Zoro sighed, digging his hands back into his pant pockets. His eyes scanned over the area again. This was the place he had dropped Sanji off at right? He was pretty confident it looked familiar so, it had to be. He swore to himself. If only the damn cook hadn't been so dramatic insisting he wasn't able to come inside with him. Something about learning how to do this on his own…
Zoro glanced back towards the center's doors. In a way, he was kind of torn about that. He didn't get to annoy the heck out of Sanji anymore by being his 'nurse Marimo'. The other half of him though was thrilled Sanji was finally opening himself enough to cope with the new things in his life.
He scratched the back of his neck, letting out a slight huff in annoyance. But really! He didn't spend two hours looking for this place only to have to wait. Then, as if his thoughts had been read, the door to the rehabilitation center opened and Zoro grinned.
Sanji emerged, rolling himself on the wheelchair. He hadn't noticed Zoro yet though, his attention was on the heavy point Chopper, who had held the door for him. From their expressions, Zoro assumed the blonde was yet again being scolded by Chopper. There was a sensation in his chest though, when the cook turned his chin, his blue eye catching glimpse of him. And aw damn, of course he had to smile too, practically killing Zoro inside. He averted his eyes immediately.
Sanji just smirked at the swordsman as he stood outside the opening. He could already tell the guy had probably been waiting for him and knew that most likely under that scowled expression was an overly excited kid. Sanji sighed again, glancing back up at Chopper who was still staring at him concerned.
"Sanji please! It's important that you keep up these exercises at home." He lectured again, walking along Sanji as they edged closer to Zoro.
Sanji nodded. "Alright, alright. I got it Chopper. I will, I promise."
He turned his wheel, coming to a stop at Zoro's side. He glanced up at him before reaching for the smokes in his pocket.
"Marimo." He said in greeting. Zoro's eyes glanced over him a second on their way to Chopper.
"Cook." was his response.
Chopper watched their confrontation in confusion, but then turned to Zoro.
"Zoro, will you at least make sure he does them?" he asked.
Hopefully he could at least put his trust in Zoro. It was a gamble though, Chopper knew, because they were both extremely stubborn.
Zoro nodded, a sly smile on his face. "Yeah Chopper. I'll make sure." his dark eye moved to the blonde, smoking his cigarette. "Shouldn't be too hard."
Sanji scoffed, glaring up at the swordsman. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Zoro just shrugged, rolling his head off to the side, causing his earrings to jingle. It did nothing but ignite the flame inside Sanji. He rolled his chair back a bit and reached out, grabbing the swordsman's arm. It was a comforting warmth.
"Hey! Shit head I'm talking to you!" He hissed, holding his cigarette off to the side. He glared up at him. "Why don't you come down here and say that."
Zoro grinned to the side, hiding it before he looked down at Sanji. His plan of agitating Sanji was already playing out perfectly. His eye met Sanji and he let out a dry chuckle. He moved his arm slightly, feeling Sanji's grip tighten.
"You'll bitch but you always do what the doctor says." He retorted.
Sanji narrowed his eyes, yanking Zoro down by his arm. "So he'll hurry up and take his stupid nurse back you shitty Marimo!"
Chopper's mouth dropped as he continued to watch the two argue back and forth. In the middle of public too, while people were walking past into the rehabilitation center. Really, their relationship was one of the most confusing of the human species he had ever seen. But it was a relief, seeing them act normal and fight again.
Taking this as an opportunity, the reindeer rolled his eyes as he shrank back into his more adorable form and trotted back towards the center, he had other patients to follow up with.
It took the pair a few more minutes before they found a point in their argument to stop. Both dramatically turned their faces away. That's when the thick headed swordsman seemed to notice the absence of the doctor who had seemingly vanished. His head perked up and he glanced around.
"Eh? Where'd Chopper go?" he said, glancing at the cook.
However, Sanji had spun his wheel around and started off down the sidewalk towards Zoro's truck. "Idiot."
