Confident, Beautiful

Little Red Bay was a spec of an island with a large, bustling town, a few weeks' sail from Wano Country. Red clay buildings and homes lined the busy streets. Mesquite trees, creosote bushes, and cactuses rose up from the sandy soil between buildings. The hotter climate was tempered by a continual cloud cover that shielded the island from the blazing sun. The Thousand Sunny had docked in the bay that morning. The Straw Hat crew were on the trail of the last Road Poneglyph, and Nami had set them on a wandering course through the latter part of the Grand Line. Information was scarce and the more islands they visited that weren’t on the log pose routes, the more luck they might have in finding it. The crew had split off upon disembarking to explore. 

Sanji had opted to resupply the ship’s stores first, in case Luffy caused a need for a fast exit like he had on Honey Island after he’d eaten a month’s worth of the local economy’s profit. He’d gone alone, not wanting to keep his nakama from having fun. Sometimes, Sanji also preferred to be by himself. Once he was done restocking, he lit a cigarette and wandered the town, poking his nose into shops that caught his interest, taking the time to taste street vendor offerings, pausing to listen to street corner buskers as they played a tune. 

The specialty clothing shop, when Sanji found it, made his heart speed up. The windows displayed dark clothing heavy with chains, thick buttons, and clasps. Leather mixed with black lace. Hard lines or soft edges. Featureless male mannequins posed in tight vests and mini skirts. Female mannequins wore sharp suits with corsets. Androgyny and fluidity clothed in a gothic edge.

Sanji stabbed out his cigarette, tossed the butt into a nearby bin, and entered the store. The scent of leather mixed with sandalwood and vanilla perfumed the air. A counter stood near the door with a register on it. Dark, dramatic clothing in all sizes hung from round racks scattered throughout the ship, and shelves held shoes and accessories along the walls. A young shopkeeper stood behind the register, reading a book. He wore heavy eye makeup, a black t-shirt tucked into black leather pants, and a gold chain that ran from his nose ring to his ear. He flicked a glance at Sanji when he entered. “Let me know if you need help with any sizes. Fitting room’s in the back.”

“Thanks,” Sanji murmured. He’d been in shops like this before, when exploring other larger towns. He’d found his burgundy suit and leather gloves in one of them. He wandered through the racks, pausing to look closer at a suit coat, trousers, or a shirt that caught his eye.

The boots, when he spotted them sitting on a low shelf, immediately drew him. He walked over and picked them up. They were mid-ankle height, black, made of sturdy leather with hidden stitching. The toes were squared off. The three-inch heel was thick and chunky. He flicked a glance at the sign by the shelf. They came in his size.

Sanji bit his lower lip. It wouldn’t hurt to try them on. He was alone. No one would care. 

Before he could talk himself out of it, he brought the boots to the shopkeeper and asked for his size. 

Sanji retreated to the large dressing room at the back of the shop, toed off his own shoes and sat on the provided stool. He put the boots on over his brown socks, pulling up the black outer zipper. He rose, the tall heels causing him to stand more on the balls of his feet. It took no effort to balance and move in front of the trifold mirror.

Sanji stared at himself. He adjusted his microchecked tie, buttoned his suit coat, and straightened his shirt cuffs. He’d worn dark brown today, his shirt a hair darker than his suit and tie. The solid color offset his blond hair, which was getting long again. He’d have to give himself a trim. His thin mustache and goatee were well-groomed. He was always fastidious about his appearance, even if he dressed down. He brushed a speck of lint from his shoulder, eying himself critically. The black boots looked great with the outfit, making him much taller, accentuating his legs. He liked what he saw. He liked it a lot. 

Sanji met his own nervous eyes in the mirror. He’d told himself, after the dust had settled in Wano, that he wouldn’t deny himself anymore. He owed it to his mother to be who he wanted to be, not who he thought other people wanted. He’d spent his life believing that he wasn’t good enough, that he was weak, that he was a failure. He’d spent six months of his childhood in an iron mask in a dungeon because of it. He’d been always afraid that he was one action away from being kicked off the Baratie by Zeff. He’d feared what would happen if anyone found out he was a Prince. He threw himself at women to ensure they had a reason to dislike him, instead of rejecting him for himself. He’d hidden that he desired men as much as women. He’d worried constantly that he wasn’t strong enough or worthy enough to be a part of the Straw Hat crew. 

But the events on Whole Cake Island had changed everything. He’d been forcefully dragged back into the Vinsmoke family and the pain he’d thought he’d escaped. He’d been reminded again, at every turn, that he was worthless and a disgrace, even by the stranger he was supposed to marry. He’d thought seriously about ending it all, that the world would be better without him existing, especially after he’d learned that his mother had died to give him the gift of being human. 

Luffy had saved him from himself, had pulled him back from the brink, and had forgiven him for his tresspasses. Luffy had thought him worthy, even if he didn’t think so of himself. Self-acceptance was still hard coming, as he returned to the crew and struggled to find peace within his mind. Seeing the name Vinsmoke attached to his on a new wanted poster had caused him to spiral while on Wano. He’d done his best to hide it, falling back into a routine of over-the-top romantic flailing and cooking nonstop. 

Then, Sanji had fought Queen and it awakened the dormant genetic modifications that his father had wanted and his mother had given her life to fight against. Sanji had become a monster like his brothers. He was terrified that he’d lose his emotions like them. He’d even asked Zoro to kill him, he was that afraid. 

But when the fighting was done, Sanji still felt everything. Anger, sorrow, grief, guilt, despair, hope, gratitude, relief. His mother’s love, her sacrifice, had saved him. Despite the modifications, he was human still and possessed all the emotional mess that came with it. And during the week he’d helped watch over Zoro and Luffy as they lay unconscious, he’d come to the realization that he needed to live up to her legacy. To honor her by being as fully himself as he could be. To forgive himself for his imperfections, to embrace what made him different, and to allow himself to feel worthy of kindness and love, especially toward himself.

Sanji took a deep breath as he looked at himself in the dressing room mirror. He was not a woman, did not want to be one, but that didn’t stop him from wanting traditionally womanly things. The wig, makeup and a dress he’d worn in Kamabakka Kingdom had been part of a ritual, not something he’d chosen for himself. What he wanted hadn’t been taken into account and he’d hated it. But there was no one forcing him to do anything now, no choices being taken away from him by manipulation or doubt. 

Sanji wanted to wear heels. Chunky ones, to ensure that he could still fight, but tall and fitted to his ankle, calf, or up to his thigh. He wanted to wear suits during the day and babydoll pajamas at night. He wanted to wear kohl around his eyes and have his ears pierced. Maybe other piercings, as well. He wanted to paint his nails in black or midnight blue. He wanted to wear garters and stockings with boxers. He wanted to wear a corset under a suit coat with a tie. He had no desire to wear a dress, an Okama wig, or lipstick. He didn’t want to feel feminine or look effeminate. He just wanted to like what he liked and let it be okay.

Mother gave her life in resistance to protect you and the emotions you were born with. 

Sanji wore the boots out of the shop.

Sanji was nervous, of course, as he was still very much a human. He paced around the galley on the Sunny in his new boots. The additional height gave him a different eyeline that nearly startled him with every turn. No one had been around when he’d returned to the ship. It was still early. They’d planned to meet up for dinner at one of the restaurants in town. He’s spent the afternoon rearranging the kitchen, cleaning, and smoking like a chimney. He was trying to convince himself to keep the boots on. 

The galley was divided in half by a bartop with seating. The kitchen side had all the amenities Sanji needed. Plenty of latching cabinets and counter space. A prep counter with a wash sink ran along the bar. A four burner stove, a large double oven, and a giant double refrigerator allowed him to prepare the food he liked. A storage room was hidden behind the kitchen. A service elevator ran down to the Aquarium Bar near the door to Chopper’s infirmary. 

The other half of the galley served as a dining or gathering area, with a large table with eight chairs bolted around it. A couch ran along the wall between the infirmary and the main deck. A small table with a den den mushi stood beside the couch. Sconce lighting hung on the wall. Portholes helped let in sunshine during the day. 

Sanji was surprised when he heard the telltale clomp of bootsteps outside the galley before the door swung open. Zoro ambled in, dressed in his olive long coat and red sash, his swords at his side. Sanji suddenly wanted to hide, but he couldn’t escape the kitchen without being seen. Ducking down would make him a coward. He refused to be seen in that way. He shoved his hands in his pockets, instead, and tried to appear nonchalant as he rounded the corner of the bar to lean against it. “What d’you want, marimo?”

Zoro appeared surprised to see Sanji, as well. “Thought you went into town.”

“I did. Came back.” Sanji nervously fingered the lighter in his pocket. “Why are you here?”

Zoro shrugged. “Went looking for the restaurant and found the ship instead. Figured I’d get a drink before heading out again.”

“Hn.” It wasn’t surprising that Zoro had gotten lost and found the one place Sanji didn’t want him to be. Sanji decided he may as well get this over with. At least he’d know if he was going to change shoes before he left for the restaurant. “There’s some sake in the fridge. I’ll get it for you.”

Sanji pushed off the bar, rounded the corner to the kitchen, and entered the code on the lock on the refrigerator door. The hasp lock released and he pulled it open. He loved this refrigerator. He would love two of them, but he had to suffice with a large freezer down in the hold. His eyeline hit at a different level and he could see across the top shelf inside easily. He needed to use up the pickled herring before it spoiled. 

