#ZoSan Month 2019

[pingo1387]

Red String

ZoSan Month 2019  Week 4: Unbreakable Bond 

Sanji stared, stunned, at the spot in front of Kuma where Zoro had vanished. He seized his own right hand and stared at it, watching the red string forever tied to his little finger stretch, and stretch, and stretch. Luffy’s order to flee reached his ears and he turned and ran as fast as his burning legs would carry him. 

Zoro reached the edge of the island he’d landed on, clutching his bandaged chest and wheezing. He held up his left hand and watched the red string tied to his little finger move this way and that in small, small increments, and he knew Sanji was alive but very, very far away. 

Sanji ducked into a cave, catching his breath. He held up his right hand and watched the red string twitch and jump around. He managed a smile, realizing Zoro was training like always, and stood, his feet beating on the ground once more. 

Perona asked him why he was always staring at his left hand. He never answered, despite her badgering, instead staring out the window in the direction the string pulled his heart. 

Ivankov had caught on quickly, but Sanji never disclosed who the string was tied to, only that they had never acknowledged their bond, and did he even see it? Was Sanji the only one who could see it? At that moment he decided, when they met again, he would tell Zoro everything. 

Sanji stared at the red string, not so stretched out now, move down and down through the island. He frowned, but the mystery was soon solved when a broken ship surfaced on the shore. Yells filled the air, and a man with green hair leapt back onto the island, walking straight for Sanji. 

Sanji stared at him, and Zoro stared back. They held up their right and left hands respectively, holding out their pinkies, and nodded. Without a word, they went into town, hands clasped. 

[hikarimatsumot0]

Day – Prompt: Week 2: Dual Guardianship

Language: English

Trigger Warnings/Rating: Rated G

Summary: Sanji has to deal with the situation when his roommate Zoro brings a girl home.

[dreamisballs-blog]

Here With Me

With the last swipe of cloth, the kitchen was at last - after 3 hours of putting things away and dishwashing and the whole nine yard- clean. It would not do if every single cutlery was not polished to his standards, pots and pans arranged meticulously in their designated places, the galley floor clear from bits and pieces that fell from the mouths of uncouth Neanderthals that were the male faction of the crew. Other than Sanji himself, that was.

LuffyTrapTM all set and a tray of coffee and biscuits in hand, the blond let out a satisfied sigh after closing the galley door. The night was perfectly clear and serene; a sky full of stars stretched above the calm sea where the Thousand Sunny floated idly, like a giant cosmic blanket. Gentle sea breeze cooled the thin sheen of sweat on his nape as Sanji headed towards the library. Robin, who volunteered for the first watch, smiled gently at the proffered coffee and Sanji returned it without words being exchanged.

Kitchen sparkling and his precious flower cared for, Sanji headed for the men’s bunk for that long overdue rest. His limbs made their heaviness noticeable the closer he got to the room, the day weighing down on him at last. If the captain wanted to have a celebratory banquet, then a banquet he shall have. Deep down Sanji was grateful for the chance to cook for his crew once again. It has been a long time since every member of the Strawhat Pirates could gather at one sitting without plotting some kind of schemes, let alone going about inane, almost domestic routines and basking in each other’s company - he missed it dearly and the epiphany did not escape him, that he was so close to losing it all .

The opening of the door seemed to release all that was trapped inside the men’s bunk: loud snores, musk tinged with stale farts, stray limbs dangling over the beds and even more stray clothes on the floor. He carried his steps silently   towards his own bed, hand tugging his tie loose, feet careful so as to not tangle into any lost underwear on the floor as he draped his jacket on the back of a chair.

Zoro’s bed was below Sanji’s so it was hard not to glance at the prone figure of the sleeping swordsman when approaching the comfort of his own pillow and blanket. Tonight it seemed that the green-haired man was not joining the messy sleeper bandwagon: his hands propped the back of his head, body prone at the centre of the bunk bed, legs crossed at the ankles, and mouth lax to indicate he was indeed drifting off. The perpetual scowl between the sharp eyebrows was even smoothed into a relaxed expression. The Demon of East Blue, the soon-to-be World’s Greatest Swordsman, looking like the dumbass Sanji knows him to be, the dumbass who he comes to love. He really could not stop the little endearing smile that lifted the corner of his lips as he leaned over into Zoro’s personal space for a kiss on the forehead. Fingers threading softly through the green tufts for good measure, his chest felt stuffed full of longing and adoration for the man, petty insults and general spitefulness towards one another be damned. 

Sanji straightened back and reached for the bunk ladder when a hand curled around his wrist. He looked down and found Zoro’s steady gaze, albeit a little bleary from sleep. The hand gave a gentle tug and that was all Sanji needed to start crawling into the space next to Zoro. He relieved himself of his dress pants before sticking his bare legs underneath the shared blanket and laid down with Zoro’s naked chest pressed flush against his clothed back.

Trying (and failed) to suppress the flutter he felt inside, Sanji turned around and nuzzled into the collarbone of his lover, eyes getting teary at the familiar scent and the feeling of safety encompassing him in the form of two strong arms. Here is home. Here is where he’s loved and appreciated. And here he may take a respite from the weight of the world that constantly bears down on him.

“G’night, sappy cook.” Zoro said quietly amidst the snoring and the sleep mumbling, his voice amused and his embrace warm.

Sanji hummed with a smile on his lips and for once in a long while, slept without a shred of worry for tomorrow.

