It had been a tense twenty-four hours of sailing, and they still had four days before reaching Dressrosa. Their mental states had suffered on that island, and now they were dealing with the after effects. Some of them were handling it quite well. Brook seemed relatively normal, as did Franky and Zoro. Chopper couldn't sleep, but otherwise was fairing okay enough. Nami was obviously still perturbed by everything, but she hadn't been under his power for very long like the others. Usopp was more jittery than usual.

Robin...well, Sanji could never really tell what the woman was feeling. Law bared a striking resemblance to Robin in that sense. The two of them acted as if everything were completely fine. Sanji wasn't sure what kind of experience Robin had, but he knew Law went through hell a thousand times over. Sanji still remembered what that man said. To think, some of those illusions were actually Law's memories.

Luffy was still completely out of it, even his appetite was off, which was pretty scary. Sanji had no idea what to do about it, because Luffy always had an appetite. Whatever he'd seen must have been terrible. Sanji's mind instantly thought of Ace, and his heart dropped. He couldn't imagine what that must have been like. It made sense now, though, why Luffy reacted so strongly to seeing Law get stabbed. Luffy would never let a friend die, especially after Ace.

As for Sanji, well…

"You seem stressed, Sanji-kun," Nami said, snapping him out of his thoughts. Sanji knew he probably looked terrible. He holed himself away in the galley as soon as they left the island, and had been thinking of new recipes ever since. He needed to keep his mind busy, or else he'd go insane. The illusions he'd been forced to go through were still fresh in his mind, as well as the horrors in the basement. He couldn't fathom how someone could be so sick in the head.

And then there was Law, who was still on his mind constantly.

The man hadn't spoken to him, although he was stuck in the infirmary and Sanji refused to leave the kitchen. Surrounding himself with food and cooking was the only thing that kept him from losing it. He went through a few packs of cigarettes already, chain smoking like his life depended on it. At this rate he'd run out.

Nami looked at him, frowning in concern, and he realized he should probably say something. "Forgive me, my dear. I'm just...processing. That island..."

"Ugh, I know, I haven't stopped thinking about it. I'm glad I got my treasure and all, but still...that's more than what we're used to seeing," she shuddered, sipping the drink Sanji had made for her. He nodded in agreement, that was definitely more intense than usual.

"At least it's over. Now we just have to get everyone back to normal," he sighed, wishing it could be as easy as it sounded. He almost missed Luffy yelling about food all the time, he wanted their normal captain back. But he knew it would take time.

"That includes you, Sanji-kun. You're acting just as strange as Luffy right now," Nami gave him a pointed look, one that said she knew something else was going on. But that couldn't be possible. There was no way she could know about Law.

"I can't even tell you how many times that bastard got me. That power of his was too much to handle, I hope nobody ever finds that fruit."

"I'm glad I didn't have it so bad. What I saw was bad enough, I can't imagine how it could get worse," Nami shook her head, and Sanji grimaced.

"You don't want to know."

Nami regarded him for a few seconds before shaking her head, "No, I don't. But you should really try to get some fresh air, Sanji-kun. Staying cooped up in here all day won't make you feel any better."

"You're right, my dear," Sanji sighed, knowing he should at least take a shower. He could use a few hours sleep, too, but he already knew that wouldn't happen. Every time he closed his eyes all he saw was gore and Law, two things he didn't need to think about.

But, a shower would be a good start.

Later that night, Sanji found himself in the observation room with Nami and Usopp, the latter having the first shift of watch duty. Sanji felt marginally better after a shower, but he'd tried taking a nap and everything went downhill from there. He'd have to get used to the nightmares. But, listening to Nami and Usopp gossip always lifted his spirits. That is, until their gossip shifted to Law.

"Luffy says he's getting better. I guess he used his powers too much and that's why he's still bedridden, but I think it's from his wound. I mean, that guy has a pretty long sword, it had to cause some serious damage," Nami said, looking over a few of her maps.

"I still can't believe he let the guy stab him. I mean, it must have happened pretty fast for someone like Law to not notice, but you'd think he would have felt his sword being taken," Usopp said, working on some trinket. Sanji stared blankly at the wall, wishing their conversation would shift to something else.

