Archive of Our Own

Zoro rolls his eyes at the blonde.

Once again he's going on and on about his soulmate. The soulmate he doesn't know the name of. The soulmate he's never met. He's never seen. Someone he may never come across.

Since the day they met him waiting tables at the Baratie he's gone on and on about his soulmate. It's gotten annoying fast. So fast that Nami looks annoyed. To be fair Zoro thinks it's more to do with the fact they just left Alabasta, leaving behind a certain princess.

Anyone can see Vivi and Nami had gotten close in such a short time but near the end their friendship had become more than just friends. There was a sexual tension between them. Zoro knows it didn't end well. He saw, one night as they were crossing the desert he saw Nami had kissed the princess then confessed her feelings. Zoro never heard her sound so sincere about anything before. Sadly she was rejected. Nami had asked why, it didn't make sense. Vivi had told her she is waiting for her soulmate. That answer confused the navigator. With how vast their world is, how crazy, how dangerous and mysterious it's not unusual to think that you may never meet your soulmate. Either because they are too far or they have passed away. Most pirates forego thinking about soulmates. Some find out their soulmates are pirates through the newspaper or wanted posters. Being a pirate, it's not hard to think or believe your soulmate gave up on you. No one wants a pirate as a soulmate. No one not already a pirate.

It's no different for Vivi and Nami. They are not soulmates. The names tattooed on their skin are not each others. For Vivi it's her childhood friend. For Nami it's in gothic font so it's hard to read but she knows it's Perona. As a pirate Nami knows she's never going to meet her soulmate. She felt a connection with the princess but it wasn't going anywhere. Vivi let her have her first kiss.

Nami has been in a bad mood since. Even Robin joining hasn't changed her mood long. Sanji doesn't help by twirling around going on and on about saving himself for his beautiful soulmate. Going so for as to describe her. Zoro swears the woman he describes changes every single time. He's annoyed but can't say much about it, he does find it admirable that the blonde is trying to be faithful to someone he hasn't even seen before. Especially as a pirate, no one is going to stop him from doing what he wants. On this crew, they all know it's dangerous why not delve into your desires?

He doesn't hate the blonde per se. He knows their cook is strong, kind and selfless, attributes he can appreciate in a crewmate but he does get annoyed by the blonde. Most of the blondes brain is taken over by his soulmate. Especially as they try to find an island with information about Skypiea.

Zoro sits straight as he sees Nami snap. "How can you not know your soulmates name?" She criticizes the blonde, eyes narrow as her attention is to Sanji. As weird as the font is of her soulmate, she use to spend days staring at it when she worked for Arlong. Enough to finally be able to read it.

Sanji stares at her, eye a bit wide, stunned by her tone. As if judging him. But they can't know, ever since meeting them he's worn his suits. The spot his soulmates name is at has been hidden. "I can't read it. It is in their native tongue, not the universal language we all use." Sanji says putting down the plates he was serving. He takes off his blazer.

"It is said that our soulmates name is written in their native tongue so that we can find each other easier." Robin says watching with interest.

"The soulmate stuff sounds hard." Chopper says turning away, he's already seen it. In fact he's seen all of their soulmate names.

"Usopp is the luckiest." Luffy laughs.

The whole table takes a moment to look at Usopp. The name Kaya across his exposed bicep. Easily seen and legible. Unlike Namis who is also on her bicep. Robin is on the curve of her breast. Cutty Flam. Poor Robin but that is a very unique name, can't imagine many people with that name. Then there's Luffy who is also on the unique side. He got initials. TDWL. That's one hell of a name tattooed on his clavicle, barely hidden by his red vest.

Sanji's is a mystery because he always wears his suits so they have no clue where it is.

Zoro is also a mystery. Especially since he works out a lot without a shirt, so unlike the chef, they have seen Zoro bare. And there's no name on his shoulders, arms or anywhere on his chest. They (Usopp, Luffy, and Sanji) have checked his back, thinking that may be where it is since Zoro was so protective of it during his fight with Mihawk. It is not on his back. Of course Zoro won't tell them where. They stopped asking, not wanting to push him. There's nothing they can do.

"Can any of you read this?" Sanji wonders rolling up his sleeves, there on his forearm is his mates name. Everyone crowds curious around his arm. Wanting to see for themselves. They all look wide at it. Unlike the others, besides Usopp, where the soulmates name is ink black, Sanji's is blue. "Oh." Sanji breaths out surprised himself.

"You didn't know it was like this?" Usopp wonders. Kaya name on his skin is red.

"Do the colors mean anything?" Chopper wonders, having been born and raised mostly as an animal he doesn't understand some human things. Mostly when it comes to soulmates. He finds them weird about it. People don't openly talk about it like this.

"Yes." Robin answers looking at the small reindeer, a small smile on her face. "As you can see most names are in black, meaning you haven't met them yet. They change color depending on your feelings towards them or if you've even meet them. Red means you're romantically involved with them. Light blue means you've meet them but nothing much has happened." She explains.

"But I've seen some that looks pink." Chopper points out.

"Like a scar?" Robin questions. Chopper nods. "That means they are dead, after you met them. If it's white that means they died before you met them."

Zoro slowly sits down. Eyes wide at Sanji's tattoo. His mind racing miles a second. Shit. Shit. Shit. That's his name on the cooks forearm. Of course the cook wouldn't be able to read it, it's in kanji. Sure Sanji is showing his name upside down, the first Kanji goes from his wrist down, but he knows his name. It was the only thing he knew when he first started learning at the dojo. He knew how to write his name, that alone seem to impress sensei. Besides his ability. He learned more as he studied there. Even Kuina helped him, she use to make fun of him for it. He never cared, what would one expect from a kid that mostly lived on the streets? After he learned as much as he can and was proficient enough they started teaching him the universal language.

He hated those lessons, he felt they were useless considering it still wasn't the same language as what his soulmates name is written in. It's embarrassing now how bratty he was about it but he's glad they taught him. He wouldn't be here now if that weren't the case.

It also had to make him think about soulmates. Something he hardly did think about it. Not because he hates his soulmate. How can he hate someone he's never met? But because he doesn't know what to do about it. On one hand it feels nice to know he has someone out there, that he's not as alone as he once thought he was. He felt less alone once he met Kuina but he knew there was someone out there that would love him more than them, care for him more. He doesn't even know if his parents cared enough about him. Did they abandon him or did they die? As sentimental as it is, he wants to think they died. A morbid thought but it's better than the alternative.

On the other hand he didn't want to drag someone into his problems, into this life he's gotten himself in. In following his dreams. He is sure his soulmate has their own dreams so he wouldn't have gotten upset if they were following theirs and not thinking about him because hey, he's following his own too. If that's not the case he doesn't want someone to drag him down or get in the way of his dream. He made a promise and he's going to keep it. If that bothers his soulmate so much then maybe it wasn't meant to be like everyone thought. The universe made a mistake.

He wasn't sure where his soulmate is on the spectrum. Would they even want to meet him? Are they going after their own dream? Would they get in the way of his dream? Would he get in the way of their dream? Do they already have someone in their hearts?

It was best to focus on his dream. And after meeting Luffy it was so easy to focus on him and his crew.

But... his soulmate is here. On the crew. Following his dream.

Going on and on about how he thinks his soulmate looks like. Which is nothing like him.

Now what is he going to do?

Everyone, including him, thought that soulmates are what they mean, two people connected by the soul. On his island it's a myth that everyone use to have two heads and four arms but the gods were angry and split them up, that's why everyone has names tattooed on their skin, to help find their other half. Their soulmate. The other half of their soul. Meeting them makes your soul complete. You have a piece of their soul while they have yours.

Zoro sometimes thought if that were true then being together would make them stronger, after all they would be complete. Kuina laughed at him, sensei just stares. With those soft eyes of his he said "maybe that's true. Who knows?" in a soft tone, but it wasn't like he was going along with the whims of a child. It sounded like he was also considering it.

Should he just announce it?

He missed his chance.

Missed it over and over again. It's a bit hard to talk privately with someone when they are on a small ship. He doesn't know what to say anyway. Maybe it's best this way. He knows what Sanji wants in a soulmate. But he can't hide it forever, their soulmate names change colors. He'll know something is odd about it.

Zoro gets his chance. It's at an odd time, as they wait for the knock up stream but it's quiet and everyone is lounging around. Even the monkey crew that has been helping them is relaxing. He spots Sanji leaning against the railing smoking. Zoro takes a deep breath, swallowing the lump in his throat. He's nervous because it's Sanji.

But he needs to at least talk.

Zoro stands next to him, both staring at the sea. Feeling too close Zoro decides to twist and sit against the railing watching the crew as Sanji continue to stare at the ocean. "Do you... want to meet your soulmate... even though you are a pirate?" Zoro asks, shoulders tense. Hoping he sounds casual about it.

"As long as I know she exists that's fine." Sanji smiles, his sleeves rolled up to reveal his name. Sanji looks at it lovingly. "I know I must have scared her off being a pirate but as long as she's alive that's fine with me." Sanji smiles, Zoro watches. It's not that different from what he always imagined. So they aren't as different as he thought they were. That made his heart thump in his chest. It's not a bad feeling.

"You... keep saying she but what if your soulmate is a man? You can't know right?" Zoro tilts his head curiously at the blonde.

"I can feel it. Besides I'm not gay."

"What does soulmates have to do with what you feel? They are suppose to be your other half, a piece of your missing soul. It's not about what you like or not. This other person completes you." Zoro says. That's how he always imagined it. So he never put much thought into what gender they were. He didn't want to drag someone into the dangerous life of a pirate. He accepted never meeting his soulmate when he agreed to join Luffy. But maybe that's how it's supposed to happen. Following his dreams helped him find his soulmate. So they can find their dreams together, to be stronger.

Sanji laughs, not the airy joyful tone he usually has, this one is more mocking. "If my soulmate turns out to be a man then... I'd rather be without a soulmate. As I said I'm not gay. Having a male soulmate is useless to me. I'm shocked you feel like that about soulmates. I thought you would hate soulmates being more into your swords than anything else." Sanji laughs turning around.

"I guess you don't know me." Zoro says watches the blonde shake his head. As if the notion of having a soulmate the same gender as him is so outlandish. Zoro doesn't think too much as the blonde walks away. To be fair, Zoro doesn't know much about Sanji either. He knows three things about the blonde; cook, ladies, and kicking.

It hurts to be rejected without the blonde even knowing the truth but what does he expect from the ladies man? He should have seen this from miles away. To be fair he did. That's why he didn't blurt it out. Besides if he did then he'd have to show the cook's name on his skin and he'd rather not in front of everyone.

Besides now is not the time for drama. Lucky for him he has time to shake the heartbreak off.

Lucky for Zoro seeing he's got a bounty does make him feel better. Gloating that fact in front of the blonde makes him feel better for two reasons. The first reason is because it means he's now known to the world, more than he already was. Setting himself up as the second strongest besides Luffy. And two because it gets a reaction out of Sanji, making the blonde look at him. That is always fun.

That's the only way to get those blue eyes on him. To goat him into a fight. That's all he's going to get from his soulmate. Zoro might as well get use to it.

Throughout Skypiea Zoro slowly learns about Sanji. His habits. The way he thinks. His focuses.

Zoro feels cursed. He finds the way Sanji is curious about new recipes or even cooking tools and gadgets to be endearing. Like a little child in a candy shop. When he's trying new foods and it tastes good, Sanji gets this sparkle in his eye. Once the first bite is taken he eagerly takes another, this time chewing slowly, taking a moment to taste the flavor. He takes a while, his eyes to the side, thinking about the seasonings used. The third taste he has a small notebook out writing his thoughts out. Seeming done with trying to figure out by himself the flavor, Sanji talks to Conis' father about it.

With the cook gone Zoro decides to take his own time to enjoy the flavor. He figure he might as well for his soulmate. Not that it would hurt him. He knows Sanji enough that the cook wouldn't let anyone on the crew starve. Not even him. The kindness Sanji has that Zoro always knew. He can eat slowly, something that feels off even when eating without Luffy. He could never be too careful, if he didn't eat fast enough he could lose his food. That's still true, on this crew and living on the streets.

It tastes good but Zoro wouldn't be able to really tell. Honestly everything the cook makes is good. Way better that what Zoro use to shove in his mouth when he was younger. As long as it made him less hungry he didn't care how it tasted. Or how it was cooked. Or if the flavors matched with anything else. He didn't even care how fresh it was.

He sadly doesn't get to enjoy learning anything else about Sanji as Zoro, Robin, Nami and Chopper are taken away from the rest of the crew and placed on an alter.

Of course they don't meet up with the rest of the crew until late evening.

He helps Sanji cook. Though he wish it didn't include having to use his swords. Being allowed this close to his soulmate Zoro finds it cute how happy Sanji is when he cooks. A smile spread on his face, hands moving fast and with purpose.

The blonde smiles wider when the rest of the crew express how good the blonde's cooking is. Zoro wants to make him smile too but it's too late for him. If Zoro said anything good about it they all might think something happened to him. It would be awkward. Plus he wouldn't know what really to say.

"It's good, cause I know it won't poison me." Like he could say that. It doesn't seem like Sanji would appreciate that as a compliment.

"It's better than trash."

"The fresh ingredients help make it good."

Zoro doesn't know about food, maybe he should just stick to himself. Not like Sanji would really like a compliment from him anyway.

He can learn about his soulmate but maybe he should keep his distance.

It would be pretty bad if he fell in love with his soulmate. Right?   

After the battle on Skypiea they set sail for a place to get Merry upgraded.

Water 7 is where they end up. It doesn't end well.

Zoro blushes looking away. He tried to warn Sanji, who is on the train to Enies Lobby, that these guys are strong. Instead the blonde teases him. Asking if Zoro is worried about him. He doesn't answer, only because it's true.

He tried really hard not to but he's slowly falling and there doesn't seem to be anything to stop him. He's tried to stop himself but it's really hard on this crew. Their ship isn't large, and they are always getting into trouble. It's hard for his feelings not to grow in these circumstances.

Especially since Zoro has taken it seriously to get to know Sanji. He's found himself enjoying those moments. Sanji is cute with his action. Physically he's appealing to the eyes. It doesn't help Zoro can only see from afar. Even when they playfully fight it doesn't allow him long enough to fully take note of Sanji appearance.

He does know Sanji has beautiful blue eyes. His hair is a nice golden yellow. He's got a nice jawline. He smells nice. And he's not as lanky as he looks.

He's trying his best.

The fight for getting Robin back does help take his focus away from them.

But after?

Saying goodbye to Going Merry takes his attention.

Luffy's grandfather is a great distraction.

Their party is too.

And the talk about Usopp joining the crew again gets his mind away from his soulmate.

Their new ship the Sunny.

And running away from Luffy grandfather.

Thriller Bark.

Just like Water 7, in the beginning nothing seem wrong besides finding Brook and the creepy fog but it was, like many things, a good distraction.

Until it wasn't.

Kuma. He's strong and as much as he loves Sanji -oh shit it went there, there's no stopping his feelings now- his loyalty lies with Luffy. Plus Sanji doesn't want him as a soulmate anyway. He may have promised Kuina but he also promised to protect his soulmate.

And seeing Sanji step in front of him he couldn't not move. Shoving his sword into the blondes side. Sanji frowns at him as his eyes slowly close. He's angry but Zoro doesn't care. He just gives his soulmate a bittersweet smile. "You have a code to never hit women, I have my own code." Zoro says, unsure if the blonde can even hear him but he doesn't care.

His moral is to protect those he cares about, especially his soulmate.

Sanji.

It's painful but he knew it would be.

Sanji snaps his eye open. In the background he can hear Luffy laughing with the crew. He looks around dazed. It's sunny and everyone seems to be okay. He stands up. What Zoro said before he passed out still ringing in his ears. That smile Zoro gave him is haunting him more than it should.

Sanji's heart drops when he spots the abandoned katanas. He gets a sinking feeling as he starts running to find Zoro.

Something in him feels like it's going to break if he doesn't find him fast. He doesn't like the feeling.

He pauses. Feeling relieved at the sight of green hair, the man standing. The sinking feeling doesn't go away as he gets closer. Zoro is covered in blood.

"Nothing happened." Is what Zoro says in answer to his question, stoic with his arms crossed over his chest, face serious. Sanji heart is about to beat out his chest. How can that be true? Zoro is covered in blood, a lot of it is still flowing down Zoro's body. And what is with the large red splashes around him. The ground and the few pieces of debris Zoro has found himself hidden in the middle of is covered with blood. He's not stupid, he knows it's Zoro's blood but why is there so much of it? "I'm glad... to have seen you one last time." Zoro smiles, Sanji stares at the swordsman, dumbfounded.

What is that about?

He doesn't get long to think about it as Zoro's eyes roll. His body falling forward. Sanji catches him. He's freezing cold. No one should be this cold. It feels like his own heart is stopping. "CHOPPER!" Sanji shouts from deep within his chest. "CHOPPER!" He shouts again, moving Zoro around to carry him. If the little doctor doesn't get to him then he'll go to the doctor.

He meets the doctor half way, the reindeer with the crew. Everyone stare at Zoro in horror. Sanji is a bit angry at them. Why are they asking what happened like idiots? What else could have happened?

Did they really think Kuma would just let them go? He was stronger than them all. Luffy wouldn't still be with them if something didn't happen. Zoro is hurt protecting Luffy. It's obvious so why are they asking something so stupid?

Sanji watches the whole time Chopper bandage, stitch, grind herbs, and check Zoro. The whole time Zoro doesn't move. He needs a moment so he walks away. Two people from the island they made friends with talk to him, having witnessed what Zoro did after Zoro hit Sanji in the side.

Sanji threatens them to keep their mouths shut, then walks back to Zoro. He doesn't understand why but his body feels heavy. He sits down by Zoro and Chopper, the little doctor frantically trying to get Zoro's injuries healed. The problem is finding them all.

Sanji doesn't understand what is going on with him. His hands rub his face, thread through his hair, messing it up. He can hear the others partying. A clack of shoes is rather loud in his ears, he doesn't understand why.

"Want a snack?" Robin asks very low, for Zoro and the cook. Sanji can't muster up the strength to even acknowledge her presence like usual. Not getting an answer Robin sets the plate down. "Chopper have some too." She says. Chopper hums but doesn't stop.

"Sanji... your tattoo." She say worried. Sanji, looks over to see his tattoo on his forearm. His soulmates name is turning pink, some lines are still blue, most are pink, one is red.

"Wha...?" Sanji stares at it confused.

Robin turns and walks away. She's noticed it for a while now but he seem to focused on Zoro. She's got a hint about them being soulmates, she saw Zoro's reaction to it the first time Sanji showed it. Afterwards she noticed Zoro, his eyes always went to Sanji. Watching but keeping a distance.

She didn't understand it until she met Franky, or if she goes by his real name; Cutty Flam. They had a moment to themselves, long enough to talk to each other. They both felt the same way, trying to keep themselves away from their soulmate because of their past. Franky more so considering his soulmate has had a wanted poster since she was a child. Some things can't be avoided. Now they are happy.

With her own experience, she understood what Zoro was doing. Knows, because she was eavesdropping, that Zoro protected them... for more than just Luffy, their captain, but also his soulmate.

Sanji stare blankly as he stir the pot. He can hear Luffy and Brook talking.

He knows their captain is going to recruit him. He's always wanted a musician.

What he's really focused on is his soulmate mark. It's a very dark red, more like blood now. The color is confusing him, because why would it be red, the color of love, when he hasn't talked to his soulmate? He doesn't even know what they look like.

It then clicked. It couldn't be a coincidence. Zoro is on his deathbed while his tattoo is also pink. Sure Sanji could say maybe his soulmate is also dying where ever she is but that doesn't explain the way his heart hurt, his body is heavy, the fact he could not do anything but be by his side. Or the way the pink spread over the blue when something happened to Zoro. Every time Chopper would frantically move, he could see the little doctors eyes watering. Worried.

It's not until he saw the tattoo finally fully turn red that he agreed when Chopper had deemed Zoro safe. It sunk in that Zoro might have been his soulmate the whole time. It's one thing if his soulmate passed away but the tattoo itself told Sanji that they met, they crossed paths, they were on their way to the after life, that his soulmate loves him.

His soulmate loves him.

Sanji knows for a fact that can't be true unless they were in constant contact with each other. No way his wanted poster was enough for love to grow, and he hasn't gotten to know anyone deeply on the islands they've been too. Knowing his soulmark must have changed after meeting the crew. They couldn't have gotten to know him enough for those feelings to get this deep if that were the case.