[yumenofude]

Guess what? It's pride month ❤💜💙

[slaughterchichi]

An Arc Apart By The Chichi Slaughter House Warnings: ZoroxSanji, spoilers for Wano (vaguely), references to WCI, soft and tender but with a horny undertone. (Unlike usual, which is horny with a soft and tender undertone.) Disclaimer: One Piece and its characters belong to Oda. Rating: PG? PG-13? Originally started this for ZoSan month prompt ��reunion’ but it ended up delayed because I was focusing on other things. Also supposed to be a drabble (400 words max) but I’m a wordy bitch and couldn’t help myself. Obviously, with the way the manga is going right now this will likely diverge from the canon but who cares? I just wanted to think about it.

After having met again for the first time in a week, Zoro and Sanji were on edge.

[pingo1387]

Not Married

ZoSan Month 2019  Week 2: Dual Guardianship  Mentions of Franky/Robin  Modern-day AU 

(This one got kind of long!) 

They’d lived in the same apartment---budget reasons, of course---for years. Sanji cooked and Zoro cleaned and they took turns taking out the garbage and recycling. Sanji complained about Zoro dripping sweat on the floor when he exercised and snoring when he slept, and Zoro complained about Sanji leaving magazines catering to a particular clientele lying around the house and how loud he would get after barely a glass of wine. In arguments, Zoro never failed to point out that he brought in more money to the house, annoying Sanji to no end, and Sanji never failed to point out that Zoro would probably die of malnutrition if he didn’t live with such a good cook, annoying Zoro to no end. All in all, they got along just fine and coexisted in peace---as friends and nothing else. 

“Oh, weird,” Zoro said, shutting the door behind him and sitting at the table as he studied the mail. 

“What’s up?” Sanji said, not turning around from the stir-fry at the stove. “How was work?” 

“Robin sent me something,” Zoro said, ripping open the envelope and shaking out the letter now torn in two, unfolding the pieces and putting them together. “It was fine.” 

“Who’s Robin?” 

“Distant cousin. We hung out a lot when I was younger. We still get drinks sometimes.” Zoro squinted at the letter. “God damn it, I hate cursive. She knows I’m dyslexic.” 

“Give it here,” Sanji said. He took the pan off the heat, turned off the stove, and went to the table. Zoro scowled and handed him the two halves of the letter, which Sanji held together and skimmed. 

“‘Dear Zoro,’“ he read aloud. “‘Franky will be overseas for a few days, and I received an invitation for an archaelogical dig that I can’t turn down. We’ll both be out of town until Franky comes back. Would you be available to watch Chopper? Love, Robin.’“ Sanji looked over the letter at Zoro. “Who’s Franky and Chopper?” 

“Husband and kid. So she wants us to watch him for a few days?” Zoro frowned. “Weird, his great-grandparents usually take him." 

“Maybe they’re busy with doctor stuff,” Sanji said, setting the letter on the table. 

Zoro looked up. “How’d you know they’re doctors?” 

“You mentioned one time---something about having relatives who’re married doctors. I just guessed.” 

“When did I---? That was a year ago. You remembered?” 

“So, you think we could watch the kid?” Sanji asked. “How old is he?” 

“Seven. I think?” Zoro frowned. “I guess we could watch him. He’ll need a sleeping bag.” 

“Hmm, yeah. Is he going to school yet? When does the school year start?” 

“I don’t know. I can probably take him if it’s far.” 

“You’ll make him late.” 

“Shut up.” Zoro stood and vanished into his room, coming out with a pen and a fresh sheet of paper. He bent over it and started writing. “Proofread this when I’m done.” 

“Sure, sure.” Sanji stood and went back to the counter, taking out two plates and forks and doling out the stir fry, bringing the plates to the table. “Eat up while it’s warm.” 

Three days later, Sanji looked up at a knock at the door. He turned down the heat on the stove and hurried over, opening it. 

“Hello, you must be Sanji,” said the woman standing outside with the suitcase. 

“Yes, I am! May I ask what your name is?” Sanji exclaimed, smiling. “Please, come in!” 

“My name is Robin. Didn’t Zoro tell you the situation?” 

“Oh, so you’re---! Yes, excuse me, it’s great to meet you,” Sanji said, shutting the door behind her. “Zoro’s---hey, idiot, get out here!” 

Zoro emerged from his room, yawning. “What?” he snapped. His eyes fell on Robin. “Oh, hey. I was sleeping.” 

“You don’t keep a lady waiting,” Sanji snapped. 

“Come on, it couldn’t have been more than a minute---” 

“It’s good to see you, too,” Robin said. She held out her arms and let Zoro approach first before hugging him. “I’m just here to drop off Chopper.” 

“Where is he?” Sanji asked. 

Robin laughed, looking down. “He’s right here.” For the first time, Sanji noticed a small child sticking out from behind Robin’s legs, head and hands obscured behind her. “Chopper, come out and say hi.” 

A hand stuck out and waved before disappearing again. 

“Hey, Chopper, haven’t seen you for a while,” Zoro said, kneeling. “You ready for a three-day sleepover?” 

Chopper fixed himself so only his hands and head poked out now. He nodded, curly hair and pink hat bobbing. 

“He does have school. It might be close enough to walk, but if either of you . . .” Robin turned to Sanji. “If you can drive him, that would be better.” 

“I can drive!” Zoro snapped, straightening up. “Don’t leave me out!” 

