Title:From Here On Out
Author:AoiTsukikage
Rating:R-ish
Characters/Pairing:ZoSan, other secondary pairings
Chapter: 14/?
Word Count: 3452
Summary:Sequel to 'This Is Your Life.' Sanji had thought that balancing real life and working to take down a new crime boss would be easier the second time around. He was wrong. Modern!AU, ZoSan primarily, other secondary pairings.

Chapter Fourteen

"I'm going to need an explanation here," Sanji held up a hand, because he was lost, and Drake sighed.

"Well, I'll start with saying that I used to be in the Navy. Rear-Admiral, until I decided it wasn't really for me and…well, defected, I guess. So I'm not too keen on anybody still in the service to figure out where I am, either, but that's beside the point," he shrugged and yeah, Sanji could see why that would make sense. "And Vergo, from what we all knew, was undercover trying to get close to certain drug lords…which isn't really normal naval officer activity, but Vergo was always…eccentric, I suppose. Anyway, as far as the Navy knows, that's still what he's doing…"

And Sanji gasped and sat up straighter, because he got it, and it was…yeah, if this worked, it would definitely solve their problems.

"So…if we can get news to the Admirals that he's been playing them for years and that he's probably out East…"

"Chances are they'll make him their priority and leave us alone, so…"

"How do we tell them about it, though?" Zoro asked, and this was one of those times where he ended up being the most sensible person in the room, but Sanji was always going to be grateful that Zoro always took the most straightforward approach instead of getting caught up in the emotions of a situation.

"Smoker?" Sanji asked, looking around. "He's still…Tashigi is still here in Vancouver, right?"

Zoro rolled his eyes at that and muttered something under his breath, but really, despite an uncanny resemblance to Kuina, there was nothing wrong with Tashigi and Sanji wasn't quite sure why Zoro seemed so reluctant to even get in contact with her.

"Okay. So…we tell Tashigi what's going on, she knows enough about what we're doing to trust us, she tells Smoker, who tells the Admirals," he said, trying to connect all the dots in his head, and it seemed like it would be a working plan.

"But how would Tashigi know about him?" Chopper asked suddenly. The boy had been quiet but Sanji forgot sometimes how smart he was, as well. "I mean, in case they ask, it's not like she can just…pull the information out of the air, right?"

"Law," Sanji shrugged. "I'm guessing the Navy knows by now that Doflamingo was taken down because of inside information, and his record speaks for him in that he knew everything about Doflamingo's operation. So if we say the information came from the same source, there's no reason for them to not trust it," he explained.

"It's not enough. They'll need more proof than hearsay, and it's not as if we can prove Vergo's done anything wrong," Drake shook his head, and Sanji had to admit reluctantly that he had a point.

"If Tashigi and Smoker both give their word, that might be enough, especially with how…single-minded Akainu especially seems to be," Zoro cleared his throat. "It can't hurt to start with that, anyway, and maybe in the meantime we can come up with something else if they do ask for more proof."

"I don't mind if you…tell them he came after me," Law said then, eyes still half-closed. "That is, if I were a normal informant I'd be protected by virtue of selling Doflamingo out, so logically if Vergo came to…dispose of me, and this…Miss Tashigi got word of it, that might be enough proof."

"Because there'd be no other reason for Vergo to be out here looking for you if it wasn't for him being involved somehow," Sanji reasoned, grinning and lighting up a fresh cigarette because damn, they were good.

"Don't celebrate just yet," Law was giving him a rather unguarded look, for once, and there was something like relief in his dark eyes. "Although it's admittedly a good plan."

"You don't wanna take this bastard down yourself, d'you?" Bonney was on her last piece of pizza now, chewing thoughtfully, and Law sighed and pushed himself upright.

"No. I mean, naturally I do, but I know I'm not capable of it yet and at this point…I don't really care who makes him pay, as long as somebody does," he said firmly, body shaking as he leant forward.

"Don't fight the sedative," Chopper instructed gently, pushing him back against the couch cushions. "Go to sleep. I'm sure everything else can wait until you wake up."

"Yeah, I think we're done," Kid rubbed the other man's arm, pressing his nose into Law's hair and closing his eyes. It was a rare show of affection from him, maybe, but Law obviously needed that right now.

"Okay. I…okay. Thank you all, by the way. If this works, it'll be a rather large load off of my mind."

