I wonder who will take the first step.

Enjoy~

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Chapter 15

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The sky was surprisingly clear when Zoro took up watch for the night. They had sailed Merry up river to a tributary that had calmer currents, so they dropped anchor to wait out the storms. It was a quiet enough place with trees and large rock formations surrounding them. It was good for blocking any of the harsh winds that any of the storms would brew up.

Zoro leaned back against the mast in his perch up in the crowsnest. Hands folded behind his head and legs crossed as he simply gazed up at the sky. The stars shone brightly overhead as he took to silently counting the brighter ones.

Normally he would spend his watch time lifting weights or working on pushups, but tonight he didn't really feel like it. He let his mind wander over everything that had happened as of late. Seeing the life that was steadily returning to Sanji's eyes inspired him, but it still wasn't enough. He needed to do something more. Something to help him regain that closeness that he had stolen before.

He wasn't sure what exactly it was he felt for the cook, but that brief moment of closeness..

That one kiss they shared...

It haunted him. He had liked it. Probably more than he should have, but there was something there that he had seen behind the blonde's bravado. It had been in those blue eyes. A spark of something he had never seen before. It promised something. Unfortunately things blew up all to hell before Zoro could figure it out.

A frown creased his brow as he locked his eyes with the bright half moon hanging in the sky. He knew he almost had it. He almost had it the moment Sanji told him why he had risked aggravating his wounds for the sake of a piece of cloth.

'Because it's important to you. I couldn't let sink without at least trying to get it back.'

Zoro raised his hand and placed it on his left arm where the bandana was firmly tied. It had torn him apart when Sanji threw it to the ground. It had made him realized just how far he had pushed the cook. For Sanji to throw away something that was important to someone.

He was still ashamed for everything. It took him a while for him to realize that he had purposely threatened to tell the others just so Sanji would be forced to depend on him. He had liked the way Sanji had complied to his orders on that first night far too much. He liked the way Sanji needed him. When he recalled liking the fact Sanji would have to go to him after he had ruined his bandages...

He hid his eyes behind his hand as the shame fell over him.

Sanji had opened up to him. Trusted him. Confessed things that he had kept hidden for a reason. Treated him like an equal.

What had Zoro done?

"I cornered him instead of just going straight to Chopper... I forced him to trust me instead of getting him the medical attention he really needed... I got too wrapped up in thinking I owed him for saving me... Instead of just being grateful..."

Zoro bowed his head as the list kept getting bigger, but one thing stuck out in his mind.

One thing that made his stomach turn. The one thing he had refused to think about.

"He has to carry those wounds... Those scars... On his back because of me..."

He knew Sanji didn't have the same stigma about wounds on the back that he did. Sanji wasn't a swordsman. As long as his hands were safe, Sanji didn't give a shit about where he was wounded. He was a close combat expert. His entire body was a weapon. A finely tuned weapon that could withstand untold punishment. With his self sacrificing nature, it really shouldn't have surprised Zoro that Sanji pushed him out of the way. He would have done it for any of them.

But none of that mattered.

He wouldn't be able to look at the blonde without thinking of that moment where Sanji had him pinned. Blood rolling down his pale face. His body so still and strong. That first moment he saw the full extent of that horrible wound that Sanji beared with a casual ease. All of that blood that just kept rolling down the mangled flesh...

In the end, it boiled down to two things.

Sanji nearly died trying to save him.

Sanji nearly died trying to kill him.

"He has the right... He saved my life.. He can take it if he wishes..." Zoro mused to himself before looking back up to the sky.

Sanji was a better man than that, though. He was a far better man. He still offered his trust with outstretched hands. Without even understanding it, Sanji was a true nakama despite the fact he didn't allow anyone to return that effort for his sake.

That was going to change. Zoro easily saw how everyone was making the effort to show Sanji exactly what he was a part of. He could tell the blonde was beginning to understand. He was opening up and letting the people he cared for help shoulder the load he placed upon himself without even thinking. It was a definitely an encouraging sign.

Most of all Zoro still had hope. Sanji gave Zoro hope as a foundation to build on. Now all Zoro had to do was figure out what to build. That and find out if Sanji was willing to build it with him.

He didn't want to hope for too much, but he wanted to figure out what he had let slip through his fingers. He wanted that look that had been in those blue eyes. He wanted whatever they were going to promise him.

As he began to ponder over how to get off that infamous 'shit list', he didn't notice the sound of footsteps walking out on deck. He didn't notice the faint light from the match that was struck.

But when the soft breeze carried the familiar scent of smoke Zoro immediately sat up. He moved to the edge of the crowsnest and looked down.

There leaning against the deck rail was the object of his thoughts. Quietly smoking as he stared out into the darkness. By the light of the moon, Zoro could make out the blonde only wearing a pair of red cargo shorts. The pale light reflected brightly off the gold hair and the white bandages. It almost made the cook seem like a ghost.

That thought left a bad taste in Zoro's mouth.

