Title: The Choice

Characters/Pairing(s): Sanji&Vivi, Luffy, Zoro, Franky, Cobra

(Pre/Post) Time Skip: Many Years Later

Upon arriving at Alabasta, Nami knew the babies wouldn't last if they travelled in the desert on foot. If she remembered right, it lasted them one or maybe two days just to reach Yuba. The heat and humidity when the sun is out could harm the babies. So, the crew agreed that half of them would travel with Sanji to Alubarna, while the other half guarded the ship.

Those that will be going with Sanji are Luffy, Franky, and Zoro. The others, too overwhelmed by the heat, will stay on board. Thanks to Franky's skills, they got to travel much faster now that he made a motorcycle with some scraps found around the ship. As soon as they started their journey, Sanji was having second thoughts about whether Vivi will accept his invitation. She's a princess for crying out loud. If she had to choose between him or her country, he wouldn't even be considered an option.

"Sanji, what's wrong? Are you hungry?" asked Luffy.

"You're the one hungry," Zoro noted.

Sanji didn't say anything, for he knew those two idiots wouldn't understand his situation. The motor of the bike was too loud for Franky, who was currently driving, to hear. But he spoke up anyway. "I don't think this is a good idea anymore."

When Sanji turned around, Luffy had fallen asleep, but Zoro, who was right behind him, had a stern look on his face.

"You really think going back now would be the best idea?" asked Zoro.

"Tch, what do you know. You don't understand my situation."

"Then your one visible eye clearly isn't good enough for you. Haven't you seen what I've been going through before Robin and I got married? I was a wreck. I got this beautiful, smart, irreplaceable assassin to fall in love with me, and all this time I've been thinking she's out of my league. When she said yes, it didn't hit me until the day of our wedding that I was getting married to her. If you really think I don't understand what you're going through, then you're wrong."

Sanji avoided the swordsman's gaze. Those were some powerful words coming from an idiot like him. "..Then, what do you think? Will she choose me?"

"Prove to her."

When they got to the city, the first place they went to was the palace. With some reconstruction after the war, the place looked brand new. Sanji was a nervous wreck. Little did he know that Vivi had been watching them approach the palace from her bedroom window. She immediately ran down from her room.

When the four Straw Hats entered the palace, they were greeted like royalty. Franky was amazed by how much fame they had here, while Luffy was searching for the food like always. Just down the big room sat Cobra with Igaram standing beside him.

"Yo, Pops! Where's the food?" was the first thing Luffy said. In result, Sanji smacked him upside the head for his rude behavior.

"Its nice seeing you all again. Congrats on reaching the end of the Grand Line," said Cobra, "but what brings you back here? Where is the rest of your crew?"

"Everyone else is back on the ship, watching the kids," answered Luffy.

Cobra nodded and smiled. "I assume you've started a family. I'm sure they'll be amazing people when they grow up."

"Is Vivi here?" asked Luffy.

"Luffy-san! Mina-san!" From the corridor connected to the room, the Straw Hats saw Vivi running towards them. They were greeted by a big hug each. Franky and Vivi shared a warm greeting for this is their first time meeting. "What brings all of you here?"

Zoro harshly pushed Sanji forward. "This guy wants to talk to you."

"Bastard," muttered Sanji.

"Hm? Sanji-san?"

The Straw Hat cook blushed a deep red when he realized he was faced-to-faced with her, to make it even better, her father was sitting on the throne, watching them.

"Uhhh, not here." Sanji took her hand and brought her out to the corridor that overlooked the city. From their decision to settle down, to how he felt about her, to his wish for her to run away with him, he explained everything to her. As he talked, he noticed her different reactions. When he finished explaining, he didn't know what to think. Her expression made it hard for him to decipher whether everything he told her was a good thing or not.

Vivi sighed, then smiled. "You've really changed, Sanji-san. You're a lot different from the last time I saw you."

"A whole year of sailing can do that to a person."

"Sanji-san," Vivi took his hands in hers, "Everything you said, no one has ever said that to me. If I could, I would leave with you in a heartbeat. "

"But you can't.."

Vivi looked down. "I have a whole country relying on my hands. I can't let that many people down.. I'm sorry, Sanji-san. I would ask you to stay with me, but you can't."

Sanji shook his head. He smirked, trying to hide his true emotions. "Sorry, I'm more of a prince. Not really fit to be a king."

"I thought so."

The two walked back to the room. When they got back, they saw the crew, along with Cobra and Igaram gathered together in one spot. When they heard that the two had returned, they immediately separated.

"Vivi!" said Cobra.

"What's going on?" asked Vivi.

"Luffy-kun and I have been talking about some things..Vivi, you're free to choose where you want to go. If its to stay in this country, or leave with the crew, then I will support you."

"Huh?" Vivi and Sanji said in unison.

"P-Papa, what are you saying? I can leave? Then what about the country-"

"I will be behind your father, as well as the others," said Igaram. "In your absence, we'll watch over the country and the people."

"But, I can't leave. There's still so much I need to-"

"Vivi-sama," Igaram placed his hands on her shoulder. "It's okay. You have the choice to decide."

Vivi's eyes filled with tears. She looked to her father who nodded and flashed her a comforting smile. She turned to the crew and they were looking to her with encouraging eyes. Lastly, she turned to Sanji. The cook seemed excited, but knew he had to hide it because he knew she had another option.

Vivi ran to him and leaped into his arms. "Sanji-san!"

Sanji caught her and held her tight. He turned to the crew who had gathered around them. "How does the king know?"

"We had a feeling from the start that Vivi wouldn't choose you," said Luffy.

"If she didn't leave with us last time, we kind of doubted she would leave with us now," Zoro added.

"So, we told Cobra everything."

Sanji sighed. He buried his face in Vivi's shoulder and muttered something inaudible.

"What was that?" Zoro asked, teasingly. "I couldn't hear."

"Th..Thank you."

Luffy grinned. "Now, we're complete! Let's go back home."

Updating again? Kinda? lol

Tomorrow is my last day as a high school senior :'(