"You're being really grateful. You sure you don't have a concussion or some shit?" Bonney asked, leaning forward and peering suspiciously at him, but Law shook his head.

"No, I remember everything that happened with rather startling clarity, and I doubt Mr. Chopper would have given me a sedative had he thought I'd sustained a head injury," he pointed out. "I'm not…an open person normally, you all know that, but perhaps I'm starting to let my guard down a little around people I've come to trust. Or perhaps I'm being affected by a combination of painkillers and excessive exhaustion that's making me uncharacteristically sentimental," he added, his tone implying that it was the second one although Sanji was willing to bet the first had more than a little truth to it.

He reached over again, not even sure what he was trying to accomplish, but Law moved his hand to catch Sanji's, giving it a reassuring squeeze. "I'm okay, Sanji. Or, I will be, but right now I think I need to sleep for a day."

"Then do that," Chopper patted his knee and stood up, arms crossed and a rather fierce look on his face. "Doctor's orders."

"I have no intentions of disputing your treatment, you realize," Law chuckled but yawned halfway through, pulling up his knees and folding against Kid's side.

"Right, well, we've got work to do," Zoro broke the moment, practical as ever, and Sanji stood up and nodded.

"I know you probably won't want this job, but if you get in touch with Tashigi I'll head over to Ace's and grab a number or something for Smoker so we can give him a call," he said, and Zoro heaved a sigh but Sanji took that to be an agreement regardless.

000

"I got you an early birthday gift," he announced, coming into Ace's apartment as the other man looked up from his spot on the couch.

"Do I need to guess or are you just going to spit it out?" the dark-haired man asked, leaning forward expectantly.

"You heard about the Admirals?"

"That they're not leaving yet? Yeah, Gramps has been pretty grumpy about that for a while. I guess he even asked Sengoku to get them out of here but he pretty much told him that they do what they want and unless there's a real emergency he's got no reason to call them off. So?" he bounced up and down a little, grinning. "Present?"

"We've found a way to get them out of here," Sanji replied. "Turns out one of the Vice-Admirals has been working for Doflamingo for years and he's shown up again…"

"Oh, dude, that's bound to get Akainu angry," he snickered.

"That's what we figure. But we're trying to get word to them without letting them know who we are or why we know, so if we get in touch with Smoker that'll help us out a lot, and I figured you'd have his number," he said, Ace nodding.

"Sounds good. As long as it gets them out of here, I don't care how it happens. But how'd you find this guy anyway?" he pushed himself off the couch, still wincing a little as he walked to grab his phone.

"Mostly because he showed up to, well, get revenge on whoever sold Doflamingo out…"

"Fuck, is he okay?" Ace looked immediately concerned. "I mean, you don't seem freaked out so…"

"Well, for once, I can't find any way to blame myself for this one, which…might help a little," Sanji ran his hands through his hair, letting his eyes slide closed. It had been a long day already and it was barely mid-afternoon. "But he'll…he'll be fine. Chopper says he'll be fine, and even if I think Law's downplaying it, I trust that kid."

"Speaking of, how'd your meeting with that Conis chick go?" Ace came back with the phone and passed it to Sanji, who pulled his own out to save Smoker's number.

"It's…complicated, but basically it sounds like she'll try to help us even though she's never seen Enel herself. And I trust her, she's definitely not a bad person," he added, although Ace snickered at that. "What?"

"Sanji, she's a girl. We all know your judgment when it comes to girls is kind of…well…not there at all," he sat beside the blond and threw an arm over his shoulders. "So…if this is an early birthday gift, what's my actual birthday gift?" he asked in a low voice.

"You'll see on your birthday," Sanji replied, thinking that if Ace was up to flirting he must be feeling better. "And you have a boyfriend," he added.

"Yeah, but he's not putting out right now because of my injuries," Ace sighed. "Even though I'm fine!" the last was said rather loudly and Sanji turned to see Marco leaning in the doorway.

"Maybe on your birthday if you stop pestering me about it until then," Marco replied, looking unconcerned. "So I see the rumors about trouble following your group aren't exaggerated."

"Well, this one isn't really related to me, at least," Sanji chuckled and lit up a cigarette, knowing that Ace didn't mind him smoking inside. "And it's probably going to help us out, even though…"

"So, um, those red splatters on your shirt aren't just some new fashion trend?" Ace asked quietly and Sanji looked down, cursing under his breath because he knew damn well that blood didn't come out of fabric.

