Sanji let out a sigh leaning against the wall of the classroom. Nami stares at him, curious and exasperated. That is the fifth time he's sighed for no reason. The orange haired woman looks over at Zoro to see him also starring.
"What wrong with you?" Nami asks, not really interested just wanting him to stop sighing. She looks back down to the decoration she's painting.
"What?" Sanji asks shocked, looking at her.
"You've been sighing all week." Zoro answers also focusing on the decoration he's coloring. Since they are getting close to the school festival classes are put on hold and they are spending time to make and decorating their room to seem like a fancy cafe. So they (Nami, Zoro and Sanji) are to decorate the back drop to make the illusion they are in a fancy cafe.
"Have I?" Sanji wonders. Zoro and Nami look up at him, same expression, like the blonde is talking nonsense.
"Yes." Nami answers annoyed. "What is wrong?" Nami asks seeing if they can help him. Zoro nodding along with her.
"It's Usopp." Sanji says.
"Oh." Nami says going back to painting. "Still fighting or whatever?" She wonders no longer interested at all.
"Yeah, I've been trying again. Even just to see what he's mad about but he still isn't answering. It's hard to ignore him completely when he works at the Baratie." Sanji answers watching the two work.
"Nothing can really be done about it." Zoro answers eye glued on the pillar he's painting. "If he's mad then he's mad. If he wont talk about it then he wont talk about it and if he gets upset later about your relationship getting distant then it's his fault. He should have talked about it with you like you wanted." Zoro answers.
"I just want it to be over already." Sanji says picking up his paint brush to help. Finally.
"You shouldn't be upset about it too much. It is what is it. You shouldn't force it." Nami says. "It happens all the time. It's not like we hate Luffy but things change we grew apart." She adds.
"Guess you're right." Sanji says, letting out one more sigh. He should listen to them. He going to get a stomach ache stressing about this.
"Zoro!" Some classmate of theirs calls. Zoro stops and turns. "Can you help get some things. We need to check for the tables and we are planning to make an counter so the kitchen part isn't going to be closed off." They explain.
"Sure." Zoro says standing up. Sanji and Nami stare at Zoro's back as he walks away. Once Zoro is gone Nami snaps her head to him.
"So," she starts. Her tone very different than how it was a minute ago, way more interested in what she's about to say. "Zoro's birthday is coming up and we want to have a party, you are of course invited but we don't know what to do." Nami says talking rather fast. Trying to hurry before Zoro comes back.
"Why not just ask Zoro what he wants?" Sanji asks, happy that he's invited. He would like to get Zoro a present, doesn't know what to get him but still. He would also love to see Zoro have an amazing birthday party especially with all that Zoro did to make Bonney's birthday amazing.
"Yeah, that's why we think you should ask. For us." Nami says.
"Me?" Sanji asks.
"Yeah. You should ask for us. Just try to get some hints, maybe feel for what Zoro wants." Nami suggests. Sanji thinks about it for a while. He would love to help, maybe he can get an answer for what Zoro would like as a present. But he can't just ask. Zoro would surely catch on if he's to direct.
"Sure. I'll ask." Sanji agrees. Nami smiles.
"Okay. Then I'll leave to you." She says.
"Alright boys come out." two classmates giggle. The three students who volunteered to make the outfits of everyone, even the cooks, finished so it's time to try it on. Everyone stopped to stare at the area blocked off for the four to change. The girls already dressed into their butler outfits. The two people who volunteered to cook (one being Sanji) and the two helpers (one being Usopp) also got their outfits. Now it was time for the boys to try on their skirts and dresses.
The first one to come out is the student that volunteered Zoro, then the other one is the friend of the first one. Roped into doing it by his friend. The next one is another friend of theirs.
Zoro doesn't come out.
"Zoro?" The ones that made his outfit call.
"Yeah, I heard you." Zoro grunts out from behind the curtain. Zoro takes a deep breath. It should be fine it's not like he went as far as he usually does. There's no makeup, and the wig is very short, a little past his jaw line. This maid outfit is also long sleeved and a long skirt, nothing like what Zoro usually dresses like. He takes another beath. Can't hold off forever.
Slowly Zoro walks out. Everyone stops to stare at Zoro. Unlike how Zoro usually looks like, a beautiful girl, like a modern princess this time Zoro looks like a queen. Maleficent levels of queen, beautiful but get too close and you'll get burned.
"It seems like we need to fix it." One of the designers says.
"Huh?" Zoro says, he thought it was fine.
"Yeah, maybe we thought wrong."
"Let's go fix it." Another says as they drag Zoro back inside. Zoro just stares at Sanji, Nami, Robin and Chopper as he gets dragged back inside. They just watch as they curtain is closed.
"Hey! Where are you touching?" They hear Zoro shout behind the curtain. "Why are you making the skirt shorter?!" Zoro shouts. Nami looks over at Sanji who is covering his face with his hand and sees the blondes ears turn red. "Hey!" Zoro shouts trying to get them to stop.
Then it gets silent. Until all three of the designers walk out, looking satisfied and proud. They turn and wait for Zoro to come out. "Zoro, get out here!" One of the designers shouts forcefully. "I'll go back in." She threatens.
"Okay. Okay." Zoro says, after a moment he walks out, totally changed. The skirt is raised showing off Zoro's legs, feminine looking legs. The apron around his waist seem to be tighter, showing off Zoro's larger hips and slim waste. The sleeves are still long and the top is the same but the wig Zoro is wearing is different. It's longer, going far down, almost to the curve of his spine. Zoro's narrow eyes giving the illusion of a small eyes which Nami and Sanji know is just him being uncomfortable or angry about the situation he's in at the moment.
"Wow." Someone shouts. Whispers of how pretty Zoro looks spread across the classroom.
"We'll get a lot of customers with him."
"This is great. I thought we would have to put all our money into the butlers."
"Now let's try to see if they can all work. Sanji and John, see if the kitchen is good." The class representative says.
"Why not cook some of the recipes on the menu, see if you can work in the outfits."
"Sure." Sanji says looking at Zoro one last time then goes behind the curtain, a different one from what was setup to be the changing area. They wanted an open kitchen so people coming in by themselves can sit at the counter facing the kitchen. Like a bar. Which Sanji doesn't mind. The room is mostly set up, the tables and back drop are all set and ready, all that needs to be done is the counter and kitchen area that's still being set up, which is why they blocked it off with a curtain. To wait.
Sanji turns to see Zoro following him. The blonde just gives a smile, not saying anything. He doesn't mind the marimo tailing him.
Sanji looks over the menu, then hands it to the other worker, John. They have everything split up, morning and afternoon. They haven't decided who is going to do what. Sanji looks at what they have at the moment, which isn't a lot and they don't have the right things. He can still work with it though. He writes down his notes as John starts already. Zoro sitting down on a chair.
With it just being them, kind of, Sanji decides to talk. "Not hanging out with the others outside?" He asks. Zoro looks at Sanji, eyes still narrow.
