He couldn’t sleep again.

The nightmares were hunting him, they were never giving him peace
and his only escape was not there. He will never be there again. Sanji curled and started crying. Ace will
never help him, will never kiss him and say that everything will be ok, that they were just nightmares
and they couldn’t hurt him. Ace was … Ace was not there anymore and all he could do was cry. It was
the third month since Ace left him, it was the third month since he slept just 1 or 2 hours a night and he
was slowly but certainly going insane. But he couldn’t blame Ace, because it was his entire fault,
because he was weak and he didn’t deserve someone so good as Ace, he knew that everything good in
his life was just temporary, but he couldn’t stop loving Ace. The boy entered his life like a hurricane,
with his big smile and his joyfulness and Sanji wanted to say no, he really tried but after six months of
knowing the boy he just got swept off his feet. It was one of those nights that he couldn’t sleep and all
he could do was bake. It was 3 in the morning and he was already at his third recipe but it wasn’t
helping. His mind kept going aloof, he was hearing that voice, the voice that was telling him that he
wasn’t needed in this world, that he was useless and he could disappear and no one would miss him. So
he was crying and backing and trying to not do something stupid. He tried to think at something else. His
friends loved him, no? Yes, Usop was his friend since kindergarten and even though they were now in
different cities they kept in touch. The boy was calling him and telling him the most unheard lies but he
liked that because the boy knew him and tried to make him laugh. But Usop was head over heels with
the beautiful Kaya, and when he will have the courage to confess to the blond little medicine student he
will have no more time for him because Kaya will surely say yes. And then he will be all alone. Sanji then
dropped on his knees, the knife in his hand falling on the floor near him. What if … And in that moment
the phone called. It was Ace. The boy was bugging him for six months already and was not taking no for
an answer. He liked Ace but he didn’t want him to be engrossed by him, he didn’t want to allow another
person in his life because certainly he would leave as fast as the wind. So he wasn’t going to answer the
phone, he was going to ignore it until he heard someone was at his door.
“Come on Sanji I know you are there! I can hear the ringtone you have just for me ( the snicker
in his voice was loud and clear because Sanji had Nightcore – Feisty just for him ). Open the door.”
Wiping his eyes and trying to putt on an annoying face he opened the door just a little.
“What do you want at this hour?”
It was a big mistake, Ace sensed that something was wrong, looked at him and smashed the
door open.
“What is wrong?”
 Silence … Sanji just closed the door. He was busted and Ace will see the real him and will be
disgusted. He will never want to speak to him, and even though he tried to keep the boy at arm’s length
he didn’t he didn’t dislike his flirting. But now everything will end. What a shame …
“Sanji? Why were you crying? Why are you in the kitchen at this hour?”
“Why are you here Ace?” The boy asked not wanting to answer.
“I was out in town with my coworkers, having fun and drinking sake until one of the guys said he
is in the mood of wine, a good wine and that was the moment that I remembered you also like wine and
so I ordered the same brand and came to see if I can wake you up to have a drink with me. And now I
really am glad that I came. What’s wrong Sanji?”
“You shouldn’t have come.”
“Maybe, but here I am now so please don’t make me go away. You can trust me, you know.”
Sanji said nothing but gone to the kitchen and got two glasses.
“I don’t want to talk about it, but you are here and I am sure I won’t be able to throw you out so
let’s not waste the wine you brought. Come with me in the living room and drink but after we finish you
will have to go. That is my condition, take it or leave it!” Sanji was really trying to be in control so that
the raven hair boy will forget what he saw.
“Ok, I will accept it.!”
So they started drinking and talking about jobs and friends, their common friend and brother
being Luffy, the biggest eater Sanji ever knew. All went well until Sanji knew he had to get rid of the
other boy, he had to get rid of the flirtatious person in front of him because we won’t be able to resist
him anymore because he was a light drinker and after his third glass he was feeling gloomy. As if Ace
was feeling something in the atmosphere changed he put his glass on the table and approached Sanji
slowly. “Ace what are you …?” but it was too late. Ace embraced him, slowly taking Sanji’s glass and
getting rid of him also, while getting his other hand in the blonde’s hair, slowly massaging him. “Sanji!
Stop refusing me! I want to have you! I want you to be mine! Will you accept me?” Ace slowly
whispered in his ear. High from his drink and sleep deprivation all Sanji wanted was let go of his body
and mind and let the other boy take care of everything. He wanted to be loved because he haven’t
allowed anyone to be close to him for such a long time but something kept telling him not to. The voice
in his head was trying to make him feel bad about himself again, saying that he will be just another bitch
for the boy, he will fuck him then laugh and leave. “No, Ace… “ “Sanji please!” He had to close his eyes
because Ace was very convincing and he felt hot lips on his eyes, his cheeks, the corners of his mouth.
The temptation was too big and all he had to do was give up. All he need was a little push and it came
from Ace whispering in his ear slowly and sensually “I’ve been wanting you for so long Sanji! You are so
beautiful and you got me all hot just thinking about you! Look at you blonde with those gorgeous blue
eyes, long kissable neck. I love how good you look with those pretentious costumes all the time but
damn would I do anything to undress you and touch your beautiful long legs! Sanji! Do something
please, tell me you will be mine this morning. I want you so bad and I am so hard right now all because
of you!”
He couldn’t handle it anymore, so he did what his body wanted, opened his eyes, looked at the
boy in front of him and kiss him hard.

