15 Reasons to Fall in Love
Chapter 4
Disclaimer: I do not own One Piece
3. Zoro drank like a fish.
There was no end to the amount of booze the marimo could consume. It was costly, unhealthy, and what appeal was there in a drunk?
"Cook! Where's the booze?" Zoro called, rifling through the pantry.
Sanji's eyebrow twitched in irritation. He was trying to take inventory of their supplies. The lovely Nami-swan had declared that they'd reach an island by tomorrow morning, and it may be their last chance to restock for a while. He needed to make note of what they had and make a list of what they would need for the journey ahead. However, the task was being made very difficult by a certain lazy swordsman in search of his after dinner drink.
"There's no booze for shitty marimos here," Sanji snapped, turning and recounting the items he'd just listed.
"Huh?" Zoro frowned, tearing his eyes away from his search for liquor to survey the angry cook. "What's got your tie in a knot?"
Sanji spun, using every ounce of his patience not to lose it on the marimo-bastard. He was trying his hardest to be more patient with Zoro…but some things just made him snap. Like Zoro's constant quest for alcohol. That was why tonight, Sanji hid the last of it just before dinner preparations. Maybe he was being petty (okay he was definitely being petty) but he'd had it with Zoro's habit of coming in and taking alcohol out of the pantry whenever he pleased.
He took a deep breath. "There's no booze, Marimo," He replied calmly, turning back to the task at hand.
"But we just had three bottles yesterday!" Zoro exclaimed. "I thought we had to save some of that shit for Chopper as emergency medical supplies."
"We do," Sanji replied simply.
"But we don't have any," Zoro repeated flatly.
"Not for you," Sanji said again, finishing up the cupboard he'd been counting and opening the next. The spice cupboard, Sanji frowned. He always dreaded taking inventory on the spice cupboard. Sanji had come to the Grand Line with an impressive amount of spices as it was, and during their adventures he'd collected far more as he encountered them. Some islands had rare or native spices he'd be unlikely to encounter again, and as a chef how could he pass that up?
It was a state of organized chaos in the cupboard. It was the only part of Sanji's kitchen that lacked order. Everything else was spotless, perfectly placed, and organized. The spice cupboard was...well...not. It looked like it'd been ransacked by pirates, which Sanji supposed it had, since he was in and out of it all day long. He knew what was in there; nothing was forgotten in the madness. Naturally, Sanji would never waste food, and certainly not something as valuable as his spices. Still, he looked at it forlornly, no matter how much effort he put into organizing it each time he took inventory it always looked disastrous by the next island.
"What a mess," A voice behind him stated.
"Obviously," Sanji muttered, turning to glare at the speaker. Of course he knew who it was; he'd recognize that nerve grating voice anywhere. "What are you still doing here, I thought you'd given up on the booze and fallen asleep somewhere inconvenient already."
Zoro didn't rise to Sanji's insults though; he just stood calmly behind the cook, surveying the cupboard. "Why does it look so bad? I thought you were freakishly obsessed with order?"
Sanji frowned. His mood had been sour since dinner when Franky had broken four plates while demonstrating a new invention. Precious Robin had tried to save them, but ended up with a cut on her delicate finger as a result. He was kind of hoping Zoro would pick a fight so Sanji could let off some steam, but the shitty swordsman was being unusually calm this evening.
"I need a spice rack," Sanji decided to let the fight go. If Zoro was in a good mood, Sanji wouldn't be the selfish bastard that ruined it for him. "The one I brought with me from the Baratie broke a while back, and I haven't gotten around to replacing it yet..." He trailed off, glancing at the impressive array of spices before him. "Not that it would have held all of this anyway."
"Why don't you use your allowance to get one?" Zoro asked curiously, reaching past Sanji for a jar of spices to inspect. They're shoulders brushed, and Sanji fought to ignore the warmth that spread through his arm.
"Something always comes up," Sanji shrugged. "I usually end up giving some to Chopper for supplies he can't afford, or Franky if he needs something for the ship. Sometimes Usopp, if he's been good."
"And it never occurs to you to save it for what you need?" Zoro asked, giving Sanji and assessing look. "You're a moron."
"Shut it, bastard!" Sanji snapped. "Just because I don't spend all of my allowance on getting myself drunk like you do, it doesn't make me stupid!" He yanked the jar from Zoro's hand. "After I get all the necessities, I usually have plenty left over. My spices don't look pretty here but that's simple stuff. I think medical supplies, the ship's well being, and Usopp's weaponry takes precedence over the organization of my spices!"
