Hello, lovelies! Thank you all so much for leaving reviews and likes! I really appreciate them. Unfortunately, I cannot take any suggestions about the plot of the story, since it's already finished and uploaded in AO3. Also, I know the story is a bit of a cliche-I read this story called For Your Convenience (I think that's right?), which I adore-but I hope you still give it a chance. But ya'll be glad to know that Zoro and Sanji get together pretty quick, and the story explores beyond their relationship. Well, without further ado, here's the third chapter!
Once his feelings are brought to light, it's very easy to accept them. He's always been a man of romance, easily falling in and out of love at the drop of a hat. This is his first time feeling such way towards a man, but he doesn't let the thought deter him for too long. Suddenly, it's as if all of the feelings he has been ignoring are suddenly clamoring for attention inside his mind, leaving him feeling like an overworked parent. Everything is suddenly heightened and he finds himself discovering new things he likes about the green-haired man every day.
It's exhausting.
Two weeks after his revelation, Sanji finds himself walking the dark streets of Mock Town, an area even worse off than Zoro's neighborhood.
The Marines have long ago given up control in the area, so officers are rarely seen patrolling the streets. Most of the Grand Line's thieves and thugs have started off in Mock Town, and if you want to do something not exactly up to the World Government's regulations, Mock Town is the place to go.
Sanji briefly wonders if Zoro came here when he found himself needing money. Probably. He shakes off the thought of the green-haired man, focusing on his task. He stops at the Wild Cherry, a rundown pub that lives up to its name: wild. It's the only building in the street that is still intact, despite its decrepit state.
The bartender is a quiet old man who Sanji has never seen without his cleaning rag and an empty beer mug. It seems like the man's permanent state is that of methodically cleaning his mugs, whether said mug is clean or not unimportant.
The man doesn't spare him a glance as he makes his way to the door marked Employees Only. The door opens to a long, dark hall that leads to the underground building where tonight's fight is going to take place.
Robin texted him the address the night before, assuring him she had the information he wants.
The underground building is louder and rowdier than upstairs, everyone gathered around the pit that serves as the fighting arena. Men are yelling out bets for their favorites, teenagers walking around picking up money and writing down odds. There is a second floor, this one less crowded than the ground level, where the big shots are. Sanji can see Robin seated on a raised chair, Lucci standing next to her looking imposing as always.
She meets his eye and nods to the empty spot next to her, motioning for him to join her. He is stopped at the stairs, but a grunt from Lucci has the bouncer letting Sanji through.
"Good evening, Sanji," Robin says, her gaze on the fight currently going on below. Sanji doesn't spare them a glance; they are rookies, not worth his trouble.
"Robin; beautiful as always," Sanji says, stepping next to her. "Did I miss much?"
"Oh, plenty." There is a slight smile on Robin's face, the one that says 'I know more than you'. It's an expression Sanji sees often. "The Demon won his fight earlier this night."
"Not much of a surprise there," Sanji smirks. He does feel pretty disappointed about that. He wants to see the guy fight, at least just once. There aren't many people out there that can challenge him.
Robin's smile only widens. "I suppose so. Oh, I have your information as well. I'll hold on to it until after your fight, yes?"
"Please. Who am I fighting again?" Sanji asks curiously.
"Kuroobi of the Fish Men Tribe."
Sanji raises an eyebrow in surprise. "A Fish Man? One of Jinbei's?"
"Of course not. I am not so foolish as to attack a Grand Lord's soldier," Robin scoffs softly. "One of Arlong's."
Sanji decides not to mention that Arlong is technically one of Jinbei's. It will do him no good to anger her. He settles down next to her to watch the fight between the two competitors in the ring.
He has fought against Fish Men before. They are powerful adversaries, but their strength dwindles on solid ground. Kuroobi is no different. When the time comes for Sanji to fight him, he puts up a fight, but the cook ends victorious, defeating the hybrid with a well-placed mutton shot.
"Well done, Sanji," Robin praises once the fight is over. "As always."
"Thank you, Robin," Sanji grins. "Now, you said you had Zoro's information."
Robin hesitates, pulling out a wide envelope from the folds of her dress. "Yes. It was very difficult to obtain. This friend of yours has enemies in pretty high places."
Sanji frowns, taking the envelope from her. It isn't very thick, but if Robin is worried, there has to be something wrong.
"I'll be careful," Sanji promises. "Thank you, Robin."
"Good luck, Sanji," she says, her body slowly disappearing in a scatter of cherry blossoms. "You'll need it."
"She's so beautiful, but that always creeps me out," Sanji mutters once the raven woman is gone. He hurries out of the small room before someone else comes along. The thin envelope is burning a hole in his chest where he hid it, and when he gets to his car, he throws it in the back seat to keep from opening it right then.
He tries to take as much time as he can before he reads Zoro's file. He takes a shower, then prepares dinner, and even wastes some time watching TV. Finally, the siren call of Zoro's file is too much for Sanji, and just like that time he first met a mermaid, he succumbs to its call.
