Politically Correct ch. 10
DONE. First off: I got a new layout on my lj, but if certain colors are bothering you (like, if it's too bright) or if the font's too small, blahblah, let me know and I'll see if I can tweak the code a bit.
This chapter has a lot of stuff that I love. But also a lot of stuff that's making me want to tear my hair out. I am much too tired (mentally) to really write anything else. Though. I will give you a heads up that I sortof feel like my writing style was all over the place in this chapter. Let's just chalk it up to experimentation?
Title: Politically Correct
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 5,902
Pairing: Zoro x Sanji
Summary: AU set in the San Francisco Bay Area Nami has decided that she's tired of Sanji constantly chasing after girls only to be taken advantage of & decides to take a more active role in Sanji committing to a Real Relationship.
Disclaimer: One Piece = Odacchi <3.
Notes: non-pr0n at FFnet
I do hope you enjoy! It's longer?
[Previous Chapters]
0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0
“A broken jaw. A coma! Brain damage! The possibilities, Zoro. Knocking someone out with a blow to the head is such a risky thing to do and I’ve already told you all this. What if he had DIED.”
Kohza had woken up within the hour extremely disoriented, but completely fine. Chopper hadn’t stopped lecturing Zoro since the moment he had arrived. Part of him was suspicious that Chopper actually wished Kohza had ended up with lasting damage just so he could teach Zoro a lesson. The other part knew that the kid was benevolent, almost to a fault, and would never wish permanent injury on anyone.
Except maybe on Zoro. After he hit this guy in the face again.
“Wanna run that by me one more time?” The guy hadn’t even been talking for a minute and he was already getting on Zoro’s nerves.
“I want you to stay the hell away from Vivi.”
“And where do you, head of the little rebel group that’s been causing all kinds of shit for Vivi’s dad, get off saying that I’m the threat? Especially considering that you’ve been in town this entire time and you’re just now making a move?”
Sanji walked in carrying steaming plates of eggs, bacon, and French toast. Luffy was close behind. Zoro wasn’t sure why he’d called these two for potential back-up. Both had spent the entire time in the kitchen, where neither would be much help if Zoro needed assistance restraining Kohza.
At least Franky was there too. As well as Nami and Ace and Robin and Usopp. Vivi had, in a moment of indecision, sent a mass text message using the words ‘emergency!’ and ‘ASAP’. Doesn’t anyone put their phone on silent when they go to bed? It was hard to be sufficiently intimidating during an interrogation when it was taking place in the midst of a large breakfast party.
“When you were first assigned to protect Vivi, we were fine with it because your background turned up clean. But not now. Not after we found out about your fight with Mihawk.” Zoro froze.
“What about it?”
“You lived.”
“And what the hell does that have to do with any of this?”
“What does your having a connection to a Shichibukai have to do with this?! What doesn’t it? For all I know you’ve just been waiting for some signal from one of those mercs before making your move.” Kohza tried to get up from his seat, but his head was still spinning and he couldn’t really quite make out any faces, but he could see Vivi’s blue and Zoro’s green and that was all that mattered at the moment. Chopper had tried to restrict him to the bed, but it made him look even weaker than he currently felt.
Zoro barely registered his friend’s angry Doctor Voice insisting that they hold off on the interrogation, but Zoro was being accused of something and this guy knew about Mihawk. “What the hell are you talking about? Shichibukai? Mercs? None of that has to do with me.”
Robin gave a soft cough. Zoro turned towards her and she looked at him over a steaming mug of coffee. “I think I might be able to clarify for you, Zoro. You’re familiar with private military contractors like Blackwater?” Zoro nodded. They were muscle for hire. Modern day mercenaries. “The Shichibukai are Blackwater on steroids, made up of seven one-man teams that specialize in high profile kidnapping and assassination. They’re not tied to any one country or government and thus consider themselves outside the realm of the Geneva Convention. Their identities are generally unknown, not because of secrecy, but because, as cliché as it may be, no one usually survives to give a description.”
Usopp started coughing. “Ughhh, Luffy, I’m sorry, but I forgot to tell you that I’m allergic to conversations about friends-that-might-be-assassins-and-know-where-I-live. I think I’m going to head back first.”
Chopper’s eyes were wide. “I’ve never even heard of that allergy! We should probably take you to the hospital‼”
Zoro couldn’t believe he’d just spent the past hour being lectured by the kid. “And Mihawk is one of these guys? Actually, it doesn’t matter whether or not he is. My match with Mihawk didn’t have shit to do with Vivi. So. Hasn’t this just been a big waste of time.” And another wasted chance to sleep in.
“You think I’m just going to take your word for it?” Kohza gripped the arm of his chair. He couldn’t believe Zoro was brushing off something this serious so easily.
“You think you have any choice in the matter?”
“You guys.” Vivi stood up. “This is ridiculous. Kohza, I’m glad you’re okay, but Zoro is not an assassin. I trust him and I need you to trust him too.”
Kohza narrowed his eyes. “You trust people much too easily, Vivi. As a princess you shouldn’t be this gullible! Why do you even think I’m in this city? There’s something going on here and your life could very well be at stake. This guy that you’ve known for a handful of months that you trust has proven that he is very much capable of taking your life and now we find out he has connections to a group that has no qualms with killing royalty. And you expect me to leave you be and justtrust him?”
“What’re you, an idiot?” Heads snapped around to look at Luffy. “Vivi and Zoro are friends. Even if he did go around killing people, he still wouldn’t kill his friend. That’s just stupid.” Luffy probably would have had his finger up his nose if Nami hadn’t just recently beaten it out of him. Instead he tugged on the ever-present strawhat sitting on his head.
“What?” Kohza couldn’t understand how he had become the bad guy. He was here for Vivi.
“What my oh-so-wise little brother is trying to get at is that we all care about our friends here,” Ace noted how Kohza’s eyes were hard and unwavering, “and Zoro needs a day off anyways sooo we’ll take over while you contact the Rebel Alliance and do what you need to do to confirm that Zoro doesn’t take orders well enough to be a stormtrooper.[1]”
Vivi’s eyes were just as hard and unwavering. “Or until our stubborn Miss Nefertari here convinces you herself.” Robin added.
Zoro looked incredulous. “You’re going to humor him?”
He had forgotten Nami was there, until she spoke up. “Well, it’s understandable, right? You did admit to having a nice little non-fatal match with a hitman of sorts and you do carry swords all the time. I’d be a bit suspicious too.” Fuck, her voice is grating. At least the cook hasn’t opened his trap yet. Zoro really wished he’d just thrown Kohza out and ignored Vivi’s pleading.
“Do you think this is an ideal situation for me?” Kohza had managed to stand up. “She’s former Baroque Works,” he glared at Robin and turned to Nami, “she was a black market bookie,” before settling to stare at Ace and Luffy, “and the two of you were raised by a high ranking military official.” He turned his attention back to Vivi. “Do you even know the people you’ve surrounded yourself with?”
Zoro lifted an eyebrow. “And you being the leader of a rebel faction is any better… how?”
“We’re fighting against the corruption within the government that’s destroying Alabasta from the inside out. The things you guys are connected to only serve to perpetuate that corruption.”
Ace stepped forward. He’d always hated discussions about past evils and family relations. He lived in the Right Now. “Well, Luffy’s dad is ‘Dragon The Revolutionary’. So, y’know, when it comes to ‘who hates the government the most,’ I think we win.”
“What? He’s Dragon’s…” Kohza was staring at Luffy, eyes wide and mouth twitching as though he wanted to say something more. But Robin stepped in.
“I think that, perhaps, the best thing we can do for now is to just let all the information sink in for a bit before we come to an actual decision as to what we’re doing. Ultimately it is up to Vivi and Zoro. Let’s not waste Sanji’s doubtless delectable meal while we let Kohza recover a bit.”