Memories part 2

The kiss was hard and hot and Sanji knew that he couldn’t refuse Ace any more. It didn’t bother
him that much, he wanted to make love with him he wanted slow, heated, moaning love. So when Ace
started to undress him it was all ok. His shirt flew in some corner of the room followed rapidly by Ace’s
shirt. Hand touching everything, lips sucking and teeth scratching. Ace got on his knees and started to
unlock his belt, not even looking at Sanji but he said to himself that he was ok, that it was what he
wanted. So the boy was now perfectly naked, and Ace was eating him with his eyes.
“God, Sanji! I knew you’d be beautiful but you are too much” They kissed again and rolled on
the couch, Ace kissing, licking and biting. Because of his marvel skin Sanji had already his body full of
bruises. “Can you put your legs up my shoulders? I want to fuck you so bad!” Sanji knew that he could
but he really did want something else, he was not yet prepared to receive the raven haired boy in him
and he wanted more than a fuck. “ Ace I …” “Please Sanji you want it too. Look how hard you are! Don’t
say no!” He couldn’t resist. Those eyes that were begging him showed him the truth so he did what the
other had asked him to do. Ace scooped his pockets for lube and started to prepare Sanji, two slicked
fingers invading his body. “Ace it hurts. Slow down!” “Baby I can’t I want you too much! Please get used
to it faster.” Sanji thought that it was his fault, that his body was too sensible and he tried not to think
about the pain. Third finger entered very hard and Sanji almost started crying because of the pain but he
didn’t want the other too see him so he embraced Ace, bending himself in half. “Like that Sanji yes! Is it
good? I will fuck you now!” “ Ace where is the condom?” ”We don’t need them I am clean trust me!”
“No Ace we need … “ but before he could finish his sentence Ace was fully in him. Sanji scream because
of hurt, but Ace took it as pleasure, so he grinned harder. It didn’t last long, the boy was pent up, but the
blond was bleeding and feeling used. After the sex Ace realized what he had done so he was kind and
gentle, he washed Sanji up, put him in his PJs and embraced him in the bed. He apologized and kissed
him until he felt asleep. Unfortunately Sanji’s dreams came more real and hurting than any other time
but Ace was there, saying sweet words and calming him down so Sanji believed that he wasn’t used for
sex, it was just pent up desire.
Morning came and Sanji got up from bed to make breakfast, Ace was fast asleep. His body hurt
very bad and he didn’t feel good but he tried smiling because now he got someone. It was all his fault
that he denied the boy for so long. Breakfast almost ready, he felt hands on his hips. “ So what is my
babe doing good for me this morning?” “Breakfast is almost ready Ace let me finish!” “Awwwww! How
much more?” he asked slapping Sanji’s ass. He swallowed a scream of pain, because it was an
excruciating pain inside him, psychically, but he wanted not to be weak. It was his entire fault.
The days passed by, the actions repeated themselves, but he had someone soothing him at
night even though the dreams were getting harder to get back from. Ace moved with him, for him, so he
was not going to complain. He started getting used to rough sex so he thought all was good. Months
came and gone but because of his dreams Sanji was closing himself more and more. Ace was starting to
come home later and finally, one night he hasn’t come home at all. They fought the next morning
because Ace was very drunk and didn’t answer Sanji’s calls and all he could say was that he had fun and
he forgot. He was a fire dancer so he had to entertain a team of firefighters and he was invited to stay
after the show to have fun so he stayed. Sanji’s first mistake was to believe him, to let himself be
embraced by the drunkard and have rough sex. The story repeated and Sanji forgave him every time,
until one day when he came home from work he found the house empty. No clothes but his, no plated
of food left through the house, no full ashtrays, nothing. It was like his boyfriend had disappeared, as it
was only his dream that he woke up from. Trying to call him the number was not available any more.
Sanji was getting desperate. What was happening? Was it another nightmare? No he had to do
something before he panicked. He called his little brother Luffy, that by some fated chance was a friend
of Usop also. No one answered. He tried again, still nothing. “Ok, ok slow down Sanji there must be
someone I could call. His work!” He knew the name of the company. So he entered the internet, Yahoo’s
first news being some guy that got cut almost in half by number one swordsman. He had no time to read
further so he searched for Playwithfire.com and called at the number given for commands.
“Play with fire, how can I help you?” answered a smooth voice.
“Hello, I am sorry to disturb such a lovely lady as you but I can’t contact my friend and I am a
little worried. He works at Play with fire, his name is Ace, Portugas Ace.”
 “Who am I talking to?”
“Pardon my rudeness my beautiful flower, my name is Sanji”
“Wait just a second. P o r t u g a s. Well I am sorry Sanji but it seems that your friend does no
loger work here. He resigned a month ago.”
“Excuse me? Are you sure?”
“Definitely.”
“Ok then, thank you very much”
One month. One whole month of lying! Wait, one month? It was the first time that Ace got
home drunk. Was he having problems and he couldn’t tell Sanji? The calling phone in his hand startled
him. It was Luffy. “ Hi Sanji how are you?” “Not so well Luffy. Do you happen to know where Ace is?” “
Ace? He left country yesterday night, hasn’t he told you?” “No …” Ace left country. But why? “Oh I am
sorry Sanji I thought you knew. Did you have a fight? Did you broke up?” “No, he didn’t tell me a world.
Do you know why he left?” “ He said that he needed to do it.” “But … “ “Oh, I am so sorry Sanji!” “Yeah,
me too. I need to think now Luffy, thank you for calling and telling me.” “Sanji, be safe!”
He felt like dying.

3. That’s what friends are good for

Luffy looked at the phone with anger. He tried calling Ace. How dared he? Sanji was his friend
and nakama and Ace did something so horrible to him.
“Hey little bro, what’s up?”
“Why did you do it?”
“What are you talking about? I don’t know … “
“Ace! Why did you do it? Sanji is my friend I thought you loved him!”
“Yeah, about that, you see ….”
“WHY?”
“IT IS NOT FOR YOU TO KNOW!” Ace screamed and ended the conversation.
Luffy was now not only sad for Sanji but also angry at Ace. Well he couldn’t do anything about
Ace but he could try to make Sanji’s day better. Oppening his agenda he called the only person who
could help.
-Hey Luffy what’s up? I am having such a good day, let me tell you about it!
- Usopp!
 -Wait, wait! Some girl from work came to me and confessed but I told her that I, the great
Usopp have my heart promised to…
- USOPP! Ace left to another country without telling Sanji.
-WHAT???? But… but … how? Why? I thought they were good for each other. Did they fight?
Where do you know about this? You know what I just finished work, I will stop by your place. Wait for
me. ‘Till then I have to call Sanji. Oh my God! Call you right back!

- 3 months prior -
Usopp didn’t have time to call because his phone was ringing again, an unknown number.
-Hello?
-Usopp, it’s me.
-No way Zoro? Are you alive?
-As much as I can be and will be heading home soon.
-Home as in home home? You will be back in town?
-Mhm.
-Oh my God it’s been so long!
-I know. 2 years already.
-Man I heard the news. Everybody said you are as good as dead. What the fuck happened?
-Long story shart I met Mihawk and I thought I was prepared to challenge him.
Zorro’s tone was grim. Usopp was almost afraid to ask more.
- And?
-Long story short I was not and he proved it to me.
-Man that must suck.
-Tell me about it.
-Man I am sorry to end it short but I have some troubles and I have to deal with them.
-Something happened?
-Yeah I think a friend of mine got dumped and I have to be there for him. Maybe you should call
Lufffy also. He will be so glad to hear you. By the way when are you coming home?
-Two, maybe three months.
-Good to hear man, good to hear. I will save the number. Call me any time you want.
 Ending the call, Usop tried to reach Sanji but it was useless. His phone was closed. That was not
good. Usopp knew Sanji and his history, knew that his friend would now close himself and suffer. He had
to do something but what?

- Present –
Zoro just got home when a loud knocking sound has heard from the door. Not even checking
who it was he opened the door and was knocked down by a very happy, slim, black haired but strong
boy, arms like rubber embracing him.
-Zoroooooooooo!
-Hi Luffy! What a warm welcome! Now can you get away from me so I can breathe?
-You are back!
-Yes I am back.
-Hi Zoro!.
-Usopp! Glad to see you two.
-Zoro I have so much to tell you and so many things happened and I am glad that you are not
dead and…
-Luffy, you dumb ass, slow down.
-Sorry, sorry.
The boy was still in his lap, both on the floor. Usopp helped them both get up and asked:
-Should we have a drink here or going into town?
-How about Merry?
-Ah …
-What?
-You see Zoro Merry was closed a while ago.
-Whaaaatttt???!!! But I liked that place.
-Yeah but we found some place very cool. It’s called Thousand Sunny and it’s awesome!
-Usopp what are we going to do about Sanji?
-Who is Sanji?
-You know when we talked on the phone when you told me you were coming home? And I said I
have a problem with a friend who got dumped?
-Yeah, so?
 -That friend is Ace’s ex. His name is Sanji and is a very good friend of mine.
-Ok. So what’s the problem if you want to meet him too just give him a call.
-Here comes the problem. The last three months he declined to do anything else except work.
He shouted himself down and we can’t reach him anymore.
-So what does he do?
-He’s a chef at Baratie.
-I know the place. He’s at work now?
-No, he had the morning shift so he is probably at home.
-And you really want him to come with us?
-Yeah, we tried to help him since they broke up but nothing helped and he is not ok.
-Call him then!
Usopp got his phone from his pocket and tried to reach Sanji but his phone was shut down.
-It’s closed.
-I will help you with your guy and if it works you’re paying my drinks tonight how about that?
-Usopp the Great will pay your drinks for a week if you manage to help us. What will you do?
-Give me this guy’s address. And you go at Zunny or what you said that place was called.
-But Zorro …
-No buts. Go! I’ll call you later.
-OK. This is his address and this is the place’s address.
-Zorro, be careful he has a kick that really hurts.
-It’s that so Luffy? What else do I need to know? Can I play with him?
-No Zorro you are not allowed to hurt him! He is our friend and nakama.
-Ok ok you guys can leave. I will bring him.
-Good luck!