"What do you think about him, Sanji-kun? You spent the most time with him on that island," Nami asked, regarding Sanji with that same knowing look again. It was starting to creep him out.

"He's a bastard. Strong, sure, but I still don't know if he's trustworthy." It was a lie, sort of. Sanji knew they could trust Law, and he did, for the most part. But his own personal feelings toward the man were conflicting. Not to mention the fact that Law didn't want them to trust him, for whatever reason.

"Well, he helped me get out of that house when I found my treasure, so I say he's a good guy. He helped all of us, actually. Without him, we could have been burned alive."

"Morbid, Nami! That's something I would expect from Robin. But you're right, he did save us all. He's still really scary though," Usopp said, shuddering as he glanced down to the deck. "Hey, look, Luffy just came out of the infirmary."

"He really likes Law. I've never seen him like this before," Nami said, giving Sanji a pointed look before sticking her head out of the window and yelling for Luffy to come join them. Sanji gulped nervously. Nami definitely knew something, and he couldn't figure out how she would know. Was he being obvious?

"What are you guys doing up here?" Luffy asked, still a far cry from his usual, loud self.

"Gossiping. How's Law? Is he ever going to come out of there?" Nami asked, letting Luffy sit basically on her lap. They were used to him being clingy, but this was a whole new level. Everyone was just going with it at this point.

"Chopper said his wound is healing good. He's just been sleeping, but he should be up and walking by tomorrow," Luffy replied, staring at whatever Usopp was working on. Then his eyes suddenly shifted to Sanji, and the cook knew whatever he would say next wouldn't be good.

"He talks about you sometimes, when he's awake. He said you saved him. You haven't gone to check on him, have you Sanji?" Luffy asked, and Sanji wished he would stop looking so serious. It just wasn't natural coming from Luffy.

"I didn't want to disturb him," Sanji shrugged, wondering if Law was going to be their main focus all night. Just thinking about the captain drove Sanji insane.

"You saved him, eh? I thought he was a bastard?" Usopp grinned mischievously, and Sanji wondered if everyone on the ship knew about his feelings towards Law somehow.

"He is, but he's still our ally and we needed his help. I didn't do much, anyways, he would have been okay without me."

"That's not how he made it sound," Luffy said, frowning even more if possible, and Sanji felt himself getting nervous. Was he being paranoid, or did all three of them know something? He doubted Law would tell anyone what happened, so how would they know?

"Yeah, well, he saved my ass a few times too. I just wanted to make it even."

"Just admit it, Sanji-kun, you like him," Nami said, giggling with Usopp. Sanji felt his entire face go red, wondering what Nami meant by that. But, his red face made the two of them stop giggling and stare at him in disbelief.

"Uh, Sanji, I've never seen you blush over a guy before. Usually you only do that for girls. Are you feeling okay?" Usopp asked, reaching across to feel Sanji's forehead.

"I'm fine, you idiot, I don't know what you're talking about," Sanji batted him away but knew his face was only getting redder.

"Aw, Sanji-kun, that's so cute! You're finally realizing that you like-"

"Shh, Nami, we promised we wouldn't mention that in front of him!" Usopp clapped a hand over Nami's mouth, the navigator pushing him away with a huff.

"He's obviously figuring it out on his own, why not talk about it? We totally predicted this anyways, I just thought it would be Zoro," Nami replied, crossing her arms and returning her attention to Sanji, who couldn't be more confused.

"Uh, what are you guys talking about? What exactly am I figuring out here?" he asked, not quite sure if he really wanted the answer. Both Nami and Usopp grinned, and Luffy just stared at him like the answer should be obvious. Which was concerning, because if even Luffy knew about it then it couldn't be good.

"That you like guys, of course. We were wondering how long it would take you," Nami replied. Sanji's jaw hit the floor, his face erupting in a rather impressive blush. He was silent for a whole three seconds before he lost it, trying to comprehend what he was hearing.

"You think I'm gay?! And what about Zoro?!" he shrieked, tears streaming down his face in rivers when he realized Nami really thought of him that way. "My sweet flower, don't you know that I find women, especially you, to be delicacies?"