Zoro was past the point of caring. He grabbed a plate and moved to the unoccupied kitchen to find something to drink. He heard the door open and shut behind him not too long after. Maybe if I ignore whoever it is, they won’t bother me. He rummaged through the cabinets.
“Move.” Zoro knew it was too much to hope that the blonde would keep quiet the entire day.
“What the hell do you want? I’m really not in the mood.” After all this time Zoro still found himself slightly surprised by the strength in the long thin fingers as they pushed his arms away from the cupboards and Sanji moved to pull out a few bottles himself.
“And I’m really not in the mood for your pissy attitude this early in the morning, either.” Sanji placed a couple of large mugs on the counter before pulling out a bowl. “It’s too early to be drinking straight liquor, even for you.”
Zoro watched as he poured brandy and rum into the bowl. “What’re you making?” Sanji didn’t answer; instead he added sugar and proceeded to light the mixture on fire. Zoro rolled his eyes. “The girls aren’t in here, you know. There’s no reason to show off.”
Sanji waited for the sugar to dissolve before stirring in the remaining coffee from the still-hot pot. “Why make toast if I can make croissants?” He split the steaming liquid between the two mugs and handed one to Zoro. “It’s called African Hot Punch. I figured we could hide your alcoholic tendencies behind some coffee.”
Zoro snorted, but took the drink gratefully. He let the hot liquid burn down his throat as he watched Sanji light a cigarette. It was a good burn and exactly what he needed. “You were awfully quiet back there.”
“Oh? Did you miss my voice?” Sanji was tipped back in his chair; eyes closed and smoke twirling around his face. “It wasn’t my place. There’s nothing in my past that’s particularly… politically active. So, I didn’t really have much input. Sure, I know you wouldn’t lay a hand on Vivi, but if I were what’s-his-name, I wouldn’t have fucking let you anywhere near her in the first place. Your face doesn’t exactly instill a feeling of trust and kindness in someone. Not to mention you’re kinda terrible with first impressions.”
“Yet here we are, less than half a year later, and I have you rushing over at the crack of dawn to make me breakfast with a single phone call and I’ve gotten you into bed. Also, that was in order of most difficult achievement first.”
“Really? I seem to remember that I had you sprinting into my bed with a single barely-even-a sentence.” Sanji downed the rest of his drink and got up. “Also, infiltration missions usually require someone intelligent, so you were unqualified right from the start.”
Zoro let out an irritated grunt before finishing his own spiked coffee and bringing it to the sink were Sanji was already drying his cup. “So, what’re you gonna do?” Sanji was leaning against the counter, watching as Zoro reached for the soap.
Zoro didn’t answer until he had finished with the mug. He leaned on the counter next to Sanji, mirroring the blonde. “Some time away from these over-energized kids might not be too terrible an idea.”
“You sound like an old man.” Sanji snickered.
“You sound like a little kid.”
“You both sound like idiots.” Nami was peeking around the door.
“Naamii~ is there anything I can do for you?” Sanji swept across the kitchen. Nami sighed dejectedly.
“No, thanks Sanji. I was just hoping that whatever was going on in here was more interesting than the fat load of nothing going on out there. Chopper’s practically made us all take oaths of silence so Kohza can sleep.” She glanced at her phone. “Actually, I should probably be heading home. I’ve got a lot of stuff I need to look into for work and I might as well start now since I’m already awake.” She took a long look at Sanji and Zoro, noticing the lack of awkwardness between them. She smiled, “You two play nice,” and left.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Kohza had woken up a little past noon and he and Zoro had argued for a good couple hours with Vivi’s indignation at being ignored mixed in. Countless threats later and Zoro was sitting with Ace and Franky, writing out a schedule for who would stay with Vivi when. Zoro’s name wasn’t on it.
“You guys don’t have to do this. I’m the one who promised Chaka and Pell that I’d keep an eye on her.”
“It’s fine, bro. Luffy’s right: friends first. Whether that’s watching out for our little lady or helping you get some much needed time off. Don’t worry about it. We’re doing this because we want to.” Franky had his fists raised in an odd pose of solidarity.
Zoro rubbed at his face. “I’m gonna go pack.”
Ace grinned and nodded. “We’ll hold down the fort until everyone cools off.”
Zoro returned the nod. “Thanks.”
It was early evening by the time he walked out of Vivi’s apartment, large duffle bag full of clothes in tow. He hadn’t noticed Sanji leave, but he obviously had, seeing as how the blonde was standing at the bus stop that Zoro was heading to.
“I really need to get a car. Or a motorcycle.”
Sanji didn’t even bother to turn around. “No, you’re definitely better off without. This city is full of one way streets and unexpected detours, you’d be hopeless. Anyways, it’s much easier to ask for directions when you’re on foot.”
The bus pulled up and they boarded, Sanji flashing his transit pass and Zoro fishing for coins.
“Is this based on personal experience? I don’t see you with a car.”
“I have a car, but there’s really no reason for me to use it in the city. Global warming and what not. Public transportation’s actually more reliable than it gets credit for. You really shouldn’t wave off the efficiency of a city bus. And really, once you get on you don’t even have to navigate.”
“Except for that one time where you missed your stop and I had to save the day.”
“I was distracted once. At least I don’t get on the wrong bus like a certain moss-headed idiot.”
Zoro looked at the destination sign. “Well, fuck. You couldn’t have told me when I got on? Or maybe even before I paid?”
“We’ve already established that your apartment is on the opposite end of the city, why the hell would we be taking the same bus? Really. It’s not that you’re directionally-challenged, you’re just a flat-out idiot.”
“And you’re just going to give me a ride when we get to your place.”
Sanji gave him a look that started off incredulous and melted into thoughtfulness. “I’m not giving you a ride.” He stared at Zoro’s duffle bag. “So you might as well just stay at my place until everything settles down.”
“How are those two things related? Or is this you asking for another fuck, ero-cook?”
Sanji had annoyance etched all over his face. “This is me offering to let you stay within a ten minute sprint from Vivi’s. It’s obvious you’re still uncomfortable with this whole situation, otherwise it wouldn’t have taken you a good twelve hours to finally concede.” Sanji stood up and moved to stand by the doors. “I know that I’d be on edge if I were in your position, especially when Chaka and Pell specifically made Vivi your responsibility.”
Zoro followed him off the bus. “You’re saying that I shouldn’t have agreed to stay away.”
“No. I’m saying that I understand why you’re not happy with it. And I’m giving you a way to sort of reconcile Vivi’s desire to deal with Kohza herself and your unease with leaving your post. It’s the best compromise, short of camping out on her doorstep.” Zoro looked like he was seriously considering the option to camp out. Sanji sighed. “I was a bartender during my last year in college and my kitchen reflects that.”
Zoro threw his duffle-bag over his shoulder. “What the hell are we waiting for, then?”
Sanji shook his head at Zoro’s predictability. “Let’s go.”
Sanji’s apartment was spotless and Zoro could see how very white it was, now that the lights were on. The first room they walked into had a large couch and a decent-sized entertainment center. Everything was in its proper place and the couch looked brand new. It all looked brand new.
Sanji was flicking on lights further in the apartment. Zoro followed him down the hall into the kitchen. He had had the chance to look around the room when Sanji had made him lunch the last time he had been there. It was a gorgeous room with a gorgeous view and it served as Sanji’s kitchen, dining room, and study. It too was very clean, aside from the stack of papers scattered over the desk up against a wall.
Overall, the apartment felt like a model home. It was stylish and well-kept, but there was a distinct feeling that it was unlived in.
“Are you hungry? I know we already technically had an early dinner, but having breakfast so early in the morning can screw up your schedule.” Sanji was in his kitchen, opening and closing cabinets, taking a quick inventory.