Zoro wanted to drink with his friends and to feel good so why the fuck has he volunteered to do
this shitty job? Sanji huh? He was waiting for the cab and thinking what he should do. If his friends were
worried he had to help no? And is a friend can’t help the dude maybe a stranger could. The taxi came
and took him, he got there in 15 minutes, this guy was quite close from his place. It was Friday evening
so the perfect time to get into town and have a good time. He had luck, the door was opened and he
had to walk up only two floors. He found the door and knocked. He didn’t know what he will do but he
thought that perhaps he will convince this guy to come with him. When the door opened he froze,
looking at the handsomest guy he saw since long. His words were blocked in his throat as he looked in
one wild blue eye, and even though it had little red veins, it was like a wave had hit him. He noticed his
blond hair that seemed so smooth that he wondered if it would be soft to touch. Weird eyebrows, so he
was not perfect but the last think he saw was that the man in front of him was holding an unlit cigarette
in his mouth. His lips were almost white, chapped but oh so very tempting. He wanted to say something.
He wanted to ask so many questions, he opened his mouth but nothing came out so he closed it back.

Sanji got home from work and wanted just to sleep. To sleep and forget everything. But he
couldn’t so he just sat down on the bed and did what he did every other day from three months ago, he
closed his phone, and took a cigarette in his mouth for support. He gave up on cigarettes for Ace,
because he worked with fire he disliked the smoke so Sanji at first did not smoke when he was with Ace,
but after they moved together he gave up on them totally. He wanted to smoke now, wanted to lit it
and let himself be a little free but he couldn’t. What if Ace came back? Yeah right like that could happen.
Sanji knew it was not possible, he knew that he pushed Ace away and he will not come home ever again.
It was his fault again. He wanted to scream and cry but he couldn’t any more. There were no more tears
in his body, he had cried them all. Knock knock knock.
What? Someone at the door? Maybe, just maybe it was Ace. He opened the door as fast as he
could but it was definitely not Ace. The green haired guy, what the fuck was with that color, stood in
front of his door, and he couldn’t help but to stare a little at him. His face was masculine and sharp, but
the thing that attracted his attention was that he had an eye closed with a big scar over it that gave him
a bad guy aura. They looked at each other a few seconds and the guy opened his mouth as to say
something but closed it back. Disappointed that it was not in fact Ace and mad that the man that
appeared in front of his door said nothing, he asked:
-Who the fuck are you shithead and what the fuck do you want?

Zoro came back from his reverie. Upset flew around his head.
“Who do you think you can call a dumb ass, dumb ass? Name’s Zoro. I came to get you.”
“Huh? Get me? You wish you could.”
“I bet I can curly.” Zoro grinned wide. He was always giving as good as he got and was not afraid
of the consequences. And it looked like Sanj began to get out of his own grief and get mad. Good!
 “Where is your mask Zorro?” asked the blond with a cheeky smile. “And why the fuck is your
hair green?”
“Is Zoro with only one r. Come!”
“Like hell I am.” he said and tried to close the door but couldn’t because Zoro’s boot was in the
way. “What the fuck do you want?”
Zoro sighed. “I hoped it would be easy. You are not it seems. Look Usopp and Luffy are waiting
for us at the Zunny place or whatever. Come!”
“Usopp? He is in town? When? Where? And why did YOU come to get me? You know what it
doesn’t matter I am not coming so you can leave.”
Even though Sanji tried to sound annoyed something in his eye looked more like hurt. Zoro
tried, he really tried to do what Mihawk said.
~ If you want to do something right, you have to be patient. It has to be the right time, right
place and right feeling. You are a fool if you thought you can fight me. Look where we are in a fucking
parking lot. Look at the time!!! It is 6 in the morning. Even if you had beaten me, there is no one around
to see. Look at you! In your running clothes. Did you really think that in this state, at this hour and in this
place you could face me? What a fool! You are not bad so you won’t be a corpse but the next time I see
you I want you to be right, not jump like a dog at a bone!~
He was so not doing that right now. Fuck it! He growled and jumped on Sanji with the intent to
push him down and shove some intelligence in that blond head of his. What he didn’t expect was Sanji’s
foot in his chest right in the moment he jumped to catch the guy. He was fast ok but so could he. Zoro
grabbed the foot and shoved it down in his fall.
The result was Sanji straddling Zoro. On the floor. Oh wow! Those blue eyes were even bluer,
with so many different nuances that Zoro was sure he wouldn’t know to name it. He felt the door at his
hands and shoved it close without breaking eye contact. This was dangerous. Sanji didn’t need this. He
was hurt and Zoro was not an asshole.
“Get down.” He said very slowly as to not scare the other. Sanji got on the floor and if his face
was something to read, he was angry and he wanted to shout so Zoro thought to do it before him so
that he won’t lose.
“Before you shout and kick my ass …”
“No, you listen you dumb fuck!”
“Sanji SHUT THE FUCK UP!”
“WHO THE FUCK DO YOU TELL TO SHUT UP?”
 Zoro was starting to really loose it so he did what he thought was necessary to make the blond
shut: strip. And oh was it a good measure to get his shirt off. The other’s eye was about to come off his
socket.
“Why the fuck are you sliced in 2?” His voice was just a whisper, the tone had a little reverie in
it. Good that meant no more shouting and bickering and… God knows what. He wanted to go drink. Yes
that was the reason. Huh, who was he kidding? He was not Usopp to lie so bad. He really wanted to get
the dumb ass out of his house, out of his grief, out of his misery. But why? OK, to be frank he looks so
good but so bad right now. Big, black, thick, dark lines under his beautiful eyes, his skin was to white
even for a blonde person and he was so fucking skinny, like almost anorexic.
Maybe he had looked too much, or maybe his being sorry was showing on his face cause Sanji
was mad again. So let’s explain and hope the dumb fuck will understand.
“Maybe if you shut the fuck up I would have told you. I don’t brag and this is not about me. I
almost died. As you can see it is not pretty. Do you know what our friends told me: good for you that
you are not dead but we have a friend that is in bigger pain than you and we have to help him.
The blonde froze. “What?”

The moment the green haired dude, Zoro was it, tried to push him down his reflexes took the
harnesses for him. He wanted to kick the stubborn fuck out of his home. Who the fuck did he think he
was, trying to enter his house and get him out? He closed his phone for a reason, he didn’t want anyone
with or around him. Was it that hard? Yeah Usopp came to town but if he wanted to talk he should
have come himself not send this stupid.
His thoughts were erased completely after the hit took place because it was being dragged
down fast. What the fuck? And he was straddling the man.
He didn’t know what he should feel any more. Ok he could recognize the man was hot in his
own brutish way, something dangerous in his green eyes but he was not ok. What if the man thought he
did it intentionally? He was not a whore in heat. Oh God that was what he probably was thinking while
looking right in his eyes. That now that he had him on he could use him. Disgracefulness and anger filled
Sanji the longer he looked at the man in front of him. And then he heard the words said so calm and
quiet. Just two words, get down. Oh it was better to think that he was worth a fuck but it seemed not.
He was so pitiful and ugly and disgusting that he was not even wanted for a quick fuck. Sanji got down
and was about to collapse but looked at Zoro and wanted to scream.
 “Before you shout and kick my ass …”
He had the nerve to talk first! What a stupid son of a bitch! He was really angry right now and he
was about to show that fucker what he was capable of.
He wanted the man to shut up and leave, he wanted to cry and sleep, he wanted …
“No, you listen you dumb fuck!”
“Sanji SHUT THE FUCK UP!”
Shouting in his house and telling him to shut up? The nerve! Who the fuck did he think he was?
Or did this man really think he was that weak and easy to handle that he would do what he asked? Did
everyone really had to laugh at him? He was feeling cold and lacking energy for this but he had to try not
to let this situation slip from his fingers.
“WHO THE FUCK DO YOU TELL TO SHUT UP?”
And then it all ended. The man was striping. He was about to get raped. He will fight no doubt
about it but … OMG! He had lost his voice and thoughts at the sight in front of him. The words slipped
from his mouth without him wanting to.
Why the fuck are you sliced in 2?”
The man explained something about almost dying and his friends, both of them friends it seems,
not caring. He couldn’t believe it.
“What?”
Zoro frowned. “OK not really with this words but that I understood right then. And I come home
three months later and what? You are still the only one in their little worried minds. Grow up, grow a
pair and get over it! It’s just a break up. No one died.”
Oh that was it! “Listen here you… you… you marimo!”
“What the fuck did you just called me you… you dartboard? “

