Memories Chapter 25
I know, you're like 'What the hell? It's only been a couple weeks! There's no way Stark's got another chapter up!" but, my friends I do. I have had some inspiration recently *cough* Kidd and Law mostly *cough* and this chapter just kind of fell out of my head like... ear wax or... snot. Anyway, I really hope you like it! We're getting down to the last bit! I'm so sad to see it finally ending, but so happy to almost have it done!! xDD
Title: Memories
Paring: Zoro/Sanji/Zoro
Rating: Mature to NC-17
Warnings: Spoilers, Language
Summary: AU Sanji's been in a coma for eleven months, but he's lost his memory of the past two years. What is Zoro going to do when he finds Sanji doesn't know him?
Beta: liralen Thank you! You are awesome xDD *hugs*
“So we seriously are just supposed to sit around until these guys get here?” Sanji was fuming as he scraped violently at the frying pan. “They’re coming from fucking California! How much time do they think we have to sit around with our thumbs up our asses!?”
Long strips of beef sizzled in oil and spices. The smell made Zoro’s mouth water as he closed the apartment door behind Ace and Luffy. The swordsman caught the exhausted look on Ace’s face as the older man smiled and made his way inside. His tanned skin was graying, and there were dark circles under his eyes. Zoro decided to let the older Portgus eat, but then he was going to bed if the swordsman had to club him over the head.
The brothers made a direct line from the entrance to the stools at the island. If Ace and Luffy were one thing, it was predictable. It had been at least an hour, maybe two since they had eaten last, so of course, they were no doubt starving.
“These guys can help us, Sanji.” Ace’s easy smile was gone and replaced with an expressionless stare. “One’s a cop and a boss at the same time.”
Zoro glanced at Luffy. He was staring at the wood finish of the island, his hands folded neatly in his lap. The swordsman worried for his gangly friend. Nothing set the younger Portgus brother off like his friends being threatened or hurt. He had said next to nothing as Ace relayed the news of Chopper and Usopp to him while Zoro listened over the phone, and it had troubled the swordsman greatly. Quiet, serious, Luffy was scary, but silent Luffy was a ticking time bomb of destruction.
Sanji continued to grumble over the stove as he added snap peas and bean sprouts to the pan. Water chestnuts and a few other things Zoro couldn’t identify followed. The cook had opted for making stir fry for dinner, because anything else available required chopping, and chopping plus angry Sanji were a very hazardous combination.
“It really shouldn’t be that long,” Ace yawned. “Flights from Cali only take about an hour and a half.”
“Fucking standing around… bull-shit…” Sanji growled under his breath. “…in fucking trouble… stupid, stupid…”
Zoro took a seat beside Ace and folded his arms over the island top. “So this Dalton guy works with Smoker--er, worked I guess?”
Ace nodded. “He went through academy with Smoker and then moved to Cali after he got married. I talked to Smoker again on the way over here and he said Dalton’s one of the best cops he knows. Unfortunately, I guess he’s having some serious problems with his wife, so he’s totally stressed and totally strung out, but Smoker swears by him.”
“And you really, really trust this Smoker guy?” Sanji said asked over his shoulder.
Ace ran his hands through his hair, and pressed the heels of his palms into his eyes. “Absolutely. I trust him like I trust you guys.”
Zoro nodded. “Okay then. We’ll trust him too.”
Ace turned and smiled at Zoro. “Thank you.”
Sanji tossed his spatula in the sink and turned off the stove. He grabbed his wine glass from the counter and headed past the island. “Go ahead and dish yourselves up, I’ll eat later.” He pulled his pack from his pocket and was already lighting up as he left the kitchen.
“He okay?” Ace asked as Zoro pulled out plates.
Zoro shrugged. “He’ll be fine.”
Ace nodded, accepting the plate from Zoro and looking gleeful as the swordsman loaded him up with the fantastic smelling stir fry. “Should Luffy and I leave for a little while? Let you guys fight?”
Zoro made a face. “Fight? Why would we--oh… You guys don’t have to leave if Sanji and I are going to fight.”
“Uh, yeah we do.” Ace moved aside and returned to the island so Zoro could dish up Luffy. “Your little sparring/stress relief sessions always lead to nasty sex all over those nice mats I bought you guys.”
“You didn’t buy us those mats,” Zoro scoffed, “your dad let us have them when the dojo bought new ones.” The swordsman loaded his own plate and grabbed drinks from the fridge.
“Yeah,” Ace said around a large bite, “because of me, you got nice mats.”
Zoro chuckled and shook his head. “He would have given them to us anyway.” He sat beside Luffy and ruffled his friend’s hair as the younger Portgus inhaled Sanji’s dinner. “But anyway, it doesn’t always lead to sex, I mean you only walked in on us, what… twice?”
Ace shook his head. “Four times.”
“Four?” Zoro asked, his fork halfway to his mouth.
“Yeah, four. Not a sight I ever want to see again, but I’m sure I will.”
Zoro snickered and started to eat. “Sorry, man.”
“Fuck you, you’re not sorry at all.”
X x X x X
Ace put up no struggle whatsoever after dinner and crashed on Zoro and Sanji’s bed. Zoro pulled sweats out of the drawer as Luffy stripped down to his boxers and climbed under the covers next to his brother.
“Hey, Zoro,” Luffy said quietly as the swordsman started to leave.
Zoro turned and looked at the back of Luffy’s head, a sliver of light from the open door shone over the tips of the younger man’s hair and one skinny shoulder. “What’s up?”
Luffy was silent for a moment before he whispered in a voice that just barely trembled.
“Let me kill someone…”
Zoro stood still for a moment, the only sounds were Ace’s steady breathing and the unremitting beating of his own heart. Luffy always asked Zoro first, like it was Zoro’s decision to turn him loose.
“I’d like it to not come to that, Luffy…”
“And if it does?”
Zoro sighed and turned to leave. “Then… we’ll all do whatever it takes…”
He closed the door behind him and strode down the hall. He put his sweats over the back of an island stool and moved to the sink. He dished up a plate of stir fry for Sanji and set it aside, before cleaning the pot and putting the rest of the dishes in the dishwasher. He warmed the cook’s dinner in the microwave and wiped down the counters. Taking a beer from the fridge, and Sanji’s plate and utensils, the swordsman moved through the baby dojo and spotted his lover where he had been sure he would find him.
The single pillar that Sanji sat against supported the overhead beams, but, it marked where there had once been an entire outer wall. When Zoro and Sanji had first moved in, the landlord had explained all the apartments used to have balconies on this side of the building. When ownership had changed, it had been decided to reconstruct the city-side and close in all the balconies. The after affects had been spectacular, giving the structure a more modern look and all the residents more space as well as the beautiful full-side windows.
Zoro smiled. This had been Sanji’s favorite spot before the accident, and it seemed as if it would be again. He moved beside the cook and offered the plate of steaming veggies and sautéed meat. Sanji looked up at him and returned his smile, taking the plate and giving Zoro his wine glass to refill.
“Thank you,” the blond said as he ate. “And I’m sorry I was a dick earlier.”
Zoro chuckled. “It’s fine.”
Sanji ate and Zoro returned with a full glass and the half-empty wine bottle. The swordsman sat beside the cook, keeping silent company. The two were quickly falling back into a comfortable companionship that had Zoro’s heart filling his chest with every beat. That he could be just as happy with Sanji silent as he was fighting him, or holding him, was something Zoro had not expected would happen so soon.
