"Shitty old geezer."
Sanji rested his cigarette back in between his lips, his blue eye staring down at the grave marker before him. It belonged to Zeff. Just looking at it made Sanji's heart pump a little faster. He only had the faint rolls of thunder in the distance accompanying him, but it set the mood Sanji wanted to feel. The sky was clouded, and all was silent. Finally he could just take a moment and think.
He slowly closed his eye, taking a drag from his smoke. It had never been his intention to not visit the grave of his step-father. To be honest, he had wanted to many times before but the rapid changes around him only kept him further away. He leaned back in his chair, his eye opening again. It scanned over Zeff's name, carved into the stone.
It made him wonder if Zeff knew what was happening now. What would he think of it? What would he do? The need to confide in his step father, no his once savior, boiled through him. He ached at the harsh realization he would never be able to. Instead he just swallowed thickly, his hand moving back to his wheel.
Sanji had only wanted to pay his final respects, having missed the actual chance to visit before. His lips were pressed tightly together around his smoke. There was a part of him that felt he should say more, maybe promise to Zeff's spirit he'd have his revenge or something of the sort, but he just couldn't find the words.
He rolled himself back and was about to turn when his eye fell upon the form of a man. It widened and gazed upward, taking in his appearance. He looked pretty normal, but was someone who Sanji did not recognize. His face was hidden mostly in shadow and he wore the most suspicious coat Sanji had ever seen. It made him tighten his grip.
"I knew you weren't dead." The man spoke.
His words made Sanji's face pale. He clenched his teeth. Who was this man, and how did he know he was supposedly dead?
"What? Who are you?" Sanji demanded in return.
The man just cocked his head to the side, as if this confused him for a moment. Then, he seemed to have a realization and he chuckled. "Oh right! I guess you don't recognize me like this!"
He moved his hand up and cuffed at his face and in an instant, much to Sanji's surprise, it changed. This face Sanji recognized, from his enormous grin to the makeup splattered over his eyes.
"Bon!" The man's name slipped out of Sanji's lips unconsciously, and his body told him to run.
He knew Bon Clay, and to see him here standing before him announcing he knew Sanji had survived...well, the cook wasn't willing to stay around and find out if Bon was still a part of the All Blue, where he recognized him from.
Bon Clay seemed to have noticed the change in Sanji's demeanor, and just shook his head.
"No no, no Sanji-kun! No need to worry! I am just here to pay my respects!" He announced, and spun on his heel to face the grave marker. Then, in usual Bon Clay fashion, he bowed dramatically, his hands pressed together in front of him.
Sanji's brow furrowed. There couldn't be any way Bon Clay, someone he knew to very well be a part of All Blue, was just here to visit. There was either something for him to gain, or something he wanted to tell. His eyes scanned over him. Suddenly, Sanji was feeling regretful about telling Zoro to just stay in the car and wait for him. His thoughts of being safe in an ordinary graveyard had been naïve. His eye trailed off to the grave marker again.
Something that had always bothered Sanji, was Zeff's trust for Bon Clay. It was the only thing that made sense here, explaining why the okama had shown himself. After Zeff and Sanji had escaped, it was the shitty geezer who kept in contact, always assuring the doubtful Sanji it was important to stay one step ahead, to have an ear on the inside. Bon Clay fit that role, but Sanji never felt as trusting about it. After all, where was the resourceful Bon Clay before the shit hit the fan?
"You can't let them know that," demanded Sanji. His only hope had been that the All Blue would fall under the impression he had been killed thanks to Don Krieg. If they knew he had survived...
Bon chuckled.
"Oh, they already know." He purred, standing straight up. He grinned back at Sanji. "It would be almost too easy if you never made it past Krieg."
Sanji felt empty and heavy. As much as he wanted to move, he found himself unable to. His cigarette in his fingers continued to burn, unnoticed. They knew he was still alive. This was just another calm before the storm. His heart flipped in his chest. They'd be coming for him again.
"They know about Fullbody too. Oh and you're friends!"