“Don’t you ever get tired of cooking? All you’ve done today is cook.”
“I like cooking. What about you, Mr. Would-never-stop-training-if-it-weren’t-for-necessary-bodily-functions? Cooking for other people is my form of training.”
“In other words, you’d rather get the rest of us fat with your ‘training’ instead of yourself, curly-cue?”
“Are you complaining? Because I can always just feed your share to Luffy from now on if you’re trying to watch your figure, marimo.”
Zoro realized he’d never win any argument that crossed into Sanji’s realm of food. But only because he’s so damn good at making it. It’s an unfair advantage. “All I’m saying, is that I see you watching people eat more than I actually see you eating.”
“I didn’t know you cared.” Sanji mockingly fluttered his eyelashes.
“Whatever. Cook what you want, I’ll eat it regardless, since it seems you might actually be more addicted to cooking than you are to smoking.”
“Damn right.” Sanji lit a cigarette. “Oh, and you don’t have to keep lugging that bag around. You can leave it over by the couch. I’ll set out some extra pillows and blankets when I’m done here.”
“The couch?”
“Yes. The couch. The couch in the living room. Where you’ll be sleeping. Unless you’d prefer an air mattress, which I also have, but, trust me, the couch is more comfortable.”
Zoro thought about it. The couch had looked big and comfortable. But Sanji’s bed was bigger. And I know it’s comfortable. “I don’t want to sleep on your couch.”
“I promise you. The air mattress is really all sorts of terrible.”
Sanji jumped as Zoro’s next words were said directly into his ear. “I’d rather just remind you that your bed is plenty big enough for the both of us.” He shivered as Zoro’s lips touched the skin of his throat.
It was unfair, Sanji decided, how Zoro could be stealthy and quick when he was supposed to be a muscular oaf. Agility was Sanji’s thing. “I’m about to make you food.” Still, he tilted his head to the side and leaned back to give Zoro better access to his neck.
“Food always tastes better after a good work-out.” His hands were on Sanji’s hips, tugging him away from the kitchen and into the bedroom. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Sanji acknowledged that he should probably be irritated that he was being led around his own home by the swordsman. But if he were being honest, he really didn’t give a fuck at the moment.
Neither was patient enough to fumble with the other’s clothes. Zoro stepped out of his pants and boxers while simultaneously pulling his own shirt over his head. Sanji followed suit, slacks and underwear soon joining a discarded dress shirt. Their lips met hungrily, tongues exploring and tasting. Zoro tightened his grip on Sanji’s hips and practically threw the blonde onto the bed.
“Do that again and I’ll fucking-” Zoro climbed on top of him.
“Yesyes, milady. I’ll try not to manhandle you from now on.”
Sanji pulled Zoro down by the neck and bit down hard on the other man’s shoulder. “Oi! What the hell was that, you fucker!”
Sanji licked the angry red wound. “That was just a friendly reminder that I have teeth and you have sensitive parts.” Zoro growled and captured Sanji’s mouth, teeth clashing, tongues fighting.
Sanji’s long fingers circled around both their arousals and began moving with long slow strokes. Zoro groaned against his mouth and Sanji gasped as Zoro’s hips began thrusting against his palm, unsatisfied with the pace. Sanji quickened his strokes, his own hips matching the rhythm that they had set.
Zoro kissed his way up Sanji’s collar bone, up the side of his throat, pausing at his earlobe. “Where’s your lotion.” His voice was husky and low. There wasn’t a trace of hesitation this time around. Instead it was rushed and demanding.
Sanji slowly unwrapped his fingers from their erections, already sticky with precum. “Black gift bag in the drawer.” Zoro flashed him a look of curiosity before reaching over to the nightstand and pulling out the bag.
“You went out and bought…”
“Robin. Robin and Nami went out and bought us lube. Not at my request so don’t even ask. We are also never going to mention that they were right in assuming we’d need it. Again. Got it?”
Zoro grinned. Sanji decided to pretend it was a ‘yes’.
Zoro coated his fingers with the sticky gel and pushed at Sanji’s entrance. Sanji snatched the bottle of lube and squeezed a generous amount onto his palms, rubbing his hands together, and reached for Zoro’s cock. Zoro groaned and his fingers curled inside Sanji drawing a low moan out of the blonde. Zoro continued, adding another finger, stretching, curling in and out.
Sanji’s hand began pumping Zoro’s lubed up cock with fingers strong, fast, and impatient. Sanji smirked. “This is an incentive for you to not take as fucking long as last time.” Zoro threw him a look of irritation and pulled his fingers out.
“Turn over.” Sanji did. It wasn’t until he found himself staring at his pillow, on his elbows and knees, that he realized how vulnerable a position it was. How exposed he was. He took a few slow and deep breaths, wondering where his sense of self-preservation had run off to.
Zoro couldn’t help but stare. Sanji was exquisite. It was easy to underestimate him when he was suited-up and mistake him as a ‘pretty boy’, but like this, Sanji was hard lines, defined muscles, and taut ivory skin. Zoro sat up on his knees and slid himself flat against Sanji’s back, lips stopping to kiss shoulder blades. He positioned himself at Sanji’s entrance, slowly pressing in. Sanji pressed back and Zoro slid in smoothly. He gave a silent thanks to the girls for the lube.
He slowly began to thrust in. And out. He watched the rise and fall of Sanji’s back and the way it dipped with each thrust. Sanji began to rock back, urging Zoro deeper. Zoro steadied the blonde’s hips, but snapped his own forward harder and the force of the movement coupled with Sanji’s position took him all the way to his hilt, hitting Sanji’s prostate at the same time.
Sanji let out a loud moan, his forehead pushing further into the pillow below him. He could feel Zoro’s tongue trace its way up every ridge of his spine. Sanji hated this position. Sortof. He loved how much deeper Zoro could thrust in and it felt really fucking fantastic. But I hate having to look at this fucking pillow. He closed his eyes and let the building waves of pleasure wash over him. He could hear Zoro’s breathing become more ragged with each movement. Sanji fisted his own cock, feeling Zoro grow rigid above him and the warm and sticky come that dripped down his thigh as Zoro pulled out. Zoro’s hand reached around to join Sanji’s, bringing him to climax a few pumps later.
Sanji flipped onto his back just in time to see Zoro make a show of licking his fingers clean of Sanji’s come. “Thanks for not being such a chatty-Cathy this time around. I was actually able to focus on fucking you into the bed.”
Sanji considered what it'd feel like to put a cigarette out on Zoro’s tongue. But he could see the smile playing at the corner of Zoro’s mouth. “Thanks for getting to the fucking within the first hour this time. I was actually able to enjoy it without having to direct you every damn second.” Fucking smug bastard.
Sanji’s finger traced the large scar that tore its way diagonally down Zoro’s chest. “This was from Mihawk, wasn’t it?”
“I’m actually surprised neither you nor Nami mentioned it before. It tends to make people curious.”
Sanji gave a half-hearted snort. “Very sorry for not stroking your ego and pleading to hear your war stories.” He focused on the grooved skin. “It was obvious that a wound like this would have quite a story, but, having been raised by a guy with one leg, I know how personal it can get. Nami probably didn’t ask for the same reason you haven’t asked about her tattoo. Also, you play with swords. So it was pretty easy, and much more satisfying, to just assume that it was self-inflicted.”
Zoro looked amused. He was obviously in a good mood. Sanji tugged him down onto the bed next to him. “Yeah, it was Mihawk.” Sanji had almost forgotten the question. “He’s supposedly the greatest swordsman alive, a legend. I spent some time abroad because Koshiro-sensei encouraged me to learn about the fighting styles of different countries and I randomly ran into Mihawk in Spain. He just had this overpowering aura and I challenged him. Lost miserably. So it’s not exactly a story of heroic deeds.”