Robin gave him a pitying look. “Yes, but . . .” She trailed off and turned to Sanji again. “Anyway, I’ll write down the address. Do you have a pen?” 

Sanji left to fetch writing supplies and Robin turned back to Zoro, all smiles. “So, you two get along fine?” 

“Yeah, as good as ever,” Zoro said, rolling his eyes. He knelt again. “You have a sleeping bag, right? You can sleep wherever you’re comfy.” 

Chopper nodded and hid again as Sanji came back. Robin wrote down the address and talked to Sanji about nutrition before turning and kneeling. 

“I’ve got to go now,” she said, running fingers through Chopper’s hair. “Papa’s gonna come by to get you in three days. Ask Cousin Zoro if you need anything.” 

Chopper hugged her, and she kissed his nose and stood again. With a last wave goodbye, she left, shutting the door gently behind her. 

“You wanna watch TV or something?” Zoro asked. 

Chopper nodded. He looked at Sanji again and turned away, hiding his face behind his hands. Sanji looked at Zoro, frowning, and Zoro mouthed He’s shy. Sanji nodded and returned to the stove, stirring the sauce. Zoro and Chopper sat on the couch, and Zoro handed Chopper the remote. After finding a documentary about the history of medicine, Chopper scooted closer to Zoro and settled down, eyes glued to the screen. 

They sat down for dinner soon and dug into the meal of homemade pasta with red sauce, Zoro’s and Sanji’s with meatball chunks and Chopper’s vegetarian. As soon as Chopper dug in, his eyes lit up and he ate with gusto, making Sanji smile. 

“S’okay,” Zoro grunted, though he too was stuffing his face. 

Sanji scowled and grabbed a napkin. “You’re so messy,” he snapped, leaning forward and wiping away the pasta sauce smeared on Zoro’s chin. “Who taught you to eat?” 

“Leave me alone,” Zoro grumbled, returning to his food. Chopper’s eyes darted between them, but he said nothing and continued eating. 

He started yawning soon after dinner and went to his suitcase, pulling out pajamas and a dental care kit. Zoro directed him to his bathroom and Chopper disappeared to change. 

“So what’s with his nose?” Sanji whispered as soon as the door shut. “It looks blue. Is he sick?” 

“He was born like that,” Zoro whispered back. “No one knows why.” 

“It doesn’t bother him?” 

“No, but I think he gets teased at school for it. Don’t mention it in front of him.” 

“I know that, I’m not an idiot.” 

“Could’ve fooled me.” 

“Shut your mouth---” 

“You first---” 

“Mossy-hair moron---” 

“Stupid eyebrows---” 

“Muscle jackass---” 

“Princely loverboy---” 

The door opened and they both turned. Chopper was staring at them, now in pajamas, and he held up his sleeping bag. 

“Sorry, shouldn’t have raised our voices,” Zoro said. “Where do you wanna sleep? The living room, my room, or the cook’s room?” 

“I have a name,” Sanji snapped as Chopper looked between them, puzzled. He eventually pointed to Zoro. 

“Go get your shit set up, I’ll be there soon,” Zoro promised. 

“Don’t swear in front of him!” Sanji exclaimed. “What is wrong with you?!” 

“Oh, yeah. Don’t tell your mom I said ‘shit,’” Zoro told Chopper, who smiled and nodded before disappearing back into the bedroom. Zoro stretched and went to the kitchenette, walking past an exasperated Sanji. “I’ll get the dishes. You going to bed or staying up?” 

“I’m gonna try the crossword, then I’ll go to bed,” Sanji said. “Gotta be up early to drive Chopper to school.” 

Zoro scowled. “I’m taking him day after.” 

“Like hell you are.” 

Zoro woke up the next morning to find that Chopper had climbed into bed with him. He blinked sleep out of his eyes and shook him. “Hey,” he whispered. “School time. Go get some breakfast.” 

At the same time Chopper started waking up, Sanji opened the door, fully dressed. “What do you want for breakfast?” he asked Zoro and Chopper. Seeing the situation, he grinned. “Hey, idiot, you’ve got a new brother. Uh, we’ve got cereal, eggs, toast . . . ?” Chopper nodded. “Toast?” Chopper nodded again. “Do you want butter or jam?” Chopper held up two fingers. “Okay, toast with jam, coming right up. Get dressed.” 

Sanji shut the door again and Zoro crawled out of bed, going around Chopper. He helped him down and said, “I don’t have to work till later, so I’m not getting dressed right now. Come out when you’re ready.” 

“Okay,” Chopper whispered. Zoro nodded and left, sitting at the table. 

“Eggs,” he said. “Two, scrambled, none, both.” 

“Coming up.” Sanji got out the eggs and bread while Zoro opened the newspaper, reaching for his reading glasses and bringing the paper close to his face to read the small print. By the time Chopper came out of the bedroom, fully dressed and a backpack around his shoulders, a plate with two toast slices spread with strawberry jam sat at the table. 

“Eat up, we should go soon,” Sanji said to him. Chopper nodded and set his backpack down, sitting at the table and nibbling his toast. 

“Anything interesting?” Sanji asked as he handed Zoro his breakfast: Two scrambled eggs with no sauce and both salt and pepper. 

Zoro grunted something that might have been a thank-you, and then something that might have been a no. He grabbed his fork with one hand and started eating, still holding the paper close to his face with the other hand. 

“Oh, wow, you were hungry,” Sanji said, noticing Chopper’s plate was empty. “You want anything to drink? Orange juice, milk, water? You don’t drink coffee yet, do you?” 