When Sanji finished, he took his plate to the kitchen and returned with Zoro’s sweats on. “Thanks for the pants,” he chuckled.
“You ass.” Zoro grinned. He set his empty beer on the floor and reached up to pull the blond down to sit between his legs. Sanji leaned back with his back resting against Zoro’s chest. The swordsman handed the cook the wine glass, put his arms around Sanji’s shoulders, and the two of them sat quietly watching the sun sink below the mountains.
“So, Zoro,” Sanji said suddenly, “What kind of guys do you like?”
Zoro was so caught off guard, he laughed.
“Excuse me?”
Sanji chuckled and slipped his fingers through Zoro’s. “I mean, am I your type? What other guys do you think are hot?”
Zoro shook his head and lowered his lips to kiss Sanji’s neck. “I have no idea, I’ve never thought about it.”
“Bullshit.” Sanji pinched his arm, pulling a girly ‘ouch’ from the larger man. “I know you’ve thought about it. What kind of guys do you like?”
Zoro couldn’t help but smile. “This is a stupid question. Why do you ask?”
“I was sitting here thinking about it.” Sanji tried to muffle a snicker with a sip of wine.
“What!?” Zoro laughed again. “That’s what you were sitting here thinking about with that dead serious expression?”
Sanji nodded, turning his face to look up at Zoro. “I wanted to think about something other than what’s going on, and started to wonder if I’d find anyone else attractive besides you.”
Zoro brushed Sanji’s bangs from his eyes. It was a good idea, and Zoro knew it. They needed something to take their minds off what was going on if they wanted to get any sleep.
All right, he would play. “Did you think of anyone?”
Sanji nodded. “Hugh Laurie.”
“Hugh Laurie?” Zoro scoffed. “House? Are you serious?”
“Yes.” Sanji chuckled.
Zoro shifted their positions so they could look at each other easier. “Who else?”
Sanji thought for a moment before replying. “Jason Statham?”
“Pfft.” Zoro waved his hand in dismissal. “He doesn’t count. He’s like Mark Wahlberg: Straight guys would do them.”
“Yeah, but I’d let Jason Statham do me.” Sanji smiled coyly.
Zoro’s eyebrows rose, even as his body reacted to Sanji’s words. “Oh, really?”
Sanji nodded.
“Huh…” Zoro looked away. This conversation was turning him on, something the cook had no doubt planned, but he wasn’t going to let Sanji know that just yet. “Okay,” he said, turning back to his lover, “Who else?”
Sanji shook his head. “Your turn.”
Zoro sighed, but relented. He leaned his head back against the pillar and let his mind race back through the movies, television shows, and music videos he had seen recently.
“What’s that guy’s name that’s in CSI? The tech guy?”
Sanji frowned. “Nick?”
“No.” Zoro shook his head. “He’s a tech. You know, the younger looking guy.”
“Uh…” Sanji scratched at his stubbled chin. “Greg?”
“Yeah, that guy. I’d do him.”
Sanji laughed and leaned forward to kiss Zoro on the corner of his jaw. He spoke softly against the swordsman’s skin, his hand running up the larger man’s chest.
“But that’s not the challenge of this game…”
Zoro shivered. Sanji’s breath cascaded down his neck and caused a pleasant stir in his loins. “Oh? What is the challenge?”
Sanji smiled and ran a finger over Zoro’s lips. “Think of someone you’d like to do you.”
Zoro chuckled, his erection pressing firmly into Sanji’s thigh. There was no way the cook wouldn’t notice, but who really cared anyway? It wasn’t like he was trying to hide that kind of thing anymore.
“Um…” Distracted as Sanji played with the bottom of his shirt and tickled the skin of his stomach, Zoro racked his brain for someone he liked, but would also sound good to Sanji. “Maybe… that guy from that movie that has the pig-nose girl?”
Sanji snickered into Zoro’s neck. “Pig-nose girl?”
Zoro growled through his smile. “Oh yeah, you wouldn’t remember huh? It was just some girly movie we watched with Nami and Vivi this one time. The guy in it was kinda hot.”
“Hot enough you’d let him do you?”
Zoro thought about it. “No, probably not.”
Sanji shifted, turning his body and placing a leg on each side of Zoro’s hips. He took one long last swallow of wine, draining the glass, and then set it carefully on the floor. He turned back to the swordsman and slid slowly down, rubbing himself against Zoro’s hardness, causing the swordsman to groan softly and lift his chin for a kiss. Their lips met as Sanji’s hands cupped the other man’s jaw. Zoro tasted the wine and cigarettes and slipped his tongue passed slightly chapped lips in search of more. The cook however ended the kiss before it could get too intense. He pulled back and played with the golden hoops hanging from Zoro’s ear.
“Who else?”
Zoro chuckled, his hands going to Sanji’s ass. He squeezed the firm muscle there and slid his hands down the cook’s thighs.
“It’s your turn,” he murmured.
“I didn’t know the last one!” Sanji whined. “That’s not fair!”
Zoro gripped Sanji’s hips and ground up against the cook. Sanji let out a little breath and fell forward, his lips coming so close to Zoro’s, the swordsman was able to nip at them.
“Ah…” Sanji’s breath was heavy, “Okay, okay my turn, um… Gerald Butler… But he’d have to wear his Roman Spartan outfit.”
Zoro laughed and tilted his head. He kissed and bit softly at the cook’s neck as Sanji’s hands slid into his hair. He felt dizzy as his lover moved over him slowly. Their erections slid against each other under denim and soft cotton. Sanji’s powerful thighs ground down hard on Zoro, and the swordsman melted. In this position, he was at the mercy of the cook. Sanji controlled the pace; he controlled the when and the how, and Zoro was perfectly content with it that way.
Zoro pushed his hands underneath Sanji’s shirt, and the cook leaned back to pull it over his head. He quickly followed suit with Zoro’s t-shirt and wasted no time before he was running his hands over the long scar decorating the swordsman’s chest. Every grind of Sanji’s hips was just short of painful, and the grip that Zoro had on the cook’s hips could crush if he wanted. But this was the way they liked it. Their pace was still slow and calculated, but their movements were intense in their strength. Both men appreciated the power of the other; both thrived on the rush of adrenaline the other could give him.
Sanji reached down and unbuttoned the top of Zoro’s jeans. Having done its job, the game was forgotten. There was nothing now but a need for release; a need for comfort and companionship that outweighed everything else in their lives at that moment. Zoro needed everything that Sanji could give him, just as he knew Sanji needed everything from him. He kissed the blond hard as the cook freed his throbbing length and stroked him with his strong and dexterous hands.
Zoro groaned and slipped his hands into Sanji’s--or rather his own--sweatpants. He palmed the cook’s sack and pulled Sanji’s long, taut member free. The swordsman then slid his hands under Sanji’s and took both erections in his large grip. His calloused fingers rubbed against soft skin as he stroked, eliciting a strained cry from his lover. Sanji’s hands went to the pillar, his mouth moving to Zoro’s ear to whisper commands of faster and tighter. Zoro obeyed, bring them both to climax as Sanji shuddered over him. His own release caused his back to arch, and his head fall back against the pillar. Sanji’s hands and mouth were everywhere as Zoro pulsed and splashed across tanned and pale chest alike.
