lets his head hit the back of the couch. "Sorry, cook. We are friends, but…I've been doing this on my own for a while. It feels strange to have someone come along and want to shoulder part of the weight I'm carrying, especially when you ask for nothing in return."
"I think that's mostly your fault," Sanji says softly. "Kaya mentioned she's one of your friends, and it seems to me that they all want to help you, and you don't let them."
Zoro scowls, but doesn't deny it.
"Look…how about this," Sanji starts. "How about I lend you the money? However much you need; I won't charge you any interest and you can decide on the amount and frequency of the payments. So?"
"That…actually doesn't sound so bad." Zoro hums thoughtfully, index finger rubbing his bottom lip. "I will pay you back, though; to the last penny."
Sanji rolls his eyes, but concedes. It's the best he's going to get.
The next day, Zeff asks him to cover the early morning shift. Since he left the day before to pick up Chopper, he can't say no. He grabs Zoro's number from the Baratie's phone caller ID and calls him on his cell to let Zoro have his phone number and let him know he won't come in to make breakfast; he gives him instructions to follow a simple recipe, inadvertently starting an argument of whether Zoro is capable of cooking for himself or not .
Zoro texts in the afternoon to let him know Chopper is taking the high school equivalency test, and again in the evening to tell him he's going out with friends and taking Chopper with him, so Sanji doesn't need to go to his place and cook dinner.
He's a bit upset at going the whole day without seeing Zoro or Chopper, but when the man makes excuses not to see Sanji the next day too, he begins to wonder if maybe Zoro is avoiding him.
Two weeks after their conversation, Sanji has not visited the Roronoa house once. He kind of wants to show up uninvited, but something tells him that's a bad idea. Zoro does text him every day to keep him updated about Chopper, though. The boy already took and passed the test letting him graduate from high school—Zoro is a little upset Chopper wasn't able to graduate properly with a cap and gown—and is working hard in his applications for college.
Still, Zeff has been working him extra hard this week, so Sanji is a little glad for the extra fee time. When his old man decides to give him the afternoon off on Saturday, he decides to pay Robin a little visit.
Sanji met Robin around ten years ago. He was a sophomore in high school and Robin was in the school's Job Fair representing her then-boyfriend's company. Sanji hit on her and Robin invited him out for drinks. Of course, sex was the last thing on her mind, as Sanji quickly found out. Instead, Sanji was introduced to the dangerous and exotic world of underground fighting. He participated a little bit during his most rebellious years, making a reputation for himself as Black Leg. He stopped as soon as the Baratie started to hit it off, about six years ago. However, he's still unable to say no to the raven-haired woman whenever she asks a favor from him, so he makes the odd appearance every now and then.
Robin has a lot of influence in the Grand Line. He doesn't know how exactly, but Robin has connections everywhere. Franky, her husband, is vice-president of Galley-La, a construction company that built most of the buildings in the country, and Robin sometimes doubles as his secretary. Despite owning most of the major contracts in East Blue, the company is located in Water 7, about an hour away from East Blue.
Sanji has only visited Robin a couple of times at work, but since he made a huge fool of himself in front of the receptionist, it isn't a big surprise when Kalifa recognizes him.
"I'm calling security," she says as soon as she lays eyes on Sanji.
"Wait, Kalifa," Sanji says hurriedly. "I'm just here to see Robin. I promise."
"That's sexual harassment."
"Talking to you?!"
"It's fine, Kalifa. Sanji's a super good friend."
Sanji turns around, relieved to see the large man. This time, Franky has styled his hair into two long braids, but he's still dressed in the usual speedo and Hawaiian print shirt.
"Franky! Hey, it's good to see you again, man."
"You too, Sanji!" Franky exclaims. "Man, Robin will be glad to see you! Damn Kaku lost a fight to a freaking rookie about four days ago. She's pissed."
"Is she now?"
A pissed off Robin is not good news. To anyone. The cryptic woman is dangerous on a good day, downright lethal on a bad one. Sanji has only seen her lose her temper once, and Franky paid the price for his rude comment. He winces, remembering the painful punishment his friend had undergone.
Franky seems to remember the same thing because a hand reaches down to protect his crotch area. "She's in the office. Let her know Sanji's going up, will you, Kalifa?"
"That's sexual harassment."
"Just do it. See you later, Sanji."
"Yeah, later."
