Title: Of The Sky
Author: auspizien
Pairing: Zoro x Sanji
Rating: M (violence, language and sexual themes)
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece. All of it's characters, plot and witty humour belongs to Eiichiro Oda.
Summary: AU Set in modern-day. ZoroXwinged!Sanji, For the past four years Sanji has been stuck in the bottom of Impel. He'd been tested on, experimented with, and tortured in every way he thought possible. But when he escapes and runs into a certain green-haired man he finds that the evil of Impel runs deeper than he could possibly imagine...
"The bluebird carries the sky on his back."
-Henry David Thoreau
In the end they had all begun a game of poker as Sanji learned more about each of these unique people. Luffy managed barely a game before taking off to do something else and the elegant dark haired woman – Robin – sat near the fireplace with a book in her lap. Chopper was sitting at the table watching the game and the green-haired man was only god knew where.
The curly haired boy Usopp turned out to be a compulsive liar, but mostly only for humorous purposes. He had tried and failed miserably to convince Sanji that he was a pro-poker star in his former life before Impel. After one game it was clear the boy had never played a game in his life. He covered up his embarrassment by showing Sanji how he could make his mechanic hands reconstruct themselves and form new tools in their place; a slingshot, a yoyo, a screwdriver.
Usopp tossed in five and had held a promising poker face for a moment before breaking down in chuckles. Either the boy had a good hand and was stupid, or he had a terrible hand and was bluffing. Judging from his terrible lying in the first game Sanji knew he was bluffing.
Franky turned out to be the blue-haired cyborg, who was extremely over-the-top, had an addiction to Barbarosa cocktails and was the mastermind behind the entire set up of the underground base. Sanji had immediately struck up a conversation as to how the whole thing was set up and maintained.
"It's genius." Franky gloated, "Runoff redirected underground. Then you just make tunnels through the rock. Don't need any plumbing."
"I'm impressed." Sanji complimented, "I was wondering how on earth the sink worked."
Franky chuckled, "Every water source here is straight off the mountain. Don't want to be destroying the area too much. Also don't want Impel getting suspicious."
"Fair enough." Sanji conceded and turned back to the pot, glanced at his cards then grabbed several chips, "Raise you 20."
Franky glanced at his cards and huffed, "Fold."
Nami ended up winning the round, and Usopp and Brooke immediately called her out on cheating and saying that she switched cards or some other nonsense. Sanji found it hilarious mostly just because they weren't playing with actual money and it honestly didn't really matter. And to be fair if she was sneaky enough to cheat and not get caught then good for her.
As the deck was shuffled and re-dealt by Brooke, Sanji began talking to Nami. She explained how her body had become permanently electrified and that the pole was a grounding device so she wouldn't electrify or kill anyone she touched. Sanji wondered how on earth she could be so content when she carried such a burden. She went on to explain how Luffy had rescued her because his body wasn't affected by electricity and Sanji smiled at how obvious she was being.
The small tucking of hair behind her ear, the light blush and a gorgeous smile whenever she said his name. Sanji sighed, the rubber boy was one lucky shithead.
"But Chopper thinks he can cure it." Nami smiled optimistically, and glanced at the deer, "And I believe he can do it."
Chopper mustn't of heard because he didn't break out in a blush.
"He says if he can find out how they charged my body he can negate it. Until then Usopp and Franky are working on a pair of shoes so I won't have to carry this." She held up her staff lightly. "So far no luck but I'm just flattered that they're trying."
Sanji glanced at Brooke who promptly messed up dealing and blamed it on the fact that he was a skeleton. Usopp was shouting at him saying that he wasn't an actual skeleton and that it wasn't an excuse. Sanji laughed lightly and turned back to Nami.
"They seem nice."
Nami nodded, "You'll get used to them really fast; we only broke Brooke out a few months ago."
Sanji raised an eyebrow skeptically, "From the way they act you really couldn't tell."
"I know." Nami sighed in exasperation, "And they only get worse."
Sanji laughed and the cards were finally dealt for another round. Sanji began talking to Brooke and could say that the man was easily described as a pervert. Mostly because he wasn't actually paying attention to the game and was just staring down Nami's shirt the entire time. Though Sanji really couldn't blame him; she had a fantastic rack. But besides that he was an extremely talented musician; everyone backing him up on this claim too.
