Me: I'm glad you guys are liking it and thanks for the reviews! SpiritedObession, our little conversation continues lol. I feel like you're like me in sooo many ways! Ugh I made Yudo a snake because they're so...DIABOLICAL! It seems like if they could do that to innocent partly demonic-acting swordsmen...they would T-T haha. And why'd you have to spoil the Operation: Rectify surprise?!

Mid: I swear you guys...

Me: Oh come on! SOMEONE LIKE THAT IS SO FRIGGIN LOVEABLE!

Mid: -_-; Disclaimer: Oda still owns everything except my little Goat Island plot change

Unfulfilled

While Young Sanji and Young Zoro were casually chatting in the galley, the olders sat comfortably sprawled out together by the Mikan grove. Zoro lay across Sanji's lap with the blonde's fingers raking through his short curly locks. The cook sighed, staring off somewhere into the sky. Did he still blame himself? Of course, he feels he could have done something, anything, even if he didn't know the marimos were about to get kidnapped right behind his back. It irked Sanji to no end; the younger also. Although it happened to both Zoros at the same time, it technically happened to the future Zoro twice; memories and all. The cook did his best to try to comfort or coax the swordsman into sharing his feelings, but he so far received only hums and nods. What could he do to get Zoro to open up? It's possible that the experience was too painful to talk about, but Sanji knew better than that. Zoro was strong; physically and mentally. It would take more than a snakeman to scar him.

Young Zoro didn't talk to his younger-self about the event either; if he did, a new memory would have appeared. Should he just let it be? Truth be told, he refused to just sit back and watch as Zoro bottled up his emotions instead of talking it out. Pale fingers trailed down to a tanned cheek, which immediately leaned into the caring touch. "Zoro?" Sanji asked timidly.

"Hm?"

"Are you comfortable..."

Zoro raised an eyebrow; his body was too relaxed for its own good. If the ship was attacked right now, he didn't think he'd be able to lift a sword, let alone three. He snuggled (but no evidence could ever prove it) into the blonde's leg. "Um, yes. Very, actually."

"No, I mean are you comfortable with...sharing?" Sanji finished uncertainly.

"Sharing? What, you mean like our clothes and stuff?" the first mate shrugged, "I don't mind, though I might not be able to fit your suits."

Sanji huffed; as if he'd let a barbarian like Zoro were his suade. "No, mosshead. I meant, do you want to, you know, vent?"

It was silent for a small while, the blonde didn't want to press on the emotional matter. Zoro tensed slightly, and Sanji's hand instinctively went to tangle itself in the green hair. "It...hurt," the swordsman sighed, "Like a lot. I know I've been through worse pain before; hell, I'm pretty sure I've disappointed Death more times than Luffy eats in a buffet. But this...this was different. It was like an entire roll of the roughest sandpaper on earth being shoved up my ass, and it was only his fingers. I can't even imagine how much pain I would have been in if it was, uh...you know. Plus, the asshole had sharp fingernails." Zoro hesitantly grabbed Sanji's wrist and pressed the pale hand against his chest, trying to find the correct words to describe the sensation. "He forced us to...come, but it wasn't really enjoyable. I felt..."

Sanji gently rubbed Zoro's collar-bone, encouraging him to continue. He was surprised to get this much out of him, honestly. When this sort of thing happened to people, it usually took months before they were able to speak about it. Zoro must really trust him, or maybe, dare he even think it, love?

"Weird, mostly. Empty, disgusted, sick; it was really unfulfilling."

Sanji snapped out of his hopeful trance and blinked, his gaze shifting over to the marimo beside him. Zoro had sat up and placed his head on the blonde's shoulder; when the hell did he even move? Sanji casually wrapped an arm around Zoro and squeezed the swordsman in a warm hug. Zoro was acting so un-Zoro like; the cook never expected to actually hug him and he wouldn't fight it. The swordsman willingly returned it, lazily throwing an arm of his own around Sanji's torso as the blonde chef leaned back against the ship's railing.

"Oi, what did you do with the body?" the marimo suddenly asked.

"Hm? Oh, the other me tossed it in the ocean."

"What? I thought you were gonna cook it."