Placing the jar carefully back in the cupboard, Sanji slammed the cupboard door shut. He slammed the pad of paper and pen he'd been making notes on onto the counter top. He'd finish the inventory tomorrow, for now he just wanted a hot bath and a good night's sleep. Without another word to Zoro he left the galley, letting the door crash sharply behind him.
Early the next morning an island appeared in the distance, just as Nami had promised. Usopp was on watch at the time and made sure they all knew it.
"Everyone up! I, the great captain Usopp-sama, have spied an island in the distance! I repeat, we are approaching an island! It is on the horizon! Everyone wake up and see the island that I, the great captain Usopp, have discovered!" His voice shouted excitedly into the loud speaker system Franky had assured them was a great idea. No one was so sure about that now.
"Usopp! Shut up or I'll come up there and make mince meat out of you for dinner tonight!" Sanji shouted in anger, kicking the mast and making the crow's nest above shudder.
"My apologies," Usopp's voice rang out weakly before he fell silent.
"Sanji! Don't kick the ship so hard, bro," Franky protested.
"I thought this wood was indestructible or something," Sanji frowned, tapping the mast again with his foot questioningly.
"Zoro already disproved that theory," Franky replied, shooting a look at said swordsman. "Apparently it's not indestructible when pitted against you people."
Zoro and Sanji shared a smirk behind the cyborg's back before Sanji quickly went to fawn over the freshly woken Nami-san and Robin-chan. Robin looked the same as she had before she'd gone to bed the night before, just as put together and neat, but in a different outfit. Nami on the other hand was adorably disheveled and still in her pajamas. She rubbed her eyes and blinked a couple of times as she tried to make sense of the scenery around her.
When she could finally see the island clearly, she turned and faced the crew with a confident smile. "We'll dock in one hour, so everyone be ready!"
With that the crew dispersed, each member getting ready for the day in their own way.
"Sanji-kun!" The lovely Nami-san called, halting him in his tracks.
"Yes, Nami-san?" Sanji turned, his eyes graced with the presence of her beauty.
"I know it's short notice, but will breakfast be done before we reach land?" She asked, charmingly of course.
"Of course my lovely Nami-swan! I would never dream of making you lovely ladies ready us for land and explore an island on an empty stomach!" Sanji danced around happily before adding, "Or the others either," as an afterthought.
"Glad to see we're in your thoughts, Shit-cook," Zoro muttered as he walked by.
Sanji chose to ignore him. The swordsman was beneath his notice when his wonderful Nami was speaking.
"Thanks, Sanji-kun!" She cried in relief (and probably a dash of admiration and love) before she met up with their captain to discuss proper behavior on the island.
Sanji watched her adoringly for a moment before he headed to the galley to start on a delicious breakfast for his crew. It would have to something quick…and he still needed to do his inventory. Shit, he thought. Well, it was a good thing growing up in a busy kitchen had made him into a skilled multitasker. He rolled up his sleeves and grinned. There was no challenge in a kitchen that Black-Leg Sanji couldn't face.
Zoro watched the cook noodle over Nami with a bored expression. He'd been around the cook too long to bother being jealous, but it never failed to annoy him. He turned away from the scene of the idiot cook making...well...an idiot of himself, and looked up the main mast.
"Oi, Usopp!" He called when the sharpshooter finally emerged from the crow's nest.
Usopp looked fearfully down at the swordsman, Sanji's earlier threat still fresh in his mind. Of course he didn't actually think that Sanji would kill him, but Zoro calling for him was rare, and Zoro had some very sharp swords...perfect for dicing up humans...
Swallowing hard, Usopp mustered up what little bravery he could find and called back, "Yeah, Zoro?"
"Get down here," Zoro replied. "I need to talk to you."
Usopp trembled. No, surely his nakama...they wouldn't eat him...right? He was their friend! Even Luffy with his love of meat wouldn't really eat a friend, right?
Ah, no, Luffy would definitely eat him. That was a stupid question.
Resigning himself to his fate of being tonight's dinner, Usopp continued his way down the ladder. "Be right there," He told Zoro. He was quite proud of himself for keeping the tremor out of his voice. Of course he'd die bravely! He was Usopp, brave warrior of the sea!
"You want me to what?" Usopp asked for clarification. Zoro had pulled him into the cola store room, a nice, private place for a massacre. But Zoro didn't draw his swords. Instead, he did the unthinkable: He asked a favor.
"You heard me," Zoro grumbled, looking mildly put out. That was probably the Zoro version of embarrassed, which made this whole thing that much more confusing to Usopp.