"Not with the way they are staring me." Zoro huffs, but still crossing his legs and sitting up straight, like a princess. Normal for Zoro when he's dressed as Peach. Habits die hard. As if it were so natural Zoro starts playing with the wig, as if he is use to having long hair. Sanji just smiles.
"So... I heard your birthday is coming up soon. Anything planned for it?" Sanji asks.
"No." Zoro shakes his head. "I think my family is busy that day anyway." Zoro shrugs his shoulders. Sanji takes a second to think about an answer. He knows for a fact that Zoro's family is not busy that day so but he doesn't want to say it out loud.
"Well... what was your birthday parties in the past like?" Sanji decides to ask. Zoro looks at Sanji, face frowning sadly. "Where they bad?" Sanji asks, he knows the others have said that Zoro didn't like it but the blonde really thought that they were being dramatic about it, to see Zoro like this maybe it was bad.
"They weren't bad but..." Zoro looks over to see the other, John, leave them alone. "It was never the party I wanted. Dad always decorated with black and white, even the cake was simple and boring. My presents were always sword related or working out, and other typically manly things that I didn't care about. It was never fun, not really, I just enjoyed the company on my birthday so that covered it up." Zoro answers.
"That sucks." Sanji says, true to what was said. That doesn't sound like an enjoyable birthday party, having to pretend to like everything but not truly enjoying it.
"What are your birthday's like?" Zoro asks.
"Nothing special, the Baratie is always busy so they never have time to set up but they do get me presents and Zeff always makes a cake." Sanji shrugs. "If you were to have a birthday party what would it be?"
Zoro hums, thinking about it for a second before looking at the blonde with a smile. "I wouldn't mind blue streamers, and purple. Maybe some ribbons and bows." Zoro says. Sanji smiles back.
"That's it? Colorful streamers and ribbons?" Sanji asks.
"Cute stuffed animals decorating the area seems fun. Maybe play some games. I want a light blue two tier cake with pastel colored flowers." Zoro adds.
"That sounds like a little girls birthday party." Sanji smiles at Zoro who starts to blush.
"M-maybe, I always wanted my birthday party to be like that." Zoro says. Sanji nods with a smile. Now he knows.
"I'll make you your cake then. Any specific pastel color?"
"Purple flowers." Zoro answers.
"I'll keep that in mind." Sanji smiles. Now he also needs to think of a present to give to Zoro. Sanji turns his head to the side to see Zoro looking down at his hands. Zoro's slim fingers clutching onto the white apron, nervously. Sanji look curiously as his boyfriend, or is it girlfriend in this instance since Zoro is technically crossdressing?
"Um..." Zoro starts before Sanji could. The blonde gave all of his attention to her (him?). "W- w-what do you plan on doing when you're off work for the festival?" Zoro asks with a slight stutter.
"I was going to walk around." Sanji says, Zoro snaps his head to him. Eyes almost sparkling with excitement.
"Then do you want to go together?"
"Like... l-like a date?" Sanji asks, this might be the first time he's gone on a festival date. He was single in the past.
"Yeah, if you want to." Zoro answer blushing, brushing the wig hair behind his ear.
"Of course I want to." Sanji says smiling, Zoro smiling back.
"Oh god." Nami says peaking in. Sanji and Zoro snap their heads to the orange head girl. "Zoro, you're sitting like a girl." Nami says walking in smoothing down her vest. Zoro looks down to see his knees pointing to the side with the ankles crossed, his hands perfectly laid in his lap. Sanji snickers a little. Zoro undoes his legs to seem relaxed and less feminine, hands holding the side of the chair. "Might want to hurry and talk to the class prez if you need something." Nami says looking at the blonde. He nods and takes his list, leaving the little kitchen. With Sanji gone Nami looks at Zoro. "So you got the date?" She asks that.
"Yeah, you promised to help me remember." Zoro turns to her. Nami smiles.
"I know, I know. So what to you want to do?" Nami asks a smile on her face, Zoro looks away to think. This is going to be great.
Zeff looks over to the table where an orange haired girl and pink haired girl are waiting. They are waiting for Sanji but the whole kitchen couldn't figure out why. The girls are obviously dating. What do they want with Sanji? Maybe classmates? If Zeff remembers the school festival is underway.
Sanji walks in through the side door. A large grocery bag in his arms, wearing his cooking outfit. He walks across them without a second look, mind focus on his job. Sanji sets the bag down on an empty counter. "Sorry I'm late, the store was busy. Here are the candles," Sanji pulls the pack of colorful birthday candles, one of the chefs moves to quickly grab the pack out of the blondes hand.
"Eggplant, you have guests." Zeff gruffs pointing to said quests. Sanji pauses in taking the rest of the groceries, he turns to where Zeff is pointing with his thumb. Sanji blinks, why are they here?
"Nami? Perona? What are you both doing here?" he wonders. "Did something happen to Zoro?" Sanji asks worried, the whole kitchen starts paying attention. Nami and Perona make a face.
"Zoro is fine." Perona says. Sanji lets out a breath.
"Then why...?"
"We came to see if you asked Zoro about her birthday." Nami asks. "Did you talk?"
"Yeah, we did." Sanji says turning back to the bag. Nami and Perona crowd him.
"Well, what did she say?" Nami asks smacking the counter.
"Spill it! What does Zoro want?" Perona asks in a threaten tone, hand on her hips.
Sanji shows his hands in surrender, a small grin on face. "If I tell you will you help me pick a birthday gift?" Sanji asks. Perona taps her foot as she crosses her arms. Obviously she doesn't care about his troubles. Nami relaxes.
"Can't think of a gift?" She asks, almost teasing, only she knows that feeling.
Sanji shakes his head. "It feels like Zoro has everything."
"Zoro has ease buying gifts for others but when it's time to give back its hard." Nami says, she elbows Perona who continue to frown.
The pink haired girl rolls her eyes. "I'm sure Zoro will appreciate anything from you but I think Zoro would appreciate a picture. You've seen Zoro's room." she says to which Sanji nods. He's waited for Zoro to finish changing many times, his heart swelled at the sight of the large Fox plush he got her on their first date. "We don't take many pictures. Or jewelry. Zoro likes accessorizing."
"I'd suggest shoes but we are on that. Bonney and uncle are getting Zoro an outfit. My sister and mom are getting her a cute hat." Nami adds.
"So jewelry it is." Sanji decides.
"So what does Zoro want?" Perona asks impatient.
"Pastel blue and purple streamers and boys, stuffed animals and games."
"That's it?" Perona asks, one eyebrow raised.
"What about cake?" Nami asks typing on her phone.
"I'm on that so need to worry about cake." Sanji says.
"Are you sure?" Nami wonders.
"Yup." Sanji nods with a smile.
"Are you going to bake at the dojo or here?"
"I can do it at the dojo but wouldn't Zoro see it?" Sanji asks.
"We're planning to sent Zoro on a shopping errand, we shouldn't see Zoro for hours." Perona informs him. Sanji nods, that sounds like it'll take Zoro hours to complete.