Sanji's stomach turned in a way he was sure he was about to be sick. His hands were shaking, and he dropped his cigarette. Fullbody? Was he here too? That bastard? And then his friends...the crew. They knew about them?
"What are they planning? Who's here in all?" Sanji struggled out. It was killing him to not be able to lash out at the okama, to make him spill everything. He was in the dark about it all even though it revolved around him. It made his self-doubt rise to the occasion.
Bon Clay spun around in a circle, balancing on his toes while he hummed out loud more. He stopped, staring down at Sanji.
"Would it surprise you if I said everyone?"
"E-everyone? Why...?"
Bon turned away from Sanji and down the row. He was balancing on his toes again, and gave a fancy leap forward. He spun around again. His eyes glanced down at Sanji's legs, making Sanji feel very uncomfortable. Bon seemed to frown a little.
"Are they really broken?" He asked, abruptly.
Sanji glared at him. He wasn't going to just sit by and let this guy say what he wanted. He was already getting annoyed, what he wanted to know was being avoided.
"Why does everyone find it so hard to believe?" He muttered to himself. It was frustrating. Not only did he have to constantly remind himself of his loss, but he had to announce it again and again to those around him. As if him sitting in a wheelchair wasn't enough to cure a curiosity.
Bon Clay shrugged.
"Because, you don't seem to believe it either."
It was like the words had some kind of magic over him, because he became aware for just a moment that his hand had been resting on his thigh. His eyes darted quickly to where it rested. The feeling was only for a moment, but it was there. But how was it that it would happen just as Bon Clay addressed it? Was he really going so mad that even when others brought it up, he'd imagine it?
Bon Clay continued to smile at him in a knowing way. How could the All Blue know that? Surely their resources didn't go so far.
"They'll be making a move soon Sanji-kun! Ta ta for now~!" Called Bon Clay, as he awkwardly spun away. Sanji however didn't move from his spot, staring at his leg. Everything he thought he understood, had been blown out of proportion.
It had been days since then though. Sanji pulled down his tie, setting it into place. He was staring off in deep thought, his fingers moving slowly. Perhaps he should've let someone else know what had happened. After all it was his fault they were now all a part of it. But for some reason, the idea of it hurt him the most. He could tell them everything, that their lives were in danger, that a whole organization was on their heels, but all that stood out to him was the fact that regardless of it all, Sanji couldn't do much of anything to stop it. And, despite feeling he was over this track of self-hate, he felt it was all his fault.
He glanced down, working on the cuffs of his sleeves. They would all be together tonight; it was Usopp and Kaya's engagement party – a get together to celebrate Usopp's bravery, in some way. He should tell them then what had happened. His expression hardened for a moment, recalling their reactions the first time he had acted solo and withheld information.
Zoro was standing in front of the closet, putting on his jacket. He wasn't fond of events where he had to dress up, but he supposed it was a rare enough occasion that he could abide by the dress code. He always felt really awkward in Robin's beautiful home in casual wear anyway. His dark eyes glanced over the bedroom and onto his lover, sitting spaced out in his wheelchair.
Zoro's eyes narrowed. Something was definitely up with the cook. Was he really not telling anyone anything anymore? Again? It was after he had brought him to visit Zeff's grave days ago that this change took place. Perhaps that wasn't the best move. It could have pushed him back in their progress. He sighed and moved over into Sanji's view, grumbling something to himself while he placed his tie around his neck. He'd have to try harder to get the cook smiling again and for good this time.
Sanji, watching Zoro stomp over, grinned to himself. He couldn't help it, the sight of the swordsman, who thought of himself so great, still puzzled by the mechanism called a tie. He motioned him to come closer, and as Zoro leaned in Sanji reached up, beginning to work on his tie. He chuckled softly.
"I swear, you're a lost cause marimo." He smiled smugly, and pulled the marimo down slowly by his tie.
Their lips brushed before meeting for a kiss. Zoro, who was still willingly being held lower by his tie, moved an arm out and grabbed onto the back of Sanji's chair for support. His other found its way over Sanji's shoulder, cuffing the back of his head and bringing him closer. Sanji felt his cheeks warm, realizing the quick peck he had meant to steal was being taken steps further.