Sanji grimaced, "Gross. He might have been a snakeman, but he was still technically human, you goddamn cannibal."

Silence engulfed the two men, though it held nothing but calming atmosphere. A cold gust of wind sliced through Zoro's body, causing him to shake. Damnnit, why'd his body have to change so much? If he tried putting on one of his old white shirts, it would no doubt rip in half. He couldn't borrow one of Franky's shirts, since a certain cyborg's presence was lacking at the moment. How many days did they have left after today, about two or one? And what would happen anyway? A quick flash of light, or was there a possibility of pain? Maybe Robin would know; it was more than likely. Another rush of air swept past, and the first mate huffed in vexation. He felt too lazy to stand up and go inside.

"I'm cold," Zoro plainly stated.

"Idiot, you're wearing nothing but boxers. You only changed them, but you couldn't find anything else to put on?"

Zoro grinned smugly, "My old clothes won't fit my awesomeness anymore."

Sanji rolled his eyes, "Still, you can't walk around half-naked. There are precious, innocent ladies about!"

"Call them precious all you want, but those women are far from being innocent."

Sanji spat irritably, "And just what are you presuming...Sir Broccoli?"

"I'm presuming," Zoro mocked with a small wave of his hand, "that one's a former deadly assassin and the other's a fucking selfish barricuda. And 'Sir Broccoli'? C'mon, was that really what you wanted to say?"

Sanji pouted childishly, "...No, but Nami-swan is a glorious flower! It doesn't matter what a woman does in her lifetime. They'll always be angels sent from above~!"

"Or under."

"Zoro, do you have an imaginary feud against women or something?"

"No, I can look past Robin. I just don't like Nami."

Sanji sighed. He knew what the swordsman thought of their navigator already, and hearing it said again might spike his temper. He couldn't have been more blunt or truthful. Honestly, who could hate females? Their plump lips, slim waists, small frame, large breasts, soft skin...Very soft skin. Skin so smooth and exquisite, so ravishing and addictive to the touch.

Zoro shivered pleasantly, and not because of the breeze. The chef had suddenly started stroking the side of his arm; his hand felt extremely hot for some odd reason. Zoro's chest ached as he tried not to focus on the tickling sensation. "O-oi, Sanji?"

The blonde's tortuously skilled motions down his forearm didn't cease, "Mm?"

The first mate was completely torn between pulling away from the pleasurable caressing heat, and staying at the risk of a hard-on. Damn, the cook's other arm prevented him from moving a mere two inches. As Sanji's hand slowly advanced to the back of his neck and began a soothing massage with his thumb, Zoro could no longer debate with his rational side.

He moaned quietly.

Sanji's visible eye widened slightly, and his movements froze. That sound; had Zoro just...? From Sanji's touch? The blonde weakly shook his head, absently caressing Zoro's neck again. The swordsman said it was unfulfilling, didn't he? (Zoro shuddered as Sanji fondled a pressure point) Maybe cooking Zoro a few of his favorite snacks would lighten his mood. (Zoro twitched) Onigiri, chikuzenni(1); he was sure the marimo liked his teuchi udon(2) the last time he prepared it. Come to think of it, had Zoro said he liked any of Sanji's food specifically? (Zoro groaned lowly) Well, from his observations, he could only guess. For instance, Chopper loved candied apples, (the fingers lingered and wiggled along the side of his throat) Usopp practically destroyed his spicy chilli, (Zoro slightly leaned away, but the hand instantly followed, making him sigh in frustration) Nami and Robin liked fancier delicacies such as cheese croissants, (the hand traveled up to the back of his ear and drew tiny circles around the flesh) Franky loved baked zeeti, (Zoro's hips involuntarily bucked; the shitty cook was doing this on purpose, wasn't he?) Brook only drank whole milk, but even so Sanji was still complimented, (the swordsman whimpered. He couldn't take it a second longer) and the rubber captain was satisfied with anything containing poultry. Yes, comfort food was almost always the answer.