Minutes passed as the two breathed heavily against each other. Sanji continued to lay kisses on Zoro’s neck and jaw. His hands stayed planted over Zoro’s scar, his thumbs rubbing small circles into the knotted flesh. Zoro breathed deeply, his eyes closed, trying to slow his heart rate and bring himself back to a coherent state of mind. Sanji always left him spinning; dizzy and floating in a world of pleasure and satisfaction.
“Mmm…” Sanji murmured. “I think I can relax and sleep now.”
Zoro nodded. “Yeah… the couch sounds real good right now.”
Sanji sat up and grabbed his shirt from the floor. He wiped at his chest and made a couple passes over Zoro’s as well. “Is Ace okay? He looked kind of worn out when he came in, but I didn’t really register it until I came over here.”
Zoro nodded. “He just needed to sleep. He was out before his head it the pillow.”
Sanji nodded. “Good, last thing we need tomorrow is big bro passing out on us.”
Zoro grunted in agreement and buttoned his pants as Sanji stood. The cook gave him a hand to his feet, and the two of them moved into the living room.
“I need another shirt,” Sanji said, heading to the bedroom. “I’ll grab you some pants too.”
A few minutes later, Zoro and Sanji lay together on the couch underneath a quilt Zoro had retrieved from the closet. Zoro had offered to sleep on the smaller of the couches, but Sanji insisted they squeeze together on the larger. The cushions accommodated, being large enough to fit them both comfortably if they lay on their sides, and Zoro was tickled to be pressed up against Sanji’s back as the smaller man fell asleep.
As he felt himself drifting off, Zoro heard Sanji’s voice in the darkness.
“Hey…” the cook whispered.
“Mm?”
“You ever think of someone?”
Zoro chuckled into Sanji’s hair and pulled his lover tighter against him.
“Yeah, the doctor in Master and Commander.”
“Paul Bettany?” Sanji snickered tiredly. “Really? Why?”
Zoro shrugged and burrowed deeper into Sanji’s hair. “Because he’s tall and skinny, pretty kick ass, and blond.”
Sanji laughed into the couch pillow and laced his fingers through Zoro’s. “That’s all it takes for you?”
“Mm, yeah…” Zoro murmured, sleep creeping up on him fast. “The accent helps too.”
Zoro smiled as Sanji laughed again and pulled the covers higher. The last thing he heard before he nodded off was the soothing lull of Sanji’s whispering voice.
“Goodnight, Zoro.”
X x X x X
Sanji woke to the sound of Ace’s phone. When an incoming call was unknown, the default ring would play an electronic version of a Jimmy Hendrix song. His friend had used the same ring since high school, and the cook smiled sleepily at the nostalgia of waking to that tone. Rolling out from Zoro’s arms and from under the warm blanket, Sanji stood, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
It took a few seconds, but then it all came together in his muddled, sleepy, head. Ace’s phone… Default ringtone…
The guys from California!!
“Shit!” Sanji vaulted over the back of the couch, and ran into the kitchen. Ace’s jacket lay draped over the back of a dining room chair, and inside the front pocket, Sanji found the small flip-phone.
“Hello?” he answered, his heart pounding in his ears.
“Hey,” a rich tenor purred through the receiver, “this Ace Portgus?”
“Uh, no.” Sanji moved quickly back into the living room and shook Zoro awake. “He’s… indisposed. Who is this?”
“Who is this?” the voice retorted, playfully.
Zoro sat up and ran a hand over his face as he watched Sanji converse in, what was to the swordsman, a one-sided conversation.
Sanji could feel his annoyance mounting, but he put a hand on his hip and let his voice out smooth. “Hey look, man. The least you could do when you call someone’s phone is indentify yourself. It’s a fucking courtesy.”
It probably hadn’t been the smartest of moves, but instead of an angry retort, or the click of being hung up on, Sanji heard laughter. The silky tenor chuckled and spoke away from the receiver.
“I think I might be talking to Sanji.”
Sanji reached into his pockets, knowing his pack would not be there, but going through the motions anyway. He turned and headed to the bathroom where he had left his pants last night when he had changed into Zoro’s. The swordsman got up off the couch and started following him around the apartment.
“When did you guys get in?” the cook asked as he lit up and pulled a drag into his lungs.
“About an hour and a half ago.” Law answered. “We took a shuttle from the airport. Decided to look around on our own a bit before we called.”
“Huh.” Sanji pulled himself up to sit on the kitchen island. “Find anything useful?”
Sanji listened to Law’s throaty laugh as Zoro moved up to stand between his legs. The swordsman’s hands rested gently on his thighs as the larger man leaned in to listen to the conversation.
“Well, we did stumble across a few things,” Law said casually. “One being the car with two of Blackbeard’s goons parked outside your guy’s apartment.”
Sanji froze. It took only a moment for the adrenaline to kick in hardcore, and his heart was racing like he had just run a marathon.
“You… you’re here?”
Zoro’s eyes widened and his grip became hard. Sanji winced and reminded the swordsman of his strength with a quick squeeze on his arm. Zoro released the cook and asked for answers with his intense, dark eyes.
“Yup. If you’re on this side of the building, you could probably see us if you looked out those big windows.”
Sanji pushed off the island and jogged through the baby dojo to the area windows. Zoro followed him and almost ran into his back when the cook slowed as he came near the glass. The two stood overlooking the street below, searching for anyone that could possibly be the two Mafioso from California.
After a quick search, Sanji shook his head. “I don’t see you. But then again, I’m not sure what I’m looking for.”
Law chuckled. “What’s your number? We’ll come up. It’ll be easier to talk in person anyway.” There were shuffling sounds for a moment as Law repositioned the phone. The man spoke away from the receiver, muffling his voice, but not enough so that Sanji could not make out what he said. “Kidd, cut it out, man. He’s like twelve. You’re gonna scare the piss out of him.
Sanji frowned. “I’m not sure how I feel about letting potentially hazardous persons into my apartment.”
“Ha,” Law said smugly. “Don’t you live with a potentially hazardous person?”
Sanji thought for only a moment before he answered. “You’re right. Come on up. We’re in five-two-five.”
As the cook hung up the phone, he turned around to face Zoro. The swordsman stood frowning at Sanji, his strong arms folded over his chest, and his imposing form blocking the cook’s escape.
“What?” Sanji asked.
Zoro grunted and shrugged his shoulders. “Nothing. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Me too…” Sanji moved around Zoro, his fingers brushing against the swordsman’s as he passed. He barged into the bedroom, waking the two sleeping lumps on his bed. The Portgus brothers woke with identical yawns and similar outbursts when Sanji brought them up to speed.
“…So get your clothes back on and go use some of my mouthwash. You got about two minutes.”
They scrambled into clothes and fought over the bathroom as fast as they could. Luffy cried, pounding halfheartedly on the door that he was going to piss in the kitchen sink if Zoro didn’t get out so he could use the toilet. Ace slapped him upside the head before Sanji could get to whaling on him. They made good time, and Ace and Luffy managed to look slightly less eccentric wearing jeans and t-shirts belonging to Zoro and Sanji. When the knock on the door sounded, the four men had placed themselves around the living room in various prime attack positions. Sanji lit up, and motioned for Ace to open the door.