Zoro's shoulders dropped, and he mumbled a few aggravated things to himself, following after the blonde. Though he himself couldn't get too mad. Sanji was getting to be more like himself, and that made him feel a lot better. Even getting him to leave the apartment and come to these rehabilitation sessions with Chopper at the hospital were a huge milestone. Though, that was the thing. He only seemed to be going there and the apartment.
Zoro couldn't help but wonder if Sanji still had that lingering feeling of being watched, and hated being out and in the open. Or perhaps, it was just personal preference due to his newest condition. Either way, Zoro sighed, he didn't want his boyfriend to be a hermit. He loved him to death, he wanted him to be happy. The blonde wasn't even cooking anymore. Now that really did make his heart feel heavy.
Cooking to Sanji was comparable to the relationship Zoro had with his swords. Seemingly, an extension to oneself. To have a Sanji without cooking, it was very disheartening. He'd have to keep trying and get Sanji out of his growing hermit shell.
Sanji pulled up to the side of the truck, resting his cigarette in his lips as he reached up for the handle. He let out a small growl of irritation finding the door to be unlocked, and he turned his chair to change that gaze towards Zoro.
"Unlock the door marimo."
Zoro slid his hand into his jean pocket, feeling the settled keys. He could open the door for Sanji. The cook had gotten pretty good at loading himself in and out without much help but... he closed his fingers around the pieces of metal. He didn't feel like it. He yawned instead, bringing that hand out to scratch at his neck.
"Nah." He answered calmly.
Sanji narrowed his eyes, studying the swordsman's face. What was this guy planning? He frowned slightly, glancing back at the truck. He really did just want to get back to the apartment, where he felt safe. Outside it, he felt vulnerable, as much as he hated to admit it.
"Oi Sanji." Zoro called out then, bringing him out of his thoughts. "Let's go for a walk."
The blonde stared at the swordsman. A walk? What was he some kind of dog? Though, now he really knew Zoro was after something.
There was a tingle of guilt that made Zoro's hair stand up, and his cheeks tinted pink just barely.
"No, um… that's not what I meant, about the walking. I just…" His words were jumpy, and Sanji considered it kind of cute that Zoro thought he had found it offensive. When did they ever say anything to each other that couldn't be considered offensive? He didn't interrupt him though, knowing something like an embarrassed Zoro was to come by.
"Dammit Cook. Let's go somewhere." Zoro finally spat out, his scowled face painted in determination.
Sanji chuckled, leaning back in his seat and finishing off the rest of his cigarette. He couldn't help but smile. "Alright." He agreed, already fishing out his smokes yet again, "Let's go somewhere."
A childish grin spread across Zoro's face and he took a few more steps towards Sanji. Sanji eyed him cautiously, lighting up his new cigarette.
"What are you doing now?" His tone was low, a little more suspicious than before. There was something about that devious glint in the marimo's eyes.
Zoro's grin calmed and he hovered over Sanji. "Let me take you there." It wasn't a question, or even a statement. It was a demand. Man, the swordsman really needed to work on his persuasive skills. That may have worked on a normal person, but Sanji had stood up to that look on more occasions than one could count. He wasn't going to back down easily.
"No. Why should I?" He grumbled, his hand already at his wheel. He pushed himself off in one stride, purposely running over Zoro's foot in the process. In his mind he thanked Franky and Ussop for making his wheelchair so much more durable.
The swordsman cursed behind him, shifting his feet. He could feel the eye staring into the back of his head, and it was so gratifying. But then another image came to the Cook's mind. Zoro had looked so determined, and now he was probably angry and sulking. Sanji sighed, stopping himself. He listened as Zoro's steps approached him.
"Fine." He gave in reluctantly, pulling his hands from his wheels. He rather liked having more freedom as of late, but he supposed if it were Zoro it would be alright. Zoro was someone he could give into, to let push him around with trust. Though, if he handed him off to any straw hat wearing idiots who thought of this as nothing more than some cool new ride again, there would be hell to pay.