"Fuck," he muttered, but there wasn't much he could do now.

"Gift," Ace said again, undeterred, and Sanji rolled his eyes.

"You're as bad as your brother. Are you sure there's no blood relation there?"

"Positive," Ace grinned. "But we grew up with each other so it stands to reason we'd pick up on each other's habits at least a little…come on, Sanji, I'm going to be 23. That's practically an old man!"

"Should I be offended?" Marco asked, a grin playing about his lips, and Ace waved a hand dismissively.

"At least Sanji would sleep with me," he sniffed and Sanji rolled his eyes, blowing a stream of smoke into the air.

"Maybe if we were both single. But I thought you were over me?" he couldn't resist teasing.

"I said I didn't need you anymore, not that I've suddenly decided you're unattractive. Because I'm pretty sure that's not gonna happen," he added, and Sanji smiled despite himself. Yes, he knew that Zoro found him physically appealing, but actually hearing it from the swordsman was a rare occurrence so he'd take the praise where he could get it.

"I'm fine with that," he said after a moment, still staring down at the blood on his shirt. "Well, I'd better go change and then give Smoker a call, but I'll let you guys know what's going on, okay?" he reached to pat Ace on the shoulder and tried not to squeak when the other man pulled him into a tight hug. "Ace, I've got…"

"Yeah, my clothes are old and it's probably dry anyway," Ace muttered against his shoulder so Sanji let it be, careful of pressing too hard against the older man's back until Ace finally let him go. "But seriously, Law's gonna be okay?"

"Yeah. I didn't realize you and he were so close," Sanji raised a curled eyebrow and Ace shrugged.

"Hey, dude, I lived at his house for like…a couple of weeks there. We got to know each other," he replied. "Plus I kind of owe him my life, so…"

"He didn't…tell you anything about his past, did he?" Sanji couldn't keep himself from asking and Ace smirked at him.

"Now who's curious? But no, we didn't really talk much about our pasts. I know he's got demons and, well, so do I, so…"

"But he knows who your father is," Sanji pointed out, Ace flapping his hands and shushing him, jerking his head toward Marco. "Ace, seriously, do you think Marco doesn't know?"

"I've known for a long time. Whitebeard and Roger were…well, not really friends, but they ran into each other now and again," Marco still looked as impassive as ever but Ace was sputtering something incomprehensible before he sighed and rubbed his hands over his eyes.

"So I've been worrying for nothing."

"Of course you have. Being part of Whitebeard's family has taught me that it doesn't matter whose blood flows in your veins; your real family are the ones that stick by you through anything, and in the end that's what's really important. Blood can't make you evil, Ace, and from the little I saw of Roger, he wasn't a bad man by any means," he said softly, Ace's head snapping up at that one.

"You met my father?"

"Shanks used to travel with him a bit, too, if you want to get a better idea of what he was like," Sanji added quietly.

"Fuck, I've known him my whole life and he's never…I should have known, though," Ace sighed. "I'm…I'm okay with him being my father, now, but maybe it'll help me make peace with him if I learn a little more," he decided after a minute. "And, um…" he looked at Marco. "You're not running away."

"Never," Marco promised firmly, and Sanji waved a quick goodbye and headed out of the apartment, smiling to himself as he walked down the stairs.

He had a feeling that, after that conversation, Marco wasn't going to make Ace wait until his birthday.

000

"I'd be more worried about this if Zoro hadn't already filled me in," Kaku looked up from the couch when Sanji came through the door and the blond threw his still relatively-clean jacket over an armchair and stripped off his shirt, grimacing as he finally took a decent look at it.

"Yeah, well, it was nice of him to tell me I was covered in blood before I went off to Ace's," he muttered, although Zoro probably hadn't even noticed. "Where is he, anyway?"

"Bathroom," Kaku shrugged. "So it seems you've had a productive day."

"Well, more or less," Sanji frowned at the shirt. It wasn't particularly expensive or even one of his favorites, but he knew that it was never going to look the same and he was probably better off just chucking it in the trash. Still, wasting good clothing always annoyed him. "As long as this plan works."

"It should. And if worst comes to worst you can probably explain things to Garp and he'll give you a hand," Kaku pointed out, and yes, that was true, but he didn't know Garp that well even with him being Luffy's grandfather and Smoker at least wasn't afraid to challenge authority if he thought it was the best course of action.

He sat beside Kaku, still holding his shirt in his hands, and looked up only when Zoro came out of the bathroom.

