Title: From Here On Out
Author: AoiTsukikage
Rating: R-ish
Characters/Pairing: ZoSan, other secondary pairings
Chapters: 2/?
Word Count: 2954
Summary: Sequel to 'This Is Your Life.' Everything should be easier the second time around. Or, at least, that's what he thought before life decided to prove him wrong. ZoSan primarily, other secondary pairings.

Chapter Two

"Eggplant! Those weird friends of yours are scaring off the customers again, go deal with them!" is what he had to deal with after his shift had barely started, and he angrily wiped his hands off on his apron, muttering vague things about 'shitty old men' and 'can't he do anything himself' but when he got out to the dining room and saw who was sitting by the entrance, he knew why Zeff had sent him.

"Good evening, Mr. Blackleg," one of the men seated at the table addressed him formally, and he was actually dressed rather innocuously (well, for him, Sanji figured), which meant that there was no cape and no giant hat (and no giant sword, although Sanji figured that wasn't far away).

"Mihawk," Sanji pulled up a spare chair and sat down, looking from Mihawk to the other occupant of the table who was leaning rather casually in his chair, his only arm braced over the back. "Not that I'm not happy to see you, but I've got a feeling this isn't just a social visit."

"No, you're right," Mihawk turned his oddly colored eyes on Sanji and then looked at Shanks, who shrugged. "We've gotten word that Enel's starting to move, and it's concerning us."

"Word from Law and Kid who I see all the time and who somehow just didn't think to tell me word?" Sanji raised his visible curled eyebrow and Shanks barked a laugh at that one. "Because I've gotta say, if this time around is going to turn into me finding out everything last like it was before, I'm not looking forward to it. And I'm not even the target this time."

"It won't, but Law and Kid are smart and they know it's better to assemble the troops instead of telling everybody individually," Shanks pointed out rationally. "Which is where you come in. When's Ace getting back?"

"I'm surprised you don't already have his flight itinerary," Sanji muttered, irritable because he really needed a cigarette right now and he couldn't smoke in the restaurant proper. "Next weekend."

"Right. So after he gets in, we'll all meet…do you think Ms. Nefertari would mind if we used her house again?" Mihawk inquired and Sanji shrugged.

"Probably not. It's the biggest place any of us have got, so it makes the most sense," Sanji remembered the time they'd all tried to cram into Lucci and Kaku's little apartment and yeah, he'd rather have Vivi's spacious sitting room.

"Okay, so you get in touch with her, and then anybody that wants to help out that isn't named Luffy can come," Shanks said firmly.

"He's gonna hate you. I mean, Ace and Nami will be there…"

"I know," Shanks sighed and scratched the back of his neck. "And I know he's an adult and he can take care of himself, but I'm…protective of him, I guess. But fine, he can come."

"So I just…get in contact with everybody on my end and you'll take care of the rest? Why do we need to meet anyway?" Sanji crossed his legs and sat back in his chair, pulling his lighter out and flicking it idly.

"Because obviously there have to be rules and procedures laid down if you're going to assist in this mission. I can operate mostly outside the law, and so can those government dogs, but you're not licensed to kill and we need to be sure you know what's appropriate," Mihawk said this in a deadpan voice and Sanji gulped, because yeah, talk about death always made him a little uneasy.

"Understood. I'll drop by the bar and let you know the day and time and we'll go from there?" he asked Shanks, who nodded. "Cool."

"And Sanji? Bring us some food. Your food," Shanks grinned like he knew this would piss Zeff off royally, and it would, but Sanji didn't see any problem with that.

000

"Who was the first man you killed?"

"Morbid topic of conversation if I've ever heard one," Kaku mentioned idly, leaning onto Sanji's shoulder. "Why are you asking?"

"Just…something Mihawk said, that you're licensed to kill and we wouldn't be, but…"

"But I'm nice and cheerful and don't seem like I would hurt a fly, right?" Kaku laughed softly. "Sanji. You've seen me kill."