After all sky blue means they have meet. Green means they like each other but not romantically. Purple means they hate each other. Red means they love each other, of course romantically. Orange is jealousy. Pink and white is death. Black is never meeting them. Last of all is a golden yellow, that one has never been seen. It's said that golden yellow is so rare of a color to see on soulmates, it means their bond is so deep it went beyond just romance, love or like. Their bond couldn't be broken.

A deep red, blood like red, like the color on Sanji forearm means it's a one sided love. Which means Zoro loves him, even though they don't interact with each other. That makes him even more confused. How could Zoro love him? Don't they hate each other?

He knows that's not true. Ever since showing off his tattoo to the crew and seeing it's a light blue, like the sky Sanji checks it every night before bed. It was never purple. Never any shade of purple. He doesn't even remember it ever turning green.

Why does Zoro like him?

Sanji shakes his head. He doesn't even know if Zoro really is his soulmate, he needs to see Zoro's tattoo to confirm.

But... even after all this time no one has spotted it.

Because he's curious Sanji finds himself in the small room area Zoro is resting in. Sanji can only stare at the swordsman. There's a bandage wrapped around his forehead. Around his neck. His whole torso. Both arms. His dark pants have been changed but the blonde can see white bandages peaking on his legs, reaching his ankle. The cook had wanted to check but he doesn't think he could.

For one that would mean taking off the bandages. Chopper would be so furious. Plus that may hurt Zoro. At the moment those bandages seem to be the only thing holding the swordsman together.

And Sanji isn't ready to. He doesn't want to get close to the green haired man at the moment. No, he doesn't want to touch him if there is a chance they are soulmates. So instead Sanji inspects Zoro's hands, feet, and most of his head. Maybe his name is tattooed there. Without touching of course.

His strong but surprisingly thin hands are filled with callouses but no tattoo. His feet are tattooless but he lets a gasp at the scars at the soles of Zoro feet. They look old but deep and painful. He can't imagine what caused them. Searching on Zoro head is challenging. It's hard to spot his name with Zoro hair in the way. It doesn't look like his name is there though. Nothing stands out besides his hair color.

Sanji finds himself sitting on the floor next to Zoro. Taking in his form. Zoro looks peaceful, a complete difference than when he's taking a nap. Snoring loud enough he can hear it from the galley. It's wrong for him to be so still. To be laying straight.

It's not the Zoro he knows.

The Zoro he knows wouldn't be happy to see him, wouldn't have smiled sadly at him. Doesn't that seem like further proof? If that's true why hasn't Zoro told him? He showed his tattoo off to the whole crew. He hasn't been hiding it, he's been exposing his forearm more since then. Unlike Zoro who seems to be hiding his tattoo.

Sanji is reminded of the one time they talked. Waiting for the knock up stream. Sanji heart tightens at the memory of what he told Zoro. He mocked Zoro.

Zoro was rejected. He rejected his own soulmate. Without even knowing.

Looking at Zoro now... he's very different from what the blonde imagined from a soulmate. The biggest largest thing is his gender. But ignoring that for a moment Sanji can objectively say Zoro isn't ugly. He's got a nice straight nose that upturns at the point. Straight jawline. A nice smile. A strong physique. And that's the thing, a strong physique, there's no soft curves, a delicate waist or large breasts.

Zoro is a man.

But of course he's getting a head of himself.

He's not even sure if they are truly soulmates, not until he sees his name branded on Zoro's skin. Unsure where to start looking.

Sanji hangs back smoking as he watch Zoro walk alongside their new member, Brook, back to the Sunny. They seem to be talking about something but he doesn't know what.

Zoro seems to be acting normal, as if he didn't say anything out of the ordinary during their last meeting. He dreams of Zoro smiling down at him, at saying those sweet words to him. Sounding like a man ready to die. Accepting his fate.

It hurts Sanji emotionally remembering that so he tries to forget. Pushing it to the back of his mind.

He still needs to confirm if they are in fact soulmates. He thought he'd try to get Zoro to admit it.

He doesn't know how to do that.

At first he tries staying in Zoro space, bothering him enough to confess but that doesn't work. Zoro either walks away from him or ignores him, meditating until Sanji gets bored and leaves. The crew also pick up that something is wrong and ask him about it. He lies, saying he's just keeping an eye on Zoro, especially since Chopper couldn't manage to get Zoro back in those bandages. So he stops with that plan.

The next plan is catching it when they bathe together. It's a good thought but besides the ladies no one on the crew shower that much. Sanji does every day but Zoro does every three days. Usually with the doctor. But there are times where Zoro is extra sweaty after a workout so he washes up. Sanji try to join him but Zoro calls him out, glaring at him for an answer. Sanji once again bullshit his way out. Having wanted to help Zoro since his injuries were so severe. Zoro declined that without a thought. To fast that's it's almost suspicious, but it's him Zoro rejected, looking grossed out by the idea.

It sucks because they've bathed together before. Usually after fighting on an island, they all bathe together but Sanji never focused on Zoro. He would have seen it if he had known. He declines the others offers too, which is weird. Suspicious weird.

Curious Sanji tries to peep. He almost gets caught by Zoro instincts. He's been more perceptive since Alabasta. After a very close call he decides to go with a different approach that doesn't make him look like a lunatic. That's Luffy job.

He asks Chopper. As the crews doctor he's seen all of their bodies, naked too for their check ups and while treating them. The little doctor must have seen it. So he asks.

Chopper sat looking up at Sanji as he munch on some sorbet that's very close to Cotton candy tasting. A bribe is what the snack is. "I have." He nods.

"Do you know what it says?" Sanji asks excitedly. Too excited for the blonde, adding in the fact it's something about Zoro.

Chopper stares at him, Sanji knows he's being weird but he can't find another way. Chopper tilts his head adorably. "No, it's in a native tongue I'm not familiar with, even Zoro said he can't read it." Sanji deflates hearing that.

A part of him demands he not give up. His first language is his native tongue, obviously. Germa, as much as he doesn't want to think about, has their own language. As a prince he learned both, his native language and the Universal language. It makes sense his name isn't in the universal language. There's another point to them being soulmates.

If he really thinks about it, Zoro is odd. His mannerisms, the way he talks, even his accent, hell the way he introduces himself is different, much like Sanji, enough for a point to someone having been born somewhere with a unique culture. Somewhere perhaps with a native language. Another point. Luffy, Brook, Chopper, Franky, Robin, Nami and even Usopp have their tattoo in the Universal language, meaning the islands they grew up on did not have as unique as a culture as Zoro and Sanji do. The only difference is font style.

Which gives Sanji an idea. "What did it look like?"

"Swirly." Chopper answers.

"Here, try to recreate it." Sanji suggest slapping a piece of paper on the table, sliding it closer to the reindeer. Then handing him a pen.

"It sort of look like this." Chopper says drawing curves in a straight line, loops. The first loop larger than the other. Similar to his name, but that could be a coincidence. Maybe it was the font style. Robin name on Franky is very pretty, in very elaborate cursive.

To make sure Sanji takes the paper, writing his name below Chopper loops. He has a feeling Chopper will recognize it when he sees it, being their doctor: more specifically Zoro's doctor. "Like this." Sanji asks showing his name. Chopper stares at it for what seems like hours, in reality it was ten seconds. In that time Sanji feels himself start to sweat with nerves. Even his legs begin to shake. After a few seconds Chopper eyes widen.

With a large smile on his face Chopper looks at Sanji, "that's it!" He shouts. Sanji turns the paper back to him. It's confirmed. He is Zoro soulmate. His name is tattooed on that sun kissed skin. But where? "If you read the same language maybe you can help Zoro. He always looks like he wants to meet his soulmate." Chopper adds. Hearing that hurts him, does Zoro want him?

Even after all this time? Sanji looks to his forearm, he's gotten very use to showing it off. It's still blood red. Sanji shakes his head. "Don't tell him about this. Don't tell anyone." Sanji tells the doctor seriously, eyes also serious as he look at Chopper. He knows the reindeer won't. First off, this is a patient doctor talk, he informed Chopper of that from the beginning. Secondly he's the cook, you never anger the cook.

"Okay." Chopper agrees, sadly though.

"What's wrong?" Zoro asks looking at Chopper worried. Then looking at the cook with a glare.

"I told him not to tell anyone what I'm doing." Sanji says folding the paper in his hand so Zoro won't see his name written down. He will piece it together. Zoro is rather observant.

"About?" Zoro crosses his arms over his bare chest. Seems defensive at the moment. He must think badly about Sanji at the moment. His heart telling him to fix that. But Sanji doesn't know what to say that's not the truth. Blue eyes catch the bowl of half eaten sorbet. That's it!

"I want to make a surprise dinner. I want everyone to write their favorite meal, then I'll put them all in a jar and whose ever I chose will be it." Sanji lies. Chopper raising a curious eyebrow at the blonde. Why lie?

Quickly Sanji rips a piece of paper out his notebook. Handing it, along with his own pen, to Zoro. "Really?" Zoro asks, glare smoothing out. There's a shine in his eyes now. He looks excited about this. Sanji pauses to observe him. Was he always like this? He doesn't think so but he was never paying attention. It's... nice.

Blue eyes follow Zoro motions as he sets his shirt to the side, watching Zoro write down his favorite meal. Now realizing Zoro has never told him what he likes. He can guess from what they eat fast or what they don't touch. Zoro, almost like Luffy, eats everything but the sweet stuff. That's all he knows.

Sanji eyes roam from the long looking lashes to lips, jutting clavicle, plump looking chest, the ridges of abbs, leading his eyes further down. Until he reaches Zoro green belly band, to match his hair apparently. Stopping his eyes from going further.

Now noticing he was ogling Zoro he snaps his eyes to Zoro writing. He saw it, how Zoro writes. Line by line. It's not the universal language. Leaning a bit closer to see he sees Zoro writing in a familiar way to his tattoo. If he didn't already know he'd add it to his evidence.

But more importantly "I can't read that." Sanji tells him. Zoro leans back seeing what he wrote.

"Ah, right." Zoro says sounding embarrassed. He crosses it out then tries again right next to it.

When done he hands it over to Sanji, along with the pen. Sanji nods looking at the paper, his eyes ignore the universal writing and to the similar strokes that Zoro had written on the side. He would have liked to have seen it clearly. "You are bilingual." Sanji says, looking at Zoro as he puts the paper away.

"Yeah." Zoro says slowly, watching the blonde as he put his shirt on.

"What... was your... home like?" Sanji finds himself asking.

"Traditional I guess." Zoro answers, eyes on Sanji as if trying to see what's going on. Since when has he cared to ask Zoro a personal question? Zoro decides not to think too much on it, it could be a passing question. Maybe he didn't recognize the meal. Don't read into it, Zoro tells himself.

Without another word Zoro leaves. He does watch Sanji, looking at Sanji as if he's a new person that can't be trusted yet.

Sanji has a lot to think over.

He found his soulmate. He should be happy but instead he's confused.

Sanji should have expected it. The crew never get peace long enough to relax and think. Something always has to happen.

They made it to the red line, meaning they are at the halfway point. Off to the New World. Then they meet Camie and Pappag. A mermaid and a starfish. Nothing surprises them much anymore at this point.

Then they save Hatchan, a familiar face. Not in a good way.

Then there's Duval. Sanji rage at the reminder of his wanted poster, he didn't stay to angry. He caught sight of Zoro chuckling at it. Smiling Zoro look nice, it distracted him. Brook laughing very open about it pissed him off.

The problem is solved by Sanji rearranging Duval face. Good thing to as Zoro hadn't healed all the way. Sanji saw him fall to his knees. He didn't look good, his skin paled.

At Sabaody it's going well. Until it stops being fun. Camie gets kidnapped. Worried they chase after to get her.

They meet Rayleigh. Save Camie. But in the process punch a celestial bringing of course chaos to the archipelago. So they fight a bit. Go somewhere safe. Talk to the old man. Learn that he was on the King of the Pirates crew. Hearing vague stories from the old man. It only fueling Luffy sense of adventure. The old married couple seem very fond of their captain. And learn that ship coating takes three days.

With danger on the island they decide to split up. Sanji planned to sneak in the direction Zoro is going. He may know they are soulmates but Zoro hasn't talked about it. Hasn't mentioned it. He'd like for them to talk about it.

They don't get far. Kuma is back. More precisely a pacifista. It takes all they have to take it down. Only for more to show up. And worse... an admiral dressed in yellow. Kizaru.

Sanji watch with wide eyes filled with fear, mouth open ready to scream, his heart stopping but at the same time ready to rip through his rib cage as he watch Zoro laying face down in the dirt unable to move, with Kizaru hovering above him, his long leg raising ready to step on him. Ready to kill Zoro.

Sanji never felt more relieved seeing Usopp. So glad he was there with Zoro, carrying him on his back, stepping in before Kizaru can step on Zoro, even though he must have been afraid. Hell he was afraid. The same can be said to Rayleigh. The old timer really saving Zoro again. The admiral determined to go after Zoro. Who is the weakest at the moment.

They were not completely safe though. Kuma. The real one shows up.

Because of his frail state all eyes and attack is on Zoro and by extension Usopp who is carrying the man. They all try to protect Zoro but they are outnumbered and outclassed.

Their only choice is to run.

Run.

RUN!

Sanji runs as fast as his legs could to Zoro as he stood in front of the large man. Hands outstretched to grab his soulmate to safety. Why is he just standing there? Everyone is yelling for Zoro to run but Zoro stood on his shaky legs, holding his side. Kuma gives a look to Zoro, surprised he's here. Zoro just flashes his sharp canines, a toothy grin to the man. Not backing down.

"If you were to go on a trip where would you like to go?" Kuma asks.

Before their eyes Zoro disappears.

Sanji feels like he couldn't breathe. No matter how hard he tried.

Sanji sits in a tree. He's been training for a long time now here, almost six months now. He lets out a sigh. The sun setting. He reaches into his pockets for his lighter. He finds a piece of paper in his pocket alongside his lighter. Once his cigarette is lit he leans back on the trunk of the tree. With both hands he unfolds the piece of paper. He almost drops his newly lit cigarette. The paper is faded but he can still make out the writing. Zoro handwriting. His favorite meal. Once again Sanji eyes focus on the familiar writing to the side. He forgot this was in his pants.

So many emotions well within Sanji he doesn't know what to do. He remember the moment so clearly. With the pads of his fingers he slides down the writing. He remembers Zoro writing from top to bottom, straight down. Zoro look serious as he wrote but excited. Zoro writing in his native language neater than the universal language. The native is much prettier, is the only way the blonde can describe it. Universal language is not bad, all the letters are uneven. It's not illegible though, or scratchy like Luffy. Sanji brings his arm up. He rubs his soulmates name, still blood red. Better than it being pink.

As soon as he woke up on this island he had to check if Zoro is alive. He's so glad to see he is. Almost drove himself crazy with worry. Wanting to get to Zoro but having no way of too.

A thought comes to Sanji. If Zoro wrote top to bottom then, the first group of criss crossed lines below his wrist must be Zoro first name. Oh, but wait. Zoro is his first name, and the swordsman always introduces his name by his last name first. So these line strokes must be his last name. The bottom one must be his first.

Sanji traces the lines with his finger until he gets tired, feeling comfort in his soulmate being alive. He puts the paper back with his lighter. Jumping off the tree as silent and fast as he can. Wanting to make it to his room without getting attacked. He's gotten use to fighting but he's not in the mood right now. The memory of Zoro makes him want to curl into a ball and never leave.

It's painful remembering Zoro. His mind always goes to Zoro slipping through his fingers.

That day haunts him.

But what's worse are the nightmares of Thriller Bark. Seeing Zoro covered in red. Body cold but a mixture of wet and sticky. Zoro silently screaming in pain because Sanji doesn't know what he sounds like screaming but he doesn't like the visual aid his mind comes up with. Sanji runs trying to reach Zoro, sometimes he doesn't and his soulmate is gone and sometimes he does but the joy is short lived by Zoro cold body. Looking Sanji finds Zoro dead in his arms, lifeless body covered in blood. Soulless eyes staring a head. Sanji cries, trying to wake him but something dark with bear ears always takes him away. Ripping his soulmate from his arms as another dark creature holds him down.

Everything leads to him dying.

Sanji gasps awake. Another nightmare.

Wanting to calm himself down he makes his way to the kitchen in this damn castle. Luckily his room isn't far. Sanji pauses at the sight of someone here. The presence doesn't shock him, it's the look of the person. A tall buff man with short hair dressed... normally. Sanji thought every person on this island is a hairy man cross dressing. He looks normal.

Which makes Sanji weary.

The man laughs, having been facing Sanji since the blonde came into the kitchen. He has light brown hair and green eyes. A large beard. He's even got some crows feet. "You must be Sanji. The one I heard about." He says, voice deep it shakes his bones. Sanji dumbly nods. "Sit, let's have a snack. I made theses myself." He says motioning towards a table. He sets two plates down, one for him and the other for Sanji.

Too tired to really fight Sanii goes along with it. He sits down, across from the other man, staring at him then looking away. He wanted to ask but not finding it in him to actually ask. It's none of his business. His body still feeling the affects of the nightmare.

"Tough nightmares?" the man asks. Sanji looks at him. He raises an eyebrow in question. How did he know? "I see a lot, you don't look good. A bit pale. Must have been a nightmare. That or you're sick." he gives Sanji a serious look. "You don't look sick, so it must be a nightmare."

"Yeah it was." Sanji rasps out after swallowing.

"Want to talk about it?"

"Not really."

"Well when you feel like it or the nightmares get to much you can come to me. I'll listen. Talking to someone helps." the man says.

"Right." Sanji dismisses the man, more focused on eating the late meal, a very good tasting one.

"How many recipes have you gotten yet?"

Sanji looks at him then back down at his plate. "T-ten."

"And you've been here for six months now? You're never going to reach me at that rate." He teases with a smile.

"You?" Sanji snaps his head up.

"Yeah, I hold the ninety ninth recipe."

"Who holds the hundreth."

"Who else? Invonkov."

"I didn't... you don't look..." Sanji starts but stops, ending the sentence.

"My circumstances are different. Those chasing you are the people born on this island so they act the same but there are some like me who came here for a safe environment."

"What are your circumstances?"

"I'll tell you mine if you tell me yours. I know you're a pirate but no one's told me anything else."

"I'm on Luffy's crew."

"Ah, Dragon's son. I got it. But that doesn't explain how you got here. In this situation, I'm guessing it has something to do with those nightmares of yours."

"Not all of it." Sanji looks away. If he wants answers he's got to be more open with this man. "My family was abusive towards me. I ran away. Got taken in by some random pirate turned chef. Meet Luffy and joined his crew."

"We've all got a past. I was a doctor and phsycologist on the island I crew up on. But I didn't fit in. See, you may not realize it but I was born a girl." The man smiles at the blondes surprised face. With a smile he continues, "I didn't like who I was. Thought it was all wrong. My soulmate ended up being my best friend. I thought since we were soulmates he would understand."

"Did he?" Sanji asks hopeful. That sounds like a wonderful love story.

"No, he loves another. The last I heard the women he left me for cheated on him with her real soulmate and they are happy. He's not so happy. None of his romances last." He smiles with a shrug.

"That must have hurt." Sanji says.

"It did, but what hurt most was him not accepting who I really am. This." He motions to his body. "Before I got like this I was very small, pretty cute to for a girl. But I wasn't happy about it. Then I met Ivonkov, who saw me and knew instantly. I was offered an opportunity. I tried one last time. My soulmate was harsh, so I told my family the truth and ran away. I've never been happier. My soulmate would have been happier with me, he's always wanted to travel but he made his choice." He says, a small smile at the corner of his lips, but his eyes are sad. "Are you okay?" He asks staring at Sanji worried.

Sanji blinks, and that's when he feels it, sliding down his cheeks. Tears. He quickly wipes them away. "It's nothing." the blonde says.

"It's your soulmate right?" He says, catching the way Sanji flinch. "So I'm right." He lets out a sigh. "Did he reject you or something? Was he mean?"

Sanji shakes his head. "No." Sanji takes a deep breath to clear his throat. "It's the opposite. I rejected him, before I even knew it. I can't read his name." Sanji explains showing off his soulmate tattoo. Then he realized the man guessed his soulmates gender correctly.

"Yeah. How'd you reject him?"

"He asked what I'd do if my soulmate turned out to be a man. He knew by then." Sanji wraps his hand around the name.