Sanji grabbed a cold bottle of sake, closed the fridge, and reset the lock. He ignored his racing heart, squared his shoulders, and came out of the kitchen. Zoro stood near the table, arm resting on his sword hilts, yawning widely. Sanji walked up to him and held out the sake. “Here.”

Zoro blinked in confusion and then raised his head to look up at Sanji. They normally stood eye-to-eye, but with the heels, Sanji’s chin was about level with Zoro’s mouth. Sanji didn’t say anything about the change, though his palms were starting to sweat. He was afraid the sake would slip from his grip.

Sanji felt himself holding his breath as Zoro’s gaze traveled downward to focus on Sanji’s boots. A furrow creased his brow. “Did you get new boots?”

“Yeah.” Sanji heard the croak of fear in his voice and cleared it away. “Got ‘em today.”

“Huh.” Zoro took the sake from Sanji and pulled the cork out with his teeth. He was still looking at the boots. “Can you fight in those things?”

“Want to find out?” Sanji tried to say it as a threat, but it sounded pathetic in his ears. He needed to get a grip. They were only boots. 

But Zoro’s response was everything he’d hoped for and nothing he’d expected. “Hell, yeah,” Zoro said with a grin. He swigged the sake and set the open bottle on the table. “Let’s go.”

Sanji was stunned for a moment before he hurried after Zoro outside. The afternoon sun was getting long. The tree and swing cast a shadow on the main deck lawn. The sails were secure, the Sunny tied to the pier in the bay. Sanji followed Zoro down the steps from the galley and into the open space. Zoro drew two katanas, flipped them over, and coated both with armament haki. He still wore a grin. 

Sanji had the sudden urge to kiss Zoro. Instead, he launched a kick at Zoro’s face. Zoro flung up his katanas to block, the sole of Sanji’s new boot ringing against the metal. Sanji twisted quickly, dropping that foot down, spinning and bringing his other foot up for a back kick. His chunky heel caught the edge of Zoro’s blade, knocking it aside. Sanji grinned. “One for me.”

“Ha!” Zoro pressed an attack, still wearing a grin. He brought blades across in a swinging arc. Sanji ducked, shot his leg out, and clipped Zoro in the ankle.

“Two.” 

Zoro swung his katana down swiftly, smacking Sanji in the calf. “One.”

“Damn it.” Sanji rolled backward and up to his feet. He danced out of the way of Zoro’s next charge. He had no trouble maneuvering in the heeled boots. He dove into a series of quick kicks, switching from one foot to another, not letting up. Zoro blocked and parried each one, even as he gave ground. 

Zoro shifted abruptly, going down when Sanji went up, and Sanji flew over his head. Sanji changed trajectory with a judicious use of sky walk, flipping around to kick at Zoro’s head. Zoro ducked at the last second and his katana came up to smack Sanji against the ass as he passed. “Two!”

The bastard. Sanji landed nimbly on his feet. Zoro looked smug. Now, it was on. Sanji flew at Zoro almost too quickly for him to see. Sanji flipped with two hands, one hand, no hands, darting around Zoro’s swings, tapping him in the side with a toe, on the shoulder with a heel, and against the back of the knee. 

“Five,” he whispered in Zoro’s ear from behind before darting away again.

Zoro laughed. “Your shoes give you longer reach.”

“You’re making excuses for being pathetic,” Sanji countered, but inside he felt exhilarated. His shoes hadn't hampered him, they’d made things better. He felt fully in control of his body and, more importantly, he felt comfortable in his own skin. 

He sparred with Zoro on the Sunny until the sun began to settle on the horizon, counting out their hits, staying even until the very end. Zoro managed to get in the last smack, catching Sanji on the thigh as he came out of a split spin-kick. Sanji’s inner timer went off, knowing they’d have to leave if they wanted to meet the rest of the crew for dinner. He flipped upright and brushed off the front of his suit, the familiar signal that it was time to end the fight.

“I win.” Zoro preened as he slid his katanas away.

Sanji rolled his eyes. “You won because we have to stop.”

“Still a win.”

“Go and drink your sake. I’m going to freshen up. Don’t leave the ship without me.” Sanji turned to head for the men’s quarters. 

Zoro spoke up behind him. “Hey, cook. Keep the boots on.”

Warmth spread across Sanji’s chest. And when he looked in the mirror above the sink in the men’s quarters, he wore a stupid, happy smile. 

Sanji walked into the restaurant behind Zoro at the appointed time. He could see Robin, Nami, and Franky seated at a large table across the dining room. The restaurant was family style, with booths and tables and checkered tablecloths. Part of the dining room was filled with patrons, visitors and locals with their families. Waitstaff in colorful aprons wove between the tables, filling orders, bringing drinks, and delivering meals. The hum of conversation was lively. The aroma of well-cooked food drifted pleasantly in the air. 

He and Zoro crossed the room, and Sanji could see the confusion on the faces of his nakama as he stood taller than Zoro. A ball of anxiety tried to knot his gut. Zoro took his seat first, beside Franky, giving Robin, Nami and Franky a clear view of Sanji’s feet as he rounded the table to another chair. Nami grinned and Franky said, “Super boots, bro!”

“Those are very nice boots, Sanji-san,” Robin commented as Sanji sat down beside her. “Where did you find them?” 

“Levington Street, a few doors down from the jewelers,” Sanji replied. He glanced nervously between his three friends. “They’re higher than I usually wear, but are comfortable.”

“I may have to stop by that store tomorrow. Perhaps you will show me where it is?” Robin said. 

“I would be honored, Robin-chan!” Sanji clasped his hands against his chest. Robin wanted to go shopping with him. A date between friends. He knew he’d never be anything more to Robin and Nami, didn’t want to be, but it still tickled him that a woman wanted to voluntarily be in his company. 

“I’m coming, too,” Nami said, wearing a suspicious smile. “Does this place sell clothing, too?”

Sanji nodded, trying not to swoon. Two ladies on a date? He was in heaven.

“Count me in, bro,” Franky spoke up, crashing Sanji back to earth. “I could use a new shirt.”

“What about you, Zoro-kun?” Nami asked with saccharine sweetness. “What do you think about Sanji’s new boots?”

Zoro shrugged. “They’re boots. Ow!” He glared at Nami. “Watch where you’re kicking.”

Sanji smirked over the fact that Zoro got kicked at the same time he felt another burst of warmth that no one had picked on him over his shoes. “I’ve already kicked the marimo’s ass in them.”

Zoro snorted. “Did not. I won.”

“On a technicality.”

“Still counts.” Zoro grinned smugly at him, which suddenly disappeared in a grimace. “Ow!”

Sanji smirked again. “Tie.” 

“Damned long legs,” Zoro grumbled and picked up the menu on the table. 

Usopp, Chopper, and Luffy tumbled into the restaurant, followed by a more sedate Jinbe and Brook. They waved and joined the table. Conversation became loud immediately between the ten of them. Orders were given and drinks brought. Discussion overlapped about what they did that day and what they were going to do tomorrow. 

“When we’re out shopping, I want to see if I can find a cartographer,” Nami said. “I want to find out what islands nearby have been mapped.”

“Me, Usopp, and Zoro are going to explore a haunted house,” Luffy declared.

“We are?” Zoro said in confusion.

“Ohb-nobe, I’mb com-bing down with a anti-haunted how-bse cold,” Usopp dramatized.

“I was thinking of visiting the music theater,” Brook said. “Sanji-san, would you care to join?”

“Sanji is going shopping with us,” Franky said. “He got some cool new boots, and me and the girls want to check out the shop he got ‘em at.”

“Oh?” Brook peered under the table. He was seated on the other side of Sanji. “Oh, yes. Those are lovely heels. I would not mind finding a similar pair.”

Sanji had been so in his own head about the heels, he’d forgotten that Brook wore boots with heels as well as flamboyant pants and feathered boas. No one batted an eye at Brook. The final knot of tension Sanji had been holding between his shoulders unraveled. They were only boots, but maybe, just maybe, Sanji could allow himself more.

“Why don’t you come with us?” Sanji invited. “They have some things you might like.”

“That is an invitation my ears enjoyed hearing, and I don’t even have any ears… because I’m a skeleton! Yo-ho-ho.”

“Jinbe, do you think you could help me tomorrow?” Chopper asked. “I’d like to stock up on more non-traditional medical supplies and I am still learning about Fish-Men physiology.”

“It would be an honor,” Jinbe replied.

Dinner was served and everyone dug in. Laugher and good cheer surrounded the Straw Hat crew. They finished out the evening at the restaurant, Nami complaining about the big bill, before heading back to the ship for a good night’s rest.

Scarlet Shores was a larger island about two weeks’ sail from Little Red Bay. It was a populous town, with tall buildings and large entertainment venues, shops, and gambling dens. Deep red sand painted the shoreline around the island. The harbor was busy. A lone marine ship anchored near the bay, but jolly rogers still flew high and crowded the docks. The marine presence was more to deter local thieves than pirates on shore leave. 

Nami latched onto Sanji the moment they disembarked, wearing a jaunty newsboy cap and a wide grin. “Let’s go shopping.” 

Sanji’s floating hearts fell onto the sidewalk as she led him into town. Their trip to the clothing shop in Little Red Bay had been a great time. His friends had bought a lot of clothing, and Nami had poked and prodded at Sanji about what he liked in a sweet way between outfit try-ons. Sanji had bought himself a royal purple vest with a heart pattern woven into the material that could only be seen in the right lighting. He wore it today, paired with a white button-down shirt, open at the collar, and black trousers. He also wore his heeled boots. 