Chopper made a face and shook his head, holding up one finger. 

“Orange juice? Okay.” Sanji got him a glass. “You want anything else to eat?” Chopper shook his head. “Ready to go?” Chopper nodded. “Cool.” Sanji tapped the table and Zoro looked up. “We’re heading out. Don’t forget the lunch I made you, and don’t break anything.” 

Zoro ripped the newspaper in two at the crease and dropped the pieces to the table, folding his arms and staring at Sanji. 

“What are you, twelve? Dick,” Sanji snapped. He turned and went to the door. Chopper giggled and waved goodbye, waiting for Zoro to return the gesture before he ran after Sanji, hitching his backpack up on his shoulders. 

The drive to school was short, but slow due to the morning commute from other parents and guardians. During another idle at a stoplight, Chopper turned to Sanji and said, “Um . . . Mr. Sanji?” 

“Just Sanji is fine,” Sanji said, smiling at him. “What is it?” 

“Sorry. Sanji? Why don’t you and Zoro wear rings?” 

“Rings?” Sanji repeated. He checked the light. “Well . . . I don’t really wear jewelry, and as for him . . . I don’t know. I’ve never seen him wear any decorations besides his earrings.” 

“Why do you have separate rooms?” Chopper asked. 

The light turned green and Sanji drove forward, turning into the drop-off area. “Why do we have---? Why would we share a room?” 

“You’re married, aren’t you?” 

Sanji turned the car sharply into a parking spot and turned to Chopper, who flinched. “Whoa, whoa, sorry,” he said, trying to relax into his seat. “I---what do you mean, we’re married?” 

“You . . . you aren’t married?” Chopper said, eyes widening. “But you . . . you seem so . . . ? I thought you just lost your rings or took them off, and the rooms was, was because you wanted privacy, or . . . ?” 

“We’re friends,” Sanji said firmly. “We are not married. At all. Not even a bit. We’re not in love. We’re not married.” 

“Okay, I’m sorry,” Chopper said, though he still looked at Sanji with knowing eyes. He unbuckled himself and got his backpack. “Um . . . are you or Zoro coming to get me?” 

“I was going to, but Zoro might. We’ll figure it out. Have a good day.” 

Chopper climbed out of the car and waved before turning around and trotting to the nearest building. 

“Married,” Sanji muttered, backing out of the parking lot and driving out of the school campus. “Ridiculous. What made him think we’re married?” 

He made it to the barbershop where he worked and disappeared into the back room to change into his uniform. 

On his way back from work, walking home, Zoro glanced at the elementary school he sometimes passed and noticed a familiar pink hat. He hurried into the school yard and approached Chopper. 

“Hey, you,” he said. Chopper looked up and grinned. “School’s out?” 

“Yeah!” Chopper exclaimed. “Just now! Are you picking me up?” 

“Yeah, just . . . lemme call the cook first.” 

They found a phone inside and Zoro dialed Sanji’s work number. 

“We’re not married,” Sanji said as soon as he picked up the phone. 

“What’s that?” Zoro said. “It’s me. Who were you talking to?” 

“Oh. Uh, no one. What is it?” 

“I’m bringing Chopper home. We’re walking.” 

“Oh, thanks. I’m finishing up here. What do you want for dinner?” 

“I dunno. Seafood?” 

“Ask Chopper what he wants.” 

Zoro did so. “He says potatoes and tofu.” 

“Got it. See you soon.” 

Zoro hung up and turned to Chopper. “Okay, let’s go.” 

“Are you sure you’re not married?” Chopper said as they started walking. 

“Me? I’m not married. Why?” 

“I told Sanji this morning, that you guys were married,” Chopper said. Zoro frowned. “And he acted weird and said no, even though it’s true.” 

“But we’re not married,” Zoro said. “Just because we’re living together . . . we’re just friends. Why do you think we’re married?” 

“You act like Mama and Papa,” Chopper said. 

“How so?” 

Chopper shrugged, and didn’t bring it up the rest of the way back. When they returned, Sanji was already at the stove, fixing dinner. 

“Hi, idiot,” he said to Zoro. “And hi, Chopper.” 

“Hi!” Chopper said. “I’m gonna do my homework. I only have a little bit.” 

“Good, good,” Sanji said absentmindedly. “We’re not married, by the way. Zoro, thanks for getting him.” 

“Yeah,” Zoro said, sitting on the couch and setting down his bag of self-defense equipment. Chopper went to his bedroom to sort through his things, and Zoro said, “I heard about what Chopper said to you this morning. He told me the same thing.” 

“The nerve of him,” Sanji said, shaking his head. “We’re not married. What about us even resembles the concept?” 

“You got me. I mean, we’re definitely not married, so it’s weird. Hey, wanna watch anything tonight?” 

“Nah, not tonight,” Sanji said as Chopper came back out with papers and a pencil. He held out his math homework to Zoro, staring. 

“What’s up, you want help?” Zoro said. Chopper nodded and they sat at the table together. “Okay, so . . . when you multiply fractions, you start by . . . ?” 

“Can we play chess after this?” Chopper asked. “If you have a chessboard. Mama’s been teaching me to play, but at school I don’t . . . no one else wants to play.” 

“I’ll play, but you should finish this first so you don’t stress later,” Zoro said patiently. “So tell me how you multiply fractions.” 

Chopper frowned. “Um, first you take both top parts . . .” 