Zoro grunted to himself, stepping up and grabbing the wheelchair's handles. Shitty cook thinking he can get away with something like that. Zoro always had and always would be getting his revenge. Though, as he glanced down at Sanji who had hung his head back to smile up at him, it could be a little difficult. He averted his eyes, and began pushing.
"Don't look at me like that." He muttered. Sanji just chuckled in response.
They didn't speak for a while. Both of them glanced off in opposite directions, staring at the things they came to pass on this afternoon stroll they decided to take. Zoro continued to scowl. His original idea had been to take Sanji out and maybe they would find something to do that the blonde liked, however... it probably didn't help that he had already gotten them lost.
He wouldn't admit it though, and he was pretty confident the cook probably already knew. That guy always seemed to know when they changed around street names. But even if he did, his expression didn't show it. The blonde was sitting back rather comfortably, smoking his day away in peace. Zoro sighed, the smell of the ocean filling his nostrils.
How had they already made it to the waterfront from the hospital? Well, it was probably better not to question such things as Zoro's talent. Obviously he had found the one thing that Sanji loved more than almost anything, the sea.
Sanji's eyes scanned over the area as the harbor began to come into view. He snorted. The swordsman got lucky this time. He was half hoping that they'd end up somewhere really exotic so he could make sure Zoro didn't hear the end of it. His face softened, and he relaxed his body. It had been forever since he'd seen the sea.
"There." Zoro said, parking Sanji next to one of the scattered benches among the pier and flopping himself down onto it. He crossed his arms in front of him and closed his eyes. "Stare at it and be happy."
Sanji let out a dry laugh, turning himself towards Zoro. "Eh? You feeling alright moss brains? Did I hear that right?"
He watched as Zoro continued to just sit there, and he let out a hiss, glancing back at the ocean. It was beautiful, the sun reflecting off its waves. There were a few idle fishing boats floating in the distance. The view made Sanji a little home sick actually. Well, not necessarily home sick per say, as much as overwhelmed by his memories.
He'd actually come over here when he was younger by ship, with Zeff when they were on their escape. He smiled bitterly to himself. The feeling of pure joy of knowing he was safe, and among someone who understood him. Zeff was everything he could have ever wanted in family. His chest clinched tighter.
After everything that had been going on lately, he hadn't really had time to remind himself. Zeff was gone, murdered. He closed his eyes. That shitty old geezer, why did he ever risk himself by protecting him? Though, Sanji would be lying if he said living those years of freedom with him weren't worth it. Of course they got on each other's nerves, similar to the relationship he had with Zoro, Zeff taught him everything he knew today.
Not only that but he was also the one person who truly understood Sanji's dream. Anyone else in Sanji's position might've given it up, or tossed it aside, but Zeff had encouraged him to keep it. Don't let bad things ruin the things you love.
Zoro opened his eyes, feeling a little unsettled at the silence. Why hadn't the cook kept bitching? When he turned his gaze over though, he received his answer. Sanji's eye was hazy as it watched the sea. His expression was soft and sad as his hair brushed slightly against his face in the wind. Zoro pressed his lips together. Maybe bringing Sanji here had actually caused the opposite effect of what he had hoped for?
"Oi." He said softly, reaching out and touching Sanji's shoulder. "You look like you're going to cry."
Sanji's eye came back to life and he stared over at Zoro, confused to his hand on his shoulder. He brought up his cigarette free hand and wiped at his eye. "Shut up shitty swordsman. Wasn't crying."
The sight of the cook's eyebrows lowering in an annoyed expression calmed Zoro and he retreated his hand. It was his favorite thing in the world.
Sanji scoffed, taking another drag. Dammit, why was it always Zoro that found him when he was spacing out like that? His cheeks began to heat up. It was embarrassing! Though…it was becoming a lot more frequent. Zoro was always there, and willingly so. He glanced back at the swordsman who jolted his face away in a 'I wasn't looking at you' manner. Sanji rolled his eyes. He was curious though. What would Zoro think of his dream after all of this?