X x X x X
Zoro leaned against the bookshelf, his sword case propped against the couch, close at hand. His heart beat fast and his nerves buzzed with pleasant adrenaline as Ace turned down the hall and into the small foyer. The swordsman heard the door open and Ace greet their guests in his friendly and polite tone. When his friend returned with the two in tow, Zoro straightened, not sure what he should expect, but then again, not sure if he should be expecting anything.
The first of the two seemed normal at first glance. He was average height, with tanned skin and dark facial hair. Earrings flashed in each ear, and he wore a beanie low on his head and a loud yellow shirt beneath his black leather jacket. He regarded Zoro for a moment with a shadowed gaze and smiled almost sardonically at the swordsman before his attention turned to Sanji. The large case strapped to his back caught Zoro’s attention, but he was quickly distracted by the man’s companion.
The second of their guests caused Zoro’s guard to go up almost instantly. His flamboyant red hair stood on end, and the only thing keeping the mess from his eyes were his large aviator sunglasses. His clothes offended Zoro on some fundamental level. The colors were too flashy, and the over-the-top fur collar on his jacket seemed to mock the swordsman. This man sneered openly at Zoro and pulled a large hand from his pocket to play with the toothpick between his lips.
Fucking fingernail polish… Why nail polish on a dude bothered Zoro so much made no sense whatsoever, but all the same, those dark green tips made the swordsman shudder quietly.
The air practically sang with the power of these two. It danced over Zoro’s skin and hummed in his ears. They were formidable, worthy opponents, and even better that they were on their side. Despite their strange appearances and even stranger attitudes, Zoro was already getting accustomed to their presence and glad that they had been sent to help them.
Ace turned to their new additions, motioning to the more subdued of the two. “This is Law. His friend is Kidd.” The firefighter turned again to introduce his friends. “That’s Sanji and Zoro, and over there is my kid brother, Luffy.”
Law and Kidd’s attention turned immediately to the youngest of them, perched on the arm of the reclining chair. A heavy moment passed before Kidd moved and offered a hand.
“Luffy Portgus…” he said simply, his voice surprisingly soft and clear.
Luffy gripped the hand and stared up at the older man in awe. “Your hair is awesome…”
Law let out a throaty laugh and clapped Ace on the back. “Ah, Luffy, exactly how Dalton described.” He turned to Sanji. “Can I get something to drink? I’m about ready to swallow my tongue. I haven’t had anything since we left LA.”
Whatever Sanji’s first impression had been of the two strange men, his face changed and he brightened at the mention of sustenance.
The cook stood. “I’m sorry, I forgot my manners. Are you guys hungry? We haven’t had breakfast yet either.”
Law’s eyes flashed and his grin widened. “Ah, Sanji Black… cooking for us?”
Kidd didn’t spare a moment to think. “I’m hungry.”
Sanji’s lips curved into a smile, and he took a drag from his smoke before crushing the cherry between his fingers.
“I got you. Come sit at the island, Ace will fill you in on everything.”
As he turned motioning Law to follow, Luffy bounced to his feet and started to pull Kidd into the kitchen.
“Woohoo! Sanji food! All right! Come on, Kidd! Prepare to get your socks knocked off!”
X x X x X
Kidd actually proved to be quite talkative once Luffy got him going, but most conversation ceased when Sanji’s food started hitting the island top. Eggs with avocado and mushrooms, sausage, crepes with berries and honey drizzle, seasoned hash browns, fresh fruit, all were inhaled. Zoro had been sure he was never going to see eaters like the Portgus brothers, but Kidd and Law gave them a run for their money. He wasn’t even sure Kidd took a breath between each bite, and Law downed coffee faster and in larger quantities than Chopper.
“Jesus…” Law said when he finally put down his fork. “I don’t think I ever want to go home again.”
“We’ll just take him with us when we go back.” Kidd snickered with a mouthful of melon and sausage.
“Ha,” Zoro grunted. “You can try.”
“Oh yeah, that’s right.” Law wiped his mouth delicately with a napkin and folded his hands together under his chin. “You guys are a couple, aren’t you?”
Sanji leaned against the sink and took a drag from his freshly lit cigarette.
“Yes, we are. If you have a problem with it, you can have a nice long conversation with my foot.”
Law and Kidd exchanged a look and a quick smile before returning to their breakfast.
“Nope, no problem.” Law chuckled into his coffee mug.
“So your friends, Usopp and… what was his name--Chopper?” Kidd scraped the last of his hash browns into his mouth and set down his fork. “They’ve been missing how long?”
“We’re not exactly sure,” Zoro answered. “We saw Chopper…”
“The day before yesterday,” Sanji injected, “when we took him home from Chaka and Pell’s.”
“What about Usopp?” Law asked.
Zoro shrugged, a heavy feeling started to grow in the pit of his stomach. He set down his fork, no longer hungry. He glanced at Luffy who had also stopped stuffing his face. Ace as well had stopped eating and was staring sadly at the island top.
“I have no idea,” Zoro said softly.
“Don’t look so down,” Kidd said as he swallowed the rest of his coffee. “You’re friends are being held to lure you guys in. There’s no point right now in killing them. They probably just threw them in some easily sealed room and forgot about them for now.”
Sanji chewed the inside of his lip. “How can you know that for sure?”
Kidd grinned cruelly up at the blond. “It’s what I’d do.”
Sanji turned to Zoro and the two of them shared a long moment of silent contemplation before Law continued.
“If you guys are what everyone says you are, it should be all right. You’ll be able to get them back.”
Ace crossed his arms and leaned his elbows on the island top. “What exactly are we going to have to do?”
Law leaned back, folding his hands behind his head. “You’re gonna have to challenge Blackbeard. Challenge him and his guys--this faction that’s gone of the reservation and decided to do their own thing. They’re holding your friends as a warning, kind of like their own personal safety net. If you step up and call them out on it, it does two things for you. One: it guarantees they won’t hurt your friends until you’ve settled your score. That would be beyond stupid for Blackbeard. If he wants any clout in the scene and to be taken seriously as a rising Boss, there’s certain protocols he can’t ignore.”
“The second,” Kidd added, “is that they have to accept the challenge or look retarded. This means you can kick some ass without any boundaries. You could even kill this guy, and you’d never have to answer for it.”
“What about the police?” Ace asked, horrified.
Law shook his head. “They’ll never get wind of it. We take care of our problems on our own.”
“So how do we do about issuing a challenge?” Sanji asked, moving to sit on an empty stool.
Kidd laced his fingers together, pushing his arms out in front of him and cracking his knuckles. “Your Skipper calls up your adversary’s Skipper and they set it up. If it crosses over sections, then your Skipper informs the Boss and then the Boss calls a ‘meet and greet’. This, of course, is if you’re made.”
“What if you’re not made?” Zoro asked.
“Then you’re fucked.” Kidd stated.
Sanji groaned and laid his head on his arms. Zoro sighed heavily and rubbed at the back of his neck.
“It’s not going to be a problem though,” Law said, his unnerving half smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Oh yeah?” Ace asked. “How’s that?”
Kidd chuckled and glanced at Law as if waiting for the punch line. The two looked positively maniacal as they both sat grinning at each other, their teeth stark white and gleaming like sharks on the prowl.
The tense silence was too much for Luffy, and he bounced on the stool. “Hey guys. What are you thinking? How is it not going to be a problem?”
Law cleared his throat and glanced between Sanji and Zoro, his eyes sparkling with mirth and mischief.