Nami took charge, dragging him to shop after shop, filling bags with clothing, jewelry, and shoes for herself. Sanji was happy to be her pack mule. At every store, she asked him if he saw anything he liked, but he’d shaken his head no. The shops they went into were too feminine for him. 

It wasn’t until three hours into their shopping foray that Nami had found a shop tucked down an alley that perked Sanji’s interest. Like on Little Red Bay, it had a gothic vibe, but had a wider selection of boots, clothing, and accessories. It catered to any gender by size. Sanji had left their packages by the door as Nami dragged him further into the interior. Racks of clothing and lingerie, shelves of bags and shoes, counters full of makeup, jewelry, gloves, beckoned invitingly. 

“What’s the very first thing that catches your eye?” Nami asked him. “Don’t think. Just look.”

Sanji didn’t have to look far. On a nearby rack, there was a black leather garter belt with black floral lace panels along the sides. Black leather criss-crossed over the lace. The adjustable garters framed the crotch, pulling the leather in an arch. It curved over the hip and two more adjustable garters were positioned to lay on the outer curves of a backside. It came with a triangle of satin panties. 

Sanji felt his stomach clench. He could picture himself wearing this, with sheer stockings and thigh-high lace-up boots. He’d wear it under his black pin-striped suit with a pink shirt, no tie. He’d forgo the panties and let the garter speak for itself. 

He hesitated, his heart in this throat. He glanced at Nami. She wore a smile of encouragement. Their relationship had been fragile since Whole Cake Island. Sanji still wasn’t sure of their footing.

Sanji reached for the garter belt on the rack and Nami squealed loudly enough to make him wince. She latched onto his arm with delight in her eyes. “Sanji-kun, I am so very happy that you found you after everything that happened.”

“Nami-san…” Sanji felt a wash of embarrassment and secret joy at her words. 

“Listen, Sanji-kun,” Nami said, turning serious. “You’re doing something for yourself now, instead of always trying to please others. That means you can respect women without fawning or throwing yourself at us. If anyone rejects you, that’s on them not you.”

“I know,” Sanji said with self-deprecation. “It's a habit.”

“Well, break the habit,” Nami told him. She squeezed his arm. “Let’s go ask for this in your size and find the stockings to go with it.”

“And boots.”

Nami squealed again. It made Sanji laugh. 

Sanji bought the garter belt, stockings, boots, black nail polish and kohl eyeliner. He also found a pair of trousers in blood orange that would look good with a black shirt and white tie. Nami dragged him and their purchases off to a tea house nearby, where they settled into a private room with sliding shoji doors. Nami painted his nails as they drank tea and nibbled on tiny sandwiches. And while she did it, Sanji told her everything, about his life with the Vinsmokes, his fears and desires, about his self-made promise to his mother. Nami had only known about the surface things that had happened with his family on Whole Cake Island. Now she knew every secret. Sanji hadn’t realized how weighed down he was by his past, still, until he said it out loud.

Nami kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for telling me,” she said at the end. “Of course, if you would have told me all this a long time ago, we could’ve avoided my hating you for a while.”

Sanji looked down at his freshly painted nails. “I am truly sorry, Nami-san.”

“I know you are. I forgive you.”

Franky went with Sanji to get his ears pierced on Whale Tropic Island three weeks later. Sanji hadn’t worn the garter belt yet, but he’d kept the nailpolish and dabbled with the kohl eyeliner. Luffy thought the eyeliner was awesome and begged Sanji to put some on him as well, but then he’d smeared it quickly and walked around looking like a raccoon. None of his nakama had commented negatively on his subtle changes in appearance. Though, he shouldn’t have been afraid. Franky walked around in speedos and painted on makeup all the time. Between him and Brook, half of Sanji’s wants were already covered. 

Whale Tropic Island utilized ancient whale bones to create homes and businesses. The smaller harbor boasted a minor tourist trade in whale-boned themed items. The sky was blue, with white fluffy clouds floating past the bright sun. Moisture filled the air from the heavy canopy of mangroves and other trees. Colorful flowers sat in pots outside of houses and along the pebbled streets. 

Sanji had his own money to pierce his ears, but Nami had given him extra on the promise that he’d also bring her back something nice. He and Franky found a jewelry store that did piercings on the main road in town. The store had open windows and ceiling fans, stirring the cool breeze that drifted off the ocean. Cases of necklaces, rings, earrings, and watches filled the floor. A saleswoman with a heart-shaped face and a welcoming smile greeted them. “How may I help you?”

“We’re getting our ears pierced,” Franky told the saleswoman. Sanji glanced at Franky in surprise and Franky guffawed. “You think you’re the only one who wants a little bling?”

The saleswoman, whose name was Annalee, guided them over to the earrings. “We have many starter earrings to choose from. I would recommend solid silver or gold studs, to ensure your lobes do not become infected while they heal, before using other metals.”

“Super.” Franky perched his sunglasses on his forehead. If his open tropical shirt, tiny speedos, or gigantic cyborg arms put her off, she didn’t show it. “Got any stars?”

Sanji looked through the glass countertop at the display of earrings below, as Annalee showed Franky the star-shaped collection. What Sanji really wanted was to wear linear drop earrings. A row of tiny interlocking chains or gems. He spotted a pair of delicate, braided silver earrings with tiny diamonds interwoven within. They sparkled in the overhead light. He bit his lower lip, doubting that Annalee would steer them wrong. 

Sanji went over to the starter earrings and picked out a pair of simple onyx studs. He spotted a pair of tiny thunderclouds made of pink diamonds for Nami. His heart really wanted the silver earrings, though, and he prayed Nami would be okay with him spending all their money. 

Franky went first, with the piercing. He knelt on the floor, allowing Annalee easier reach. She held a device that looked like a pistol, which she loaded with the blue stone star-shaped starter earring Franky had picked. She lined it up with his left earlobe and punched it. “Yeow! That stings,” Franky exclaimed. 

“It’ll be sensitive for a few days. Keep the area clean with medicinal alcohol rub, and don’t take the starter stud for six to eight weeks. That’ll give the piercing time to heal.”

“Got ya.” Franky stood and posed for Sanji. “How does it look?”

Sanji grinned. “Super.”

“Ha!” Franky moved out of the way, so Sanji could take his turn.

Sanji sat on the stool provided. Annalee used a hair clip to pull his hair back on his left side and then rubbed his earlobe with alcohol. He watched her with his hands clamped between his knees as she set up the earring gun. Fuck, he was really going to do this. Anticipation and nerves coalesced in his gut. He hoped he liked them. 

Annalee lined the earring gun to his earlobe and shot. Then she clicked her tongue. “Huh. It didn’t take.” She eyed her gun and frowned. “Looks like the needle broke. I’ll have to get a new gun. I’ll be right back.”

Sanji felt his heart drop. He’d forgotten about his exoskeleton. “Wait. It’s okay. I’ve changed my mind.”

Franky eyed him with confusion, and Annalee appeared concerned. “Are you sure? It’ll only take a moment to get a new gun. This has happened before.”

Sanji smiled tightly. “I’m certain. I’ll still take the earrings, though. You don’t need to refund them.”

“All right.” Annalee motioned toward the back. “I’ll still need to go in back to take this earring out of the gun. I’ll return in a moment.” She walked off.

“Bro, what’s going on?” Franky said the moment she was out of earshot. “I thought you wanted earrings.”

Sanji felt a sting at the corner of his eye. He blinked it away. “Can’t. Vinsmoke modification.”

Franky’s expression twisted into sympathy. “Man, that sucks. Hey, maybe she has some clip-on ones.” Franky immediately walked over to the earring display. 

Sanji brought his hand up and rubbed it against the ache in his chest. He stood and smoothed his shirt. He’d worn a yellow shirt today, untucked and open at the collar. He suddenly felt silly that he’d worn his heeled boots. “Hey, Franky. I’m going out for a smoke.”

He didn’t wait for Franky’s reply, hurrying out the door. He went around to the side of the building, leaned against the wall, and pinched the bridge of his nose. He was not going to cry. This was stupid. It was only earrings. He dug his cigarettes out of his breast pocket and lit one. He allowed the nicotine to curl in his lungs. He was dumb to think he could live how he wanted. He was still a failure of a Vinsmoke, deep inside.

He smoked half his cigarette before came outside. Franky found him and smothered him in a crushing hug. Of course, Sanji couldn’t feel the crush, because he was an abomination. “I’m sorry, bro.”

“S’okay,” Sanji lied. 

Franky released him and held out a store bag. “The earrings you got. I also got you something. I know it’s not the same, but you’re my nakama and I hate to see you hurting.”

Sanji wanted to be grateful to Franky, but if it was a pair of clip-on earrings, he’d only feel worse. But he knew Franky’s heart was in the right place. He opened the bag. There were four boxes inside, three smaller ones and one larger one. Sanji hedged that the smaller ones contained the earrings. He pulled out the larger box and tucked the bag beneath his arm in order to open it.

Nestled inside was a silver filigree choker. The choker band was an intricately woven filigree with three overlapping rings in the center. From the middle ring, a double ring hung down, where it would nestle in the divot between the collar bones. It was beautiful. 