He grabs the envelope and rushes to his bedroom, sitting cross-legged in the middle of his bed, and dumps the contents in front of him. The first thing he notices is the pictures.
There are three of them. The most faded is of a pretty woman with curly brown hair. She's dressed in a fuzzy green sweater that hugs tightly her ample chest and tiny waist. She's glaring at the camera, but there is a slight smile on her face. She has Chopper's eyes. The next one is of Zoro. He looks younger, not older than eighteen. He's dressed in a forest green gi, his chest bare, a wooden sword tucked in his belt and a bright smile on his face. He looks less hardened, more content. He looks like a kid.
Sanji touches the picture softly, imagining meeting a Zoro that young. Would he have been more open back then?
The last picture is more current. In there, Zoro is kneeling in front of a younger Chopper. The little kid has a serious expression in his face, staring at his father resolutely. Zoro's back is facing the camera, but Sanji can almost imagine the same expression on the father's face. He's probably giving Chopper a speech about the honor of men or something like that. Sanji snorts.
The next couple of papers are copies of Chopper's birth certificate, a DNA certification proving that Chopper is indeed Zoro's son. The most important thing, though, is a contract.
Basically, it states that Alice Hemingsworth left a half a million Beri debt behind which Zoro made himself responsible to repay. Sanji drags a hand over his face. Zoro really is an idiot. It's obviously clear that all of the money Alice owed Crocodile is dirty money. If Zoro had taken it up to court, Crocodile would have lost the case easily.
But he can understand: Zoro had been too young and panicked at the thought of having a child's safety suddenly in his hands; Sanji can't imagine having to face that kind of responsibility.
He can see that Zoro already paid a quarter of it, not too bad considering he inherited the debt around four years ago. He drags his fingers over the large figure, staring at the picture of young Zoro. He looks so happy and free.
He wants to see him smile like that again. He wants to lift the weight the man holds on his shoulders, make everything a little easier for him. He wants Zoro to smile like in the picture again, because of him.
Just being their cook isn't enough. Sanji has to do something more. He has to mean something more.
New World University's Open House is on Friday night. Chopper keeps talking about it all through the week, excited about finally meeting his new teachers and class mates.
It has been hailed the best University in the world for many reasons, and its size proves it. The University is centered in the middle of New World, one of the world's major cities. The whole city's economy is greatly rooted in the University's success, and almost every citizen is an employee of the University in some way.
The Medical Wing is located near Drum Valley, connected to the rest main building by a wooden bridge. The Open House is the chance for Chopper not only to meet his new teachers, but also to get a deeper look into what college life holds for him. The streets are littered with booths and tents from the University's multiple clubs and organizations, all trying to recruit new members.
"Hi! My name is Coby, I'm the Student Body President!" a bright pink-haired teenager greets them, handing Zoro and Sanji equally bright pink flyers. The poor boy looks three sizes too big, since he has about three jackets on to fight the cold October wind. "I would like to personally welcome you two New World University and congratulate you in your admission!"
"Yeah, buddy, we're not students," Zoro says, balling up his flyer and throwing it away. "I'm twenty-four, way too old for this shit."
"Zoro, stop fucking cussing, you shitty bastard," Sanji snaps. "Chopper here is the new student," he adds for Coby's benefit.
Coby looks down at the nervous kid holding Zoro's hand and smiles brightly. "Oh, wow! You must be wicked smart, then!"
"Bastard! Don't think complimenting me is going to make me happy!" Chopper squeals suddenly, blushing red and hiding the wrong way behind Zoro.
Zoro and Sanji stares down at Chopper, surprised.
"I'm blaming you," Zoro says suddenly, looking at Sanji.
"Me? You curse more than I do!"
"I got it from both of you," Chopper informs them, stopping the fight before it can escalate.
"Just so you know, we are a completely inclusive institution that accepts people of every specie, religion, or sexual orientation," Coby says, smiling at the fighting couple.
"Oh, we're not—."
"Thanks," Zoro interrupts, a hand reaching down to squeeze Sanji's butt tightly. The cook gasps, his face heating up at the contact. "That's real good to hear, right, babe?"
"Y-yes," Sanji grits out, trying to ignore the heat pooling low in his stomach.
"Great! Well, I hope you enjoy the tour!" Coby gives them one last, bright smile and walks off to greet another newcomer.
"Shitty moss," Sanji snaps, digging his elbow into Zoro's side painfully. "Let's go, Chopper."
"Ow, shit. You got bony elbows!"
Sanji leads Chopper through the school, stopping at every booth so that the kid can ask a thousand questions about each organization. Zoro follows a few feet behind them, glaring at anyone who stares at Chopper for too long.