Chap. 4
“How could you say that?” A big pain painted Sanji’s heart. Yes, Ace was not dead, but he was
not his anymore, he also couldn’t do anything to get him back, Ace left and didn’t contact him ever
since. He’s tears were falling without any possibility to stop them. It just hurt so damn much and he was
so lonely. Yes he went to work, he spoke with his coworkers and laughed with the beautiful ladies that
stepped in the restaurant but he was so empty inside. That’s why Zoro’s words hurt so much more than
they should.
 “Oi, oi, oi, don’t, please! I didn’t want to make you cry!” he heard Zoro saying but didn’t want to
look at him. He was not able to! He was so ashamed about himself. He was so weak! No wonder no one
wanted him. He was too engulfed in his own sorrow.
But then he felt it, he felt someone else’s body heat and the marimo was hotter than a fireplace.
“What are you … hic … doing?” he asked between tears and trembles. It was a very little quiet
voice.
“Embracing you, it is my fault you are crying so I am taking responsibility.” Zoro was as quiet as
him and his voice let no pity, worry or anything else, just soothing.
“Why? Don’t you dare pity me!.” He tried to yell and scream but all he could handle was like a
little kitty hissing.
“I’m not.” Smooth, quiet voice in his ear. He felt the embrace tightening a little.
Zoro’s right hand stayed on his back while the left moved to the blond hair, slowly touching his
neck and head. Sanji managed to not cry anymore and wanted to get away from the green haired man
but he couldn’t move. It has so hard to get out of the embrace because it was the first time in three
months, maybe even more, when he felt warm. Realizing this, he felt his tears rolling from his eyes
again. He barely managed to say a few words.
“Let me go, please!”
“Why? Give me a good enough reason and I will do it.”
“Why are you doing this? Why are you embracing me? I am not worthy! Go! Leave!”
“I won’t, so don’t struggle anymore! I want to do this and there is almost nothing you can tell
me to make me let you go now. So you could as well give up!”
What the fuck was with this man, he was sweet and infuriating in the same time. He was a
stranger, but he was feeling so close to him right now.

Feeling like the blond man from his arms could react both ways at his words he thought what he
should do. He had no idea what he was doing just that it felt right. Sanji was broken, he felt that and
even though he didn’t know the blond, his tears made his heart clutch in his chest. So he took the
stranger in his arms and it felt the right thing to do.
 Caressing his head and embracing him he started slowly swinging his hips in a little kind of
dance. The sound of the whining stopped but the man said nothing any more just stood in his embrace
and let himself be slowly swayed.
He got scared when he felt Sanji slip away. Zoro could not believe, when he took a closer look at
the blond head, that he was sleeping on his feet. He really felt asleep in his arms. A smile appeared on
the green head’s face. He continued the action long enough to be sure Sanji was not going to wake up if
he stopped and then he took him in his arms and put him in the bed. He was lucky that he found the
dormitory in his third try, first entering in the kitchen and bathroom. He didn’t know the man’s house so
he had nothing to be ashamed for. There was no blush on his cheeks and even if it was there was no one
around to see it.
Zoro tried to slip away but then the sleeping men’s head moved very fast and his breath
fastened. He looked like he started having a nightmare the moment Zoro’s body got away from him so
Zoro did what he thought the blond deserved, moved in the bed with him, placed a hand in his hand and
with the other caressed the other’s face while shushing very, very quiet. Did he really relax just by being
touched? How lonely did this man feel? How much did he need someone to get him up? The more he
thought, the more he felt Mihawk’s words coming back: ~ It has to be the right time, right place and
right feeling. ~
He wanted to help. Did he really? He looked at the man soundly sleeping. His eyes were red and
puffed on the surface, and dark almost to the cheeks, his lips were almost colorless and chapped but it
looked like he was deep asleep. Yes, he wanted to. It was the right feeling right there. Not pity but the
need to see the other man smile. He felt it will be a long road with many obstacles and problems and
they were still strangers but this is what he wanted. He was feeling a little proud that he got through
Sanji’s defenses.
Zoro realized he has not going to get out drinking with his friends as he planned, with or without
the person on his left, and realized he was not bothered by it at all. He took the phone from his pocket
and realized he had some unread messages. So that he won’t wake the blond up, he first put it on mute
and then looked at the messages. It was kinda hard to do all this with just on hand but he was not about
to release Sanji’s hand, not that he could, his hand was being hold so tightly that he almost couldn’t feel
it any more but he was not going to do anything about it. If this is what Sanji needed, than he would give
it.
All five messages were from Usopp.
“Dude are you there? Did you get to the address ok?”
 “Please tell me you didn’t get lost”
“Guys tell me you are not fighting right now.”
“Are you ok?”
“WHAT THE HELL IS HAPPENING AND WHY ARE YOU NOT ANSWERING MY MESSAGES?”
With a little chuckle he started writing.
“Usopp breath. I am ok. I believe Sanji is too but we can’t come with you tonight. When are you
leaving back to your home? I haven’t been able to ask you why are you here anyway.”
“WTF dude? I was going crazy. We are coming there so we will talk.”
Zoro felt a pang in his gut. He didn’t want his friends there. He had a hunch that Sanji would just
put a mask and will hide himself again.
“Um how about we talk tomorrow? Really Sanji is in no position to talk right now.”
“What did you do??????”
“Relax, nothing bad. Or so I think. We had a little fight, about that dumb brother of Luffys
(what’s his name anyway?) Sanji kinda reacted not so ok but now he is …. Uhhh … he can’t talk. Promise
we will talk tomorrow.”
“Zoro I swear to God if you did something to him I will break that door if I have to. You know
how many followers I have in this city. We will invade you and burry you alive!”
“HE IS SLEEPING YOU DUMBFUCK SO SHUT THE FUCK UP. I think he really need it.”
“Oh. Sleeping? And you? Did you two do something? I mean I have nothing against it but isn’t it
a bit fast?”
“No, we didn’t do anything. I just …. Just let it go. Tomorrow we should talk more. Um but I do
have something to ask you.”
“Spit it out.”
“Should I stay or should I go? I don’t know what to do.”
“Hmmm you should stay man. Maybe he really needs someone to force him open up a bit. But if
you want to leave you should wake him up.”
“Then I will stay. He looks like he really needs the sleep.”
“OK. Talking tomorrow yeah?”
“Promise.”
 Sanji woke up in the first time since forever feeling like he had energy and less tired. He was also
confused, he just woke up himself not another nightmare. Wait when did he go to sleep? He felt
something strange and new. He was clutching on someone’s hand and he was being embraced,
cuddled? What the fuck? He didn’t cuddle with Ace, the man turning his back on him the moment they
were done with sex. He was so confuse, who the fuck ….? He opened his eyes and tried to turn his body
to face the other in his bed but he couldn’t. He was being held a little bit harder. He felt more then
heard the next words in the back of his neck.
“Mornin. Don’t freak out on me. SSSSShhhhh. It’s ok. Do you remember who I am?”
He seemed to know the voice but who was him and how did he end up in his bed? What did he
do last night? Did he get drunk? No. But then?
“No. So let me go!”
“Ok, I will, but don’t kick me ok?”
“LET ME GO I SAID!” He got out from the embrace and looked at the figure next to him.
“Oh …. Marimo.” He said with his eyes wide opened. And then all his memories came back in a
splashing wave.