“Fuck.” Sanji felt the corners of his eyes sting again and he quickly rubbed his wrist across them. 

“Thought sometimes you might want to wear something other than a tie,” Franky said. “And you still get the bling.”

Sanji laughed softly, warmth hugging his heart. “Wouldn’t want to neglect that.”

Franky threw his massive arm over Sanji’s shoulder, as Sanji tucked the choker box away. “Let’s head back to the ship. I bet you that Jinbe would look great in those onyx earrings.” 

Brook staged a concert on Green Broken Isle, where he’d found a large contingent of fans in the opulent city. It was an open air concert that took place in an enormous park, complete with flashing lights, booming speakers, and fireworks. Fans screamed, everyone danced, alcohol flowed freely. 

The entire crew had never seen Brook perform. Everyone dressed up to party in one way or another. Luffy borrowed one of Brook’s boas and Franky dressed in light-up speedos. Chopper put on one of Sanji’s ties. Robin wore a skin-tight jumpsuit in purple with the gifted braided silver linear earrings. Nami wore blue harem pants and a matching cropped bra-top. Jinbe changed into a different sarong. Usopp stuck glowsticks in his hair. Zoro was shoved into a black unbuttoned shirt. Sanji got to wear his blood orange trousers with his choker, kohl-dusted eyes, and a new pair of tall heels. 

The concert was raucous. Invigorating. Sanji danced with all his friends and a bunch of strangers. He sang along with the familiar chorus of Brook’s songs. He laughed and drank and someone felt up his ass. Luffy rode around on his shoulders and Nami giggled in his ear. Usopp gave him a sloppy, drunk kiss on the cheek. He flirted with a lady with wings and an Okama with a beard. 

When he slipped off for a cigarette and a piss, he caught the eye of a well-built man wearing a lot of chains and leather. He gave his first blowjob on his knees in an alley adjacent to the park. It was dirty and exciting and exactly what he wanted to do. It was one of the best nights of his life.

“What’s this?” Sanji asked when Chopper put a bag on the table in the galley. He and Jinbe had come in while Sanji was putting the rest of the supplies away.

The Sunny had docked in Bright Harbor, a small town nestled in rolling green hills and quaint farms. It had been two weeks since they’d left Green Broken Isle and the ship needed restocking. Sanji had set off that morning with Zoro in tow to get supplies, while the others had gone off to explore the town.

Zoro was in the storage room behind the kitchen, using his brute strength to restack crates and barrels, revolving the stock. Sanji stood at the doorway, checking items off his list to ensure they’d gotten everything. 

“It’s for you,” Chopper said, beaming. “Jinbe and I saw it in a window and got it for you.”

“Our hopes are that you like it,” Jinbe added.

Sanji felt his heart warm. His friends had gotten him a gift. “It’s not my birthday.”

“We know. It doesn't have to be your birthday to get a gift.” Chopper clapped his hands with anticipation. “Open it!”

Sanji walked over to the table, set the clipboard down, and picked up the bag. He removed the tissue paper before finding emerald blue silk hiding beneath it. He pulled it out. The silk unfurled into a v-neck babydoll pajamas with thin straps. The material felt heavenly soft and the color was gorgeous. 

Sanji set the bag down and held the pajamas against himself. It would fall just low enough to cover everything. It was probably too short to wear alone.

“Don’t forget the other part!” Chopper said.

“Other part?” Sanji checked the bag, and sure enough, there was more silk inside. It was a pair of cami sleep shorts in the same color. A smile of delight crossed his face. “This is perfect.”

“Chopper and I agreed the color would look well on you,” Jinbe said.

“I kinda like his green one better,” Zoro commented. Sanji glanced over. Zoro was leaning against the doorway to the storage room. 

Sanji snorted. “That’s because your brain is full of moss.”

“Nah, it’s got those fuzzy parts on it.” Zoro shot him a cheeky grin. “Makes you look like a pervy bunny.”

“I do not look like a pervy bunny!”

Zoro laughed and disappeared back into the storage room. Sanji fumed, vowing to kick the marimo’s ass in a minute. For now, he held the blue silk up against him again and smiled widely at his nakama. “Thank you, both. It’s beautiful.”

Chopper wiggled and clapped. “I don’t need your thanks, asshole!”

Jinbe bowed his head politely. The onyx earrings he wore caught the light. “You are very welcome, Sanji.”

Deathly Spirit Hollow was an ominous name for an island. Naturally, Luffy wanted to visit immediately. “It sounds so cool!”

“It sounds like death,” Usopp cried.

“Usopp-san, are you afraid that spirits may rise up from the grave to cut you into tiny pieces so that you will never be found again?” Robin asked sweetly.

“I wasn’t before but I am now!” Usopp clamped his hands over his ears. “And don’t say scary things like that!”

The Thousand Sunny docked in the late afternoon at a rickety pier that extended like a finger into the sea. Low, dark thunderclouds hovered over Deathly Spirit Hollow. The mountainous terrain appeared foreboding. Twisted, fire burnt trees and ruins dotted the rocky landscape. A graveyard of broken tombstones and fallen statues stood at the end of the dock. A lone path wound upward into the cloudy mist. The temperature was cool, the wind whistling. Pre-storm waves crashed against the shore.

“Wahoo!” Luffy flung himself from the Sunny, dragging a screaming Usopp along with him. 

“Luffy! Don’t run off without us!” Nami yelled after him, zipping her puffy yellow jacket. Her thundercloud earrings were appropriate to the weather.

“Do not worry, I shall catch up to them,” Jinbe assured her and hustled off. 

Also wearing a heavier jacket, Robin followed Franky off the ship. Nami had predicted that it wouldn’t rain, despite the heavy cloud cover. “Chopper, Brook, are you sure you don’t mind staying behind?” Nami asked.

“Yo-ho-ho. I am already a skeleton. I do not need to meet any more,” Brook joked.

“I’m good, Nami,” Chopper reassured her. “It’s my turn to watch the ship while everyone is gone.”

Zoro descended the gangplank, adjusting the swords at his hip. He wore his usual long coat and sash. “We’ll either be back tonight or tomorrow, depending on if we find anything at the top of the path,” Nami told them before she followed Zoro down the gangplank. 

“If you’re hungry, I made bentos. They’re on the bar in the galley,” Sanji told them. “There are leftover breakfast pastries in the breadbox on the counter for the morning, if necessary.”

“Do not worry, Sanji-san. We shall feed ourselves with your blessing,” Brook said. 

Sanji gave them both a short smile and headed ashore. He carried a backpack with bentos for the shore party. He wore his black pinstripe suit in deference to the cool temperature, with a deep pink shirt unbuttoned at the collar. The silver filigree choker hung snugly around his neck. He’d lined his eyes with kohl before they’d arrived, and a new coat of black nail polish adorned his nails, courtesy of Nami. 

Hands tucked into his pockets, his five-inch, thick-heeled boots resounded on the rickety wood of the pier. The wind tousled his blond hair as he joined the others in the graveyard. The names in the graveyard held little meaning. Birth and death dates were old. Robin noted that many of the names were from the same family. 

The five of them headed up the winding path, passing by the torched remains of shops and houses. “Lightning, maybe,” Nami suggested as to the reason everything was burned. “If it had been dry for a while and lightning struck a tree, it may have started a wildfire.”

They could hear Luffy’s loud laughter ahead past the low cloudline. It was like walking into the fog. Visibility dimmed and the air felt damp. The path continued its slow wind until it arrived at an iron gate. Beyond the gate, a large house loomed. Broken steps led to the front door and a porch. The house was made of stone, with a two floor main building, a gabled main floor extension, and a tall circular tower with a rod on top. Luffy and Jinbe were peering in unbroken windows. Usopp was passed out on the porch.

“Why does this feel familiar?” Nami said, as she and the others joined Luffy and Jinbe. 

“All haunted houses appear the same,” Robin commented, trying the heavy iron front door. It squealed on its hinges as it opened. She smiled. “Right on pitch.”

Sanji kicked Usopp lightly as he passed. “Franky, you have a light?” 

“You got it.” Franky pressed his forearm and a high-beam light extended from his wrist. Nami pulled a handheld light from her pocket. Robin had one, as well, which she offered to Jinbe. 

Usopp moaned. “Leave me here, outside the big, scary house.”

“You’ll be left alone,” Nami sing-songed.

Usopp leaped to his feet. “On second thought, bring me with you away from the scary, alone outside.”

The interior was decorated in typical abandoned, potentially haunted, house design: peeling wallpaper, decrepit furniture, layers of dust, and cobwebs draped across everything. Bugs skittered in the sudden light. A three-tier candelabra with stubs of candles stood in the foyer near the door. Sanji used his lighter on the candles, to give them an additional lightsource.

It was decided they would split up to explore each of the floors in the house. Luffy went with Franky to the tower, Nami went with Zoro to the basement, Robin and Jinbe would search the main floor, and Sanji and Usopp would go up to the second. They were to look for information regarding the last Road Poneglyph and treasure. “Most especially treasure,” Nami directed with greed in her eyes.

“I think the only treasure we’re going to find is those left by rats,” Sanji commented, avoiding the rat poop at the top of the stairs to the second level. 

“Normal rats, I hope,” Usopp said, sticking close to Sanji. “Not giant mutant rats with glowing red eyes and sharp teeth that will suck your blood.”

“Did you encounter those often with your army?” Sanji teased. There were rooms on either side of the hallway on the second floor. They headed left first.

