Hello everybody,
sorry it took me so long to update, but I had a really important exam, which took up all my attention.
With that said, I wish you a lot of fun with the final part of the Bumblebee experience and to all who celebrate Merry Christmas

Bumblebee Gone Astray – Part 4

-Sanji-

We just make the best of it.

Well, he really hoped Robin was right, but he doubted things were that simple.

He didn't know what to expect, but somehow the past few days had been kind of… uneventful.

The truth was that Zoro continued to avoid him, but Sanji wasn't sure whether that behavior was actually directed at him or simply because the Marimo spent pretty much all day in the lookout. The surprising thing was that Luffy was up there quite a bit, too.

According to Franky, the two were fighting, almost non-stop, and that was to be honest the strangest thing about the whole situation. Zoro wanted to train all day long, that was nothing new, but practice fights between these two were rather rare. In fact, it currently had the advantage of being a bit more peaceful on the Sunny, at least for a few hours. But it had even nicer advantages, especially that Sanji didn't have to watch out for sticky fingers all the time during his meal preparations. Maybe he would even have time to try out a few recipes now, if he didn't have to defend his creations against the devouring captain all the time.

"It's kind of strange," Usopp grumbled next to him, taking another plate. "Don't you agree?"

"What exactly do you mean?" he replied, his thoughts still on the purple-and-black striped tuna that Chopper had caught the previous day, although he couldn't help but think of captain and moss head from time to time as well.

"Could it be that there is something going on with Zoro and Luffy? Luffy usually never trains so persistently and Zoro... I could swear the last few days I have... well, only seen him… like this."

Which was no wonder, given that Zoro could no longer transform.

"Maybe they have a bet going on, or whatever," Sanji deliberately made false assumptions. "Or the Marimo has one of his phases when he has this stupid urge to optimize everything and everyone of the crew, including himself. Just watch out, once he's done with Luffy, he'll probably come after you."

He could feel Usopp's gaze, remembering days long ago, back on the Going Merry, when Zoro had made it his mission to teach each of them the absolute basics of hand-to-hand combat. Luffy and Sanji had been largely spared from this because they had their own fighting styles that were quite well suited for this purpose, but while Nami and Chopper had quickly learned the bare minimum, it had been a hard time for Usopp, who had been given no choice but to push extra units until Zoro was halfway satisfied. Of course, the moss head hadn't forced it on them, but after one or two rendezvous with marines, he'd had powerful arguments on his side.

Sighing, Sanji leaned his head back. Those simple days were long gone. Back then, a talking reindeer had shocked them, now...

"Maybe Nami is right," Usopp murmured distractedly. "Maybe he's slowly coming to terms with the situation. To be honest, I never quite understood what his problem with this other body was anyway. Well, this whole thing with Eizen, okay, and also the thing with Hawk Eyes seemed to be rather complicated, but actually..."

Yes, that's probably because of me.

"... I never thought something like that would bother him. On the other hand, he had to pull off this whole sleazy charade, I can imagine that he might be a bit embarrassed by that." Usopp sighed softly. "And our reaction back then probably unsettled him."

"What?" Sanji looked up.

"Well, back when he and Hawk Eyes came to help us on this island, we didn't recognize him. I mean, we assumed at that time that he... And then we didn't even recognize him. That's probably one of the reasons why it is… was difficult for him."

Sanji lowered the dishwashing sponge. "You've put a lot of thought into this, haven't you?"

Usopp gave him half a smile and then focused back on the plate in his hand, nodded after another second.

"I wonder whether I'm treating him differently. I wonder whether I think differently about him. If I were him, I would find it terribly annoying, would probably become suspicious, or offended. At the same time, it might be best if I didn't think about it at all, like Luffy. I don't know if he even notices when Zoro walks around as a woman."

"Even Luffy isn't blind," Sanji muttered and continued to work. Unlike Usopp, he had certainty. He knew that when Zoro was in that form, he behaved differently, that he treated him differently, thought differently about him, and he couldn't really change it. And he knew full well that he was the reason Zoro had kept the truth from all of them. The comments of the other crewmembers might have played their part, perhaps the last grain of rice to tip the scales, but not only had he failed to recognize Zoro, but he had completely misjudged who this woman had been.

"But everything seems to be going in the right direction," Usopp then remarked more confidently. "After this whole distraction thingy, I thought at first that it only made things worse, but maybe that's when the berry dropped."

He sounded genuinely relieved, glad that these underlying conflicts within the crew seemed to be resolved, and Sanji couldn't bring himself to tell him that Zoro wasn't in that form by choice and wasn't voluntarily exposing himself to their gaze.