"Then I'll bake on the dojo." Sanji says.
"Alright, the plan is ready. Remember it's the Saturday after the school festival." Nami reminds him.
"Work hard." Perona says over her shoulder as the couple walk away. Sanji sighs, getting back to work. Until he feels eyes on him. He turns to see everyone staring.
"What?" He wonders.
"Who were they?"
"The pink haired one is Zoro older sister and the orange haired one is her girlfriend." Sanji answers.
Though the eyes on him don't stop.
Sanji stood behind the counter of the small kitchen that he will be using for the school cafe. It was nicely constructed. He heard Usopp helped. Which is not shocking. The long nosed school boy is great with crafting. He finished his menu for the cafe and is thinking about what to do with Usopp during said cafe. Will they be able to work together? The festival is just around the corner. Their relationship doesn't seem to be any better. They haven't talked since... the last time they talked.
"Ahem." The blonde looks over to the person who cleared their throat, so obviously trying to get attention. Shockingly he finds Usopp standing there. Sanji blinks a couple times and sure enough the long nosed boy is still there.
"What?" Sanji says already defensive. Usopp looks down at his feet nervous but not guilty about his shitty attitude.
"I thought you were faithful. Why are you playing around?" He asks, and Sanji looks at him confused. What is he talking about?
"I'm not playing around." Sanji says back. Eye narrow, a warning for the other to spill it out. Instead of speaking Usopp pulls his phone out of his pocket. Sanji turns his body to face the other as he wait. Arms cross over his chest.
"Then who are these?" Usopp asks showing his phone screen to the blonde. Sanji leans over a bit to see. A picture of Sanji is seen but so is a girl with brown hair and a familiar... it's Zoro. Sanji is leaned over as Zoro gives him a kiss on the cheek, ice cream in both their hands. Sanji raises his curly eyebrow, peaking around the phone to Usopp. Sanji's face is rather calm, not what Usopp was expecting.
"That's my girlfriend, Peach. I'm sure you've meet her." Sanji says. Usopp is the one to look shocked. He slides to the next picture.
"What about her?" Usopp shows his phone again. And again it's a picture of Zoro but this time in a black wig.
"Peach. Again." Sanji says calmly. Seeing where this is going.
"Her." Usopp shows him a different picture almost desperately. It's of Zoro, obviously, but dressed in a baker's outfit. Must have been when they were practicing for Bonneys birthday party.
"Still Peach." Sanji answers.
"Wha-? That can't be true. Her hair is different. No one dye their hair that much," Usopp says. Sanji stands tall, trying not to let the anger get to him, that his own friend thought he was that much of a sleazebag that he would do that, and that instead of outright confronting him about it, calling him out he just gets mad and stops talking to him.
"She likes wearing wigs. Can you not tell from her face?" Sanji asks. Usopp stops, pausing from going to the next photo.
"Are you tricking me?" Usopp asks still not convinced.
"I'm not," Sanji says pulling out his own phone, "see. I also have proof." Sanji opens his gallery to see a bunch of pictures of him and Zoro and who wore many different outfits and wigs. He turns his phone over to show Usopp who stare at the screen for a long minute then reaches forward to take hold of it. Usopp scroll and swiped through the photos seeing the same two faces or even just Peach smiling at or with Sanji. Usopp silently hands Sanji his phone back, face pale. Now realizing his own mistake.
"Sorry. I thought karma would catch up to you so I was just waiting and the longer it took the more agitated I got. Kaya told me to just confront you about it." Usopp explains.
"You should have said something earlier. I asked you what was wrong and instead of answering you continued to ignore me. You would have realized your mistake earlier." Sanii says angrily.
"Sorry. Is there a way to make it up to you?" He asks genuinely sorry about his mistake. But Sanji wasn't in a forgiving mood. He was really hurt by Usopp, he tried to fix it, wanting to know what he did wrong only to learn he did nothing and his friend was accusing him of doing something bad like that. He should know the blonde better than anyone. And yet it seems he doesn't.
"Just do your job." Sanji says then walks away. Luckily no one was in the room.
Sanji walks out the room, he walks down the hallway until he reaches the window. He takes a deep breath to calm himself. He can have quite the temper if he lets it. He's at school and he's already got a warning. He doesn't want to miss out on Zoro being a maid. Plus they have their date afterwards. He can't miss that.
"Hey, you okay?" Sanji turns his head slightly to see Zoro walking towards him.
"Yeah. I just learned why Usopp was mad. He thought I was cheeting on you with other girls not realizing they were all you with different wigs." Sanji says.
"Did he not recognize my face?" Zoro asks getting close.
"No. All the pictures he showed me were all from behind." Sanji says. It's not totally his fault. All he could see was the back of Zoro but still. He should have confronted Sanii earlier, maybe the few times the blonde asked him what was wrong and why he's angry. If he did it wouldn't have gotten this out of hand. The misunderstanding would have been solved earlier. "But still to accuse me instead of talking to me about it?" Sanji adds getting mad.
"At least you know now. Still that sucks." Zoro scrunches his face. He's seen how upset Sanji got over this, over a stupid misunderstanding. Can't imagine how Sanji must be feeling now that he knows the truth. "I could make it up to you on our festival date." Zoro says. At this point Sanji perks up.
"What do you have planned?" Sanji smiles.
Zoro blushes. He rubs the back of his head sheepishly. "Why don't you plan what you want to do? I wouldn't know what to do, I've never been on a festival date." Zoro says getting quieter and quieter. Sanji beams. Zoro's first festival date is his.
"Deal." Sanji says. Zoro continues to blush but nods.
With Usopp in the back of his mind Sanji couldn't help but think about Zoro and their date. Their festival date. It can't come fast enough.
"Thanks for helping." Sanji says cleaning the counters. He looks over to Chopper and Robin helping him organize the small kitchen.
"You're... special to Zoro so you're our friend." Robin says. Sanji looks at them. How much do they know? He knows for a fact that Nami knows everything. Understandable about why she knows. Nami is like Zoro's best friend and like a sister. Chopper and Robin are his friends but that's it. Sanji knows they care for each other but that's different from knowing everything. Do they know Zoro likes cross dressing? Sanji has only ever seen Nami with Zoro. Do they know that he and Zoro are dating? The way Robin said it seems like she does but what if it's just a coincident and he self exposes their relationship?
"What do you mean by special?" Sanji asks. Chopper tilts his head to the side not understanding why Sanji is asking that.
"You're dating Zoro." Chopper says, lucky for them no one is paying attention to them. The whole class is doing last minute checks on everything. Tomorrow is the big day. Sanji looks at the small brunette like he's grown two heads and antlers. The blonde looks over to Robin who chuckled as she smiled.
"We know everything. Even Zoro's hobbies." Robin adds. Sanji nods still looking shocked.
"I've never seen Zoro dress up." Chopper says a little disappointed. "It's exciting I'll get to this time."