"You didn't say anything nice."

"I didn't." Sanji hangs his head.

"Do you regret it?"

"Of course."

"Do you like your soulmate?"

"I have found I don't hate him. We are on the same crew."

"It seems like he loves you." He motions to the tattoo. The color painfully obvious on his pale skin.

"I don't know why. I have never been kind to him."

"Just him? But you've been kind to others?"

"Well... yeah, ladies need to be protected."

"Oh, you're one of those." He mocks. Sanji frowns at him.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"It means what it sounds. Some women may find it endearing while others don't. There maybe some who count on it and will take advantage of you. Your soulmates feelings must be deeper than that color let's us to believe."

"What makes you say that?"

"No one wants their soulmate to look at someone else, treat someone else, love someone else more than them. Yet he cared, loves, you. There's something deeper there. You say you don't hate him then what? Do you want a relationship with him or not? Romantic or platonic? If you don't think about it now it'll hurt your soulmate more."

Sanji sat thinking. He doesn't know what he wants. He never thought about it. The only thing he knows for sure is he doesn't know Zoro at all. It's not like Zoro knows him either. They don't know anything about each other.

He should start with that.

"I don't want him to get hurt. I've almost seen him die in front of me twice."

"Nightmares?"

"Yeah."

"Those nightmares might stem from you feeling guilty about the unknown rejection or it could stem from the idea that your soulmate willingly, I'm assuming, put himself at death's door without a second thought of you. It may also be you don't want your soulmate to die without having the chance." He stands up, plate empty. "You've got a year and a half to figure the rest out Sanji."

"Yeah."

"Your soulmate knows, correct?" He questions.

"Yeah." Sanji says finishing up his meal.

"Let's hope he's not thinking of leaving you behind." He says. Which doesn't make Sanji feel better. But he had a feeling the other man did that on purpose.

Though, he too wonders what Zoro is doing right now.

Zoro frowns. Perona hovering over him as she puts a bandage on his head. He took a rough beating earlier.

But that's not what's bothering him. He lets out a tired sigh. With his eye, the other covered in a bandage, he gives her a look. He moves back. "I'm tired of this." He states. Perona eyes widen. She looks over to Mihawk who lowers his newspaper down to see the young swordsman.

"Are you giving up?" Mihawk asks surprised and a bit disappointed.

"What! No! I'm tired of Perona sighing like a ghost, and you've been stalking me outside of what's normal." Zoro states. Mihawk nod, satisfied he's not giving up. Mihawk raises his newspaper to continue reading it, this having nothing to do with him. "You look like you want to say something so say it!" Zoro demands loudly.

Perona, looks down, different from her usual demanding demeanor. "Nami... is she okay?"

Zoro raises an eyebrow over the working eye. "The hell if I know. I was sent by Kuma here first. I didn't see anyone else. Considering I'm still alive I would assume she is fine too, I'm sure she's training to get stronger like all of us are." Zoro answers turning away from her.

The room is silent.

Zoro looks back to Perona to see her still in deep thought. Her eyes then look at him, still curious. "What?" Zoro turns away. He knows getting it out in the open will get things back on track.

"What is she like? What does she like?" Perona wonders all meek like.

"No." Zoro says firmly. "If you want to know about your soulmate ask her yourself. I'm not going to be your middleman."

Perona glares at Zoro. "How heartless. What about your soulmate? Do you even have one?"

"I do. I know everything about him."

"I bet you threw him to the side. Heartless demon."

"I wanted him. He threw me to side." Zoro glares at her, he stands up, rushing out the room. He hadn't meant to tell them that, it just blurted out. He wasn't going to stick around either. He didn't want to see their reactions. Both Perona and Mihawk watching his retreating form.

"Wait! Is that true?" She asks.

"I'm focusing on my dream. I don't need him to do that." Zoro says slamming the door shut loudly. He does want him though. But he knows Sanji doesn't want him. The last days before getting separated were just because of what happened with Kuma. Nothing more.

He's not going to get on his knees, he's not going to show weakness to someone who doesn't even know, and doesn't want him. It's bad enough Zoro got too close. He fell in love with Sanji.

It shouldn't have happened but he did.

He fell and hard at that.

Seeing him flirt with women hurt, it pained him but Zoro masked it. He also did all he could to bury those emotions. He doesn't need this. He should focus on protecting the crew and most of all being as strong to help Luffy become King Of The Pirates. That's all that matters.

That's what matters.

Nothing else does.

Zoro lets out a sigh as he hears his door open. If it's not her damn ghosts it's her. She never knocks. He continues to stand against the railing of the veranda to his room. What has become his room. Elbows resting on the cold stone, eye staring into the scenery. Which isn't much on this island. Just trees and dark gloomy skies. Maybe some fog on a good day. If he pays attention enough he can see a humandrills jumping from tree to tree.

It doesn't take long for her to join him. Not hovering in her usual manner, which is odd to see but considering what he blurted out a few hours ago it's not surprising. She sits the stupid ugly bear on the railing playing with the things arm.

It's silent.

The two just standing there, in this abandoned castle that sat on a long forgotten island. Both just watching the depressing scenery.

Perona breaks the silence first. "Do you want to talk about it?" She asks.

"No." Zoro answers instantly. No reason to second think.

"You don't have to be rude about it!" Perona complains looking at him, hand on her hip. Shoulders tilted a bit foreword. She's glaring at him but Zoro has a feeling she's sulking.

He takes a step back. "Do... you want to talk about... it?" He asks. As much as he doesn't want to talk about himself and Sanji maybe having someone talk about themselves and their soulmates wouldn't be too bad. Now that he thinks about it no one talks about soulmates on the crew. Sure they all know Usopp has Kaya and now Robin has Franky but that's all there is to it. Usopp and Kaya have been together since before they picked him up. Robin and Franky had gotten together and talked while the rest were trying to get to them. By the time it was all over... there wasn't much to talk about. Robin did help convince Franky to join the crew but grabbing your soulmate by the testicles isn't... romantic.

Now... well before they got separated, it had become facts. They shrugged it off and continued forward. Who wants to talk soulmates anyway? Before meeting Brook less than half the crew found their soulmate, Sanji and Zoro don't count. The cook doesn't know. Then with Brook, who's been dead for so long, doesn't remember his soulmates name. And he doubts they are alive still. It's not a topic they want to bring up. Common courtesy for the others who still have black tattoos. Which, after Thiller Bark, is just Luffy. Brook is bones and the tattoo must have been on a very fleshy part of his body because it's not on any part of his bone. Chopper even checked, it's sort of hard to tell what might be a letter and what's just worn down bone. Chopper of course doesn't have one. Luffy doesn't seem like he cares but he knows Luffy doesn't. He's just more focused on his dream.

What doesn't help is Zoro couldn't ask questions. If he did then he'd have to either come up with a lie, he's no good at that or be honest, which he doesn't want to. He doesn't want to tell anyone, he doubts Usopp, Robin and Franky know how to keep a secret. Robin maybe but she might be more subtle about it. He also doesn't know what to ask. He sure as hell didn't want to ask what it's like loving and being loved by your soulmate.

He'd much rather pretend he hasn't meet one, or that he doesn't have one.

"I... never thought I'd meet her. She was always just a Nami in pretty hand writing on my skin." Perona says turning back to the trees and gloomy skies. One hand coming up to her bicep. Almost exactly like Nami. He sees Nami name in a beautiful calligraphy, if he didn't already know what it said he wouldn't have known, her name is blue. A dark blue. It does stand out a bit with her outfit, being pink black and white, but it's not too eye catching.

"I think that's how everyone feels." Zoro says. He knows he's stared at the name on his skin. Clueless to the name but unsure he'll meet the other. "At least you could read yours, mines in his native tongue." Zoro say.

"I don't know what to do now."

"Why not get stronger? You want to stand by your soulmates side, getting stronger is the way to do that. I won't tell you much about Nami but I do know she'll follow Luffy, just like me. We both owe him, we'll follow him to the end. I don't know how she feel about you considering...." Zoro motions outwards. Trying to suggest it is the whole situation. For one Nami learned her soulmate is an enemy. Two, Nami saw her soulmate disappear in front of her eyes. And lastly, Nami soulmate is the same gender. Sure Zoro knows about Vivi but who is to say it's always like that. Maybe that changed Nami. Maybe it was a one time thing. "But the color is blue which isn't bad." Zoro says.

"I guess the circumstances weren't the best." Perona says thinking about that day. Not at all how she imagined meeting the name from her skin. Perona did find it cute how Nami was scared of everything. Would Nami cling to Perona like she does her friend? She wouldn't mind. She did get a glance at Nami in a wedding dress. She was beautiful.

"You're really considering it?" Zoro asks shocked.

"Getting stronger for my soulmate isn't a bad dream. Since being here I've had no clue what to do. I'm also uncertain about Moria. I don't know if I should go back. I don't want to hurt my Nami again." Perona says, eyebrows furrowed. Thinking about this deeply.

Getting stronger for your soulmate. Zoro never thought about it like that.

Sure he's getting stronger for Luffy but getting stronger so he can protect Sanji doesn't sound so bad. The cook has a bad habit of getting injured either fighting women or protecting them. If Zoro is stronger than Sanji the that's one person Sanji has less to worry about, Zoro isn't sure Sanji cared at all for him. He can foolishly dream. Come up with stupid ideas.

He could get stronger for both.

Sanji lets out a breath of smoke. It feels odd being back. Two years ago it seemed like too long. Now it feels like it wasn't enough time. Sadly he didn't get all hundred recipes but he got close. Besides he spend a lot of time thinking it over. What does he want from Zoro? They are soulmates but does he want more than that? How far is he willing to go? Does he want a romantic relationship?

He wants his soulmate. But he doesn't know how far he's willing to go with Zoro. Because of the last question he's not sure about a romantic relationship but he's willing to have a relationship with his soulmate.

That brought the unsettling truth he doesn't know Zoro. At this point he only knows Zoro's schedule and his favorite food. Nothing else.

Sanji takes the faded paper from his pocket. The black ink is no longer black, it's now a light grey with some letters too light to see. The edge of the paper is worn down and tattered, the paper itself is no longer white. It's now a light coffee color.

He wants to know Zoro more, better than anyone else. He needs to fix their relationship.

He needs to find Zoro.

Which isn't hard. His soulmate stands out. He shows his wanted poster to a couple people and they pointed him in the right direction. He ends up at the shore. The fishermen is freaking out. After asking he learns that Zoro had gotten on the wrong ship. His heart sinks when the fishermen mentions, seeing the wanted poster, that it's not accurate as Zoro has a scar on his eye.

Scar?

His heart hurts hearing that. He can't help but wonder if it's true. Maybe it isn't Zoro and there's been a mistake? If it is Zoro then what happened?

Before much can be asked a broken ship emerges. Zoro sat there without a scratch.

Sanji could do nothing but watch Zoro as he gets closer, until he gets on shore. Sanji doesn't pay much attention to what Zoro is saying. His heart is beating so fast. It's Zoro!

And of course he's changed.

He's gotten larger. Not much in height. They are even in height now. But his muscles have grown larger, especially around the shoulders and biceps area. But not just there. His hips seem larger too, along with his waist and so does his chest. He's not as thin and lanky as he once was. Zoro wasn't a twig but he's wasn't as muscle filled as he is now.

Zoro's green hair also seems brighter. It was always a dull bright green now it's almost lime green. He still has his three earrings, shining as bright as ever.

Sanji heart stops at Zoro face. A scar going down from his forehead down to his cheek, closing his left eye. Zoro always gets hurt, but it has to be very bad for it to scar. Zoro's only been scared by one person. He wonders what happened that he now has a scar on his eye.

A tan hand waving in front of his face has him realing back, blinking back to reality. He looks over to see Zoro raising his scared eyebrow up in question. "Look like the idiot is back." Zoro says with a smirk. Sanji can only blink stupidly.

Zoro voice hasn't changed but damn, if it isn't good to hear it again. It's always been deep. It's very pleasing, especially after two years of not hearing it.

Though now that he's in front of Zoro, his soulmate, he doesn't know what to do or say.

Not like he has much choice as Zoro is off. Not wanting him to be lost Sanji sticks close to him.

As Sanji looks around he can see from the corner of his eye his soulmate huffing and twitching, not able to calm down.

"What's up your ass?" Sanji asks. Zoro only pauses to raise an eyebrow at the cook. Not so much the question but the fact Sanji asked anything. Since when does he care about anything. More than sure if this was two years ago Sanji would have just snapped and told him to calm the fuck down. Which would have started a fight and helped a bit.

Sanji realizing how weird of a question he just asked is, and the swordsman silence is making feel self conscious a bit he continues, "you've been antsy since we meet each other, what's the problem?"

"Oh... do you really want to know?" Zoro wonders skeptical about Sanji change. It's almost a hundred and eighty degree change but it's been two years. No way anyone is the same after what they went through.

"I wouldn't have asked if I didn't want to know." Sanji says sharply. God damn, does Zoro questioning him make him mad at himself. It makes him feel like a shitty soulmate, but he was and he can't blame anyone but himself.

"I want a fight. Two years of training to be back and now I'm here. Can't wait for us to start on our journey." Zoro explains a small grin on his face. Sanji blue eyes zeros in on it. Zoro always look nice when he laughs or smiles. Sanji can feel his heart beating in his chest.

Sanji watches from the side with Nami, they are about to descend into the ocean but Perona, Namis soulmate if he remembers is talking to Zoro. Nami is watching with her arms crossed, a frown on his face.

"They... we're send to the same island by Kuma." Sanji says filling the silence between them. Nami snaps her attention to the blonde.

"Really?"

Sanji nods. "Yeah, that's what I got from before." Sanji says, having met Perona on the archipelago when they were first running from the marines, she showed up with her ghosts. Talked to Zoro for a minute before the two were off running in search for Luffy.

Nami lets out a sad breath of air. Eyes turning back to the two. Sanji can see the sadness in her eyes. Which he wholly understands the feeling of. They watch as Perona slips something into Zoro haramaki. Then they exchange goodbyes, unknown when they will see each other again. If ever.

For both it hurts, seeing their soulmate happily talk to one another. To know they've been in close contact with each other, for two years. They were living together for two years!

Nami moves to the helm.

"Set sail!" Luffy shouts happily. Nami and Sanji may be smiling on outside but on the inside they are crushed.

But for now they focus on their journey. A journey with their crew, after two long years.

As they settle down into the ocean more and more the more the surrounding gets beautiful. They've lived on the ocean, on land, for years. Never would anyone imagine they'd go under the sea.

"It must be nice to be together again." Sanji and Nami look over to Usopp. He finds the sniper in front of Robin and Franky. The couple standing together.

"It does. The wait was worth it." Robin says with a smile. Those around smile at her. So happy she has been feeling better. Sanji catches the curl at the corner of Zoro's lips. Zoro uncurls his arms, slowly turning to leave. It seems like the blonde isn't the only one who noticed.

"We had a SUPER time catching up as we wait for Luffy." Franky smiles pulling Robin closer.

"Zoro! No more sneaking away!" Chopper shouts. Zoro jumps in his skin, turning his head Zoro sees Chopper trotting towards him. Zoro runs away. "Zoro!" Chopper screams as the young doctor chases him.

Of course Zoro finds himself in the infirmary in the end. Sanji listening secretly. Turns out when Chopper got here they'd all gotten a quick check up. Except Zoro, Sanji and Luffy. Chopper has been trying to get Zoro for days but he's been elusive.

Zoro's okay. Considering it's been two years since he'd gotten hurt. Nothing besides that scar over is eye is new. His body has grown. He wants to check himself, to catch a glimpse of his name tattooed on Zoro's skin. Standing there imagining it, his name labeling Zoro as his makes his heart beat fast. And a warm feeling fills his lower gut. A smile spreading on his face. He wants to see it.

Zoro belongs to him.

Better yet, he belongs to Zoro.

It's a feelings he's never really felt but it's good.

Zoro answers as many questions as he can.

After Zoro it's Sanji. Then Luffy.

Of course nothing is ever simple and easy being on Luffy crew. One thing after another happened.

After learning Kuma help protect the Sunny, then that he's apart of the revolutionary army but he's now lost his memories the crew gets attacked by a pirate crew under the sea.

Because it was a surprise attack and because they aren't use to this, being in a new environment, one they know nothing about it shocked them. How do they fight without popping the coating?  What do they do?

Nothing because the sea cow ran them off, except the captain but by himself he seem to lose his confidence.

They didn't think much about him after tying him up.

Then they go down a sea current, like an underwater waterfall. It was fun.

Until they meet the kraken.

And of course Luffy wants to catch it. But what can they expect from their captain. So with the help of the captured captain, Caribu, they are given bubbles to capture it.

They don't so much as catch it as they beat it up. And saving a large shark in a shirt.

But after they get sucked down, further down into the ocean, separated from the rest of the crew.

Zoro looks around. Surrounded by darkness. He takes a deep breath. "LUFFY! COOK!" Zoro yells into the void and nothing comes back. No echo. He can't see anything down here. He squints his one good eye. His heart beating wildly, worried for his captain and soulmate. Mind conflicted with who to worry more about. His captain who is a devil fruit user or his soulmate who can care less about him.

As if being pulled he walks forward, in the void getting closer to something. He doesn't know what's pulling but he has a feeling it's Sanji. And sure enough he's right. Sanji float with both hands over his mouth while his eye is shut closed. Without hesitation Zoro reaches over, grabbing hold of his collar to pull him into his bubble. His heart skipping a beat, which makes him frown. Two years of meditation and he's still gets flustered. It pisses him off. He should be in control of his own body.

He pulls Sanji into his lap, watching the man take deep breaths. Sanji eye slowly opens, blinking as he takes a deep breath. "Marimo?!" Sanji yells, sitting up quickly, lucky for Zoro he is fast enough to dodge it.

Zoro looks at his hand. He doesn't remember if there's been a moment he's ever touched Sanji. Zoro shakes his head and turns around looking for Luffy. He'll focus on Luffy.

Sanji sees the swordsman actions through his fringe. A thought comes to him: Zoro knows doesn't he? Zoro has seen his tattoo. Of course he knows. Is Zoro pushing him away? Because of what the blonde has said over two years ago?

Sanji heart drops. Does Zoro hate him? Did Zoro even want a soulmate?

"What do you think of soulmates?" Sanji blurts because he needs to know. Zoro slowly turns to him.

"Why do you want to know?"

"I'm just curious. We're pirates." Sanji shrugs his shoulder and looks away trying to seem nonchalant about this.

Zoro watches the cook for a while, there's no way he knows. He wouldn't be this calm and it's not like he can find someone who can read the name on his arm. "Eh." Zoro shrugs then looks away trying to feel for Luffy.

"What do you mean 'eh'? Do you not want to meet them?"

"Eh. It'll happen if it's meant to be. But I'm not going to force something that's not really meant to be. If he doesn't want me that's okay. If he's focused on his dream that's okay to. I'll just focus on my dream to. And protecting Luffy. It's okay Perona- ah." Zoro looks at Sanji forgetting that's who he's talking to. He's gotten use to talking to the pink haired girl.

She'd comfort him even though he never wanted it. They even started talking to each other about soulmates. It took awhile for him to come around but he did. At first it was slow and not much.

Sanji eyes are wide, the marimo said he multiple times. He knows, no question about it. "Would you like to-"

"Oh shit!" Zoro shouts falling into Sanji as the bubble spins and moves.

Sanji can not decide what to feel. Zoro is so close. He's warm and soft. With those thick layer of muscles one would think Zoro would be hard and blocky but he's not. The marimo has gotten thicker. Not just his shoulders but his waist and hips too.

When the spinning stops Sanji looks to find he's on top of Zoro. "Are you okay?" Sanji asks. Zoro face scrunches up. Zoro just stares at him, as if trying to read his mind.

"What happened to you? You actually care." Zoro wonders, not carrying the position they have ended up in.

"Well I don't hate you." Sanji tells him frowning.

"Really?" the swordsman questions. Genuinely curious. A sad thought comes to Zoro mind, when Sanji learns the truth the cook would definitely hate him then. Zoro eyes widen. "Luffy!" He shouts sitting up, almost smacking his head against the blonde, the cook moving to look himself. Both look up to find Luffy in his own bubble.

"Hey!" Luffy smiles at them. And like they should expect the bubble pops.

"Luffy!" The two shouts. Sanji rushing to get their captain inside before he sinks too fast.

Luffy just laughs.

When they meet with the crew they've gotten a new pet. The kraken Luffy originally wanted.