Zoro stretched out and Sanji grabbed a cigarette from his stash in the night stand. “Should’ve figured it was you biting off more than you could chew. Still, must’ve been one hell of a fighter to beat you that badly.” Sanji sat up, puffing smoke into the night air that flowed in through an open window.
Zoro stared at a picture of a young Sanji in his tiny chef’s smock standing in front of the Baratie. “So, who’s the gramps with the beastly mustache? He was at that restaurant from last time, the one-legged guy you mentioned, right?”
Sanji nodded down at him before turning to look at the picture in question. “That’s Zeff. Crazy geezer.”
“Family?”
Sanji took a drag, eyes closed. “Long or short version?”
“As long as you’re comfortable making it.”
“Alright, well, my dad died before I was born and my mom worked on a cruise liner. I was allowed to go with them and I’d help out in the kitchens.”
He locked his eyes on the photo.
“A storm had pushed us off course and we hit an underwater mountain. Zeff and I were the only survivors. We had been able to climb onto a part of the mountain that rose up above the water.”
Zoro heard the snap of the lighter as Sanji pulled out another cigarette.
“Long story short: man ate his own leg so I could survive off of the food he’d salvaged.”
Zoro’s hand stopped where he had unconsciously been stroking Sanji’s back.
He frowned.
“That’s heavy shit.”
Sanji smirked. “Getting fucked in the ass by a guy is pretty heavy shit too.”
Zoro rolled his eyes. “That might be convincing if we weren’t in San Fran-Fucking-Cisco.” He hesitated. “It’s not something you’re bothered by right? I mean… I know I was a bit flippant about it last time, but I reckoned you weren’t really the type to give a rat’s ass about what people think.”
Sanji rubbed at the bridge of his nose. “No, you’re right. I don’t give a fuck. It’s just. A bit of warning would’ve been nice.”
“Sure, I’ll give you plenty of warning next time.”
“How about we just not have a next time.”
Zoro ignored him. “So, Zeff took you in?” He was still processing the information.
“And then he kicked me out. Apparently my self-imposed servitude at the Baratie was insulting. But it’s an old story. Physical and mental wounds all healed.”
“Oh, absolutely. I’m sure your border-line OCD when it comes to wasting food isn’t related at all.”
“Hey. Wasting food could be the downfall of our civilization one day.” Sanji looked back at Zoro. “How about your swords? What’s your trauma-rama?”
“Also an old story. Childhood friend, sparring partner that kicked my ass every time we fought, fell down some stairs and died the day after we made a promise that one day we’d fight each other for the reputation of Greatest Swordsman.”
“Well, shit. Sorry. But I guess that explains Mihawk. What about your sensei, Koshiro?”
“Kuina, the kid who died, was his daughter. He let me have her sword and decided to leave Japan after her funeral. I went with him.”
“Your parents just let you go?”
“I don’t know all the details because I never really cared much, but they pretty much put me into Koshiro’s custody. Both of my parents worked at large companies and were devoted to their jobs so I spent most of my time at the dojo while they were constantly traveling abroad anyways.” Sanji looked skeptical. “Really, it wasn’t that big a deal.”
Zoro let his eyes wander around the room. Every photo on the wall, every painting, was a little piece of Sanji. “How can you surround yourself with constant reminders of the ocean?”
“The same way you can still walk down stairs, I assume.”
Sanji took a long and slow draw from his cigarette.
He exhaled slowly.
“The ocean is freedom and equality uncompromised.”
Zoro shifted closer, still lying on his back. It was the most content and peaceful he could ever remember being. Talking to Sanji about his past seemed like such a natural thing. He placed a lazy kiss on Sanji’s outer thigh.
“The guests, on the cruise ships, tended to be wealthy vacationers. Still, there’d always be a family here and there who had saved up over the years in order to go just the once. Everyone could tell which family was which and immediately all these unsaid rules would be set in place.”
A soft kiss on his hip.
“But then I’d stare out at the ocean. There was the sky, the water, and the horizon. There were no boundaries, no social hierarchy, no expectations. Everywhere you looked it was just all blue.”
He leaned into Zoro’s hand, thumb rubbing circles into his back.
“I want to open a restaurant than can do for people what the ocean does for me. I want to be able to make any dish anyone could ever want, no matter where in the world it originated from, regardless of which class it was intended for. I want people to be able to sit at a bar and talk about their day and realize that, even if their lives are different, the lessons are always the same and they’re people first and that’s what matters. I don’t want my restaurant to be high class. I just want it to be.”
His fingers fluttered through green hair.
“Sooo your dream is world peace… huh. Kinda puts my own into perspective.”
Another long draw.
Another long pause.
Sanji reached over the edge of the bed and stubbed out his cigarette before climbing over Zoro and straddling his lap.
“You’re taking on the world to keep a promise. Me? I’m just trying to pretend it doesn’t exist.”
Zoro’s hand slipped behind his neck and pulled him down for a deep kiss.
“I see it, you know, in your eyes.”
Sanji looked down at him inquisitively.
“I don’t need to be surrounded by the ocean to see all blue. I just need to look into your eyes.”
Sanji froze. Zoro had no idea what he was saying. Because what he was saying was making Sanji suddenly feel something that felt an awful lot like feelings. And feelings was something that Sanji was definitely not supposed to have on the second fuck. At least, not for someone with a penis. At least. Not for Zoro.
“You have no idea what the fuck you’re saying.” The inside of Sanji’s mouth felt too wet. It was making him swallow more often than was possibly natural. “Sure, my eyes are blue. But that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about either. I ate the food you made at the soup kitchen and I saw you afterwards. That food was the same quality as what you’d make for the girls or serve at your catering events. How exhausted you were later that night was proof that you hadn’t held back during the day. Your eyes may register social status, but you don’t discriminate because of it. Your eyes reflect more than just the ocean’s color.”
Feelings. Feelings. Feelings. “You have no idea what the hell you’re saying”
Sanji lowered his head and their lips met for a painfully slow and tender kiss. It was a kiss that contained more than the sex ever had.
Zoro contemplated the fact that maybe he didn’t have any idea what the hell he had just said. But Sanji was trailing wet kisses down his chest, tongue dipping into every groove of scar and muscle and Zoro couldn’t bring himself to seriously think about what that kiss had meant. At least, not right now.
He watched the slowly descending head. “Haven’t had enough of me yet, cook?”
Sanji reached the already stiffening member, satisfied with the reaction despite the words. He leisurely ran his tongue up against the hot length. “By the time I’m satisfied, you’ll be wishing you had just taken the couch.” He nipped at Zoro’s tip before wrapping his lips around the now throbbing heat.
Zoro tangled his fingers in the golden strands of hair, torn by whether he should just close his eyes and immerse himself in the pleasure or continue to watch the way his flesh disappeared into Sanji’s mouth. “Have I told you how much I love your brand of persuasion?” His breathing was unsteady. “I’m still waiting for you to ruin my taste buds for all other cooks, you know. That threat sounded particularly painful.”
Sanji chuckled around his cock. It was a low rumble at the back of his throat. And suddenly Zoro didn’t really feel like talking.
And a vacation full of sleep deprivation wasn’t looking too bad either.
Footnotes:
[1]: I HAD TO. Every time I wrote ‘rebel’ I wanted to put ‘alliance’. Maybe writing this while rewatching the original Star Wars trilogy wasn’t the best idea, but it happened. And it works! (In my mind)
A/N: About All Blue. Does it make sense? I know it’s a bit abstract, but it’s how I’m interpreting Oda. Because All Blue is where you can find fish from the four oceans in one place I.E. a place where things coexist despite their origins? The nonexistance of boundaries? Yes? Well. If you don’t think it makes sense, let me know.