"How long have you two known?" Sanji wonders but then he remembers that they all went to the beach together so they must have known then.
"We know everything. Before you learned the truth behind Peach." Robin answers.
"So then you knew why I... acted the way I did?" Sanji wonders.
"Bullying Zoro? Yes. We knew. Zoro told us not to do anything so we didn't. Nami always does her own thing anyways, especially if it she gets what she wants." Robin answers. Sanji nods. Yeah, but seeing it now he deserved what came to him. He shouldn't have been to Zoro because he couldn't control his feeling and thoughts.
"That's shocking Zoro is open about his hobby with so many people." Sanji says going back to work. Sanitizing the kitchen. The festival is two days so he knows it's going to be rough. For those not use to it.
"Zoro is shy about it but Nami helps weed the assholes out." Robin answers.
"We all help." Chopper says. Sanji smiles. It felt nice having people know about him and Zoro, even knowing Zoro's interesting. It's not some big secret to them. Sanji enjoys it. A lot. Less people to hide things from.
Usopp stood in the corner. He is helping with props. He watched as Sanji happily talk to Robin and Chopper. Sanji seems to be getting along with Zoro and his friends. Which still confuses him but now, with how he messed up with his stupid misunderstanding of course Sanji got closer to them. He know Sanji told him to do his job but is there a way to make it up to Sanji? More than what the blonde told him to do?
"Let's enjoy the a hundredth festival of the Grand Line high school! Let's make it one to remember!" the announcer says into the auditorium. "There seems to be a crowd out there waiting so let's get this festival started!" everyone cheers. Quickly everyone gets up and rushes to their classes.
Sanji, Usopp, Nami, Robin, Zoro and the other crossdressing maids/butlers ran to the room to change into their outfits. Sanji and Usopp dress fast and rush to their class to prep. Nami and Robin finish up as Zoro puts the last touches on the outfit.
"Done." Zoro calls as he walks out, Nami and Robin turn to Zoro. Both woman freeze at Zoro.
"What- what happened to you?" Nami asks. Zoro's maid outfit is anything but simple. The skirt was short but poofy. Zoro's white leggings have tiny black bows, above the small tear shaped slit in them. Zoro is wearing Mary Jane's. The maid apron is more ruffled than either butler remember. Zoro has short sleeves but cute cuffs around Zoro wrist. The wig Zoro is wearing is long, but half done, the updo is parted to two small buns on either side. Of course with straight bangs and a maid band.
"They kept adding things." Zoro says.
"Let's just hurry." Nami saywith a shake of her head, can't do anything about it now. They walk with everyone. Zoro catching the other students attention. Zoro look more like a cosplayer than an ordinary festival maid. Especially compared to the other maids. Rather dressed boring and mostly covered up.
"Good. You're all... here..." the class leader starts but stops at the sight of Zoro. The dress up team looking proud of themselves. The class leader shakes their head. The whole class kept eyes on Zoro. "Anyway. We've got Luffy advertising, Chopper welcoming guests in. The afternoon team can explore but will be on standby just in case. Let's show them our hard work."
The class nod then move. Everyone getting into position. Sanji stood behind the counter, checking every ingredient they will be using. The maids and butlers grabbing a tray each.
"So we'll have sections. Zoro and Robin will take the tables closest to the door while me and extra maid will take the tables closest to the kitchen." Nami says. Zoro and Robin nod.
"What if I want to get the tables closest to the front entrance?" the maid asks, the same asshole that's been bothering Zoro.
"Fine Zoro can take the back with me." Nami says rolling her eyes.
"This is a maid cafe right, so do we call them master?" Robin wonders. Zoro and Sanji flinch. Sanji looks over at Zoro while the marimo scrunches his face.
"Please no." Zoro grunts.
"You don't have to if you don't want to." Sanji says. Nami grins at the blonde. Knowing full well why he said that. Sanji is so smitten with Zoro.
"Let's hope we get any customers. I saw two other cafes. I think one was an art themed and the other was anime cosplay themed." Nami says changing the subject.
"At least we all stand out." Zoro says sitting on the stool.
"We should have thought of a better theme. We could have branded to families if we thought about a better theme." Nami says. Of course she's thinking of profit.
"People are starting to get to our floor!" Chopper shouts into the room. They all stare at each other. This is it.
In the first hour they got one or two people. Wondering what is going on they thought about it. Then the realization hit. Luffy was sent alone to advertise for them. They had to send someone to look for him, punish him, then join him in spreading the word. And that took a while. The next hour they got more customers but nothing major.
"Excuse me, can I take a picture of the butlers and maid?" A customer asks.
"Um sure." the class leader answers. With Zoro in between Nami and Robin the woman took their picture.
That was the beginning of a hell morning. Nothing happened at first. They got a slow influx of customers. One or two every twenty minute. Then two customers every ten minutes. Almost every table had someone sitting.
Zoro stood by the family table he's manages, cleaning the table. Back facing the door. As Zoro turn to give the plates to Usopp he heard it.
"Zoro!" his friends all knew who that is.
Bonney.
"Where are you?" She asks somewhere down the hall. It does not take long for her to appear. Smiling at Chopper as she walk in. Bonney snaps her head to Zoro as if she can sense him. She beams. "Look at you. I saw the post and knew it was you. Let me take a picture! Who made this? Can you keep it? You should keep it!" Bonney says loudly, moving around as she took a picture of Zoro from every angle. "Uncle come check him out!" she shouts over her shoulder. She didn't come alone. In come Zoro's uncle and Perona. Nami perks at the goth pink haired woman. Perona takes a second to check out Nami. Giving the orange haired woman a grin. The orange haired woman blushes.
"How's business?" Zoro uncle asks with a smile.
"Slow for now. We're getting more and more." Zoro answers with a smile.
"It's only the morning of the first day." Koushiro says with a smile. Zoro nods. Sanji coming from behind the kitchen to serve their drinks. Nami coming to join the conversation. A few times, Perona would whisper something in Nami's ear making the orange haired woman blush and grin.
Off to the side stood the other classmates wondering who they were. Chopper and Robin filling them in. They are Zoro's family. His uncle and his two older sisters. The question to why Zoro seem so relax around them is answered. Of course Zoro would be relaxed around family. They stayed a while. Zoro uncle eating Sanji's cooking for the second time. It's as good as he remembers.
They chat for a bit before leaving. Then customers come rushing in. Most wanting to sit in the area Zoro managed. Other sat for Nami and Robin. Some came for the food. It went from two customers every ten minute to five customers every minute. Soon enough they had a line forming. They all worked hard.
Till it was time for the switch off.
Thee second group of maids and butlers came early, so Zoro went to Sanji who was busy cooking. "When you're done go to the front gate of the school." Zoro tells him. Sanji takes a second to look at Zoro.
"Already done?" Sanji asks.
"Our replacements are here." Zoro answers. Sanji nods.
"Front gate, got it." Sanji says. Zoro nods turning to join Nami and Robin to get a changed.
