Chapter 41

The present moment

Zoro blinked. The morning sun was shining through the large bay windows of the crow's nest and it immediately dazzled him. He was still sitting against the wall and he ran a hand over his face. The day was breaking and he moved to stretch. It was at this moment that he felt a weight on his right shoulder and he turned his head before freezing. The cook had curled up against him and his head had fallen on the swordsman's shoulder. Zoro didn't remember that the blond had come closer during the night but seeing his arms tight around his body, he guessed that Sanji had been cold.

The swordsman relaxed and let his gaze drift outside for a moment as he remained still. It couldn't be very late given the position of the sun above the horizon and the cook would wake up soon, accustomed as he was to getting up early to make breakfast. For now, he could leave Sanji to his dreams. His blond hair shimmered in the morning light on his haramaki and Zoro sighed softly.

Since their last call, he had often thought about their conversation and the presence of the cook against him didn't fail to remind him of it once again. That evening, Sanji had been exhausted but he had wanted to put into words this first event which had started to widen the gap between them and his honesty had pushed the swordsman to do the same. Indeed, for all these weeks, Zoro had had time to think and take a step back from everything the blond was going through and this reconsideration had been beneficial to him too.

As he had told him and despite appearances, the swordsman was now convinced that the cook wasn't solely responsible for the deterioration of their relationship. Zoro had realized that the things left unsaid and the silences had not only been the fault of his crewmate. Each had interpreted the other's attitude according to their own criteria from the start and no one had made the effort to really pay attention to the meaning of their actions as they had grown closer. Sanji had been right to point out that he hadn't measured the impact of such a commitment because Zoro himself hadn't thought about it. He had acted on instinct without realizing the implications it would raise.

Zoro readily admitted that he knew nothing about love and if Sanji seemed more familiar with the subject, the fencer had never believed that the cook really had more knowledge. His way of twirling and frolicking around the girls wasn't what attracted them and he himself found his attitude stupid. The swordsman had put his finger on a crucial detail then. He and Sanji viewed love in radically different ways, and Zoro had been naive to believe that this divergence would have no effect.

In reality, it made sense that the cook was suspicious, especially since this relationship had awakened deep anxieties. And if the swordsman hadn't known anything about it, it was because he hadn't wondered about the blond's behavior until now. Why did Sanji need to shower people with attention, especially girls, to get noticed? Why did he think the only way to catch their eye was to comply with their every desire? What did his attitude towards Zoro mean, so opposite, when they shared an intimacy the blond said he was looking for?

The cook's actions had long been a mystery, but now the winds of uncertainty were rising to give way to a much clearer vision of his crewmate. Sanji hadn't wanted to push him away because Zoro's feelings were unrequited. He had only been destabilized and he hadn't dared because he had felt that their relationship would take him into uncharted territory. And he had to come close to death and almost lose his identity to admit it, but he had ended up doing it. The cook had explained what he had gone through and Zoro had been struck by the first revelation he had gained from it before even understanding the significance of his confession: Sanji was progressing. This courage that the blond had shown at that moment was that of the man he had always known and Zoro couldn't help searching for this presence.

The blond had opened his heart to him and the bond between them had been reformed. The swordsman felt like he was seeing his former partner more and more often now and his impromptu butter-making session had only confirmed it. Sanji was far from being the confident man he had been, but without realizing it, his reflexes were coming back and his passion was showing.

This aspect was the most important to the swordsman and even if this discussion had inevitably brought up their special relationship, Zoro didn't know how to interpret it yet. Did the blond's confession mean that his feelings were still relevant? The fencer himself didn't know exactly how to position himself and he didn't want to skip any more steps. He had just turned the light back on and Sanji's figure was slowly reappearing in front of him so he didn't want to scare him. The cook still had to reclaim who he was and Zoro simply wanted to get him back. Knowing his rival was at his side to protect the crew and watching his crewmate focus on his dream was enough for him. Sanji was his equal, the other side of the same coin that pushed him to reveal and transcend himself, and if he drew part of his strength from him, the cook could count on him in the same way.