“Right, and what do you do with them?” 

“Here you go,” Sanji said, placing Chopper’s dinner in front of him. Chopper looked between the food and his homework, alarmed. “You can eat and work at the same time if you want.” Chopper relaxed and nodded, grabbing his fork and starting on the tofu with his left hand while scribbling in the margins with his right. He and Zoro continued working through each problem, though Chopper only needed gentle reminders for a few problems. 

“Here’s yours,” Sanji said, giving Zoro his dinner. Zoro started eating while Chopper looked up at Sanji. 

“You’re so good at cooking,” he exclaimed. He put the last bite of his food into his mouth. 

“He’s okay,” Zoro muttered. 

“Thanks,” Sanji said, straightening up and smiling. “Glad to see you didn’t get any ungrateful genes from this guy’s side of the family.” 

“Who’re you calling ungrateful?” 

“Who’re you saying’s just okay at cooking?” 

Chopper ducked his head, returning to his homework while they bickered and Zoro stuffed his face. By the time Zoro had finished his dinner, Chopper pushed aside his papers and said, “I’m done! Can we play chess?” 

“Yeah, of course,” Zoro said. After making sure Chopper didn’t need more food, Sanji went and fetched the chessboard and pieces from his room, setting them up on the table. 

“Actually, Chopper, do you wanna play me first?” Sanji asked. He looked at Zoro. “You still need to clean up.” 

“Let’s play,” Chopper exclaimed. Zoro stood and went to the kitchen, scooping up pots and pans and utensils and tossing them into the sink. He poured dish soap onto the sponge and began scrubbing as Sanji and Chopper started their game. 

Zoro was finished soon enough, and turned around, saying, “Hey, cook, you had your dinner, right?” 

“Of course I did,” Sanji said. Only he and Chopper didn’t notice the faint growling coming from his stomach as he spoke. “Who do you take me for?” 

Zoro turned around again and opened the fridge. Seeing that Sanji had gone and forgotten his own lunch that day, even after reminding Zoro about his, he sighed and got it out, bringing it to the table and sitting next to Sanji. Taking out the fork, he cut up the sandwich into bite-size pieces and speared one, holding it out to Sanji. Sanji automatically opened his mouth to accept the food, not taking his eyes off the chessboard as he chewed. It was in this way he was able to have a good meal and end the chess game in a draw simultaneously. 

“Good game,” he said, smiling and looking at Chopper with Zoro. Seeing that he was staring at both of them, he and Zoro said together, “What?” 

“Nothing,” Chopper said. “Zoro, can we play next, before bedtime?” 

“Yeah,” Zoro said, switching seats with Sanji. “We’re not married, by the way.” 

“We’re absolutely not married,” Sanji agreed. He stood to pack his and Zoro’s lunches for the next day while Zoro and Chopper set up the pieces again. 

About halfway through the game, Chopper started yawning, and Zoro looked up at him. “Wanna finish tomorrow?” he asked. “You can write down whose turn it was.” 

Chopper nodded. He reached down and got out a blank piece of paper from his backpack, scribbling the note, and hopped down from the table, going to Zoro’s bedroom to change and brush his teeth. 

“Hey, no,” Zoro said, noticing Sanji had finished the lunches and was pulling open the wine cabinet. He stood. “You’re not drinking when Chopper’s here.” 

“Why’s that? You’re not my boss,” Sanji snapped. 

“Because you need to drive him tomorrow and you completely lose it after one glass.” 

“I do not!” 

Zoro shut the cabinet and folded his arms, standing in front of it. “I’m prepared to fight you.” 

“I’d like to see you try,” Sanji said, drawing his arms close to him and circling Zoro like an angry cat. 

When Chopper came out to say goodnight, he found Zoro and Sanji locked in a petty brawl, Sanji kicking and Zoro blocking with his arms. 

“I teach self-defense, and you think you can beat me?” Zoro snarled. 

“Try growing up surrounded by shitty people in a shitty neighborhood!” Sanji snapped. “The number of times I’ve almost been mugged---!” 

“Can you teach me to fight like that?” Chopper exclaimed, eyes shining. 

“When you’re older,” they said together. “Go to bed.” 

Chopper pouted and disappeared back into the bedroom. 

When Zoro and Chopper emerged into the main area, ready for breakfast, they found Sanji fast asleep at the table, a half-finished crossword in front of him. Zoro rolled his eyes and went to him, shaking his shoulder. 

“Get up, stupid, it’s morning,” he said. Sanji blinked and sat up, squinting. 

“Oh, fuck,” he exclaimed, his eyes widening. He looked at Chopper. “Don’t tell your parents I said ‘fuck.’ God damn it---don’t tell them I said that, either---” 

“You told me not to swear in front of him,” Zoro said smugly. “You fell asleep doing puzzles again?” 

“Shut up!” Sanji pushed back his chair, wincing every time he moved his head. “What time is it?!” Zoro told him and he sighed. “Time for breakfast. Okay. What do you guys want?” 

“Eggs and toast,” Zoro said. “Two, scrambled, Tabasco, salt, one, butter.” 

“Um, me too,” Chopper exclaimed. “Eggs and toast!” 

Sanji quizzed Chopper on his preferences and hurried to the stove, throwing the toast into the four-slotted toaster and running to the fridge to get out the eggs. 