Chapter 11
This chapter has a lot of stuff that I love. But also a lot of stuff that's making me want to tear my hair out. I am much too tired (mentally) to really write anything else. Though. I will give you a heads up that I sortof feel like my writing style was all over the place in this chapter. Let's just chalk it up to experimentation?
Title: Politically Correct
Rating: NC-17
Word Count: 5,902
Pairing: Zoro x Sanji
Summary: AU set in the San Francisco Bay Area Nami has decided that she's tired of Sanji constantly chasing after girls only to be taken advantage of & decides to take a more active role in Sanji committing to a Real Relationship.
Disclaimer: One Piece = Odacchi <3.
Notes: non-pr0n at FFnet
I do hope you enjoy! It's longer?
[Previous Chapters]
0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0.0
“A broken jaw. A coma! Brain damage! The possibilities, Zoro. Knocking someone out with a blow to the head is such a risky thing to do and I’ve already told you all this. What if he had DIED.”
Kohza had woken up within the hour extremely disoriented, but completely fine. Chopper hadn’t stopped lecturing Zoro since the moment he had arrived. Part of him was suspicious that Chopper actually wished Kohza had ended up with lasting damage just so he could teach Zoro a lesson. The other part knew that the kid was benevolent, almost to a fault, and would never wish permanent injury on anyone.
Except maybe on Zoro. After he hit this guy in the face again.
“Wanna run that by me one more time?” The guy hadn’t even been talking for a minute and he was already getting on Zoro’s nerves.
“I want you to stay the hell away from Vivi.”
“And where do you, head of the little rebel group that’s been causing all kinds of shit for Vivi’s dad, get off saying that I’m the threat? Especially considering that you’ve been in town this entire time and you’re just now making a move?”
Sanji walked in carrying steaming plates of eggs, bacon, and French toast. Luffy was close behind. Zoro wasn’t sure why he’d called these two for potential back-up. Both had spent the entire time in the kitchen, where neither would be much help if Zoro needed assistance restraining Kohza.
At least Franky was there too. As well as Nami and Ace and Robin and Usopp. Vivi had, in a moment of indecision, sent a mass text message using the words ‘emergency!’ and ‘ASAP’. Doesn’t anyone put their phone on silent when they go to bed? It was hard to be sufficiently intimidating during an interrogation when it was taking place in the midst of a large breakfast party.
“When you were first assigned to protect Vivi, we were fine with it because your background turned up clean. But not now. Not after we found out about your fight with Mihawk.” Zoro froze.
“What about it?”
“You lived.”
“And what the hell does that have to do with any of this?”
“What does your having a connection to a Shichibukai have to do with this?! What doesn’t it? For all I know you’ve just been waiting for some signal from one of those mercs before making your move.” Kohza tried to get up from his seat, but his head was still spinning and he couldn’t really quite make out any faces, but he could see Vivi’s blue and Zoro’s green and that was all that mattered at the moment. Chopper had tried to restrict him to the bed, but it made him look even weaker than he currently felt.
Zoro barely registered his friend’s angry Doctor Voice insisting that they hold off on the interrogation, but Zoro was being accused of something and this guy knew about Mihawk. “What the hell are you talking about? Shichibukai? Mercs? None of that has to do with me.”
Robin gave a soft cough. Zoro turned towards her and she looked at him over a steaming mug of coffee. “I think I might be able to clarify for you, Zoro. You’re familiar with private military contractors like Blackwater?” Zoro nodded. They were muscle for hire. Modern day mercenaries. “The Shichibukai are Blackwater on steroids, made up of seven one-man teams that specialize in high profile kidnapping and assassination. They’re not tied to any one country or government and thus consider themselves outside the realm of the Geneva Convention. Their identities are generally unknown, not because of secrecy, but because, as cliché as it may be, no one usually survives to give a description.”
Usopp started coughing. “Ughhh, Luffy, I’m sorry, but I forgot to tell you that I’m allergic to conversations about friends-that-might-be-assassins-and-know-where-I-live. I think I’m going to head back first.”
Chopper’s eyes were wide. “I’ve never even heard of that allergy! We should probably take you to the hospital‼”
Zoro couldn’t believe he’d just spent the past hour being lectured by the kid. “And Mihawk is one of these guys? Actually, it doesn’t matter whether or not he is. My match with Mihawk didn’t have shit to do with Vivi. So. Hasn’t this just been a big waste of time.” And another wasted chance to sleep in.
“You think I’m just going to take your word for it?” Kohza gripped the arm of his chair. He couldn’t believe Zoro was brushing off something this serious so easily.
“You think you have any choice in the matter?”
“You guys.” Vivi stood up. “This is ridiculous. Kohza, I’m glad you’re okay, but Zoro is not an assassin. I trust him and I need you to trust him too.”
Kohza narrowed his eyes. “You trust people much too easily, Vivi. As a princess you shouldn’t be this gullible! Why do you even think I’m in this city? There’s something going on here and your life could very well be at stake. This guy that you’ve known for a handful of months that you trust has proven that he is very much capable of taking your life and now we find out he has connections to a group that has no qualms with killing royalty. And you expect me to leave you be and justtrust him?”
“What’re you, an idiot?” Heads snapped around to look at Luffy. “Vivi and Zoro are friends. Even if he did go around killing people, he still wouldn’t kill his friend. That’s just stupid.” Luffy probably would have had his finger up his nose if Nami hadn’t just recently beaten it out of him. Instead he tugged on the ever-present strawhat sitting on his head.
“What?” Kohza couldn’t understand how he had become the bad guy. He was here for Vivi.
“What my oh-so-wise little brother is trying to get at is that we all care about our friends here,” Ace noted how Kohza’s eyes were hard and unwavering, “and Zoro needs a day off anyways sooo we’ll take over while you contact the Rebel Alliance and do what you need to do to confirm that Zoro doesn’t take orders well enough to be a stormtrooper.[1]”
Vivi’s eyes were just as hard and unwavering. “Or until our stubborn Miss Nefertari here convinces you herself.” Robin added.
Zoro looked incredulous. “You’re going to humor him?”
He had forgotten Nami was there, until she spoke up. “Well, it’s understandable, right? You did admit to having a nice little non-fatal match with a hitman of sorts and you do carry swords all the time. I’d be a bit suspicious too.” Fuck, her voice is grating. At least the cook hasn’t opened his trap yet. Zoro really wished he’d just thrown Kohza out and ignored Vivi’s pleading.
“Do you think this is an ideal situation for me?” Kohza had managed to stand up. “She’s former Baroque Works,” he glared at Robin and turned to Nami, “she was a black market bookie,” before settling to stare at Ace and Luffy, “and the two of you were raised by a high ranking military official.” He turned his attention back to Vivi. “Do you even know the people you’ve surrounded yourself with?”
Zoro lifted an eyebrow. “And you being the leader of a rebel faction is any better… how?”
“We’re fighting against the corruption within the government that’s destroying Alabasta from the inside out. The things you guys are connected to only serve to perpetuate that corruption.”
Ace stepped forward. He’d always hated discussions about past evils and family relations. He lived in the Right Now. “Well, Luffy’s dad is ‘Dragon The Revolutionary’. So, y’know, when it comes to ‘who hates the government the most,’ I think we win.”
“What? He’s Dragon’s…” Kohza was staring at Luffy, eyes wide and mouth twitching as though he wanted to say something more. But Robin stepped in.
“I think that, perhaps, the best thing we can do for now is to just let all the information sink in for a bit before we come to an actual decision as to what we’re doing. Ultimately it is up to Vivi and Zoro. Let’s not waste Sanji’s doubtless delectable meal while we let Kohza recover a bit.”