“Yeah, me! Again, morning’”

“Uh yes morning! What…? Why …?” his voice was stuck in his neck. He remembered being
swayed and embraced by the green haired man but then?
“Don’t die on me now. You just felt asleep and that’s it. You were tired.”
“Did you do something to me?”
“Oh come on what do you take me for?”
“I don’t know you are just a stranger.”
Zoro was starting to get mad again. He really tried to do well and help this blond headed idiot
and all he could say was that?
“Well this stranger hold you and your hand all night long because you needed the sleep, this
stranger stopped our friends to barging in here and ask you things you didn’t want to answer,” he was
starting to yell, how dare he say something like that? “and this stranger will now go fuck himself because
he is a stupid thinking that the ass in front of him would be grateful for what he did, but you will come
tonight at the Zunny or else I will be the one that breaks your door. I am sick and tired of our friends
being worried because your worthless ass.” He took his shoes and left the apartment with a big bang.
Just three seconds have passed when he entered again and yelled “And keep your damn phone open!”
And left again. The road to home was quiet, it was Saturday morning and everyone was asleep. Why was
he so mad? He knew that Sanji would not react well but to ask him if he did something? That was the
drop that filled the glass. Yes he did he was a human being and cared when someone was hurt. He
wasn’t even gay to begin with, but he could recognize that the blond caught his attention. He was the
kind of man that tried everything once so he was not a stranger to human body, and Sanji’s body, even
though was weakened and he believed sick, was something to behold. Was that it? Was that why he felt
so mad? Clearly no! He looked around, not recognizing the area. “Where the fuck am I?”

Sanji could say nothing. Was he really so heartless? Well no but what could he do? It was a very
difficult situation waking up with a man that he didn’t know feeling refreshed? What the fuck could he
think? It was something very hard to believe that someone stayed with him a night because he wanted
him to sleep. And holding his hand? He did open his phone and saw a lot of messages and voice
messages. Luffy screamed and yelled that he wanted to eat the food that he cooked and why did he not
come at the Sunny even though Usopp was in town. Usopp was there also with messages saying that
Zoro convinced him tonight to not come but tomorrow if he didn’t he will be so angry as a best friend.
Why were his friends so worried? He thought he hidden his problems good but it seems that he
couldn’t do even that well. Was he really no good for no one? He had to be good for someone at some
point. He wanted to be loved. In the moment he thought that he remember the way that Zoro held him
close, not letting him go and dancing with him in his arms. No wonder he felt asleep. He had been a
really jerk but he didn’t know what to do. He had to think of something till tonight. Hmmm tonight but
when? It was 9 in the morning, would Usopp be awake? Maybe he should wait a little bit more. He was
hungry, and for a first since forever he didn’t feel like vomiting. Did he really need sleep that bad? Yes
and he knew that but why had the nightmares didn’t come? Even when he sleep with Ace the
nightmares were always there. So why?
Maybe if the plant wouldn’t had left like that he could have made him breakfast to say thank
you but he was scared and said harsh words to him. He now felt bad but what could he do but wait? And
then his phone started ringing, best friend song was Usopp’s.
“Sanji!” yelled the curly man. “Dude I was so worried! Zoro told me to let you sleep because you
look like you really need rest and …”
“Usopp slow down! I was tired, I am not deaf. I am … ok now.”
 “Oh really? That’s good. Is it Zoro there with you? “
“No.”
“But he said that he would stay the night. What, did he leave in the night? Did he at least wake
you?”
“He stayed the night and then left.”
“Why? Your food is the best.”
“He didn’t get to the food part.”
“Sanji what the fuck happened?”
“Just me and my big mouth screwed up.”
“Oh. You were mean to him. But why Sanji he was good with you.”
“How the hell should I know? He is just a stranger to me, how could I know that he didn’t do
something?”
“Well do you feel bad? Is your … back hurting or maybe other parts of your body?”
“No but …”
“Sanji, Zoro is not even gay. It is true I haven’t seen him with girls too much either but you get
the idea. HE is a little nasty sometimes but so are you and … “
“I get it Usopp I will say sorry tonight. By the way when are we meeting and where? Zorro was
kind of confused?”
“Oh tonight at 8 let’s say at Sunny.”
“Ok.”
“By the way do know if he took the taxi? He can’t find his way most of the time.”
“He left very angry and screaming at me so I have no idea.”
“Oh fuck do you know if he had his wallet?”
“No.”
“I have to call him.”
“Wait, give me a message with his number. I own him so maybe I can be a little bit of help. If he
is still in the streets like a lost puppy I will go and find him.”
“Sanji be nice to him. We really almost lost him.”
“Yeah I saw the scar.”
“How? You said you didn’t do anything!”
“He wanted to shut me up so he undressed his T-shirt.”
“Nice strategy.” Usopp was almost laughing. “Did you droll a little?”
 “Usopp! How could I? I saw a man almost cut in half.”
“Yeah, yeah and you didn’t look at his chest and muscles at all. Cut the bullshit Sanji. I know you
better than this. If I was into men and wasn’t so scared of him, I would droll.”
“Ok just shut up.” Sanji then sneezed hard.
“Man you’re either about to get sick or someone is talking about you.”
“Hope the second one cause I have no time to be sick or cold. Give me marimo’s number. ”
“Oh Sanji behave! Waiting forward to seeing you tonight!”
He got the number and without thinking he called. Once, twice, and he got an answer.
“Roronoa here.”
“So not just your hair is stupid, but your name also.” Sanji realized that he screwed up again but
he couldn’t help it. When he heard that voice he got weird, his body shaking and a small smile appeared
on his face so he wanted to hide it, unfortunately with a bad remark.
“What the fuck do you want jerk? Couldn’t sleep?”
Sanji was mad again. Yeah he started it but the other didn’t have to be such a jerk.
“I heard a lost puppy was walking through town and needed help. So where are you?”
“Shut the fuck up! I am no lost puppy and I am at home. Where did you got the number?”
“Usopp called me… A … a… a.. chu!”
“What happened princess, not feeling so good?” Even though he asked like that he was being
worried. Did he not cover him up last night? He remembered he did. And he is warm all the time,
everyone who shared a bed with him told him that.
“No you plant the boys probably talk about me. Glad the marimo is at home. See you tonight at
Sunny. Remember the name you plant.”
“Knock it off with the names already dartboard brow. I will see your ugly mug tonight.” And the
call was over.