"Hey. Zoro." He called out to him while he rolled his cigarette between his teeth.
Zoro tightened his arms in front of him, and rolled his head over lazily, appearing unamused to the untrained eye. "Eh?"
"Wanna know what my dream is?"
Zoro narrowed his eye. Was this a trick question? Since when had the cook been so open and wanting to share stuff with him? He looked down in realization. Oh yeah, probably because his biggest secrets were out of the bag, he supposed. Well it wasn't like he was actually complaining. Although he never showed it, the swordsman was very curious of the cook. He was one of the most secretive people he knew, similar to himself, until that event. Though he couldn't let Sanji in on that at all, so he replied in his usual way.
"Dumbass I don't want to know your dream-"
"To find the All Blue."
Sanji's clam tone shut Zoro up rather quickly. His eye locked with Zoro, and it invited it to follow to the ocean again. Zoro raised an eyebrow, following the blonde gaze. That made no sense. He was under the impression Sanji had been trying to get away from the All Blue. Not find them. Unless, confrontation had been what he wanted from the beginning.
Sensing the marimo wasn't smart enough to put two and two together already, Sanji smiled.
"Not that one." He explained. "The real one, the ocean."
Zoro swallowed thickly. Well that was good. He'd rather it be an ocean than some crime organization any day. The thought allowed him to relax in his seat.
"Not going to laugh?"
Zoro shook his head. "Why would I?"
"You don't find it the least bit ironic? I dream about something with the same name of those trying to kill me?"
Sanji lowered his eyes at Zoro's silence. Alright, maybe it was only him thinking he was being foolish. Had he been mistaken thinking so? Though, not hearing anything sarcastic coming from Zoro about it was refreshing. What would he have done if the swordsman thought it was stupid?
He finished off his cigarette, and hovered his hand over his wheel. He turned around, glancing at their surroundings. Unlike his green haired counterpart, he at least knew about locations. Sanji actually used to visit this area of town frequently. His eye glanced over to a sign, pointing in another direction. 'Market' it read. He couldn't hold his excitement. He loved going to the local market.
It was a place his inner cook came to life. He was just dying to go and see what ingredients they had there. He glanced back at Zoro. Though…he hadn't been cooking since the incident. Why had he been denying himself that? It actually made him quite sad to think about it.
"Hey..." His voice was low, and he stared into Zoro's dark eye. "Let me make you something for dinner."
Zoro couldn't control the grin that spread across his face, and he got up onto his feet.
"Took you long enough cook."
Zoro's eye widened. He'd never seen something like this before. It seemed so unreal. He'd seen Sanji work in the kitchen before, yes, but never in this way. Zoro stood dumbfounded in the opening, watching as Sanji laid out his ingredients he gathered at the market only an hour prior. His blue eye was scanning each item again, recalculating its freshness.
Then, using the wheelchair around the room like it was another extension of himself, he retrieved things from inside Zoro's kitchen drawers he couldn't remember owning. Which made him notice something else. Something about the kitchen seemed...altered.
Sanji glanced up at the neanderthal standing in the opening, wearing nothing but a dumbfounded expression. He shook his head. Idiot didn't even know what was going on in his own kitchen. Not that Sanji could really hold that against him, the marimo wasn't one to go in there except for the stored booze.
"It's nice right?" He commented, setting out his chopping block. "Franky and Usopp made me some alterations."
Zoro nodded, going along like he knew what was going on. He rolled his shoulders back a bit, and his hands retreated to his pant pockets. "So...do you need any help?" He offered, knowing it would be turned down anyway. But at least if Sanji needed something from a cabinet or –
Zoro's jaw dropped. Sanji had spun back around to the counter, pulled himself out of his chair and onto it, and was reaching into a cabinet for his spices. Zoro felt the need to video tape this or something, it was so unusual to see just how easily Sanji had melted into his usual kitchen routine.