"Yeah, I was kind of more worried about the fact that you were almost dead than what you'd done to that guy. Who deserved it," he added.

"Does anybody really deserve death?" Kaku sounded thoughtful and Sanji reached to rub his shoulder. "Yes, I've killed. I don't get any pleasure from it, but sometimes when it comes down to my life or theirs, it has to be done. The first time…I was probably your age, it was…you've heard about the Crocodile case, yes?"

"Yeah," Sanji nodded. "Of course I have."

"It was during that time, Rob and I were assigned to subdue a small group of his underlings. It was my first or second mission with Cp9 and I thought I was doing well but I must have…tripped over something and by the time I regained my senses there was a man with a gun pointed straight at me and Rob was too far away to do anything, so I just…" he mimed throwing a sword and Sanji nodded in understanding. "And that was that. I was understandably shaken and Rob…well, let's just say he has…interesting methods of comforting people," Kaku sounded sly now and Sanji had to laugh, because yeah, he knew.

"That's how you became lovers?"

"Mm. And to answer your earlier question, yes, I try to be nice, but I am kind of sleeping with a sadist, so…make of that what you will," he didn't sound bitter and Sanji thought that he probably wasn't, at least not anymore.

"Speaking of that, what's sex with him like? I mean, in real life he's so…like, Zoro can be gruff and distant but he's got another side to him with people he really cares about. I've never seen that from Lucci," he knew he was prying now but the opportunity was too great to pass up.

"We are not talking about my sex life," Kaku decided quickly. "And no, I don't need to hear about yours."

"Come on, man, it's just a question," he nudged the other man gently with his elbow.

"I…okay. No, he's never going to be all warmth and dripping endearments, but he has ways to show he cares, and he's capable of love. I think. We're not…it's not about control with him, or else I probably wouldn't be okay with it. And that's all you're getting," he said firmly, standing up and moving to look out the window. "So. This weekend?"

"Yeah," Sanji agreed with a nod. "I'm picking Ace up from the airport and then heading over to Vivi's. You're gonna be there?"

"More than likely. Rob and Kalifa will be, too, and…if it's at Vivi's it shouldn't be a problem to get Iceburg there. He's…I think he's finding it's a lot harder to move around inconspicuously now that he's the mayor," he smiled, and Sanji knew they were all rather proud of that victory. Even though, looking back, it was probably inevitable.

They both turned as the door opened and Zoro wandered in, katana cases in hand.

"Hey, how was training?"

"Meh, fine. I really need a decent trainer, though, doing everything by myself isn't going to help me improve," he looked pointedly at Kaku here, who raised his hands and shrugged.

"I would, but I can't. You go hard, Zoro, and I could still probably beat you, but I don't want to push myself. I shouldn't even technically be working this job anymore but there's no way I'm letting it go," he added, and Sanji still felt guilty that it was because of him Kaku would never be as physically whole as he once was. "I know that look. Don't blame yourself," Kaku chastised him.

"Yeah, yeah," Sanji agreed quickly even though he knew Kaku wouldn't believe him.

"Regardless, I should go, but I'll see you both this weekend," he looked to Zoro, who nodded, and patted Sanji's shoulder before leaving the apartment.

"What were you guys talking about?" Zoro asked, wrapping his arms around Sanji from behind, and the blond didn't even have the heart to berate him for doing it when he was still all sweaty from the gym.

"Killing men. Sex with Lucci," he said and heard Zoro snicker in his ear.

"See, with most people I'd find that weird, but I've got an idea that with him those two things kind of go together," he noted and Sanji nodded.

"More than you know, Marimo. Anyway, you hungry?"

"For your food? Always."

"Good," Sanji kissed him quickly and pulled back. "Go shower and then we'll eat."

And as Zoro went to go do just that, he thought about how…domestic they were, and it made him rather happy to realize it.

000

"Hey, are you my only welcoming committee? I was expecting at least a sign!" Ace rushed out of the passenger area and scooped Sanji up, lifting him in the air as the other man squawked and tried to get his feet on the ground again. "I'm glad it's you," he added, finally putting the man down and wrapping him up in a normal hug that Sanji gladly returned.