“Yes!” Usopp exclaimed. “We fought valiantly against a militia of mutant rats that overran an entire island. The battle was fierce and bloody. Teeth and tails flew everywhere. Many warriors succumbed to the fatal bite of the giant Ratificus, who led the militia of rats. But we were victorious in the end, decimating the rats and driving the remainder into the sea!”

Sanji opened the first door he came to, which revealed a typical bedroom. Double bed, wardrobe, mirror, writing desk and chair. Everything was dust covered, moth eaten, or rotting. “Don’t rats swim?”

“Uh, some do,” Usopp hedged. “But these were the non-swimming kind. They drowned.”

Sanji chuckled and tried the next door. Another bedroom. Nothing special about it, except for the animal skull on the floor. Usopp immediately screamed, his hands smacking his cheeks. The candlelight highlighted his multi-colored nails. Nami held open invitations for anyone who wanted to get their nails painted on a monthly basis. Usopp tended to go for multiple colors. Robin chose neutral tones. Franky was partial to red and blue. Zoro would stop by sometimes and get whatever color Sanji wore and then made it a competition to see whose polish would last the longest. Nami painted little hearts on Chopper’s hooves. 

Sanji brought his finger to his ear and rubbed it. “It’s already dead.”

“Heh-heh. I knew that.” Usopp tiptoed up to the skull. When it didn’t pounce at him, he crouched beside it. “Think it’s a rat?”

“Too small. Cat maybe.” Sanji picked it up casually and set it on the desk in the room. “Wonder where the rest of the body is?”

“Hopefully not roaming around the house headless!” Usopp fretted.

“If it is, I’ll kick it into pieces for you.”

Usopp bowed. “I humbly thank you for your service.”

They left the bedroom to check out the last door on this side of the stairwell. It contained a pink tiled bathroom with rusted faucets. Sanji checked the water, but it didn’t work. The lack of electricity prevented the well from running. 

Sanji and Usopp headed for the opposite side of the stairwell. They found a linen closet, another full bathroom, and a bedroom. No more skulls thus far. Sanji had just opened the last door when they heard a loud clap of thunder and a flash of lightning outside the hall windows, and suddenly the entire house lit up. The lights in the bedroom and the hallway came on. There was a second clap of thunder and immediate lightning flash and it started to pour down rain.

Sanji and Usopp exchanged puzzled glances. “I thought Nami said it wasn’t going to rain,” Usopp commented.

“I want to know why we suddenly have electricity. This house seems to have been abandoned for quite a while,” Sanji said. He blew out the candles, pulled the door shut on another bedroom, and the two of them headed downstairs.

They met up with Nami, Zoro, Robin and Jinbe in the main hall. All of them wore confused expressions. Rain hammered against the windows. Lightning and thunder crashed one on top of the other. “Did you turn on the power?” Nami asked Robin and Jinbe.

“No. We only located lightswitches that did not operate,” Robin replied.

“Zoro and I didn’t find anything in the basement that would start the power,” Nami told her.

“Nothing on the second floor except for bedrooms and bathrooms,” Sanji said.

Zoro scratched his arm. “It was probably Franky.”

Robin nodded in agreement. “That would be a good guess.” 

“Nami, you said it wasn’t going to rain,” Usopp said, gesturing to the downpour visible outside the window.

“It wasn’t supposed to,” Nami said. “I’m rarely wrong about it.”

“Hey, guys!” Luffy shouted as he and Franky came down the hallway leading from the tower. “Guess what we found? A cool machine that turned on the lights!”

Zoro and Robin exchanged small grins.

“It was up on the top floor of the tower,” Franky explained. “I flipped a few switches and it appeared to let out a burst of energy of some sort that flew up this long pole in the center of the room that went through the ceiling. A second later, lightning struck the tower and the lights went on.”

“Electrostatic discharge,” Nami said. “It’s part of my Clima-Tact. It can create lightning. The discharge likely started the storm.” She sighed. “Guess we’re definitely spending the night.”

“There are four bedrooms upstairs, and two bathrooms,” Sanji said. “Dusty, but serviceable. The water likely works now.”

“With the lights on, I am going to perform a more thorough search for information,” Robin said. “We likely missed several nooks and drawers searching by portable light.”

“Maybe I’ll find a hidden safe!” Nami sounded chipper again. 

“I’ll clean off a dining table and leave our bentos and drinks on it, for everyone to eat when they’d like,” Sanji said. 

With the lights on, the old house had lost its scariness. Everyone separated to do their own thing. Sanji found a dining room attached to a kitchen. The dining room had a large table, seating for twelve, and a serving board. The kitchen held cabinets, a pantry, stove, old icebox, and a sink. Rooting around in the kitchen unearthed a dusty but usable rag. The sink worked and Sanji was able to wash off the dining table and chairs before laying out the bentos he’d brought. 

The rain continued to pour down in buckets, thunder and lightning close together. Sanji made a thorough search of the kitchen. He found a recipe box, which he took with him into the dining room. He sat down to eat while he looked through the recipes. Most of them were common ones, but a few had twists he hadn’t tried or were new to him. He set those aside.

The others wandered in and out, stopping to eat and chat. Nami did find treasure. Not a lot, but it made her happy. Robin located correspondence from the family who owned the house, which matched the name most prevalent in the cemetery. Jinbe unearthed an umbrella that rained bugs when he opened it, causing Usopp and Sanji to both scream and flee. 

Night descended and the rain hadn’t let up. They divided up the bedrooms. Robin and Nami took the first and Franky grabbed Usopp. “I get the cook!” Zoro announced, grabbed Sanji’s arm, and dragged him quickly to the nearest bedroom. Sanji towered over him by nearly half a foot. He shut the door and grinned. “Poor Jinbe.”

Sanji chuckled. “Poor Jinbe.”

Zoro pulled his katanas from their loop at his side and set them on the rickety desk. “Last time I had to share with Luffy, he drooled all over my chest.”

“Last time I was stuck with him, he knotted his arms and legs around me so tightly we needed help to untangle him,” Sanji said. “Almost pissed my boxers from waiting.”

The dusty bedroom Zoro had dragged them into had a double bed with a moth-eaten bedspread, a wooden wardrobe that was missing its doors, an empty desk and a listing chair. A lamp stood on a night table beside the bed, providing a warm glow to the otherwise worn room. A tall free-standing dressing mirror stood next to the wardrobe. Sanji dragged the bedspread from the bed and used it to wipe off the mirror before letting the bedspread fall onto the floor. He checked his clothes, pleased to see that he hadn’t accumulated a layer of dust on himself traipsing around the old house.

“I’m going to hit the bathroom,” Zoro told him before leaving the room. 

Sanji pulled off the old pillows from the bed and dumped them with the bedspread onto the floor. He also removed the next layer of blanket. The sheets on the bed itself had been protected by the outer layers and were musty but dust free. He sat on the edge of the bed and bounced. The springs were intact. Sanji would take the bed over the floor anyday.

A bug ran out from beneath the bed itself, causing Sanji to jump halfway across the room with a screech. It disappeared beneath the bedroom door into the hallway. Sanji cautiously approached the bed and crouched to peer beneath it. He would prefer that the boogeyman be under there, grab him, and suck him into a hell dimension than find any more bugs. Luckily, he only spotted dust bunnies. 

Zoro returned with damp hair and speckles of water on his chest and back. His long coat and damp red sash draped over his shoulder. “Bathroom’s free.”

Sanji nodded and went to take his turn. The water did work, though he had to wipe his damp hands on his trousers, which irritated him. He should’ve grabbed Zoro’s sash. Next time, he’d remember to pack a few hand towels with whatever meal he brought for the group, just in case. 

On his way back to the bedroom, Sanji passed Jinbe in the hall and gave him a sympathetic look. “If he tries to eat you in his sleep, just stuff his shirt in his mouth.”

Jinbe laughed. “Advice I shall take to heart.”

When Sanji returned to the room, he found Zoro sprawled on one side of the bed with the sheet over his waist. His clothing sat in a pile on the desk with his katanas. His arms were pillowed beneath his head, bare chest on display. “Hurry up, cook. I want to turn off the light.”

“Pushy swordsman,” Sanji griped and walked over to the other side of the bed. He took a seat, pulling his cigarettes and the lighter from his pocket to set them on the night table with the lamp. He swung his legs up to lie on top of the covers.

Zoro pushed up onto his elbows to frown at him. “You’re going to sleep with your clothes and boots on?”

“I’m not wearing boxers,” Sanji told him. 

“So? I’m not wearing boxers, either,” Zoro said.

Sanji eyed the sheet speculatively. “Are you naked under there?”

“Yeah.” Zoro frowned slightly. “Does it bother you?”

“Why would it bother me?”

“Cuz you’re straight and I’m not,” Zoro said. “I don’t want you to think I’m hitting on you or something.”

Sanji realized that Zoro didn’t know. Not that Sanji had told anyone but Nami. “I’m not straight.”

“What?” Zoro stared at Sanji uncomprehendingly. “I’ve only ever seen you throw yourself at girls.”

“Didn’t want to be seen as a failure there, too,” Sanji said offhandedly, even though the truth did sting. He’d been so wrapped up in past trauma that he hurt himself more over the years. But he was getting over it.

Zoro’s eye narrowed. “Being gay isn’t wrong.”