Sanji tilted his head at a spice, and then glanced over at Zoro. He couldn't help but give a smug grin. Really, what was that swordsman worrying about? This was his domain. He sighed.
"Marimo, I got this. Take a bottle and go sit in there." He motioned off to the living room with his free hand. "You're taking up my space."
Zoro did what he was instructed without protest, because let's be honest, when was he ever going to protest a time when Sanji actually let him take some of his cooking alcohol? He settled down on the couch, but found himself sitting sideways, his arm spread out over the back. He couldn't seem to get his eye off of Sanji. Or at least what he could see of the blonde from over the island.
It actually made him feel a bit proud. That was his cook, not letting this get the best of him. He lazily kept his drink up to his mouth while he thought. He could get used to this easily. Coming home with Sanji, enjoying a beer while the blonde cooked dinner. Truly it was the life.
His gaze fell downward. And it could be like this, no it would be like this, they just needed to get over that one obstacle. The thing that was hovering over all of them now, that fucking All Blue. He switched his beer in his hands and then fished into his pocket for his cellphone. Pesky thing, he didn't much like using it other than for its basic function, calling. He was met with several text message alerts.
He skimmed over them in his inbox, finding them to be the usual messages from his friends. Luffy wanting to know something about a video game, Ace telling him they needed to go out for beers soon, Chopper checking to make sure they got home safe. He smiled at that one. That doctor was going to overwork himself trying to watch over them so closely.
Unfortunately though as it seemed no more new updates on the All Blue situation. He had really hoped by now after he left whatever remained of Fullbody, Robin would have made some progress. Then again, he couldn't be sure that she hadn't and was just choosing to keep them out of the loop. He scowled. Zoro didn't like the idea of that; he wanted to be notified of anything going on.
The last text message caught his eye however, and his face softened.
"Oi… hey cook!" He yelled out to the blonde in the kitchen, turning his head slightly to the side.
Sanji, who was already working on something on the stove, wiped his brow with his hand. He was much closer now to his work, and it was much warmer. But at least, he was well trained enough in his field to not find it too overwhelming. He glanced back towards the living room.
"What now marimo?"
Zoro's head perked up from the couch and their eyes met. Zoro was grinning, and it made Sanji slightly curious. What did he have to grin about? If it was another Kendo tournament announcement he was going to hurt that man. There were enough trophies hogging the walls of their bedroom for that shit. Zoro lifted his phone up for Sanji to see in emphasis, even if the blonde couldn't read the words.
Sanji raised an eyebrow. Why was he holding up his phone then? Maybe he had finally gotten another position at work. His shoulders slouched a little. He really hoped not. He didn't quite care for Zoro's 'man for hire' occupation, whether or not it was just an escort job or an actual hit. It was selfish, but he had a desire for him to stay at home with him. It's not like the money from his inheritance was going anywhere soon.
"Usopp proposed to Kaya!" Zoro's tone was uplifting, showing the support he held for his long nosed friend.
Sanji couldn't help but grin. "Really?" He couldn't believe that. One of the biggest cowards he knew, well only because he claimed on and off to have 'I can't make a commitment disease', had actually gone and done something he's wanted to for years. Sanji reached up on the counter, propping himself so he could reach and turn off the stove top.
"Who knew he actually had it in him." He muttered.
Zoro got up from the couch, still staring at his phone. It would appear he was trying to press the buttons into words. Sanji could tell because of the look of determination on his face. Honestly, that man was born in the wrong era; he wasn't the brightest when it came to electronics. Zoro was still wearing the smile when he glanced up off his phone and met eyes with Sanji.
Sanji let his head rest back, and he admired his view. He pulled the apron he had settled around him loosely off and tossed it to the side. "Hey, why don't you," He began, motioning his hand back to the food he'd managed to perfectly make. "Set all of that up, and I'll go wash my face..."