But things can never be easy. Running from lava then falling down some more.

Until they finally reach Fishman island. Only to be surrounded by large fish animals, with riders. Asking a question, wondering if Luffy would join them. Knowing their captain the rest got ready to make an escape.

With only one option they use what little air they have as a coup de burst, getting them into the island. Of course because they aren't getting the way they should, they find themselves drowning.

Once again Sanji finds Zoro looking at him only to look away. Reaching for one of the others. Sanji feels hurt by that reaction but he should expect it. He hasn't shown much of his good side to Zoro. That doesn't stop the hurt from stabbing him.

He pushes that down to look over to reach for one of the devil fruit users to help them. But the current is too strong, so he gets pulled away from the rest, but he's not alone. Usopp, Luffy and Chopper end up being swept away with him.

When he wakes up they are with Camie.

Sanji feels embarrassed.

For many things. For being so affected by the mermaid. For loosing so much blood. And getting blood donations from... them. Just the thought makes him shiver. That island scared him. Of course it wasn't all bad. Still wouldn't want to be reminded of it though.

Doesn't help who his donors were.

"You okay?" Usopp wonders. Having come back from talking to Shelby.

"I'm fine. Just..." Sanji stops talking unsure how to explain. He feels a little inadequate as a soulmate considering Usopp is a very faithful soulmate to Kaya. So are Robin and Franky to each other but Usopp is more impressive considering Kaya isn't apart of the crew. "How... are you and Kaya?" Sanji wonders.

"Good as always. We send letters. I do as much as I can. Why?" Usopp answers with a sickening smile.

"I'm just... scared I'll lose my soulmate."

"But you don't even know who they are."

"True." Sanji easily lies. "But I feel like I'm further apart from them than ever." Sanji says as he hides his mark. Since he's been with them he's hidden his mark with a suit. "How do you and Kaya... do it?"

"Well it help we've been together before I went off to sea."

"What did you guys do to get close?"

"I always told her stories because of her sickness. We talked a lot."

"What did you talk about?"

"Everything and nothing." Usopp says with a shrug.

"Everything and nothing?"

Usopp lets out a laugh. "From her favorite color to what she wants in the future. Her own dream I guess. We make jokes and we talk seriously." Usopp says.

Sanji looks away to think, what does he know about Zoro? His favorite food is rice balls with miso soup and grilled fish. Dishes from his hometown. He likes his swords. He also likes to take naps. What else? Sanji knows nothing. But asking would be weird.

At this point it's best to be honest with Zoro. He wants to be. And to do that he needs to tell Zoro the truth. Open up communication. But Zoro is to weary of him, he needs a lifeline, and the only way to get that is to be up front.

The real question is how I'll Zoro react?

Will he be disappointed?

Sanji stares at the screen with wide eyes. There Zoro sat with Usopp and Brook chained and caged, ready to be drowned. Already Zoro's looks wet, he looks calm but he's taking deep breaths. He doesn't know what happened but Sanji doesn't like it.

His heart aches, memories of Thriller Bark and Sabaody resurfacing in his mind. He places a hand on his forearm, where Zoro name is tattooed. He catches a glimpse of the two freaking out as Zoro sat calmly. Then it's back to Hordy. Nervous Sanji rolls his sleeves. To see Zoro name is still blood red. Nothing's changed. Zoro is okay.

But that doesn't stop him from feeling nervous.

He'll feel better once Zoro is safe and near him.

It takes a while but Jinbei and Luffy finally come to an agreement. He, along with Franky and Chopper are tasked with getting the rest of the crew from the palace.

He taps his foot impatiently as they make their way there. Already trying to plan a way to get them. He'll run like hell in search considering he has no clue where they are. He dislikes this feeling. There's no way to stomp this feeling until he sees that stupid face and green hair.

A face that Sanji will admit is handsome.

Sanji feels himself smiling at the sight of Zoro swimming their way. They got out themselves. As they squeeze through the bubble Sanji moves forward to catch the moss head in his arms. Zoro swords make it uncomfortable but it's a nice weight to have in his arms.

"What the-" Zoro voices staring at the blonde.

"You're okay." Sanji smiles, only to make Zoro narrow his eye.

"Why wouldn't I be?" Zoro asks, lips downturned.

"Ah well..." Sanji flounders for an answer. He doesn't want to just announce it in front of everyone. While Zoro is too calm about soulmates, saying 'eh' about it, it's not bad or good.

To be fair he doesn't know Zoro's feeling on being his soulmate. He doesn't care much about everyone knowing, he just wants to be on good terms with Zoro first.

The two turn to see everyone laughing. "What are you Zoro? A princess?" Usopp teases. Sanji and Zoro look down to see Zoro is still in Sanji arms.

Quickly Zoro scrambles off, Sanji catches the marimo cheek blushing, even the tips of his ears are red. Sanji eyes widen, a fat grin threatening to grow on his face. He did that. Being the cause feels damn good.

Zoro stomps away. His face heating up. It felt so natural to be in the cooks arms. Which is embarrassing considering he told himself he'd control himself better. He can't let it slip.

They relay the plan to the others and the starfish.

More focused on the upcoming fight nothing is said. Though Zoro does catch Sanji staring at him multiple times. It makes him want to question the man but not when everyone is there and they are about to step onto a battlefield. It's odd. The cook never once gave him a second glance so why now?

It's good once they are all together. Feels like no time has passed. Fighting together and seeing how each other has grown and how much the training has paid off.

Sanji takes a moment, cigarette in his mouth almost falling as he spots Zoro without the top of his coat on. A warmth growing in his gut at the sight of muscles. Or how about Zoro's chest. They look soft. Sanji shakes his head turning to the ongoing fight. He need to focus.

He'll think about Zoro later.

And he wants to focus on the fight but he can't with his eyes, they have a mind of their own to take a look at Zoro. And, actually being able to watch him, to notice things he's didn't before. Watching how Zoro is fighting, serious and rough, but he's paying attention to the others. The way he protected Robin without a second thought. It's instinct.

Seeing and realizing what that means... Zoro is their protector. It's already been proven with Kuma. A flash of rage hits him. His soulmate, Zoro, was ready to throw away his life. Ready to die without telling him the truth. So what if Sanji would not have reacted well, he should have been up front and not hid it. But he did.

Sanji doesn't want that to happen again.

So Sanji fights, keeping an eye out for Zoro in case. The protector needs to be protected too.

Sanji has one eye on Zoro and the other to the food being served. Zoro happily drinking like the drunkard he is. But there's something Sanji never noticed until now, the smile Zoro makes when he's drinking. It's so carefree. Even his shoulders are loose.

Sanji can watch the marimo smile all day. It's not a bad look. After the fight they just went through Sanji wants to talk to his soulmate. But it's hard when they are so far. Figuratively and literally. They have never been close afterall.

If Sanji has a say that will change. He wants privacy for that. Unsure what will be said.

While the blonde is getting a seaweed wrap he catches something in the corner of his eye. Zoro leaning closer to Nami to whisper something into her ear. She looks at him for a long second before standing. Zoro joining her. Both leaving their drinks. Curious Sanji gets up as well. He follows the two as they make their way down the halls. Nami leading them somewhere. Sanji making sure to keep his distance not wanting to be caught. Is there a line he's crossing right now? 

The blonde fumbles as he spots them stopping by a balcony overseeing the ocean. It's dark out at sea, barely able to see fish swimming, just vague silhouettes. Sanji keeps himself hidden. Watching as Zoro says something to her. Nami listening intensely. When Zoro is done he waits for Nami who is staring at her feet. Zoro then crosses his arms. The two stand in silence before Nami looks up, face determined. She says something to Zoro. Zoro nods. The man reaches into his haramaki and takes out what looks like a piece of paper. He hands it over to her. Says something else then turns to leave without a second thought.

Sanji hides waiting for Zoro only for the man to not come back this way. Sanji rushes forward trying to find Zoro. Once he does he moves fast, grabbing the man and pulling him close, somewhere private. "What the?" Sanji pushes Zoro to the wall taking a deep breath in then out. Face heating, having not thought this far a head. "Cook? What the fuck?" Zoro asks looking at him likes he's the crazy one. Zoro moves to go around Sanji but the blonde slams his hands on the wall, boxing the swordsman in. Zoro eyes widen. Blinking at the blondes actions. "What?" Zoro asks.

"Hold on a second. I need to think." Sanji says staring at Zoro. Taking in his features. Straight jaw line, straight button nose, thin eyebrows, thin lips, high cheek bones. Deep eyes... well eye now. The scar looks deep this close. He's handsome. Blue eyes go down to see Zoro crossing his arms as he leans back against the wall.

"I'm waiting." Zoro says rather annoyed. Sanji snaps his eyes back up, the man has a large chest. The blonde nose felt a little tingly. The last thing he wants is to nose bleed again. The idea of those trans... people makes a shiver go down his spine.

"I wanted to talk to you about... your soulmate." Sanji breathes out, eyes going to Zoro stoic face.

"I don't have one." Zoro answers instantly. It shocks Sanji for a second but they both know that's not true. Sanji shakes his head out of it.

"I know that's not true." Sanji says firmly. Zoro mouth opens then closes.

"Why do you care?" Zoro rolls his eye. Giving a glare to the blonde arm. Sanji gives a huff, truly his soulmate is stubborn and a hard head. But he shouldn't have expected anything less.

Sanji rolls his sleeve down, showing off the name. Zoro eyes go to it then looks away, even going so far as to lean away from the arm. "We both know who's name is that."

"Oh? And who's name is that?" Zoro wonders trying to be facetious, looking away from the blonde entirely.

Sanji leans into the marimo's space, lips brushing against his bare ear. Zoro tries to get away but there's no where to go so he ends up squishing himself against the wall. Not taking a change in moving his head. "Roronoa Zoro." Sanji whispers, catching the way the swordsman shivers.

Then it registers. Zoro snaps his head to look at the blonde. So close their noses are touching. Blue eyes looking into the depth of Zoro's eye, looking at the blonde wide and wild. "How...? What makes you think that idiot?" Zoro says trying to play it cool. This close Sanji catches it. The fear and uncertainty.

"Don't try to lie." Sanji says staring at Zoro. The marimo frowning, though it's not like his usual ones. Dare the cook say it looks like the mosshead is pouting. It makes the corner of the blondes lips curl up. "Kuma. the lines kept going pink when you crashed. I believe in many things but coincidence not so much." Zoro cheeks puff a little more. It's a cute look for an otherwise manly person. "Try again." Sanji smiles at him.

"So what?" Zoro huffs as he looks away. Arms crossed over his chest tighter, or more like he's holding himself. Sanji steps back. Hands kept in place, not wanting Zoro to run away, though Zoro doesn't run away. Still he doesn't want to risk it. "You said yourself you'd rather be without one. I've gone this far without saying anything, you don't have to worry." Zoro tells him. Jaw tight.

Sanji blinks. His words are being thrown in his face. It's pissing him off. He doesn't like it. And he can't blame it on Zoro. "I don't want that." Sanji tells him, face pinched with frustration.

Zoro stares at the blonde. Unsure what the other is thinking. "What do you want then?" Zoro wonders.

"To get to know you."

"Why?"

"Why wouldn't I? You're my soulmate?"

"And you're okay with that? Me? A man being you soulmate?"

"That's why I want to get to know you." Sanji answers. Still a little confused. Sure his body is reacting to his mate but is that him or the soulmate bond they share?

"I... I need to think." Zoro says looking away.

"Don't think too hard. You might hurt yourself." Sanji teases.

"Relax I wont nosebleed for a stupid ass reason like you." Zoro teases back with smirk. And what Sanji wouldn't do to wipe that smirk off his face like-

Nope. Don't cross that line yet.

They have time. There's no rush.

As nice as it is about being back with the crew. The weirdo's who wont judge no matter how odd one acts or how different something is. Sanji also forgot just which captain he's on the crew of.

As fun as it was slowly rising from Fishman island was now they are on this odd ass one on fire.

They have officially made it to the New World. Nervous but he's sure Zoro feels the same. The same trembling of excitement. After all this is what they have been trying to aim for. Getting stronger for the New World. After two years here they are.

Sanji is both happy and upset that he wasn't paired up with Zoro, who still hasn't told him if they can get to know each other. He wants the chance too. But no. He is lucky enough to get stuck on the boat while Zoro goes off with Luffy, Robin, and Usopp. Zoro going with Usopp worries the blonde. He knows for a fact that his mate will protect Robin, he's seen it happen on Fishman island. He will also protect Usopp. That's what worries him. Zoro can't protect them both.

Either way he has no choice but to say goodbye. Watching as they ride away on mini Merry II.

The four and Brook happily put on their acquired coats. Luffy running around with those stupid centaur legs of his with his red and white stripped coat. Usopp stood with Brook questioning what he's doing there.

Zoro and Robin are listening to him when their chests burn. As if someone is pulling out their heart. Robing screams as she curls into herself. Falling onto the snow as she holds her chest. Zoro grunts but he too falls onto his knees. Also clenching onto his bare chest.

"Robin! Zoro!" Brook shouts worried. Usopp and Luffy running to the two. Robin only lets out a cry. Zoro grits his teeth to keep in a cry or scream. He can't tell which one it is.

"What's wrong?" Usopp asks.

"Should we go to Chopper?" Luffy says.

"Weren't you listening to Brook. They aren't at the Sunny. And we don't know where." Usopp says slapping Luffy shoulder.

Both Robin and Zoro finally move. Both of them breath hard. Chest heaving as they right themselves. The pain gone.

"No need." Zoro grunts taking a breath, not looking up at either. Embarrassed but not as much as he would be if he were the only one. He looks over to Robin to see her face concentrating. Trying to figure what the cause was. Zoro doesn't see how she could. He wont say anything about it though.

The other three don't look convinced but there's not much they can do without Chopper.

Zoro can't help but silently stare at the legs and head. No torso. Leave it to Luffy to find the weirdest of the weird. "Zoro~" the green haired man turns at the familiar candence of his name being called. Instead of who he is use to he finds blonde hair and blue eyes. He opens his arms catching the man.

Blue eyes look worried up at him. Zoro feels his heart race but see the little Chopper mask on the side of blonde hair. Right, this isn't Sanji. "What's wrong Chopper?" Zoro asks sweetly. Hands coming up to hold the blonde waist. Not unusual to how how he'd hold Chopper. Chopper who wraps his arms around Zoro.

"I heard from Usopp that you and Robin were hurt." Chopper says. Zoro tilts his head. Right that happened. He's going to beat Usopp later for mentioning it when he didn't need to. The pain passed.

"I'm fine." Zoro answers. Chopper is still frowning. Not believing it for a second. Knowing well just how much Zoro doesn't listen to him and hides his injuries sometimes.

"Robin also said she's fine. But I'm more worried about you." Chopper says. Zoro sighs in defeat. The little doctor is stubborn and wont let up if he doesn't check Zoro to see he's fine so it's best to get it over with. Plus he's looking at him like he usually does, which is enough to get the swordsman to give in, but at this moment he looks like Sanji. And Zoro is only human.

"Fine. Go check." Zoro says. Chopper smiles. With Sanji face Zoro feels his heart race and his cheeks heat. To caught up in that face Zoro doesn't register Chopper pulling him away. Or the eyes of a certain cook watching.

Sanji steps away from Nami who is in Franky's body at the moment to see more.

"Ack! Easy Chopper!" Zoro cries.

"Sorry. I'm not use to Sanji's strength." Chopper says very apologetic to the mosshead. 

"It's okay." Zoro says, rather sweetly. Sanji pokes his head into a little room, no more than a large closet sized, to find Zoro sitting down on one of the many fallen pillars that froze over. Sitting on the chestnut colored fur coat. His green coat hanging around his hips. Bare for Chopper who is in his body, on his knees in between Zoro open legs. Gloved hands touching Zoro around his waist. Eyes focus.

"So far I don't see anything that would cause what Usopp said happened." Chopper says, hands roaming Zoro torso. Chopper then slips his fingers into the haramaki, pulling it away from tan skin. Looking down to see bare skin.

"I told you." Zoro huffs leaning back on his arms.

"Wha-?" Sanji voice cracks at the sight. Zoro and Chopper snap their heads over to him. Chopper lets go of the haramaki, it snapping back in place.

"Sanji! This is private." Chopper stands glaring at the cook.

"You're done right?" Zoro says.

"No. I was going to ask you to strip." Chopper looks down at Zoro who is still sitting. Chopper looking down at Zoro who looks up at him with his eye wide. Mouth parted open. Slowly Zoro shakes his head.

"Nope. Nothing is wrong. My heart is fine and chest doesn't hurt." Zoro says standing up to dress again.

"No!" Chopper stands postering in Sanji's body, since he can't transform like he usually does. "I need a full body check." Chopper reaching forward to stop Zoro from dressing.

"Why don't you check Robin instead?" Zoro pushes Chopper away from him. Trying to as he doesn't want to hurt Chopper.

Chopper isn't deterred. Zoro is one of his most bothersome patients on the crew. "I did and nothing was wrong. But I know you hide your wounds." He says frowning at his crewmate. 

Zoro ends up fighting against Chopper as the man tries to undress him. Until Chopper has had enough. Hands holding onto the swordsman wrist pushing down flat on the pillar. "I just want to make sure you're safe. After what happened on Saboady-" Chopper cuts himself off, lips in a thin line, both frustrated and worried. Blue eye tearing up. Zoro pauses. Staring back up at Chopper.

Zoro looks away. "Do what you want then." Zoro says, letting Chopper do what he wants. The doctor stops, turning to Sanji.

"Sanji! Privacy." Chopper tells him. Sanji looks over to Zoro who turns red. Sanji feels his cheeks heat as well.

"I- of course." Sanji nods rushing out leaving the two alone. Once far he burries his face in his hands. Why did seeing his own body hold Zoro down looks so good? Why did that make him warm and wanting?

Sanji blinks, eyes wide as he looks Zoro who's one eye is wide as well. The two looking at each other. Sanji looks down to where Zoro is holding his hand. More like arm. But either way the swordsman kept him from falling down. Sanji then begins to smirk. Ready to remark. Brook lets out a laugh, breaking the moment. Zoro blushes. "How swee-" Sanji starts but Zoro slams him into the snow. Sanji sits up, still in Nami's body as he watches Zoro stomp away. Able to catch the tip of Zoro's ears turning red. Sanji feels giddy.

First Chopper and now this.

He's finding himself drawn to Zoro more and more.

He pauses that thought as he gets up. Reminding of the look Zoro gave him as he reach for him. Zoro looks scared for a second. He rushes forward but the question is there. He wants to know what is that about.

Sanji feels conflicted as Law stands there once again. Nami demanding Law change them all back. As much as he wants to go back to his body he feels like he's gotten to know Zoro a lot more out of it.

As the same times it's not fair.

It feels weird changing bodies again but he takes a breath to reorient himself at the change of height and weight.

"Robin!" Franky calls. He looks over to see her hunched over. His eyes then go over to Zoro to see the same. Usopp looking back at him worried.

"Again?" Usopp cries.

"I'm fine." Zoro grunts but falls to his knees. Sanji jumps down to get to him.

"Hey." Sanji calls worried. Zoro looks to give him a glare.

"Focus on the fight." Zoro orders. Sanji bites his lip. Was ready to ask out loud if he couldn't worry about his soulmate. He knows they are both not ready for that to be out there.

After a few moments Zoro and Robin are back up. Franky and Sanji look at their soulmates worried about what that was about. And Usopp said again. 

"Are you okay?" Sanji asks worried as he hands Robin her bowl of soup. Robin smiles, happily taking it especially as she had seen him shout at Momonosuke.

"I'm fine. Why?" She asks, feeling the heat of the bowl warm her already gloved hands.

"I saw you and the marimo fall over in pain." He says, eyes watching her. She gives him a smile.

"I see. I have no proof but I do have a hypothesis as to what caused it. I will tell you it happened when my soulmate was returned to his body. It must have been that. Of course I am unsure." Robin smiles, eyes knowing. Sanji gives her a stiff smile. So she knows, but now that he remembers she was the one to point out that his mark was pink on Thriller Park. She must have known long.

"So no worries." Sanji says.

"I don't believe so. Unless Law is planning to switch us again." Robin smiles. "How are you?" Robing wonders.

"Good." Sanji smiles. Robin just gives him a smile.