Slowly, his grasp fell from the tie, and he arched his neck, instinctively moving closer. Zoro couldn't help but grin somewhat triumphantly, guiding Sanji to lean back into his seat. From there, his lips and tongue parted from Sanji's, his half-lidded eye met Sanji's. The cook was to delicious to pass, staring up at him longingly, a faint flush on his cheeks and even starting at his ears.
Sanji's arm eased itself up and around Zoro's shoulder as Zoro's lips met his flesh again, but this time in the curve of his neck. Sanji almost seemed to purr in approval.
"We're gonna to be late." He said softly while grinning himself. In honesty, he would rather be late at this point.
Though, his memory of being brushed off that one time after that first night home was still fresh in his mind. Were they really ready to experiment this together? Or would it be better to stop the tease while they still could? Sanji could feel Zoro's warm breath as he paused just over his skin. He let out a small huff, signaling he knew Sanji was right, but that he didn't really favor that decision.
He began to slowly retreat off of Sanji, when a tug at his hip made him glance down. Sanji's delicate fingers had curved themselves into the waist of his pants and were not about to let go. Zoro's dark eye gazed back up and over Sanji's body to his face. The gesture itself made his own cheeks warm. He met that blue eye in an unspoken understanding. Sanji, refusing to look the least bit vulnerable, narrowed his eye while his grin was still smug.
"I never said you could stop."
Both of them arrived at Robin's later that night with smiles they couldn't seem to get off their faces. Sanji's ears were still red, along with a splash on his cheeks. He exhaled from his cigarette, seemingly enjoying it more than usual. His face was turned away, which mirrored Zoro who was also looking off in a different direction. When Robin saw them come in in that manor, she couldn't help but smile.
They appeared to be doing quite well from what she could tell. Although their whole demeanor were faced off in other directions and they weren't looking at one another, there was no mistaking the smile both kept trying to clear from their faces, or how close they moved together. She supposed that to the untrained eye, maybe, it wouldn't have been so obvious.
When the cook seemed to notice her, his atmosphere only seemed to light up more, and he rolled over to her quickly.
"Robin-chan! Forgive me for being so late!"
Instinctively Robin offered her hand, a habit she had learned quickly with Sanji. Sanji took it gently, placing a kiss on her knuckle before beaming up at her. She closed her eyes a moment, only to give a shallow laugh.
"It's quite alright." Her eyes opened again, and she glanced at Zoro who had just caught up. There was a tension of a jealousy, as there often was when Sanji went into his love cook mode. "The guests of honor haven't arrived yet." Her tone was light and reassuring.
Zoro glanced around and away from the two of them. She was right about the absence of Usopp and Kaya, but in no way was there a lack of people. He recognized some but most seemed to be exclusively friends to the engaged couple. He couldn't help but feel a little respect for Robin and Franky offering their home for such an occasion for Usopp. His eyes fell over the refreshment table, and of course, the booze.
Sanji stayed with Robin a few more moments, mostly complimenting her on her home and how great she was at arranging such events. It was only when he felt perhaps he was burdening her by keeping her away from her hosting duties that he broke away, and found the marimo standing isolated in the back of the open room. He was staring at his cellphone before taking a swig from his drink.
Sanji reached up and effortlessly snatched the phone from him, sending him a glare.
"What are you doing back here shit head? Go talk to people!" He scolded, glancing down at the cellphone. The name of whom he was texting made his eyebrow twitch and he glanced up and over the room.
Two dark pupils were staring over at him from beneath the brim of a straw hat. It was Luffy, sitting at a table with his brother and several other people. In his hand was a cellphone. Sanji looked back at the swordsman like he was an idiot.
"Geez! You're in the same place, go talk to him you moron."
He grumbled to himself, tucking the cellphone into his jacket pocket. Really, this guy never ceased to amaze him.
Zoro furrowed his eyebrows. Shitty cook, always ruining his fun. He was finally finding use for bringing his cellphone with him, despite if Luffy was just a stroll away. He groaned, lowering his drink and scowling back at the blonde.