"Although you can tell that it's not so easy for him. Franky told me he wasn't exactly talkative while patching sails – but well, he never really is."

"Franky just asked him directly?" Sanji looked up and Usopp simply nodded. Of course. Franky made no secret of such things. Like the other crewmembers, he must have noticed that something was off, so he had probably just approached Zoro.

"But Zoro didn't talk much. Unfortunately. I mean, I understand that he doesn't want to bathe with us like this." His gaze was briefly on Sanji, and this time they both knew who was responsible. "But well, whatever. Everything will settle down, and while we're at it..."

They were done. Usopp freed himself from his duty and hurried out the door to join Luffy, Franky, and Chopper for a bath before Sanji could give him new assignments.

With a quick glance at the clock, Sanji realized he could also catch some of the cheerful chaos in the bathroom if he hurried a little. He would never admit it out loud, as he also liked to have his peace and quiet in the bathroom, but the truth was, this crew could party well, and every bath together was like a big party. Silly, chaotic, but also funny and just a great time, sometimes even a bit relaxing. No wonder Usopp had hurried off so quickly.

But Sanji also wondered whether Usopp had deliberately taken his time doing the dishes, had deliberately sought out this conversation. If Franky had asked Zoro directly, the Marimo probably hadn't lied, and if Franky had told Usopp about that conversation, probably to tell him just that. So why had Usopp pretended he didn't know? Because he didn't know whether Sanji knew? Because he wanted to find out whether Sanji knew something? Actually, that didn't suit Usopp. They both had a good rapport and were honest with each other.

But then he knew what was going on. Franky probably hadn't meant to gossip about Zoro's inability to transform — it had probably just slipped by accident when he'd talked to Usopp — and they probably didn't want to risk Zoro misunderstanding that as a breach of trust, so that was why Usopp had probably just not told him. At the same time, of course, Usopp also knew that because of Zoro's different form, there was a tension between him and Sanji no one really wanted. That's probably why Usopp wanted to put him on the right track. Damn, this whole situation was just awkward, and they all behaved off, foremost Zoro and himself.

He sighed. How could he and Zoro ever be halfway normal with each other as long as he was in this body? Maybe it was unfair, but Sanji prayed that it wouldn't be permanent, not so much because of Zoro, but even more for himself.

Usopp was right. It was unusual for the damned Marimo of all people to make such a huge secret about this whole affair with Lady Loreen. He wasn't really the type to complicate things unnecessarily. But with this body it was different, Zoro behaved differently, sensitively, emotionally, awkwardly. Zoro, of all people, who didn't really care what others thought of him or how others saw him, was suddenly inhibited and self-conscious dealing with them, his crewmembers. And Sanji hadn't noticed that until he'd seen how uninhibited and natural the Marimo had been with the freaking Hawk Eyes, just like the others had realized it at that moment. Just as it was only then that they all had really realized how much it had affected them all.

But even after that long and difficult discussion, things had gotten better, but Lady Loreen and everything related to that body was still a sensitive, a delicate, and a cumbersome topic that they all preferred to avoid, especially the Marimo.

Sanji didn't quite understand why, but from all the conversations with the Marimo, he knew for sure that he was Zoro's main problem with Lady Loreen within the crew. If he hadn't reduced the Marimo to his appearance in this form, things might have turned out differently, Zoro might not have distanced himself so much from them and perhaps not put himself in such danger.

Sighing again, he swept the table one last time. He couldn't change that now, he couldn't help the fact that Zoro's current body made things more complicated between them than usual. He couldn't help the fact that he couldn't treat Zoro the way he usually would. That he perceived him differently and behaved differently.

He couldn't change all that, but he could try to make it less uncomfortable for Zoro. While putting together the bento, he came to the conclusion that it was a good idea. For the Marimo, the current situation was difficult enough as it was, he had admitted that himself, so Sanji didn't have to make it any harder for him.

Zoro avoided him, but not so much the other crewmembers, apparently talking to them about stuff, too – or whatever he was doing up there with Luffy all this time, those crazy idiots – so maybe it would be a little more normal for everyone if Sanji withdrew a bit, so Zoro wouldn't have to avoid him anymore.

That seemed doable. He had a lot to do anyways and at least for a few days he would be able to stand it, even if it didn't feel great. But he wanted to be considerate, to learn from his mistakes, and he wanted everyone to feel comfortable on board, even their single-celled amoeba, who Sanji had never thought capable of such complex thoughts before...

The door behind him opened and he could already hear who it was by the footsteps.

"One more moment, I'm almost done with your bento."

"Huh? Why? I don't need one, I was at dinner..."

That... was true.