Sanji glances back at the marimo just in time to catch him growling at some teenagers that are pointing at Chopper and whispering behind his back. Like this, with Chopper holding on to Sanji's hand and Zoro acting like an overprotective father behind them, it really looks like they are a family. He blushes, remembering the heat of Zoro's hand on his ass, his fingers digging into the firm muscle. He shakes his head, getting rid of those thoughts. It won't do any good.
They are standing in front of the New World Pre-Health Society, watching as Chopper chatters off with a pretty, lavender-haired student that introduced herself as Kobato, when someone calls Zoro's name.
Sanji looks up at the same time as Zoro, his eyes instantly falling on the dark-skinned man walking towards them. He's handsome, shaggy white hair brushing his jaw. He's taller than Sanji, his stance wide and imposing like Zoro's, but he's not as muscular as the green-haired man. He dons a black keikogi, a shinai tucked in his belt, seemingly unaware of the cold.
"Saga?"
Sanji freezes at the name. So this is Saga, Zoro's ex? He's not what Sanji had been expecting. Not that he had given much thought to the infamous Saga, but this man definitely isn't what he pictured.
"Hey, long time no see," Saga says, stopping in front of Zoro. "What are you doing here?"
"Chopper's enrolled in the university." Zoro nods back towards the booth where Chopper is trying to talk Kobato's ear off. The older woman is staring at Chopper with wide eyes, her mouth slightly agape. Sanji smirks; Kobato has no idea what she got herself into when she decided to befriend the excitable little boy.
"Oh really? That's amazing!" Saga exclaims. "What is he now? Nine?"
"Seven."
"Oh right. Hey, does he still do that thing where he hides the wrong way?" Saga asks.
Zoro laughs. "Yeah. Every time."
"Man, that was adorable." Saga stares at Chopper, a slight smile on his face. "I was pretty stupid back then, huh?"
Zoro doesn't say anything, but doesn't take his eyes off Saga. Sanji can see him studying the man, eyes roaming his body, a strange emotion flickering behind the dark green eyes.
"So who're you?" Saga suddenly asks, glancing at Sanji.
"That's the cook," Zoro says before Sanji can answer. "He's a friend."
Sanji winces, scowling when Saga smirks his way. "My name is Sanji. About time you learned it, you shitty moss."
"Why should I? You don't seem to remember my name either, shit cook."
Sanji scoffs and crosses his arms, but doesn't say anything. He doesn't like the way Saga is looking at Zoro, hating even more the appreciative looks Zoro is sending the other man. Is this Zoro's type? Dark-skinned and moody—shit, Sanji doesn't stand a chance, does he?
"Sanji! Come here, look!" Chopper yells, waving him over.
"I'm coming!" Sanji turns back to the ex-couple. "It was nice meeting you, Saga. Later."
"You too, Sanji."
Sanji doesn't want to leave Saga alone with Zoro, but it isn't like he has much of a choice. Chopper called him over and he doesn't have an excuse to stay behind with Zoro. So he grudgingly leaves them and joins Chopper and Kobato.
"Sanji, guess what? Kobato said I can join the Pre-Health Society," Chopper says excitedly, tugging on Sanji's arm.
"Chopper truly has a gift for medicine." Kobato speaks excitedly. "His understanding of the human body is well beyond that of a beginner. He would be a great asset in the medical field."
"Kobato is studying to be a pediatrician!" Chopper says. "She's already a senior, and she's at the top of her class!"
"It's really nothing," Kobato says, blushing.
"Kobato says that there's going to be a conference on Devil's Fruits and their effects on the human body tomorrow," Chopper continues excitedly. "But it's a two day conference, so I would have to spend the night here at the school."
"It's really no problem. He can stay in the dorms with me. I have an extra bed," Kobato says.
Sanji hesitates. "I don't know about that…you would have to ask your father, Chopper."
"Ask me what?" Zoro suddenly says from behind Sanji, making the blonde jump.
"Dad, can I stay with Kobato in the dorms tomorrow night to attend a conference about Devil's Fruits?" Chopper asks, face in full pleading mode.
"Yeah, sure."
Sanji stares at the green-haired man, surprised. "You're letting him?!"
"What of it? He's going to a conference." Zoro rolls his eyes. "He's going to be doing a lot of things like that from now on, and I can't exactly interfere with his education. Besides, if anything happens to Chopper, I can always kill Kobato."
"Thanks, Dad!" Chopper exclaims, ignoring his stammering friend.
"I thought we'd agreed that he was too young to stay in the dorms by himself," Sanji reminds him testily.
Zoro snorts. "He's only staying a day cook. It's not the end of the world."
"I won't let you down, Dad," Chopper says firmly. "I'll be really good!"
"I'll take good care of him," Kobato adds, giving Zoro a nervous look. "Don't worry."
"Good. Now, let's get on with the tour!"