“I’m on strict orders from my Boss,” he said cheerfully. “Enel sent me to Seattle to turn you guys into official made men.”
TBC
Previous chapters here.
xD
Title: Memories
Paring: Zoro/Sanji/Zoro
Rating: Mature to NC-17
Warnings: Spoilers, Language
Summary: AU Sanji's been in a coma for eleven months, but he's lost his memory of the past two years. What is Zoro going to do when he finds Sanji doesn't know him?
Beta: liralen Thank you! You are awesome xDD *hugs*
“So we seriously are just supposed to sit around until these guys get here?” Sanji was fuming as he scraped violently at the frying pan. “They’re coming from fucking California! How much time do they think we have to sit around with our thumbs up our asses!?”
Long strips of beef sizzled in oil and spices. The smell made Zoro’s mouth water as he closed the apartment door behind Ace and Luffy. The swordsman caught the exhausted look on Ace’s face as the older man smiled and made his way inside. His tanned skin was graying, and there were dark circles under his eyes. Zoro decided to let the older Portgus eat, but then he was going to bed if the swordsman had to club him over the head.
The brothers made a direct line from the entrance to the stools at the island. If Ace and Luffy were one thing, it was predictable. It had been at least an hour, maybe two since they had eaten last, so of course, they were no doubt starving.
“These guys can help us, Sanji.” Ace’s easy smile was gone and replaced with an expressionless stare. “One’s a cop and a boss at the same time.”
Zoro glanced at Luffy. He was staring at the wood finish of the island, his hands folded neatly in his lap. The swordsman worried for his gangly friend. Nothing set the younger Portgus brother off like his friends being threatened or hurt. He had said next to nothing as Ace relayed the news of Chopper and Usopp to him while Zoro listened over the phone, and it had troubled the swordsman greatly. Quiet, serious, Luffy was scary, but silent Luffy was a ticking time bomb of destruction.
Sanji continued to grumble over the stove as he added snap peas and bean sprouts to the pan. Water chestnuts and a few other things Zoro couldn’t identify followed. The cook had opted for making stir fry for dinner, because anything else available required chopping, and chopping plus angry Sanji were a very hazardous combination.
“It really shouldn’t be that long,” Ace yawned. “Flights from Cali only take about an hour and a half.”
“Fucking standing around… bull-shit…” Sanji growled under his breath. “…in fucking trouble… stupid, stupid…”
Zoro took a seat beside Ace and folded his arms over the island top. “So this Dalton guy works with Smoker--er, worked I guess?”
Ace nodded. “He went through academy with Smoker and then moved to Cali after he got married. I talked to Smoker again on the way over here and he said Dalton’s one of the best cops he knows. Unfortunately, I guess he’s having some serious problems with his wife, so he’s totally stressed and totally strung out, but Smoker swears by him.”
“And you really, really trust this Smoker guy?” Sanji said asked over his shoulder.
Ace ran his hands through his hair, and pressed the heels of his palms into his eyes. “Absolutely. I trust him like I trust you guys.”
Zoro nodded. “Okay then. We’ll trust him too.”
Ace turned and smiled at Zoro. “Thank you.”
Sanji tossed his spatula in the sink and turned off the stove. He grabbed his wine glass from the counter and headed past the island. “Go ahead and dish yourselves up, I’ll eat later.” He pulled his pack from his pocket and was already lighting up as he left the kitchen.
“He okay?” Ace asked as Zoro pulled out plates.
Zoro shrugged. “He’ll be fine.”
Ace nodded, accepting the plate from Zoro and looking gleeful as the swordsman loaded him up with the fantastic smelling stir fry. “Should Luffy and I leave for a little while? Let you guys fight?”
Zoro made a face. “Fight? Why would we--oh… You guys don’t have to leave if Sanji and I are going to fight.”
“Uh, yeah we do.” Ace moved aside and returned to the island so Zoro could dish up Luffy. “Your little sparring/stress relief sessions always lead to nasty sex all over those nice mats I bought you guys.”
“You didn’t buy us those mats,” Zoro scoffed, “your dad let us have them when the dojo bought new ones.” The swordsman loaded his own plate and grabbed drinks from the fridge.
“Yeah,” Ace said around a large bite, “because of me, you got nice mats.”
Zoro chuckled and shook his head. “He would have given them to us anyway.” He sat beside Luffy and ruffled his friend’s hair as the younger Portgus inhaled Sanji’s dinner. “But anyway, it doesn’t always lead to sex, I mean you only walked in on us, what… twice?”
Ace shook his head. “Four times.”
“Four?” Zoro asked, his fork halfway to his mouth.
“Yeah, four. Not a sight I ever want to see again, but I’m sure I will.”
Zoro snickered and started to eat. “Sorry, man.”
“Fuck you, you’re not sorry at all.”
X x X x X
Ace put up no struggle whatsoever after dinner and crashed on Zoro and Sanji’s bed. Zoro pulled sweats out of the drawer as Luffy stripped down to his boxers and climbed under the covers next to his brother.
“Hey, Zoro,” Luffy said quietly as the swordsman started to leave.
Zoro turned and looked at the back of Luffy’s head, a sliver of light from the open door shone over the tips of the younger man’s hair and one skinny shoulder. “What’s up?”
Luffy was silent for a moment before he whispered in a voice that just barely trembled.
“Let me kill someone…”
Zoro stood still for a moment, the only sounds were Ace’s steady breathing and the unremitting beating of his own heart. Luffy always asked Zoro first, like it was Zoro’s decision to turn him loose.
“I’d like it to not come to that, Luffy…”
“And if it does?”
Zoro sighed and turned to leave. “Then… we’ll all do whatever it takes…”
He closed the door behind him and strode down the hall. He put his sweats over the back of an island stool and moved to the sink. He dished up a plate of stir fry for Sanji and set it aside, before cleaning the pot and putting the rest of the dishes in the dishwasher. He warmed the cook’s dinner in the microwave and wiped down the counters. Taking a beer from the fridge, and Sanji’s plate and utensils, the swordsman moved through the baby dojo and spotted his lover where he had been sure he would find him.
The single pillar that Sanji sat against supported the overhead beams, but, it marked where there had once been an entire outer wall. When Zoro and Sanji had first moved in, the landlord had explained all the apartments used to have balconies on this side of the building. When ownership had changed, it had been decided to reconstruct the city-side and close in all the balconies. The after affects had been spectacular, giving the structure a more modern look and all the residents more space as well as the beautiful full-side windows.
Zoro smiled. This had been Sanji’s favorite spot before the accident, and it seemed as if it would be again. He moved beside the cook and offered the plate of steaming veggies and sautéed meat. Sanji looked up at him and returned his smile, taking the plate and giving Zoro his wine glass to refill.
“Thank you,” the blond said as he ate. “And I’m sorry I was a dick earlier.”
Zoro chuckled. “It’s fine.”
Sanji ate and Zoro returned with a full glass and the half-empty wine bottle. The swordsman sat beside the cook, keeping silent company. The two were quickly falling back into a comfortable companionship that had Zoro’s heart filling his chest with every beat. That he could be just as happy with Sanji silent as he was fighting him, or holding him, was something Zoro had not expected would happen so soon.
When Sanji finished, he took his plate to the kitchen and returned with Zoro’s sweats on. “Thanks for the pants,” he chuckled.