Apparently there was not a single instrument he couldn't play and even offered to go grab his violin.
"Nuh-uh." Nami protested, "You're not getting out of this game."
"Nami." Brooke looked appalled, "You think I would do something so cowardly?"
"I don't think it. I know it." Nami pointed to the pot, "Make your move."
Brooke sighed and doubled the bet. The game went on a bit longer, but once again Nami won, and Sanji just laughed at the frustration showing on everyone else's faces. One final game was started, and it went for a few rounds before once more coming to Brooke who sat mulling over his cards.
Brooke finally set down his hand, "I'm afraid I fold. I'm far too hungry to continue this game."
Sanji perked up at that, "Do you have a kitchen?"
"Of course." Franky boasted, "I can build anything."
"I bet." Sanji conceded, "Who do you have cooking?"
"We just raid the fridge as needed." Usopp shrugged.
Sanji grinned, "Do you mind if I cook you guys dinner? It's the least I can do."
Franky and Usopp exchanged a look and they both grinned, "Definitely."
~X~
Sanji grinned happily as he set to work in the kitchen. This was something that he could do. Before he had got dragged off to Impel he had been a chef at restaurant. The pay had been good and he had been saving up so he could go to college and get a proper education. In what, he hadn't yet decided.
But cooking, it just brought back good memories of the times he had been crammed in the back with all the ovens making him perspire and the other chefs pissing him off. It was a skill that he actually enjoyed and while he was still unsure about his future, he was beginning to think that cooking might be the way to go.
There was a surplus of food, but from what he had seen so far with clothing, furniture and other technology he assumed that the crew must have made regular trips into civilization to restock. There were several bags of berries hidden in the fridge that looked hand-picked, and a few fish that were in the freezer that were clearly self-caught.
At least they seemed to be feeding themselves in a healthy way, he grinned with purpose as he began to pull out some of the salmon and other ingredients he would need. Running the frozen fish under the stone fountain sink he began pulling out some of the berries and tried to bring to mind some old recipes. He figured something simple to get his hands and mind back into the aspect of cooking would be best. Turning on the oven he began heating up a frying pan as he set to work on making the berries into a sauce.
When he finished he felt infinitely more relaxed, and proud that he hadn't gotten horribly sloppy over the past four years. He set down the pan-seared salmon and side of cranberry remoulade in front of the waiting crew of eight and tried not to laugh at the shocked expression on their faces.
"This looks amazing," Nami broke the silence, "Like... professional."
Sanji grinned, "Your praise means a lot."
Luffy immediately dug in and moaned around a mouthful, "Ish shooo goodf."
Everyone dug in and Sanji realized how much he missed the unequivocal feeling of people eating food that he had made. Though most ate with a speed and fashion that had him slightly concerned that they might choke. Nami and Robin seemed to be taking their time and enjoying it. And then there was that green-haired brute.
He sat at the end of the table and ate in silence, said nothing but throughout the shouting and sounds of eating it was hardly noticed by anyone. He finished, took the plate into the kitchen and then immediately left. Sanji tried to squash down the small annoyance that the man didn't seem to find the food in any way spectacular. He had basically ate with the vigour and excitement as though it were a bowl of oatmeal. Sanji brushed aside his petty annoyance and turned to his own plate; still on Chopper's eating plan he had kept to mostly soft foods.
When almost every plate was cleared, Sanji stood and began clearing the table.
"Sanji. That was amazing." Nami offered sincerely, "Where did you learn to cook?"
"Old job." Sanji smiled, "And I'm glad you enjoyed it."
"Have to agree." Brooke interjected, "That was the best meal I've had in years."
"Absolutely." Chopper chirped up.
The rest spoke up too and Sanji could feel his cheeks begin to burn before he humbly accepted their compliments. He tried to hide his blush behind his hair as he gathered up the rest of the empty dishes. Sanji reached for one of Luffy's plates, the boy grinned up from his fifth fish, "It's official. You're now cooking all our meals."
"With your stomach; that's a full-time job." Usopp snickered.
"Yeah," Nami interjected, "We can't put that work load on him."
"It's fine," Sanji interjected as he grabbed Franky's plate, "I feel like I need to be doing something around here anyway."