"Did you tell him?" Nami asks as they walk down the hallways to get changed.
"Yeah, front gate." Zoro answers.
"Let's hurry." Nami says dragging Zoro forward, rushing to the room to change. They quickly change out of their outfits then rushing towards an empty area in the school, where they find Perona waiting for them. "Brought it?" Nami asks. The goth pink haired woman shows them a gym bag.
In it is everything Zoro will need. Zoro changes, taking his time to get out of his uniform. He hope Sanji likes it.
"Be thankful, finding a green wig was hard." Nami says, hands on her hips. Zoro smiles, moving the green wig in place, making sure it won't fall. Fingers combing through the wig. "Ready?" Nami asks Zoro who steps forward.
"Yeah, let's go." Zoro smiles, eyes soft, looking more like Peach. Nami grabs Zoro hand, the three run to the side of the school. Following around till they reach the side the front gate is on. They find Robin and Chopper looking around the corner to the front gate. "Robin? Chopper?" Zoro calls them as they get closer. The two turn to see Zoro cross dressing, both speechless about how amazing Zoro look. Nothing how they thought, or are use to seeing. Zoro is a completely didn't person.
"You look beautiful Zoro." Robin smiles, like a proud mother.
"You're so pretty." Chopper says, eyes shining with wonder. He's never seen Zoro dressed up before. Zoro blushes but they can see the way the corner of Zoro's lips tug upwards, forming a small smile.
"Is Sanji waiting yet?" Nami asks moving to get a look for herself.
"Yup. How do you feel Zoro?" Robin asks looking at Zoro. Zoro smiles with a nervous look, hand moving up to twirl the ends of fake long green hair.
"Nervous. I don't know if Sanji would be okay with us doing this. I want to surprise him." Zoro scuffles her shoes into the dirt.
"Relax, he'll love it. So happy festival date." Nami grins, pushing Zoro forward. She stumbles forward onto the sidewalk. Zoro looks a them giving her their thumbs up. Zoro turns her head to see Sanji by the gate waiting like he was told. Sanji stood there looking at his watch, back in his school uniform.
Zoro takes a step with a breath.
Then another. Legs shaking as she gets closer. Would Sanji be too embarrassed to go on their date? She's nervous too. She's never dressed and been in front of people she goes to school with like this. What if the others can tell with one look? Then they'll get humiliated. Zoro doesn't care about herself but what about Sanji? He would care wouldn't he?
But even then Zoro wants to have this date in front of their school mates, comfortable, as Peach. Having fun as Peach with Sanji seems natural. And it's something Zoro really wants. Being able to get lovey dovey at school is a thought Zoro had more than once. Hopefully Sanji likes the idea.
Sanji takes a look behind him, waiting for Zoro to show up. Zoro took a deep breath coming up beside the blonde. Zoro clears her throat, watching the blonde jump in his skin. Sanji snaps his head to Zoro. Blinking twice before catching on. "Zo- I mean Peach?" Sanji asks. Zoro nods, looking as she felt the blood rush to her cheeks. "Um... wow I wasn't expecting this." Sanji says taking in the sight of Zoro dressed as a school girl. Sanji has seen Zoro in many outfits but this hasn't ever been one. Obviously Zoro wore her shoes, black Vans, thigh high socks, their schools grey skirt, white shirt, red bow and from the open grey-blue pastel blazer the blonde can see Zoro wearing a blue vest. Companied of course with a long green wig going past Zoro's shoulders.
"D-do you not l-like it?" Zoro asks, looking down upset.
"No." Sanji shakes his head crazily. "I really like it." He smiles at her. "It just wasn't expected." Sanji watches as Zoro looks at him wide eyed, then smiles brightly. Glad to hear that. "Shall we?" Sanji holds his hand out, Zoro happily taking it.
"Yup." Zoro answers with a smile holding onto the blondes hand.
The three watch as Zoro and Sanji walk onto the school grounds, watching the couple finally begin their day. They smile at each other before leaving to enjoy their own free time.
Sanji and Zoro walk as they held hands just taking in the front stalls of the festival. Of course it's busy, not only is it still lunch but there are so many stall, people advertising their class, and other students enjoying their free time. For Zoro it's overwhelming. She wouldn't know where to start.
"Are you hungry?" Sanji wonders. Zoro rubs her stomach.
"No, not yet." Zoro answers not worried about her voice being heard. Its so loud it's hard to listen, if anyone is paying attention to them.
"Then let's look around." Sanji says pulling her forward gently. Zoro happily follow him. Happy to go where ever he's dragging her.
"What's wrong?" A blonde asks her boyfriend. Usopp turns his head to Kaya.
"Sanji isn't talking to me." Usopp says pouting. Kaya nods, giving him a sympathetic grin.
"You did accuse him of cheating, then ghost him, treating him like a villain." She list, then looks at her boyfriend, bringing a hand to his shoulder. "He just needs time." Kaya says rubbing her boyfriend's shoulder. Usopp straightens, eyes spotting the blonde in question. Sanji happily walk through the crowd, hand entwined with his girlfriends, who is sporting a long green wig this time. Of all the colors why green? Purples, reds, and blues he understands but green? That's a very unpopular color to choose from. And the same shade of a certain frowning demon they share class with.
"A lot of time. How was I supposed to know his girlfriend likes wearing wigs?" Usopp says leaning against the window sill.
"That's not your fault but not talking to him about it first, before pointing fingers is. I will admit that I always thought Sanji would one day let a woman push him into cheating with how much he lets woman walk over him but to purposely cheat repeatedly is rather stupid." Kaya points out.
"They are very happy together." Usopp says watching Sanji and Peach play a game together. Looking like the perfect couple right now.
Kaya looks to where Usopp has his eyes glued, she easily spots the tall blonde squished next to him a shorter girl in matching uniform, with long green hair. The two look at each other with smiles on their faces. "Cute and beautiful at the same time." Kaya says with a whistle. Sanji sure picked a good one. Usopp scoffs.
"Be careful, I've seen her beat a group of thugs even Sanji had trouble beating." Usopp says.
"Sound like a perfect pair... wait, didn't you say she goes to a different school, why is she wearing the school uniform?" Kaya questions. That's odd. Usopp stands straighter, he didn't even question that since there are so many other students in their uniforms wondering around. Obviously he's never seen her around before, if they did go to this school he'd see Sanji with Peach more often, rather than spend his lunch with Zoro and his group of friends.
Usopp looks around, he hasn't seen Zoro anywhere since his shift ended. He looks around, from his spot he can't see everything but he can the majority of the school front lot, and from there he can spot a familiar orange haired woman with her girlfriend. If Usopp remembers correctly the pink haired girl is Zoro older sister. If she's here Zoro must be around somewhere.
Usopp catches Peach telling Sanji something. "Peach is mute." He points out.
"Maybe she feels that comfortable to speak around him. It's not unheard of." Kaya shrugs.
Odd. Usopp feels like there is something missing but doesn't know what.