“You ass.” Zoro grinned. He set his empty beer on the floor and reached up to pull the blond down to sit between his legs. Sanji leaned back with his back resting against Zoro’s chest. The swordsman handed the cook the wine glass, put his arms around Sanji’s shoulders, and the two of them sat quietly watching the sun sink below the mountains.
“So, Zoro,” Sanji said suddenly, “What kind of guys do you like?”
Zoro was so caught off guard, he laughed.
“Excuse me?”
Sanji chuckled and slipped his fingers through Zoro’s. “I mean, am I your type? What other guys do you think are hot?”
Zoro shook his head and lowered his lips to kiss Sanji’s neck. “I have no idea, I’ve never thought about it.”
“Bullshit.” Sanji pinched his arm, pulling a girly ‘ouch’ from the larger man. “I know you’ve thought about it. What kind of guys do you like?”
Zoro couldn’t help but smile. “This is a stupid question. Why do you ask?”
“I was sitting here thinking about it.” Sanji tried to muffle a snicker with a sip of wine.
“What!?” Zoro laughed again. “That’s what you were sitting here thinking about with that dead serious expression?”
Sanji nodded, turning his face to look up at Zoro. “I wanted to think about something other than what’s going on, and started to wonder if I’d find anyone else attractive besides you.”
Zoro brushed Sanji’s bangs from his eyes. It was a good idea, and Zoro knew it. They needed something to take their minds off what was going on if they wanted to get any sleep.
All right, he would play. “Did you think of anyone?”
Sanji nodded. “Hugh Laurie.”
“Hugh Laurie?” Zoro scoffed. “House? Are you serious?”
“Yes.” Sanji chuckled.
Zoro shifted their positions so they could look at each other easier. “Who else?”
Sanji thought for a moment before replying. “Jason Statham?”
“Pfft.” Zoro waved his hand in dismissal. “He doesn’t count. He’s like Mark Wahlberg: Straight guys would do them.”
“Yeah, but I’d let Jason Statham do me.” Sanji smiled coyly.
Zoro’s eyebrows rose, even as his body reacted to Sanji’s words. “Oh, really?”
Sanji nodded.
“Huh…” Zoro looked away. This conversation was turning him on, something the cook had no doubt planned, but he wasn’t going to let Sanji know that just yet. “Okay,” he said, turning back to his lover, “Who else?”
Sanji shook his head. “Your turn.”
Zoro sighed, but relented. He leaned his head back against the pillar and let his mind race back through the movies, television shows, and music videos he had seen recently.
“What’s that guy’s name that’s in CSI? The tech guy?”
Sanji frowned. “Nick?”
“No.” Zoro shook his head. “He’s a tech. You know, the younger looking guy.”
“Uh…” Sanji scratched at his stubbled chin. “Greg?”
“Yeah, that guy. I’d do him.”
Sanji laughed and leaned forward to kiss Zoro on the corner of his jaw. He spoke softly against the swordsman’s skin, his hand running up the larger man’s chest.
“But that’s not the challenge of this game…”
Zoro shivered. Sanji’s breath cascaded down his neck and caused a pleasant stir in his loins. “Oh? What is the challenge?”
Sanji smiled and ran a finger over Zoro’s lips. “Think of someone you’d like to do you.”
Zoro chuckled, his erection pressing firmly into Sanji’s thigh. There was no way the cook wouldn’t notice, but who really cared anyway? It wasn’t like he was trying to hide that kind of thing anymore.
“Um…” Distracted as Sanji played with the bottom of his shirt and tickled the skin of his stomach, Zoro racked his brain for someone he liked, but would also sound good to Sanji. “Maybe… that guy from that movie that has the pig-nose girl?”
Sanji snickered into Zoro’s neck. “Pig-nose girl?”
Zoro growled through his smile. “Oh yeah, you wouldn’t remember huh? It was just some girly movie we watched with Nami and Vivi this one time. The guy in it was kinda hot.”
“Hot enough you’d let him do you?”
Zoro thought about it. “No, probably not.”
Sanji shifted, turning his body and placing a leg on each side of Zoro’s hips. He took one long last swallow of wine, draining the glass, and then set it carefully on the floor. He turned back to the swordsman and slid slowly down, rubbing himself against Zoro’s hardness, causing the swordsman to groan softly and lift his chin for a kiss. Their lips met as Sanji’s hands cupped the other man’s jaw. Zoro tasted the wine and cigarettes and slipped his tongue passed slightly chapped lips in search of more. The cook however ended the kiss before it could get too intense. He pulled back and played with the golden hoops hanging from Zoro’s ear.
“Who else?”
Zoro chuckled, his hands going to Sanji’s ass. He squeezed the firm muscle there and slid his hands down the cook’s thighs.
“It’s your turn,” he murmured.
“I didn’t know the last one!” Sanji whined. “That’s not fair!”
Zoro gripped Sanji’s hips and ground up against the cook. Sanji let out a little breath and fell forward, his lips coming so close to Zoro’s, the swordsman was able to nip at them.
“Ah…” Sanji’s breath was heavy, “Okay, okay my turn, um… Gerald Butler… But he’d have to wear his Roman Spartan outfit.”
Zoro laughed and tilted his head. He kissed and bit softly at the cook’s neck as Sanji’s hands slid into his hair. He felt dizzy as his lover moved over him slowly. Their erections slid against each other under denim and soft cotton. Sanji’s powerful thighs ground down hard on Zoro, and the swordsman melted. In this position, he was at the mercy of the cook. Sanji controlled the pace; he controlled the when and the how, and Zoro was perfectly content with it that way.
Zoro pushed his hands underneath Sanji’s shirt, and the cook leaned back to pull it over his head. He quickly followed suit with Zoro’s t-shirt and wasted no time before he was running his hands over the long scar decorating the swordsman’s chest. Every grind of Sanji’s hips was just short of painful, and the grip that Zoro had on the cook’s hips could crush if he wanted. But this was the way they liked it. Their pace was still slow and calculated, but their movements were intense in their strength. Both men appreciated the power of the other; both thrived on the rush of adrenaline the other could give him.
Sanji reached down and unbuttoned the top of Zoro’s jeans. Having done its job, the game was forgotten. There was nothing now but a need for release; a need for comfort and companionship that outweighed everything else in their lives at that moment. Zoro needed everything that Sanji could give him, just as he knew Sanji needed everything from him. He kissed the blond hard as the cook freed his throbbing length and stroked him with his strong and dexterous hands.
Zoro groaned and slipped his hands into Sanji’s--or rather his own--sweatpants. He palmed the cook’s sack and pulled Sanji’s long, taut member free. The swordsman then slid his hands under Sanji’s and took both erections in his large grip. His calloused fingers rubbed against soft skin as he stroked, eliciting a strained cry from his lover. Sanji’s hands went to the pillar, his mouth moving to Zoro’s ear to whisper commands of faster and tighter. Zoro obeyed, bring them both to climax as Sanji shuddered over him. His own release caused his back to arch, and his head fall back against the pillar. Sanji’s hands and mouth were everywhere as Zoro pulsed and splashed across tanned and pale chest alike.
Minutes passed as the two breathed heavily against each other. Sanji continued to lay kisses on Zoro’s neck and jaw. His hands stayed planted over Zoro’s scar, his thumbs rubbing small circles into the knotted flesh. Zoro breathed deeply, his eyes closed, trying to slow his heart rate and bring himself back to a coherent state of mind. Sanji always left him spinning; dizzy and floating in a world of pleasure and satisfaction.