Sanji doesn't want to fight anymore. He doesn't want to be involved in any of that now that he has Zoro and Chopper to worry about. But he knows the favor he has to ask isn't going to come free, and he would never dream of cashing in the multiple favors he has already done for the woman.
He knocks on the imposing door politely. The office was originally made for Franky, but despite his position as vice-president, the man prefers to work out in the yard with the other field workers, so Robin took the office for herself.
A quiet voice orders him to enter, and Sanji steps softly inside the office. Robin is seated behind the large mahogany desk, hair brought up into a delicate ponytail, gray pinstripe suit fitted to her curvaceous figure.
She looks at him from over half-rimmed glasses, perfectly shaped eyebrow raised delicately in mild surprise. "Sanji, what a pleasant surprise."
"Hey, Robin," Sanji replies. "I came to ask you a favor." He knows better than to beat around the bush. It won't be of any help, especially with Robin.
A pleasant smile settles in Robin's features, and she nods for Sanji to take a seat. He obeys instantly, walking the short distance to the plush chair in front of Robin's desk. "What kind of favor?" she asks curiously.
"I have…a friend," Sanji begins, hesitating over the title. "He owes some money to Baroque Works. I want you to find out as much as you can about it."
"Sanji, you know I don't much care for Sir Crocodile."
A nice way of saying she hates his fucking guts. Sanji understands; he hates the man as well, but he really needs Robin to do this for him. "I understand, Robin."
She stares at him, tapping a pen to her lips. Sanji tries not to squirm too much, but Robins' gaze has the ability to make him feel naked—and not in the good way; those eyes can read entirely too much. "I guess I can look into it," she finally answers. "I do have a man deeply rooted in the organization."
Sanji isn't surprised by this. Despite working for Galley-La, Robin's real job is as an agent of the Revolutionary Army, an organization hell bent in exposing all of the government's dirty secrets. Sanji isn't one much for politics, but after years of working for Robin, he knows that the World Government that rules over them all isn't as perfect as officials want them to think. Robin has wormed her way inside CP9, a secret government organization that doubles as a criminal syndicate. So Robin is a double, double-crosser, if that make sense. Which most of the time, it doesn't.
Sanji only knows that it's best not to be on the woman's bad side, and that particular piece of knowledge is what has allowed him survive all these years.
"Can I ask why you are so curious?" Robin speaks again. "I have never seen you interested in anything that doesn't have breasts before."
"Robin-chwan!" Sanji exclaims, scandalized by the woman's blunt wording; Robin simply raises an eyebrow, prompting him to answer her question. "Zoro…he's a good friend of mine. He's been in debt to Crocodile for four years now and he's about to hit rock bottom. I just want to help him."
"Zoro?" Robin speaks the name slowly, as if savoring it. "Last name?"
"Roronoa," Sanji says. "Roronoa Zoro."
"Hmm." There is mirth in Robin's features now, a hint of enjoyment in her eyes. "I'll get right to it, then. Now, if you don't mind, I need your help with something of my own."
"Franky mentioned Kaku's fight," Sanji nods. Kaku is another CP9 agent and a regular in the underground ring. Sanji is actually surprised that the man lost. He has sparred against the agent a couple of times and while he's sure he can defeat the man, Sanji knows he's a dangerous adversary. "He was defeated by a rookie?"
"Not exactly," Robin muses. "Do you remember the legend of the Demon of East Blue?"
Sanji snorts. "You have to be kidding me." He does remember the Demon of the East Blue. The man was a legend by the time Sanji exited the circuit. The red-eyed demon that fought with three swords. Undefeated in all of his years as an underground fighter, until the moment he quietly and suddenly disappeared one night. Sanji doesn't know much about him; he, unfortunately, never fought against him. He only knows that the man entered the ring two years after Sanji and that while many gangs and syndicates wants the man's loyalty, the demon stayed free. "You're telling me Kaku fought the Demon?"
"I do know what the Demon looks like," Robin reminds him. "He looks not much different from back then. A little rusty, but clearly still strong enough to defeat my second best fighter."
"Wait…you want me to go against him?" Sanji gasps, feeling excitement rush through his body and settle on his feet. It would be exhilarating to fight someone as strong as the Demon. Maybe he's even strong enough to stand against the force of Sanji's legs.
"Not at this moment," Robin laughs softly. "I have another man for you. The fight will be held two weeks from now. I'll have your information ready by then."
"Thank you," Sanji says, slightly disappointed. He bows goodbye and waves to Franky before leaving the office building. He's debating whether he should go home or back to the Baratie when he receives a text from Zoro.