Zoro was past the point of caring. He grabbed a plate and moved to the unoccupied kitchen to find something to drink. He heard the door open and shut behind him not too long after. Maybe if I ignore whoever it is, they won’t bother me. He rummaged through the cabinets.
“Move.” Zoro knew it was too much to hope that the blonde would keep quiet the entire day.
“What the hell do you want? I’m really not in the mood.” After all this time Zoro still found himself slightly surprised by the strength in the long thin fingers as they pushed his arms away from the cupboards and Sanji moved to pull out a few bottles himself.
“And I’m really not in the mood for your pissy attitude this early in the morning, either.” Sanji placed a couple of large mugs on the counter before pulling out a bowl. “It’s too early to be drinking straight liquor, even for you.”
Zoro watched as he poured brandy and rum into the bowl. “What’re you making?” Sanji didn’t answer; instead he added sugar and proceeded to light the mixture on fire. Zoro rolled his eyes. “The girls aren’t in here, you know. There’s no reason to show off.”
Sanji waited for the sugar to dissolve before stirring in the remaining coffee from the still-hot pot. “Why make toast if I can make croissants?” He split the steaming liquid between the two mugs and handed one to Zoro. “It’s called African Hot Punch. I figured we could hide your alcoholic tendencies behind some coffee.”
Zoro snorted, but took the drink gratefully. He let the hot liquid burn down his throat as he watched Sanji light a cigarette. It was a good burn and exactly what he needed. “You were awfully quiet back there.”
“Oh? Did you miss my voice?” Sanji was tipped back in his chair; eyes closed and smoke twirling around his face. “It wasn’t my place. There’s nothing in my past that’s particularly… politically active. So, I didn’t really have much input. Sure, I know you wouldn’t lay a hand on Vivi, but if I were what’s-his-name, I wouldn’t have fucking let you anywhere near her in the first place. Your face doesn’t exactly instill a feeling of trust and kindness in someone. Not to mention you’re kinda terrible with first impressions.”
“Yet here we are, less than half a year later, and I have you rushing over at the crack of dawn to make me breakfast with a single phone call and I’ve gotten you into bed. Also, that was in order of most difficult achievement first.”
“Really? I seem to remember that I had you sprinting into my bed with a single barely-even-a sentence.” Sanji downed the rest of his drink and got up. “Also, infiltration missions usually require someone intelligent, so you were unqualified right from the start.”
Zoro let out an irritated grunt before finishing his own spiked coffee and bringing it to the sink were Sanji was already drying his cup. “So, what’re you gonna do?” Sanji was leaning against the counter, watching as Zoro reached for the soap.
Zoro didn’t answer until he had finished with the mug. He leaned on the counter next to Sanji, mirroring the blonde. “Some time away from these over-energized kids might not be too terrible an idea.”
“You sound like an old man.” Sanji snickered.
“You sound like a little kid.”
“You both sound like idiots.” Nami was peeking around the door.
“Naamii~ is there anything I can do for you?” Sanji swept across the kitchen. Nami sighed dejectedly.
“No, thanks Sanji. I was just hoping that whatever was going on in here was more interesting than the fat load of nothing going on out there. Chopper’s practically made us all take oaths of silence so Kohza can sleep.” She glanced at her phone. “Actually, I should probably be heading home. I’ve got a lot of stuff I need to look into for work and I might as well start now since I’m already awake.” She took a long look at Sanji and Zoro, noticing the lack of awkwardness between them. She smiled, “You two play nice,” and left.
oOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOoOo
Kohza had woken up a little past noon and he and Zoro had argued for a good couple hours with Vivi’s indignation at being ignored mixed in. Countless threats later and Zoro was sitting with Ace and Franky, writing out a schedule for who would stay with Vivi when. Zoro’s name wasn’t on it.
“You guys don’t have to do this. I’m the one who promised Chaka and Pell that I’d keep an eye on her.”
“It’s fine, bro. Luffy’s right: friends first. Whether that’s watching out for our little lady or helping you get some much needed time off. Don’t worry about it. We’re doing this because we want to.” Franky had his fists raised in an odd pose of solidarity.
Zoro rubbed at his face. “I’m gonna go pack.”
Ace grinned and nodded. “We’ll hold down the fort until everyone cools off.”
Zoro returned the nod. “Thanks.”
It was early evening by the time he walked out of Vivi’s apartment, large duffle bag full of clothes in tow. He hadn’t noticed Sanji leave, but he obviously had, seeing as how the blonde was standing at the bus stop that Zoro was heading to.
“I really need to get a car. Or a motorcycle.”
Sanji didn’t even bother to turn around. “No, you’re definitely better off without. This city is full of one way streets and unexpected detours, you’d be hopeless. Anyways, it’s much easier to ask for directions when you’re on foot.”
The bus pulled up and they boarded, Sanji flashing his transit pass and Zoro fishing for coins.
“Is this based on personal experience? I don’t see you with a car.”
“I have a car, but there’s really no reason for me to use it in the city. Global warming and what not. Public transportation’s actually more reliable than it gets credit for. You really shouldn’t wave off the efficiency of a city bus. And really, once you get on you don’t even have to navigate.”
“Except for that one time where you missed your stop and I had to save the day.”
“I was distracted once. At least I don’t get on the wrong bus like a certain moss-headed idiot.”
Zoro looked at the destination sign. “Well, fuck. You couldn’t have told me when I got on? Or maybe even before I paid?”
“We’ve already established that your apartment is on the opposite end of the city, why the hell would we be taking the same bus? Really. It’s not that you’re directionally-challenged, you’re just a flat-out idiot.”
“And you’re just going to give me a ride when we get to your place.”
Sanji gave him a look that started off incredulous and melted into thoughtfulness. “I’m not giving you a ride.” He stared at Zoro’s duffle bag. “So you might as well just stay at my place until everything settles down.”
“How are those two things related? Or is this you asking for another fuck, ero-cook?”
Sanji had annoyance etched all over his face. “This is me offering to let you stay within a ten minute sprint from Vivi’s. It’s obvious you’re still uncomfortable with this whole situation, otherwise it wouldn’t have taken you a good twelve hours to finally concede.” Sanji stood up and moved to stand by the doors. “I know that I’d be on edge if I were in your position, especially when Chaka and Pell specifically made Vivi your responsibility.”
Zoro followed him off the bus. “You’re saying that I shouldn’t have agreed to stay away.”
“No. I’m saying that I understand why you’re not happy with it. And I’m giving you a way to sort of reconcile Vivi’s desire to deal with Kohza herself and your unease with leaving your post. It’s the best compromise, short of camping out on her doorstep.” Zoro looked like he was seriously considering the option to camp out. Sanji sighed. “I was a bartender during my last year in college and my kitchen reflects that.”
Zoro threw his duffle-bag over his shoulder. “What the hell are we waiting for, then?”
Sanji shook his head at Zoro’s predictability. “Let’s go.”
Sanji’s apartment was spotless and Zoro could see how very white it was, now that the lights were on. The first room they walked into had a large couch and a decent-sized entertainment center. Everything was in its proper place and the couch looked brand new. It all looked brand new.
Sanji was flicking on lights further in the apartment. Zoro followed him down the hall into the kitchen. He had had the chance to look around the room when Sanji had made him lunch the last time he had been there. It was a gorgeous room with a gorgeous view and it served as Sanji’s kitchen, dining room, and study. It too was very clean, aside from the stack of papers scattered over the desk up against a wall.
Overall, the apartment felt like a model home. It was stylish and well-kept, but there was a distinct feeling that it was unlived in.
“Are you hungry? I know we already technically had an early dinner, but having breakfast so early in the morning can screw up your schedule.” Sanji was in his kitchen, opening and closing cabinets, taking a quick inventory.
“Don’t you ever get tired of cooking? All you’ve done today is cook.”
