Fallen Skies

All One Piece characters belong to Oda

Sanji opened the door, in which Zoro was being kept. Sanji could hear Perona's and Robin's warnings to be careful. Finally stepping into the room, the blonde spotted Zoro. The teen with green hair was standing by a wall, his head hitting it as he swayed back and forth.

There were minor cuts on him, especially around his knuckles and wrist. Sanji wondered if it was self-inflicted wounds. It didn't take long for Sanji to notice the condition the room was in. The bed and stand in the room were turned over, there were dents on the walls shaped like a fist. The sheets were torn and there were claw marks on the walls.

Closing the door slowly, Sanji looked back one last time before shutting it completely. Sanji stopped his advance when Zoro glanced back to look at him.

"Hey, Zoro." Sanji stayed rooted to where he was standing when Zoro only frowned at him. The blonde still didn't move when Zoro stopped swaying, his eyes looking at Sanji intently. But there was no indication that Zoro even recognize him at the moment.

Slowly, Sanji started talking, sounding as if he was addressing a wounded animal. "Zoro, do you recognize me?"

Zoro just blinked at Sanji. The blonde could barely hear what Zoro said, his voice sounding distant, but the close room made it possible. "Get the hell away from me."

This time it was Sanji's turn to frown. "Zoro, what happened? Did you have a flashback?" Taking small steps, Sanji started making his way closer to Zoro, being mindful of how Zoro would react.

Robin's voice boomed through the small room, catching Sanji partly by surprise. "Sanji-san, I do suggest you keep your distance."

"Don't worry Robin," Sanji looked back at the window, where Robin was to be if looking into the room. "He won't hurt me. He promised he won't." His eyes went back to the other person occupying the room. "Right Zoro? You promised me you won't hurt me."

To Sanji's surprise Zoro only responded with a warning growl that came from deep inside his chest, meaning to make Sanji back off. Zoro didn't seem to respond to what he was saying.

Not taking the clear warning, Sanji kept walking towards Zoro. "Zoro?" Sanji outstretched his hand. "I'm going to touch you, ok?"

Zoro took a step back, his eyes never leaving Sanji. Zoro was tense, ready to fight the chef. The blonde without hesitation, lunged forward and wrapped his arms around Zoro, earning a fearful cry from the other man as they both toppled to the floor, Sanji on Zoro. "Zoro, listen to me! It's me Sanji!" The blonde only held on tighter when he felt Zoro trying to push him away. Sanji wince when Zoro started to claw at his back, as panic began to fuel his confused state.

"MARIMO!" Sanji's voice seemed to vibrate against the walls, by the sheer volume he screamed. His eyes tightly shut.

Zoro stopped abruptly, his body still shaking as he his slowly moved to be able to look at Sanji. His eyes started to widen when he recognized the golden hair so close to his face that he could practically smell it. The golden hair that could only belong to one person.

Bit by bit, Zoro started to hear a familiar voice. "Remember me, please. Remember me. Remember me." The voice continued repeating.

"Cook?"

Sanji was still holding on tightly, his head pressed against Zoro's strong chest as his ears singled out Zoro's quickening heart beat.

"Sanji?"

"Calm down Marimo." Adjusting himself so his head was now resting on Zoro's collar-bone, Sanji's hand glided up Zoro well-defined stomach before going over Zoro's chest, where he could now feel his thundering heart. "Calm down." Sanji whispered over and over again in a soothing tone.

Zoro leaned back, his breathing still irregular as he closed his eyes, trying to stop both his racing heart and mind. "Sanji. I… didn't hurt you?" Zoro asked in-between broken breaths.

Sanji leaned back, while shaking his head. "No, you didn't."

"Good…" Zoro looked to relieved knowing he didn't hurt the blonde. It was silent, only Zoro's breathing disturbing the silence. Zoro was the first to break the stillness."Sanji…I want to leave."

The blonde furrowed his eyebrows. He wasn't sure what Zoro was talking about. Leave this room? Sanji incline back so he could look at Zoro. "What do you mean?"

"Run away… together." Zoro's eyes slowly went to Sanji. His mouth in a thin line, waiting for Sanji's answer. Only for his mouth to open when he saw the blonde sitting on him, shaking his head.