"Sanji! Zoro!" the two turn to Nami smiling at them. "Pose, I'm taking a picture." she tells them, on instinct the two get closer for the picture. Mindful of the food in their hands. Both grin like the love struck idiots they both are.
Nami walks closer to them as she look at her phone. Once close she pauses. After a moment she looks up at them, a grin on her face.
"Having fun?" she asks them. If possible their grin grows more, from one ear to another. That's enough of an answer for her.
"What about you?" Sanji asks back.
"A lot of fun, sadly Perona left. I sometimes wish we were the same age." Nami frowns, then perks, remembering something. "Oh right, what are you doing tomorrow Zoro?" she asks. Zoro tilts her head.
"What's tomorrow?" Zoro asks.
"After the festival tomorrow is the celebration. There's going to be a bonfire and fireworks. Are you going as Peach or not?" Nami wonders. Zoro takes a second to think.
"I don't think it matters, it's not like they'll be taking attendance right?" Zoro says. Sanji and Nami look at each other, was that a no or yes?
Chopper smiles at the customers leaving, both seem happy with the service. He then turns to the next in line. Pausing to take in the two tall characters with a short third person but still taller than him.
"N-next." he says nervously. Watching the three walk to him.
"Is Sanji here?" The second tallest one asks, dark blonde hair smushed from wearing a hat to much, long dark blonde mustache braided out his face.
"Umm... yes. Would you like a seat closest to where he's working?" Chopper asks. The mustache man nods. Chopper lets them in, leading them to the table closest to the back. The table being in Zoro's area. As they sit down, Chapper looks over to the rest area seeing Zoro getting a drink. The afternoon shift more tiring than the morning. "Zoro you've got customers!" Chopper shouts, then turning away to go back out the door.
"On it!" Zoro shouts back.
"Isn't Zoro Sanji's girlfriend?" Chopper hears one of them whispers. Chopper turns to see the blonde one staring at Sanji working. Efficiently cooking and making drinks for the people at the bar.
Chopper wonder if he just made a mistake? It should be fine right?
Zoro walks to the table now filled with people, eyes on the pad in his hand for taking the customers order. "Welcome to the Switch cafe, what can I get you to start off?" Zoro bows slightly, grabbing the pen from inside his white apron. With a smile on his face he looks at them. Zoro freezes, smile disappearing, shocked eyes on him. Zeff, Patty and Carne sat there eyes locked on him. They are here. Zoro didn't even think they would but of course they would. They are Sanji family, why wouldn't they come to support him? Zoro drops his pen and notepad, turning round and vaulting over the bar, hiding from them. Sanji catches it, with all focus on him- her- Zoro (it's confusing what to call Zoro at the moment) Sanji leans forward.
"What are you doing?" Sanji asks with a small grin but seeing Zoro's face pale his smile turns to a frown. "What's wrong?"
"Zeff." Is all Zoro says, breathing a little fast. Sanji snaps his his head to the area Zoro takes care of. His eyes land on Zeff and the two others. As instinctual as Zoro, Sanji gets down on the same level as Zoro, hiding from the eyes.
"Shit. I didn't think they'd be here." Sanji says running a hand through his hair. Nami, having seen Zoro looks at the table recognize that mustache mutters under her breath. She looks at Robin.
"W-what...?" Zoro croaks, scared radiating off him.
"Scared?" Sanji asks, his hands trembling, his knees week but he's already on the floor.
Zoro nods, "they've been nice but I don't know..." the rest goes unsaid. Sanji nods, yeah, he also isn't sure how they would react to Zoro. And now is not it. Preferably would have liked to come up on their own time, when they are ready, or at least they've talked about it. Zoro and Sanji look over to Nami walking to them, when she gets close, acting as natural as she can, she ducks down. The three forming a small circle with Zoro's back against the wooden wall of the bar.
"Here." Nami says handing the pen and pad back. Zoro takes it in his shaking hands. "So what's the plan. I'm guessing mustache man doesn't know?" Nami asks but she can guess the answer. Zoro and Sanji nod confirming her question. "So? Can't hide here forever? I can take their orders, we can switch but Chopper may not like it since he's been seating them according to requests." Nami says.
Zoro takes a deep breath. "Let's ignore the elephant in the room." Zoro suggests.
"Can't ignore it forever." Nami says to the two.
"Not forever but right now yeah." Sanji adds. Nami nods, going along with them. It's not her place to interfere. So she wont.
All three stand up like nothing had happened. Nami and Zoro go back to their tables, Zoro putting on a smile. Sanji going back to cooking, trying not to pay any mind to the table. Completely ignoring Usopp who has been there the whole time. The three order, talking casually with Zoro. Sanji heard them crack jokes at his expense, he'd send them glares only to get them laughing their ass off. Sanji caught himself smiling at Zoro grinning. The situation forgotten. Elephant completely ignored.
Sanji walks to the group, Nami, Robin and Chopper. Both girls laying down on the grass. He smiles as he reaches them. "I'm going to be sore tomorrow." Nami grumbles. All of them back in their uniforms, the sky slowly darkening by the minute.
"Luckily we have the day off." Robin says.
"Then it's back to school work." Nami frowns.
"Where's Zoro?" Sanji asks.
"Last I saw he was changing." Nami says sitting up.
"Sorry I'm late!" The look over to see Zoro, or Peach in this case, running towards them. Zoro wore the school uniform again. Green wig and everything. Once she reaches, Zoro stops to catch her breath. They all gawk at her. She's actually dressed, Zoro is dressing as a girl. Nami asked but she didn't think Zoro would actually do it. No one is paying a second glance to them but still.
"Zoro you..." Nami starts. Zoro looks down, slightly blushing but with it getting dark it's hard to tell.
"I thought it'd go to waste if I only wore this once so..." Zoro explains. She didn't want it to go waste, but she also had so much fun yesterday as Peach with Sanji. Just wanted a little more time. She wanted to taste something she didn't think she would get to. One more time.
The crowd cheering catches their attention, turning the crowd of students all huddled near the large stack of wood. They watch as it lights up. The area lighting up with three large pits of fire.
"Looks like its starting." Robin says getting to her feet. They spot a familiar silhouette with a straw hat already starting to dance to the music on the speakers. Nami giggles.
"Looks fun." Nami says.
"Let's join him." Zoro suggests. They all look at her then break out into a grin.
"Zoro let's dance," Chopper says holding his hand out for Zoro. She blinks for a second then reaches for his hand, a smile on her face. Chopper pulls Zoro to Luffy who is dancing with a random person. Zoro laugh as she and Chopper start dancing to the dance.
"Shall we Nami?" Robin asks holding her hand for Nami. She chuckles as she places her hand in Robins. They jog to the fire. Dancing alongside Zoro, Chopper and Luffy who has lost his partner at some point. Sanji smiles as he watches Zoro dance. Smile on her face as she and Chopper spin around. The fire lighting Zoro's grey eyes.