“Make sure you have all your stuff,” he said to Chopper and Zoro, yawning. Chopper double-checked his backpack and Zoro went to his room to get his work bag. Chopper sat at the table, resting his head in his arms, and Zoro went to the door to get the daily paper. He carefully moved the chess set from the kitchen table to the living room coffee table and sat, grabbing his reading glasses from the other end of the kitchen table and opening the paper, reading the headlines. 

“Here,” Sanji said, giving Chopper his breakfast: A scrambled egg with ketchup and salt, and a toast slice spread with jam. Chopper dug in while Sanji handed Zoro his two scrambled eggs with Tabasco and salt and toast slice with butter. Zoro folded up and set down the newspaper, rubbing his temples, and started eating. Sanji ran to his room and came back shortly, hair combed and in different clothes. 

“Don’t forget your lunch this time,” Zoro said idly as he ate. 

“These are really good,” Chopper said, his face full of egg. 

“I won’t,” Sanji snapped. “And thank you, Chopper. You guys want anything to drink?” 

“Wine,” Zoro said. 

“Oh, so you won’t let me even look at the wine cabinet, but you’re so special you get to have---? Absolutely not. No alcohol until you’ve had something real to drink. Do you want water, orange juice, or milk?” 

“Tea. Green.” 

Sanji smacked his forehead. “Right, we have---okay. Chopper, what about you?” 

“Milk,” Chopper said, finishing his breakfast. Sanji poured him a glass and grabbed a teabag from the cabinet. While he set up the tea, Zoro stood and went to the fridge, grabbing something and going outside. He returned soon with nothing and sat down again, working on his toast. After turning on the heat for the kettle, Sanji grabbed a piece of bread for his breakfast and started eating fast. 

“You know how long to let it steep for, right?” he said to Zoro, swallowing and wincing. 

“You’ve only told me about a hundred times,” Zoro said. At Sanji’s skeptical look, Zoro sighed. “Let it steep for two minutes, then check it by tasting every thirty seconds to see if it’s done.” 

“Good.” Sanji finished his bread. “C’mon, Chopper.” 

“Bye!” Chopper called, grabbing his backpack and following Sanji out the door. Zoro waved and finished his breakfast, keeping an eye on the kettle. 

“Sorry about the rush this morning,” Sanji said as he drove. “Falling asleep at the table isn’t usually a big deal, but I usually wake up in my bed, or with a pillow under my head and a blanket over me . . . I guess I didn’t sleep well because of that.” 

“So, you mean, someone gives you a pillow and blanket, or carries you to bed?” Chopper asked. 

Sanji took a hard right into the parking lot, and then a hard left into a spot. “We’re not married.” 

“Okay,” Chopper said with the same skeptical tone a suspicious parent uses with a child. “Thanks for driving me!” 

“Yeah, yeah, have a good day,” Sanji said. “If mossy doesn’t come by to get you around the same time as yesterday, just keep waiting and one of us will show up.” 

Chopper nodded and hopped out of the car. 

Though Chopper did have to wait longer, Zoro eventually wandered by the school again and made a beeline for the pickup area. He found Chopper sitting on the ground, knees pulled up to his chin. 

“Hey, you,” he said, kneeling. Chopper looked up. “Ready to go back?” 

Chopper nodded and stood, grabbing Zoro’s hand. 

“Bad day?” Zoro said as they walked. At Chopper’s nod, he said, “Want a piggyback or shoulder ride?” 

Chopper held up two fingers and Zoro scooped him up, placing him on his shoulders. Chopper held Zoro’s head and Zoro held his ankles and they went the rest of the way home like this. 

“Welcome back,” Sanji said, turning his head to look at Zoro and Chopper. He winced and turned back, wincing again. “You guys have good days?” 

“I did,” Zoro said, kneeling to let Chopper down. Chopper ran to the bedroom and shut the door. 

“He didn’t?” Sanji asked in a low voice. Zoro nodded and shrugged. Sanji sighed. “Any dinner ideas?” 

“He likes sweets,” Zoro said. 

Sanji smacked his forehead, wincing. “Oh, my god. Kids love desserts. How did I forget that? Do we have any cake?” 

“You are way too stressed,” Zoro said, glancing at his bedroom door. “Aren’t there recipes for . . . single-serve desserts?” 

“Yeah! Yeah, I’ll make him a lava cake,” Sanji said, nodding. “Gotta make sure I have everything. But, he can’t have just that for dinner. How about soup?” 

He pulled out his heavily-annotated recipe book and flipped to the soups section, finding a good vegetarian one for tortilla soup and slamming it on the counter. The bedroom door opened and Chopper shuffled out, already in pajamas. 

“You don’t wanna go to bed already, do you?” Zoro said. Chopper shook his head. “Okay. Any homework?” Chopper shook his head. “Wanna finish that chess game?” Chopper nodded. “Cool. Let’s get started. Dinner’s gonna be soup.” 

“Hey, Chopper, do you like spicy things?” Sanji called. Chopper shook his head. “Gotcha.” 

Zoro carefully picked up the chessboard and brought it back to the kitchen table, where he and Chopper sat, staring at the pieces. Chopper reached for his paper and double-checked that it was his turn before looking back at the board, frowning. 

Sanji served them soup as they finished, with Chopper pulling out a victory at the end. Chopper grinned and patted the table in excitement, and Sanji raised an eyebrow at Zoro in approval, noticing the obvious way Zoro could have won by the way the pieces were arranged. 

“Thanks,” Zoro said, taking his soup and blowing on it. “Good job, Chopper.” 