Annoyed, Zoro turned to halfheartedly insult the blonde, but not a single word had the chance to come out. Sanji's index finger accidentally poked its way past the swordsman's lips, and time seemed to come to a standstill. Zoro felt his cheeks grow hot, and the cook was violently thrown back into the now moment. As if staring eye-to-eye through this wasn't embarrassing enough, the first mate's tongue lightly skipped over it, earning a suppressed shudder from the other. Sanji reluctantly pulled his hand away, staring at Zoro's full lips as they closed. He leaned forward slightly, relieved at seeing Zoro hesitantly do the same. They met halfway, lips brushing gently together before closing the small gap between them. Meltingly soft, perfect sync; the swordsman's mouth made Sanji feel as if they were no longer on the Sunny, but in another world only occupied by the two of them as the heated kiss deepened. Zoro moaned as Sanji unknowingly licked and nibbled at his bottom lip, his lips parting wide enough for the blonde's tongue to invade. Sanji held the other by his neck, and Zoro clutched onto his suit jacket as the roof of his mouth was ruthlessly attacked. "You said," the cook panted, pulling back until their foreheads rested on each other, "that it was...unfulfilling?"

It took a moment for the flushed swordsman to clumsily stumble into reality again. He blinked several times in contemplation to the questioned asked, then nodded meekly. Sanji circled Zoro's cheek with his thumb and gave a small smile. "Will you let me take care of your unsatisfied appetite?"

Zoro grinned, "I guess if I'm hungry later."

Sanji chuckled, "How unfortunate. I was willing to feed you now."

The cook leaned in to capture Zoro's tantalizing lips once more, but the sound of an impatiently tapping shoe against the deck alerted his senses. He whipped around to his younger-self, who was staring up at them with a cheeky grin. The wooden spoon in his hand-made it clear that either dinner was finished, or he came outside to pester them. Regardless, Sanji was beyond the simple word 'annoyed'.

"I really have no shame, huh?" the teen snickered. The older cook dismissively waved at himself, standing up and afterwards helping the marimo to his feet. "Dinner's done, but where is everyone? Nami-san was very specific about the three-hour time limit. Damn shitheads, disobeying the lovely goddesses from above!"

"Or under," Zoro murmured to himself.

XVX

The rest of the Straw Hat crew eventually returned the Sunny after sunset, accompanied by a moody old goat herder apparently goes by the name Zenny. The old man cheerily complimented Young Sanji's meal before a second spoonful though, proving to be not so grumpy after all. Everyone sat at the crowded kitchen table as the young cook skillfully passed out plates and bowls. Of course there were no assigned seats, but it was clear that the older and younger dopplegangers claimed chair beside each other. Nami and Robin sat towards an end, while Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy occupied an entire row. Zenny sat across the enthusiastic rubber captain, poking at a suspicious looking carrot with his fork. Sanji rolled his eyes; it's not like he would ever poison someone he just met. Weird Jii-chan.

"Is...anyone gonna ask...or are we just gonna pretend the Zoros are wearing layers and layers of sweaters right now?" the sharpshooter pointed out.

"Shut it, longnose. As long as my magnificent swans avert their shining eyes, all is wonderful~!" Sanji swooned, eyes transforming into pink, beating hearts.

The younger swordsman scoffed, "Don't judge. I got hot."

"You do know that it's 64 degrees, right?" Nami stated flatly, stirring her vegetable soup in dull circles. Young Zoro scowled as the navigator caused Chopper to go into automatic doctor mode. The little reindeer's persistent questions about vomit made it hard to continue eating.

"Oi, osshhan," Luffy called loudly, chunks of meat spilling out of his mouth, "'Ou shhaid 'ou 'ad a frwend errwer (earlier), wright?"

"Ah, yes! My, it's unusual that he hasn't visited me today. I was the only person on this island for seventeen years before that kind fellow washed ashore, along with his brother," Zenny smiled warmly as he took a bite of steak, "His brother wasn't very fond of me, but I'd consider Yudo to be my own son."