"You sure, bro?" Franky asked, "We are all pretty good at managing ourselves. This kid doesn't even need his food cooked," He jerked his thumb to Luffy who was trying to cram his fish into his elastic mouth.
"It would be an honour." Sanji grinned and gave a small bow.
"What do you think Chopper?" Nami asked the small deer who was currently licking up the last of the remoulade.
Chopper lowered the plate with a blush, not noticing the spot of red sauce on his nose, "He's completely healthy in every aspect; I can't give a medical reason as to why he shouldn't be up and about."
"Alright." Nami raised her hand in defeat and pointed at Luffy, "If you want to torture yourself by feeding this monster by all means."
Sanji smirked, "I like a challenge."
~X~
Robin sat at the table, engrossed in a book as Sanji gathered the remaining dishes and made his way into the kitchen. Sanji was pleased to note that the crazy bunch at least didn't leave a scrap of food – Luffy was probably to thank for that – but it definitely made washing up afterwards an easy chore. He was pretty sure some of the plates must've been licked clean. He snorted lightly as he set to work.
Usopp, Brooke and surprisingly Luffy all bid good night and had made their way to their rooms. Franky decided to mix himself a drink and Chopper sat in front of the fire with some papers. Nami had brought out some documents, and judging from the secretive way she went to sit at a desk on the other end of the room; they most likely involved Impel. Whatever they and this Rayliegh man were planning must've been important.
Being accused of being untrustworthy stung a little but he completely understood why he wasn't quite trusted yet. He would be suspicious too of anyone from Impel. But until he was cleared by this Rayliegh guy he'd just have to settle for being a bit out of the loop. He had nothing to hide so he was sure soon enough he'd be completely trusted.
Sanji set the last of the dishes in the rack to dry and set down the dishcloth after wringing it out, he exited the kitchen and went back into the rec-room. Robin was still at the table and he silently joined her. He didn't try to engage in conversation, nor read over her shoulder – he knew just how annoying that could be – he just enjoyed having a calm, and friendly human in his presence.
Sanji glanced around the room and noticed Nami was furiously scribbling away and jotting notes for something on one of the large blue-prints. Franky was passed out on the couch by the fireplace with his empty glass grasped loosely in his hand, and Chopper was curled up on the carpet sleeping, his papers forgotten. That weird green-haired guy was still unaccounted for.
Everyone seemed used to the man's behaviour and didn't say anything about it; his presence hadn't even really been acknowledged at dinner. Sanji assumed the man must be wandering around outside just like he had been when he had found Sanji. Still, Sanji really wanted to meet him, and a least know his name. He still hadn't been able to properly thank the green-haired man for rescuing him.
A door opened and the guy sauntered in with a fancy sword in his hand and a bag in the other. No one looked up or said anything to him; he took a seat by the wall, cross-legged as he emptied the bag of a few jars, some stones and a small weird brush. He lay the sword across his lap while he opened one of the jars and picked up a stone. Dipping the rock in, he pulled it out wet and began to slowly drag it along the edge of the blade.
"Who is he?"
Robin looked up from her book, "Who?"
Sanji tilted his head toward the corner of the room, where the green-haired man sat – attending to his sword – still cleaning it with care.
"That's Zoro Roronoa."
"Oh." Sanji frowned lightly. Roronoa. It sounded familiar, he was sure he had heard it somewhere before. Like a name that was said often but never really comprehended.
"He's been here longer than any of us. Broke out just like you. But he keeps to himself mostly; doesn't trust people easily. He still suspects me sometimes." Robin confided with a slight smirk.
"Why doesn't he trust you?" Sanji asked, appalled. She was such a beautiful, friendly woman; how could anyone hold ill intentions against her?
"I used to work for Impel. Before, well..." Robin trailed off, looking away forlornly.
Sanji placed his hand on hers a squeezed lightly, "You don't need to say anything. I understand." The place was cruel, and it wasn't really a shock to Sanji that the staff would turn on one another. It was sick and disturbing, but somehow expected.
"Anyway," Robin continued, "If he seems cold and distant; don't be offended. That's just how he is."
Sanji took the obvious hint that she wanted the subject diverted from herself, and quietly reconciled that. He glanced over at Zoro who had now pulled out the odd brush and was dabbing at the edge of the blade gently. When he looked back at Robin she graced him with a smile before turning back to her book.