Sanji can't believe it. Just a few days ago, Zoro argued with Chopper about being too young to stay in the dorms by himself, and now he's letting him stay with a stranger? What gives? He wants to argue some more, but Zoro is Chopper's father, and Sanji has no say. Besides, Chopper looks really excited and Kobato looks like a nice girl. And what Zoro said is true: they can't exactly interfere with Chopper's education. He may still be young, but Chopper is going to have to be given more freedom than what a regular seven-year-old experiences. It comes with being a genius.
He also wants to know what Zoro and Saga talked about, but doesn't know a way to breach the subject. He knows Zoro won't tell him on his own, and the green-haired man doesn't mention his ex at all throughout the day.
Almost three weeks later, Sanji finds himself yet again preparing breakfast for the Roronoa Family. He drops Chopper off at Kobato's after the meal (she's a good girl, and after multiple sleep-overs, both Zoro and Sanji have started to trust her more), and stops at the Baratie for a little while, then visits Robin again. He has a couple of more favors to ask of her, and leaves after promising to win another fight for her.
Since Zoro mentioned something about getting a day off, he heads back to his apartment to prepare the man lunch.
Luffy, Usopp, and Nami are at the apartment with Zoro, hanging out. The rubber boy greets Sanji with an impossibly tight hug and then demands food. Sanji complies, but only because he had already planned on making the marimo food.
"Oh wow! This is delicious, Sanji!" Nami exclaims as the group eats the beef stew Sanji prepared. It's relatively simple, but still perfectly made.
"Why, thank you, Nami-swan," Sanji grins.
"You must be a great chef, if you can cook like this," Usopp adds, stabbing Luffy in the hand with a fork when the rubber boy tries to steal one of his bread rolls.
"I'm the Baratie's Sous Chef," Sanji declares proudly.
"The Baratie's? You mean that ridiculously expensive restaurant?" Nami gasps. "You work there?"
"I own it. Well, co-own it. My father and I opened the restaurant when I was about eleven."
"You must be loaded," Nami grins, a dangerous glint to her eye. "One plate there is like sixty Beri! You guys must make close to ten thousand Beri a night!"
"Well yes…a little more than that, actually," Sanji shrugs. "But it wasn't always like that; it took us almost eight years to start seeing any real profit, and even now, out of every 100,000 Beri that the restaurant makes, we only get to keep a little more than half for ourselves. Everything else is spent in produce, salary wages, and miscellaneous."
"Guess you're not rich, then," Zoro sneers. "You shouldn't waste your father's money, cook."
"I am rich…filthily so. But that money was made outside of the Baratie. When Zeff started hiring new employees, I took the opportunity to travel and gain experience elsewhere. I saw a bigger profit as a chef than a restaurant owner, so I made most of my fortune there. I also worked for Galley-La for a little while as the personal chef for the company's vice-president, and other random jobs during my stay at New World."
He doesn't want to go into specifics about his other jobs, since they're not things he's proud of—and most of them are embarrassing. He decides not to mention the money he inherited from his parents either, or the couple million Beri he earned while working under Robin. Most of that money came from underground ring fighting or other types of illegal activities.
"So that's why you're completely fine with giving money away to strangers, huh?" Zoro gives him a sardonic smile. "How many bastards did you help before me?"
Sanji scowls. "I'm not a walking charity bank. I don't go around helping strangers, if that's what you're asking. I fed you because I'm a cook, and that's what cooks do; they feed people. Everything that I did after that you can thank your completely adorable son."
"You're a good person, Sanji," Luffy says, an uncharacteristic serious face on his face that halts the conversation. "And you cook great food!" he adds, bright smile bubbling up.
"You are so weird sometimes, Luffy." Nami rolls her eyes but gives the smiling teenager a teasing smile. "Eat your food, because we're not getting any at the club."
Before Sanji can ask her what she's talking about, there is a knock on the door. Zoro hurries to get it, opening the door to reveal Saga; he shed his black gi for a pair of black, tight pants and a purple long-sleeve shirt under an open brown waxed cotton jacket. Sanji can see his stomach muscles flexing when he raises a hand to show Zoro shiny black keys.
"Are you all ready?" he asks, giving Zoro an appreciative onceover.
"Hell yeah," Zoro grins. "Come in, let me get my wallet." He steps back and goes inside the bedroom.
Sanji watches Saga come in, noticing the slight scowl that pools between his eyes when his eyes fell on Sanji. He decides to ignore the cook to greet Nami and the others.
"Saga! It's been such a long time," Nami squeals, jumping to her feet to hug the man. "I couldn't believe it when Zoro said he saw you again."
"Yeah, I'm one of the Kendo instructors in New World," Saga nods.
There is an awkwardness hanging around Nami and Saga, and Sanji can feel the other man looking at him. It's clear the group made plans to go out tonight, and none of them wants Sanji to come. He feels sick to his stomach. He picks up the dirty dishes from the counter and places them in the sink.
"I—I think I should head home," Sanji says once all of the dishes have been picked up. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
"Yeah. See you later." Zoro has changed his shirt, choosing a more form-fitted Henley that rides up his belly to reveal a long stretch of perfectly tanned skin and a black faux leather jacket. His jeans ride low enough on his hips that Sanji can see the sharp V-cut that leads towards—he needs to look away. Now.