It was late in the evening and Sanji didn’t feel so good. The sneeze turned in cough and all his
body hurt. He really should get up and dress for the night but he couldn’t. He felt hot and all his body
hurt. Usopp was going to kill him. So he called him.
 “Sanji I hope you are about ready for the night!”
“Uh yeah Usopp about that … cough cough … I don’t feel well. I would ask you to come here but
I am afraid I will transfer the … cough cough … cold. Please forgive me.”
“Oh man really?”
“I really want to come but I can’t.”
“Oh well. But Luffy will be disappointed.”
“I know. Tell him I will cook for him when we will see each other. Soon ok? Cough cough cough!”
“Man you don’t sound so good.”
“Yeah, I will try to get a little bit of rest. You are not leaving soon, no?”
“Neah man I have a whole month course about web design.”
“That’s good. I will make it up I promise!”
“Ok man be well. See you!”
He really wished he had some pills in house or maybe he could just sleep without his nightmares
once, no twice now. He felt dizzy, his head was making strong noises and … No, that was not just in his
head. That was the door. Who the fuck could be? Usopp seemed to understand that he was not ok so
who could it be? Opening the door, he was shocked.
“Hey, princess! I heard you are sick.”

7. Fever and nightmares

Zoro really didn’t know what he was thinking. Or maybe he did but he didn’t want to allow the
thought to overwhelm him. Why was he in front of this guy’s door with his rucksack containing a change
of clothes and caring a bag of food and medicine? Because he liked the blond, he liked him a lot, but not
like that. Not with that broken smile, not with those scared eyes, not with that mask on his face. Oh no,
he liked him bothered, hot and screaming, he liked when his eyes burned with passion, fuck he just liked
him. And he saw this side of him the moment the blonde wanted to kick him, when they started arguing
and he realized that he wanted to see more. But right now he just got to be patient and calm, really,
really calm because as hot as he was, he drove him insane.
“I told you that I would break your door if you didn’t come. I understood that you are sick so I
didn’t break it but I am here to punish you because of that.”
“Wha … cough cough … moss … cough.”
“Yeah, yeah, curly, good to see you too. Get in the house before you die.”
Not listening the coughing Sanji anymore he pushed him in the house and closed the door.
 “You look like shit! Get into the bed while I heat the soup.”
Between coughing and breathing, Sanji still managed to throw a nasty look at Zoro, but he shut
up and got on the couch, embracing the heat of the blanket. 5 minutes later, when Zoro entered the
room with the soup, Sanji was already asleep. Thank God he heated the soup too much. Letting the
blond sleep a little more, Zoro went to the bathroom and changed in something more comfortable,
sport green pants and a white T-shirt.
The apartment was quiet and dark and Zoro was thinking what to do, if he should wake Sanji or
not but his thoughts were interrupted by a horrible scream. Almost slipping on the bathroom floor he
ran to the couch where Sanji was yelling and crying.
“Sanji wake up! Come on Sanji it’s just a bad dream! Sanji!”
“No! No please! Old man! Help!”
“Sanji wake up!”
“Huh? Zoro? What are you doing here?”
“Thank God you are awake!” Zoro looked at the shaking man in front of him and without
realizing he took him in his arms.
“Zoro what are you doing?”
“Shhhh it’s OK!”
“No! Let me go!”
“Not until you stop shaking.”
“Please let go I can’t … “ His voice was a little whisper.
“You can tell me if you want to or not. Try to calm down. Hey listen to me I am not going
anywhere so it’s ok.”
Those were the words that shattered his walls a little and because he was so weak he let it go.
He began crying with all his soul, like it was the last time he could do it. Sobbing and yelling and
coughing, he was a total mess and Zoro decided that whatever happens he will be there for the blond,
even if it would kill him. Because he was never as shuttered as he was now holding Sanji. His heart was
broken for him and he wanted to do something, anything to help him.
“It’s ok. It’s alright. You are ok!” he tried to put all his conviction in his words. He knew it was
not ok, the situation, the nightmare, the person who was crying but he had to try to make it better.
“Shhhh… Breathe Sanji, that’s right, breathe.” He took his head and lift it so that he could wipe
his tears with his fingers. What he saw in those eyes the moment he looked into them was a storm. A
storm on the sea, horrible but breathtakingly beautiful, strong and powerful but you let it willingly take
you away and drown you. In that moment, without him realizing, Zoro said just one word: “Gorgeous!”

Sanji was hurt, but a little bit lighter. Zoro hold him while he cried, and he hasn’t cried from the
bottom of his heart like now since long time ago, then the other man tried to calm him down and he
wiped his tears. His gesture was so intimate and he felt those golden eyes as if they were looking in his
soul. But the thing that scared him more was only a word, a word that he never used, not even for his
beautiful ladies, gorgeous.
“Don’t say that! I’m … anything but that. I am ugly, and weak and… “ Sanji tried to get away
from the heat of the other one embrace, tried to look down, anywhere but his eyes.
With a growl and a nasty look, the other man took his head and lift it. These fiery eyes that were
leaving limbs of fire in his soul through his eyes were mad.
“It’s my turn to say it back then, don’t you dare say that again. You are anything but ugly and
weak. Yes, you are annoying as hell, heh, and you combust at every little flame that appears in your way,
and I can tell that you have a great weight on your heart and shoulders but you are alive, you try to get
through life without anyone’s help and if that is not strength I don’t know what it is.”
Sanji was speechless. He couldn’t even cough anymore, he couldn’t breathe. “What are you
trying to achieve? Why are you being so good to me? I don’t deserve it. So why? What do you want from
me?” His voice was rising every word he got out his mouth. It has to be something, no one was good to
him without a reason. “Is it sex you want?”
Zoro’s face was getting from dark to pure black. But why? Was this his plan, to hide until he
could get him in bed and then “Bam wham thank you mam’”? Why were those gold eyes turning earth
brown?