"We can't do that."

Zoro felt anger and betrayal take over his emotions. "It's because of my condition, isn't it? Because you pity me, because I wasn't strong enough!" Sanji's eyes widen.

"Zoro? Where did you get that conclusion from?"

"I'm not stupid Sanji!" Zoro looked away. "I don't want your pity, if you don't want to be with me, then just leave. You wouldn't want something that's already used and broken anyways."

Even though Zoro was referring to himself, the blonde felt like he was telling him those words. The pain reflecting behind Zoro's green neon eyes only made Sanji's heart hurt even more. Sanji didn't know where Zoro was getting his ideas from. Sanji was not just going to sit here (-which he didn't mind as long as he was on Zoro's lap-) and let Zoro feel pity for himself. Cause that's what Zoro is doing. He is so bent in people feeling pity for him, that Zoro doesn't see that he is covering himself in his own form of pity.

Not being strong enough? How much fucking stronger do you want to be?!

Sanji snarled, something he doesn't normally do. "What the hell are you getting at Marimo?!" Zoro was taken aback by the blonde's sharp glare aimed at him. "You don't want people to pity you? Then, shit! Stop pitying yourself!"

With eyebrows furrowed, Zoro glared at the blonde. "I'm not pitying myself."

"Sure sounds like it. It looks to be like you want to stay the way you are. The way you skip on taking your pills, not listening to the people who care about you and not seeing poor Robin-chan, who only wants to help you!?"

"You don't know how it's like to be this!" Zoro raged back.

Once those words left Zoro's mouth, Sanji's anger reaches its boil. Leaning back until he was completely off Zoro, Sanji didn't hold back, he didn't show any mercy. If the Marimo needed this to start moving on with his life, then so be it.

"You are NOT this!" Sanji grabbed onto the scarf around Zoro's neck, the one he gave him for Christmas, and threw it on the floor.

"San-" Zoro almost screamed the blonde's name, his eyes going to the scarf on the floor, one of his hand involuntary going around his neck to hide the marks, while the other reached for the material on the floor.

Pushing Zoro back with his forearm and slamming Zoro's back onto the wall, the blonde targeted the three earring on the other man's ear. "You're not this either!" Taking them out forcefully, but without hurting Zoro too badly, Sanji also threw the two he was able to hold on to, towards the other side of the room. The earring making a click sound as they hit the far wall and landed on the floor.

Perona flinched back when she saw what Sanji was doing. Moving to go to the door, Robin's hand held onto her shoulder, and stopped her. Looking at the older women, who only shook her head, Perona stayed standing there. Not being able to look at the window and see what was going on.

Sanji would have gone for the red scarf that was tied around Zoro's waist, but decided against it. Maybe he will show some form of mercy.

Zoro's eyes were huge. But his attention went to Sanji when the blonde held onto his shirt with both hands and buried his face into Zoro's chest. "Marimo… those things don't define who you are. The past does not define someone."

"If this is going to rule your life, then I am leaving. I can't be with someone who won't at least try to help themselves."

Sanji released Zoro forcefully and started to leave the room. His heart clenching harder and harder as his body and mind screamed at him to run back and apologize and hug Zoro.

Zoro watched with wide eyes as the blonde started to leave the room. His eyes growing wider as his mind tried to understand and think of a way to stop Sanji from leaving him. "Sanji, wait! Don't go!"

To Sanji's hoping heart, he heard Zoro call him back. "Thank God…" Sanji whispered, releasing his breath, and trying to keep a natural face when he turned around to face Zoro. He didn't know what he would do if Zoro didn't call him back.

"I'll try… just please don't leave." Zoro's broken sobs could be heard. When Sanji glanced back, he felt his heart wanting to tear in two. Zoro was kneeling on the floor, his head on the floor, BEGGING, for him not to leave. Swallowing his emotions, Sanji opened his mouth, as he walked towards Zoro.

"Zoro, I want you to get better. For that to happen, you have to promise me a few things." Sanji kneeled on one knee as he slowly picked up the items he threw. Making his way to the teen on the floor, Sanji kneeled again and took Zoro into his arms.

"I'll do anything. Just please don't leave."