"Sanji should totally come!" Luffy exclaims, surprising everyone.
"I don't think that's a good idea," Saga says, glancing at Sanji.
He scowls. Who does that shitty bastard think he is? So what if Zoro doesn't like Sanji? Saga has no fucking right to just come back into Zoro's life when the green-haired man already kicked him out. And what is Zoro thinking? Doesn't he remember how Saga treated Chopper? Is Saga the reason why Zoro is giving more freedom to Chopper, despite his young age?
"And why's that?" he growls, glaring daggers at the Kendo instructor.
"Saga's right, Sanji," Zoro shrugs. "We're going to a gay club. Doesn't seem like your type of scene."
"It doesn't matter; it'll be fun," Luffy declares, his voice so sure that there is no way anyone can argue.
"Yeah, it'll be fun," Sanji agrees, smirking at Saga.
"If you say so," Zoro shrugs. "Come on; let's go."
Saga brought his truck, which is big enough to sit all of them comfortably. Saga and Zoro ride shotgun, but since Nami is seated next to Sanji, her leg pressed tightly against his own, he doesn't really mind.
The club Saga is taking them to is called Level 5.5. Sanji has never heard of it, despite its apparent popularity. It's a bright pink building, the outside decorated with even brighter lights, the huge Level 5.5 sign in front flashing purple and red. There is a line curling around the street near the entrance, everyone waiting for the bouncers to let them in. Sanji can see mostly men, though they are a couple of beautiful ladies there, too.
"Saga! Man, it's nice to see you," the bouncer, a huge dark-skinned man with a shaved head, greets.
"Hey, Tom. Brought some friends over," Saga says, nodding to the group. Sanji glances at the line waiting to enter, but none of them seem mad that their little group has basically skipped them all.
"I see. Luffy! Man, Bon is sure gonna be glad to see you," Tom says, smiling at the black-haired boy.
"Bon-chan's here? Cool! Usopp, let's go!" Luffy cries, grabbing his friend's hand and rushing in.
"Luffy! You have to—argh, that boy never listens," Zoro growls.
"It's fine; he's friends with the owner," Tom grins. "You all can go in, too. Have fun, lover boys." Tom waggles his eyebrows at Sanji, his eyes latching on to his ass.
Sanji growls and reaches for one of the cigarettes in his breast pocket. The rush of nicotine is a welcomed bliss and it's just the thing he needs to step inside the club.
He's instantly assaulted by the smell of cheap perfume and sweat. The inside of the club is dark, neon lights flashing to the beat of the music. It's heavily crowded, bodies moving against each other to the sound of music. In the center of the room is a stage, three poles spread across where men are dancing in too tiny outfits. There are multiple cages scattered around the floor, some of them hanging from the ceiling, and Sanji can see dancers inside, too, their sweaty bodies glistening against the flashing lights.
This all horribly reminds him of—
"CANDY BOY!"
"Oh shit, no!" Sanji yells, rushing to get out before that man can get to him.
"EVERYBODY! IT'S CANDY BOY!"
The lights turn on, the music stop, and everyone stops to turn and stare at the escaping Sanji. He freezes like a deer in headlights, staring at the horrific sight of his ex-boss Ivankov.
"Have you come back to me, candy boy?" Iva is dressed in that ridiculous outfit Sanji hates so much. It's purple, and stretchy, and way too small for such a large man. He has on black stiletto boots, and a large crown is nestled perfectly on top of his wild curls.
"Cook, you know this guy?" Zoro asks, staring between the transvestite and the cook.
"Of course he does! Candy boy is the best dancer I've ever had!" Iva exclaims. "This sweet candy sure knows how to move his tight little—."
Sanji strikes before Iva finishes that sentence, moving fast to hit the drag queen in the head with the strength of a speeding truck.
Ivankov is sent flying back, crashing into one of the cages.
"Iva!" Saga gasps.
"Cook, what the hell?"
"What do you think you're saying, you shitty bastard!?" Sanji yells at the man struggling to get to his feet. "Working for you was hell, you fucking drag queen! I wouldn't have done it if you hadn't forced me to!"
"Iva-chan! Are you okay?" a red headed dancer asks, rushing towards the owner.
"I'm…I'm…I'm FINE!" Iva yells, jumping to his feet in a pose. Sanji rolls his eyes, used to the man's acting. "Candy boy, you shouldn't be too mean to me."
"You used to work here?" Nami asks incredulously. With Iva's faked recovery, normalcy returns to the club. The lights are turned off again and the music is put on full blast.
"Not here," Sanji sighs. "Iva owns another club called Kamabakka Kingdom. That's where I used to work."
"You? An exotic dancer at a gay club?" Saga snorts. "Man, I would've loved to see that."