“I like cooking. What about you, Mr. Would-never-stop-training-if-it-weren’t-for-necessary-bodily-functions? Cooking for other people is my form of training.”
“In other words, you’d rather get the rest of us fat with your ‘training’ instead of yourself, curly-cue?”
“Are you complaining? Because I can always just feed your share to Luffy from now on if you’re trying to watch your figure, marimo.”
Zoro realized he’d never win any argument that crossed into Sanji’s realm of food. But only because he’s so damn good at making it. It’s an unfair advantage. “All I’m saying, is that I see you watching people eat more than I actually see you eating.”
“I didn’t know you cared.” Sanji mockingly fluttered his eyelashes.
“Whatever. Cook what you want, I’ll eat it regardless, since it seems you might actually be more addicted to cooking than you are to smoking.”
“Damn right.” Sanji lit a cigarette. “Oh, and you don’t have to keep lugging that bag around. You can leave it over by the couch. I’ll set out some extra pillows and blankets when I’m done here.”
“The couch?”
“Yes. The couch. The couch in the living room. Where you’ll be sleeping. Unless you’d prefer an air mattress, which I also have, but, trust me, the couch is more comfortable.”
Zoro thought about it. The couch had looked big and comfortable. But Sanji’s bed was bigger. And I know it’s comfortable. “I don’t want to sleep on your couch.”
“I promise you. The air mattress is really all sorts of terrible.”
Sanji jumped as Zoro’s next words were said directly into his ear. “I’d rather just remind you that your bed is plenty big enough for the both of us.” He shivered as Zoro’s lips touched the skin of his throat.
It was unfair, Sanji decided, how Zoro could be stealthy and quick when he was supposed to be a muscular oaf. Agility was Sanji’s thing. “I’m about to make you food.” Still, he tilted his head to the side and leaned back to give Zoro better access to his neck.
“Food always tastes better after a good work-out.” His hands were on Sanji’s hips, tugging him away from the kitchen and into the bedroom. Somewhere in the back of his mind, Sanji acknowledged that he should probably be irritated that he was being led around his own home by the swordsman. But if he were being honest, he really didn’t give a fuck at the moment.
Neither was patient enough to fumble with the other’s clothes. Zoro stepped out of his pants and boxers while simultaneously pulling his own shirt over his head. Sanji followed suit, slacks and underwear soon joining a discarded dress shirt. Their lips met hungrily, tongues exploring and tasting. Zoro tightened his grip on Sanji’s hips and practically threw the blonde onto the bed.
“Do that again and I’ll fucking-” Zoro climbed on top of him.
“Yesyes, milady. I’ll try not to manhandle you from now on.”
Sanji pulled Zoro down by the neck and bit down hard on the other man’s shoulder. “Oi! What the hell was that, you fucker!”
Sanji licked the angry red wound. “That was just a friendly reminder that I have teeth and you have sensitive parts.” Zoro growled and captured Sanji’s mouth, teeth clashing, tongues fighting.
Sanji’s long fingers circled around both their arousals and began moving with long slow strokes. Zoro groaned against his mouth and Sanji gasped as Zoro’s hips began thrusting against his palm, unsatisfied with the pace. Sanji quickened his strokes, his own hips matching the rhythm that they had set.
Zoro kissed his way up Sanji’s collar bone, up the side of his throat, pausing at his earlobe. “Where’s your lotion.” His voice was husky and low. There wasn’t a trace of hesitation this time around. Instead it was rushed and demanding.
Sanji slowly unwrapped his fingers from their erections, already sticky with precum. “Black gift bag in the drawer.” Zoro flashed him a look of curiosity before reaching over to the nightstand and pulling out the bag.
“You went out and bought…”
“Robin. Robin and Nami went out and bought us lube. Not at my request so don’t even ask. We are also never going to mention that they were right in assuming we’d need it. Again. Got it?”
Zoro grinned. Sanji decided to pretend it was a ‘yes’.
Zoro coated his fingers with the sticky gel and pushed at Sanji’s entrance. Sanji snatched the bottle of lube and squeezed a generous amount onto his palms, rubbing his hands together, and reached for Zoro’s cock. Zoro groaned and his fingers curled inside Sanji drawing a low moan out of the blonde. Zoro continued, adding another finger, stretching, curling in and out.
Sanji’s hand began pumping Zoro’s lubed up cock with fingers strong, fast, and impatient. Sanji smirked. “This is an incentive for you to not take as fucking long as last time.” Zoro threw him a look of irritation and pulled his fingers out.
“Turn over.” Sanji did. It wasn’t until he found himself staring at his pillow, on his elbows and knees, that he realized how vulnerable a position it was. How exposed he was. He took a few slow and deep breaths, wondering where his sense of self-preservation had run off to.
Zoro couldn’t help but stare. Sanji was exquisite. It was easy to underestimate him when he was suited-up and mistake him as a ‘pretty boy’, but like this, Sanji was hard lines, defined muscles, and taut ivory skin. Zoro sat up on his knees and slid himself flat against Sanji’s back, lips stopping to kiss shoulder blades. He positioned himself at Sanji’s entrance, slowly pressing in. Sanji pressed back and Zoro slid in smoothly. He gave a silent thanks to the girls for the lube.
He slowly began to thrust in. And out. He watched the rise and fall of Sanji’s back and the way it dipped with each thrust. Sanji began to rock back, urging Zoro deeper. Zoro steadied the blonde’s hips, but snapped his own forward harder and the force of the movement coupled with Sanji’s position took him all the way to his hilt, hitting Sanji’s prostate at the same time.
Sanji let out a loud moan, his forehead pushing further into the pillow below him. He could feel Zoro’s tongue trace its way up every ridge of his spine. Sanji hated this position. Sortof. He loved how much deeper Zoro could thrust in and it felt really fucking fantastic. But I hate having to look at this fucking pillow. He closed his eyes and let the building waves of pleasure wash over him. He could hear Zoro’s breathing become more ragged with each movement. Sanji fisted his own cock, feeling Zoro grow rigid above him and the warm and sticky come that dripped down his thigh as Zoro pulled out. Zoro’s hand reached around to join Sanji’s, bringing him to climax a few pumps later.
Sanji flipped onto his back just in time to see Zoro make a show of licking his fingers clean of Sanji’s come. “Thanks for not being such a chatty-Cathy this time around. I was actually able to focus on fucking you into the bed.”
Sanji considered what it'd feel like to put a cigarette out on Zoro’s tongue. But he could see the smile playing at the corner of Zoro’s mouth. “Thanks for getting to the fucking within the first hour this time. I was actually able to enjoy it without having to direct you every damn second.” Fucking smug bastard.
Sanji’s finger traced the large scar that tore its way diagonally down Zoro’s chest. “This was from Mihawk, wasn’t it?”
“I’m actually surprised neither you nor Nami mentioned it before. It tends to make people curious.”
Sanji gave a half-hearted snort. “Very sorry for not stroking your ego and pleading to hear your war stories.” He focused on the grooved skin. “It was obvious that a wound like this would have quite a story, but, having been raised by a guy with one leg, I know how personal it can get. Nami probably didn’t ask for the same reason you haven’t asked about her tattoo. Also, you play with swords. So it was pretty easy, and much more satisfying, to just assume that it was self-inflicted.”
Zoro looked amused. He was obviously in a good mood. Sanji tugged him down onto the bed next to him. “Yeah, it was Mihawk.” Sanji had almost forgotten the question. “He’s supposedly the greatest swordsman alive, a legend. I spent some time abroad because Koshiro-sensei encouraged me to learn about the fighting styles of different countries and I randomly ran into Mihawk in Spain. He just had this overpowering aura and I challenged him. Lost miserably. So it’s not exactly a story of heroic deeds.”
