Archive of Our Own

Chapter Text

“Marimo ! Come on, it's time for dinner !”

Sanji called for Zoro up the Crow’s Nest ladder, where he last knew the moss to be once they all returned from their excursions. Well Luffy, Usopp, Brooke, Chopper, Robin and Nami went on an excursion; Sanji stayed back to work on dinner. Franky also stayed guard on the ship, tinkering with some repairs needed after escaping Thriller Bark. 

Robin was actually the one to find the lost moss this time. Having been naturally drawn to the island's history she separated from the others to explore some less exciting but much more intriguing areas of the small island. When they first arrived it was clear that there was very little or no current population at all, and Robin was eager to explore whatever she could find that remained of those that lived there once upon a time. It may have been a small stop where they just took a moment to get a rest after Thriller Bark but Robin still saw opportunity for exploration. Same as Nami who dragged Usopp along with her to chart the typography while Luffy, Chopper and their newest nakama, Brooke went looking for treasure. 

There wasn’t much to look through on the island, there were remnants of a town and  farms but it seemed everything was abandoned long ago. Further into her journey she happened upon the ruins of what seemed to be an even older temple of some sort. It was barely still standing, the marble of some pillars peeking through the reclamation of vegetation. Some walls still standing that seemed to have some writing on them, it was difficult to read in the mid afternoon sun so she took a few quick rubbings to study later. The temple was quite dilapidated, eventually just opening up to a large clearing and this is where she happened upon their swordsman.Their green haired nakama was lazing in the sun, clearly Zoro must have been still feeling sore after what he did on Thriller Bark despite how much he tried to play it off. 

“Zoro-san ?”  Robin was keenly able to differentiate the green haired brute from the grass he was laying in.

“Are you alright ?” Robin asked as she gently approached Zoro who looked to be meditating but without the chaos that usually followed aboard the Sunny, he was actually able to fall asleep. 

“Hmm ?” His voice still laced with fatigue, it was clear to the whole crew that he was still recovering slowly. Even though only a few of them knew the true reason for his grave injuries. 

“Yeah,” he replied, trying to sound a bit less exhausted. “Is it time to go back ?” 

He stood up stretching a little. He held in a groan as he felt the pull of his stitches and ache of his broken ribs. 

“I believe so. The others are probably on their way as well. Did you find what you were searching for ?” 

Robin was kind and astute, it was clear he was still nursing his injuries but asking anything further about his physical well being would only succeed in bruising his ego. 

“Yeah, a nice nap.” He gave a dry laugh that Robin reciprocated with a soft smile. 

He did have a nice rest. The infirmary had been getting cramped and while he did enjoy resting on the lawn of the Sunny, it was hard to meditate properly with the constant ruckus that followed his captain around. He enjoyed the noise and chaos of the rest of the crew on most days. But right now, he was tired. He was so tired. 

The cleaning he found was nice. Soft grass that had been warmed by the sun.  A fallen column reclaimed by moss and vines provided a perfect support for his still aching body. A gentle breeze flowing through bringing with it the familiar salty sea air that he had grown so accustomed to. 

As he stood fully and prepared to head back with Robin he patted his side in an unbreakable reflex to check for his swords. His heart seemed to skip a beat instinctively when he wasn’t met back with the weight of familiar steel or the hum of their essence. That was until he remembered quickly that they were still hidden by the others under Chopper’s orders. As much as he hated being without them and the feeling of defenselessness it brings, the little doctor was right to assume that if he had them he would start training. Pushing himself far past what his body was capable of at the moment. 

Zoro appreciated his chance to fully rest away from the watchful and worrying eyes of his nakama. He told the cook strictly that nothing happened and as much of a pain in the ass he can be, he doesn’t think of the blonde as one to disrespect something like that. But even still it felt like more than him knew what happened that day. Every second glance, every hesitant touch made him feel weak, made him like the crew couldn’t rely on him. He hated feeling so weak, he hated being hurt. 

Even the cook was looking at him differently, he was always pouty and had an attitude with anyone without a set of boobs, but this was different. He seemed to be biting his tongue more with Zoro, holding back saying whatever was really on his mind - Zoro didn’t have to be a genius to know it was a lecture about his decision. Sanji may have thought it to be stupid and reckless but the damn swirlybrow tried to do the same thing. Zoro couldn’t let that happen, they’d be without the best cook on the seas and then what would they do. 

.oOo.