Sanji couldn't quite decipher what her smirk had inferred but he assumed that she was a woman of many riddles and that it was just how she interacted with people. He looked back at the green-haired man and smirked lightly.
Zoro, huh?
~X~
Sanji found that he fell into the groove of things while staying with this group of misfits. They all loved and respected each other with only the compassion that a family could. No matter how annoying that rubber boy might be, no one truly got angry at him. And while Brooke was sometimes a pervert; it was just ignored.
Sanji had been fully accepted without question, and he found himself being dragged into Usopp and Luffy's shenanigans on occasion. Though more often than not he found himself hounded by those two, and occasionally Chopper, for sweets and goodies. And he usually gave in too.
He was currently in the kitchen getting some sandwiches ready for lunch. He sliced the bread expertly, each slice the exact width of the one before it. Sanji pushed the slices to the side to start preparing the fillings when he noticed the small extra piece of bread. He picked up the small chunk that had come from the end of the loaf and thought of the small girl he had given his bread to in Impel. He didn't want to think the worst had happened, but he hardly had any evidence otherwise. And how would he ever find out the truth?
He had told Chopper that he wanted to find someone in Impel, and indeed he did want to find Apis. But a strong feeling in his gut told him he might not find her alive. It hurt, and the last thing he wanted was to find her mangled and tortured body. But he owed it to her to get her body – alive or dead – out of that place.
Sanji's lungs began to ache and he replaced the bread and the vegetables in the fridge and decided that the crew would last an hour without lunch. And if they got impatient they could scrounge something up themselves if they were that hungry. He made his way to Chopper's infirmary, knocking gently.
"Chopper?" Sanji called out for the small deer.
The door opened and a small brown head poked out from around a corner before he completely emerged and motioned for Sanji to enter the room, "What is it?"
"I was wondering if I could go outside?"
Chopper looked like he was about to protest but Sanji continued.
"I wouldn't fly. I won't until you give me permission but I just really need a breath of fresh air right now."
Chopper seemed to sense the silent urgency in Sanji's voice, "By all means Sanji. You're allowed to do whatever you want. Just so long as you hold of on the flying for now. I promise you'll be using your wings soon."
Sanji grinned, "Thanks Chopper."
Sanji was out of the room before Chopper could even start his blushing and cursing at Sanji. He vaguely remembered the way out, and though he got turned around once he eventually found himself outside of the same door that Zoro had shown him the first day. He'd been outside several times since that first day, but he had never really explored the forest yet; he intended to make the most of the opportunity this time.
Once more the valley took on a picturesque scene, and he vaguely wondered if he'd ever get bored of the beauty of nature now. The sun was still fairly high in the sky and was warm on Sanji's bare skin, and it lit up the trees of the forest as they swayed happily in the wind.
Sanji glanced around at the rocky area, before finding a fairly adequate piece of shale. The dark stone was smooth and light, and would serve its purpose perfectly. He quickly made his way down into the forest line of the mountain, taking welcome shelter in the trees and shade.
The mulch and pine needles felt strangely comforting under his bare feet, each twinge of pain caused by a small twig was a welcome pinch to know that indeed everything around him was real. The large redwoods and alder towered over him and were so large it would take a couple people to stand holding hands to reach around its base. They sheltered him from the glare of the afternoon sun perfectly.
Every so often he would find a strange flower – bright reds, vibrant blues and soft purples – that he would pick and add to a bouquet he had started. He kept gathering flowers until he founded the perfect spot; at the base of an elegant oak. It wasn't nearly as big as the fellow reds but was still sturdy. He laid down the rock at the base, running his hand over the smooth surface before tucking the bouquet between the trunk and the rock, so it looked like the flowers were blooming from behind the headstone.
Sanji's hand paused on the earth for a moment before he stood and bowed his head saying a silent pray for the little girl; hoping for her safety.
"Who are those for?"
Sanji jumped and whirled around to find the damned rubber boy hanging from a low branch watching Sanji, "Damn you Luffy. Don't sneak up on people."
"I wasn't sneaking." Luffy grinned, "You just weren't paying attention."
"Whatever." Sanji couldn't stop the smile that slipped through at Luffy's behaviour.
Luffy jumped down from the tree, adjusting his odd wicker backpack and made his way over to the makeshift grave, his tone changing from playful to serious, "Who's that for?"