Before he really thought it through, Zoro found himself climbing down from the crowsnest. The thought occurred to him that the blonde might have wanted some alone time. Still, Zoro climbed down to the deck and approached the bandaged back. Seeing those strips of gauze made a knot twist in his stomach, but he still pressed on.

At first he didn't say anything. He merely stepped up to the rail beside his nakama and took to leaning against it as well. Looking out into the distance in a vain attempt to look for whatever had caught that blue gaze.

Eventually, after a long silent moment, Zoro spoke. "So... Figured out how those turtles solve that shell problem?"

An amused snort left Sanji as he blew out a long stream of smoke. "Nah. I gave up. I figured it was about the equivalent of a steel plated chastity belt. It can be done, but a hell of a lot of hassle. I have a new respect for all the turtle brothers out there."

That response got a chuckle from Zoro. "That kind of determination is admirable. So what brings you out at this hour? Luffy snoring too loud?"

"I'm used to that. It's the whistling sound Usopp's nose makes that makes me grind my teeth... But no. I just couldn't sleep. My back's been itching like hell. I came up for a smoke to see if that'll calm it down." Sanji explained before taking another deep drag. The smoke helped a little, but he still felt like rubbing his back against the mainmast like a bear trying to scratch a spot he couldn't reach.

Zoro could easily relate. The slash he had gotten across his chest itched like mad when it had been healing. "I'm sure Chopper has something for that."

Sanji gave another snort. A sarcastic one. "Oh he does. This funky green salve. Shit smells nasty. I told him I'd rather have the itching. Why does medicine always have to look/taste/smell repulsive? Nothing against Chopper. His work is awesome, but still.. Blech." he finished with a little shudder.

That pulled a smile over Zoro's lips. Sanji was speaking openly with him again. That alone made him feel as if things were finally smoothing over. "Thought you said you would work with him on that."

"Eh, so I did... Still, I have to be careful. If I make it taste too good, Luffy might eat Chopper's entire stock supply." the cook added thoughtfully. Although the thought of a drugged up Luffy was amusing, he didn't want Chopper to deal with the aftermath of that.

"Good point."

The visible blue eye flickered over to the man standing quietly at the rail. There was a look of content on his face. Sanji could see it clearly even in the dark. He knew Zoro was trying in his own not so smooth way to make things better. He expected nothing less from someone as honorable as the swordsman.

What did surprise him was that the moss head was actually trying to reclaim the intimacy that had been barely sparking between them. He had honestly thought that closeness was just a product of the hero complex that Zoro had unwittingly fallen into. Then again Sanji had instigated some of it himself. He knew that the situation they were in was just as much his fault as Zoro's.

He was the one that hid the wound. He was the one that caved into Zoro's threats. He was the one that got lured in by the kind touch that Zoro had given him. The one that impulsively sought out more when he was too strung out to really know what he was doing. In a way he had led Zoro on. He wasn't going to use his injured state and exhaustion as an excuse.

Sanji had wanted that kindness from Zoro. Probably from Zoro more than anyone. The fact he had hurt Zoro...

Had actually tried to kill him...

That tore at him more than anything Zoro did.

Unable to hold back any longer, Sanji let out a heavy sigh and leaned over a bit until his shoulder was lightly touching Zoro's. "I'm really not worth the effort you're putting in, Marimo..."

The touch was unexpected, but, on hearing those words, Zoro let out a thoughtful hum. He knew he was probably pressing his luck, but he still raised his arm and wrapped it around the slender shoulders. "That's for me to decide, idiot."

For a moment Sanji tensed as the strong arm wrapped around him. When he felt the loose hold and the warmth that was being offered, Sanji found himself leaning into the embrace. "Stubborn kelp head..." he mumbled even as a faint smile ghosted across his face.

"Psychotic curlicue..." Zoro readily mumbled in reply as he turned his head to gently bury his face in the soft blonde hair.

They both stayed close for a long drawn out moment. Simply enjoying the warmth they felt from one another. As they did something became clear to the both of them. There was a strange bond the two had. Not only of nakama, but something else. Something a bit more complex.

It made Zoro think of what Luffy had told him.

"I'm the heart... You're the soul..."

"Hm?" Sanji had been lost in his own thoughts when he heard Zoro's whispered words. "Heart and soul of what?"

A bit embarrassed that he had actually said that out loud, Zoro coughed slightly and turned his head to look back to their shadowed surroundings. "Ah... Something Luffy told me."

When it was left at that, Sanji frowned, but he didn't press the matter. He quietly finished off his cigarette as he leaned a bit more into that solid body next to him. "Hm... Luffy's been very understanding... Sometimes I forget how perceptive he can really be."

"So do I.. But we're lucky to have him as our captain."

"Yeah..." Sanji trailed off for a moment before he turned to face his companion a bit better. There he looked into those dark eyes watching him. After a few seconds a sigh left him as he looked away in a frustrated pout. "Dammit.. I had thought I could hold out longer than this..."