Sanji was starting to run out of ways to avoid bringing up Zoro’s reckless act at Thriller Bark and his cheek was starting to get sore from biting his words back so often. He was still beyond angry with the moss and he didn’t know for how much longer he could hold it back. 

Annoyed. Frustrated. Insulted. Terrified. 

Despite his grievances he was still the cook of the Straw Hat pirates and Zoro was still their swordsman. They were still nakama and they were all still alive. So it was still Sanji’s responsibility to keep cooking for them.  

That’s what made Zoro’s late appearance at the dinner table damn near Sanji’s last straw. The stupid prideful swordsman had a tendency to hide away when in pain. Like an animal licking its wounds. It had been enough of a fight just to get him to let Chopper fully work on him. It was a grim thought but part of Sanji was thankful that he was unconscious for so long, it freaked everyone out (him included) but it gave his body some time to recover before went off with more of his recklessness. 

Sanji stood on the deck of the Sunny, looking up to the Crow’s Nest and he could still feel the painful ache of his broken leg from his own run in with the warlord. Needless to say he was not too keen on trudging the climb up the unstable rope ladder to fetch the ungrateful plant. 

“Mosshead !” he yelled out again as loud as he could. “Get your ass down here or I’m feeding your plate to Luffy !!” He shouted the empty threat but still did not see the hatch open up. 

“Oh, you’re really pissing me off now asshole.”

With an annoyed grunt Sanji tossed aside the cigarette he had just finished before preparing himself to make the climb up the ladder. He grit his teeth the whole time. Feeling the way his leg throbbed with each step up the rope. 

“Stupid moss, lazy plant.” He grumbled to himself as he got to the top and was able to reach the hatch. Carefully balancing himself, it wasn’t a particularly hard task as he had made the climb before one handed while still balancing a plate of food perfectly, he opened the hatch and peeked his head through to the Crow’s Nest. 

His nose immediately wrinkled at the smell of sweat and steel that wafted out. 

Nasty swordsman, open a window or something. 

He made it all the way through, and now standing in the middle of the open space he didn’t see Zoro anywhere. There were not many places someone as big as Zoro could hide, so this was a bit peculiar and again only succeeded in pissing Sanji off even more. 

The cook ground his teeth in annoyance as he prepared to head back down and kick the shit out of Zoro for making him climb the stupid ladder and his ass was somewhere else on the ship. 

Though before he could, a soft noise cut through his internal tirade. It was a small sound,he probably wouldn’t have noticed it if the room wasn’t so far from the noise of the crew and totally still with no one else apparently in it.

Sanji stood and looked around waiting for another sound. It came again and Sanji was able to quickly pinpoint it now, realizing that the noise was coming from a pile of clothes. Sanji had ignored them at first, he was in Zoro’s space after all and he never took Zoro as the type to pick up his dirty laundry. And he had no desire to touch whatever clothes Zoro thought were too soiled to just leave strewn about - too painfully aware of the other man’s hygiene regime (or lack thereof). 

The noise called out again, and with a reluctant look of disgust he approached the pile. Sticking a foot out to gently move around the clothes to discover the true source. Much to his absolute shock, wrapped in a dirty red and white striped button down shirt, resting on an old worn green haramaki, and with three shining gold earrings strewn about, was a … child ?! 

 A small child sleeping soundly curled up in the garments. A quick shift of the far too large clothes covering the baby revealed more to the stunned cook. 

A baby boy. 

A little boy with green hair.

With moss green hair and dark tanned skin. 

Sanji took a sharp inhale in an attempt to control the shocked gasp he really wanted to let out. 

This can’t be true ? Is he so sleep deprived he is hallucinating things now ? How was this even possible ? He should get Chopper right ? Someone. But he can’t move. Why can’t he move? His feet seemed to be frozen in place as he stood over and stared at the sleeping baby.

He was so small. Sanji wasn’t a doctor and didn’t have much experience with little kids but from his limited knowledge he guessed the baby looked barely a year old. 

“M-moss ?” was all Sanji managed to get out. His voice barely a whisper. Afraid to wake the small thing and make this nightmare a reality. 

There was no reaction to the name though. The little thing was sleeping so soundly he probably didn’t hear him. If this was really Zoro he should have expected as much. 

Sanji knelt down a little, moving away some of the dirty clothes and bandages left behind by what was looking more and more to be their swordsman. Maybe this wasn’t Zoro though. On closer examination Sanji could see that all the wounds Zoro was still healing from were gone. There was not a single blemish on the baby's soft tan skin. 