"Apis." Sanji mumbled, "She was the little girl in the cell next to mine; she disappeared shortly before I left."
Luffy took off his hat – the straw crunching lightly under his grip – and placed it over his heart. He didn't say anything, but respectfully watched her monument in silence. A bird started up a tiny song, and the wind rustled the trees making a melody all its own. He watched as the flowers fluttered lightly and felt his chest constrict. Sanji forced down the sadness and turned to Luffy, the boy staring intently at the grave with a mourning expression.
"Thanks Luffy."
Luffy cocked his head to the side before popping his hat back on his head, "For what?"
"For caring."
"Of course I'm going to care." Luffy grinned, "You're my friend."
"You think of me as a friend?" Sanji tilted his head, "What about that whole Rayliegh thing?"
Luffy snorted, "I'm allowed to make my own decisions. And I trust you. Sure Rayliegh is in charge; but he's not the be all and end all."
Sanji gave one last look at the monument and turned away, "That means a lot Luffy."
"Hey!" Luffy perked up, "Wanna see where I was going?"
"Sure." Sanji shrugged, "Why not?"
Luffy started off through the forest as he began to sing a little song about the compass directions and the different seasons, and Sanji kept in step beside him. Several times he would catch his wing on a branch, but otherwise the forest floor was easily navigational.
"By the way," Luffy stopped singing to look at Sanji, "Don't give up yet."
"What do you mean?" Sanji frowned.
"On Apis." Luffy smiled, "You don't know for sure what happened. People are moved around all the time; she could've just been moved to a new cell."
Sanji nodded slowly, "I hope so."
"Anything you believe is possible; is possible. If you believe that she is dead, she very well could be."
Sanji frowned slightly, the kid could be oddly wise at times; though his usually demeanour showed nothing but foolishness and childishness. And as they continued on through the underbrush he mulled over the boy's words, wondering and hoping against hope that Apis was indeed okay.
Sanji began to hear the gurgling and bubbling of the creek long before they reached it. The creek flowed by happily, the water so clear Sanji's could easily see the bottom. Pebbles and sand decorated the bottom, a frog squatted by the side croaking loudly as a few fish lazily made their way by.
Luffy set down the wicker bag on the bank and jumped into the creek as Sanji sat on a fallen tree and let his feet rest in the ice cold water. It felt amazing and countered the heat of the autumn sun. A slight breeze swept by and Sanji couldn't stop a goofy smile that lit up his face; he would never take something as simple as this for granted ever again.
Luffy set about trying to catch a fish, though most attempts ended with him face-planting into the creek and coming up sputtering and coughing. Sanji was holding his gut laughing, he wasn't sure if the boy was doing it on purpose or not to cheer him up; but it was working.
Sanji finally jumped down and landed in the creek, water rushing by his knees.
"Here try this."
Sanji cautiously dipped his hand into the creek and remained motionless. After a while fish began to drift closer to Sanji's legs and hand, and soon a few curious ones were coming up and tasting Sanji's skin. In a quick movement he twisted his hand around and latched firmly onto the body of the fish, pulling it out of the water triumphantly.
"See?" Sanji grinned around the fish wriggling and flailing in his grip, "You gotta be patient."
"Screw that." Luffy snorted before setting about knitting his fingers together and pulling them apart to make a net.
Sanji watched with a raised eyebrow as Luffy put his make shift net into the creek and began running up stream collecting a bundle of fish into his hands. He couldn't help the disbelieving laugh as Luffy brought his hands out of the water and had about ten fish squirming and jumping around in his clasped and stretched hands.
Luffy made his way to the shore and deposited all of the fish into the wicker basket.
"That's how you do it." Luffy grinned cheekily.
Sanji smirked at the challenge, "Bring it on, rubberboy."
Sanji immediately set about waiting for more fish to come near him as Luffy began knitting his fingers together again. Sanji managed to get three more fish before Luffy had even finished getting his 'net' ready.
"C'mon Luffy." Sanji chuckled as he scooped up another fish, "You're making this too easy."
"I got it. I got it." Luffy mumbled before his hand slipped and a finger snapped back to hit the boy in the face.
Sanji burst out laughing and all the fish surrounding his legs disappeared in flash. Luffy rolled on the bank of the creek holding his face as he squealed, and Sanji almost fell over as he clutched his stomach and guffawed.