Zoro was sick and tired of this. He was good and wanted to help and what was that help taken
for?
“Aaaaaaaa! You are so god damn annoying you shit, you and your shitty ideas. Is it so hard to
believe that I want to help you?”
“Yes! It is very hard to believe something like th…cougn cough cough. Shit … cough… fuck!”
“Argh! Shut th fuck up and sit your stupid ass down. I will go and reheat the soup.”
 “No … cough … don’t touch my kitchen cough cough.”
“Shut the fuck up you stupid fuck. Sit your ass down and wait there!”
While he put the plate in the microwave to heat it he heard a loud boom. He hurried in the living
room and Sanji was on the floor coughing, face red.
“You stupid! I told you to sit your ass down. The fuck did you do?” The moment he touched him
he realized what the problem was, Sanji was having a fever.
“Ah shit.” Losing his temper he lift the other man and got him in the bathroom.
“Yelp cough”
“Shut up you are not ok!” His was just thinking that he had to lower the fever. He learned that a
warm bath was sometimes all it got so he got Sanji’s shirt off and was trying to held him up so he would
remove his pants also when the blonde screamed.
“What?”
“Why are you undressing me? No, please, I don’t want to!” He was crying again but this time his
eyes were hollow and lifeless.
“Shit! Sanji! Sanji! Look at me!”
“No, please no, I don’t want to! Let me go please!”
Having no other possibility Zoro entered the shower dressed with Sanji in his arms.
“You stupid blond, don’t you see I want to help? Look at me!”
When Sanji looked at him, he seemed more present.
“You have a fever. We have to take it down and the easiest way was warm water. I am not going
to do anything to you until you ask for it, do you hear me?”
“Yes! I feel bad.”
“No kidding! You let me take our clothes off?”
“No, leave! I can handle!” Cough, cough.
“What the fuck do you think you can handle when you barely stand? Come on don’t be stupid.”
“Leave me alone!”
Grrrrrrrrrrr.
“The moment you are well I will kick your ass! Pants down now!”
And not waiting for Sanji to answer again he undressed him. He was still dressed but it didn’t
matter he was ok as long that Sanji was not crying or being scared any more. He began to imagine what
his nightmares were, and it made him ill in the stomach but now was not the time. He just held Sanji
standing in the shower. His hands were touching just his waist and he realized with horror that his both
hands could grab him whole. Why the fuck was he so skinny?
“How are you feeling?”
“A little better. Don’t look at me.”
“Chill!” He put his palm on his face and neck and truly to Sanji’s words the fever was already
down.
“Try to not fall. I will just get a towel.”
“They are not here.”
“Then where?”
“In the dormitory, in the dresser.”
“Ok I want you sitting.”
“’Scuze you?””
“Ahhhh! “What the fuck is in your tiny head? SIT!”
“Why? I am not doing what you want.”
“Because the next time you fall because of the fever, malnourishment, and dizziness you will
really break that hollow head of yours!”
“Oh…”
“Yes oh so now sit your ass down.” Even though he was mad and barely helping not to slap that
stupid of a human he held him tight until he was sitting and then left to search for a towel. After 10
minutes of searching he finally found one big enough and even some warm PJs. He got back in the
bathroom and a more present blond was looking at him.
“Come on up! I will help you with these.”
“I don’t need help I can do it myself.”
“The next time you are saying no to me I swear to God I will slap your skinny ass.”
“Hey! I am not skinny!”
“Yeah sure and those hipbones that are almost out of your skin say exactly that.”
“I said don’t look!”
“Sanji! Up!”
He got up and Zoro dried him up and helped him with his clothes. After he helped him get in his
dormitory he wanted to get the soup when a hand caught the back of his shirt.
“Please don’t go!”
 Zoro tried very hard not to yell at him, not to tell him to decide his mind already to … to … and
he forgot it all the moment he saw those blue eyes almost crying again. Fuck he was going crazy with
this blond and it is his entire fault that he felt for him.
“You have a fever and most likely you are hungry but you really don’t realize I am drenched? Let
me change, I will bring you soup and then you will sleep. No commentaries. OK?”
“And you? Will you stay?”
“Yes of course I will stay. I won’t let you like that. That’s why I am here. Now let go of my shirt.”
“No. cough cough “
“What do you mean no you dumbass?”
“What if you leave? I will be alone again and they will come for me and I don’t know if I can fight
them again. Stay!”
His face was red, his eyes had a glow, an abnormal one. He was burning again and Zoro was
pretty sure he was delirious.
“OK I won’t go but I really have to change. I will borrow some pants and a shirt is that ok with
you Sanji?”
“They won’t fit, you are huge. Yes huuuuuge!” The man started laughing and coughing and Zoro
didn’t know what to do any more. “You can protect me can’t you? Because they will come again and I
can fight but not with all of them and … and … and I don’t want that to happen again.” He had tears in
his eyes, the trembling was acute and he looked like he was about to have a panic attack.
“Sanji look at me! I will protect you from them. I promise!”
“Will you? Will you really? I can’t… not again … not any more … no please!”
“Sanji! I am here!”
From where he was staying, not even bothering with the wetness of his clothes, he kneeled in
the bed and took the other one in his arms. He really wanted to protect him, him from now and him
from the past. What could he do? He looked at him, crying and laughing and coughing and in that
second he knew that he would really do anything for the guy.
“Do you think you will remember this tomorrow?”
“Me? I think so, or maybe not. I don’t know, why?”
And in that moment Zoro wanted to do what he thought was best, what he wanted for such a
long time, but he had to behave, not to overdo it. He got out of the bed with Sanji in his arms.
“Zoro…?”
 “The bed is wet now, I have to change the sheets. Where are you keeping the clean ones?”
He put Sanji on the desk near the bed and went for the living room.
“Zoro…?”
His voice was worried and scared.
“I told you I won’t leave. Stay there and don’t move. I still have the clothes in which I came here
so that should do it.”
He returned dressed in a shirt and jeans, he changed the sheets and lifted Sanji in his arms again
so that he could put him in bed.
“Can you not fall asleep while I warm your dinner? You really should eat a little. It is important
to eat for …”
“Let it go marimo, I am a chef, I know what you are trying to say but my throat feels like needles
and I can barely swallow.”
“Stay there, a little soup, pills and sleep and you will be better tomorrow. Ok?”
“OK. Marimo.”
“Hmmm…?”
“Thank you. I still don’t know why you are doing this but thank you!”
“We should talk tomorrow cook.”
He got in the kitchen, warmed the soup, got a glass of water and the pills and went for the
dormitory and found Sanji already asleep and most probably having a nightmare again. He hurried to
put the objects from his hands on the desk and got to the man.
“Sanji! Sanji! It’s ok. I am here. Wake up! NOW!
“Huh…? Ah Zoro I felt asleep. I’m Ok. I’m …”
“No you are not and it seems that I have to do something about it but now here, soup, eat!”
“Argh ok, ok.”
There were moments of silence, combined with coughing, until Sanji finished his bowl of soup.”
“Thank you marimo, I think I really needed it, but I am very tired right now. If you leave please
leave the key in the post box. “
“I said I will not go so stop trying to act strong.”
“I am strong.”
“Maybe you are, but you will have to prove it to me when you get better.”
“I could show you now you son of a bitch… cough cough”
 “No right now you will show me that you know how to take kindness from others. What do you
think can you do it mr. High and Mighty?”
“What do you mean?”
“Pills first. Come on take them so you can sleep and be well.”
“Yeah I will take them. But sleep …. I don’t know what to say.”
“Shhh, less talking more taking pills. We shall see what we will do with the rest.”
Zoro began to unlock his belt while he was talking.
“What are you doing you weed. Why are you undressing?”
“Shut up. It’s not what your perverted head is thinking. I will sleep with you so that if your fever
gets up or you are feeling bad I could help you but I drenched my pair of pants when I tried to give you a
bath and I cannot sleep with the jeans on.”
“Aaaa… right. I don’t think I have a pair of pants that will fit you and you don’t have to sleep
with me. I mean you can take the couch from the living room.”
Zoro was chuckling.
“What are you laughing you plant?”
“Stop with the naming already. You told me the opinion that you have about my body so it’s ok I
won’t rip any of your pants with my huuuge body.”
He was laughing copiously now and Sanji was blushing like crazy. Not only he remembered that
he said that but Zoro was now just in a shirt and his undies and walking to the bed he was in. And even
though he was sick he knew that the heat was not from the fever. The man looked damn good and he
knew it, and Sanji was alone from some time.
“Zoro, I don’t think this is going to work. I won’t be able to sleep and.. and …”
“Shut up!” he said and got himself under the blanket. “It is time to test your endurance.”
“What???”
“Get up and sit on your ass.”
“Why?”
“Someone did this to me when I was at my lowest point and it really did help a lot so now I want
to help you. Will you let me Sanji?”
The green haired man was looking right into his eyes and talking very slow and Sanji’s eyes were
looking at those slim but plump lips and he knew that he wanted to kiss Zoro more than everything.
“Sanji…?”
“Yes. I will let you.”
 “Good then, sit on the bed and please leave me some space right in front of you. I promise I
won’t do anything that you will not let me to do.”
“How can I let you space in front of me?”
“Like this.” And Zoro touched his feet slowly while looking right in his eyes, opening them.
“Zoro what…?” He was scared. What was that? His heart was beating hard but he was not quite
100 percent it was all because he was scared but a little part of him wanted to see what would Zoro do.
No, no, no, he could not permit anything that … that… Oh but he realized that he really wanted to let it
happen. Because he was weak and dumb and …
“Sanji.” Just a whisper from Zoro. “Sanji, please come back.”
“Zoro I can’t.”
He wasn’t trying to move his feet away but he wasn’t letting them close again either.
“I told you I won’t do anything you don’t want and I know that maybe you are right not to trust
me right now because you don’t know me but please trust me! I really want to spar with you, maybe
you could show me the shitty food you make and go out with our friends.” His voice the entire time was
a whisper, their eyes looking at each other and the blond swallowed hard and didn’t know what to do. In
that moment Zoro’s hand started moving again and Sanji let them. He was afraid but he was also curious
and maybe a little tented to let himself go, not thinking. Zoro moved his legs just enough that his knees
were close to Sanji’s bottom, almost touching but not doing it, just a little barrier.
“Thank you Sanji.”
He couldn’t talk, he couldn’t respond, they were so close and half of him wanted to run away, to
laugh the matter off and get the green haired man out of his house and life, but the other part of him
wanted to jump on Zoro, wanted to hold him and to be hold. He wanted to kiss him, touch him and
make a mess of him, or maybe the other way around, he didn’t know any more, so instead of doing
anything he just stood there and waited to see what he would do, he kept looking at the man in front of
him. He realized that Zoro was getting his face close to his and he waited for the kiss to happen, because
he was sure this was the next step but he was surprised the moment Zoro kissed his forehead.
“What… ?”
“Shhh … just feel, ok?”
 Zoro managed to get there and was not about to let the blond get away until he felt loved and
cared and would be able to sleep well. He wanted to see those eyes not dead, but full of lights, he
wanted to see a smile on the blonde’s face. So he began easy, knowing that it will be hard for Sanji to
receive all that he will have to offer. A kiss on the forehead, a look at those beautiful eyes, a kiss on the
temple, again a look, a kiss on the cheek, a look, a kiss on the chin, close oh so close of those beautiful
lips, tempting lips, and a look that revealed that Sanji’s eyes were a little bit closed, just a little but the
feeling was there, a kiss on the other cheek, Sanji started to breathe on his mouth, a kiss on the temple,
a look again on the other’s man face, he was starting to melt. It was time to give more. Beginning with
the same patterns of kisses he also started to talk.
“You know, kiss, I like you, kiss, because you are strong, kiss, I like, kiss, that you try to solve
your problems, kiss, you dress nice also, kiss, your eyes are beautiful, kiss, you are alive and fighting,
kiss, and I would really like to help you, kiss, so if you want, kiss, you can trust me, kiss, and tell me what
is eating you from the inside.” The last kiss was oh Sanji’s nose. He had his eyes closed, breathing on his
mouth, and his face was all red.
“Do you feel better?”
Just a whimper could be heard from the other one, as if words were too hard to be spelled.
“Do you want to talk?”
“No, I can’t. Please don’t ask me that. Please, Zorro!”
“OK.”
Feeling that Sanji was not OK again, and realizing that he had to make him forget at least for a
night so that he could sleep well, Zoro took the other man’s hands in his and started massaging each
finger.
“Is this ok?”
“Why are you doing this?”
“I don’t want to answer you tonight so don’t ask any more. Just let yourself in my hands.”
“I don’t know if I can.”
“Let’s try. Can you get up a little?”
“I think I can.”
“Ok. I will come behind you and you will lean on me. Is that too much?”
“I don’t think so.”
Zoro get behind him and encircled him with his feet. Sanji had his palms on his eyes but Zoro
would not allow that. He took them and put them on his feet. He hands were hot from the fever maybe,
or maybe from the actions he did that night. He started massaging his head, easy and with sure fingers,
getting through the golden hair.
“Is this good?”
“Yes, my head hurts a little bit less.”
“OK, I will continue then.”
He got from the neck to his head and back, his skin was hot but so smooth. His deft fingers were
caressing and touching slowly and felt that Sanji was getting slack. He did that without stopping until he
felt the blond sleep soundly. Lifting Sanji in his arms, Zoro had a bad taste in his mouth feeling how little
did the man from his arms weighted. He took him in his arms in the bed, got the blanket on them both
and tried to sleep, but it was easier said than done because now that Sanji was sleeping he was feeling
nervous. Would the other one remember tomorrow what happened today or will they fight again? Zoro
was sure about his actions, and it was hard, oh so hard not to kiss him at least once but it was not ok to
do so when the blond was not really himself, having a fever and being so tired. No, it was not good. He
will have patience. Yes he could do that. Tomorrow, or maybe today is Sunday and he still has time to
take care of him. And not just him he is sure, when he spoke with Usopp he was so upset that he could
not see the blond he could not think of anything more then go and help him, but he was sure he was not
the only one that wanted to see him or help. Did he want to let them see Sanji? They were his friends
but he didn’t know how much it would help his mission to unlock the blonde’s mouth and heart if their
friends bargained there. But it could be strange if he told them not to come. He felt asleep with those
thoughts in his head and no resolve.
Next morning he woke up because of the smell of something delicious. He opened his eyes and
discovered he was alone in bed. Getting in the kitchen, his eyes were blinded by the light and Sanji
cooking and mumbling something. He wanted to go and embrace him but thinking better it was too
much. Patience Zoro, patience. He leaned on the door frame and looked at him.