"Yeah, I think you think that you like women. But honestly, Sanji-kun, you can't do much of anything with women without getting all...you know," Nami wiggled her fingers, referencing to Sanji's amazing ability to turn into a noodle in front of a pretty face.

"Not to mention the nose bleeds. Seriously, I don't know how you would ever get a girlfriend, it just made sense that you secretly liked guys. I mean...what other options do you have?" Usopp said, shrinking back when Sanji glared at him.

"I can get a girlfriend! And I don't like guys!" Sanji yelled, although in the back of his mind he knew they were right, sort of. Plus, he'd never actually had a relationship with a woman, so they did have a point.

"You sure seem to like Law. Sanji-kun, you're always watching him. I noticed when he first joined us, and it only got worse on that island. Plus, you guys did share a room, and he is pretty hot...or at least, Robin says he is. I wouldn't know," Nami said, giggling even more at Sanji's reaction.

"What do you mean...you wouldn't know, Nami-swan?" Sanji asked, feeling a dark cloud form around him. In the back of his mind, he knew what she meant. Nami always did get more attached to girls, and not once shown any interest in the opposite sex. He'd always known, but never wanted to believe it because of his own selfish fantasies.

"Oh come on, Sanji-kun, I'm obviously attracted to girls. Don't you remember when Vivi was with us? At least I'm not the only gay person on this ship anymore," Nami said, swatting Luffy's hand away when he tried playing with her hair. The captain obviously wasn't even listening to their conversation.

"I'm not gay! Not for Law, and especially not for Zoro! That's just...we're always fighting, how can you possibly think there's anything deeper there?!" he screeched, horrified at the mere idea. Although...Zoro wasn't the worst person to look at, as annoying as he might be. "Gah, no! That's just wrong!"

Usopp burst out laughing, as did Nami, and Sanji knew his face had to be as red as a tomato by now. To think, his friends had been thinking of him like this behind his back all this time.

"That's kind of why we thought you two would hook up. With all that fighting, it just seemed like there was some unresolved sexual tension between you two. But, Zoro's about as sexually aware as Luffy here. Not even a little. So, we have two gays and two aces with us now. Er, three gays, counting Law." Usopp counted on his fingers, and Sanji's jaw dropped again.

"Okay, if you seriously think Law is gay then I'm leaving right now. That guy is just...he's so..." Sanji trailed off, trying to find a suitable word.

"Dark, mysterious, and handsome? We already know how you feel about him, Sanji, you don't have to explain it to us. I guess that's your type," Usopp said, causing Nami to burst out giggling again. Sanji didn't even regret kicking him for that.

"That's not what I was going to say! He's got such a huge stick shoved up his ass, he has no idea how to act like a regular human being, I don't even think he has all of the same emotions that we do! All he does is walk around with this giant dark cloud hanging over him! What about him says gay to you?!"

"The fact that he stares at your ass like it's a three-course meal?" Usopp said from the floor, nursing his bloody lip from Sanji's shoe.

That certainly shut Sanji up for a few seconds before he lost it all over again.

"HE WHAT?!"

"You really haven't noticed? Honestly, you two spend so much time eye-fucking each other, I'm shocked you haven't gotten caught yet." Nami added, laughing as Sanji fell to the floor with tears once again streaming down his face like waterfalls.

"Why, Nami-swan? Why are you doing this to me?" he whimpered, kicking Usopp who tried to comfort him.

"I'm just helping you come to terms with this, Sanji-kun. You would have realized it eventually. Or maybe you already have and just don't want to accept it?" she gave him a knowing look that had him even more upset, because she was right. This wasn't news to him. His attraction towards Law had already reared it's ugly head.

"But...but I love women. If I could date one I would. Law is just...he doesn't feel the same, I can tell you that much already."

"Oh? How do you know that? Unless something happened between you two already..." Nami trailed off, jaw dropping when Sanji remained silent. "Something happened?!"