The two catch a voice coming from a Den Den. Looking over they see Zoro sitting on a crate, away from the crew and everyone else on this side of the line the marines made in the snow. Zoro sat eating as the Den Den he's sitting next to talks. Zoro chews as he listens. When he swallows he rolls his eyes. He picks the receiver up talking into it. His eyes then turn to the crowd of people. His eyes landing on Nami. He says something into the reciever. Making who ever is on the other freak out by the look on the Den Den.

Zoro grins. Saying something else. The Den Den then pouts. The Den Den then mutters something Zoro catches cause he blushes then glares. "SHE'S FINE!" Zoro shouts into the reciever.

"DON'T YELL-!" the womens voice is cut off by Zoro slamming the receiver back ending the call. He huffs then focuses on his food with a small smile on his face. Stuffing his cheeks like a chipmunk.

Sanji is entranced. Eyes softening at the swordsman.

Broken by a giggle to the blonde side. Sanji blushes at Robin, the older women eating her soup.

Zoro watches, leaning back in his chair, as everyone talks. Law with Nami, Robin with Franky. Sanji in the kitchen working to get their meal cooked. Now having a plan, a goal they are working towards. Not that Zoro minds, his captain agreed with this so there's not much he can say. Zoro ears then hear something.

He listens more closely. It's Kine'mon talking to the kid, Momo-something. He didn't get to hear the full name. He frowns at them. Talking to themselves. Being secretive.

Zoro slams his foot on the table. Catching everyone's attention. Zoro glares at the father son duo. "みんなに伝えた方がいいよ." (You better tell everyone.) Zoro says. The two pair of eyes grow wide. Along with the others.

"あなた…あなたは私たちのことを理解していますか？" (You... you understand us?) Kine'mon wonders.

"私はします。" (I do.) Zoro stands up, hand going to Wado. "もし私の仲間たちに正直に話さないなら、今すぐお前を始末するぞ。" (And if you are not honest with the rest of my crew I'll cut you down right now.) Zoro threatens. With his thumb he pushes Wado out of it's scabbard. His other hand coming onto the handle.

"Zoro!" Nami shouts standing up.

"You either tell them what you were talking about or I kill you both." Zoro tells them again so everyone can understand. Nami glares at the duo.

"What?" Nami says shocked.

"What was said, Roronoa-ya?" Law wonders.

"彼らに話さないと、お前を殺すぞ。" (Tell them or I kill you.) Zoro threatens, Wado fulling coming out of it's sheath. Momonosuke looks up at Kine'mon. The older man sighs.

"Momonosuke isn't my son." He confesses. Zoro huffs, putting Wado back.

"What!"

"Then who is he?" Usopp asks.

Zoro continues to stand watching him with a hand on his hip as he watch. Listening to Kine'mon explain the truth of Momonosuke. Who he actually is. Who his father was. What happened with his mother. How he got trapped and why.

"This doesn't change much but it does help." Law says thinking about his plans over again.

Zoro sits down. He looks over at the man. "もう一度嘘をついたら、私はためらわない。" (Lie again and I wont hesitate.)

The two swollow the lump in their throats.

"Wow! Zoro I didn't know you can speak a different language." Luffy says with his goofy smile.

"Don't get use to it." Zoro says with a slight accent. So use to speaking the universal language it's weird talking in his native once again.

Sanji focuses on his work. Unable to get the way Zoro voice sounds in his native language out of his head. It sounds good.

Sanji rushes in. Heading to Dressrosa. So close to the island. With so many people on this small ship it's really hard to get a moment alone with his soulmate. With the father and son they are now helping. Caesar. And also Law. Law the captains soulmate. Which should have been obvious in hindsight with the unique initials on Luffy clavicle. But Saboady was so busy and choatic both times that it went over everyone head.

And now Luffy is practically all over Law. Rivals for the One Piece but still soulmates. Now they are in an alliance. The crew is obviously protective of their captain but there isn't much to do when Law saved him when no one else could. Of course Luffy is full of smiles at having his soulmate around. Apparently not seeing much two years ago. From what Law mentioned, there wasn't much time for soulmates. Luffy had just lost Ace.

To say Sanji is jealous of the two raven haired soulmates would be an understatement. Especially after the whole crew saw Zoro talk in his native language. He wants his soulmate so badly.

Sanji looks around the aquarium. The whole room set in a blue glow with the large tank. His eyes spotting green. Closing the door behind him he calmly walks forward, towards his soulmate. Zoro silently watching the fish swim about. Most of the crew already in bed. Knowing Zoro is on night watch for the night. He usually is since he stays up anyways. Making up the sleep by napping through the day.

Sanji takes a seat by where Zoro is lounging on the couch lazily. Head propped up on the back of the couch, chin on his palm. Shoes off, coat off, in nothing but his pants and haramaki. Sanji sits down by his feet on the cushions, knowing the other knew he's here. Eyes on the scars on his ankle. Eyes raking up until he meets the other man's face. Calm as he watch the fish.

"Doing okay?" Sanji asks, feeling like an idiot but not sure what else to ask the marimo. They don't really talk and he's unsure what to talk about to him. What do you say to your soulmate who you have known for a while but never really talked to?

Zoro turns his head slowly in the cook's direction. "Is that you getting to know me?" Zoro asks, raising an eyebrow at Sanji.

"Yes." Sanji answers fast. Zoro throws his head back in a deep laugh. Sanji doesn't like being laughed at but Zoro's laugh is nice to listen to. "I didn't know what to say." Sanji defends himself. Zoro's calms. Zoro tilts his head.

"Are you doing okay?" Zoro asks back. Sanji narrows his eyes at the other. Knowing he's being made fun off, but not sure how.

The cook decides to answer honestly, "I'm doing fine. I am curious." Sanji looks at Zoro.

"About?"

"When I was in Nami's body. I almost fell and you stopped me. I saw your face for a fraction of a second and you looked scared." Sanji watches as Zoro looks away, the corner of his lips dipping. Eyes looking down at nothing in particular. "I was curious to why? You don't have to tell me." Sanji shrugs trying to be casual about it. But he's really curious.

"I..." Zoro starts but stops himself. Not sure if he should tell Sanji. Still unsure about all this but the blonde is trying. He knows about them being soulmates and is questioning him. Wants to know more about him. But what if he doesn't like what he knows?

Sanji was already ignoring him before, he doesn't know what could be worse than that. So what if they go back to that? Zoro thought that's all they'll ever be. What if he doesn't tell Sanji everything and it comes up, Sanji knowing he didn't tell him everything? Wouldn't the cook be upset with that? 

The last thing Zoro ever wants is to half ass something. Zoro looks at Sanji. Taking him in. Then turns away. "I had nothing growing up." Zoro starts.

"What do you mean?" Sanji asked confused.

"I had no home. No parents. Nothing." Zoro says focusing on the rocks at the bottom of the aquarium.

"Oh." Sanji says heart squeezing at the thought.

"Then I found sword fighting. Ended up loving it. Trained like crazy until I got strong. I challenged every dojo there was on my island. Won every single one. Then I ended up in Shimotsuki village. That's where I met Kuina. She was the first one to beat me in a fight. I challenged her as much as I can. Her father, the dojo sensei let me train in their dojo with them. I was well known there." Zoro gives a sad smiles still not looking at Sanji. "Kuina was... upset once, I lost again. Upset about her gender. I told her she was stupid that we can both become the greatest swordsman. We promised we would." Zoro face goes tendeer at the memory. Then sad. "She died the next day."

"What? How?" Sanji asks, that seem to come out from left field. Getting closer to Zoro, the marimo bringing his knees closer to his chest. 

"She fell." Zoro says, eyes looking watery. 

"Fell?" Sanji questions.

"Down the stairs. I was told the next day what had happened." Zoro says taking a deep breath in. Finally looking at Zoro. "My dream is mine as much as it is hers. Someone that strong shouldn't have died like that." Zoro says. Sanji nods. His question fully answered.

Knowing more than he thought he would about his soulmate. Sanji bites his lips. Wanting to announce everything about himself. But he doesn't think now is the right time.

But when is?

"How many times did you loose?"

"2,000 times." Zoro answers with a small smile. "I didn't win once."

"You challenged her 2,000 times?" Sanji wonders.

"I wanted to beat her." Zoro shrugs. Sanji finds himself smiling. Sounds like Zoro. His mate hasn't changed much from his childhood then.

"Did you speak your native tongue a lot there?" Sanji wonders.

"Mostly yeah. We didn't get a lot of visitor. And those who did come were mostly merchants. We had people who fought off pirates if they showed up so they weren't a problem growing up on the streets." Zoro answers.

"What happened to your parents?" Sanji wonders. Zoro squints at Sanji. "What? To much?" The blonde asks worried he went to far.

"No. I don't really remember. I..." Zoro frowns as he tries. "I was to young." Zoro shrugs.

"Are you curious?" Sanji wonders.

"Just to know if I was abandoned or not but I don't really care if I ever do know. I'm here now." Zoro answers. "That's what matters." Zoro looks into Sanji's eyes, serious about his answers.

"I want to hear you talk more in your Native language."

"Sure. If you do the same. I'd like to hear you."

"Ahh," Sanji opens his mouth. "I'm not so sure about that." Sanji shakes his head. Zoro shrugs. "I wish I saw you as a kid speaking like that. I'm sure it's cute." Zoro blushes looking at Sanji like he's lost his mind. Sanji can only grin.

"Depends when. Before I met Kuina and sensei I spoke my native language very broken. And I couldn't write it. Kuina and Sensei taught me how to write and read. And the universal language. But going from my native language to the universal one was hard for me." Zoro smiles at the memory.

"For me too!" Sanji says with a smile.

Zoro and Sanji talk most of the night. By morning the two couldn't stop smiling at each other. having had laughed so hard. 

The slap feels like it echoes in the field but maybe that was all in his head. On the other hand the sting on his cheek is very real. Sanji blinks. Then towards Nami feeling his cheek throb. She is glaring at him red in the face. He's never seen her this angry before. Her teeth clenches.

She straightens. Hands clenched on her side. "All that talk about soulmates and saving yourself for them was bullshit. You're a liar. Zoro deserves someone better." Nami says with her head held high.

Sanji stares wide eyed at her. Those words hurt but also surprised she knows. How does she know? Is it that obvious? To be fair Robin also knows. Robin is very perceptive.

He does see them. Doesn't even care that he cried in front of his family. Not when all he can think about is betraying Luffy. And betraying Zoro. His soulmate who he has gotten very close with. The two talking most nights in the aquarium when everyone is asleep. Sanji had started looking forward to those moments. Soon enough he even started bringing snacks. Nice red wine for him, sake for Zoro, with cheese, meet and crackers. Sometimes he'd make rice balls. Finding Zoro always relaxes more when eating those. Sometimes they talked all night. About random things. Other times they sit in silence enjoying each others company without words.

He regretted every day they got closer to Dressrosa. Knowing this peace will end. Unsure when they will get it again.

Sanji turns to his sister waking up. Her legs will heal just fine, Sanji heart may never recover. It hurts to know he pushed his friends, his true family, but more importantly his soulmate to the side for a woman who could care less for him. Who will happily kill him without a second thought. Someone who doesn't understand him. Not like Zoro.

Reiju sits up, Sanji helping her. Worried but not as much as he would be if not for her healing properties. He helps her lean against the head board.

"Water?" Sanji wonders already pouring a glass.

"Thanks. What happened?" She asks. Sanji expected this. So he tells her everything. The whole plan he heard. She sat listening as she slowly drank her water. After he finishes he unsure why he even told her. She wouldn't believe him. Who would?

"I believe you." She says. Sanji looks at her dumbfounded.

"You do?" Sanji asks. Can't help but keep her under the same umbrella as the rest of their family, even though she's not as bad as them. Which isn't saying much because she's still bad. He could have no one at all.

"I'm not shocked. Dad brought this upon himself. You shouldn't worry about us." She smiles a sad smile. Almost the same as their mother. "Your soulmate..." she says looking down to the mark. What use to be a deep blood red is now a dark blue. Sadness is what that color represents. Being like this for a while now. Days. His family saw it red. Then it turned the dark blue. He was of course made fun off because of it. "What are they like?" She asks.

"You don't have to ask to be polite." Sanji tells her, rubbing at his mark. As if he can wipe the color back to red.

"It's not out of politeness. I'm genuinely curious. Mom always wanted to know."

"She did?" He looks at her with wide eyes.

"Yeah. She sacrificed a lot to counter dad's experiment. When all four of you were born she was worried it didn't work. Around eight months after your birth a mark formed on your arm. We thought it was a bruise." Reiju let's out a chuckle. "Mom was so upset. She thought someone hurt you. Then it wouldn't go away. She was so happy you had a soulmate, it must have meant you were what she wanted. Human." Reiju smiles as Sanji who stare at his sister. "Babies are small so it's hard to read a soulmate name. Even as a kid it was a little hard to read. Mom bought as many books as she could to translate it but couldn't find where those symbols came from. She was upset she wouldn't at least know your soulmates name. She fed you wishing you and your soulmate happiness."

Sanji lets out a bitter laugh. Happiness? When he keeps ruining it? He doesn't see much happiness in his future. "Not the way I'm going. All I've done is hurt him."

"What's his name?"

"Roronoa Zoro." Sanji smiles, the first real smile he's given since being there.

"Roro-" her eyes widen. A hand coming up to her mouth. "You mean the Pirate Hunter?" Sanji blinks. He knew Zoro got popular, his name was always in the newspaper but he didn't know he was that popular.

Sanji nods. "Yeah. That's him. He's on the crew. I didn't know the East Blue news reached here." Sanji says. Reiju shook his head.

"His name was in the newspapers all the time. Dad was curious to how strong he was, wanted to improve his soldiers. He may have send some people to go get him, but they never returned. One did but heavily injured and died soon. Dad stopped not wanting to waste anymore resources. So he gave up. Who knew?" Reiju explains. Sanji can only blink.

Then he laughs. A full belly laugh that has him curling into his stomach. Now it's Reiju turn to look stunned. "I'm sorry. Sorry." Sanji takes a deep breath to calm himself. He lets out a chuckle before he calms himself. "I think Judge has the worst timing." Sanji takes a deep breath in then out. Reiju looks at her little brother confused. "Zoro told me that Baroque Works," he looks up to see Reiju nod familiar with the long gone organization, "were trying to recruit him. He declined saying he wouldn't want to follow behind someone he doesn't know the face of."

"Smart." Reiju nods. Sanji smiles. Iching for a cigarette.

"He also told them he'd rather be the boss than follow someone else's orders. He'd join if they make him the boss." Sanji smiles at the memory of getting told that story. Reiju covers in her mouth.

"He has guts." Reiju smiles. Glad to see her brother smiling like that.

"He does." Sanji looks down at his mates name. "The guy wasn't happy so he fought Zoro. But he lost. Zoro killed him. Said he thought they sent people after him but we fought them before. They didn't seem like people to care if one of their own died. So I thought it was weird they'd sent people after him." Sanji traces the name.

"You must love him dearly." Reiju points out. Sanji cheeks heat.

"I... yeah I do." Sanji admits.

"Mom would be proud. You're human. You have friends. Zeff. You found your soulmate. It's what she wanted. That's why you can't stay here." Reiju says seriously.

"I know. And technically Zoro found me." Sanji says.

Sanji watches Luffy happily eat his messed up bento box. Eating like he hasn't in years. It's only been a few hours. But seeing the battle that took place he understands why his captain is like this.

Luffy lets out a satisfied burp. Sanji takes an exhale of his cigarette. Luffy looks at him seriously.

"You hurt Zoro. He's sad." Luffy says seriously. With that look on his face, actually being a captain. Sanji hates when he gets like that only because it means things are serious. Sanji lowers his head. Hands going into his pocket.

"I know." Sanji confesses. He does know. Zoro's name is blue not deep red like it should be. Like it was for two straight years.

"You have to apologize."

"I know. I will, don't worry Luffy. I will." Sanji looks back at him. Blue eye going straight to Luffy big round brown ones.

Luffy smiles with a nod. "Good."

Sanji smiles back at him.

Sanji looks down at his father, taking the cigarette out of his mouth.

"Don't feel special. I wouldn't be able to look at my soulmate if I didn't do this." Sanji tells him.

"Is your mate that much of a weakling?" His brother asks mockingly.

"No. He'd probably say to leave you. Only weaklings need help is what he'd say." Sanji recounts, that shutting them up. "He was in a similar situation once. Got the scars to prove it. It's more like I wouldn't be able to face him going against my own morals." Sanji explains. His eyes going to a his biological father. "After this I have no more ties to you." Sanji declares.

He doesn't wait for an answer not when they need to get out of here.

"Nervous?" Nami wonders, eyes on Sanji cleaning the already ruined kitchen. Franky having a lot of work to do. The shipwright is never going to let Luffy alone with Sunny. She sits at the bar, against the bar counter.

Sanji lets out a chuckle. "Yeah. I am. How did you know?" Sanji asks cleaning the last of the plate. Wishing Zoro was next to him to dry the dishes. But he's not so Sanji has to do them himself.

"You've cleaned the kitchen already. Those dishes were scrubbed three times before you let it go." Nami points out. Sanji pauses. His ears turn red. He did not know he did that.

"No, I meant that Zoro and I are soulmates, how'd you know?"

"Oh, that." Nami says as if it's not a big deal. Sanii would think she'd be more shocked. "I've been talking to Perona lately. She may have hinted at it. She and Zoro talked a lot about soulmates it seems. Robin confirmed it for me. After Punk Hazard." Nami explains casually.

Though Sanji can't get over that Zoro talked about soulmates with Perona. If he remembers correctly they were stuck on that island with Mihawk so there wasn't many he could talk to.

"How long have you known? Robin said it seemed like you didn't know at all." Nami wonders.

"A little after Thrilker Bark. My mark went pink when Zoro..." Sanji takes a breath, the memory will forever haunt him.

"So where is his soulmate mark?"

"I don't know. I haven't seen it?" Sanji shrugs his shoulder, going back to washing the dishes.

"Wait then how did you...?"

"Chopper confirmed it. He's seen Zoro soulmate name. He can't read because it's in my native language as well."

"And you love Zoro?" Nami asks cautiously.

"I do. Finding myself thinking about him more and more." Sanji pauses to give her a soft smile over his shoulder.

"I'm sort of jealous, both being on the same crew. Like Robin and Franky."

Sanji can only smile. The only mates on the Sunny. Law doesn't count as he's a captain of his own crew. It doesn't matter now what does is what he's going to say.

"I don't know what to say." Sandi admits. Having been here thinking it over.

"I would like to help... but I wouldn't know what to say to Zoro. You're his soulmate. Zoro was... something. He trusted your letter. But then he heard you were getting married and he... was the same, on the outside. We all know he hides things. He was holding it in. I wouldn't know what to do to make him forgive you." Nami says.

"Yeah. I dug myself into quite the hole, didn't I?" Sanji asks rhetorically.

"Yeah. You did. All I can offer is a good luck." Nami says looking at Sanji with pity.

Sanji takes a breath. Well he's got time to think it over.

Sanji takes a breath at Luffy standing there.

"Ah! Zoro was with us." Luffy says looking around. Sanji feels his heart thump hard against his ribs. Zoro was close? So close?

He feels excited and also disappointed that the marimo can't sit on a giant pet and not get lost. But his mate wouldn't be his soulmate if he didn't have his flaws. At least he has his whole apology and speech ready.

It'll happen. He just needs the time.

The time.

Which never seems to come.

From public executions. Helping pretty woman and children. To going separate ways for their plan to work and not let Yousie death be in vein.

Sanji still can't get rid of the hurt at the fact Zoro didn't spare a second look at the blonde. Understandably more focus on the child and then the very tall woman who he rush to get out of the area. Not once looking over his shoulder to look at Sanji. No check if he's okay. No happy to see him.

It doesn't get better. When he learns the beautiful woman is Momonoske little sister. Or that Zoro was injured and she not only took care of him but cuddled with him.

And now he's sitting next to her talking about swords. Sanji caught some of it. His jealousy is not making it easy to pay attention. She is sitting way too close to his soulmate.

Sanji finally starts paying attention when the man with the bright red mask, with a long ass nose, opens the box revealing two katanas. One white and gold. With a purple string attached to the top. The other a bright lilac color with gold, a red string attached to the top of the scabbard. The white one is called Ame-no-Habakiri. And the purple one Enma.

The man throws Enma to Zoro. "And that Enma is yours!" Zoro catches it looking at it. "first, I must tell you that the only person who was able to manage Enma in this country was Kozuki Oden and no one before or since!" He tells Zoro.