"Yeah, I did," Usopp frowned. "I just don't believe I did." Zoro scowled and Usopp quickly changed tactic. "Sorry! I mean yes. Yes I can do that. But this is a really strange request…coming from you."
Zoro's face took on that embarrassed look again. "Yeah, well…just trying to do something nice."
Zoro didn't meet Usopp's eyes. The sharpshooter wasn't an idiot, and he seemed to be seeing right through Zoro's weak excuse. They stayed like that. Zoro avoiding Usopp's suspicious gaze and Usopp attempting to make complete sense of just what was going on right now.
Finally Usopp gave up. His suspicions got more and more bizarre as time went on, and none seemed at all plausible. With a sigh he set to the task at hand. "I'll need supplies," He said to Zoro. "And they aren't coming out of my allowance."
"No," Zoro agreed. "I'll buy them. Just make a list."
"Right," Usopp nodded, finding a slip of paper among his and Franky's messy work area. He stared at it thoughtfully for a few moments before he began to jot things down. "You know Zoro, this might really cost you," He added, glancing up again at the swordsman.
Zoro frowned, thinking it over for a moment before he shrugged. "It'll be fine. There's nothing I really need this time around."
Usopp nodded and tore the list from the paper. "Then bring me this stuff tonight and I'll get started."
"Thanks Usopp," Zoro accepted the paper from Usopp and turned to leave.
"Are you sick or something?" Usopp asked, watching the swordsman he knew would never take crap from anyone as he walked away.
"Or something," Zoro waved.
Breakfast consisted of the Straw Hat's traditional pre-landing meeting. The meeting usually involved Nami assigning tasks and distributing the allowances she'd put herself in charge of. She entrusted Sanji with some extra money for food, and made Chopper swear on his life that he wouldn't buy any books with the extra money Nami was giving him for medical supplies. Chopper agreed readily, but Nami wasn't so trusting when it came to money, so she called in Robin to threaten the little reindeer.
"Doctor-san," Robin smiled brightly. "You wouldn't betray Navigator-san's trust, would you?"
"Of course not!" Chopper cried indignantly.
"Doctor-san," Robin repeated. Her smile was still warm and friendly, but her was tone dangerous.
"I swear it!" Chopper swore shakily. "Please Robin!"
Robin nodded before turning back to Nami. "I think we can trust Doctor-san to keep his word this time."
Nami nodded and handed Chopper the extra money. "If I find out one beli of this was spent on books, you'll be in big trouble Chopper," She said finally, turning and leaving the little reindeer to run and find Usopp for support. Why did Sanji like the girls so much? They were scary!
"So Sanji and Chopper will get food and medical supplies, Franky and Usopp will get cola and spare lumber… and whatever else it is they play with all day long. Robin and I are going shopping. Luffy and Brook will probably be terrorizing the town..." She trailed off, shooting a scathing look at the pair. "And Zoro..." She paused, looking thoughtfully at the swordsman. No doubt he'd be off to the nearest bar for a drink and some booze for the long journey ahead. He was never any use when it came to getting supplies, he always got lost on the way back to the ship and usually ended up losing everything they'd purchased. It was a waste of time and money to send Zoro out on an important task...but maybe he could be useful somehow.
"Zoro, you go with Brook and Luffy. Maybe you can reign in their antics and keep us from getting chased out of town for at least a couple hours," Nami shrugged.
"I can't," Zoro protested simply. "I've got stuff to get."
"You can get your booze on the way," Nami replied irritably. "I'm sure you three will stumble upon a bar at some point."
"I'm not getting booze, it's something else."
The entire room froze. Sanji, in the act of refilling Robin's coffee, nearly dumped the entire pot of hot liquid into her lap. Chopper sputtered on the sip of juice he'd just taken and spewed a little bit on to Franky's plate. Franky didn't seem to notice, he was stock still with his fork half way to his mouth. Nami's eyes widened in shock, and Brook cocked his head slightly to the side in utter confusion. The only ones in the kitchen that didn't seem disturbed by this announcement were Usopp (though he still regarded the swordsman with disbelief, not believing he was actually serious), Robin (who giggled discreetly behind her hand), and Luffy (who took the opportunity presented by Zoro's distraction to steal off the other's plates).
Chopper was the first to break the silence. "Zoro, are you sick? Injured? You should have come to me when you first noticed something was wrong!"
"I'm fine Chopper," Zoro assured the little doctor before turning a scowl on the rest of the room. "And is it that weird that I might have something more important to spend my money on than alcohol?!"