From Zoro's point of view, love was undoubtedly a logical step to further enhance this mixture, but he could also be wrong. His love was harsh, direct and demanding. Sanji's love seemed soft, delicate and forgiving. Could they find what they want and build something lasting? Something that would allow them to go beyond their limits once again?

Zoro had decided that he would greet any change with caution and humility from now on. The dosage was subtle, and if the result was to see their greatest strength crumble instead of strengthening it, then they were on the wrong path. They had a crucial role to play alongside Luffy and it was up to them to know how to measure the intensity for a perfect collaboration. They simply had no room for error. As they approached their goal, they increasingly visualized this unique opportunity that was looming and would never come again. And failure was not an option, neither of them would allow it.

Sanji suddenly stirred against him and Zoro instinctively turned his head. The blond's face was tense and his left hand was moving nervously against his arm. The cook was probably having another nightmare. The swordsman shook his shoulder gently and Sanji blinked slowly, a little haggard. Zoro didn't pay attention to it and got up as if nothing had happened, only pointing out the sun in the sky.

The cook nodded and quickly stood up as well. He didn't seem to be troubled by either his fitful sleep or the fact that he had woken up besides his crewmate and the fencer was happy about it. Beyond their innate rivalry, the cook needed to focus on the essential, namely that their only mission was to propel Luffy towards his destiny. This was how they had met and discovered each other. If they were to love each other, Zoro had no doubt that the process would repeat itself naturally. For now, the swordsman would simply enjoy the present moment.

Sitting on the fine sand, Sanji inhaled deeply, letting the salty sea air enter his lungs. Even though he couldn't smell it, he knew that the sea sprays were good for his body so he closed his eyes to soak in it. Deprived of his other senses, he heard only the sound of the waves and the joyful conversations of the two crews scattered here and there on the beach.

Lunch was over and their departure from the small tropical island approached. It would soon be the return to everyday life on the Sunny towards their initial destination, which Nami estimated to be a few days' journey away. Since daybreak, Franky had worked with Usopp and part of the Heart crew on the submarine's most urgent repairs. The shipwright didn't have all the necessary equipment but thanks to his skills, he had managed to recreate the watertightness of the structure to allow the Polar Tang to float safely. He had also rebuilt the majority of the navigation controls but for the rest, in the next port, the surgeon of death's pirates would have to overhaul their ship from top to bottom for the rest of their journey.

Sanji squeezed the warm cup in his hand and took a long sip. The infusion that Chopper had concocted thanks to the unique knowledge of the pharmacopeia from their last call had a lemony taste and the blond felt like he could smell some tangy notes. Unless he imagines them in the hope of regaining his sensations…

The cook sighed inwardly. The two hours he had spent in the ocean this morning had done him good but he was already dreading the preparations for the upcoming dinner. Sharing their meals with the Heart Pirates had drastically disrupted the menus he had planned and he needed to adapt with a lot less food and several more days of travel. Even the fact that Luffy and Bepo had brought back the carcasses of several brown bears against which they had fought wouldn't be enough to replenish the stocks.

It was because dinner the day before had looked like an orgy given the festive atmosphere which had embraced the two crews at that moment, and because the cook had planned to give the other crew several days' worth of food. They had nothing left and would need as many days as them to reach their next destination. Quite naturally, the decision had been made to share the food then. Indeed, fish were rare around the island because of the strong currents and apart from bears and a few fruit trees, there was not much to eat on this land.

In the end, Sanji shook his head and pulled out of his pants pocket the paper that he worked on every day, many times folded and unfolded. The distribution of food was already decided and it was useless to worry for hours about it. When he returned on board, he would be forced to make a choice on the upcoming menu and with a little luck, his crewmates could fish once the Sunny returned to the open sea.

The blond looked at the list of his qualities and flaws. He had annotated and analyzed several of them over the days, and his explorations had given rise to numerous reflections which he had also put down on paper to visualize his evolution. That's why Sanji felt like he was making some progress but he remained quite frustrated with his goals because they remained too far away for his liking. For example, he was still far from sincerely loving himself and even his goal of not being a burden to his friends wasn't easy. Sanji was particularly dreading their next encounter which would force them to fight. Would the crew worry for fear of him getting hurt or unknowingly putting himself in danger? Chopper had already forbidden him from wearing the Raid Suit and the cook understood why but if the doctor refused to allow him to take part in the fight, Sanji didn't know how he would react.