Sanji knew he wouldn't be able to get out of this, not when the two biggest gossipers were blocking his only exit. So, he took a deep breath and told them everything that happened on that island, including the fact that Sanji had kissed him when he thought they would die.

"You kissed?! I can't believe you kissed him like that! And he didn't try to cut you up for it?" Usopp asked, looking terrified by the mere prospect.

"It took him off-guard, I honestly didn't even know if it was him or an illusion at the time. It seemed like he wanted it, but then he acted like nothing ever happened, so I don't really know what to think now. I was going to confront him on the island, but with everything that happened...and now I don't even want to see him. It's just...too weird."

"You have to talk about it with him. He did want it, he's just hiding from his feelings now. Kind of like you are," Nami pointed out, "So talk to him when he's feeling better. If you don't, I'll raise your debt."

"But what do I say? It's so awkward...plus, he might just try to kill me. He looked pretty pissed that night."

"Well yeah, you pissed him off before things got hot and steamy, remember?" Nami asked, causing him to blush yet again.

"You know he likes you back, or at least his you-know-what does. I mean, you said it yourself, he was hard. That's pretty much a dead give away, Sanji, you of all people should know that." Usopp added, this time laughing as he was kicked, because embarrassing Sanji was just too easy.

"Shut up. I'll talk to him, alright? Can we just drop this conversation finally?"

"I think it's good that you like him, Sanji. He needs someone like you." Luffy said, speaking for the first time since they started attacking the cook. "I may not understand sex, but I do understand caring about people. He likes you, too, he's just stubborn."

"How do you know?" Sanji asked, wondering what Luffy could possibly have to add to this topic. He knew Luffy was perceptive, he just never really thought the captain noticed these kinds of things.

"He's mentioned your name when he sleeps. Plus, the way he talks about you is different. And even I've noticed him staring at your butt, and I don't see him doing that with anyone else. He likes you, Sanji, he's just good at hiding what he feels. Just talk to him."

"How often does this guy stare at my ass?!"

Luffy grinned, which kind of surprised all of them, because it was something he hadn't done in far too long.

"I feel better. Seeing Sanji so nervous is pretty funny, shishishi!"

"I'm not nervous, dammit!"

The next day came too fast. Sanji didn't get one second of sleep, there was just way too much going on in his mind. Everything that happened on the island, plus his conversation from last night and the fact that he had to talk to Law now was too much to deal with.

Still, he got up at the crack of dawn and cooked breakfast like usual.

But as the day progressed, he felt worse and worse. They were sailing through a hot spot, and the temperature was unbearable. He was exhausted and nervous, and over-heating despite the fact that he was only wearing swimming trunks, much like everyone else. The girls were in their bikinis, something Sanji would normally have a nose bleed from. But today, his nose was bleeding for an entirely different reason.

"It's not fair," he whined, staring out one of the portholes from his kitchen and nursing his still heavily bleeding nose. From his position, he had a perfect view of a certain someone, stretched out on the deck wearing nothing but some borrowed trunks. Even his sword and hat were gone. It was the most naked Sanji had ever seen him, and the timing couldn't be worse.

"You're supposed to be talking to him, not ogling him like a pervert," Usopp said, having come into the kitchen to get some ice cold water. When he'd seen Sanji bleeding all over himself, he knew he had to intervene.

"How can I talk to him when he's like that?! He just started walking again, he shouldn't be allowed to do that!" Sanji said, watching as Luffy stretched his arm into a giant spoon-looking-thing and doused everyone with ocean water, including Law, who created a room and separated Luffy's arms from his body. Still, it left the surgeon dripping wet, and Sanji's nose practically erupted blood.

"Oh, God, now you'll never be able to talk to him," Usopp grumbled, having seen enough of Sanji making a fool of himself.

Sanji couldn't form a coherent response, but he did kick Usopp out of the kitchen.

Once he was alone, he dragged himself away from the window and sat heavily at the table, tissues shoved up his nose. He needed to get it together. He couldn't act like that with Law, the surgeon would never allow it, and it was just embarrassing. But Law was hot, he couldn't deny it anymore. He'd never wanted someone so badly in his life, Sanji was very in touch with his sexual side, and now that he'd come to terms with liking Law his libido was on board too.