"What will you do?"
Sanji scanned the room once more then gave a half shrug. He could go mingle with the other guests, he supposed, but really he didn't want to. And not everyone was here yet so he wasn't really comfortable bringing up his news to anyone. He began to wheel off.
"Off to check the kitchen," was his reply.
Zoro watched as he wheeled off, and his eye found its way to the floor. He hoped whatever was making the cook randomly space out like so wasn't as bad as he secretly feared.
Nami groaned to herself, quickly sliding her feet into her heels. She glanced at her thin watch hanging off her wrist, and hissed at the sight. She was running late, could this night get any worse? She tucked a strand of hair behind her ear before reaching for her clutch purse. Perhaps she shouldn't question that; it could actually get pretty worse.
Grabbing her keys off the peg she made her way outside of her flat. It wasn't until she was opening the door to her car, tossing her things into the passenger seat that something on her windshield caught her eye. She stared at the back of it for a moment from inside, tilting her head curiously. Papers? Surely she didn't have a ticket.
Really today wasn't her day, everything seemed to be going wrong for Nami. She frowned, letting out a small whine and leaned back out of her car. She plucked the papers, there were a few, from under her windshield wiper and glanced down at them. Her face paled. They were pictures of her. Her brown eyes studied them closely.
They weren't just any photos. They were photos of her and Fullbody, from when she lured him out of the bar that night some time ago. A chill ran down her spine and she glanced up. What could this mean? Someone was following her? Could it be...that the All Blue was signaling her out?
It was at that thought that made Nami realize the sudden abundance of vehicles on her street. Usually there were only one or two but this time there was a handful of black cars. Her heart began to race. They were here, they were after her! But what could she do? She looked back down at the photos. They could see her surely; they knew she saw their warning.
She swallowed quickly, slipping into the seat of her car. There was no way she was going to risk going back into the house, even if she could hide out until help came. No she needed to get out of here. If anything she was way out powered here. She turned on her car, pulling out of her spot with speed. If she could get a hold of one of the crew, she could lead them in.
With one hand carefully on the wheel she reached over with the other for her bag. She unzipped it efficiently for only one hand and fished out her cellphone. She glanced at it, pausing at the first red light. The headlights of several cars behind her reflected in her mirrors, illuminating the inside of her car. It was getting a little harder for Nami not to panic.
She scrolled through her most recent contacts. Luffy was up first. She brought the phone to her shoulder and she cradled it, listening to the dial tone. Unfortunately for her it was only an automatic voice mail.
"Dammit, answer Luffy! Stop stuffing your face!" She whined, looking back at the phone and going to the next contact, Robin.
Her eyes glanced into the rear view mirror, watching as the following cars made the same turn she did. This really wasn't the time for no one to be answering! Not to mention her fear was confirmed as Robin's lovely voice began to recite her voice mail.
She cursed again, scrolling through her contacts. The next on her list made her cringe. Zoro? Really? She had to call on him to rescue her? She bit into her lip, the painfully obvious reality bearing down on her. She didn't have a choice! Besides Zoro was plenty strong...but it wasn't that. Could he even find where she was if he had to? His sense of direction was jacked!
Reluctantly she pressed the call button, praying to herself he'd answer. The cars behind her were getting way to close for her comfort.
Sanji cursed to himself, leaving the kitchen. He swore if Carne and Patty screwed this up, he'd mince them. His reputation was on the line! Although Sanji had gotten more comfortable in his own kitchen, he still hadn't gotten back to where he felt comfortable catering for more than a few people himself.
That and since the Baratie had gone aflame, he had many talented chefs with no place to go. He ran his fingers through his bangs. It was all so stressful to think about. He stopped himself a little way away from the door, finding himself a nice view of the crowd. The usual crew, minus a few, were settled in the back corner. Usopp and Kaya had arrived at this point, mingling with all who decided to show themselves.
Sanji cringed. Even from where he was located, he could see the stack of plates Luffy had licked clean. And he swore if all those empty glasses on the table were from Zoro's binge drinking...he shook his head. He had to keep his composure. No reason to lash out in front of all the guests, and such beautiful ladies at that. He almost wanted to go flatter them, but opted not to for once. It was out of his character, sure, but since his accident he didn't feel motivated enough to do so.