Damn! He had been so upset about this damn mossy head that he had automatically put together a bento for him, even though this idiot had eaten for once!

"Then why are you here? I told you that we don't have enough sake anymore to keep your alcohol abuse going..."

"Calm down. Just want some water."

He turned around. Actually, the picture wasn't particularly surprising, if not disheveled and drowsy, the other always looked as if he had just interrupted his workout, his hair tied back, a T-shirt that was too big, the black tight pants, sweaty with reddened cheeks. Still, every time it was an apparition, every time he was surprised, every damn time it was like he was seeing this beauty for the first time.

Nami was wrong. How would he ever get used to it?

Then he noticed Zoro's look and quickly averted his gaze. He had been staring again, but how could he not?

Contrite, he grabbed the bento and put it in the fridge. It would find a taker – Jinbei liked to help himself at night – but such carelessness usually didn't happen to Sanji. It was terrible how much he was preoccupied with this whole topic. It wasn't his problem! He was in his body! And the Marimo was still as annoying as usual.

Unnerved by himself, he lit a cigarette and leaned against the counter while the other poured himself some water.

"I can also give you a bottle, so you don't always have to get down just to have a drink," Sanji offered sensibly, not even thinking about whether the other drank anything at all during training.

"No need, can get me something if I need something."

Snorting, Sanji rolled his eyes. How was he supposed to be sensible when that bastard let him run up like that?

Then he remembered something.

"Hey, I wanted to talk to you. Um... I..." He had a hard time finding the words as the other looked at him with that raised eyebrow, obviously unnerved, but also a fucking feast for the eyes. "Uh... Luffy and the others are just taking a bath and I..."

He took a deep breath and then looked away demonstratively.

"I know I'm your problem, and I can't help it, but I do know that Chopper misses you at bathing. None of us can handle his antlers as well as you do, not even Usopp, and I... I mean, I'd much rather have my peace and quiet anyway and I can... then you can..." Why was it so difficult for him? "I won't disturb you, so feel free to bathe with the others."

There was silence for a moment.

"And since when do I need your permission to bathe with the others?"

!

Was this guy trying to bullshit him?!

"That's not what I meant!" Sanji squeezed out through gritted teeth. "But I know you don't bathe with the others because I'm there too, so..."

"I don't care what you do or don't do."

Sanji stared at the other, but this time not because he was so delighted, but just because the other made him angry, freaking angry. He tried to be considerate here, not to make it even harder for Zoro with his current situation and Zoro thanked him by making a fool of him again?!

"I'm trying to be nice!"

Unimpressed, Marimo met his gaze.

"No, you're trying to push your problem on me." He took a deep sip and put his glass down. "It's your problem if you're not able to be in a bath with me without dying of a nosebleed."

"But you're the one who avoids me and everyone else."

"Nope, it's just you, because you're the most annoying, pathetic pervert I've ever..."

He grinned. Zoro grinned a diabolical grin, the likes of which Sanji had never seen on that face before and at that moment he recognized him, he saw him as if it had never been another body.

It was only then that Sanji realized what had happened, what he had done.

Zoro grinned, half-crouched away, one arm raised defensively, blocking Sanji's foot. He had attacked, he had attacked Zoro. He had...

"Oh fuck! I'm really..."

The back of his head slammed against the counter as his legs were kicked down, faster than he could look, the next moment he was grabbed by the collar. Zoro looked down at him, still grinning.

"Don't you dare apologize!"

Then he let go of Sanji and turned around. Hurriedly Sanji scrambled to his feet.

"What the hell is your problem?"

The Marimo stopped and looked over his shoulder.

"I can't change that I'm in this body, Cook. It may be shitty for both of us, but I really don't need your pity."

He sounded calm, matter-of-fact, but Sanji was anything but that. He just couldn't make sense of this bastard, and this bastard was doing nothing but always driving him nuts!

"I just wanted to be considerate! And I don't know why you're mocking me because of that! Damn it, I thought my presence bothered you and now you're mad when I avoid you, even though that's exactly what you've been doing the past few days?!"

"Yes, your presence bothers me – but that has nothing to do with this body – and I don't have a problem with you avoiding me, go ahead, just do it." He crossed his arms coldly. "But stop behaving like this. The only good thing about you is that I don't have to hold back with you, I can snap at you, and you snap back, so stop kowtowing and treating me like some fragile something, that pisses me off."

With that, he turned and went to the door.

"You know I can't help it! Not as long as you look like this and are in this body."

"I don't know what you mean, right now it worked just fine. Seems like I just have to annoy you enough." Zoro shrugged. "Honestly, yes, this body annoys me. But if I can get used to it, then you can too, and hopefully then you'll finally stop acting so annoying – even more annoying than usual, because even your normal behavior is really fucking annoying – well, if you want to bathe, go ahead and don't worry about me; I can take care of myself. But if you get a boner because I'm there too, I'll punch you in the face."