"Fuck, this so isn't fair," he muttered to himself, picking an ice cube from his cup of water and rubbing it across his neck. He needed to cool down, and it wasn't just because of the weather.

"What would you be referring to, Mr. Blackleg?"

The sudden voice made him jump, his ice cube sliding across the floor and coming to a stop in front of none other than Law. His mind went blank for a second, and he had to force himself to look away because fuck, Law was even hotter up close.

"Uh, the heat. It's not fair that it has to be so hot." Sanji had no idea how he pulled that lie out of his ass so fast, but Law didn't seem suspicious so he assumed it worked.

"Mm, I have to agree with you. Your captain thought so, too, and nearly flooded the ship," Law grumbled, walking past Sanji to get his own cup of ice water. Sanji's eyes followed him like a hawk hunting prey, watching the way his ass moved in those trunks. If Law was so fascinated with his behind, Sanji would surely return the favor.

"Did he now? I'm guessing that's why his arms are attached to the mast?" Sanji asked, eyes snapping back to the table when Law turned around.

"He can get them back when I deem necessary. Honestly, for a devil fruit user you'd think he would be more careful around water," Law said, leaning against the counter as he drank his water. Sanji did his best not to watch, because he knew what would happen if he did. Sure enough, one drop of water escaped Law's mouth and slid down his jaw before the surgeon wiped it away. Something as small as that nearly had Sanji passing out.

"Yeah, Luffy's not exactly what you'd call 'careful'."

"Hm, you don't seem to be either. That's quite a bit of blood," Law remarked, raising an eyebrow when Sanji slapped a hand over his nose. He'd forgotten about the tissues shoved up his nostrils, and realized he must look like an idiot.

"Oh. Yeah. It's nothing, the heat just...makes my nose bleed, is all." That lie was obvious, and he knew he wouldn't be getting away with it.

"I see. I suppose it has nothing to do with your female crew mates' attire?" Law asked. Sanji damn near started laughing, because for once, it had nothing to do with the ladies. Law was seemingly unaware of his own attire, the swim trunks riding dangerously low on his narrow hips, his lean body still wet from earlier. Sanji's eyes trailed over his abs before he realized he should probably say something.

"That's absurd. What they're wearing doesn't affect me at all." Sanji really did want to laugh, because for once he could say that and not be lying. Sure, the girls still looked beautiful, but with Law walking around like sex on legs, he couldn't really focus on them.

Still, Law had no reason to believe him. "Whatever you say, Mr. Blackleg. Still, you have the right idea staying indoors. I would have liked to stay in your infirmary, but your captain had other plans."

"Speaking of, how's your wound? It looks like it's healing well." It was impossible to not notice the scar on Law's stomach, even if Sanji wasn't ogling him.

"It is, your doctor truly is talented. Luckily, none of my vital organs were hit, so it shouldn't cause me any problems. I simply used too much of my energy."

"Well, you've got a short amount of time to recover. Dressrosa is only three days away," Sanji said, that thought making his stomach twist. That meant they only had three days to figure this thing out between them. His time with Law was limited, and yet he still wanted to pursue...whatever it was he wanted from the man. Mostly sex.

"I'll be fine. I've been preparing for Dressrosa for half of my life, one minor wound won't stop me." Sanji raised a swirled eyebrow, because he knew there was a damn good story behind that, but Law didn't seem inclined to elaborate and Sanji sure as hell wasn't one to pry.

"You call getting stabbed minor? You warlords are something else," Sanji grinned, feeling relieved when Law did the same. They were on good terms, at least. But in the back of his mind Sanji knew it wouldn't last. He had to confront Law, but doing it now felt wrong. Not when Law was finally back on to speaking terms with him. Sure, he was pretending like nothing happened, which was irritating. But for now, Sanji could allow it.

Inevitably though, he would have to have a very hard conversation with the man.

So, I actually managed to get this done in a week. I'm on a roll lately, so hopefully I can keep writing while I have the chance. I'll be working more soon, so we'll see how it goes. But one way or another, I'll finish it! Thanks for all the reviews!