He buried his nose against Ace's neck and held on, inhaling the other man's familiar smoky scent (he still had no idea why Ace constantly smelled like he'd just been sitting by a campfire, but it was comforting nonetheless). "I've missed you."

"I've missed you, too," Ace assured him. "But man, I was only gone for like four months. You were in Japan for two fucking years and you made it."

"When I was in Japan I didn't know how…short life could be. And now I do," he replied. "How long are you staying?"

"A while. I mean, nothing much is going on over there during the winter and I think Smoker and I would drive each other crazy if I stuck around, so…" he shouldered his bag and swept his dark hair out of his eyes.

"So you and him…"

"Kind of. Maybe? It's complicated," Ace shrugged. "But anyway, no harm in taking a bit of a break!" he decided, arm snug around Sanji's waist as they walked.

"Ace, you need to wait for people!"

"Oh, whoops," Ace looked mildly embarrassed as he turned around and Sanji turned with him, the man who'd yelled after them sprinting up. He had a shock of blond hair and looked half-asleep even though Sanji could tell immediately that was deceiving, and there was something about him that made it impossible to tell how old he actually was. "Sanji, this is Marco."

"So you're the famous Sanji," Marco hefted his bag on his shoulder and grinned, holding out a hand that Sanji readily shook. "Ace won't shut up about you."

"I don't talk about him that often," Ace grumbled, heading toward the baggage corral as Marco chuckled and followed after him.

"Ace, we're heading straight to Vivi's, he can't…" Sanji started but Ace shook his head, arm snug around Sanji's waist again as they walked.

"He's fine. I don't think he works with the Navy or anything but Smoker basically sent him in his place since he can't get out of there right away. And if Smoker trusts him, I trust him, even if he's…I mean, I saw an old picture of him and he doesn't look like he's aged in the last twenty years even though that seems impossible, but otherwise he's going to be a big help to us," he said all of this in an undertone and Sanji nodded, because that was good enough for him.

And besides, he'd learned to trust his gut, and Marco wasn't giving off anything that made him wary.

Marco caught up to them, looking at Sanji and shrugging one shoulder. "You can trust me. Ace filled me in on the way here and while I'm not usually spending my time taking out criminal organizations, I'm more than happy to help out. And I hear-tell that our fighting styles are very similar, so if you ever need a training partner…" he stopped and Sanji looked at him appraisingly, because yeah, that would definitely be appreciated.

"I might take you up on that," he agreed, earning a rather hearty clap on his shoulder, and he decided that Marco was definitely somebody he could trust.

000

"Marco the Phoenix?"

"I guess?" Sanji shrugged, leaning over the balcony at Vivi's while they waited for everybody to show up. "I mean, I literally just met the guy."

"Why? You heard of him?" Zoro added, looking mostly unconcerned but Sanji could see that he was ready to leap up in an instant if the moment called for it.

"Have I ever, if it's the same man," Law crossed his arms and leaned on the rail beside Sanji, tapping his foot on the balcony floor. "From what I hear in the underground, he's a lot like myself, just operating on the other side of the country. Not really a government worker and not really a rogue, he's got a good sense of honor and his enemies fear him. He's powerful, Sanji, not just because he's incredibly strong and quick, but they say he's invincible. That's why they call him 'the Phoenix', because no matter what people throw at him, he just…rises up and keeps going."

"Don't tell me you believe those rumors," the man in question poked his head out of the doorway and ambled onto the deck himself. "Law Trafalgar, the Surgeon of Death. You've made quite a name for yourself as well."

"Perhaps," Law smirked. "I can assure you most of what you've heard is wildly exaggerated."

"And I could tell you the same thing," Marco replied, both of them looking at the other without really looking, and Sanji stepped backward and stopped beside where Zoro was still apparently disinterested.

"They're sizing each other up," Zoro commented. "Anyway, you trust this guy?"