Confused, he stared after the other as the door slammed shut behind him. He had always known that swordsmen were somewhat insane. But Sanji was agitated, no, he was desperate. He had just kicked a woman for the first time, something he never wanted to do, even if that woman was actually the Marimo.

Shaking his head, he turned away, but then he realized as if he had completely forgotten how their friendship worked, their strange, annoying, agonizing, violent friendship. He looked back at the door.

No, he hadn't kicked a woman. He had just kicked the Marimo, something he had done thousands of times before and wanted to do many more often. Maybe Nami was right, maybe even he could get used to it, and maybe that was his best contribution to really help his crewmate.

But there was still a long way to go.

Then he lifted his head as the door opened again, but it was only Brook who poked his head in.

"Here you are, our hardworking chef," he greeted him in that warm voice. "I know it's very unusual for Luffy to bathe twice a week, but since the water is already hot, I wanted to take advantage of the opportunity. Would you like to join in? If we're lucky, it's a bit quieter now."

Sanji rubbed the back of his head, noticing the small bump that would form there, then shook his head.

"Not today, I want to clean up a bit. Maybe I'll take a quick shower tomorrow morning."

The musician nodded. "If you say so."

"But I'll join next week," he quickly added.

An indecipherable smile slid across the skull before Brook nodded, wished him a good night, and then closed the door.

He was clearly not ready to see Marimo completely undressed while bathing together – the idea alone had already too much effect on his body – the way was probably still very long, but they would manage it somehow and he was looking forward to it. Only now did he realize that he missed quarreling with the Marimo, letting off steam with him.

Yes, soon they would be able to argue with each other a little more lightheartedly, like before, as always, and damn it, he was really looking forward to that, maybe a little too much. Well, one had to be a bit insane to be a part of this crew, and that didn't just apply to their swordsman.

-Zoro-

It was the first night that Zoro was able to train really satisfactorily. He wasn't naïve like he used to be. He knew about the weaknesses of this body and knew that he couldn't just eradicate them with training really hard. He would need a strategy, a system, if he wanted to make more than just the humanly impossible possible in this body. Luckily, he knew someone who could help him, and luckily there was one thing Zoro could always count on.

I don't have anything less in mind.

Nami was right, either way, Zoro knew he could go the way. For the very simple reason that he had always done it so far. The hard, painful path took longer and was more arduous, but he had enough time, and he wouldn't give up.

And then, at some point, he would defeat Mihawk, no matter what body.

It was exactly as he had told Luffy back then. Yes, he had doubts, but he had strong crewmembers, a strong captain, and from now on, Zoro would be strong again. Physically, he may not be there yet, but he knew exactly that he would follow his path the same way he had always done, so there was nothing to regret, nothing to doubt.

Although the night in the cabin was as loud as ever due to the snoring and murmuring of the others, he slept well. For the first time in days, he slept really well. Tomorrow or the day after, Mihawk would get in touch, and soon Zoro would have certainty. The other might be a little frustrated if Zoro couldn't turn back but that was how it was. Zoro would still defeat him no matter what.

"Hey, get up, Marimo! You've overslept and it's long past time for... Oh, wow, you've done it."

Sleepy, Zoro wanted to ignore the shitty Cook's annoying voice, but still fought his way into a sitting position.

"What kind of crap are you talking about?" he mumbled, yawning openly. Then he noticed it, noticed it when his knuckles brushed the bunk above him, noticed it in the way his shirt fitted, how his feet touched the bottom of the bunk as he stretched, the air on his neck.

Slowly his gaze cleared, and the Cook stood in front of him, grinning broadly. "You have no idea how relieved I am to see you like this."

"You're pathetic," Zoro replied, enjoying the argument that was following and eventually became violent.

Yes, he was relieved too.

But while he was quarreling with the Cook, he noticed something else, a quiet frustration. He had always liked challenges, especially the really, really difficult ones.

So, after breakfast, he climbed down to Usopp's workshop and asked him if he could make him a wristwatch with a built-in stopwatch. He didn't know what had happened. But he knew it could happen again, and even if it didn't, he wouldn't let it matter.

He would have to train more in that body, would have to spend more time in that body in general, even in front of the others. Because once again he would not accept this helplessness, he was too strong for that.

He grinned. He wasn't there yet, had still a long way to go, but that's what made it so exciting. Maybe Nami was right, maybe he really was like a bumblebee, and he would prove anyone who doubted him, including Mihawk, wrong.