Hey, busy?
He frowns at the short text. Does that mean Zoro wants to see him? Or maybe he has a favor to ask.
Nope. What's up?
The reply is as short as the question.
Can you come over?
"Shitty, useless marimo," Sanji mutters. Part of him wants to say no, to give Zoro a taste of his own medicine. How would he like it if Sanji keeps away for two whole fucking weeks? A small voice tells him Zoro won't be bothered. Who is he kidding? Sanji is probably the only one who is going to suffer if he goes through with that plan.
Yeah. Give me an hour.
He pockets his phone and walks over to his car. Zoro and Chopper are waiting for him when he arrives. He's surprised to see the living room a lot messier than the last time he was there. There are books stacked everywhere, paper balls littering the carpeted floor. There are a bunch of dirty dishes in the sink, and even some pans in the stove with leftover food.
"Hey, cook," Zoro greets.
"Sanji!" Chopper exclaims, rushing over to hug him. "Guess what? I got in!"
"In where?" Sanji asks, glancing up at Zoro for an answer.
"New World University."
"It's the best university in all of Grand Line! And I got in!" Chopper cheers.
"Oh my god, Chopper, that's amazing!" Sanji exclaims, hugging the little kid tighter. "I'm so proud of you, buddy!"
"Yeah, we got the letter of acceptance this morning," Zoro says, nodding to one of the papers laying on the coffee table. "He actually got in every school he applied to, but his first choice is New World. We're going out to celebrate, and Chopper wants you to come."
Sanji keeps his eyes on the little boy as his body locks up. So if Chopper hadn't asked for him to come, Zoro wouldn't have invited him? Something hard and painful lodges itself in the pit of his stomach.
"I would love to go," he manages to say. His nails dig into the palm of his hands at the realization that he cares a lot more about Zoro than the green-haired man does about him. Zoro did call him his friend, but how much of that is an obligation and how much is what Zoro really feels? When—if ever—is Sanji going to stop being a stranger?
"Great! You'll get to meet everyone!" Chopper says, distracting him from his darkening thoughts. "Let's go."
"We can take my car," Sanji says, glancing at Zoro.
"Thanks." Zoro leads the way out. "It's not that far away from here. Have you heard of the Pumpkin Café?"
Sanji nods. He's never been there, but he's heard of it. Chopper blabbers incessantly about New World, talking about all of the different classes they offer and about the upcoming Open House. He invites Sanji to come and the cook accepts after a quick glance at Zoro.
Finally, they arrive at the nice restaurant. It's slightly smaller than the Baratie, but by the amount of cars parked outside, it's quite popular.
"Luffy helped out the owner a couple of years ago, so everything is on the house," Zoro says as he pays for parking. "It's pretty nice, though I guess it's not what you're used to."
"Conis is always nice," Chopper adds. "She always lets me have an extra scoop of ice cream."
"She sounds lovely," Sanji smiles. They are greeted at the door by one of the hosts, and Zoro and Chopper watch amusedly as Sanji praises the beautiful girl.
"OI! ZORO!"
Sanji looks up at the loud shout, trying to find the source. Suddenly, a blur of red and yellow rushes past him only to crash into the green-haired man behind him, sending him flying back.
"Zoro!" Sanji gasps.
"Luffy! Don't break anything!" an angry voice shouts and Sanji is met with one of the most beautiful women he has ever seen. Her short, red-hair shines almost orange, but it compliments her brown eyes beautifully.
"Ah! Mellorine!" Sanji exclaims, rushing to kneel on one knee in front of the girl. "Your beauty is like water to the desert of my eyes! Have I died? Is this heaven? If so, I have no regrets, to be greeted at the pearly gates by one such as yourself!"
"Who are you?" the girl frowns.
"That's the cook," Zoro says from behind him, untangling himself from the mass of limbs Sanji now recognizes as a person. "This is Nami and the little ball of chaos is Luffy."
"You're a cook?" Luffy exclaims, bouncing to his feet. Sanji watches in horrified awe as the boy stretches his arm to grab a hold of Sanji and wrap him in a tight hug. "Can you cook for me? Lots and lots of meat, please!"
"We're in a restaurant, you idiot," Nami snaps. "Let's go back to the table."
Luffy doesn't let go of Sanji, but Zoro only shrugs at him. The cook grits his teeth and manages to make his way to the table, where a long nosed man with curly hair is waiting for them.