He began to make his way to the others when a vibrating on his chest took him by surprise. His eyes widened slightly, and he glanced down, feeling at his chest. Ah, he had almost forgotten he had confiscated Zoro's phone. He slid it out from his inner coat pocket and glanced at the ID.
"Nami?"
Why would she be calling Zoro? He glanced around the room. She wasn't here...what could be up? Perhaps, he let his mind wonder, she had really just called Zoro to get ahold of him? After thinking about it, it seemed like the only logical answer, since he currently was without a phone. Ah, how he loved his Nami-swan. He pressed the talk button and finally brought the phone to his ear.
"Zoro?!" Nami's voice seemed slightly alarmed on the other end.
"Good evening Nami-swan~! How is my mellorine?" He asked happily.
"Eh? Sanji!"
Nami nearly dropped her phone. Why did he answer Zoro's phone!? Then she wanted to hit herself in the head. Of course, he was his boyfriend, why wouldn't he answer the phone if the brute wasn't around? Damn though, that really put her in an awkward situation. The cars behind her were getting uncomfortably close, and it didn't help that she had just turned onto a long stretch of road.
But she couldn't let Sanji know. It would break him if he found out that they were being targeted.
"Hi Sanji, is um…Zoro there?" Her tone was a tad shaky. It made Sanji narrow his eyes as he glanced back at the table not far from him where some of their crew sat. Zoro was having a conversation with Chopper, all the while throwing back another glass. What an alcoholic.
"Yes Nami-san, the marimo's here. Drinking his weight in alcohol as per usual. Can I help you with anything?"
Nami swallowed quickly, her eyes too terrified to glance back at the rear view mirror again.
"Uh no Sanji, I just wanted to let someone know I'm running a little late-" Her sentence broke off by a large noise and her squealing out. One of the cars behind her had bumped into the back of her car, making her swerve.
Sanji's eyes widened and he tightened his grip on the phone.
"Nami! What was that? Are you okay? What's going on?" He demanded. There was a crippling suspicion at his chest. He begged inside for her safety.
"N-Nothing Sanji! Don't worry about it! I'm just going to be late okay?" Another one of the noises. It made Sanji sit up a little straighter, his eyes darting around at the floor as he tried to intently listen. Nami was in her car from what he could tell. Was she on her way here or was that a lie? Why wasn't she really telling him what was happening unless...unless it was them?
"Nami tell me what's happening. Where are you? How many?" His tone had dropped to dead serious. If Nami wasn't in such a predicament she might have shivered at the change.
She pressed her lips together, taking a deep breath to try and calm herself. Why did Sanji have to be the one to answer dammit? He saw through her lie too, though the ramming cars behind her probably didn't help either. Small tears from her fear were already clinging to her eyelashes.
"There's like four cars…they were at my house and I just don't know Sanji. Please it's not your fault I'm-" This time she was cut off by the loudest noise that even seemed to muffle her scream. Sanji's face paled and the line went dead. His hand, still holding the phone to his ear, began to shake.
"Nami...?" His voice escaped quietly.
What had just happened? Was she alright? Why... did everything seem to be continuing on normally while he could have possibly just listened to Nami's demise? No! He couldn't think like that. There was no way Nami would die. But that noise... and she said that cars were following her! His other hand was digging his nails into his arm rest.
She was his precious flower, his sweet mellorine! Nothing could happen to her! His body refused to move as he found himself to be numbed by shock.
"Nami!" His voice was exceedingly louder this time, and he moved the phone to better yell into it. People were beginning to glance over. "NAMI!"
Author's Note: So much going on in this chapter! Can you believe it took me four days to get this out? QQ. I'm already working on nine for you all though so.. dont hate me! Im sorry! Also for that tease in half way... perhaps that's just foreshadowing of whats to come? ;D. As always reviewed highly welcomed! And thanks to everyone who has so far, I constantly re-read them for motivation!