“I know that,” Sanji said quickly. “I was talking about me. My own baggage. Prince Vinsmoke crap.”

Zoro studied him for a moment. “You never talk about what happened.”

“No.” Sanji reached for his cigarettes and lighter.

“Do you want to?”

Sanji paused before lighting up. He’d told all of this to Nami, but Zoro rarely asked him to share. They had a solid friendship, but it was based on things other than heart-to-hearts. Maybe it was time for that to change, too. “Yeah. I do.”

Sanji started with his mother this time, describing what he remembered of her, of what he learned from Reiji about her death. He moved on to tell Zoro about his life as Prince Sanji of the Germa Kingdom and what that had actually entailed. No Princesses or galas or spoiled rich boy brattiness. He was a lab rat, plain and simple. 

Zoro shifted onto his side, propping his head up with his fist. He asked questions here and there, for clarification. Sanji blew smoke rings at the ceiling, lying with his other arm behind his head as he talked. When Sanji got to the part of being imprisoned, his observation haki lit up from the angry emotions boiling from Zoro. It actually made it easier to get past it, knowing Zoro cared enough to be angry on his behalf. He touched on his promise never to admit being a Vinsmoke as a condition of his escape. He slid into Zeff, about starving on a rock, about promises and fears and living with a need to please everyone else at the sake of himself.

“I still do it,” Sanji said, “with the crew, though I’m trying not to anymore.”

“I’ve noticed,” Zoro said. “You say no now, or ask for help. You also don’t put on a show anymore or get angry as often. It feels like you’ve made peace with yourself.”

Sanji’s lips pulled into a smile. Zoro hit it on the head. He had made peace with himself. He hadn’t felt guilt or rage when he spoke about his past. He wasn’t quick to fly off the handle at any slight. He’d stopped being overly crazy around women. He’d come to terms with his body, what he’d gained and what he lost, and was one hundred percent comfortable now in his own skin. 

“Uh… so how not straight are you?” Zoro asked, failing at sounding casual. 

Sanji chuckled. “Afraid I might hit on you or something?”

“No.” Zoro huffed. “Just wondering.”

“Uh-huh.” 

“Are you getting in bed or not?” Zoro said irritably.

“I’m already in bed,” Sanji pointed out, as he stabbed out the remains of his cigarette against the old nightstand.

Zoro growled. “You know what I mean.”

Sanji grinned. It was fun to rile Zoro up. “Told you, I’m not wearing boxers.”

“Didn’t we have this conversation already? I don’t care if you’re naked.”

“Didn’t say I was naked.”

Zoro went silent. Sanji glanced at him. Zoro was staring at Sanji’s crotch as if trying to see through his trousers. “Zoro, you’re staring.”

“What?” Zoro’s gaze jerked up. Sanji watched as a red flush spread across his cheeks. “I’m not.”

Sanji turned onto his side, to face Zoro, propping his head on his fist in a mimic of Zoro’s position. He brought his knee up and placed his boot heel on the bed. Zoro’s eye drifted downard again. It caused a frisson of arousal to snake down Sanji’s spine. Zoro was into him. Or at least interested in what Sanji was wearing. 

Sanji had a choice here. He could see where this led, or he could retreat into the safety of their friendship. He would be lying to himself if he claimed that he hadn’t thought of having sex with Zoro. Zoro walked around shirtless half the time and Sanji was into muscle-bound rough types. But Sanji had spent a majority of their time together burying his desires for men. Now, though, he didn’t have to. Zoro already knew. He was free to choose for himself.

“Zoro, do you want to see what I’m wearing under my suit?”

“Are you shitting me right now?” Zoro asked gruffly, even as his blush deepened.

Sanji brought a finger up to play with the dangling ring on his choker. “No. I’m asking if you want to have sex.”

A choked noise came from the back of Zoro’s throat, his pupil blowing wide. “Fuck, yes.”

The response caused Sanji to feel both lightened and slammed with arousal at the same time. Zoro did want him. A grin spread across his lips. “How long?”

“What?”

“How long have you wanted to have sex with me?”

Zoro’s fingers closed around the sheet in front of his waist. “Since you first put on heeled boots.”

Sanji’s grin grew. “You got turned on because I was wearing heels?”

“No. I got turned on because you were happy.” 

The air left Sanji in a rush as his heart suddenly squeezed in his chest. Like on the first day that he wore heels, Zoro words were nothing like he’d expected and everything he’d ever wanted to hear. “Fuck, I didn’t know you could be romantic.”

The side of Zoro’s mouth curved up. “I’m just telling the truth.”

And it was the truth. Sanji had been so happy that Zoro had just accepted him with the boots. He’d been happy that he’d taken the chance to wear them. He’d been truly happy with himself for the first time in his life that day. 

Sanji cleared the knot that had formed in his throat. “Damned marimo, making me emotional. I’m going to smear my eyeliner.” 

Zoro laughed, and he reached out to drag Sanji closer. The sheet bunched up between them. He bumped his nose playfully against Sanji’s. “Kiss me already, idiot love cook.”

Sanji complied, adjusting his head so he could meet Zoro’s lips with his own. Fire ignited immediately, the fighting passion that had always been between them finally finding a home. Their mouths parted, met again, coming together with hunger. Sanji’s tongue slid against Zoro’s, drawing him out into a different battle, unhesitant, confident, giving as much as he took. Zoro’s fingers clenched into the material of his suit coat, reminding Sanji that he was still dressed and Zoro was not. The thought sent lust spiraling to his groin, making him harden.

He wanted to see Zoro, all of Zoro, splayed out before him like a delicious feast. Sanji drew back, opening his eyes. Zoro’s lips were swollen, damp, and red from kissing. His own eye was hooded with lust. Sanji pushed him back onto the bed, sat up, and swept the sheet from him. The lamplight painted Zoro’s tanned body, highlighting the muscles and ridges. His brown nipples had pebbled, his cock rose from a thatch of green hair, already hard and leaking. Sanji drank him in. This was his to play with, his to enjoy. He didn’t have to pretend that he didn’t want this, didn’t have to pretend that Zoro wasn’t making him horny as hell. 

Sanji rose over Zoro and began kissing down the center of his chest. He ran his hands over the taut muscle of Zoro’s pecs, finding a nipple, pinching it between his fingertips. His cock twitched when Zoro moaned. He shifted his mouth to the other nipple, sucking it between his lips, flicking it with his tongue. Zoro pressed his chest up into Sanji’s mouth, cursing. Sanji glanced up to find Zoro watching him, a heady flush on his face. He smiled against Zoro’s nipple, scraping it with his teeth before continuing his downward kissing.

His mouth traced each ridge of Zoro’s defined abs and he darted his tongue into Zoro’s navel. Zoro tasted like salty skin, having taken a shower. Sanji brushed his nose over Zoro green curls, Zoro’s erection bumping against the bottom of his chin. He didn’t hesitate to lick his lips, open his mouth and suck Zoro in.

Zoro hissed and grabbed Sanji’s shoulders. Sanji smiled around the cock in his mouth. He knew what to do, tongue sliding over and around the silken skin, getting him damp. His lips formed a tight ring around the hardness and he began to bob his head over Zoro’s lap. He could see Zoro staring at him, slack mouthed, as he sucked Zoro’s cock. He rubbed his tongue against the underside, taking Zoro deeper every time. He knew how far he could go down before he choked. He knew one day he’d be able to take it all. 

Sanji’s mouth made lewd, wet slurping sounds in the bedroom. The rain continued to hit the window and patter against the roof. Zoro’s breathing was heavy, and his hands and legs twitched on their own accord. Sanji kept his own hands on Zoro’s hips, holding him down, head rising and falling over his lap. Desire coiled tight in Sanji’s loins. Half of him wanted to fuck Zoro, half of him wanted to blow Zoro all night.

Fuck, Sanji realized he didn’t know if Zoro wanted to be fucked. Sanji knew he didn’t. Maybe not ever. He drew off of Zoro’s cock and looked up at Zoro from beneath his bangs. “Can I fuck you?”

Zoro gripped Sanji’s shoulders with his fingers so hard that Sanji actually felt it. “Yes, fuck, please. Do it now.”

A wave of want crashed over Sanji. But instead of jumping Zoro, Sanji swallowed Zoro’s cock back into the tight recesses of his mouth. Zoro’s breath stuttered, his heels digging into the bed. He was staring at Sanji with wild hunger now. Sanji bobbed his head faster, lips sliding up and down, messily drooling, tongue working hard at the underside of Zoro’s shaft. He loved the taste of cock, the musky smell of Zoro’s sex, the feel of Zoro stretching his mouth obscenely. He loved the way it made him feel, having a man’s cock in his mouth. There was no question that he was having sex with a man, no pretending that he was doing anything else. 

He felt Zoro tensing under his hands, his breath growing ragged. “I’m going to come.”

Sanji hummed and didn’t slow down. He watched from beneath his lashes as the red sex flush across Zoro’s face grew darker, his hands clenched tighter again, and then his entire body jerked and his eye squeezed shut with a sharp intake of breath. Sanji felt the pulse against his lips before Zoro flooded his mouth with cum. Sanji swallowed as quickly as he could, the salty, bitter taste having a metallic edge. He stopped moving his head, drinking Zoro dry before slowly releasing him. A trail of saliva connected him to the tip of Zoro’s cock. 