It was no question he had gotten a little dirty after his first day back in the kitchen. His gaze fell back on Zoro. "And we can celebrate."
Zoro tucked his cellphone away in his pocket again and raised his beer slightly in understanding. "Got it."
He brushed past Sanji towards the cabinets where he at least knew the dinnerware was located, and Sanji rolled on off to clean himself up.
That night Zoro held Sanji close, nuzzling his face between Sanji's shoulder and his neck. He placed a trail generous kisses. His hand wrapped around Sanji's lean frame, holding him closer to his chest. Sanji's face was a flushed red, and he was purposely avoiding Zoro's face.
Zoro traveled up to his ear, breathing on it lightly. "You did good today." He whispered.
The words were so warm yet Sanji couldn't help but slightly shiver. He moved a hand and placed it on Zoro's where it lay on his abdomen. "What is this? Where's the real Zoro? This is weird."
Zoro defeatedly let his head fall so that his forehead rest on Sanji's shoulder. He spoke into his back. "What? I'm not allowed to compliment you?" He muttered, slightly annoyed.
Sanji laughed lightly. "No, it's weird. The real Zoro would never do that."
Zoro irritably sighed, his eyebrows lowering. "Alright." He started, raising his face again. He hovered over Sanji, looking at his face. The blonde dared to glance and meet his gaze. "The hell was that, cook? I thought you were world renowned."
Sanji rolled his eyes. "You're such a moron, Marimo." He scoffed, turning his face away. Zoro glared at him before giving up, letting himself relax into place around Sanji.
Instinctively, one of his legs moved, brushing up against Sanji's motionless ones. Sanji's eye widened and his heart began to race. Something had just jolted through him. It wasn't pain, he knew, but he also couldn't place what it was. He immediately tensed, nearly jumping in his spot. Zoro picked up on this, sitting up and glancing around.
"Cook? What happened?" He asked, worried he had actually done something.
Sanji glanced at him, still wearing his bewildered expression. He blinked a few times, trying to process. Could he have just felt what he thought he had felt? He pulled himself up, using his elbows for support. He glanced down at himself. He could've sworn, that maybe he had felt something...on his leg?
Fear and excitement ran through him. Did he really feel that?
"Nothing, nothing I just..." He stared intently at his legs, trying to send them any kind of signal. Nothing.
Dread began to crawl up his back. So it wasn't like that. Had he really just imagined it? He clenched his teeth. What did this mean? Could he be going mad, imagining things? He moved a hand onto his thigh, not feeling anything. He sighed, turning back to lay down with his harsh realization. It must've been some kind of memory he unconsciously thought. A feeling he could remember when Zoro cuddled him close.
"It was nothing, forget about it."
Zoro watched Sanji in a daze. He had picked up on his confusion, and watched as he felt on his thigh. Was something hurting him? Did he feel his leg move again? All those doubts were cast aside though when Sanji disappointingly turned back to lying down, ready to sleep. Zoro looked at him and back at his legs.
He hesitantly moved back down onto the bed. That hadn't been nothing. He cautiously moved his arm again, but this time brushed it against Sanji's leg, just to test. It received no reaction. So then, it wasn't because Zoro touched him – Sanji wasn't in pain because of his leg. He sighed, bringing the arm up to Sanji's waist, across where his abdomen had healed. Nothing there either. Maybe it really was just nothing? The cook had already seemingly calmed down. Still, Zoro reminded himself, he would mention it to Chopper when he had the chance.
Author's Note: First I want to apologize for taking forever on this update. I was out of town for personal reasons and was unable to write anything. Q_Q sorry! Second, I want to apologize that the chapter you waited for was nothing but filler stuff! Bleh! I hope you don't find it boring and run for the hills! Anyway, thanks so much for reading and sticking around. I really hope you liked the chapter, I'm going to try and be good on update times but I can't promise to much. Reviews always welcomed of course! I love all the ones that have been left so far. Thanks so much you guys are the best. XD