Chopper clapped his hands to his cheeks, smiling and wiggling in his seat. Sanji returned to the counter where his own bowl of soup was, and slowly started eating it in between grabbing ingredients for the dessert. 

As he finally put the cake into the oven, he finished off the last of his soup and turned around to find Zoro and Chopper doing the same. He put away the ingredients and tapped Zoro’s shoulder. “Clean up. Chopper, we’ve got a jigsaw puzzle somewhere around here, do you wanna give that a try?” 

Chopper nodded and waited, kicking his legs and holding his hat to his head as Sanji went into his room and Zoro stood to get the dishes. Sanji came out a minute later and went into Zoro’s room, emerging soon with the puzzle box. 

“Why was this in your room?” he said, irritated. Zoro shrugged without turning around, and Chopper hopped down from the table, kneeling as Sanji placed the box on the floor. “You wanna do this by yourself?” Chopper shook his head. “Okay, wanna start now, or wanna wait for Zoro?” Chopper held up one finger. “Let’s do it.” 

Zoro joined them soon, and then Sanji had to stand when the oven beeped. He returned with a piping hot lava cake on a plate, presenting it to Chopper, who stared at it and then stared at Sanji, his mouth open and eyes wide. 

“Wait till it cools down,” Sanji said. Chopper tried to bring a bite to his mouth regardless and quickly brought it down again, sucking in cool air through his lips to soothe his tongue. “C’mon, what did I just say?” 

Chopper smiled, ducking his head and returning to the puzzle. The pieces were about halfway put together when Sanji noticed Zoro staring at him. 

“What?” he said, moving his neck and wincing. 

Zoro got behind him and placed his hands on Sanji’s shoulders, rubbing deep circles into the tissue. Sanji hissed and closed his eyes, fingers twitching and then falling into his lap, the puzzle a fruitless endeavor for the moment. Chopper glanced up at them, shrugged, and continued the puzzle on his own. 

“Get my neck more,” Sanji muttered. Zoro moved his hands up, using his thumbs to massage the back, and Sanji sighed, shoulders losing tension. 

Zoro finally released Sanji when the puzzle was finished and the lava cake was gone and so was Chopper, having left to brush his teeth. Zoro got Chopper’s dish and went to wash it, and Sanji closed up the puzzle box, deciding to leave the completed puzzle on the floor for the time being. 

“Night, asshole,” he said, yawning and rubbing his now headache-free temples. “We’re not married.” 

“Definitely not. Night.” 

They vanished into their respective rooms, Zoro always ready to sleep by nature and Sanji ready for an early bedtime to catch extra sleep in a proper bed. 

Breakfast was much the same as it had been for the past two days. Chopper decided to try cereal and liked it, even though it was meant for adults, and Zoro tried a mix of soy and Worcesterschire on three eggs. Sanji had had a much better sleep and drove Chopper to school, sending him off with a reminder of, “We’re not married.” The barbershop was busy and the self-defense class was sweaty, and Sanji changed out of his uniform before driving home, and Zoro wiped himself down with a spare towel before walking back. Chopper had had a much better day, and walked along with Zoro, chatting about school lessons and cool beetles he’d seen in the trees. 

“. . . And there was one as big as my hand,” he said to Sanji. His things sat by the front door, all packed up and ready to go. 

“Beetles, huh?” Sanji said. “You’d get along great with Usopp and Luffy.” 

“I thought you disowned them?” Zoro said in surprise. 

“I disowned the Vinfucks,” Sanji corrected. “Whoops, don’t tell your parents I said that, Chopper. Luffy and Usopp don’t share that family name, and they’re both on my mom’s side, and she never took that last name . . . so it all works out.” 

“Uh-huh. I---” 

A knock came from the door before it swung open, hitting the wall. “Where’s my boy?!” came a yell. 

“Papa!” Chopper shrieked, running to the front. He was met halfway and scooped up by metal hands that threw him into the air, making him scream again. 

“Hey, Zoro!” the man yelled. “Been a while, huh?! How’ve you been?!” 

“I’m good, Franky,” Zoro said, grinning. He ducked away from an overzealous hug and said, “Cook, this is Franky, Chopper’s dad. Franky, this is my roommate.” 

“They’re married,” Chopper whispered to Franky. 

“We’re not married,” Zoro and Sanji said together. “And it’s nice to meet you,” Sanji added, “but . . . you’re the husband of . . . how is that possible?” 

Zoro shrugged behind Franky’s back while Franky frowned and said, “What? Anyway, car’s out front, we can probably get all this stuff ourselves. Thanks so much for watching him. You have a good time, buddy?” 

“Yeah!” Chopper exclaimed, clinging to Franky’s aloha shirt. “It was fun! I wanna do it again, but I wanna see Mama first.” 

“I bet we could do a playdate sometime,” Franky said, looking between Zoro and Sanji. They gave confirming nods and he grinned. “Great!” He scooped up Chopper’s suitcase and gave Chopper his backpack. “You got everything? Let’s go home!” 

“Bye!” Chopper called as Franky carried him to the front door. “Thank you!” 

Zoro and Sanji gave their goodbyes, smiling and waving until the door shut. 

“What a great kid,” Sanji said. He went to the floor, kneeling to put away the puzzle. “So, what do you want for dinner?” 

Sanji bent over the crossword puzzle at the table, frowning. Zoro was curled up on the couch under a blanket, watching an old samurai movie. 

“Hey,” he said to Sanji. “Put that away for tonight and get over here.” 