There was a crack of a branch being stepped on, and Sanji looked up sharply all humour lost as he prepared for whatever it might be. It turned out to only be Zoro; but with that dead-set scowl on his face, a bear or mountain lion might have been more welcoming. At least maybe a bit friendlier.
Luffy untangled his fingers and grinned, "We're catching fish. You wanna help?"
"Later. Ope needs to see you."
"Aw come on." Luffy goaded, "It's fun. And I don't wanna go to no stinking meeting."
"Luffy." Zoro commanded, his voice hard and something unspoken hanging in the air.
Luffy sighed and rolled his eyes, "Zoro. Stop it."
Zoro didn't falter and just watched the rubber boy with that scowl set on his face.
Luffy snorted before it seemed like he finally gave in. Standing up, he slung the wicker basket over his shoulder being careful not to lose any fish, "We'll hang later Sanji. I need to go see Law."
"Luffy," Zoro yelled after the boy who had already taken off into the bush, "Zip it."
"Boo!" Luffy pouted angrily before he was completely out of sight by the redwoods.
Sanji scowled, clearly Zoro had not wanted him to hear that conversation, and he had even gotten pissed when Luffy had let slip that name; Law. Who was he? He certainly wasn't in the base. But Sanji was more than used to the secretive conversations that were passed around. He of course understood that he wasn't yet trusted, but it was still a little annoying.
"Let's get back to base." Zoro ordered before setting off into the brush, not even glancing back to see if Sanji was following.
Sanji quickly hopped out of the creek and ran to catch up to Zoro. He honestly didn't know the way back so following the green-haired man was probably the best option. They walked in silence as they always did, but Sanji figured now was better than any opportunity to thank the man.
"Hey," Sanji called after Zoro.
Zoro halted and glanced back at Sanji, that same cold wall was in place over the man's emotions, "What do you need?"
Sanji ignored the rude tone and continued, "I've been meaning to thank you for what you did."
Zoro didn't say a thing, just watched Sanji with a cold, calculating look.
"You know," Sanji stumbled a little over his words, "For saving me. And bringing me back to your base. If you hadn't I'd – I'd probably be back in Impel right now."
Sanji paused as he actually considered how lucky he was. What were the odds of him escaping and landing right at the man's feet? And not only that, but someone who could take him somewhere safe and give him medical attention. And what was the man even doing out there so close to Impel?
Sanji quickly got off that train of thought and looked Zoro in the eyes, "So thank you."
Zoro raised a brow, and remained quiet for sometime before nodding in understanding.
Sanji watched as Zoro walked away and tried to ignore the feeling of reject building up in his stomach. The icy-bastard had brushed him off like he was nothing and that was the ultimate piss off. Sanji snapped, he reached out and grabbed the man's shoulder and turned him around, "What the fuck is your problem with me?"
"Excuse me?" Zoro raised a brow.
"Look," Sanji stated hotly, "I get that you're not a friendly type of guy; I guess that's just your personality. But fuck, why do you keep looking at me like I'm something on the bottom of your boot?"
Zoro blinked once before calmly assessing Sanji, "You haven't been cleared by Rayliegh."
"So what?!" Sanji implored, "Luffy trusts me! What's so special about Rayliegh?"
"Luffy is still a child." Zoro scowled, "He doesn't understand that people lie."
"He seems to understand a hell of a lot more than you do." Sanji accused harshly.
"Don't come into our lives and think you know anything. You have no idea what's going on."
"Of course not!" Sanji yelled, "Cause you won't fucking tell me anything. So excuse me for being an oblivious ass!"
"You'd be oblivious and an ass no matter what I'd tell you." Zoro snapped.
"Say that again." Sanji growled low.
"No." Zoro huffed, "I shouldn't even be having this conversation with you. Why Chopper allowed you out is beyond me."
"Cause he trusts me!" Sanji snarled, "Why can't you just judge for yourself too? Why Rayliegh?"
"I'm not permitted to tell you such information." Zoro monotoned.
Sanji's brows drew together as his disbelief began to mount, "Holy fuck. Do you really not trust me that much?!"
Zoro closed his eyes and shrugged, "For all I know you could be a spy."
"For who?!" Sanji shouted, "Impel?! Are you fucking kidding me?!"