The blonde stands to the side, letting Chopper have his fun before he swoops in to take Zoro's hand in dancing. He looks up to see the sky is now dark, not a hint of blue only black. They won't be here all night, they are still high school students. He's excited to see the fireworks with Zoro. This may be the best school festival he's ever had. Yesterday with his date with Zoro, then this morning with them all. Usopp wasn't with them but Luffy was. Being with them was so fun, a very good start to the day, before their shift.
Sanji rushes forward, the song has ended so it's his turn. He smiles as Zoro and Chopper bow. "May I have the next dance?" Sanji asks bowing with his hand out. Chopper giggles as he steps away, giving the couple some space. Zoro can only stare, blinking before her whole face turns red. Shyly, she places her hand on his. Sanji closes his hand around hers. Standing straight he pulls her close. His other hand goes to the small of her back. Sanji leads as they dance. Grinning as he hears Zoro laugh. Music to his ears.
They dance laughing all through the song. They take a break but don't step away. Smiling as they catch their breath. Eyes locked on each others.
"Sanji..." Zoro says low enough for the blonde to hear, blood rushing to her head, making only them, each other, exist in this moment. "I... I love you." Zoro says, Sanji eye widen. Did he hear right? Sanji looks down at Zoro who looks a little scared.
"I love you too." Sanji croaks. He's never been able to get this far in a relationship before. He always thought he falls in love to easy but Zoro said it first. He doesn't need to think about if he does or not. Of course he does. No ones ever made him feel this happy. This Safe.
Zoro eyes shine, happy to hear that. She was nervous about saying it, for admitting it but she couldn't hold off anymore. She would have been fine if he didn't say it back. She moves her hand from his shoulder to the back of his neck. She pulls his face to hers, laying a kiss on his lips. Sanji gasps. Faintly they can hear Nami and Robin shouting at them. She pulls back, beaming at him.
Sanji's mind is reeling. Not only did she say the three words first, but she kissed him first. She initiated it. Zoro kissed him. "Sanji." she says his name. Voice like honey, and that can be just be his jellied mind.
When the fireworks go off, they stops holding hands as they watch the sky. "Zoro..." Sanji starts, "thank you." He says. Zoro squeezes his hand.
"Thank you." Zoro says back.
Both not sure what they are thanking each other for but it felt necessary.
Thank you for the second chance.
Thank you for accepting me.
Thank you for loving me.
Thank you for being you.
Sanji walks down the steps, going into the restaurant kitchen. He's got his shoulder bag across his chest. Box with Zoro's present in his hand. Wrapped in a light blue paper, yellow bow on top, a card tucked in. He's got on his best outfit, ankle jeans, his brown leather loafers, a white button down, the sleeves rolled up, a watch on his wrist and a couple rings on his fingers.
He's a little nervous, and only because he hasn't seen much of Zoro the last week. School has been busy so they haven't gotten to hang out at school like before. The last time he was able to be close to Zoro was the festival celebration where Zoro kissed him. His heart and mind were not ready for that. He wants to do it again but is unsure how to do it. All his experience down the drain. Now he knows Zoro is okay with the next step, he's willing to kiss her more he just doesn't know how to face her. It was a chaste kiss and it wasn't his first but it feels like it. When he sees her he's going to remember and he doesn't know if his heart can take it.
"I'm leaving." Sanji says to the kitchen staff as he makes his way through. He gets chorus of farewells from everyone. He catches eyes with Zeff, the young blonde can not read him.
"Be careful." is what his father says. Sanji grins as he waves goodbye to them all. It's been on the back of his mind but no one has brought up Zoro or the festival. Sanji expected to be talked about Zoro. They are sure to have questions. None have asked. It's as if they all are ignoring the elephant in the room. Which Sanji doesn't mind at all.
He hopes the elephant gets ignored for as long as he and Zoro (mostly Zoro) are ready to address it. Who knows when that will be.
Sanji makes his way through the streets. Deciding to walk to the dojo. The walk isn't long, good thing to, he would have driven but Zoro party is a surprise. Zoro thinks everyone is busy, it would be a give away if Zoro came home to see his car. Plus Zoro has work most of the morning, then the fake shopping list Perona made. Safe to say they won't be seeing Zoro for a long time.
Sanji holds the box close to his chest. Nami and Perona gave him so many suggestions that it was more stressful than helpful but once Sanji took a breath to think an idea came to him. He can only hope Zoro enjoys it. Also hope no one else thought about it. He knows everyone will be at the party but he doesn't know who everyone is. The blonde doesn't know what gifts the others got besides the vague picture Nami and Perona gave him. Being Zoro boyfriend, he wants his gift to be special. It's got to top even Zoro family's presents. He thinks he did a very good job but that's to be seen. At the moment he can only wait and see.
Once he gets to their street, he walks slowly to the large doorway of the dojo. He peaks in making sure Zoro isn't here. Though, without walking in there isn't a way to make sure Zoro has left. Sanji quietly makes his way to the door, from there he can clearly hear Perona ordering everyone what to do. Sanji nods, yeah, Zoro is gone. He rings the doorbell. At the sound the pink haired woman quiets. Sanji can hear the sound of slippers on hardwood floor getting closer. The sliding door opens a crack, enough to let Perona peak at who it is. At the sight of the blonde she slams the door open. With a smile on her face she lets Sanji in, the blonde taking his time to slip off his loafers and on a pair a guest slippers that at this point is just his.
"Good, you're here." Perona says, shocking Sanji, she of all people would not be happy he's here.
"What happened?" He asks looking at her worried. Perona blinks, stunned that he knew.
"Uncle was suppose to be cooking for Zoro but he had something to do and will be late so..."
"You need someone to cook." Sanji catches on. Perona nods. Sanji lets out a smile. "Sure, I'll do it. I was going to make the cake anyways." Sanji answers walking in with his box. Perona smiles, she's still salty about Sanji's breakup with Zoro but he's proven enough that he truly cares about Zoro. She could still be salty about it, even if they do get married or something.
"You can put the present in the tatami room we set up." Perona says pointing down the hallway. Sanji knew what room she is referring too. He passes the living room, the doors open to reveal cute teddy... animals set around with streamers and animal balloons. It all looks like a birthday party for a little girl (or boy), almost a child's fantasy.
Sanji opens the tatami room and understands why they are here and not in the living room. It's not the amount of presents but the size. There are two huge boxes to the side, different sized round boxes, and many thin rectangular boxes. All wrapped in a pastel color with large bows. Sanji doesn't know how many people were coming but even he knew that Zoro's family went all out. Those large boxes must have a giant teddy bear or something. Those round boxes must have hats. Which he hasn't seen Zoro in. With her wigs, it must get frustrating wearing a hat, or Zoro just doesn't have any.
Sanji sets his box carefully on top one of the big ones. He closes the door behind him, then makes his way to the kitchen. He finds the kitchen empty. He grabs an apron, putting it on. He starts on the cake, knowing he will need to wait for it to cool properly before decorating it and even layering it.
When he puts both cakes in the oven Perona pops her head in the kitchen. "How is it?" She asks, the kindest he's ever heard her be to him.