"Promise me then." Sanji leaned back to be able to see Zoro's face. Taking the earring in hand the blonde delicately started to place them back where they belonged. "Promise me you will go to your sessions with Robin-san." Zoro nodded.

"You'll take your medication like you should." Zoro nodded. "You'll listen and not give your family a hard time." Zoro nodded. "And, you'll hold back on drinking." This response took a little longer, but Zoro reluctantly nodded.

"Ok…"

Zoro realized, what the blonde wanted was the complete opposite of what Saga was offering. Was Saga looking out for him, or just trying to make him feel better?

Sanji smiled. The blonde hugged Zoro, as some doctors entered the room. Sanji helped Zoro stand and guided him to the bed that was turned over. Putting it back how it belonged, Sanji made Zoro sit. Zoro on his part laid down, his hand still holding tightly to Sanji's, as the doctors that entered worked around him.

The doctor tried to release Zoro's hold on Sanji, so he could inject him, but Zoro's grip on Sanji was reluctant. Sanji smiled meekly at the doctor when he saw the man frown. Apparently deciding to ignore it, the man cleaned Zoro's skin before injecting him, even though Zoro was still holding Sanji's hand.

Slowly the blonde felt as Zoro's strong hold started to loosen. His eyelids drooping. Sanji felt a pang of guilt when Zoro apologized to him in a whispered tone.

"I'm sorry, cook."

"It's not your fault Marimo." Sanji whispered back, passing his hand through Zoro green hair. Sanji looked up at the doctors who were giving him a look of- "If you don't mind, please exit the room" Slipping his hand out of Zoro's much bigger one, he kissed Zoro's cheek.

"I think they want me out of here so they can do their job. I'll back when you wake." Zoro nodded slowly, his eyes already shutting again.

After he closed the door, Sanji faced the small group that was still there. "Sanji!" Perona cried, her hands wrapping around the blonde.

"Nice job, Sanji-san" Robin complemented, a smile on her lips.

Sanji blushed. "It was nothing." With a smile, Robin turned to leave. "I will be in my office if you need me."

"I knew you would make him better!" Luffy said happily.

The blonde nodded at Luffy, his joy written on his face.

"Hey!"

Startled Sanji's gaze went from Robin to Ace, who had a frown on his lips. Sanji made a slight face of annoyance, not wanting to deal with the hot-headed man at the moment.

"Ace, please, not today. I really don't care if you don't want me with Zor-"

"I want you to stay with Zoro." Ace interrupted.

Sanji was so taken aback; he almost lost his balance and almost sent him and Perona to the floor. "What?" He asked, dumbfounded.

"To tell you the truth…" Ace rubbed the back of his head. "I was blinded by my own emotions and what Saga told me about you."

"Saga?"

"He told me you would reject Zoro. And you're too fancy to be with a person like Zoro. That you will only hurt him. It made sense back then… But seeing you only wanting the best for Zoro, wanting what I want for him…then I could say you do love him."

With a striking realization Sanji couldn't believe, Ace was, in other words, saying he had a crush on Zoro. And being jealous and being led blindly by Saga had only made Ace feel repulsed by Sanji. But why would Saga…?

Sanji jumped when he felt his phone vibrate in his pocket. His thoughts being interrupted. The blonde smiled at Ace. "It's no big deal, Ace. If Zoro was dating someone I thought was bad, it wouldn't sit well with me either." He said, taking out his cell phone.

"We good?" Ace asked, almost shyly.

Sanji nodded. "Never had anything against you." Looking at his phone, Sanji saw it was a text from Nami.

Sanji! Lucci called me and said you didn't show for the meeting, which was scheduled about an hour ago. He said he will give you another chance this week. Anyways, I'm with Brook by Skypiea Park. Come pick us up, please.

"Shit, I forgot about the meeting." Sanji face palmed. "Perona I have to go. I'm gonna try to be here before Zoro wakes. If he does wake before I return, tell him I'll be back."

Perona shook her head. "I can't get in contact with Mihawk, Ace is my ride and we are going to find him. Sorry Sanji-kun."

"It's ok. I'll just tell Robin-san."