"Yes," Nami replied, still in shock. "Yes it is."
"Tch," Zoro grunted in frustration. "Whatever."
"Sure you're okay, Marimo?" Sanji asked. "I thought you needed to soak in liquor daily in order to survive. Otherwise you might shrivel and die."
Zoro glared at the cook for a moment, a glare Sanji met readily, before he looked away. He didn't bother responding. One day he'd teach the shit-cook to shut his mouth once and for all, but that day was not today.
"Well..." Nami blinked, refocusing on the business at hand. "I guess it's just Brook and Luffy then," She shrugged, before beginning another lecture on proper spending habits.
They had the good fortune of landing on an island where no one immediately recognized them. It was a small island, with one simple but charming little town and plenty of wooded area for Luffy to be let loose in. The weather was pleasantly warm, enough so that Sanji decided to pass on his usual jacket and settled for a simple waistcoat instead. He enjoyed strolling along the main road with Chopper, stopping by a few shops to view their wares. The town was beautiful in its simplicity, small buildings painted a crisp white with a plethora of flowers lining the streets and adding a splash of color. It was a warm and welcoming town, with innocent, gracious people, and Sanji was glad that they were not the sort of pirates that pillaged such lovely places.
Shopping with Chopper was always a blessing. For one, Chopper's Walk Point was useful for carrying all their supplies conveniently. For another, he always attracted curious on lookers, and in a bonus for Sanji, most of these were women that were awed by Chopper's adorable appearance.
"He's adorable! Is he your pet?" One such lovely beauty asked when he and Chopper had wandered into her shop.
Or, bar as it turned out. It looked almost foreign to Sanji, as he was used to the bars the marimo frequented, dark, dank places with little sunlight and less than friendly patronage. This bar was warm and inviting, with wide windows that over looked the street outside and an inviting blue paint on the walls. It looked more like a café than a bar to Sanji, only the liquor lining the wall behind the counter gave away its true nature.
"He is a dear friend to me, mademoiselle," Sanji replied, bowing to the lady before him. He could feel Chopper radiating approval beside him and knew he's effectively complimented the little reindeer. Under a more private setting, he'd surely be calling Sanji and obnoxious bastard with a radiant smile on his face, but he was withholding in present company.
The young lady began an affectionate rubbing of Chopper's chin, which Chopper looked almost ashamed to be enjoying. Sanji spared him any embarrassment and moved to survey the wide assortment of alcohol behind the bar. Much of it was choice liquor that Sanji was surprised to see on the little island. He stared at it thoughtfully for a while before pulling the last of his money from his pocket. He'd already bought any food they could possibly need for a journey that could last weeks, and he'd given a great deal to Chopper for books. He was still a young boy after all, it would be a shame to deny him the chance to expand his knowledge (plus he couldn't resist those large eyes when they turned to him so pleadingly).
Still, he had a fair amount left over. Not enough for anything fancy like new knives or spices, or the extra large spice rack he so desired, but enough for a couple bottles of fine liquor.
"Excuse me miss," He called, interrupting the adorable scene behind him. "I have a purchase I'd like to make."
It took Zoro three hours to finally find a shop like Usopp had described. He was irritated, hungry, and questioning if any of this was really worth the effort when he finally did find it. Maybe he should have just bought the booze instead. It was going to be a long journey without it anyway.
"Can I help you, Sonny?" A boisterous voice called.
Zoro looked around for the speaker, seeing no one, until a little old man emerged from behind the counter. He was possibly one of the oldest things Zoro had ever seen (and he'd seen the ruins of a four-hundred year old city in Skypiea). He was bent at the waist, a knobby old cane probably the only thing keeping him from bending all the way to the floor, with a shiny bald head and skin spotted with age. His eyes though twinkled with a youthful mischief and his voice was loud and proud.
"Uh, I have a list," Zoro stammered, struggling to get the paper Usopp had given him from his pocket. Finally retrieving it, he passed it to the old man, who snatched it with surprising speed and strength.
The man unfolded the paper and read over the list before letting out a low whistle. "Well, that's quite a list," The man began to walk away and, not knowing what else to do, Zoro followed.
The man led Zoro to a back room nearly the size of the front of the shop. Shelves upon shelves of neatly stacked wood were layered floor to ceiling. "The paper here isn't specific, any idea what kind of wood you're looking for, Sonny?"
Zoro scratched at his head uncertainly. "I don't really know anything about wood..." He trailed off, thinking carefully. "It needs to be sturdy. We're sailors, and some of us can get pretty wild, so I don't want it to break easy..." He paused again. "But it has to be presentable."