"Sanji came to me looking to learn about my exquisite Attack Cuisine," Iva informs the group. "I told him I would teach him if he worked for me for six months."
"Worst decision of my life," Sanji snarls.
"Oh, it wasn't that bad," Iva purrs. "You made a lot of fans, candy boy. Won't you hit the stage for one last song? It would be a fine treat for all my guests."
"Like hell I will, you shitty bastard," Sanji yells, raising a leg threateningly.
"Alright, alright! Well, the stage is yours if you change your mind! I have to go now, lovelies. Enjoy the show. Hee-haw!" He leaves them, blowing back kisses as he does.
"Let's listen to the man!" Saga exclaims, grabbing Zoro's hand to drag him to the dance floor.
"Come get a drink with me," Nami says, grabbing Sanji. "Man, I love gay clubs!"
"Why is that?" Sanji asks, having to lean in a little closer to her to be heard. He holds his cigarette between his fingers, not wanting to accidentally burn the red-head.
"I can dance all I want without having sleazy guys hit on me," Nami replies. "Hey, two strawberry daiquiris." The bartender nods.
"Not all—."
"Don't be one of those guys, Sanji," Nami interrupts. "Besides, I much prefer pussy. Vivi!"
Sanji watches with wide eyes as Nami leaves him to join a pretty blue-haired woman wearing a sequin blue dress. The two girls kiss passionately, before Vivi drags her off to one of the more secluded areas.
Sanji sighs and moves to sit on one of the many sofas scattered around the floor. They are supposed to be used for people that want a personal lap dance, but one look at the glowering cook is enough to keep all of the dancers away. It had been a bad idea after all to come here. Not only is he in Iva's club—which is more of a strip club-slash-brothel than anything else—but he's forced to watch as Saga and Zoro make out in the dance floor.
Zoro and Saga are still dancing, the white-haired man grinding his ass on Zoro's crotch. Sanji studies Zoro's face. His eyes are screwed shut, the always-present scowl showing more pleasure than anything. There is sweat on his upper lip and pooling on his collarbone. His whole body is shining, every muscle flexing as he moves his body sensually.
"Didn't know you went for younger men."
Sanji jumps and glances at the newcomer. He's a tall man, handsome despite the missing eyebrows. His fiery red hair is slicked back and his metal hand is holding a glass of whiskey for Sanji.
"I thought you'd quit already, Kid," Sanji grins.
"Dude, are you kidding? I make a fortune here," Kid laughs, sitting down next to Sanji. "And my girlfriend doesn't have to worry that I'm cheating on her or something."
"How's Bonney?"
"She's good."
Kid started working for Iva around the same time Sanji had. He was the only other straight man in the club, so he and Sanji had struck a quick friendship. He hadn't talked to the man since he quit, about five years ago.
"So…what do you see in the guy?" Kid asks, nodding to the dancing couple.
"I don't like Saga," Sanji snorts, drinking from the glass Kid gave him.
"So it's the green-haired one." Kid grins at the ugly look Sanji sends his way. "What? You've been checking him out all night. If looks could fuck…"
"You're an idiot," Sanji says flatly.
"You should totally hit that," Kid hums. "You're way hotter than that other one."
"He's the ex-boyfriend," Sanji explains. "I don't stand a chance."
"Sanji Black, doesn't stand a chance? Dude, I was a little bi-curious because of you," Kid snorts. "Trust me, all you have to do is show him what he's missing…wanna put on a show for old time's sake?"
Sanji flicks the end of his cigarette on the ground, staring at the dancing couple. Saga has his hands wrapped around Zoro's shoulders, biting at his neck while Zoro grinds into him. It looks more like clothed sex than dancing.
"We'll make him so jealous, his whole body will turn green," Kid whispers, leaning into Sanji's personal space. Sanji looks at his old friend, thinking. He has always felt comfortable dancing with Kid, perhaps because he knows he's unbelievingly in love with Bonney, maybe because they are such good friends.
And being totally honest, Sanji is a good dancer. He made a lot of money working for Iva. He had fans, men that returned night after night just to watch him dance. And Sanji likes dancing. It's like fighting, except he allows himself to use his hands.
"One last dance won't hurt," Sanji finally says, grinning.
Kid returns it, looking quite evil without his eyebrows, and grabs Sanji's hand. The beat of the song playing is fast and loud, the type of music that makes you want to grab your partner and just go wild.
Dancing with Kid is like fighting. The older man is full of raw power, his every move full of barely contained strength. Sanji, however, is grace and flexibility, molding his body to the sharp contour of Kid's. He follows every time Kid pulls, two forces working together to form something smooth and controlled.
Kid's hands on his hips are soft, his touch barely there. He trails his hands all over Sanji's body, never actually touching, though to everyone else it looks like he can't get enough of the blonde. Sanji, for his part, responds to every fake touch with a feverish passion, letting his eyelids droop and his mouth gasp, a fine sheen of sweat coating his skin.