"This isn't a kidding matter." Zoro's eyes narrowed, "How do I know you aren't working for them?"
Sanji gaped, gesturing harshly toward his wings, "Are you fucking blind?!"
Zoro scowled, "I'm not taking any chances. It could just be a deception."
Sanji was pretty sure his look of outrage and confusion was going to ingrain permanent lines into face, he took an aggressive step toward Zoro, "What person would willingly having this done to them? Are you really that stupid, or are you just that fucking insecure? Do you have trust issues or something?"
Zoro growled low and stepped directly into Sanji's personal space, "Yeah, I do. Because the last thing I need is an over zealous prick getting me and my friends thrown back into that place!"
"Well fuck you!" Sanji retorted through gritted teeth.
They gave each other one final heated glare before both turned on their heels and marched off in opposite directions. Sanji was so furious he wanted to hurt something, break something, or maybe even punch something. He ran full tilt toward a clearing up ahead, wings flapping hard as he launched himself into the sky.
Sanji broke through the canopy, leaves and several branches being knocked free from his violent take-off. The wind rushed by his face, and the sun shone brightly on his skin but it hardly calmed his anger. He landed on the branch of a tall tree and grabbed his hair in frustration and screamed once – a flock of birds taking to the air in surprise – before turning and slamming his fist into the trunk.
"Fuck you! You god damned son of a fucking – aarrgghh!"
Sanji dropped into a crouch holding his head as he groaned in annoyance.
That fucking god damned green-haired bastard could go fucking die for all he cared. He had finally gotten out of Impel – where his trust in humanity had been shaken – and all he wanted was human camaraderie and people that would just fucking respect and trust him. Was that too much to ask for?
It seemed like it. But everyone else trusted him. Or at least hid their mistrust in the guise of hugs, laughs and general cheerfulness. Zoro just flaunted his mistrust for the world to see and didn't seem to give a damn. Sanji sighed heavily and fell back until he was sitting on the abnormally large branch.
The tree that he had chosen to land on was a bit taller than most of the surrounding red's and he was able to see over the tops of most. Remaining hidden in the shade of the higher branches of the tree Sanji sat and watched the world go by and slowly calmed his raging emotions.
A blue bird began building a nest in a beech tree, singing a happy tune as it worked diligently. Two squirrels began a game of tag which ensued all over the neighbouring trees. Their incessant chittering mixed with the rustling of the leaves in the wind and Sanji remained motionless as the sun slowly made its way across the sky.
At around late afternoon Usopp had wandered by below the tree calling for Sanji. For a moment Sanji felt obligated to go down to him, but he realized that Zoro probably had sent Usopp out to look for him. Probably thought Sanji was more likely to go along willingly if it was someone he actually liked.
Sanji snorted and didn't move from his spot until the sun came rest on the far off mountain tops – settling like an orb on a mantel – and Usopp had long since given up on finding Sanji. The shades of the sky transformed until the once baby blue was replaced by a gentle purple. The last rays of light eventually sunk behind the snow capped mountains and a chilled breeze of fall swept around him.
He pushed himself to his feet with a regretful sigh and hopped out of the tree, wings flapping gently as he lowered himself to the forest floor. Leaving the outer world was not something he wanted to do, but his feathers only provided so much warmth before he began to feel his skin tingle from the cold.
Sanji found his way back to the hidden entrance with little trouble, and slowly made his way to Chopper's infirmary. Wanting nothing more than to sink into the soft bed and sleep away everything; the fatigue of the day, his anger at Zoro, and his need to return outside. When he opened the door to the doctor's office and Chopper looked up, assessed Sanji's state, and immediately frowned; Sanji knew he was in for it.
Chopper sighed in disapproval, "You went flying didn't you?"
Sanji looked to the side with a scowl, "It was Zoro's fault."
Chopper raised an eyebrow, and looked at him as though he were a child, "Zoro?"
"Yeah." Sanji scowled, "If he wasn't such a fucking dick then I'd-"
Chopper huffed before interrupting Sanji, "I don't care if Zoro pushed you off a cliff, you broke your promise."
It was amazing how just a look from this small deer made him feel astronomically guilty, "I'm sorry."
"It's fine. But I think you should have a bath and relax your muscles, just to make sure you didn't do any damage." Sanji nodded and turned to leave when Chopper spoke up, "By the way, how did your wings feel?"