Sanji turned to go to the fridge and stopped. A very disheveled, sleepy Zoro was standing there
and looking at him. He remembered everything that last night happened and his face grew red. It
seemed the other noticed his shame and a very cocky smile appeared on the men’s face.
“Morning Sanji!”
“Morning. Breakfast is not ready yet so you will have to wait a little bit more.”
“You cooked for both of us?”
 “Why are you so amazed? I am a chef, it is my duty to feed others.”
He looked at the man in front of him and saw that he was still smiling.
“What?”
“I’m glad you feel better cook.”
“Oh shut up.”
Being a little embarrassed he looked down just to see that Zoro had not changed from last night
and he was still in his underwear. A crimson shade invaded his face, and Zoro took it bad, he embraced
him.
“Are you ok, what happened?”
And it was the cherry on the cake. Sanji pushed him hard and started screaming at him.
“You ask if I am all right thinking at what you did last night, or the fact that you are ogling at me
right now? I am not used to this kind of behavior so leave me some space. And how about you go and
take some pants, you pervert!”
“What is wrong cook, can’t take your eyes off me?”
“You wish! Go and let me make breakfast.”
The man was as sweet as infuriating. He was everything he didn’t ever have. He was …. He felt
so weak now because of him. He was held and kissed, those lips were so hot and smooth, and when he
woke up Zoro was holding his hand again and embraced him stronger when he wanted to get up. But he
couldn’t let himself be swept off his feet. Or could he..? It was so confusing but he never felt so loved or
appreciated like the moment Zoro began kissing and caressing him. Was it a way to woo him and having
ulterior motives? No, the man spoke clearly and sincerely, no? It was what he felt yesterday that he
could fall asleep because he was safe. Yes, safety was the main word for last night.
But nothing, oh no nothing was more confusing than his main problem, he hasn’t dreamed the
nightmares again. Two nights with Zoro and no nightmares in his embrace. What the hell was
happening? How was it possible?
The breakfast was done so it was time to talk with Zoro. But what to say, how to address the
problem? Last night Zoro wanted answers and maybe he could tell him. Was he allowed to talk with
someone else about his nightmares? About his past? But what is Zoro would feel repugnance? Or pity,
did he want his pity? Definitely no! He was brought back to present by Zoro who entered the kitchen
with his pants on, but with no shirt, rubbing his hair with a towel. The scar was big and ugly but it fit the
men like a glove.
“Food ready?”
“Yeah be right there and put a shirt on.”
“Are you this timid?”
“No dumbass you will catch a cold.”
“Oh, so you do care.”
“Argh, how can you be so annoying?”
“I think I caught it from you.”
There was no malice in his words, just a large smile on his face.
“Let’s eat. Then maybe we will talk a little, because this situation is weird as fuck.”