As everyone watch now, they can only stare as Zoro looks down at the lilac sword. Zoro then turns to a tree by the cliff side. He pushes the top of his green top, leaving only his white yukata. With Enma attached to his hip he gets closer to the cliff. Moving to get the top half of his yukata off. Showing off his bare tan skin. And of course his belly band on display.

"Try cutting one of those trees." The man suggests. Zoro goes forward. He unsheathes it. Moving it around to get a good look at the blade. Making Sanji realize that he wasn't there when Zoro had gotten his swords in Logue town. They walked in with Zoro only having Wado. He came back with two new ones. It happened again on Thriller Bark. During Enis Lobby one of his swords broke. Sadly. He was left with two. Then on Thriller Bark he had three again. Sometimes during their separate fights. Brook was there to witness it but he never asked.

"Zoro- dono." Kine'mon starts. Eyes on Zoro, but safely far enough. "I am going to say this frankly out of kindness, but if I were you, I would not take it." The tall man says.

Zoro continues to look at it.

Sanji isn't sure if he is correct in what he sees but he knows the others feel something happening to Zoro. He's guessing it's from Enma. Zoro takes a swipe, cutting the whole cliff down.

"Damn!" Zoro shouts at the sword.

"That's Enma." the man says.

Zoro takes it. Cause of course he does. He doesn't like anything easy. Always like a challenge.

Sanji takes a chance with everyone getting distracted by samurai armor. He finds Zoro sitting down. One hand on Enma as he watch the other. He walks up to him, hands shaky as he lights a cigarette. He stops close, but not to close. Eyeing Zoro as he sat with his bare chest on display the green jittoku haori on top of his shoulders.

"Hey." Sanji says as casual as he can. Zoro turns to him. Deadpan. Grey eye watching. It's making Sanji sweat. "It's been a while." Sanji says trying to lighten the mood. But that does nothing as Zoro continue to stare at him. "Listen," Sanji decides to go for it. "I know you heard what happened. I... I'm sorry." Sanji bows.

"What are you apologizing for?" Zoro asks.

"For leaving. For... almost getting married. Know I was forced into that. I guess that's not really an excuse." Sanji says looking down at his feet. "I'm sorry if I made you feel bad about it. I do-"

"Is that what you think I'm upset about?" Zoro asks interupting him. Sanji blinks, looking up to Zoro who is now frowning at him.

"You're not?" Sanji wonders, what else could he be upset about? Sanji ran off, away from his soulmate to get married to someone else. How can that not be it?

Sanji focuses when he hears the sound of a katana being drawn. Zoro holding Enma glaring. Instincts take over so he side steps just in time to a slash coming down. Zoro cutting a little more off the cliff. Sanji finds his ass on the grass, cigarette in his mouth cut down. His eyes wide as he watch Zoro put Enma back. Zoro eyes him for a second before scoffing and walking away.

He hears footsteps on the grass.

"Didn't look like he took it." Nami says as Sanji gets to his feet. Sanji dusts himself off.

"Now I'm confused what he's upset about. I thought it would be because... you know." Sanji shrugs lighting the cigarette again.

"He's not upset about that?" Nami asks confused. She knows she would be.

Sanji shakes his head. "It's okay. I'm not going to give up." Sanji smiles. Nami smiles at him.

Sanji smiles as the crew all sat together. On the beach, reunited once again. A small straw hat party before the fated raid on Onigashima. Luffy and Usopp dancing to Brook and Franky music. Robin and Nami sitting together to drink. Chopper laughing at the two dancing. Then jumping up to join them. Together once again.

Sanji sits down, having finished making everyone a meal and filling their bellies. Zoro is drinking as he watch everyone. The blonde takes a deep breath in then out. Blowing smoke into the night air.

"You know, no matter how much I think it over I can't figure out what you are upset about." Sanji says.

"Does it matter?" Zoro wonders.

"Of course it does. You're my soulmate."

"Am I?" Zoro asks setting his cup down turning to fully looks at Sanji. "Do you even truly want me? We don't have to be. I'm not forcing you."

"I never said you were." Sanji says.

"I'm tired of this cook." Zoro says, shoulders slumping.

"Of what?"

"Us being soulmates. You don't want me, but you do, you run off, but you're back. Are you apart of this crew or not? What do you want?" Zoro asks.

"I am with the crew. I want you." Sanji tells him hand coming up to hold Zoro but he doesn't reach. Not sure if he can.

"I... don't believe you."

That shatters Sanji.

The fight all happens so fast. Seeing Kine'mon and his friends upset in their little dingy. Then they are on the small pier of Onigashima. The crew (not Nami, Usopp and Chopper) fighting to get everyone down.

It doesn't take them long.

So Sanji is on a pile of rumble looking at a small bottle of sake. Empty. He looks over to see the others. "Oh, everyone's catching up to us?" Sanji questions as the ships get closer. He spots green in the corner of his eye. Looking over he sees Zoro walking with a container of alcohol. "Hey, marimo!" He shouts getting Zoro to pause. Zoro turns to him. "Where'd you get that?" Sanji asks.

Usopp turns to Zoro who isn't far away. "Ohh, you found booze, Zoro!" Usopp asks.

Zoro stares at them for a long second before grinning. "I told you I can tell where it is by the smell." Then breaks into a large smile. Extremely happy. Walking away.

"That's his instinct." Usopp mutters.

Sanji can only stare as Zoro walk away. His heart bursting. It's always so sweet to see Zoro happy and smiling. Now Sanji doesn't even care if it has anything to do with soulmates or if it's just him.

Usopp runs forward happily. Sanji drops his cup in hand walking forward. Smiling himself as he hears his soulmate and crew talk happily. Sanji can't stop the small grin from forming.

He's back with who he belongs with. Now if only he can get Zoro to talk to him more. To believe him. But how does he get Zoro to believe this is what he wants.

To be soulmates.

There's fire everywhere and Sanji isn't sure how it started but it's getting everything hot. Everyone is separated. A fact that is not surprising in the least. It always happens. He does know Luffy and Zoro are up on the roof.

The ones he's truly worried about are the girls.

"Oh, crap!" A voice shouts from above and behind. Turning he finds Zues, Zoro and Law in the air. "I switched us with some flying objects!" Law shouts looking around. "Black-leg-ya!" He shouts spotting Sanji.

"Tra-guy? Mosshead?" Sanji questions. Curious to what they are doing here but happy to see Zoro. Sanji moves forward.

"Catch us!" Law orders. Sanji runs forward and does catch them.

"What's this all about?" Sanji asks looking up at Law who sat on his shoulder. Up close he looks rough. They were fighting Big Mom and Kaido. He has no doubt it would be tough.

Zues starts freaking out curious to where Big Mom is. He's scared off by Sanji guestioning him.

"Leave him be." Law says calmly, as he wasn't worried about falling.

"Why are you relaxing on my shoulder!?" Sanji asks. Not really caring about Zoro on his shoulder but Law is a different story.

"I moved us to the right place." Law says though it sounds like he's saying it to himself.

"No you didn't! Where did you guys come from?! I'm not obligated to carry you scruffy guys! Get down already!" Sanji shouts wanting him to get off. "Are you listening?" Sanji asks seeing the older man looking away.

"Look after him, Black leg-ya." Law says pointing to Zoro. Sanji turns to see. Zoro over his shoulder. Blood dripping down his face and onto the floor. It looks bad. Zoro also isn't moving much.

"What happened?" Sanji asks worried. He looks back to see Law off his shoulder. Gone. He turns to see Law running away. "What! Explain the situation before you go!" Sanji demands.

"Zoro-ya probably has 20 to 30 bones broken. Splinting up his body, put him on his back, make sure he's conscious and breathing." Law informs him as he gets further away.

It's good to hear what to do, making him worried about Zoro broken bones. But he's also curious about Luffy. "Not his situation!" Sanji shouts. Also he's not the doctor here. "why don't you look after him?!"

"I have to stop big mom! You can at least tend to his wounds, right?!" Law says, and he's not wrong but at the same time he's the cook not a doctor. Or what ever the hell Law is. "I'll leave it to you!"

"Hey! I'm not a doctor!" Sanji shouts seeing Law disappear. "This isn't the place to tend to his wounds!" Sanji shouts but it's just them now. "That bastard!" Sanji grumbles. Zoro lets out a wet caugh. The sound hurts Sanji. "I have no choice." Sanji says. Not like he can leave his soulmate bleeding out.

Sanji is fast getting bandages and finding a room. A single candle is lit to give some viability to the room. The fire not reaching here yet. He gently set Zoro down on a flat surface, Zoro let out coughs a deep breath that does not sound good. "You better stay with me marimo." Sanji grumbles moving towards the drawer to grab towels not finding many to wipe the blood away. "I'm not going to loose my soulmate. I can't." Sanji says throwing the bloody rags over his shoulder. Grabbing the bandages and starting to unroll it so start wrapping Zoro.

"Do.. do you really want me as a soulmate. You are okay with that?"

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I was confused! I spent most of my life running from my biological family. They are monsters and I didn't want to think about them but they are always there. They were always there. I didn't want anyone to know. I'm a coward. I got scared okay." Sanji confesses. Lips in a thin line.

"I...I don't..." Zoro groans at a particular touch. "I don't care about that. I care that you didn't trust Luffy. Didn't trust us. Me!" Zoro pants. Sanji looks over to Zoro. Face contorted in pain. His white teeth staining with blood. "After everything. Nami. Robin. Usopp. Brook. You didn't trust us. Didn't wait for us. You decided on your own." Zoro takes a few deep breaths. "I... can I trust you?" Zoro asks, voice broken and small.

Sanji shakes his head. "I trust you all."

"Then why'd you leave! You didn't wait!" Zoro voice cracks, his grey eye watery. He looks away.

"Hey, hey, Zoro." Sanji voice is soft, he moves closer to Zoro head. "Please look at me. I'm sorry. I was stupid. And a coward. But mostly selfish." Sanji says Zoro doesn't move but he can see his chest breathing. "It was never because I didn't trust anyone. I thought I could handle it alone." Sanji says. Zoro scoffs. "I was wrong. I'm sorry. Never again." Sanji says going back to wrapping Zoro.

"Better not happen again." Zoro says, resting his head back, eyes closed.

"I promise. You are my soulmate. And Luffy is my captain. The Strawhats are my crew." Sanji smiles. Zoro lets out a sigh, the tension leaving his body. Sanji stays focus on wrapping Zoro.

He's wrapping Zoro up as he hears a grumble. "Do you even know how to apply a bandage?" Zoro grumbles. Sanji looks over to Zoro, his eye is open but he doesn't look there fully.

"It's the same as trussing a ham." Sanji answers calming. Refocusing on bandaging his soulmate. It look like he lost a lot of blood. Seeing that is just bringing back memories.

Zoro lets out a chuckle. "Am I a ham to you?" Zoro asks. Sanji lets a smile form on his face.

"You're not that appetizing!" He says finishing it up. Zoro takes in deep breaths. Sanji walks over to the candle, picking it up. "And?" He asks bring the flame to his cigarette. Lighting it up and taking a huge breath in. He sets it back. "Who could hurt you like this?" Sanji ask moving to make sure he's wrapped correctly.

"Kaido and Big Mom."

"No wonder. I can't believe you made it to the rooftop." Sanji looks into Zoro eye. "Tell me Luffy is okay."

"I think he figured something out. He'll win." Zoro says no doubt in his voice. Zoro never once didn't believe in Luffy.

"I know that." Sanji says reaching to put the flame out. He trusts Luffy now more than ever.

Sanji opens his eyes as he sits up. Feeling stiff on his torso. Looking down he finds he's bare. Bandages wrapped around him. "Luffy." He says but stops himself from saying anything else. His eyes land on his soulmate mark. He gasps loudly. It's turning pink. Why the hell is it turning pink!

He looks around looking for his shirt and blazer. He quickly gets dressed. "Thanks!" he shouts as he rushes forward. He needs to find Zoro.

He can't find him.

The pink spreads.

It's silent as he rushes forward unsure where Zoro fought King. Running trying to find him. Unable to he decides to meet with the crew and ask.

Sanji then finds the crew gathered. Getting closer he notices Chopper working on someone. Getting closer still he sees green hair. The small doctor pressing onto Zoro chest . The mosshead eyes closed, laying there as chopper tries doing CPR. "Zoro!" Sanji yells. Nami looks at him worried. "What happened?"

"I found him. He was about to fall off the island. I don't think he's breathing." Franky explains. Sanji falls onto his knees next to his soulmate.

"No. No. No." Sanji says taking Zoro's face into hands, he's growing cold. Zoro face to calm, almost sleeping. Blood everywhere. Horrible memories resurfacing.

"Sanji?" Usopp wonders. Looking at the others to see if he's not hallucinating.

"Chopper." Sanji calls looking at him.

"I'm trying my best. He wrecked his body." Chopper says pulling out salves and bandages. Going as fast as he can.

"Do better." Sanji says looking back at Zoro. He rest their foreheads together. Eyes clenching together. Trying to will Zoro awake again. He feels a hand on his shoulder but he doesn't move.

This can't be happening again.

Not again. Zoro is going to live. He has to. His life was finally settled. No past to haunt him.

Zoro opens his eyes, his body feeling sore but the light is blinding to his one eye. He takes a deep breath. Flashes of what he last rememers. That odd skeleton standing above him. He opens his eye, looking around to where he is.

In a building, in a room. Not one he's familiar with though. He turns his head enough to see Luffy sleeping next to him. He relaxes. So not somewhere dangerous. He sits up. Looking down to see he's covered in bandages. Makes sense.

"Zoro!" A voice calls making Zoro jump in his skin. Looking over he finds the blonde. A wooden bucket, the way steam is coming out must be hot water, in his hands. Sanji walks forward. Setting down the bucket. Zoro watches as Sanji moves fast. Reaching out without hesitation. Cupping Zoro cheeks. "You're awake. Actually awake." Sanji repeats.

"How long-?" Zoro begins to ask but is cut off by Sanji pulling him a hug. Zoro blinks. The cook holds him closer. Arms tight. Zoro slowly moves his arms to hug Sanji back.

"I was worried. So worried." Sanji mutters into the swordsman neck.

"What about you? You told me to kill you." Zoro points out. Sanji flinches. Pushing away slowly to face his soulmate.

"You don't need to. It was nothing."

"But it was something." Zoro says.

"I..." Sanji thinks about trying to get Zoro to forget about it but Zoro already said he didn't trust Sanji, lying about this won't help his situation. "I learned a lot when I was with my biological family. Judge, my biological father, above all else is a scientist." Sanji starts. He takes one more breath before telling Zoro everything. Telling his past. From the earliest memory to now. Not hiding anything. Zoro listens not disturbing him but the blonde can see his fist clench and jaw tighten at the bad parts. A sad look in his eye when the cook talk about his mother.

When all is said and done Sanji takes a deep breath. His eyes sting. There is a tightness in his throat. Zero reaches for the bucket. Dipping the towel. Wringing out the access water. Then scoots closer to the blonde. Gently he wipes at Sanji face. Wiping his tears. The snot around his nose and his goatee. The cook taking a deep breath in. Watching Zoro take care of him so carefully.

"You're not going to say anything?"

"There's not much I can say. I wish you didn't have to go through all that but you did. I do want you to trust me, with everything. And know I have your back." Zoro answers, more focused on cleaning the blonde.

"Are you still mad at me?"

"Not so much. As long as you promise never to do what you did. To me and Luffy." Zoro goes serious. Grey eye sharp as he stare at both Sanji face. Bangs brushes away to clean his face.

"I promise never again." Sanji answers quickly.

"Then I forgive you."

"We are good?"

"Yeah we're good cook." Zoro nods getting Sanji to smile. Happy by the news. Sanji lets out a sigh as the tension fades from his body. The blonde falls back. Eyes closing as he breaths. Finally able to relax. "What happened?" Zoro wonders eyes on Luffy still sleeping.

"Momo took control after Luffy beat Kaido. Everyone is liberated." Sanji answers eyeing the ceiling.

"It's over?" Zoro asks.

"Yeah."

"So Tra-guy will be leaving?" Zoro asks. Sanji sits up looking at his soulmate. The marimo looking at their captain. Sanji looks at the sleeping man, as wrapped in bandages as Zoro is.

"I guess he is. But we knew this was going to end eventually." Sanji points out.

"Yeah." Zoro watches Luffy for a long moment. Then smiles. "I doubt they'll never see each other again." Zoro points out. Sanji smiles as well. Eyes going to Zoro.

"Hey, I've been meaning to ask." Sanji crawls toward Zoro, grey eye giving his soulmate attention. "Where's your soulmate mark?" Sanji asks crawling forward. Zoro leaning back until he's laying down on his back once again. Zoro looks down to the water bucket.

"You didn't see?" Zoro questions looking back up at Sanji. The blonde hovering over him.

"Chopper and Hyori- Chan did the cleaning to your body. I wasn't sure I should without you knowing." Sanji answers, blue eyes roaming the bandaged covered torso. Haramaki placed as well. Sanji leans down onto his elbows getting closer. "I'm glad you're okay." Sanji says eyes looking into Zoro. The marimo only able to stare. Unsure what's happening.

"Food!" Luffy shouts sitting up. Both turn to their captain. A growl coming from the straw hat wearing man. Luffy eyes the room.

Then another growl echoes in the room. Eyes turning towards it. Zoro blushes. Luffy smiles.

"You made up!" Luffy gets up.

Sanji snickers at the growl, getting off the swordsman. Zoro leans up on his elbows, cheeks red.

The moment interrupted by the door sliding open. The rest of the crew walking in along with the others.

Sanji takes a breath, smoke coming out as he stare out into the vast scenery. Luffy eating on the small hill he sat not to far from Sanji. Zoro sitting next to him. All three staring out. They had sensed an enemy getting closer. But it seems it's all handled.

Along with a guest no one would expect. Shanks. Only ever heard about the man.

Luffy laughing as he much on his meat.

Zoro slowly stands up. "Are you going to stay here?" Zoro asks Luffy.

"Yup. I'll watch." Luffy says with a smile. Bringing the bone of meat to his mouth. Watching the field.

"Okay. See you tomorrow." Zoro says turning around. Sanji says his own goodbye. Chasing Zoro to catch up with him. When Sanji goes into step with him Zoro continues walking. They don't yet far before zero says something. "Are you going to follow me the whole time?" Zoro doesn't turn around. He keeps walking. Sanji keeps following.

"I want to be with my soulmate." Sanji says causing Zoro to pause. The swordsman turns his head to face the blonde.

"You think of me as your soulmate?" Zoro asks with wide unbelieving eyes. Sanji mouth opens in shock. He closes his mouth before he drops his cigarette. Something in his chest felt heavy and ready to burst. He felt bad. Why would Zoro think otherwise?

Sanji looks around noticing they are in public. They shouldn't have this conversation in publish. He looks around wanting to find a place to talk in private. He spots a small gap between two stalls on the far end. The two stalls are empty. Everything must have been sold. He pulls Zoro to the area. Thankful the mosshead is letting him pull and not starting a fight.

Once alone Sanji takes a breath looking at Zoro who is staring. "Why does that surprise you? We agreed to get to know each other. You forgave me." Sanji points out. Zoro looks away with a shrug.

"I forgave you for what you did but regarding being soulmates." Zoro pauses. The silence long. "Y-you left... y-you left to get married." Zoro stutters not looking at Sanji. It hurts.

"I didn't ask to get married. I already told everyone, showed everyone, my soulmark. Judge didn't care."

"We've gone against the world government, yet you gave up this time."

"They blackmailed me. Using Zeff as collateral."

"Zeff raised you better than that! Did you not trust him? You think he'd rather live knowing you sacrificed your dreams than dying knowing you held up standing up for your dreams!" Zoro takes a breath. "How do you think he'd feel knowing what you almost did. Did you think he was so weak?" Zoro asks.

"What do you think?"

"It doesn't matter."

"You're my soulmate."

"It hasn't felt like it. Not once. I haven't seen you fight for me. Don't force yourself just cause my name is tattooed on your skin." He growls in frustration. In a softer tone he says "I won't be mad." Zoro looks down.

Sanji has never seen him like this before. Small. Sad. Broken. He may not be mad but Zoro looks ready to cry. It makes Sanji feel gutted. Zoro never cries so how does he know? It's not a good feeling to be the cause of his soulmate crying. Zoro has only cried for one reason: a close friends death. Now he's going to cry cause his soulmate is an idiot, an asshole, and someone who can't make a fucking decision. Who took to long and is making everything worse.