The old man seemed to think this over for a moment before hobbling swiftly down the aisle. He grabbed a sliding ladder along the way, pulling it down to his destination before quickly climbing up. He didn't move like a feeble old man despite his appearance, Zoro noticed, and he pitied anyone who tried to underestimate this shop keeper.
The old man reached and pulled a sample down from the stack. "That presentable enough, Sonny?" He asked Zoro.
Zoro admired the fine grain of the wood for a moment before nodding. "Yeah, that's great."
"Perfect," The old man nodded, pulling a stack of the wood down. "I hope you're ready for some heavy lifting, Sonny."
Zoro wandered the wrong way down the street, laden with supplies and catching a lot of attention. If he considered this part of his daily training, the weight didn't seem so bad, but the curious on lookers were starting to annoy him. Where the hell had the others moved the Sunny to?
No one could really be blamed for staring though. Zoro's unusual hair color and imposing aura drew enough attention as is. Couple that with the stack of wood he was supporting on one shoulder that was taking out street signs and the potted plants on people window sills and the swordsman drew attention better than a street performer.
"Are you okay, sir?" A young girl asked. She looked concerned, but not for the window he'd just broken. "You seem lost."
He frowned down at her, but had a weakness for short things with big brown eyes, so he let the imposing scowl fall from his face. "I'm fine, and I'm not lost my crew just moved the ship is all," He assured her with a quick pat on the head.
"Are you with the pirates that left their boat out in the cove?" She asked curiously. Then she turned and pointed back the way he had come. "'Cause if so you're heading the wrong way."
"Dammit," Zoro grumbled. "Thanks," He said, turning and heading back up the street he'd just come down.
"Good luck!" The young girl called after him.
It was dark when the marimo finally returned to the ship. The crew was enjoying a late dinner, exchanging stories about their experiences on this lovely little island. Turns out these people were even pretty accepting of a certain eight foot skeleton and his hyperactive rubber captain. Sanji had excused himself from the table, leaving the galley to smoke a cigarette. He listened to the cheerful banter from inside...and thought about Zoro.
It wasn't uncommon for the idiot marimo to be late for dinner when they landed. He had the worst sense of direction Sanji had ever had ever seen, and he was frequently lost around this time. Sometimes he didn't come back at all, and had to be found the next day. So really, it wasn't worth worrying about, but something on this island had Sanji on edge. It was so perfect, and the people were so friendly. The last time the people of an island had openly welcomed pirates, it'd been a trap to try and catch them. Of course Zoro could more than handle himself, but telling himself that didn't really settle Sanji's nerves. He'd feel much better if his whole crew, including a certain moss-head, were all together in one place.
A loud crash on the opposite side of the deck startled the cook from his thoughts. It was clear from the chatter inside that no one else had heard it. Sanji stared into the darkness, attempting to make sense of shapes on the deck. Whatever had let itself on board was a hulking, misshapen figure which Sanji couldn't place the shape of no matter how hard he tried. Perhaps it wasn't a creature? Maybe it was a man, laden with weapons...
Sanji slunk forward silently. He prided himself on his stealth, even in his nicest dress shoes he could creep along a wooden deck in near absolute silence. He carefully approached the strange figure, keeping his eyes and ears open to ambush.
The figure bent and another crashing sound was heard, though it was quieter, more controlled this time. It's back appeared to be turned and Sanji took another few steps closer, poised to attack the stranger before it could get the advantage on him or the crew.
Right as he moved to attack, the figure straightened up and turned to face him. "Shit-cook, what the hell are you doing?"
Sanji was too far into the motion of his kick to stop completely. Attempting to do so caused him to stumble forward, and he avoided face planting into the deck only by grabbing desperately at the nearest support he could find; Zoro's shoulders.
Zoro's arms automatically came up to steady the idiot-cook and they stood that way for a moment while Sanji tried to reel his mind back in and regain his composure. When he did he calmly stood again, releasing Zoro and going through the motions of lighting up a new cigarette, as his had been lost at some point during his 'attack'. Once he'd lit it and took a deep drag, he returned his attention to the swordsman.
"What. The fuck. Are you doing, Idiot-marimo?" He asked, his voice dangerously low.
"That's what I want to know, Shit-cook," Zoro countered. "I can't even board my own ship without being attacked?"
"Not when you come back hours late looking like some sort of deadly sea creature!" The cook spat. "What the hell is all of that?!"