"Did you get a hold of Tashigi?"" he asked and Zoro nodded.

""Yeah, she's pretty pissed…I guess she's had some interactions with this Vergo guy in the past and learning that he was playing all of them the whole time isn't making her too happy, but that's good for us," he decided with a shrug.

"True enough. Were you going to tell me I've been wandering around the city covered in blood?" he waved the ruined shirt and Zoro shrugged, smirking a little.

"Hey, your clothes have weird patterns on them half the time. I didn't even notice."

"Clearly," Sanji balled the shirt up and leaned onto Kaku's shoulder, closing his eyes. "I'm exhausted. And for me that means you're getting frozen pizza for dinner because I can't be assed to put any effort into cooking."

"Well, I suppose we all need to eat like peasants once in a while," Kaku replied dryly.

"I can make you find your own food," Sanji retorted and Kaku chuckled and stood up, patting his head on the way by.

"I'm quite sure I'm capable of putting a frozen pizza into an oven," he called over his shoulder as he went into the kitchen, and Sanji sighed and only slitted his eyes open when he felt the cushion beside him sink.

"Hey," Zoro pulled him in and Sanji curled up against him, head resting under his chin, trying not to fall asleep. "You okay?"

"Fine. I'm just never going to get used to seeing people I care about get hurt," he finally settled on, and Zoro grunted something inaudible into his hair. "What was that?"

"Said that you can't even blame yourself for this one, or at least I didn't think you could," he muttered.

"I know, but it doesn't change the fact that…"

"But nothing," Zoro said firmly. "Whatever shit Law got himself into with Doflamingo that's his own business and it happened long before you even knew he existed, so don't go finding ways to blame yourself for it."

"I'm not blaming myself, I'm just wondering why even when I was the target everybody ended up getting hurt except for me," he snapped, exhaustion making his words have more bite than he'd intended, but Zoro bristled beside him and he immediately felt bad.

"Yeah, 'cuz getting taken hostage…twice…and getting a bullet through your shoulder totally isn't getting hurt," he replied sharply.

"Comparatively speaking, no, it's not," he sighed, most of the fight going out of him.

"Sanji, look," Zoro started, and Sanji glanced up enough so he could meet Zoro's eyes. "I don't know what to tell you to make you feel better about all of this, but from what I saw at the Baratie last night you're way more than capable of handling yourself. And you're fucking brilliant, you know that? I know that I pretty much go on brute strength because I'm not the smartest guy, but you're big on, like, strategy and thinking ahead but you can fight and that's a pretty amazing set of skills," he was completely honest and it was probably the most complimentary thing he'd ever said, all things considered, but Sanji nodded and leaned in for a kiss, sighing against Zoro's lips and trying to curl further into his lap.

They really needed some time alone soon.

"Thank you," he whispered, leaning his forehead against the other man's and breathing out slowly. "And you're not dumb, Marimo, you think I'd ever date anybody that couldn't hold a proper conversation with me?"

"Yeah, I guess, but compared to you and Robin and Nami and even Usopp and Chopper I feel kinda stupid sometimes, and that's just picking out the people I've known for years. The rest of the guys we're hanging out with now are just…"

"Don't put yourself down. Sometimes brains aren't everything," Sanji replied, stroking his fingers through Zoro's hair, and he only looked up when he heard Kaku clear his throat.

"Pizza's ready. Shall I leave you two alone?" he looked toward the door and Sanji shook his head.

"Nah, it's fine, we're not gonna kick you out," he got off of Zoro with an effort, still trying to stave off sleep, but the pizza did smell good despite it being kind of below what he normally ate. "I'm hungry anyway."

"And forgive me for interjecting, but Zoro, you do remember that I work for what's supposed to be an elite intelligence agency, and you've seen the…mental capacity of some of my colleagues. Trust me, you have nothing to worry about," he assured the swordsman, who grunted and clapped his shoulder as an answer, but Sanji could tell that Zoro was happy about hearing something like that from Kaku.

Sanji grabbed a plate and slumped over the table, wondering how he was going to muster the energy to eat (at least until he remembered that he needed to call Smoker after dinner and the quicker he got all that done, the quicker he could go to sleep) and finally forcing himself awake enough to get started.

Notes:

1. If you're still reading this, I hope you're still enjoying and thanks for doing so :) I have another ZoSan AU fic in the works that I might start posting soon-ish but we'll see!