"Zoro, I'm sorry." Zoro flinches at the blonde words. The swordsman's shoulders dropping as his head hangs lows. Teeth biting his lips. He hears shuffling from Sanji. Now waiting for him to leave.

Instead, Sanji appears in his blurry vision. He blinks the tears away to see Sanji getting on his knees. Zoro stands straighter. Mouth opening to ask what he's doing.

"I'm sorry." Sanji repeats again. This time with his forehead to the dirt. The blonde knew Zoro wouldn't listen to him if asked to lift his head, and he knows how Zoro feels about apologizing so here he is on his knees. "I have not been the soulmate I should have been. You deserve better. I'm so sorry." Sanji says. He was willing to give up for Zeff but he wasn't willing to fight to be with Zoro. He can't help but rethink all his actions. He's been rather selfish. And Zoro has been nothing but selfless. "I know I was wrong but I'm rather greedy, and I want you Zoro." Sanji tells him.

"You can get up." Zoro says with a crack to his voice. He clears his throat as he looks away. Listening as Sanji gets up.

"Oh, Zoro." Sanji voice is soft. Zoro spots Sanji's hand getting closer to him, flinching back as he looks at the blonde. Wide eyed. Sanji pauses his hand, looking hurt, his lips thin. Zoro stares at him wide eyed, wondering what he's doing. Then Sanji places his hand on Zoro's cheek softly, but the swordsman can feel his callouses. A shiver running down his spine. Sanji then brushes his thumb on Zoro's cheek. Now registering something wet. Zoro blinks feeling another tear fall, this one catching on Sanji thumb.

"I'd ask for forgiveness but I know you like action more than you do words. I will make it up to you. Show you how serious I am about having you as my soulmate." Sanji says looking right into Zoro eye.

Zoro is at a loss for words.

Sanji isn't one to lie. Not without reason. Zoro can't help but know what he's saying is true.

"Please don't cry more." Sanji says placing a soft kiss on his cheek bone. Zoro can't stop his face from heating up. He pulls away from Sanji who stare with a soft smile on his face.

"I'm not crying." Zoro says as he using his sleeve to wipe his eye. Sanji lets out a hum, not going to argue to him that he was in fact crying.

"Can I hug you?" Sanji wonders. Zoro stops wiping his eye, lowering his sleeve to look at the blonde.

"Huh?" Zoro questions.

"I want to hug you. Can I?" Sanji clarifies with his smile.

"Sure?" Zoro wonders, not sure he's serious about that. Seem like to much. Then again he did hug the swordsman when he woke up. Sanji pulls Zoro into a hug. One hand on the back of his head, the other around his middle. Zoro takes a breath, wrapping his arms around Sanji back. Letting his face go into the blonde shoulder. Taking in his scent. Cigarettes and spices. He likes it. Though he can't help but wonder if he's ever been hugged like this before?

But his traitorous stomach had to growl at the moment. Cutting the hug short. Zoro blushes as Sanji leans back, enough to get a look at the swordsman face.

Feeling like he needs to explain Zoro says what comes first to mind, "seeing Luffy eating made me hungry too." Which feels childish once said out loud.

"Then lets go." Sanji says though he doesn't step away. Neither does Zoro.

After a long silence of them standing in each others arms Zoro speaks up. "Are we going to eat?" Zoro asks.

"You haven't let me go." Sanji smiles enjoying the blush on Zoro's face. The way it travels down his neck. Disappearing into the fabric of his yukata.

"You're the one holding me." Zoro says but he doesn't step back.

Sanji chuckles. "Just give me one more second." Sanji says. Zoro nods. Sanji fights off the blush as Zoro's eye roam his body. Obviously checking him out. Feeling his heart thud against his chest. Never once has he thought if Zoro liked the way Sanji looked. It's making him nervous. What if Zoro doesn't like what he sees?

Sanji knows Zoro is handsome. The lovable idiot may not know himself as he doesn't care and only cares for his soulmate (that's him and the thought has Sanji melting) but others, no matter the gender, do stare at him. Ogle him as he walks past, especially since he's always half dressed, exposing his chest to everyone. Then when he smiles he can make people fall to their knees, his white and straight teeth as his cheeks puff with a heartfelt smile. It draws anyone in. His loud laugh. Anyone wouldn't think twice about trying to get close to Zoro.

Sanji feels more than he sees the way Zoro straightens. Sanji focuses on his soulmate in his arms. Zoro's warmth and firm body against his own. Though there is a softness to it one wouldn't expect at first glance.

Sanji hears Zoro take a deep breath through his nose. Then another. Oh no, does he stink? Zoro pulls away. Sanji lets him slip through his arms as Zoro takes another deep breath. The swordsman then follows it. Nose sniffing the air like a bloodhound. Sanji follows. "Mosshead?" Sanji calls, the name coming out automatically. His tone is not teasing though.

"I smell something." Zoro says as they move in between two shops.

"Yeah, there's a bunch of shops." Sanji points out keeping his eye on Zoro.

"No, something specific." Zoro tells him.

"Specific? Like what?"

"Good." Zoro answers. And Sanji wonders if the moss has finally reached his brain. But Sanji lets Zoro lead. Until he realized what a mistake that will be.

"You're not getting us lost are you?" Sanji wonders.

"How can I get us lost if I didn't have a destination in the first place?" Zoro asks back giving Sanji a look over his shoulder. Sanji keeps silent because he's right about that. "Also I don't get lost." Zoro voice is firm. Sanji smiles. A hand over his mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

Zoro continues to lead with his nose until they pop out of another set of shops. Onto a new street. Zoro looks around taking a deep breath. Sanji watches as his eye narrow. Then they snap to a shop. Sanji watches amazed as his eyes lighten. Excitement.

Zoro rushes forward. Sanji a step behind him curious to what has Zoro chasing them. And instantly he's lost. Zoro starts talking in his native tongue with the women. She's older, lines around her eyes and mouth. Even then she's on the taller side. But one thing Sanji has noticed his how tall everyone in Wano is. Even Kin'emon is tall. But she isn't as tall as them. The shop isn't a stall like everywhere else. It's a small restaurant. Hidden between two other shops, Sanji couldn't read the names.

"Cook?" Zoro calls knocking Sanji out of his daze. He looks over to see Zoro staring at him. The older woman is as well.

"Sorry." Sanji says.

"Are you hungry?" Zoro asks.

"I can eat." Sanji says then turns to look at where they came from. Zoro lead them far. He smelled this from where they were? He looks back to see Zoro holding up two fingers as he talks to the lady. She gives them both a look before smiling. She motions to the side. Zoro following her hand, then looks back to nod at her. She goes into the shop as Zoro turns back to him.

"Let's sit." Zoro says, a small smile on his face. Sanji nods, walking with Zoro to where the lady motioned. A table with chairs. Sanji sits across from Zoro. The other man setting his swords to the side. Opposite of where the women would likely come from.

"What?" Sanji wonders seeing the way Zoro is looking around.

"I'm glad we helped." Zoro says with his mouth curled up in a small grin.

"We promised. It's up to Momo now." Sanji says.

"I think I'll miss it." Zoro says looking back at Sanji. "This is the longest we've ever stayed on an island." Zoro points out.

"And you guys were here longer than we were." Sanji reminds. Wow, that was so long ago. Zoro nods.

"I'll miss it but I am excited about getting back at sea." Zoro smiles. "And back to my routine." Zoro smiles turns into a grin.

Sanji huffs. Still not able to believe his soulmate is such a muscle head. "Of sleeping?" Sanji teases.

Zoro takes it. "Of training. I need to get stronger. That fight with Kaido..." Zoro looks away.

"Don't take it too heart too much. You fought Kaido by yourself. Kid and Law barely got Big Mom with two people."

"I get you're trying to cheer me up but if I can't fight Kaido then how can we continue? How can I protect you all?" Zoro wonders.

"You don't need to protect me Zoro."

"I know but I will. You're still my crewmate and..." Zoro looks away blushing.

"And?" Sanji urges wanting to hear it.

"... my soulmate." Zoro continues. Sanji beams.

"We are all stronger and we'll grow as we go. We all will Zoro, not just you." Sanji says. Zoro opens his mouth to argue but Sanji catches sight of the women with their food. "Our foods here. Let's enjoy the festival. Enjoy the downtime we have until we do leave." Sanji looks at Zoro. The man stare at him before nodding his head. Turning as the women steps up to the table. Setting them their meal. Sanji stares at it all. It's soup. Sanji was sort of expecting something more grand. It's soup, with a large bowl of rice, grilled fish, what looks to be an egg that was cooked and rolled, some sushi, and a plate of... from the smell of it crab. Once she sets everything she bows and walks away.

Zoro claps his hands together. Says a word then grabs his chopsticks. He starts eating. Sanji a few seconds behind him as he joins. He takes a bite of everything. Smiling at the taste of it all. He looks up to ask some questions, hoping Zoro can answer them considering the blonde knows the swordsman doesn't know anything about food. Sanji pauses at the sight that greets him. Zoro smiling as he eats. It's the same as he usually eats. Stuffing his cheeks full. But there's small smile as he chews and his eyes are sparkling. Sanji has never seen him look like this. Never. Not once as they crew ate together, no matter what Sanji cooks, no matter where they go to food shopping and Zoro is his pack mule.

The question he had before dies in his throat. A new one appears. "You really seem to like this meal." Sanji points out. Zoro pauses, chewing his food as he stare at the blonde. Zoro then looks down at the spread.

He swallows as he looks back up to Sanji. "This is what I mostly ate at the dojo." Zoro smiles. Sanji takes another look at what he sees. It's simple. But it's what Zoro likes. They hear a couple booms. The sky lighting up with fireworks. Zoro turns to look at it. Sanji takes a moment to look at them as well. Before he reaches into his sleeve. Digging in until he finds his lighter. Stuck to it is a piece of paper. Unfolding the paper it's a very faded with handwriting on it. One in kanji the other in universal.

Miso soup, rice, rolled omelet, suchi, crab salad.

The words are faded, barely there, but Sanji has memorized it. Sanji looks back at Zoro having finished watching the fireworks. Turning back to his food. Pauses when he sees Sanji staring at him.

"What?" Zoro asks.

Sanji shakes his head, slipping his paper back. Then his lighter is slipped back. "Nothing." Sanji smiles picking his chopsticks up to eat.

Sanji watches as Zoro eats. Once they are done the woman comes back out to collect their plates. She talks to Zoro a bit. What ever she said has Zoro nodding excitedly. Sanji stays where's he's seated as Zoro continues to sit.

The woman comes out with a tray of sake and... dumplings? No not dumpling. "Mochi." Zoro says smiling at Sanji. Sanji nods signally he heard. The women sets it all down before bowing and leaving them once again. Zoro pushes a cup towards Sanji. Sanji takes it. Zoro pours some sake into the cup, Sanji can feel from his hands it's warm. Zoro pours himself some.

"Cheers?" Sanji wonders holding his cup up. Zoro raises his cup. With a smile. They drink it.

Sanji declines another cup. Zoro drinking another as Sanji takes a mochi and eats it. It's different than what he's use to. He also wasn't sure what to expect but it's good. Chewy. It's good. He catches Zoro reaching for one. Smiling as Zoro pops it fully into his mouth. Zoro is enjoying food he's finding out. It's... hard to describe seeing. He's almost jealous but he wants more.

When they are finished Zoro thanks the lady who smiles. Pinching his cheek. "So where next?" Sanji wonders.

Zoro shrugs. "I was thinking of taking a bath before bed."

"You don't want to explore or drink more?" Sanji wonders.

"No. I want to get some sleep in. Before we leave." Zoro says. Sanji blinks thinking it over. Knowing the man doesn't sleep a full nights sleep as he's usually on night watch. Sure he takes naps through the day but that isn't the same as a full nights sleep. It might be a good idea to get sleep in.

They walk forward. Not in the right direction for heading to the castle. Sanji doesn't correct him. Wanting to spend more time with Zoro. Looking at the stalls. Zoro getting a tiger mask. Sanji a fox mask. Sanji trying some candied apples. Zoro eating some takayoki. Sanji had the pleasure -or unpleasure, depending when asked- of seeing Zoro eating a banana on a stick. Having found a stall that didn't just sell chocolate covered bananas, this is a caramel covered banana and Sanji can't look away as the man eats it. But who eats it like that? Why is he deep throating it? His traitorous mind replacing the banana with something more intimate. Zoro didn't even choke. He didn't know Zoro ate bananas like that. Sanji can only watch as Zoro gets another. The chocolate on his banana melting knocking him out of the daze. He looks away to and eats his own.

Sanji takes a breath, focusing on the food in his mouth. But it doesn't work much.

Until they are finally on the right track. They walk together in silence. And Sanji mind goes to Zoro. How the swordsman feels at peace here. Feels relaxed. At home. He spoke easily to the natives here.

"Zoro... can you say something in your native tongue." Sanji wonders out loud. Far enough from the festivities.

"Why?" Zoro asks looking at the blonde.

Sanji shrugs. "I wanted to hear you speak." Sanji answers.

"Mmm." Zoro hums at the blonde taking him in. "あなたが想像する以上に、私はあなたを愛しています。" (I love you more than you will ever know.) Zoro says serious. Sanji blinks taking in words he doesn't know.

"You didn't insult me did you?" Sanji asks.

Zoro bursts into his laughter.

"You did didn't you." Sanji huffs.

"I didn't." Zoro shakes his head. "But I'm not going to tell you." Zoro smirks at the blonde.

"Fine." Sanji says. Then smirks. "Tu seras la seule désormais et pour toujours, mon amour." (You will be the only one from now on to forever, my love.) Sanji says. Zoro mouth drops open. Sanji watches the blush slowly grow on his face.

"Petty." Zoro mutters then continues walking. Sanji chuckles.

"Tell me what you said and I'll tell you."

"How about you tell me and I'll tell you." Zoro counters with a smile.

"I guess we're at a stalemate." Sanji says with a smile.

"I guess so." Zoro answers. Now more close to the castle.

"Zoro." Sanji calls him name. "May I give you a goodbye kiss?"

"Wha-?" Zoro voices stopping in their walk to stare wide eyed at the blonde. "I don't mind but..." Zoro questions. Sanji gets closer. "On the cheek?" Zoro wonders.

"I was thinking on the lips but if not I can do the cheek." Sanji raises a hand to cup the swordsmans cheek. Skin warm and soft.

"Lips?" Zoro eye goes to Sanji lip blushing red snapping his head away. Sanji watching amused. Who'd ever thought the Pirate Hunter Zoro would be like this over a kiss.

"Do you want a kiss on the lips?" Sanji wonders.

"I've never..." Zoro shakes his head.

"I haven't either." Sanji assures. "So?"

"Okay." Zoro whispers stepping closer. Their noses touch. The two stare into each others eye. This being the closest both have ever been to each other. Then they close their eyes tilting their heads. Their lips press against each other. Then again but more firmly. Zoro presses closer. Sandi hand slides over to the back of the man's head. His other hand finding Zoro hips. Once again feeling the swordsman warmth. Zoro lets out a gasp. Sanji licking the others lips. Softer than he thought they would be. Sanji truly is greedy because he wants more. He wants to taste Zoro. So he slips his tongue into Zoro mouth. Zoro lets out the cutest squeak in surprise. He doesn't push away.

Zoro pushes his tongue as well, though, they are both new to this and have no clue what they are doing. So all the movements are shaky. Neither truly care as they explore. Zoro tasting of caramel and sake. While Sanji tastes like cigarettes and chocolate.

They do eventually pull back to breath. It wasn't enough.

"Fuck Zoro."

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No. It's just... if we don't stop now I'll just want more."

"More like... oh." Zoro looks away shy. Sanji can't believe he's like this. "Do you... want to... stop?"

"You mean...?" Sanji asks eyes right at Zoro even though the mosshead can't look at him at the moment. Zoro shrugs.

"My first would have been with my soulmate or no one."

"Are you sure?" Sanji asks. Zoro finally looks at him back.

"I'm sure." Zoro nods.

Sanji reaches for Zoro throwing him over his shoulder before running to the castle.

"What? Cook!" Zoro shouts.

"My room or yours?"

"Huh? Does it matter?"

"We'll go to yours it's closest."

Zoro sat on his futon. Freshly showered. His yukata on loose. Sanji was so eager running here but as soon at they got to the mansion Sanji redirected, instead of going to his room like he said he went to the bathroom. Sanji telling Zoro to go first and shower. So he did. Unsure where Sanji went, but he wasn't upset about it. Zoro needed time to calm himself. He may have been confident before but he's shy. Sanji will see his name for the first time on Zoro's skin. It's in a place he knows for sure may frighten Sanji away.

Still he's now in his room waiting for Sanji. The man taking longer than Zoro thought he would.

He looks outside, the night still young. He can hear the fireworks in the distance, but he can see it clearly where his window is. He pads over to lean against the window. Staring at the sky, the stars easily even with all the light. A little nervous the more he waits, wondering if Sanji has decided to drop out of this. Perhaps he came on to strong? Zoro blushes.

Maybe he should go to sleep?

The door opens before he can make up his mind. Sanji stood there, eyes on the empty bed. His eyes snap around the room before landing on the swordsman. Shoulder loosening at the sight of the other man. Sanji closes the door behind him. Sanji gives a smile. Zoro watches him.

"Ready?" Sanji asks. Zoro nods standing up. They meet on the bed. Sanji setting down a small bottle and some extra clothes to the side.

"Do you know what to do?" Zoro finds himself asking.

"Yeah. Do you?" Sanji wonders, siting back on his knees in front of Zoro. Mirroring the other.

"I have a vague idea." Zoro says.

"Should I take control?" Sanji wonders.

Zoro looks at the blonde. He doesn't know what to do so he doesn't feel that comfortable with leading. In fact he actually likes the idea of Sanji taking the lead. Like this there's no chance of Sanji getting scared by something. "Okay." Zoro nods.

"You sure?"

"Yeah."

"What if I want to top?"

"I don't care."

"Then, if I do something you don't like just tell me. Or punch me away."

"Sure." Though Zoro highly doubt Sanji could do something Zoro doesn't like.

"Good." Sanji nods. He scoots closer. Zoro watching him, Sanji watching back. Sanji places his hands on Zoro's hips, Zoro holding his arms up for easy access. Sanji then pulls Zoro into his lap. Taking in all his weight. Which contrary to his size isn't all that heavy. He hears Zoro gasp, feeling heat at the action. He liked that, liked the fact Sanji can hold him and move him easily. Hands being places on the blonde shoulder. Sanji can feel the warmth radiating from the swordsman, smell him having just come from the bath, Sanji digs his hands into the swordsmans hips. Feeling the softness through the cloth. Eyes watching Zoro face who sat watching him. Observing each other.

Then the cook's hands move. One hand going down the swordsman bare legs, where the cloth moved for Zoro's legs to sit comfortably on the cook lap. Sanji feeling the bare skin on a soft thick thigh, can feel the muscle twitch under his fingertips. Not use to being touched. His other hand trailing back, feeling his plush ass but going to the base of his spine. Then trailing up slowly. Feeling every bone of his spine. He feels the shivers it causes, Zoro squirms on his lap but he doesn't tell the blonde to stop. His hand finds it's way to the top. On Zoro's neck. He pulls him in to a kiss. Continuing what they started before.

Zoro leaning more of his weight into the blonde, chest to chest. Their kiss messy but breathy. Exploring each other more once again. Zoro's thighs clenching around the blonde hips. Pulling them closer. The hand on Zoro's thigh moves further up, sliding underneath the fabric, going around to his ass. Bare ass. Coping a squeeze.

"Zoro." Sanji growls against Zoro's lips. "No underwear?" He asks, pulling away to lean down. Moving his kissing lower. Sucking on Zoro's neck. Marking his soulmate.

Zoro frowns, head tilting to allow the cook access. At a harsh such on his neck Zoro lets out a breathy gasp as he pulls Sanji close, hands fisting the yukata on Sanji back. "I don't like it." Zoro breathes out. Sanji bites harshly on Zoro's clavicle. Zoro letting out a whimper as he ruts against the blonde. "Plus we were going to get undressed anyway." Zoro gasps out, body warming and twitching with every touch and kiss.