"He ate one of the Devil's Fruit?" Sanji asks as Nami pulls Luffy off him.
"Yes! I ate the Gum Gum Fruit," Luffy exclaims. "So now I'm a rubberman!"
"You're a menace, that's what you are," Zoro mutters.
"So you're Sanji? Kaya told me about you," the long-nose man says. "I'm Usopp."
"Nice to meet you all," Sanji says. "Zoro talks a lot about you."
"Really? He never really seems to mention you," Nami says, giving him a measuring look. Sanji is suddenly reminded of Robin. This woman is not as intuitive as the raven-haired, but she's definitely not one to be trifled with.
He ignores the bitter taste in his mouth at her words, and shrugs. "That's because he has the manners of a monkey."
"Oi!"
"Sanji makes the best food ever!" Chopper exclaims excitedly, Luffy hanging from his every word. "He's the best cook in the world!"
"No need to stroke the man's ego," Zoro mutters. "Besides, we're celebrating you, Chopper!"
"That's right!" Nami exclaims, smiling widely. "Are you sure he's your kid, Zoro? Because he definitely doesn't get his smarts from you."
"Shut up, you evil witch," Zoro snarls, hissing when Sanji hits him in the back of the head.
"Watch your mouth, you shitty moss," Sanji snaps. "Don't insult Nami-swan!"
"Why, thank you, Sanji," Nami grins.
"I want to eat!" Luffy yells, making the other patrons turn to stare at them. "Conis! Meat!"
"Ugh, I hate taking him out," Nami groans. "Worse than a puppy."
"I'm pretty hungry myself," Usopp says. "I feel like chicken alfredo today."
"I want meat," Luffy states firmly. "With meat on the side."
"Sanji, can I have ice cream today?" Chopper asks the cook, mouth set in an adorable pout. "Please? I've been eating all of my vegetables, I swear!"
"Sure, Chopper." Sanji smiles and messes the sandy locks. "How about we get you the cherry and rhubarb pie with vanilla ice cream on top? But you have to pick something green for your sides."
"Okay! Can I have two scoops of ice cream, then?"
"Sure, Chopper."
"Yay!"
"Oi, cook…what is that thing you says is making my muscles sore? I'm getting it again," Zoro says, frowning at his menu.
"B12? Get any beef meal—or if you like them, get the clams. I'm a little worried at how pale you look, you might be a little low on iron and clams have plenty of it."
"Hmm. Okay."
"Wow, you sound like a nagging mother," Usopp laughs. "Now I see what Kaya is talking about."
Sanji blushes, remembering how Kaya thought he and Zoro were dating. "I'm a chef. I take responsibility for the health of the people who eat my meals."
"You should listen to him," Chopper adds seriously. "Many illnesses can be avoided with a healthy diet. Sanji makes sure to add plenty of garlic and turmeric to counterattack all of the alcohol Dad drinks, since they both work exceptionally well at helping the liver function properly."
"You do?" Zoro asks curiously, staring at Sanji with wide eyes.
"You're still going to kill your liver, moron," Sanji growls, looking away.
"And you your lungs, shit cook," Zoro snaps back.
The waitress comes before Sanji can snap back and takes their orders. Sanji fights off the smile that threatens to surface when Zoro orders the clams.
When the food arrives, Sanji is horrified to see that Luffy has even worse manners that Zoro. The man eats everything in front of him, regardless of who it belongs to. The others seems used to his way of eating, even advising Sanji not to lose track of his food lest it end up inside Luffy's stomach.
Despite their childish behavior, Sanji finds himself comfortable in the little group. They all met in high school, having gone to the local East Blue High. Sanji went to Grand Line High, a much smaller private school near the Baratie, but even if he'd gone to East Blue High, he doubts he would have befriended the group. After all, they're all younger than him. Still, he can't help but wonder much different would Zoro treat him if he knew him longer? Would he smile as wide as he does for Luffy?
Would Zoro call him a friend out of true sentiment, not obligation? Would it be easier for the green-haired man to accept his help then? Zoro's life would have changed a lot if Sanji had known him in school. Sanji would have never allowed for Zoro to be buried in debt, for his life to fall apart and narrow around the safety of Chopper.
He would have been there for the man since beginning, taking care of him and Chopper.
"…and the offer a lot of opportunities for hands-on work!" Chopper's voice says excitedly, bringing Sanji out of his musings. "It is a bit far away from home, though, so I was thinking I could maybe move into the dorms."