He dragged his lips up Zoro’s body until he was able to give Zoro a kiss, his cum-slicked tongue diving to tangle with Zoro’s. When he pulled back, Zoro chased after him to kiss him some more. Sanji gave in, mouth moving against Zoro’s, driving his own desire into a frenzy. Zoro’s hands tangled in his hair, holding him captive, as they kissed, and kissed, and kissed.

Sanji finally wrenched himself away before he bore down on Zoro’s body and humped himself into orgasm with his clothes still on. He wanted in Zoro. He wanted to feel what it was like to fuck a man, this man. He was desperate for it. 

He pushed himself off the bed, rounding it to his original side, as he removed his black pinstriped suit coat. He draped it over the listing desk chair. He undid his belt buckle and tugged his pink shirt from his waistband. Zoro watched from the bed as he unbuttoned his shirt cuffs, then the front. Sanji drew the shirt from his shoulders and placed it over his suit coat. The filigree choker sat snugly around his neck, the ring dangling between his collarbones as if waiting for a leash. 

Sanji bent forward and undid the hidden zipper that he’d sewn into the inside seam of his trousers at the ankles, to allow him to wear these black pinstriped trousers with his boots. When he straightened, he unbuttoned and unzipped his trousers, put his hands on the material at his hips, and slowly pushed them down, watching Zoro the entire time.

Zoro’s eye went wide, his mouth dropping open, when Sanji’s trousers fell to pool around his feet. Sanji stepped out of them, leaving him wearing the black leather and lace garter belt, stockings, and thigh-high lace-up boots with five-inch chunky heels. His erection stood out from his body, framed by the garter, flushed and leaking. He wore this today because it felt good. Now, he had someone to share it with, and with the look on Zoro’s face, he felt even better. 

“Coat, my coat.” Zoro gestured a little wildly. “Inner pocket.”

Sanji’s brow raised and he turned to the clothing sitting in a pile on the desk with Zoro’s katanas. He found the coat and dug into the inner pocket. He came up with a tube of sex lubricant. He turned to Zoro and held it up. “Do you always carry lube around with you?”

“No. It’s still in my pocket from Bright Harbor.” 

Sanji’s imagination immediately filled in how Zoro would need it. Maybe he fucked someone. Or maybe he’d gotten fucked. Or maybe both at the same time. The imagery was so hot, Sanji had to pinch the base of his cock before he came like a fountain onto the floor.

Zoro made a strangled sound. “If you don’t fuck me soon, I’m going to kill you.”

Sanji walked back toward the bed, still on the far side of it. The lamplight cast gold against his pale skin. Zoro swallowed and his gaze darted between Sanji and something behind him. “I can see you in the mirror.” 

Sanji glanced over his shoulder. Sure enough, the mirror he’d cleaned off reflected his bare ass, the straps from the garter, the tops of his stockings, and the back of his boots. He could see the base of the choker around his neck. A slow, salacious smile crossed his lips, as he looked at Zoro again. “Want to watch me fuck you?”

“Oh, shit.” Zoro grabbed his own cock, pumped it viciously three times, and came all over his hand and belly. His chest heaved as he panted, his face flushed from orgasm.

Sanji stared in wonder. Zoro just came again. “Did I… did you…?”

“You don’t know what you looked like when you said that,” Zoro told him, a shattered rasp in his tone. “So confident and beautiful and you.”

Sanji felt his throat tighten. “Stop saying such stupid romantic things.”

“Still just the truth.” Zoro held Sanji’s gaze, a deep covetousness in his eye. “You’re perfect.”

Sanji closed his eyes against the sudden sting. No one had ever called him perfect. His whole life had been about trying to be better, to be worthy. It took nearly becoming a monster to finally take the chance on pleasing himself instead of others. And now this crazy, stupid, wonderful man wanted him. Had called him perfect.

Sanji brought his fingers to his eyes, trying not to smear the kohl as he dashed the tears from them. “Told you not to make me ruin my eyeliner.”

“Heh,” Zoro laughed softly. “Worth it.”

Sanji cleared his throat, desire, longing, and happiness thrumming in his veins. He tossed the lube at Zoro. “Use that on yourself. I don’t know what to do with it.”

Zoro grabbed the lube, shifted on the bed so he was lying more toward Sanji’s side, and squirted the lube onto his fingers. He drew a knee back and reached down between his legs. Sanji saw his wet fingers circle his hole and anticipation coiled in his gut. 

Sanji turned away, went over to the free-standing mirror, lifted it, and positioned it closer to the bed. He could see Zoro fucking himself with his fingers clearly in the reflection. It was so damned hot. He met Zoro’s gaze in the mirror, wanton hunger churning inside. He couldn’t wait any longer.

Sanji turned to the bed, letting his eyes drink in the lascivious scene before crawling onto the bed between Zoro’s thighs. Zoro’s slicked hole was shiny and reddened, his blunt fingers twisting and stretching himself. Sanji knew he could get off on just watching Zoro do this, but he wanted to be in that body. “What do I need to do?” he asked, an ache in his voice.

“Use the lube on yourself,” Zoro said, licking his lips. “Spread it over your cock.”

Sanji reached for the tube that had been discarded on the bed. He squirted some on his fingers. The slick substance was surprisingly cold, and thick. His erection jumped when he coated it. He was careful not to stroke himself or he’d be coming on Zoro’s ass instead of in it.

Zoro removed his fingers from himself, wiped them on the bunched sheet, and pulled his other knee back. He was completely exposed to Sanji. Sanji pinched the base of his cock again as blood trickled from his nose. He dashed it away with the back of his wrist. 

“Press your cock against my hole and push steadily forward,” Zoro told him, an edge to his tone now. “You won’t need to stop. My body’s used to this.”

“Fuck.” Sanji’s nose started bleeding again and he clamped his fingers against his nostrils to get it to stop. The fact that Zoro took it up the ass regularly enough to be used to it was a serious turn on. 

A small grin appeared on Zoro’s lips. “Pervert. Thinking about me with other men.”

“Yes. Shut up.” Sanji got his nose to stop, wiped the blood on the sheet, and moved closer to Zoro’s waiting ass. He knelt up and positioned his swollen, slicked cockhead against Zoro’s shiny hole. He braced one hand on the back of Zoro’s thigh, held his cock in place, and pushed forward.

There was resistance for a moment, then Zoro’s body bloomed around his cockhead. Sanji watched with wide eyes as he sank into Zoro’s hot, tight ass. A jolt went through his body, his eyes slammed shut, and he was coming hard. His cock pumped Zoro’s ass full of semen before he even was fully inside. His mind blanked out for a moment, then came back with an embarrassed vengeance.

Zoro hooked an ankle around Sanji’s waist. “Stay put. You’ll be hard again in a few minutes.”

Sanji opened his eyes, panting slightly. Zoro didn’t look like he was irritated or was going to make fun of Sanji. He looked gorgeous and hungry-eyed and wanting. Sanji glanced between their bodies, where his cock was still nestled in Zoro’s ass. Zoro’s hole was stretched obscenely around his girth, red and grasping at him. His cum was inside Zoro already, soaking in, claiming him for the night. 

Zoro reached out, his fingertips barely able to graze Sanji’s skin in his position. They brushed lightly along the upper line of Sanji’s garter. “This is pretty,” he murmured. “I noticed you mostly like the darker, edgier things.”

“Not effeminate,” Sanji said, his stomach clenching as his skin tingled. “I just like some types of women’s cuts.”

“Every time you wear one of your short, strappy nightgowns, I want to rip it off you with my teeth,” Zoro said in a low, carnal tone. 

Heat grabbed Sanji’s balls. “Fuck.”

Zoro’s hand grazed higher, fingertips brushing up Sanji’s bare chest until he hooked one in the ring on Sanji’s choker. His voice became even darker, possessive. “You’ve intoxicated me for months and I didn’t even know you weren’t straight.”

Sanji felt himself hardening again. “You know now.”

“Yes,” Zoro hissed desirously, tugging at Sanji’s choker. “I might never let you leave this bed.”

Raw lust choked Sanji, and he surged over Zoro to crush their mouths together. Sanji devoured Zoro with a kiss, his body pressing Zoro onto the bed, firming cock sunk deep into his ass. Zoro moaned loudly in the back of his throat, his finger caught in Sanji’s choker. Sanji’s tongue lashed against Zoro, years and years of pent up longing for another man crashing into the kiss. He greedily swallowed every wanton sound Zoro made, wanting more, wanting it all. 

Sanji’s hips began to move, drawing back slightly and sliding back in, his cock getting harder and harder until he was fully erect again. He broke the kiss and stared down at Zoro with lust-slackened features. Zoro’s mouth was bruised and swollen, shiny with saliva. The sex flush had returned to his cheeks and his hooded eye was heavy with arousal. He was gorgeous. 

Sanji rose more on his knees and Zoro drew his leg back. Sanji shifted his hands to Zoro’s raised calves, bracing himself, causing Zoro’s knees to press more against his chest. Without any further delay, he began to fuck Zoro. 

Zoro moaned again, his head turning. Sanji could see him focus on something, and he glanced to the side. The mirror was right there, reflecting them in the lamplight. Sanji knelt in his thigh-high boots, stockings, and garter, his cock visibly sliding back and forth in Zoro’s hole. His hands were holding Zoro’s legs back, lifting his ass from the bed. Zoro’s muscular form looked dominated, even though Sanji wore the choker collar around his neck. It was so fucking hot. 