"Makes sense." Sanji agrees. He kneads Zoro's ass in one hand. His other hand coming to the front as he moves away the yukata. Getting a good look at bronze skin. Zoro's plush chest getting exposed, tan skin pink and what a feast it is. His pink nipples at attention having been rubbed against the fabric of his yukata. Sanji gropes one tit. Feeling the heft of it in his hand, then squeezes. Zoro breathing heavily at the feel, every sensation new. Fingers digging into the blonde shoulder, even through the fabric. Sanji then goes with a desire he's had for a while. His lips find the pert nipple, begging for attention, wrapping his lips around it then sucking it. Zoro cries at the sensation. One hand finding itself curling into blonde hair. Nails digging into his scalp, back arching. Sanji groans, teeth nibbling on the nipple, causing Zoro to let a wanton moan pulling the blonde face closer while also pushing his chest closer. Trying to smother Sanji.

"S-Sanji." Zoro moans making the blonde stop. He looks up to see Zoro already looking down at him. Already he's wrecked. Face red, brows furrowed, lips a little swollen, grey eye dark with lust. "Your nose." Zoro gasps out. Sanji licks his lips tasting the coppery metal flavor. Looking down he sees he's rubbed his nosebleed over Zoro breast. Like a claim.

"Don't worry." Sanji says moving forward. Attaching his lips onto the other nipple, not wanting to have one ignored. His nosebleed making an obvious path way. Now feeling the way his hips are grinding up into Zoro's ass while the swordsman rocks against the blonde. Fuck he's achingly hard. Even after rubbing one out earlier. "Zoro lay down." Sanji stops what he's doing to push Zoro back. Zoro follows, sliding off the blonde lap, who misses the weight, then lays down. Looking like a fucking dream as he opens his legs to allow the blonde in between. Yukata falling off his shoulder, while showing off most of his torso. The slit open showing off his toned legs but keeping his private hidden. Though the bulge not hiding what the swordsman feeling. Sanji can't talk, his cock also tenting his yukata.

Sanji realizing he still hasn't caught sight of his name. Sanji reaches over for the bottle. Then moves to hover over Zoro taking him in. He sets the bottle to the side of Zoro's head who eyes it before looking up at the blonde hovering over him. His chest heaving, matching the blonde. Hearts racing. Desire strong.

Zoro takes in the blonde. Milky skin. Broad shoulders. Toned muscles. A few scars. Not at all skinny like his clothes make one think. Zoro knew he was attracted to the blonde he never thought he'd see it lip close like this. Never thought he'd get to touch. Touch Zoro did. Feeling soft skin. Hard muscles.

Sanji moves his hand down, tracing faintly down Zoro's body, starting from the tip of his scar, down to the middle of his chest, then straight down the ridges of his abbs. The tie to keep the yukata closed just bellow his belly button. Feeling the first mate shiver. His hands go to the white ribbon holding the yukata closed. His grabs it, pulling it free. Once undone he moves the frabic away, getting his first look at Zoro naked. Eyes taking everything in.

Only to pause. Breath stuck in his throat. Finally seeing his name. Large and in cursive, red sprawled on his tan skin. There his name is. Labeling Zoro as his. His name.

Sanji Vinsmoke.

That's him. His blue eyes start to tear at it.

"Cook?" Zoro calls. Sanji sucks in a breath. He moves forward. Leaning down to where his name is. Opening his mouth to take a bite. Leaving a bite mark right by his name. Located right below his navel, on his pelvis, above his cock. Skin bare for his name. Bite after bite. That rubbing out feels like it was a waste of time now. He didn't think that Zoro would be so erotic. His voice and his body, bringing out a possessiveness to Sanji he never knew he'd feel. Sanji bites down on Zoro's thighs, feeling them tremble in his hands. Biting onto the meat of his thigh. Going back up as he spreads Zoro's legs open for him. Licking, biting, even nibbling into the skin.

He gets to Zoro's cock. Something he's long since had time to wrap his head around. Finding he doesn't care, not when he has Zoro skirming in his hands. Hard and leaking, red at the tip, Sanji licks the tip. Going down and licking up the vain. Zoro squirming moaning out. A hand going to the cook's shoulder. It doesn't push him away, it is just a hard grip. Going harder, digging into flesh as Sanji engulfs the swordsman's cock into his mouth. Opening his jaw wide to take in the girth. Zoro isn't small even if Sanji tops him in size. Making sure his teeth don't touch he moves up and down. Sucking on Zoro.

"Cook!" Zoro cries, hand going to the cook head, holding onto a fistful of blonde hair. But he doesn't pull. Sanji continues sucking in as much cock as he can. Zoro's closing his thighs to lock him in place. Sanji can't complain. He's got a goal. To make Zoro cum. He has no doubt Zoro will be able to keep up with him. He sneaks one hand below him mouth. Searching. Finding Zoro's puckered hole. He presses against it, teasing. Zoro's moan getting more desperate. "I'm going to-" Sanji pulls back a little, just to press his tongue against the head of Zoro's cock.

Zoro comes with a cry as he curls in on himself. Sanji pulls away, still getting some in his mouth, but most end on his face. Zoro lays there heaving has he twitches, face dazed with the first orgasm of the night. Legs open and trembling.

One to one.

Sanji leans over for the bottle. He uncorks it. Dripping a large drip of lube onto his hand. Spreading it over his fingers. Making them nice and wet. He looks up at Zoro to see the other watching him dazed, chest heaving with deep breaths. "Ready?" Sanji asks. Zoro nods reaching down to hold his leg open for his soulmate.

The cook starts slow with one finger in first. Sliding in slow, taking note of the heat and tightness imagining it around his cook. But he focuses on stretching Zoro first. Not wanting to hurt his soulmate. Zoro takes it easily with no discomfort. Sanji going in till his last knuckle. Then he adds a second finger. Zoro grimaces at the stretch but he doesn't say anything. Again Sanji is slow. Push and pulling his hand in and out of Zoro's hole. A slight wet sound. The blonde opens his fingers, scissoring Zoro's insides. Getting him open and ready for his cock. Memorized by the sight of his fingers wet and glistening entering and exiting the swordsman. Once stretched out enough he pulls his fingers out, adding some more lube, then pressing them in again adding a third finger. Stretching his finger. To be safe he adds a fourth finger.

"Cook, please." Zoro begs stopping the blonde in his tracks. He looks up to Zoro face, pleading. One hand gripping onto the covers they are on top of, hands digging into his thigh where he's holding his legs open. His cock once again hard and standing. Twitching and leaking where it stands.

"Fuck." Sanji groans pulling his finger out of Zoro. Quickly he strips his clothes off, yukata coming right off and abandoned. He grabs the lube pouring more on his hands, moving to his cock, painfully hard. He groans at the grip of his hands, giving himself a brief relief as he slicks himself up. The tip of his cock an angry red.

Once he's got himself wet enough he grabs Zoro's hip dragging his back, pulling him close. He pours a bit more lube on Zoro's hole. Then lines himself up. Head pushing against the puckered hole of the swordsman. Once the head of his cock pops in he moves slow. Zoro groaning at the feeling of being stretched , eyes on the way the blonde looks. Both serious and manic. Blood dripping from his nose, now smeared over his mouth, some drying into his goatee. His cheeks a bright pink. Sanji moves his hands to Zoro's hips, spreading the lube onto skin. Moving slowly until his hip are flush against the swordsman. Zoro eye tears up at the size of the blonde. Taking deeps breaths at the feel of heat and the tightness of Zoro. Feeling way better on his cock.

Zoro looks down at where the cook in in him, feeling the stretch and fullness. Sanji cock much harder than a couple fingers. And hotter. Sanji taking a breath feeling the way Zoro clenches around his cock. Sanji grinds his hips, before he gets an angle that has the swordsman spasming and crying out loud. The tears falling from the green haired man eye. He looks shocked at the blonde. Sanji takes a breath. Found it. The blonde leans forward onto the other man. Chest against chest. Hot skin against hot skin.

"My soulmate." Sanji grins. Zoro can see the blue eye blown with lust. Curious, Zoro reaches forward. Moving the cook bangs out of his face. Seeing his soulmate face for the firs time.

"Yours." Zoro agrees, he wraps his arms around Sanji's neck pulling him close. Sanji pulls his hips back then forward. Thrusting hard, Zoro cryies unable to keep his voice down. "Yours." He repeats. Feeling the tip of Sanji cock hitting deep within him. Zoro thighs clamping around the blonde hips. Body feeling hot and tingly. Mind becoming mush.

Sanji goes faster and faster, harder and harder as Zoro cries into his ears. Then he leans on his hand getting a look at Zoro chest bouncing at his motions. That accompanying the sounds of his hips slapping against Zoro's is a symphony of noises that are too obscene for the blonde. He's unsure he can control himself at this point. Years of dreaming of sex with his soulmate and he's finally here. He has nothing to compare it to but he knows he'll never get tired of this feeling. Of being connected to his soulmate. To Zoro, who accepts him. Who loves him. Who trusts him.

Zoro seems to be drowning with pleasure now so he doesn't think the swordsman would be upset about it.

Sanji hicks up one of Zoro's legs onto his elbow, letting his cock go deeper. He clenches his teeth feeling Zoro tighten around him. Zoro moan getting louder, his head thrown back. He goes harder and fast. Leaning down to kiss Zoro neck. Wanting to mold their bodies together.

Not seeing an end in sight like this. Not that either can or will complain. They've waited this long to be with each other. Nothing will stop them now.

Sanji takes a breath in as his eyes open. His body sore in a good way. Lights coming in so it's morning. Sanji blinks awake, getting rid of the rest of sleep. A knock is heard but it's soft his mind barely registers it. He looks down noticing it's not his room. The sliding door opens, Nami peeking her head in. Her eyes land on someone else before going to him. She's grinning when they lock eyes.

"We've set a day to leave. Better get prepared." Nami informs him.

"Right." Sanji nods, turning his head to find Zoro sleeping next to him. Snoring peacefully. Memories of last night flashing in his mind. He tries not to move, feeling bare skin against bare skin. He doesn't want to risk Nami seeing anything. Both out of embarrassment and possessiveness. He doesn't want her to see Zoro body. Not that she would care.

"I'll leave you two. I'll save some breakfast for you both." Nami says grinning. She lets out a chuckle as she slides the door closed. It closes with a snap. He hears her footsteps fade. Once she's gone he bursts, face red hot. He knows he shouldn't be but he is.

He looks back at Zoro sleeping.

Sanji moves. Pulling Zoro close, feeling his warmth. Sanji runs his hands over Zoro bare skin. Smooth to the touch and soft. Sanji relaxes. Resting for a little longer. Knowing as soon as he gets up he's going to start worrying about getting the kitchen stocked and pantry filled. For now he'll bask in the warmth that is his soulmate.

He is unsure how long he keeps his eyes closed when Zoro wakes. Sanji opens his eyes watching Zoro wake up. Zoro opening both eyes as he wakes up, though dazed, Sanji takes the scarred eye in. Having never seen it before. Taking in the person before him. Zoro blinks but only one eye opens.

Zoro cheek is squished against the pillow. He takes a breath. "Morning?" Zoro says.

Instead of answering Sanji moves forward, kissing Zoro on the lips not caring about their breath. Zoro makes a confused sound but returns it. Sanji moves more, until Zoro is on his back once again, Sanji over him. Both littered in marks. Zoro more so than Sanji.

"Cook?" Zoro questions. Calm and relaxed. Watching the blonde stare at the green haired man as if he's a buffet waiting to eaten.

"Just a little more time with my soulmate." Sanji says hand sliding down Zoro front. Right past his belly button stopping where his name is permanently marked on Zoro skin. Sanji kisses Zoro again. The mosshead lets it be.

This might be the best way to wake up in the morning.

Sanji huddles close as he takes a breath from his lit cigarette. He feels his cheeks are cold and his nose is frozen. The whole crew is bundled up.

Well, besides his soulmate. Who sat on the foremast bare chested. Sanji takes Zoro in. The man relaxed with minimal clothes. Sanji can spot the hickey he left on the side of his neck. Knowing there's a bite mark right next to his name. Forever marked.

"Nami! What is that!" Usopp cries pointing out. Everyone looks to see a hurricane but it's become a large sphere and yellow at the center. That doesn't look good.

It doesn't help Nami even looks scared.

Sanji taps his orange boots on the ground. Taking another drag of his cigarette but his eyes keep going to the sliding door.

Not paying much attention to the rest of the crew or Vegapunk. So far egghead didn't seem dangerous. But then CP0 had to show up. Zoro having to fight them admittedly had Sanji worrying. Also those Seraphin clones as well. Then Lilith ran over. Sanji did his best to cover his worry but he's sure they all knew. Luckily he got there. Also there is Stussy.

He hears the door open. Stussy is out first but right after her is Zoro. And Sanji almost drops his cigarette. Zoro is in all black. The suit skin tight. A long sleeve jacket. His swords rather than being on his hips are on his back. The same colored boots on his feet. The way Zoro walk. He's shaking his hips with each step. The blonde can't look away. No curve is hidden, not like it usually is with the swordsman coat and pants. Everything is on display.

And he's all Sanji's.

"I'll go look." Zoro says bringing Sanji back to the present. He stops him.

"Why don't you wait here?" Sanji suggest knowing Zoro would get lost. The man is going to fight him though so Sanji pulls him in. Kissing Zoro in front of everyone not that many are paying attention. Robin and Chopper see them. Robin just smiles. "Stay here." Sanji commands. Zoro speechless.

Dumbly nodding his head. Face blooming red.

Sanji grins. He needs to get his hands on Zoro in private later.

Sanji spots Zoro walking to the boys room on the Sunny. He's the last one still dressed in their Egghead outfit. Sanji rushes in. Everyone too busy with the giants to pay attention.

He finds Zoro at his locker, swords lain on his bed. Zoro sets some clothes aside before closing his locker. "What are you doing?" Sanji asks even though he knows. He gets closer to Zoro. Putting away his cigarette for later.

"Changing now that I know we're save." Zoro answers reaching down to undo the orange boots.

"I see." Sanji hums as he gets closer. Once both boots are off Zoro kicks them to the side. Sanji goes forward getting flush against Zoro. Back to chest. "I was thinking," Sanji starts hands touching Zoro. Hips first. Going down to thighs. It feels so good underneath the fabric.

"Cook?" Zoro calls. The blonde getting distracted.

Sanji kisses Zoro ear, then reaches over to bite it, giving a quick lick to where the earrings are. Zoro shivering in arms. "I wanted to strip you." Sanji announces not hiding the hunger in his voice.

Sanji waits for Zoro answer. Touching and growing what he can reach. Holding his soulmate close. "Alright." He says. Zoro turns to face Sanji. Zoro looking as hungry as the blonde. They meet in the middle, desperate and wet kisses. Zoro wraps his arms around Sanji neck. Pulling him close. Sanji hands go straight to Zoro ass. Cupping both ass cheeks as they are held perfectly in those tight pants. Sanji taps his ass. Zoro getting the signal. Zoro jumps into Sanji arms, legs wrapping around the blonde waist. Sanji taking all of Zoro weight easily.

Sanji walks them to the small couch in the room, not breaking the kiss. Gently he sets Zoro down. Hovering over him. Taking in his form. Sanji is obsessed with Zoro like this. Taking his hands to roam the expanse of the others form.

He digs his fingers where Zoro's nipples are. Feeling them harden in his hands. Then sees the way they perk against the tight shirt. The frabic stretching across both breasts.

Sanji moves to get the pants off, the shirt is then moves up over Zoro's chest. Pink nipples at attention. Sanji leans down kissing them. Bringing them into his lips to lick and suck at them. Zoro moaning at Sanji pushing his chest against his lips. The blonde knowing how sensitive Zoro's chest is, it doesn't help he likes playing with it.

Zoro helps the blonde get his pants off his legs. Sanji goes down taking a bite by his name. A habit of his. As if seeing his name there isn't enough.

Sanji would love to savior the swordsman but he doesn't want to risk it. They may not have the time, especially on this crew.

He pulls back, helping Zoro's legs open. One leg going to the back of the couch. Sanji holds Zoro's scared ankle, pushing the other out to get acess to the pink hole. He reaches into his pocket, pulling out the trusted bottle of lube. Before he can pop the cork open the door opens.

"Hey-" the voice stops itself. Sanji looks over to see Usopp, the sniper wide eyed. Brown eyes on the blonde face, then goes down to his hand with Zoro's ankle, then to the couch. "Oh, I see." He smiles at them. "Make sure to clean up after." Usopp closes the door. More than sure to run of and tell the other.

Sanji shrugs it off. Looking down at the other he finds Zoro hiding his face behind his gloved hands. Sanji grins. "Embarrassed?" Sanji teases setting the ankle down over the back of the couch. With two hands he uncorks the bottle with a pop.

"How are you not? He's going to tell everyone." Zoro asks moving his hands out of his face to stare at his soulmate. Looking at the calmness with the way the blonde moves.

Sanji coats his hands with a generous amount of lube. Sanji smiles. "Do you not want them to know?" Sanji wonders spreading his fingers of lube. Then moving it down to Zoro's hole.

"W-what about- mmgh- you?" Zoro groans as Sanji enters him. Pushing two fingers right out the gate.

Sanji watches Zoro's greedy hole take his fingers in, tight even after all this time. Mesmerized by the sight but thinking about the fact the crew already knows. Who did the swordsman think doesn't?

"Everyone knows already." Sanji tells his mate.

"Wha-nngh!" Zoro back archs. Eyes closing, teeth clenching as he throws his head back.

Sanji nods. Right he was passed out when Sanji made a scene. Nami of course knows. He doesn't. "Robin knew before Thriller bark. I don't know when Luffy figured it out but he talked to me about you when I left. Nami did as well, she got hints from her soulmate. And the others, I made a scene after the fight on Onishgashima. You weren't waking up. I'm sure every one pieced it together then." Sanji explains though unsure Zoro heard any of it as he was to busy writhing and moaning.

"A-are you okay with that?" Zoro wonders, looking at Sanji with water dazed eyes. Sanji sliding in a third finger. Knowing Zoro doesn't mind a little pain.

"I like it." Sanji smiles. Pulling his fingers out he reaches down to undo his pants. Getting his cock out. "I like knowing everyone knows you are mine." Sanji grabs the lube to add some more. Slicking his cock up. "I'm yours." Sanji pushes his cock in.

When he's in Zoro grabs his collar, pulling him down. "Don't forget it." Zoro says kissing him. Both having gotten better at kissing now. Zoro pulls back. "Now fuck me." Zoro rocks his hips, the blonde's cock shifting inside him. Both groaning at the feeling.

"Fuck you feel good." Sanji groans, shifting so he can comfortably be in a good position. Once good he pushes his hips forward. Back and forward. Hard as he pistons in the swordsman. Zoro moaning, more than sure everyone is as far as they can be from the room. Good too because with zero moons and the slapping of skin they will he heard.

Zoro taking him. Accepting him like he has this whole time.

"C-cook?" Zoro calls in between to moans. Legs wrapped around the blonde waist. "Your mark." Zoro point out. head turned at the blonde arm, placed right next to his head, against the armrest. Sanji pauses, looking over to see his arm. Zoro's name in gold. Sanji brings his arm to his face to see it is in gold. Fast, he looks down to see his own name in gold on Zoro's skin. Zoro looks down as well. One of his hands coming to touch it. As if a trick of the light.

"Ride me Zoro." Sanji pulls out sitting back on the couch. Helping Zoro move to sit on top, straddling his lap. Zoro reaches behind him for the cooks cock. The head of Sanji's cock entering easily. Zoro sinks in. Sanji hands going to his hips. Eyes on his name in gold, seeing Zoro's name in gold as well. Fuck why was the sight so hot?

Zoro looks down. Zoro places his hands on Sanji shoulders as he gets comfortable. He moves fast and deep, riding Sanji. Riding his soulmate.

That's what they are soulmates. They tease each other. They bicker. They talk. They trust. They love.

Complete. Like Zoro always knew they would. He tilts Sanji head up. Leaning forward to kiss him. The cook kisses back.

"Zoro," Sanji calls when they pull back heaving breathing between them. The slapping of Zoro's skin against his own loud but neither pay attention to that, "I love you." Sanji says. Zoro pauses. Eyes wide.

"I love you too." Zoro blushes more than he already was. Sanji stands up, hands on Zoro's ass. Holding his weight. Zoro clenches around the blonde, holding onto him tight not wanting to fall. But the blonde knows the swordsman likes it when when he shows off his strength.

Sanji smiles. Zoro smiles back before it's interrupted by the blonde moving.

After they clean up and join the others, Sanji makes sure to show off his now golden mark. Much to Zoro embarrassment.

Of course the crew is happy for them.