"Aren't you a little young for that, Chopper?" Sanji asks, stopping the little boy from pushing his vegetables into Usopp's plate.
"But, Sanji! It's gonna be so much work if I don't stay. You have to let me stay!"
Nami laughs before Sanji can reply. "Don't be silly, Chopper. Sanji isn't your dad. He can't tell you what to do."
The words die in Sanji's throat. She's right. Sanji doesn't have any right to tell Chopper what to do. It doesn't matter how worried he is, or how much he wants to protect Chopper, Sanji has no right. Because he isn't part of their family.
Like Zoro said, he's just the guy who feeds them.
Maybe Chopper thinks of him as a friend, but in the long run, that means nothing. Because once Chopper leaves for college, Sanji won't have any excuse to visit Zoro anymore. The university will provide three full meals for the young boy, and Sanji will become obsolete to the small family. Maybe Zoro knows that. Maybe that's why he broke contact with him for so long. He knows Sanji is growing too attached, and he wants to sever their bond cleanly.
Sanji is surprised by how much the thought hurts.
"Maybe, but I don't think you should be staying in the dorms either," Zoro pipes in, and Sanji glances at him surprised. "Sanji is right, you're much too young."
"I am not!" Chopper exclaims. "Dad, you know I can take care of myself!"
"We're not talking about this right now, Chopper."
"But—."
"I said no, Chopper."
Chopper fumes quietly and crosses his arms stubbornly. "You're so unfair!" he whines. "You're just embarrassed because you don't want to ask Sanji for any more money!"
Zoro hits the table hard, rattling the plates and glasses, and the whole restaurant quiets down. Luffy is still eating, though his eyes are staring between Zoro, Chopper, and Sanji curiously. Usopp looks like a deer in headlights, his dark skin unnaturally pale, and Nami's face is pinched angrily.
"That has nothing to do with anything, and you know that, Chopper," Zoro growls, staring down at his son. "If you really need something, I will give it to you. I don't need the cook, or anyone else, to take care of you. You could be the smartest person in the world, but you're still seven."
Chopper's pout deepens, and he stares at his father defiantly. His lower lip is quivering though, and his eyes look more dewy that normal.
Sanji sighs and ruffles Chopper's hair softly. "You know Chopper, maybe you and your dad can move closer to the university. That's what I did."
"You went to New World?" Chopper asks, his surprise overpowering his need to defy his father.
"Yeah, for two years," Sanji smiles. "But I was working part-time to pay for school, too, so I couldn't afford the dorms. So I rented a place with a friend and we split the rent. I'm sure we can find a place close to the university that's still cheap. After all, it is a long drive from East Blue to New World."
"Can we, Dad?" Chopper turns to Zoro excitedly, argument forgotten. "Can we, please?"
"I'll…look into it," Zoro sighs. "Eat your vegetables."
"Fine," Chopper sighs, and bites into a large piece of broccoli.
"Wow, you two act just like parents," Nami mocks, tucking a piece of her hair behind her ear.
"Shut it, witch," Zoro growls.
Sanji smacks Zoro in the back of the head out of principle, but there's no feeling behind it. There is a little voice in the back of his mind telling him that something is wrong. There is something important that he's missing, something vital. And it has something to do with the feeling of hurt and disappointment he felt when Zoro said he didn't need him.
He cares too much about what Zoro thinks of him. But that's not it. He wants Zoro to want him. It's strange—and again, he does not like looking too closely into his own intentions—but he wants to mean as much to Zoro as Zoro means to him. He would never say it to his face, but Sanji respects Zoro. It's hard not to, after having spent so much time with him.
He glances at the oblivious marimo, silently seething at the nonchalant way he's seated on the chair, hands folded in front of him. Completely oblivious to Sanji's feelings. Zoro seems to sense someone looking at him because he turns to stare at Sanji, sparing him a slight smile—the first one given to Sanji—then returns to his nonchalance.
Realization hits hard and leaves him reeling: he likes Zoro.
A/N: Robin, Franky, and Sanji are all post time-skip in relation to looks, with Sanji being 26 but Robin and Franky being 32 and 34 respectively. Zoro, Nami, Usopp, and Luffy are all pre time-skip in appearance, with Zoro being 24 and the others aged respectively, except for Chopper of course. And this world is a mixture of our world and the Once Piece world. So everything is like a modern AU, but with hints of canon like Devil's Fruit and the name of locations...sorry it's all mixed up.