Zoro looked behind him at the pile Sanji was gesturing to. He couldn't let the cook see it. How embarrassing would that be to explain? Instead he stepped in front of it to further block it from the cook's view. "None of your business," He grumbled, stubbornly folding his arms across his chest.
Sanji sputtered. "What?" He finally managed. "What the hell, Zoro?! You come back this late, when I've been worried about you for hours, and you won't even explain what you're up to?"
"Nope," Zoro shrugged. "Go back to the galley, Cook, I got stuff to do here."
Sanji stared at him in disbelief with just a splash of hurt, but Zoro wouldn't budge. Finally the cook surrendered, sliding his hands into his pockets and lowering his head. "Fine," He spoke softly, but with enough contempt in his voice to frighten a normal person. "Your dinner is in the fridge. Get it later," And with that, Sanji turned and headed back to the galley without sparing even a backward glance.
It would take the two of them a little while to make sense of what had just transpired. Sanji would realize his bitterness and hatred of the swordsman stemmed from hurt feelings. He'd realize he'd been genuinely worried for the swordsman, and that he'd practically shouted that at the other man. Zoro would realize the look on the cook's face was akin to betrayal, and he'd spend the rest of the night beating himself up for hurting the person he cared so much about.
Of course neither of them would ever admit these things out loud.
It was an awkward next couple of days for the Straw Hat crew. They had no idea of the events that had transpired between the swordsman and the cook, but they were awarded first class tickets to the resulting fallout.
Perhaps it was a blessing not to have the two going at each other with the waves of seeming hatred they were emitting. Surely the ship wouldn't survive. But after the first day, the crew agreed that seeing the two fight would be a relief, even if it cost them the Thousand Sunny.
Instead, the two seemed to pretend that one another didn't exist. There was always a plate of food in Zoro's spot when meals were served (of course, Sanji wouldn't let even his enemies starve), but when the cook refilled drinks or struck up conversation, he seemed not to notice the swordsman's presence in the room.
Zoro wasn't any better. If Sanji (or even the topic of Sanji's food) was mentioned in conversation, Zoro suddenly became deaf to the speaker until the subject changed. When meals were over Zoro would head to Usopp's workshop with the sharpshooter, and wouldn't appear again until the next meal time.
This wouldn't have been such a bad set up for the rest of the crew, were it not for the tense atmosphere it brought to the ship. Everyone was glad they'd docked at an island so they had a way to escape from the oppressive atmosphere. Nami had even considered renting them a room at the inn for a night, just so they all could escape the stupidity of the two men, but scrapped the idea when she heard the price per room.
It was on the third night that things finally reached their peak. Sanji was graciously catering to his crew, but the intense aura of violence and hatred he was emitting on this particular even seemed to even frighten Luffy out of eating too much. The cook's rage seemed to have something to do with the empty chair at the table where the swordsman usually sat. Sanji kept throwing hateful glances at it, as if doing so would make Zoro appear. No one, apparently not even non-existent people, missed a meal under Sanji's watch.
Finally the galley door opened, and the whole crew waited with bated breath to see what would happen. Many even set down their forks when they saw Sanji's shoulders stiffen. Something exciting was surely about to happen.
Zoro entered the galley and stopped just inside the door. "Oi, Cook," He called. "I need you for something."
Sanji's rigid form turned sharply, and several onlookers flinched from the look he gave the swordsman. "It's dinner time, Marimo," Sanji ground out around his unlit cigarette. He hadn't been without one the last few days, but he tried to spare the others during meal times. "Do you know what that means? Probably not. I'll explain it simply so your moss clogged brain understands," He took a step closer and the swordsman instinctively stepped back. "It means you sit down, shut up, and eat the food I made for you out of the goodness of my heart."
"I will," Zoro said, glancing at his plate. It had clearly been ravaged by Luffy. It was a shame, Zoro hated to miss out on Sanji's cooking, but there were more important things going on at the moment. "But I just need you to come with me for a minute."
Sanji's face turned a startling shade of red. "I said sit down and eat, Shitty-marimo!"
Zoro scowled. He knew how stubborn the cook could be, especially when he was angry. He had lived with it the past couple days, just in case he'd forgotten. He both loved and hated that stubborn streak. Right now, he especially hated it.
So if he couldn't get past the cook's stubborn nature, he'd have to make the most of the bastard's pride. "Fine," Zoro sighed in defeat. "I'll eat that shit you call food."
The room was deadly still and silent. So silent, you could almost hear the final straw snapping the back of the resident cook. For a long, drawn out, suspense filled moment no one ever dared to breath lest they break the spell.