In the midst of his continual fears and hesitations, the pleasant surprise had come from the swordsman when he had told him that he was making progress the day before. For the cook who constantly doubted the validity of his actions, what the fencer had said wasn't trivial and it had greatly contributed to appease him, if only temporarily. Zoro wasn't known for excessively praising his crewmates, even in the most difficult circumstances, so the blond appreciated his compliments for what they were. He didn't fully perceive it himself yet, but he was visibly moving in the right direction and the words of the swordsman had been enough to strengthen his convictions.

This was probably the real reason why he had ended up falling asleep so quickly. Although the sea view was superb, it wasn't what had brought peace to the blond for him to finally relax his mind. Yet Sanji had fallen asleep within a few minutes and when he had opened his eyes, it wasn't because of a nightmare but because of the cold. He had glanced around for a cover without success. Zoro was sleeping soundly, sitting against the opposite wall, and his simple haramaki had seemed to be enough for him. Sanji had hesitated to come down from the crow's nest because he would have found something to warm up in the boys' quarters and even a softer bed, but he hadn't wanted to lose the serenity of the moment.

Without a sound, he had approached the swordsman who hadn't moved, and settled down beside him. At this distance, he hadn't really felt the heat of his body but his presence was comforting and warmed him. Sanji had gently rested his head against his crewmate's shoulder before closing his eyes, aware of his boldness but refusing to lose this feeling of well-being that he badly needed. Bathed in the warmth of the moment, it had only taken him a few moments to fall back asleep.

Sanji snapped out his thoughts when Usopp returned the volleyball to Chopper a little further away with an enthusiastic shout. With his paper still in his hand, the blond focused, trying to regain the serenity that had enveloped him the previous night thanks to the sun's rays on his skin. The changes he was patiently making were beginning to pay off and he shouldn't relax his efforts.

Law had sat down against a tree on the beachfront and his gaze was drawn to the straw hat boy squatting near the water. He was observing a colony of tiny crabs with excitement. Not far from their captain, his crew was busy preparing for their departure. Thus, the cook folded the parasols, the sniper collected the beach games, the cyborg scattered the ashes from the fire, the musician tried to get rid of the sand that had gone into his violin case and the little doctor deflated his rubber ring. On the deck of the Sunny, he had also seen the first mate of the crew and the former Warlord tightening the sails while the girls stood at the bow, leaning over the map of their next destination.

The surgeon's crew was mostly gathered in front of their submarine, although some of them had already climbed inside to admire the cyborg's repairs. For his part, Bepo studied their next call with concentration while Penguin listed the equipment they would need there.

Suddenly, Luffy forgot about the crustaceans and fell on his back, looking towards the sky. He was the only one not taking part in the tidying up but that didn't seem to bother his friends who were chatting quietly. The warm wind rustled the brim of his straw hat and he closed his eyes, a grin on his lips. Like he was the happiest man in the world.

Law let his gaze linger on him. The obvious joy that the other captain regularly showed had always disturbed him. From his point of view, the days passed too quickly on the Grand Line and the danger of their lives increased this feeling. The surgeon didn't regret the path he had chosen but his suspicious and strategic mind often prevented him from enjoying the pleasant moments when they appeared because he was too busy planning the next ones.

This was probably why the Straw Hat Pirates annoyed and destabilized him so much. They just went with the flow and never seemed to fear the next day, their captain first. Law found this state of mind reckless and unreasonable given the situation, but he was forced to see their success regardless. He couldn't say that their recent victory was luck either. He had seen them stand up to some of the most powerful people in the New World and it had taken more than luck for them to win. Strength and will were part of it, along with an incredible faith in the future and their captain.

This is how Law had watched himself envy their carefreeness and he had tried to be lulled by the light atmosphere. Maybe it was because the weather was pleasant and he was still enjoying the happiness of knowing his whole crew was safe at his side. Maybe because he was regularly around the Straw Hat Pirates, he had also started to get used to them. Either way, enjoying the moment took a weight off his shoulders, although the feeling was a little strange because he wasn't used to letting go of his control. It wasn't unpleasant though.