Both Zoros swallowed more than they could handle simultaneously at the name, choking and trying to perform the Heimlich on themselves. The Sanjis were behind them immediately, hectically squeezing their hacking and coughing forms until the pieces of food were lodged from their throats. Pale and heavily panting, the swordsmen stole a glance at each other, relieved that the lifeless body couldn't be used against them, and a bit guilty of taking away the old man's only human companion. The snakeman actually knew and spared the old man? Burning guilt suddenly grew stronger in the swordmen's stomachs as realization hit. Zenny would now be alone when they left the island, and it was Zoro's fault. Even if the bastard did molest them, Zenny didn't deserved to be alone.

"Does he normally see you every day?" the archaeologist asked as she carefully sipped her hot tea.

Zenny nodded, "Yes, which is why this is strange. Maybe he's busy looking for food; it is rather scarce on the island. He told me he wouldn't harm the goats, and true to his word, no one has been eaten. It's hard to find a proper meal around here," the old man chuckled, "He tried to eat me once, but I blame it on instinct. Yudo is actually quite a nice gentlemen when the blood lust has gone away. As for his sibling, I think he boarded a marine ship a few months ago."

Well, if I don't feel like kind of a jackass. Kind of, Zoro thought. Yudo was just another person that wronged him in some way, therefore ending up with facing Zoro's wrath, but Zenny did nothing to him, which is why the older marimo didn't think before acting. He stood up from the table and bowed slightly, hurriedly excusing himself then heading towards the galley door. Frowning, Sanji gave a small bow and followed. He closed the door behind him, spotting Zoro halfway down the gangplank already. "Oi, marimo! I'm not gonna let you go off by yourself again," the blonde irritably shouted.

The swordsman huffed, stopping and crossing his arms over his exposed chest. Damn nosey cook. "I'm getting it back," Zoro claimed. Exactly what the hell was 'it'?Was Sanji suppose to know? He fumed, practically feeling the steam explode from his ears. When Sanji finally reached him, the blonde's foot connected with his unprotected shin. Zoro hissed; the kick wasn't nearly as hard as he thought it would be, but it still stung like hell. The cook ruffled the other's hair lovingly as he lit the abused cigarette in his mouth with a flick of his lighter. "Seriously, don't just...walk out like that. I...got a little scared something would happen," Sanji admitted, leaning over and kissing Zoro's temple.

Feeling his cheeks redden, Zoro calmly placed his palm on Sanji's nose and pushed him back harshly, unleashing a low growl from the other. He wasn't in the mood for touchy-feely shit right now; he needed to find a way to help that old man before they set sail, which would most likely be tomorrow. Rubbing his bruised nasal passage, Sanji grimaced, "Can I know what 'it' is at least?"

"The body."

Sanji's unamused expression deepened, "...Why?"

"'Cause maybe he's still alive."

"That asshole is probably on the ocean floor if not drifting further out on the surface. Why do you care if he's still alive or not?"

Zoro sighed, propping his elbow on Sanji's shoulder and leaned on it. "You heard what that old geezer said," he clarified, "He's been alone on this island for seventeen years! That's like majority of our lives! Then I go and kill the only other thing that could hold an actual conversation with him. Fuck, now he's only got dumb goats to talk to; I don't want to be the cause of his new age of insanity!"

"Well, to be honest, I don't really think he'll suffer for long..."

"Sanji!"

"Right, right, not helping. Sorry," Sanji grinned sheepishly, "but, Zoro, I understand what you're feeling. You're guilty because you killed him, but you had no choice or other defense. Who knows what would have hap-"

Zoro watched in terror as Sanji fell forward limply, wheezing and turning a sickly white. The swordsman grasped the blonde's dead weighted upper body and lifted him up effortlessly, whirling his body around to face his own. What happened to make him like this? He hoped it wasn't the effect of something serious or fatal; perhaps exhaustion. Yes, exhaustion could make someone faint, right? Sanji just probably worried about him too much today. He gently patted the pastel cheek, and then a bit more roughly when no results came of it. "Cook? Sanji, wake up! Quit fucking around, it's not funn-"

A moment later, Zoro felt nothing but extreme pain and only saw empty darkness.

"You know," Zenny chuckled as he set down his glass, "I really don't remember seeing Bob leave, though. I'm quite drunk!"

Me: (1) I'm pretty sure you guys know what onigiri is. Chikuzenni is boiled chicken and steamed vegetables. (2) Teuchi udon homemade noodles.