Then it broke as Sanji launched himself at Zoro. "I'll kill you, you bastard!"
Zoro took off like a rocket, the cook hot on his heels. Zoro was genuinely afraid for his life; nothing could stop the cook in a rage. Even if he used all three swords, Zoro doubted he could hold out against Sanji. Plus the cook was fast. Of course he was, all of his power was in his legs. Zoro just had to make it to Usopp's workshop and he'd be safe. Knowing that he pushed a little harder, working up to a full blown sprint, ducking and weaving through the ship, hoping to delay Sanji with obstacles and corners.
Sanji easily kept up with Zoro. He was really going to kill that slimy, useless, shit-ball headed bastard. Zoro ducked quickly into a doorway and Sanji nearly shouted in rage. He knew what that asshole was trying to do. He was trying to lose Sanji by making quick turns and unpredictable movements, by ducking through doors and sliding through tight openings. Did the shit-swordsman really think so little of him? Did he really think he would be able the slow him down by making a quick left? Sanji prided himself on his agility. It was part of what gave him an advantage over Zoro's raw power. Did the bastard really underestimate him that much?
Zoro skidded to a stop once he made it to Usopp's workshop. He was winded and panting, but hardly had a moment to catch his breath before Sanji rounded the corner and plowed right into him.
"What the fuck, Shitty-marimo!" Sanji groaned, untangling himself from the man he'd so ungracefully run over. "Why the hell are you just standing there?! I really will kill you, you useless, stupid, shitty-"
"Cook, shut up," Zoro hissed as he sat up. He could feel bruises forming from the collision. Damn the cook's bony elbows. "And use your damn eyes."
"Use my eyes for what? Shi-" But the rest of the insult died in Sanji's mouth.
There leaning against the wall was a shelving unit. It was large, maybe one and a half meters tall and a meter wide, in some a fine quality medium brown wood. The corners and joints of the shelves were secured with polished silver fastenings, and there was a beautiful ocean view design carved with a hot iron into the panel at the top. The whole thing had been polished to perfection and was one of the most beautiful and pristine pieces of furniture the cook had ever laid eyes on.
"It's a spice rack," Zoro explained. "For you."
"Seriously?" Sanji asked in awe. He stepped closer to better admire the piece of art he would be calling his spice rack. Brushing his fingers lightly over the design at the top, he turned to look at the swordsman. "You did this?"
"Well, Usopp did most of it," Zoro replied scratching at the back of his head. "I helped a little, or maybe I hindered. Do you know how bossy and serious he gets about this stuff?"
Sanji ignored the question. "This is what you couldn't tell me about."
"Ah, yeah," Zoro frowned. "I'm sorry about that, but I wanted it to be a surprise."
Sanji turned back to the spice rack. "This is what you spent your booze money on," He stated.
Zoro shrugged. "Yeah, I had to get the supplies. It's no big deal though. I can get booze another time, it's not like I need it," He gestured to the rack. "You, on the other hand, actually needed this."
Sanji turned away from the spice rack and walked towards the swordsman. Zoro froze in uncertainty as Sanji approached. He wondered if Sanji was going to kick him through the wall, but the cook was completely unreadable at the moment.
Sanji approached the swordsman slowly until he was only a few inches from the other man. Without a single word, Sanji buried his face into Zoro's shoulder. "I'm sorry," He spoke, his voice muffled by the swordsman's shirt. "I was an ass," As he spoke, his hands that had been hanging limply at his sides slowly came to grip the fabric at Zoro's waist. "Thank you."
Zoro's heart soared at the cook's actions. It was almost a hug, which coming from the cook was a huge thing. He wrapped his arms around Sanji's shoulders and held the other man close. "I'm sorry too. I probably could have done a better job hiding it, without sounding like such an ass."
Sanji stayed that way for a moment longer, enjoying the warmth of Zoro's arms, before he pulled himself together and released the swordsman. "Well, it's over now," He pulled away and turned back to the spice rack. "I love it. Is it seriously for me? You're not just fucking around are you?"
Zoro laughed. "No, it's really for you. Who else would need such a ridiculously large spice rack?" He watched Sanji trace the waves of the ocean on the top of the rack. Usopp really did do a fantastic job on it. He would have to remember to take it easy on the sharpshooter for a little while. "If you want, I could help you hang it in the kitchen and put your spices on it."