Confused, Zoro tilted his head as his hand rested on the gauze covered shoulder. "Hold out? What are you talking about?"

The cook rolled his eyes at the question. "You always were a bit slow, Marimo..." His steady hand reached up and gently cupped the tan face. A smirk twitched at his lips and he move in closer. "I don't know what the hell it is about you... But whatever the fuck it is, I've missed it... I've missed you." he whispered as he closed the space between them.

The words didn't really dawn on Zoro until he felt those soft lips pressing against his own. His eyes widened and his body tensed for an instant. Was this real? Had he fallen asleep again?

Those questions were abruptly tossed out of his head when he felt something warm and wet ghost between his lips. On feeling that silent request, Zoro's eyes slid shut as his lips slowly parted for that exploring tongue. Tobacco and spice, those were the flavors that instantly filled his mouth. A faint groan was torn from him when he found himself liking that taste. Wanting more of it.

The hand on Sanji's shoulder inched its way up until it was threading into the silky blonde hair. Just being this close again was enough to make Zoro's spine tingle. His tongue lazily twined and fought with the one invading his mouth. He was taking his sweet time with this.

Which Sanji was more than willing to indulge in. Feeling that hand in his hair and the other resting lightly on his hip made the blonde lean more into the broad frame. The warmth and strength he could sense from his nakama calmed him. Comforted him against the irritating pain that still plagued him better than any of the cigarettes he could possibly smoke.

He was able to draw Zoro's tongue out after some teasing. The moment he did he wrapped his lips around it and suckled softly, humming in pleasure when the hand in his hair gripped tight. He enjoyed the moan the act tore from Zoro, but, instead of continuing, Sanji pulled away. His pale hand caressed the tan face as he looked into the heated gaze that was fixed on him. The silent questions in those dark eyes amused him, but behind the confusion he saw something else. Hope. Clear and honest hope that this was real.

A genuine smile formed on the too pale lips. "Don't think you're off my shit list just yet, Marimo. I... Just think this is more important. Too important for angry hurt feelings to get in the way of." Sanji whispered before carefully nipping at the dark and still moist lips.

Those words thrilled Zoro more than he would ever admit, but they also sobered him. "But you're still hurt." he whispered. Not that he was surprised. He knew a single kiss wouldn't erase any of the damage done. Nor would it cover up anything. Sanji was still in pain. It was probably going to be a while before that pain started to ease away.

The blonde head nodded faintly. He wasn't going to deny the pain any longer. It only made things worse. "I am.. But this helps."

That was all Zoro needed to hear. His right arm gingerly wrapped back around the slim shoulders and pulled the lithe body closer to him. He wished he could wrap his arms around the cook and hold on tight, but he had to settle for this. It soon didn't seem like settling when he felt a pair of long arms wrap around his waist and pull him flush against the smaller frame. A content hum was pulled from him as he buried his face in the gold silk.

Sanji placed a few soft kisses to Zoro's neck as his hands gripped at the back of the soft white shirt. This comforting feeling that seemed to drape around him eased a great deal of the tension out of his strung out body. He finally allowed himself to fully relax against his companion.

A deep breath left him before he nuzzled his face deeper against the strong corded neck. "Mmm.. And don't think this will keep me from kicking your ass if you piss me off, Shitty Marimo..."

Zoro chuckled at the added comment and moved to nip at Sanji's ear. "Don't think I won't take every opportunity to piss you off... I always liked it when you were pissed anyway."

"Heh... That explains why you always pissed me off." Sanji mused on a snort.

"You make it so easy. It's difficult to resist..." Zoro trailed off for a second when he noticed Sanji was gently swaying them from side to side as he held on. The act made him smile. "You're difficult to resist."

The cook let out a chuckle as he continued to sway. "So you finally admit it. I knew you were another victim of my irresistible charm. Just took a while for your marimo brain realize it."

Dark eyes rolled sarcastically at the arrogant bravado that made a full come back. "Yeah yeah. Whatever. You haven't swooned me yet, so don't get ahead of yourself."

"Yet~!" Sanji repeated on a musical tone as he held on tighter. "I'll have you swooning in due time."

"Uh huh. I'll remember that when you're moaning out my name." Zoro countered on a soft growl. He trailed his lips lower to gently bite at that pale neck. The sudden intake of breath that followed paired with the way those steady hands clutched tighter at his shirt made Zoro smirk. He repeated the act, this time suckling on that salty skin and enjoying the taste of it.

A quiet moan left Sanji as he tilted his head a bit. Offering up more of his neck to that contact. "Mmm.. The moment I'm able.. I'm so owning you."

Zoro gave a throaty chuckle as he covered the light bruise he had made with soothing licks. "You're welcome to try."

"Pfft. I'm gonna do it."

"Are not."

"Are too."

"Not."

"Too."

"Dartboard."

"Meat head."

"Want to keep me company for the rest of my watch?"

"Sure."

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TBC

I think it's a tie.

Later~