“I’ve almost got this,” Sanji muttered. 

“Come on, this is a good movie.” 

Sanji rolled his eyes, setting down the pencil. “Fine, asshole, just shut up.” He came over and joined Zoro under the couch, stealing half the blanket from him and scooting closer so they could share. 

“We’re not married, by the way,” he said eventually. 

“Yeah,” Zoro said, bringing his legs up onto the couch and leaning into Sanji, who leaned back. “Definitely not.” 

[pingo1387]

What I Missed

ZoSan Month 2019  Week 1: Reunion  Secret Agent AU 

Sanji, sitting against the wall of the holding cell, looked up as the door opened. The guards threw someone in, the new prisoner hitting the wall and falling to the floor, and the door closed again, the only light shining through the bars again. 

“Fucker,” the new prisoner spat, struggling to sit up. His eyes darted around the cell and fell upon Sanji, who stared at him. 

“What’re you in for, stranger?” Sanji asked at last. 

“Don’t do this,” his inmate grunted, finally sitting up and leaning against the wall. 

“Don’t do what? Make conversation?” 

“Don’t pretend like you don’t---” 

“Know you, Zoro?” Sanji finished. “After you let me believe you were dead for two years? I would never.” 

Zoro stared at the floor. “It was safer.” 

“And look where that got you.” 

“Shut your mouth. You don’t know what I’ve been through.” 

“Because you wouldn’t tell me,” Sanji said, his voice shaking. “Because I thought you were dead, and you knew that. God, fuck, fuck you.” He brought two fingers to his lips, tapping as he spoke. “Go die for real. Make my mourning worth it.” 

“Still trying to quit?” 

“What?” 

Zoro gestured to his lips. “You’re still trying to quit smoking.” 

Sanji brought his hand back down, drawing his knees up to his chest. “I took it up again for a bit after I thought you’d died.” 

“Maybe it was stupid,” Zoro said, inching closer to Sanji. “But I thought, if I did die during these two years, at least you’d’ve already grieved.” 

He placed a hand on Sanji’s knee, and Sanji didn’t move away. 

“I don’t know what I was going to do if everything turned out okay,” Zoro continued, sliding his hand down to meet Sanji’s, catching it as he tried to bring two fingers up to his mouth. “Would I have stayed in hiding?” He brought his own hand up to Sanji’s mouth, wiping away a speck of dirt. “Would I have told you? How?” 

“Shut up,” Sanji whispered, grabbing Zoro’s hand and holding it to his face. “Shut your stupid face.” 

“Fix that dumb eyebrow of yours and I’ll think about it,” Zoro shot back. He hesitated, staring at Sanji. “You changed your hair?” 

“Surprised an idiot like you noticed,” Sanji said, clasping Zoro’s hand in both of his. “You missed a lot.” 

Zoro scooted closer to Sanji until their legs touched and used his free hand to rub Sanji’s chin, feeling the growing goatee there. “I’m sorry.” 

“I don’t care. Just . . .” Sanji’s eyes went to Zoro’s new scar sealing his left eye shut, but he said nothing. He removed one hand from Zoro’s, leaving his other there and twining his fingers with Zoro’s. 

“So tell me what I missed,” Zoro said, fingers curling around Sanji’s in just the right way. 

“Just shut up,” Sanji said, finishing his thought. He leaned back against the cell wall and took a deep breath, closing his eyes. “What you missed . . . after you jumped over the waterfall, I . . .” 

[hikarimatsumot0]

Day – Prompt: Week 1: Reunion

Language: English

Trigger Warnings/Rating: Rated G

Summary: Zoro was not prepared to see Sanji again like that, not when he hadn't fully accepted his feelings yet.

[pingo1387]

He’ll Come

ZoSan Month 2019  Week 3: Moment of Confidence 

The man who had captured the Strawhats spat in Zoro’s face. “What’s that?” he sneered as Zoro, chained to the wall, levelled a glare at him. “You think you’ll be saved? By who? You and your crewmates are imprisoned!” 

“You missed one,” Zoro said. On cue, a crash sounded in the distance, and the captor looked around. “He wouldn’t abandon us.” 

“You . . . you’ve got a lot of trust in your crewmates, for a pirate,” the bounty hunter said, trying to sneer even as sweat beaded on his forehead at another crash, not so distant this time. “Don’t you all put your own necks first, like cowards?” 

Zoro lunged. The chains kept him back, but the captor flinched. “You dare call us cowards?” he snarled. The crashes in the distance came closer. “You, the one who laid such a dirty trap instead of fighting us with honor?” 

“You---!” 

“Of course I trust my crewmates,” Zoro said. “I trust him to come and save us.” 

The door flew off its hinges, and the bounty hunter turned around just in time to receive a powerful kick to his face, slamming him into the wall and knocking him out cold. 

“You’re late,” Zoro said. 

Sanji flipped back a stray lock of hair with his free hand. “Don’t get captured next time, idiot.” He knelt and dug through the bounty hunter’s pockets until he found the keys to the chains. “Do you know where the others are?” 

“Around?” Zoro said as Sanji released the padlock. Zoro stood, rubbing his wrists and ankles, and Sanji handed him his swords. “You didn’t see them?” 

“You’re the first one I found.” 

“So let’s find them,” Zoro said, placing his swords back inside his haramaki. “And let’s bring this building to the ground.” 

“Reading my mind now, huh?” 

“Shut up and go.”