Sanji began to move faster, Zoro’s tight, hot ass caressing his rigid cock. He buried his full length in Zoro again and again, plunging deep. The lewd sound of slapping bodies and the rhythmic creaking of the bed filled the room. The rain tapping on the roof and window accompanied them. The lamplight meant that Sanji could see everything. His queerness, his lust, his fucking another man. Zoro’s semi-erect cock and balls bounced with every sharp thrust. It was exhilarating, inebriating, and Sanji never wanted to stop.

Sanji fucked Zoro, and fucked Zoro, and watched himself fuck Zoro in the mirror. Having climaxed already allowed him to make this last. His powerful hips smacked hard against Zoro’s upraised ass, which had become red and bruised from the repeated hits. Zoro’s chest was heaving, his sex-flushed face and mouth slackened from passion. The garter, stockings, and boots Sanji wore made him feel powerful, sexy, and completely himself. He fucking loved it, loved this. 

When his orgasm hit, his entire body bowed backwards from the force. His head flew back, face twisted, a sharp cry erupting from his throat. Sanji’s brain whited out as his body wracked hard, cock pulsing, emptying, filling Zoro’s ass with more semen.

He slumped when it finally ended, panting heavily, his mouth dry, his heart hammering in his chest. He opened his eyes to find Zoro staring at him with a possessiveness that stole his breath. It made Sanji want to get hard immediately and fuck him again. Instead, he pressed himself over Zoro once more and captured Zoro’s captivating mouth in another kiss.

Zoro released his knees and twined his arms around Sanji’s neck. He kissed Sanji back with an avid longing. Sanji’s cock sat snugly inside Zoro, owning him basely. Sanji had the desire to keep him like this forever. 

Intimacy surrounded them, the rain a steady patter in the background. The scent of sex hung heavily in the air. Their twined bodies were reflected in the mirror, one light, one darker, one edgy, one claimed. Sanji drew back from the kiss to meet Zoro’s gratified gaze. “You’re mine now.”

Zoro’s eye darkened. “Only if you’re mine.”

A quicksilver grin flashed across Sanji’s lips. “You’ll have to get a leash.”

Zoro’s nostrils flared. “It’ll be my pleasure.”

“No.” Sanji lowered his head, bringing his mouth to Zoro’s and whispering against his lips, “It’ll be ours.”

Sanji stretched his arms over his head, the warm sunshine beating down upon his bare shoulders. He shielded his eyes, looking down the beach for Zoro. Soft waves lapped at the shoreline that curved in the distance. White sand glittered in the sunlight. The sea breeze tickled Sanji’s hair. 

The Sunny had anchored off Triton Cove, an uninhabited island lush with jungle flora. The crew had disembarked, Franky ferrying them to the island on the Mini Merry II. Everyone disappeared to explore with the promise to meet back by the Merry by suppertime. Sanji and Zoro had wandered down the beach, following the shoreline as it snaked around the island. The Sunny was no longer visible, nor any of their friends.

Seabirds called to one another as they dove for fish in the surf. A crab scuttled past Sanji’s bare, black-painted toenails. He wore a black, short wraparound skirt, weighted with buckles, and a black buckled corset that made a heartline over his pecs. His filigree choker sat around his neck, a silver braided leash draped over his bare shoulder. His fingernails matched his toes. He’d gone heavy with his kohl eye makeup.

The salty scent of the ocean mixed with the fragrant scent of hibiscus trees. Sanji spotted Zoro in the distance, crouched in the surf, digging for something. Sanji strolled along the sand, waves tickling his toes, until he caught up with Zoro. Zoro wore loose shorts and an unbuttoned green shirt, his katanas fastened to a belt around his hips. His green hair had gotten shaggy, curling over his ears. Both their boots hung from their laces over his shoulder.

“Digging for gold, marimo?” Sanji asked, running his fingers through Zoro’s hair. 

“Thought I saw a key,” Zoro said, scooping wet sand from a hole. Every time the surf washed in, it filled the hole with water and more sand. “Maybe it goes to something.”

“Nami-san would be thrilled to find treasure.” Sanji scanned the sea around them, looking for a mast or indication of a sunken ship. He petted Zoro absently. Maybe he’d ask Jinbe to take a look.

“Ha, here it is.” Zoro pulled up a three-inch long, rusty metal key with a fleur-de-lis handle. He grinned up at Sanji. “If we can’t find what it goes to, we can always shine it up. Turn it into a necklace for you.”

Sanji’s lips curved fondly. “You dressing me up now?”

Zoro straightened, coming eye-to-eye with Sanji with them both in bare feet. “You like that?” 

“I don’t mind.” Sanji slid his hands around Zoro’s waist, beneath the open edges of his shirt. “I’m not the pervert in this relationship.”

“Tch.” Zoro snatched a kiss. “Who’s the one who tied a pink bow around my dick?”

Sanji smirked. “You looked very pretty, like a present to me.”

“Hn.” Zoro cupped Sanji’s ass, making the skirt rise in the back. Sanji wasn’t wearing anything underneath. “You only love me for my cock.”

“Hm, maybe. It is a really great cock,” Sanji teased, feeling himself become aroused. “Fits perfectly in my mouth. And you make such needy, obscene noises whenever I suck you off.”

Zoro moaned deep in his chest, his fingers flexing on Sanji’s ass. “Suck me off now.”

Sanji smiled salaciously, the demand going right to his balls. He descended to his knees in the damp sand, reaching for Zoro’s zipper. In no time, he had Zoro’s erection free from his shorts and deep in his mouth. 

Zoro moaned again, dropped the key into his shirt pocket, and pushed his fingers into Sanji’s hair. He held Sanji’s head still and began fucking his face with slow, steady thrusts. Sanji’s head was tilted back enough to take Zoro easily down his throat. His lips stretched around Zoro’s width, tongue rubbing against the underside. He pulled up his skirt, wrapped his hand around his own hard length, and jacked himself off in rhythm with Zoro’s thrusts.

The surf splashed against Sanji’s calves and bare knees where he knelt in the sand. Zoro’s cock slid in and out of his throat. The material of Zoro’s shorts bumping against his cheeks and chin with every pump of Zoro’s hips. Sanji’s fingers tightened around his erection when Zoro started moving faster, desire churning like the waves. He loved sucking cock, loved it when Zoro took control and fucked Sanji’s face however he wanted. Sanji got Zoro’s ass and Zoro got his mouth. It worked perfectly for them. 

And sometimes they found others on islands they visited, and Sanji got to suck other cocks and watch Zoro fuck and be fucked, because deep down Sanji was definitely still a pervert. 

Zoro made a hitching sound in the back of his throat, indicating he was going to come. Sanji’s hand flew back and forth over his length, jerking himself, as Zoro’s thrusts grew harder and unsteadily. Zoro’s fingers dug into Sanji’s skull and he pounded against Sanji’s face five more times before he plunged deep, spilling down Sanji’s throat. Sanji choked, his eyes rolling back, orgasm raking through him. He shot over his fingers and into the sand. A wave came onto shore and washed his seed away.

Zoro held him in place, cutting off his air until blackness encroached on his vision. He swayed on his knees. Zoro released him abruptly, pulling his softening cock free from Sanji’s mouth. Sanji coughed and gasped for breath. His throat felt swollen and raw. It was the best feeling, something his modifications hadn’t taken away. 

When he regained his breath, Zoro had tucked himself back into his shorts and was watching Sanji with a smug expression. Sanji scowled up at him, climbed to his feet, and fixed his skirt. Then, he kicked Zoro in the shin. “Shitty swordsman.”

Zoro grinned rottenly. “Sexy love cook.” 

“Pft.” Sanji made a dismissive sound, grabbed their boots from Zoro’s shoulder, and unlaced them. He dropped Zoro’s into the sand and pulled his own on. They rose halfway up his calf and had thick, platform soles. Once tied, he stood more than half a foot taller than Zoro.

Zoro tugged on his own boots, not bothering to tie them. Sanji snatched the key from Zoro’s shirt pocket and examined it. “Let’s find the others, see if they found something this key goes to. Otherwise, I’ll ask Jinbe to check the water around the island.”

Zoro pulled the leash from Sanji’s shoulder, twining it once around his hand. “Maybe there’s a hidden castle or something in the jungle.”

Sanji stepped in front of Zoro, leading the way away from the beach. The leash slid around his side, under his arm, as Zoro followed behind. “I haven’t heard Usopp scream in a while. It’s possible they’ve gone into something. Or he passed out again.”

Zoro chuckled. “Chopper told me he brought his smelling salts this time.”

“Smart.” Sanji stepped over a fallen branch as they entered the jungle. He activated his observation haki and extended his senses to find the others. He knew them by shape now, and could hone in on who he wanted. “We’ll check with Robin first. She’s with Franky and Brook.”

The jungle canopy shielded them from the sun. Monkeys called to each other. Branches shook as animals jumped from one to another. A large bird took flight, its wings spanning far. The air became humid, away from the shore.

“Next time we’re in a good town, I’m buying you undergarments. Lots of straps. Little material.” Zoro paused. “Maybe a little bunny fluff, right on your ass.”

Sanji chuckled, amused and secretly thrilled. “Pervert.”

Zoro tugged lightly on the leash. “You love it, though.”

“Hn. Yeah.” Sanji shot a smile over his shoulder. “And you.”

He caught the blush that stole across Zoro’s face and it made his heart sing.

Thanks, mom.

End