Zoro stretched out and Sanji grabbed a cigarette from his stash in the night stand. “Should’ve figured it was you biting off more than you could chew. Still, must’ve been one hell of a fighter to beat you that badly.” Sanji sat up, puffing smoke into the night air that flowed in through an open window.
Zoro stared at a picture of a young Sanji in his tiny chef’s smock standing in front of the Baratie. “So, who’s the gramps with the beastly mustache? He was at that restaurant from last time, the one-legged guy you mentioned, right?”
Sanji nodded down at him before turning to look at the picture in question. “That’s Zeff. Crazy geezer.”
“Family?”
Sanji took a drag, eyes closed. “Long or short version?”
“As long as you’re comfortable making it.”
“Alright, well, my dad died before I was born and my mom worked on a cruise liner. I was allowed to go with them and I’d help out in the kitchens.”
He locked his eyes on the photo.
“A storm had pushed us off course and we hit an underwater mountain. Zeff and I were the only survivors. We had been able to climb onto a part of the mountain that rose up above the water.”
Zoro heard the snap of the lighter as Sanji pulled out another cigarette.
“Long story short: man ate his own leg so I could survive off of the food he’d salvaged.”
Zoro’s hand stopped where he had unconsciously been stroking Sanji’s back.
He frowned.
“That’s heavy shit.”
Sanji smirked. “Getting fucked in the ass by a guy is pretty heavy shit too.”
Zoro rolled his eyes. “That might be convincing if we weren’t in San Fran-Fucking-Cisco.” He hesitated. “It’s not something you’re bothered by right? I mean… I know I was a bit flippant about it last time, but I reckoned you weren’t really the type to give a rat’s ass about what people think.”
Sanji rubbed at the bridge of his nose. “No, you’re right. I don’t give a fuck. It’s just. A bit of warning would’ve been nice.”
“Sure, I’ll give you plenty of warning next time.”
“How about we just not have a next time.”
Zoro ignored him. “So, Zeff took you in?” He was still processing the information.
“And then he kicked me out. Apparently my self-imposed servitude at the Baratie was insulting. But it’s an old story. Physical and mental wounds all healed.”
“Oh, absolutely. I’m sure your border-line OCD when it comes to wasting food isn’t related at all.”
“Hey. Wasting food could be the downfall of our civilization one day.” Sanji looked back at Zoro. “How about your swords? What’s your trauma-rama?”
“Also an old story. Childhood friend, sparring partner that kicked my ass every time we fought, fell down some stairs and died the day after we made a promise that one day we’d fight each other for the reputation of Greatest Swordsman.”
“Well, shit. Sorry. But I guess that explains Mihawk. What about your sensei, Koshiro?”
“Kuina, the kid who died, was his daughter. He let me have her sword and decided to leave Japan after her funeral. I went with him.”
“Your parents just let you go?”
“I don’t know all the details because I never really cared much, but they pretty much put me into Koshiro’s custody. Both of my parents worked at large companies and were devoted to their jobs so I spent most of my time at the dojo while they were constantly traveling abroad anyways.” Sanji looked skeptical. “Really, it wasn’t that big a deal.”
Zoro let his eyes wander around the room. Every photo on the wall, every painting, was a little piece of Sanji. “How can you surround yourself with constant reminders of the ocean?”
“The same way you can still walk down stairs, I assume.”
Sanji took a long and slow draw from his cigarette.
He exhaled slowly.
“The ocean is freedom and equality uncompromised.”
Zoro shifted closer, still lying on his back. It was the most content and peaceful he could ever remember being. Talking to Sanji about his past seemed like such a natural thing. He placed a lazy kiss on Sanji’s outer thigh.
“The guests, on the cruise ships, tended to be wealthy vacationers. Still, there’d always be a family here and there who had saved up over the years in order to go just the once. Everyone could tell which family was which and immediately all these unsaid rules would be set in place.”
A soft kiss on his hip.
“But then I’d stare out at the ocean. There was the sky, the water, and the horizon. There were no boundaries, no social hierarchy, no expectations. Everywhere you looked it was just all blue.”
He leaned into Zoro’s hand, thumb rubbing circles into his back.
“I want to open a restaurant than can do for people what the ocean does for me. I want to be able to make any dish anyone could ever want, no matter where in the world it originated from, regardless of which class it was intended for. I want people to be able to sit at a bar and talk about their day and realize that, even if their lives are different, the lessons are always the same and they’re people first and that’s what matters. I don’t want my restaurant to be high class. I just want it to be.”
His fingers fluttered through green hair.
“Sooo your dream is world peace… huh. Kinda puts my own into perspective.”
Another long draw.
Another long pause.
Sanji reached over the edge of the bed and stubbed out his cigarette before climbing over Zoro and straddling his lap.
“You’re taking on the world to keep a promise. Me? I’m just trying to pretend it doesn’t exist.”
Zoro’s hand slipped behind his neck and pulled him down for a deep kiss.
“I see it, you know, in your eyes.”
Sanji looked down at him inquisitively.
“I don’t need to be surrounded by the ocean to see all blue. I just need to look into your eyes.”
Sanji froze. Zoro had no idea what he was saying. Because what he was saying was making Sanji suddenly feel something that felt an awful lot like feelings. And feelings was something that Sanji was definitely not supposed to have on the second fuck. At least, not for someone with a penis. At least. Not for Zoro.
“You have no idea what the fuck you’re saying.” The inside of Sanji’s mouth felt too wet. It was making him swallow more often than was possibly natural. “Sure, my eyes are blue. But that’s not what I’m talking about.”
“That’s not what I’m talking about either. I ate the food you made at the soup kitchen and I saw you afterwards. That food was the same quality as what you’d make for the girls or serve at your catering events. How exhausted you were later that night was proof that you hadn’t held back during the day. Your eyes may register social status, but you don’t discriminate because of it. Your eyes reflect more than just the ocean’s color.”
Feelings. Feelings. Feelings. “You have no idea what the hell you’re saying”
Sanji lowered his head and their lips met for a painfully slow and tender kiss. It was a kiss that contained more than the sex ever had.
Zoro contemplated the fact that maybe he didn’t have any idea what the hell he had just said. But Sanji was trailing wet kisses down his chest, tongue dipping into every groove of scar and muscle and Zoro couldn’t bring himself to seriously think about what that kiss had meant. At least, not right now.
He watched the slowly descending head. “Haven’t had enough of me yet, cook?”
Sanji reached the already stiffening member, satisfied with the reaction despite the words. He leisurely ran his tongue up against the hot length. “By the time I’m satisfied, you’ll be wishing you had just taken the couch.” He nipped at Zoro’s tip before wrapping his lips around the now throbbing heat.
Zoro tangled his fingers in the golden strands of hair, torn by whether he should just close his eyes and immerse himself in the pleasure or continue to watch the way his flesh disappeared into Sanji’s mouth. “Have I told you how much I love your brand of persuasion?” His breathing was unsteady. “I’m still waiting for you to ruin my taste buds for all other cooks, you know. That threat sounded particularly painful.”
Sanji chuckled around his cock. It was a low rumble at the back of his throat. And suddenly Zoro didn’t really feel like talking.
And a vacation full of sleep deprivation wasn’t looking too bad either.
Footnotes:
[1]: I HAD TO. Every time I wrote ‘rebel’ I wanted to put ‘alliance’. Maybe writing this while rewatching the original Star Wars trilogy wasn’t the best idea, but it happened. And it works! (In my mind)
A/N: About All Blue. Does it make sense? I know it’s a bit abstract, but it’s how I’m interpreting Oda. Because All Blue is where you can find fish from the four oceans in one place I.E. a place where things coexist despite their origins? The nonexistance of boundaries? Yes? Well. If you don’t think it makes sense, let me know.
Chapter 11