"He's looking at us," Kid whispers in Sanji's ear, making the blonde shudder. "I can feel his eyes on us."
Sanji drops his head on Kid's shoulder, glancing at Zoro from behind his curtain of hair. Kid is right: Zoro has stopped dancing with Saga to watch them, his mouth set in a grim line. Saga, too, is watching them, though he looks more annoyed than angry, every once in a while stealing glances at Zoro.
"Don't punch me," Kid whispers, and Sanji turns to ask him what he means when suddenly demanding lips are being pressed against him and a hot tongue licks at his bottom lip.
Sanji reacts instinctively, pushing his friend back angrily. "What the—."
"Hey, what the hell is your problem?!" It's Zoro, holding Kid's shoulder in a death grip. If the arm wasn't made of reinforced steal, Sanji is sure it would've already broken.
"Sorry man," Kid says quickly, giving Sanji a sheepish smile. "I thought you wanted it."
"Think again, buddy," Zoro snarls, pushing Kid away. "Come on, cook. We're about to head home; need a ride?"
"Uh…yeah." Sanji glances at Saga, then at Kid who still has that uncharacteristic sheepish smile. "I'm coming."
He follows Zoro and Saga out of the club, making sure to meet Kid's eyes and mouth a soft thank you before he leaves. Kid only grins.
Supple, pale skin stretches before him. Hair, the same color as the first rays of sunshine, pool on the white pillow. A smoky voice groans, the sound punctured by a shuddering breath. Legs that stretch out for miles wrap around him, bringing him closer to that burning skin. Long fingers dig into his shoulder, blunt nails rake down his back. The scent of smoke and spices invades his senses as a warm mouth presses against his. He licks his way in, tasting something bittersweet and entirely too addictive.
"Zoro…"
He sits up, breathing hard. It takes him a moment to gather his senses, remembering the events from the night before. Saga grinding on him, Sanji dancing with that bastard, driving home. Sanji leaving…turning down Saga's offer.
He looks down at his aching member accusingly, flashes of his dream playing behind his eyes. "I can't fucking believe this," he mutters, rubbing the heel of his palm against his eyes.
This is not the first time he dreams about Sanji. He has already lost count, in fact. He isn't that concerned about the sex dreams—no, Sanji is hot as fuck and dreaming about fucking him in every surface of his home is to be expected. He's only human—but the innocent dreams…those are a whole other ball game.
Dreams where he does nothing more but lay in bed with the blonde. Dreams where they go to the park, Chopper playing a couple of feet away. Dreams where their hands are the only things that touch.
Those dreams are dangerous. He thought fucking Saga would rid him of those thoughts, but he wasn't even been able to get hard.
He sighs and gets out of bed after taking care of his aching erection. It's still dark out; he checks his phone, noticing the text Chopper sent him asking him to pick him up at six in the evening. He replies with a confirmation, grabs a change of clothes, and hits the shower.
The first rays of sunshine are shining when he gets out. He dries off his hair and checks his door where Morgan has yet again taped another Last Notice form. He always takes them off before the cook gets here; he's sure Sanji will offer him money to pay his rent, or worse—offer his own home.
He throws his towel on the couch and heads to the kitchen, reaching for the white metal box he keeps hidden in one of the cabinets behind some cereal boxes. The last time he ate cereal for breakfast was during that week he kept away from Sanji. He'd thought space would make the dreams go away, but they only became more vivid.
He counts the money. He doesn't have to worry about groceries anymore, but he still has a lot of bills to pay. He has already paid his water bill, but his electricity and gas bill are past due. Not to mention rent, which is two and a half months overdue. There is also the money he owes crocodile, and the one he owes Sanji for paying Chopper's tuition. Though he's sure the cook won't say anything if Zoro is a little bit late on that payment.
He made 300 Beri with Ririka, which can pay the electricity, which is two months overdue. His two other paychecks—one from the sword shop on Loguetown and the other one from the garage on South blueJaya—add up to 700 Beri. And he has another 500 Beri still saved from his last fight.
His gas bill is 120, rent is 800 Beri (2,000 Beri, if he wants to catch up on his payments), and Crocodile asks for at least 1,000 Beri a month. He's short again. Not to mention his phone bill is about to be due, and he can't afford to have it disconnected now that Chopper is in college. His son also received his list of materials two days ago, and most of the books in the list are expensive. Hell, the cheapest one is sixty Beri, and that is from a second-hand bookstore.
His gas bill is a necessity. If they cut off his gas, he won't be able to cook—or Sanji won't, and then the cook would notice something is wrong. Skipping on Crocodile's payment is suicide. So that leaves him 80 Beri—180 Beri if he only gives 200 to the electricity company as a week extension so he can wait for his next paycheck. Except he gets paid every two weeks, not every week and they already gave him a month extension from last month's. And 180 is still nowhere near enough to pay for rent.