"No pain at all." Sanji smiled, "Actually they were feeling cramped so it felt amazing."
Chopper shook his head, "Alright. But after your bath let me take a final look just to make sure you didn't tear anything."
"Will do." Sanji chirped before leaving the infirmary and heading toward the large underground hot spring that was incorporated into the hideout. Franky had explained that it was just normal runoff from the mountain that he diverted into a hot water heater before allowing it to drain into the pool-like bathing area. Then the water continued through a drain and eventually converged with the creek outside.
He ran into Usopp in the rec-room and the boy smiled, "Hey! Sanji. I was looking for you. We were getting worried you got lost."
Sanji smiled, "Ah, I'm sorry. I kind of lost track of time."
"Meh." Usopp shrugged, "It's fine. I know the feeling. After finally getting out all you want to do is be outside."
Sanji felt a little guilty that he had forced this kind boy to run around through the woods looking for him, "It means a lot that you were looking for me. Thank you."
"Oh." Usopp scratched the back of his neck whiling grinning, "Well, your welcome. So what're you up too?"
"Going to take bath." Sanji grinned, "Chopper's worried I might have strained something."
"Yeah." Usopp smirked, "He's like that."
"Ever get better?"
"Nope."
Sanji laughed before reaching out and patting the boy on the shoulder, "Well that's good to know. I'll see ya later."
He made his way past Usopp and the boy called out, "Later."
Sanji still felt bad for hiding from Usopp, but he knew that the boy had only been sent by Zoro and there was no way in hell he wanted to give Zoro the satisfaction of knowing he had control over Sanji. He arrived outside the bathing room and the door opened just before Sanji could put his hand on the knob. Zoro emerged; clothed with a towel held haphazardly in one hand as he ran it through his hair.
They stood facing each other for a long moment glaring daggers at the other before Zoro stepped out into the hallway and purposefully nudged Sanji – though it felt more like a full on punch. The blond retaliated by snapping his wing, and giving Zoro a face full of feathers.
Zoro sent Sanji a withering look before taking off down the hall and Sanji in turn stepped into the bathing room and slammed the door. He stood for a moment; hands clenched at his sides, face scrunched, and seething. First a verbal attack, now a physical. It was almost like the man was trying to get Sanji to hit him.
Roughly divesting himself of his pants, he strode over to the edge of the giant stone pool and jumped in; sighing as his entire body was enveloped in the hot water. He leaned his head back against the edge and just sat and let all his muscles relax, but as he sat his mind wandered and he began thinking of Zoro which only caused him to tense in annoyance.
Did that ass really hate him so much as to keep antagonizing him? Maybe it was stupid dominance thing and Zoro was trying to make sure Sanji knew he was in charge? Or some bullshit like that. God...
Damn it!
Sanji turned and rested his chin on the edge of the pool; that attitude just made Sanji want to give Zoro a good foot to the face. Maybe a rock would be more effective against that super-human idiot. Or a shovel? A shovel would definitely leave some damage... When his thoughts began turning to knives he purposefully stopped himself.
Sanji sighed resignedly and tried to derail his train of thought, instead opting for glancing around the bathroom. He had been in here once before; while under Chopper's care the deer had requested him to clean up for sanitary purposes. The bath had been short but amazing, and he had been able to shave that itchy stubble. His hair was still unruly in length, but he had come to love it. Not only did it hide his now stupid eyebrows, but it was as Chopper said; it suited him.
He set to work cleaning himself; washing his body and scrubbing his hair clean. For a moment he considered washing his wings but then snorted, there was no way he had enough time to do that, and honestly; they were feathers. He really didn't think it mattered.
Sanji worked the lotion into his hair before dunking his head under the boiling water, ruffling his hair to get all the suds out. He came up for breath and wiped the water from his eyes, face still stinging lightly from the hot water. Damn, but he definitely needed this. He already felt more relaxed.
Sanji pulled himself out of the pool and wrapped a towel around his waist before setting about drying his hair with another. He flapped his wings several times feeling akin to a dog who would shake it's wet coat to get dry. Once he was dry and his feathers were only semi-damp, he pulled on his pants and made his way back to Chopper's room to be checked over.
TBC...
A/N: Next chapter is already written, I'm just editing it so it'll be up soon.