Sanji looked at the swordsman in awe. Was Zoro always like this? So sweet and generous? Maybe he was, Sanji reflected. He always seemed to take care of people when they needed it. Beneath his gruff exterior and sometimes harsh and unforgiving nature, Zoro was a generous and giving individual. Before now Sanji just hadn't let himself see that side of Zoro, but now it seemed so painfully obvious, Sanji wondered how he'd missed it.
"Yeah," Sanji nodded, beaming at the marimo. "I'd like that."
With the spice rack hung and the spices carefully assorted on it (Sanji did all the directing, Zoro just had to place the jars precisely where the cook pointed) Sanji stood back to admire the new addition. With the jars of spices neatly organized it, the spice rack looked even more beautiful, and Sanji couldn't help but wonder how the marimo had come up with such an outstanding idea.
Sanji watched Zoro admire their work as well. This shitty swordsman hadn't had a drink in three or four days. He hadn't complained, or barged into the kitchen looking for booze...instead he helped make something for Sanji. Why? Because he knew Sanji liked order in his kitchen and knew the disorderly spice cupboard annoyed the cook? Was this a ploy to try to impress Sanji into accepting his confession? No, that definitely wasn't it. Zoro wasn't that clever, and even if we were, he should know Sanji wasn't that easy. No, the only explanation that made sense was that Zoro wanted to do something nice for Sanji, for no other reason than he could.
And that was by far the most ridiculous thing Sanji had ever thought up.
"Hey, Marimo," Sanji called the swordsman's attention away from the rack.
Said swordsman turned and looked inquisitively at Sanji.
"Have a drink with me?" Sanji asked. Without waiting for a response Sanji headed toward the pantry and retrieved a bottle of liquor.
"I thought we were out," Zoro's eyebrows raised in surprise.
Sanji poured himself a generous serving and handed Zoro the bottle. "I bought some our first day here," Sanji explained. "It's only three bottles, so make them count," Sanji said, raising his glass to the swordsman before taking a sip.
Zoro frowned at the bottle in his hands. "They're for me?"
"Do I look like someone who needs three bottles of liquor to myself?" Sanji smirked. "Yes they're for you."
"You bought me booze?" Zoro asked. He looked pathetically lost, as if he were a small child learning a major life lesson for the first time.
Sanji snorted, suddenly feeling a little embarrassed he looked away from the swordsman. "Well, yeah, I had some spare cash and you said you weren't getting any...so I thought you might like it."
It was quiet for too long and Sanji chanced a look at the silent marimo. He could feel his face flush when he saw the other man smiling broadly at him.
"Damn," Zoro finally said, his voice cheerful and bright. "I'm completely in love with you."
Sanji's eyes widened at the blatant statement. He was beet red and entirely too pleased to hear the words come from Zoro's mouth. He cleared his throat before he spoke. "Yeah, yeah," He finally managed, proud of himself for sounding so nonchalant. "Finish your drink and let's head to bed. I'm tired, Marimo."
Zoro's smile never faded but he nodded in agreement and took another swig from the bottle.
As Sanji lay in his hammock that night he thought about the events of the last few days. His reactions and emotions startled him. It was almost like he really cared what Zoro thought of him...
Another thought occurred to Sanji. Despite the fact that Zoro could easily pound down two or three bottles of booze in a day, he had only taken a few swallows from his bottle before he called it a night. Sanji expected after almost a week without, Zoro would have downed the whole bottle in desperation but...maybe the swordsman didn't need alcohol that badly after all.
A/N:
Phew. Well, that was...long winded. Sorry about that! As I was writing it, I was thinking "What am I doing?! When does this end?!" and it just kept going and going...
I thought about splitting it into two parts, but when I found a good place to make the split, I realized there's still be 6k+ words in one chapter and only a thousand or so in the other...and it just didn't seem right. So I apologize, but I left it long. I wish I could say this won't happen again, but I make no promises. Sometimes my writing gets a mind of it's own. I know where it's going but it takes a much longer path to get there than I thought it would.
Anyway! Thank you all so so much for your reviews! They made me all warm fuzzy and tingly happy. Seriously thank you, without you guys my joy in writing this would be halved. Keep them coming so I know how I'm doing :)
Also, I'm going to an anime convention this weekend, Thursday through Sunday, and will be away from my computer. I won't be able to write or update, so the next chapter may be a little more delayed. But it will come! I wanted to get this posted before I left, and part of the reason I decided to leave it as ridiculously long as it is. I thank you in advance for your patience.
And once again I apologize for the grammar and spelling errors and typos! They are sure to be numerous despite my best efforts. That concludes this (long winded, like the chapter) author's note!