"Ace trusts him and Smoker trusts him, and that's all I've got to go on," Sanji said in an undertone. "But it would be nice if everything didn't turn into a pissing contest."

"I know I'm not really one to talk, but let them hash it out this way," Zoro suggested. "They're not gonna start fighting on the balcony, whatever they're up to."

"Yeah, you're probably right," Sanji admitted, letting out a long breath and lighting up a cigarette. "I'm just somebody who judges more on personality than strength."

"I like that about you, y'know," Zoro was still watching Marco and Law but Sanji looked down at him regardless. "I mean it. The fact that it doesn't matter how tough somebody is, if you think they're being a dick you'll kick their ass."

"Hmm, yeah, I will," Sanji conceded, and even though coming from most people that wouldn't seem like much, from Zoro it was pretty much an affirmation of love. "And I'll do the same to them if they don't start acting civil."

"We're perfectly civil, Mr. Blackleg," Law promised. "You're loyal to us, though?"

"For the moment, yeah," Marco replied. "But it's not like I'm a criminal or anything, and I'm loyal to Ace so if this is his cause, I'm all in until the end."

"I'll accept that," Law pushed himself off the rail and walked over to Sanji and Zoro. "Let's head in. I know your friends are hardly ever punctual, but I hope they'll be here by now."

Sanji wasn't so sure, but he helped pull Zoro to his feet and went in regardless.

"You've got fucking CP9 on your side, that's hardcore," Marco hissed at him as they hit the lower levels of the home, and Sanji had to laugh because half the time he honestly forgot how many of his friends had, well, rather staggering reputations. "We don't have anything like them out on the east coast, but I've heard stories…"

"There are a lot of stories going around today," Sanji commented idly.

"The difference here is that I know the ones about them are true," the older (probably? Sanji really had no idea how old Marco was and it was kind of disconcerting) man told him bluntly.

"Marco the Phoenix," Kalifa was the one to approach them first. "Glad to have you on our side."

"You're about the first person I've met that hasn't been immediately suspicious, and I would have thought Cipher Pol agents would be more wary than most," Marco nodded to her and she smiled primly at him, but there was something dangerous about it as well.

"I don't need to be wary. If Lucci thought you were a threat you'd already be dead," she said sweetly, and to his credit Marco barely made any sign that the words had startled him, which Sanji found kind of impressive.

"I'll be grateful for that, then," he nodded to her and went into the parlor as everybody else piled in as well. Sanji had to brace himself for the tornado of Luffy and Chopper launching themselves at him, but Nami at least was quick to yank them off, and Sanji nodded his thanks at her and went to sit on one of the free couches, Zoro and Law flanking him like he needed the protection.

"Is everybody here?" Vivi stood up and looked around, and while it was hard to tell since the room was full of people, she must have figured it was close enough because she clapped her hands and nodded. "Alright, excellent. Let's begin."

Notes:

1. Yes, this is a full-fledged sequel now. I've got…four chapters written and I know where it's going for the most part so that's happening! Also, the fic has a title now. It's the title to another song by The Killers, since the previous fic had a song title from the same band so I thought I'd continue that :)

2. To my anon who reviewed the last chapter: yeah, I know it's probably really confusing to figure out character relationships and things if you haven't read the main story first! But then, it's over 100,000 words long and upon re-reading it there's a lot of things…mostly characterization-related, I'm still quite pleased with how the plot came together…I would change now that I've had five more years of writing experience! So if you don't want to slog your way through that, the story here should hold on its own and I'm trying to reference/recap events that happened in that story briefly so that certain things make sense here!

3. I think I kind of stopped paying attention to the manga last time before Marco was really introduced but he's badass so yes, Marco. Also looking at what happened in last week's chapter I see I picked a very good time to get back into reading it (this is heavily sarcastic, obviously).

4. I have a tumblr, if anybody's interested! It's at klainejolras dot tumblr dot com and it's kind of a multi-fandom mess but I'm trying to follow more one piece blogs so I can post more from that fandom, so check it out if you want :)