“Mmm…” Sanji murmured. “I think I can relax and sleep now.”
Zoro nodded. “Yeah… the couch sounds real good right now.”
Sanji sat up and grabbed his shirt from the floor. He wiped at his chest and made a couple passes over Zoro’s as well. “Is Ace okay? He looked kind of worn out when he came in, but I didn’t really register it until I came over here.”
Zoro nodded. “He just needed to sleep. He was out before his head it the pillow.”
Sanji nodded. “Good, last thing we need tomorrow is big bro passing out on us.”
Zoro grunted in agreement and buttoned his pants as Sanji stood. The cook gave him a hand to his feet, and the two of them moved into the living room.
“I need another shirt,” Sanji said, heading to the bedroom. “I’ll grab you some pants too.”
A few minutes later, Zoro and Sanji lay together on the couch underneath a quilt Zoro had retrieved from the closet. Zoro had offered to sleep on the smaller of the couches, but Sanji insisted they squeeze together on the larger. The cushions accommodated, being large enough to fit them both comfortably if they lay on their sides, and Zoro was tickled to be pressed up against Sanji’s back as the smaller man fell asleep.
As he felt himself drifting off, Zoro heard Sanji’s voice in the darkness.
“Hey…” the cook whispered.
“Mm?”
“You ever think of someone?”
Zoro chuckled into Sanji’s hair and pulled his lover tighter against him.
“Yeah, the doctor in Master and Commander.”
“Paul Bettany?” Sanji snickered tiredly. “Really? Why?”
Zoro shrugged and burrowed deeper into Sanji’s hair. “Because he’s tall and skinny, pretty kick ass, and blond.”
Sanji laughed into the couch pillow and laced his fingers through Zoro’s. “That’s all it takes for you?”
“Mm, yeah…” Zoro murmured, sleep creeping up on him fast. “The accent helps too.”
Zoro smiled as Sanji laughed again and pulled the covers higher. The last thing he heard before he nodded off was the soothing lull of Sanji’s whispering voice.
“Goodnight, Zoro.”
X x X x X
Sanji woke to the sound of Ace’s phone. When an incoming call was unknown, the default ring would play an electronic version of a Jimmy Hendrix song. His friend had used the same ring since high school, and the cook smiled sleepily at the nostalgia of waking to that tone. Rolling out from Zoro’s arms and from under the warm blanket, Sanji stood, rubbing the sleep from his eyes.
It took a few seconds, but then it all came together in his muddled, sleepy, head. Ace’s phone… Default ringtone…
The guys from California!!
“Shit!” Sanji vaulted over the back of the couch, and ran into the kitchen. Ace’s jacket lay draped over the back of a dining room chair, and inside the front pocket, Sanji found the small flip-phone.
“Hello?” he answered, his heart pounding in his ears.
“Hey,” a rich tenor purred through the receiver, “this Ace Portgus?”
“Uh, no.” Sanji moved quickly back into the living room and shook Zoro awake. “He’s… indisposed. Who is this?”
“Who is this?” the voice retorted, playfully.
Zoro sat up and ran a hand over his face as he watched Sanji converse in, what was to the swordsman, a one-sided conversation.
Sanji could feel his annoyance mounting, but he put a hand on his hip and let his voice out smooth. “Hey look, man. The least you could do when you call someone’s phone is indentify yourself. It’s a fucking courtesy.”
It probably hadn’t been the smartest of moves, but instead of an angry retort, or the click of being hung up on, Sanji heard laughter. The silky tenor chuckled and spoke away from the receiver.
“I think I might be talking to Sanji.”
Sanji reached into his pockets, knowing his pack would not be there, but going through the motions anyway. He turned and headed to the bathroom where he had left his pants last night when he had changed into Zoro’s. The swordsman got up off the couch and started following him around the apartment.
“When did you guys get in?” the cook asked as he lit up and pulled a drag into his lungs.
“About an hour and a half ago.” Law answered. “We took a shuttle from the airport. Decided to look around on our own a bit before we called.”
“Huh.” Sanji pulled himself up to sit on the kitchen island. “Find anything useful?”
Sanji listened to Law’s throaty laugh as Zoro moved up to stand between his legs. The swordsman’s hands rested gently on his thighs as the larger man leaned in to listen to the conversation.
“Well, we did stumble across a few things,” Law said casually. “One being the car with two of Blackbeard’s goons parked outside your guy’s apartment.”
Sanji froze. It took only a moment for the adrenaline to kick in hardcore, and his heart was racing like he had just run a marathon.
“You… you’re here?”
Zoro’s eyes widened and his grip became hard. Sanji winced and reminded the swordsman of his strength with a quick squeeze on his arm. Zoro released the cook and asked for answers with his intense, dark eyes.
“Yup. If you’re on this side of the building, you could probably see us if you looked out those big windows.”
Sanji pushed off the island and jogged through the baby dojo to the area windows. Zoro followed him and almost ran into his back when the cook slowed as he came near the glass. The two stood overlooking the street below, searching for anyone that could possibly be the two Mafioso from California.
After a quick search, Sanji shook his head. “I don’t see you. But then again, I’m not sure what I’m looking for.”
Law chuckled. “What’s your number? We’ll come up. It’ll be easier to talk in person anyway.” There were shuffling sounds for a moment as Law repositioned the phone. The man spoke away from the receiver, muffling his voice, but not enough so that Sanji could not make out what he said. “Kidd, cut it out, man. He’s like twelve. You’re gonna scare the piss out of him.
Sanji frowned. “I’m not sure how I feel about letting potentially hazardous persons into my apartment.”
“Ha,” Law said smugly. “Don’t you live with a potentially hazardous person?”
Sanji thought for only a moment before he answered. “You’re right. Come on up. We’re in five-two-five.”
As the cook hung up the phone, he turned around to face Zoro. The swordsman stood frowning at Sanji, his strong arms folded over his chest, and his imposing form blocking the cook’s escape.
“What?” Sanji asked.
Zoro grunted and shrugged his shoulders. “Nothing. I just hope you know what you’re doing.”
“Me too…” Sanji moved around Zoro, his fingers brushing against the swordsman’s as he passed. He barged into the bedroom, waking the two sleeping lumps on his bed. The Portgus brothers woke with identical yawns and similar outbursts when Sanji brought them up to speed.
“…So get your clothes back on and go use some of my mouthwash. You got about two minutes.”
They scrambled into clothes and fought over the bathroom as fast as they could. Luffy cried, pounding halfheartedly on the door that he was going to piss in the kitchen sink if Zoro didn’t get out so he could use the toilet. Ace slapped him upside the head before Sanji could get to whaling on him. They made good time, and Ace and Luffy managed to look slightly less eccentric wearing jeans and t-shirts belonging to Zoro and Sanji. When the knock on the door sounded, the four men had placed themselves around the living room in various prime attack positions. Sanji lit up, and motioned for Ace to open the door.
X x X x X
Zoro leaned against the bookshelf, his sword case propped against the couch, close at hand. His heart beat fast and his nerves buzzed with pleasant adrenaline as Ace turned down the hall and into the small foyer. The swordsman heard the door open and Ace greet their guests in his friendly and polite tone. When his friend returned with the two in tow, Zoro straightened, not sure what he should expect, but then again, not sure if he should be expecting anything.