"Just finished the cake, now it needs to bake. What was the plan for the food?" He asks looking into the fridge.
"It's a Wano inspired feast. Our uncle and mother were from there, Zoro has visited a lot. Plus Uncle practically raised Zoro so she's use to that food." Perona explains. Sanji nods. That's doable.
"Got it." Sanji smiles at her.
As he cook he heard Robin, Franky, Chopper and Bonney show up. He can hear them all discussing how excited they are to see Zoro's reaction but how nervous they are. What if Zoro doesn't like it? What if she wanted something else and they jumped to early?
Sanji, though, he knew deep down Zoro will like this. It's what she always wanted. Plus, he's seen how they decorated it. It's very Zoro. He could just be feeling this way because he's the one who told Nami and Perona and those two hold grudges.
Sanji is finishing the decorations on the cake when they all hear someone walking in. "I'm home!" Zoro yells. "I got most of what's on the list, I couldn't find- do we have quest?" She wonders, looking up to see Perona and Bonney grinning mischievously at her. "Wha-?" Zoro voices before Perona slaps a blindfold on her, as Bonney takes the things in her hand. They get her shoes off, carefully dragging her to the living room. Sanji slowly sneaking into the closed door, giving the girls a thumbs up about the cake being done. The two pink haired woman smile.
The two situate Zoro in front of the sliding door. They open the door revealing everyone, well not everyone, Zoro's uncle still isn't here. They all stood, a beautiful banner hanging over them, in the middle of the living room. Perona snatches the blindfold off Zoro's face. Zoro blinks, getting use to the light again, even though she wasn't blindfolded that long. Zoro freezes at her friends and who she considers family standing there. "Happy birthday!" they shout blowing confetti poppers at her.
Zoro continue to stand there. The others also are now frozen in place. Not able to tell if Zoro is happy or not. Zoro covers her face, looking down at her feet, wig obstructing the groups view. "It was Sanji's idea." Perona says fast to push the blame on someone. Sanji flinches, not upset, he's known for a long time Perona doesn't like him. This might make her hate him more. Did he fuck up? Should he have been silent about it. He'd say Nami asked him to do this but if he pushes the blame on Nami Perona is going to be even more upset.
Zoro looks over to the blonde. "Really?" She asks low, voice a bit cracked. Sanji swallows the lump in his throat.
"Yeah." He says also low. The rest of the crowd look between the two, not knowing what to do.
"Thank you." Zoro beams at him.
"We helped!" Nami says. Zoro looks at her, then her sisters, then the others there. Chopper. Franky. Robin. Nojiko. Sanji.
"Thank you." She says still smiling. A birthday party like how she always wanted.
Zoro gets a good look at all the decorations as they all talk. Then the games come out and it's chaos, something Zoro always kind of enjoyed. Zoro had never smiled or laughed this much at one of her birthdays. Of course the food was delicious. But the way Zoro's eyes shined like jewels at the sight of her birthday cake is a sight Sanji will never forget, or anyone else for that matter. Zoro knew Sanji made the cake, like he promised. Zoro happily sat there staring at the flowers on the cake as they sang to her, Bonney and Perona taking pictures and recording the whole thing. Zoro use to always look so grumpy but not this time. Zoro happily blew out the candles.
Then it's the presents. Sanji, embarrassingly, got teased into going first. He got her a beautiful tiger plush, with white and black fur. Around its neck hung a few necklaces, he couldn't decide which ones so he got all three. One of them has a green jewel, the second is a locket with space for two pictures, and the third one is a white jade sakura flower. Sanji thought it looked pretty with the tiger. Zoro doesn't have to wear them but she could if she wanted to. Zoro loves it, she said as much. The teasing everyone made caused the two to be blushing messing. Perona stepped in demanding her presents be next.
Like Sanji thought Zoro's family went all out. Getting her three presents each. Well not all. Those two large boxes were, like Sanji thought, large stuffed animals, that her uncle bought. Perona got Zoro some new outfits. Bonney got her a wig and some hair accessories. Nami got her some purses to match with some of her old outfits and even the new one Perona has just gotten her. The rest of the presents were of course centered around Zoro's crossdressing hobby. Rings, bracelets, hats, socks, leggings, shoes, a small amount of makeup, hats, shirts, and pants, for the rare occasion Zoro wants to just wear some cute pants with a cute shirt. There was some discussion about what to pair with the pants.
Sanji didn't listen to intently, to busy smiling at the fact Zoro kept the white tiger either in her lap or sat it next to her, sticking it in between them. Never letting it get to far. He felt so lucky, like his heart will explode.
Sanji and Zoro sat together on the couch, eyes on the television. Zoro focus on her tiger plush she just got. Glad to know she likes it. He was worried with what everyone had gotten her his gift would be easily forgotten.
The others had already left, with a slice of cake that was left over. Even with everyone mostly gone there is still left over cake. Nami, Perona and Bonney are cleaning up leaving the couple alone.
"Thanks Sanji." Zoro says smiling, she turns to Sanji who is looking at her.
"Of course." Sanji smiles. "Plus, Nami had asked me to ask you. I just did what I was told." Sanji adds. Zoro nods, she can see it, but that doesn't mean the effort is lost on his part. Zoro blushes looking away. Sanji blinks tilting his head, wondering what that reaction is. "Something wrong?" he asks. Zoro shakes her head.
"No." Zoro looks at Sanji from the corner of her eyes to look at Sanji. Zoro then turns around to see where everyone is, busy cleaning the kitchen and throwing trash away. Sanji flinches when Zoro turns her attention all at him. Sanji smiles, but he's curious to what going on in Zoro's head. "Can I kiss you?" Zoro says low in tone. Sanji blinks, mind going back to the school festival.
"Sure, but you don't need to ask, you didn't last time." Sanji points out. Zoro blushes deeply.
"That was the heat of the moment. I couldn't control myself." Zoro says playing with the gold chain of the necklaces on the tiger. Embarrassed about her actions. Sanji smiles.
"Can I kiss you?" Sanji asks, Zoro looks at him confused.
"Yeah, duh." Zoro answers, not a second later does Sanji cup her face bringing her into a kiss. Zoro accepts it. Kissing him back. Hands coming around his neck.
"Stop right there you two!" Bonney shouts smacking both their heads. The two groan as they rub the back of their heads.
"Why?" Zoro groans.
"Not while I'm here." Bonney says.
"I'm home." Their uncle says. Zoro perks sitting the tiger on the couch carefully before standing and going to her uncle. Sanji gets up to greet the man. He finds them talking, Zoro looking at him in a way that makes his heart thumb. He gives her a smile back. Bonney groans at the two making Nami and Perona laugh.
Falling for each other more than they already are
A/N:It's been so long :) I miss you all!
Hope everyone has had a wonderful year. I have but I miss posting stories and when it comes to writing I haven't been as productive as I wanted but here is this so make sure you all know I'm still here and still writing. I'll be back.