/

Sanji made it to the park, after telling Robin, in record time. Nami was seated back on the bench; one leg crossed over the other as it bounced impatiently. When her eyes landed on the blonde, she stood up. "Finally."

Brook, who was next to Nami smiled. "Hello Sanji-san. Long time no see."

"Sorry I'm late, Nami-san." Sanji said, as he picked up her bags. He wouldn't let Nami carry her bags, especially since she had to wait for him.

"Where were you? You're late to pick us up and you didn't show for the meeting."

"I had an emergence to attend to. Zoro had a panic attack today"

Nami glanced at Sanji. "Sanji, if you want this job, it's probably going to be a 24/7 work." She gave Sanji a skeptical look. "Will you be able to do it, if you have to babysit?"

It took a moment for Sanji to understand what Nami was referring to. "I don't need to babysit anyone."

Rolling her eyes, she stated the obvious. "You just missed a very important meeting today. Lucci could have gotten angry and not want to help you."

"It won't happen again. Set another date with him, if you don't mind, of course."

"Sanji, you don't seem to understand. How are you going to juggle life, work and… him?"

Brook was walking slower and slower, seeing where this was going, he didn't want to get cut in the crossfire.

Sanji gritted his teeth. "Nami." Sanji said it as sweet as he could possibly say it at the moment. He didn't want to disrespect her after all. "If having the All Blue means losing Zoro then…" Sanji closed his eyes, his heart aching with just the thought of not being able to accomplish his dream. "I don't want it."

"Yohohohoho!" Brook's laughter covered anything Nami had to say. "It seems Sanji-san is madly in love. You don't see that these days. Sanji." The blonde stopped and turned to look at Brook. "No one ever said you can't have both."

A smile spread on Sanji's lips. "Thanks Brooks."

"I guess not." Nami huffed. "And if you need help, you know I've always got your back."

"You're so divine Nami-swan!" Sanji noodle danced.

/

"Hello, Saga. Here to see Zoro?"

"Yes, I heard he had a major panic attack. I came to see him."

"I'm afraid he is sleeping now. Do you want to come later?"

Saga waved Robin off. "I just want to see if he is ok. May I?"

"Go right ahead Saga-san." Robin smiled as she went back to her work.

Saga pushed open the door when Robin allowed him in. Zoro was sleeping like she had said. Looking over his shoulder once, the teen made his way to Zoro's side.

"Hey."

Zoro groggily answered with an incoherent sentence. Saga smiled.

"I came to pick you up." Saga watched as Zoro slowly started to recognize the words Saga was saying, as his body tried to wake up, but the drugs preventing him to.

"Saga?"

"No, Marimo it's me."

A smile spread on Saga's lips when Zoro murmured Sanji's name in his almost comatose state. The silver hair teen knew Zoro was not actually answering with full understanding, it was more his body answering on impulse. Saga took Zoro's boots and started to put them on the teen. Taking the blanket, Saga draped it over Zoro's head. "Let's leave, like you wanted."

"Ok, cook." Zoro answered, not really understanding what was going on, his mind still in a clouded mess. Saga scowled at the name being used to address him, scribbled something on a piece of paper he placed it on Zoro's pillow. Helping Zoro's slouching body up, Saga grabbed a few injections as he made his leave. "Don't say anything, Z-Marimo; we are getting out of here, ok?" Zoro only nodded, his body leaning heavily on Saga for support.

"I'll be back tomorrow." Saga addressed Robin, who was busy typing something on her computer.

"Leaving already?"

"Yeah, he was asleep like you said he was,"

Robin smiled as she pressed enter. Looking up, she saw no Saga. Seeing nothing wrong or out-of-place, she went back to work.

/

Saga quickly laid Zoro on the back seat of his car, covering Zoro from head to toe. "Don't worry, Marimo." Saga mimicked Sanji. "We will run away, together."

Shutting the door, Saga went to the driver's seat. Placing the key into the ignition with a few fail attempts, because of his trembling hands, Saga was finally able to start it

"Hey, Saga."

The silver hair teen jumped in surprise, when he heard someone call his name.

"Wha-Sanji?!"

AAAANNND Stop! Yup yup! This chapter was so fun. I hope you guys like. Don't forget to review! Thank you!