Fuck. He can always leave this place. Sanji did give him the idea of moving, but he can't afford to right now. Not only would he have to pay a deposit on all of his utilities, but moving close to the university will get him away from his jobs. And he doesn't own a car. So he's fucked, either way.
Maybe he can crash with one of his friends for a little while. Except…well, Luffy is staying with Ace and his boyfriend, and Nami lives with Vivi. He still has Usopp, though—Sanji is not even an option. He's positive Sanji will readily welcome him, but he's determined not to take any more charity from the blonde. It only widens the gap between them, a forceful reminder of just how fucking far out of his league Sanji is.
No, he needs to pay rent.
That means another fight. If he bags a good opponent, he can easily make 1,000 Beri in a night. He made 1,500 on the Kaku fight, and part of that had paid for the last gas bill and Chopper's applications fees (who the fuck charges students to apply to school? The fucking World Government, that's who).
His decision made, he stuffs all of the money in his front pocket, grabs an apple from the fruit bowl Sanji bought, and sends a quick text to Ippon-Matsu asking him for the morning off. He ignores the reply, knowing it's probably his boss cursing him out.
He takes care of his bills first, then heads off to Rain Dinners, the hotel Crocodile owns. It takes him a while to find the place since the streets keep moving, so it's close to noon by the time he walks past the main doors.
"Mr. Roronoa, right this way."
Zoro follows the man, knowing better than to ask how the guy knows who he is. Every time he comes here, a different person leads him to Crocodile's office.
Except, this time, he's led to a different room. This one is smaller, still nicer than anything Zoro has ever seen, but definitely not the big boss's office. He turns around, ready to bitch out the employee who led him wrong, only to come face to face with a black-haired woman.
"Mr. Roronoa, it's so nice to meet you," she says. Her voice reminds him of Sanji; not because she has a man's voice, but because it gives off the same feeling of class and superiority—it makes Zoro feel like he's in the presence of someone important, someone that is way out of his reach. Even when the cook curses, he sounds like some kind of prince.
"Who the fuck are you?" He doesn't like this woman. All of his instincts are telling him she's dangerous, and they are never wrong.
"My name is Nico Robin," she replies, pleasant smile still in place. "I'm sorry if this is unexpected; I have actually been looking forward to meeting you."
"Yeah? And why is that?"
"Well, it's not every day that one gets the opportunity to speak with the Demon of East Blue." Her smile widens, but there still isn't any mirth in her eyes. Those eyes are cold and calculating, reading Zoro like a book. He doesn't trust those eyes.
"Yeah, well, we've met. Can I go now? I have business here," Zoro growls, making as if to move past the woman, but she simply moves to block his way.
"I see you're not one for pleasantries." Neither her expression nor her tone of voice changes. It's actually quite creepy. "Maybe I should just cut to the reason why you're here?"
"That would be great, yeah."
"I am well aware of your financial problems, Mr. Roronoa," Robin begins. "The debt you owe Sir Crocodile is a hefty one; more than you can pay in your lifetime."
"Get on with it, lady." Zoro is beginning to lose his patience. He doesn't like it when people know more about him than he does them.
"I am prepared to help you pay this debt." The woman glances at her perfectly manicured nails, then meets Zoro's eyes. "How does three hundred thousand Beri sound? That would pay for most of it, wouldn't it?
Zoro stares at her, mouth agape. Three hundred thousand Beri? It would take him over a decade to pay Crocodile that amount of money, and that is if he gives all of his earnings to the man. Shit, he has never even seen that much money at one time. This has to be some kind of joke, right?
"And what is it that I would have to do in return, huh?" Zoro scoffs. "Sell my soul to you? No, let me guess…you wanna get all of my organs and sell them in the black market?"
"I want you to kill someone for me." All pretense is dropped. Her face hardens, her mouth sets in a thin line, and her eyes darken. This is her true form, the form that makes Zoro's instincts shriek at him to get away. "During one of your fights."
"A fight? Against who?" Who the fuck can be worth so much damn money?
"He goes by the name of Black Leg. He's a powerful opponent, one that has been a painful thorn on my side for the last couple of years. He has defeated every man I have set against him; you are my last chance. I can arrange a fight between the two of you for Thursday evening. You will only have to kill this man, and the money is yours."
Zoro hesitates. He isn't above killing someone; in fact, he has already killed a couple of people during his fights. It's just one of the dangers of the ring. But he finds it hard to believe that someone can be worth so much money. This guy probably fucked up badly for Robin to be so desperate to off him. Poor chap.
"Alright. I'll do it."
Robin's eyes narrow. "Very well. I will set up the fight. One of my associates will let you know the details at a later time. And remember, Mr. Roronoa…defeating Black Leg isn't enough; you have to kill him. If you don't, you can kiss all that money goodbye."
"I says I'd do it," Zoro spits. "So I fucking will."
"Good bye, Mr. Roronoa."
He waits until the woman is out of the room to release the breath he's holding. Today seems to be his lucky day.