The first of the two seemed normal at first glance. He was average height, with tanned skin and dark facial hair. Earrings flashed in each ear, and he wore a beanie low on his head and a loud yellow shirt beneath his black leather jacket. He regarded Zoro for a moment with a shadowed gaze and smiled almost sardonically at the swordsman before his attention turned to Sanji. The large case strapped to his back caught Zoro’s attention, but he was quickly distracted by the man’s companion.
The second of their guests caused Zoro’s guard to go up almost instantly. His flamboyant red hair stood on end, and the only thing keeping the mess from his eyes were his large aviator sunglasses. His clothes offended Zoro on some fundamental level. The colors were too flashy, and the over-the-top fur collar on his jacket seemed to mock the swordsman. This man sneered openly at Zoro and pulled a large hand from his pocket to play with the toothpick between his lips.
Fucking fingernail polish… Why nail polish on a dude bothered Zoro so much made no sense whatsoever, but all the same, those dark green tips made the swordsman shudder quietly.
The air practically sang with the power of these two. It danced over Zoro’s skin and hummed in his ears. They were formidable, worthy opponents, and even better that they were on their side. Despite their strange appearances and even stranger attitudes, Zoro was already getting accustomed to their presence and glad that they had been sent to help them.
Ace turned to their new additions, motioning to the more subdued of the two. “This is Law. His friend is Kidd.” The firefighter turned again to introduce his friends. “That’s Sanji and Zoro, and over there is my kid brother, Luffy.”
Law and Kidd’s attention turned immediately to the youngest of them, perched on the arm of the reclining chair. A heavy moment passed before Kidd moved and offered a hand.
“Luffy Portgus…” he said simply, his voice surprisingly soft and clear.
Luffy gripped the hand and stared up at the older man in awe. “Your hair is awesome…”
Law let out a throaty laugh and clapped Ace on the back. “Ah, Luffy, exactly how Dalton described.” He turned to Sanji. “Can I get something to drink? I’m about ready to swallow my tongue. I haven’t had anything since we left LA.”
Whatever Sanji’s first impression had been of the two strange men, his face changed and he brightened at the mention of sustenance.
The cook stood. “I’m sorry, I forgot my manners. Are you guys hungry? We haven’t had breakfast yet either.”
Law’s eyes flashed and his grin widened. “Ah, Sanji Black… cooking for us?”
Kidd didn’t spare a moment to think. “I’m hungry.”
Sanji’s lips curved into a smile, and he took a drag from his smoke before crushing the cherry between his fingers.
“I got you. Come sit at the island, Ace will fill you in on everything.”
As he turned motioning Law to follow, Luffy bounced to his feet and started to pull Kidd into the kitchen.
“Woohoo! Sanji food! All right! Come on, Kidd! Prepare to get your socks knocked off!”
X x X x X
Kidd actually proved to be quite talkative once Luffy got him going, but most conversation ceased when Sanji’s food started hitting the island top. Eggs with avocado and mushrooms, sausage, crepes with berries and honey drizzle, seasoned hash browns, fresh fruit, all were inhaled. Zoro had been sure he was never going to see eaters like the Portgus brothers, but Kidd and Law gave them a run for their money. He wasn’t even sure Kidd took a breath between each bite, and Law downed coffee faster and in larger quantities than Chopper.
“Jesus…” Law said when he finally put down his fork. “I don’t think I ever want to go home again.”
“We’ll just take him with us when we go back.” Kidd snickered with a mouthful of melon and sausage.
“Ha,” Zoro grunted. “You can try.”
“Oh yeah, that’s right.” Law wiped his mouth delicately with a napkin and folded his hands together under his chin. “You guys are a couple, aren’t you?”
Sanji leaned against the sink and took a drag from his freshly lit cigarette.
“Yes, we are. If you have a problem with it, you can have a nice long conversation with my foot.”
Law and Kidd exchanged a look and a quick smile before returning to their breakfast.
“Nope, no problem.” Law chuckled into his coffee mug.
“So your friends, Usopp and… what was his name--Chopper?” Kidd scraped the last of his hash browns into his mouth and set down his fork. “They’ve been missing how long?”
“We’re not exactly sure,” Zoro answered. “We saw Chopper…”
“The day before yesterday,” Sanji injected, “when we took him home from Chaka and Pell’s.”
“What about Usopp?” Law asked.
Zoro shrugged, a heavy feeling started to grow in the pit of his stomach. He set down his fork, no longer hungry. He glanced at Luffy who had also stopped stuffing his face. Ace as well had stopped eating and was staring sadly at the island top.
“I have no idea,” Zoro said softly.
“Don’t look so down,” Kidd said as he swallowed the rest of his coffee. “You’re friends are being held to lure you guys in. There’s no point right now in killing them. They probably just threw them in some easily sealed room and forgot about them for now.”
Sanji chewed the inside of his lip. “How can you know that for sure?”
Kidd grinned cruelly up at the blond. “It’s what I’d do.”
Sanji turned to Zoro and the two of them shared a long moment of silent contemplation before Law continued.
“If you guys are what everyone says you are, it should be all right. You’ll be able to get them back.”
Ace crossed his arms and leaned his elbows on the island top. “What exactly are we going to have to do?”
Law leaned back, folding his hands behind his head. “You’re gonna have to challenge Blackbeard. Challenge him and his guys--this faction that’s gone of the reservation and decided to do their own thing. They’re holding your friends as a warning, kind of like their own personal safety net. If you step up and call them out on it, it does two things for you. One: it guarantees they won’t hurt your friends until you’ve settled your score. That would be beyond stupid for Blackbeard. If he wants any clout in the scene and to be taken seriously as a rising Boss, there’s certain protocols he can’t ignore.”
“The second,” Kidd added, “is that they have to accept the challenge or look retarded. This means you can kick some ass without any boundaries. You could even kill this guy, and you’d never have to answer for it.”
“What about the police?” Ace asked, horrified.
Law shook his head. “They’ll never get wind of it. We take care of our problems on our own.”
“So how do we do about issuing a challenge?” Sanji asked, moving to sit on an empty stool.
Kidd laced his fingers together, pushing his arms out in front of him and cracking his knuckles. “Your Skipper calls up your adversary’s Skipper and they set it up. If it crosses over sections, then your Skipper informs the Boss and then the Boss calls a ‘meet and greet’. This, of course, is if you’re made.”
“What if you’re not made?” Zoro asked.
“Then you’re fucked.” Kidd stated.
Sanji groaned and laid his head on his arms. Zoro sighed heavily and rubbed at the back of his neck.
“It’s not going to be a problem though,” Law said, his unnerving half smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
“Oh yeah?” Ace asked. “How’s that?”
Kidd chuckled and glanced at Law as if waiting for the punch line. The two looked positively maniacal as they both sat grinning at each other, their teeth stark white and gleaming like sharks on the prowl.
The tense silence was too much for Luffy, and he bounced on the stool. “Hey guys. What are you thinking? How is it not going to be a problem?”
Law cleared his throat and glanced between Sanji and Zoro, his eyes sparkling with mirth and mischief.
“I’m on strict orders from my Boss,” he said cheerfully. “Enel sent me to Seattle to turn you guys into official made men.”
TBC
Previous chapters here.
xD