The surgeon then realized that the members of the Straw Hat crew were leaving the beach towards their ship and he straightened up imperceptibly against the tree, watching for the movements of the first of them. The straw hat boy's crewmates would soon call him and he would rush to join them, delighted to set off in search of a new adventure.

Law took a breath. He had been thinking and if he didn't act quickly, he was going to miss the opportunity offered to him. The present moment.

The captain of the Heart Pirates stood up and walked towards the straw hat boy still on the sand. He didn't know exactly what he was getting into, but his mind was made up. Maybe it was the gratitude he had felt when he had seen Bepo on the beach of this island. Or the conversation he had had with the blond cook several days earlier. Maybe because he had observed the awkward attitude of this same cook towards his crewmate.

The doctor shook his head as he walked to join the other captain. Blackleg had probably been right when he had told him that only an emotionally constipated person could know one. Indeed, it didn't take long for Law to catch the blond's hidden glances in the direction of the first mate of the crew and he had rolled his eyes before remembering what Luffy had told him. The captain of the Straw Hat crew was convinced that his cook and his swordsman had a special bond that would help the blond get better. Which, given his surprising foresight, most likely meant that their relationship was beyond simple friendship or rivalry and that the cook had no idea.

At the time, Law hadn't thought much of it. Personally, he didn't care about the relationships between the members of the other crew and as a doctor, it didn't seem relevant either. The two men kept circling each other to better be at each other's throats and he himself had witnessed it more often than not.

Today, however, these elements appeared in a different light. And to think the cook had, hand on heart, swore that his feelings were unrequited! The surgeon wasn't an expert in this area but given the history of the two pirates, he would have expected harsh and aggressive actions between them. On the contrary, he had observed a certain gentleness and astonishing patience like when the swordsman had sat near his crewmate on the beach after lunch. At that moment, the blond was nervously fiddling with a paper in his hand and the fencer had glanced at it before pointing at something. The cook had paused before nodding and putting his paper away, breathing more freely at the same time.

The surgeon had no idea what the conversation was about but their body language didn't lie and Law realized that he was probably projecting the same image as the blond cook. Locked in his pride and painful past, he refused to consider anything other than failure. Yet he had decided that he was proud enough to try not to look like this depressing spectacle.

Hence his presence at this moment.

"Straw Hat-ya."

Luffy immediately opened his eyes, surprised, before a grin lit up his entire face at the sight of the surgeon towering over him. Law couldn't help but look away for a second. He didn't understand how the other captain could display his emotions so easily and not be embarrassed…

"What's going on, Torao?! You leaving?"

The young man sat down and he leaned on one of his hands in the sand in order to lean back and see him, his other hand screwed on his straw hat to prevent it from sliding.

"Yes, we won't be long."

"Okay! Franky said your submarine would easily make it to the next island, you can trust him!"

"I do. You'll thank him for me."

"Sure!" The straw hat boy grinned brightly again and Law searched for words. "Actually, I'd also like to thank you. You kept your word about Bepo."

"Don't worry, it's okay to help each other! Besides, he's so nice!"

"He certainly is but… I'd like to do something to show my gratitude."

"I'm telling you, it's fine, Torao! I wanted to do it!"

"I mean it."

"But we made a campfire and fought those bears, it was awesome! And the fruits they had hidden were so yummy!"

"You don't under-"

"And then, we ate honey cakes!" He added, stars in his eyes. "Sanji would never have done it if-"

"Straw Hat!"

Luffy looked up at the suddenly flushed face of the surgeon of death. "What's wrong? You're all red," he noticed.

Facing him, Law tensed to the point that the straw hat boy widened his eyes when he glared at him.

"I'm telling you that I want to thank you so you're going to shut up and listen to me! You're going to come and have dinner with me on the next island where we'll make a stop together, is that clear?! And that is not an invitation!"

The surgeon's face had turned crimson and he suddenly walked away to join his crew without waiting for an answer. Luffy blinked.

Three points of view for three people who look for answers through the fog of their feelings!

Next chapter in about ten days.