The still aching, fresh stitches from Thriller Bark, the results of his pride and his duty as first mate - gone. All slashes from his fights at Enies Lobby and Alabasta when he stood his ground to protect his nakama - gone. The scars left behind from where Sanji stitched him back together after his act of brazen, cocky, stupidity on Little Garden - gone. His constant reminder of his dream and his shortcomings, the scar that nearly killed him when Sanji first met the idiot - gone.

Sanji gently ran a finger over the exposed little belly. His skin was so soft and warm. The feather light touch didn’t wake him either but he did stir for just a second. Little sleepy noises and twisting himself in the shirt that was acting more as a blanket. 

Sanji continued to try to assess the situation, trying to think of a solution to the scenario he never would have guessed he would be involved in. There was definitely a baby here on the Sunny. The baby certainly looked like Zoro but Sanji couldn’t understand how. 

He was well aware they were on the Grandline and there are any number of devil fruits capable of doing this exact thing. But they haven’t encountered a single other person since they departed Thriller Bark last week. He was fairly confident no one had snuck onto the ship. And if the ancient ruins of this island were any indication, there wasn’t anyone there either to have done this to him while they were out earlier. It was hard to believe this was the work of a devil fruit, and exiling that possibility left little ideas for any other explanation for what could have happened to the moss. 

Though even if Sanji wasn’t totally convinced it was Zoro, it was still a child. Tiny and helpless and judging from the way his little face scrunched up and his tummy growled, hungry. 

Sanji sighed in defeated acceptance of this reality he was now faced with. He was a cook, if the tiny mosshead was hungry he would feed it. But what does baby moss eat ? Not only that but how was he supposed to get down. The rope ladder was unstable and his leg was still aching so it would take most of his focus to keep himself from tumbling  down. 

He got up and quickly looked around the room, there should be a transponder snail in here somewhere. What kind of watch tower would this be if there was no way to warn the others quickly. After some digging under Zoro’s workout crap he found the little thing. 

He tried to compose himself because he was sure his anxiety of the situation would creep out as soon as he opened his mouth. After a few deep breaths he called down to the galley, and was received by the ever gorgeous though currently confused sounding Nami-swan. 

“Hello ?”  She asked curiously, they were barely off the coast of a deserted island. She definitely  wasn’t expecting any phone calls.

“Ahh beautiful Nami. My sweet melorine..” He cooed over the other end, grateful to have kept his frantic energy at bay for now. 

“Oh Sanji-kun.” He could hear the slight smirk in her voice. “What are you doing ? Why are you calling ?” With the Sunnny still being relatively new, the crew was not used to calling each other through such a big ship on the Merry it was enough to just shout from one end to the other. 

“I’m up in the Crow’s Nest my dearest.” he replied eagerly. “I’m so sorry to not be there with you to see you enjoy your meal. How is the fish I prepared for you?” he couldn’t help but fawn over her but the rumble of a little tummy and a soft whine brought him back to the current situation. 

“It was very good as always, Sanji-kun, what do you need ?” 

“Can um .. can you send Chopper up here please ? I am sorry to be inconveniencing you like this during dinner.” 

Nami didn’t pay any mind to his apologizing, instead immediately concerned with what could be going on to warrant such a request. “What happened ? Is it Zoro ? Is he hurt ?”

He doesn’t blame her for drawing conclusions so quickly. The whole crew had seen what Zoro looked like following his deal with Kuma when Sanji carried his unconscious body back to the Sunny. All of them were still worried about him even without knowing the whole truth. 

Sanji could hear the familiar shuffling of hooves against the wooden floor as Chopper quickly headed out of the galley. He appreciated the small doctor's urgency but he couldn’t deny a pang of guilt for him having to leave his meal to be inhaled by Luffy. He would have to make it up to him later, perhaps with a yummy dessert. 

“What’s going on Sanji ?” Nami asked, even if she could formulate her own hypothesis that something was wrong with Zoro, as brilliant as she is, she wanted more information right away. 

“Umm .. I’m not actually sure. Just .. umm maybe send Robin too. Please, I am so terribly sorry I will make it up to you.”

The archeologist looked up for her book at the mention of her name over the snail. The others also looked between her and the snail with the curled eyebrow and one closed eye to replicate their absent cook. 

“That’s alright Sanji-san.” Robin didn’t need to be told twice as she smiled and marked her place off in her book. After all her friends did for her at Enies Lobby the least she could do was answer a call for help. 

“They’re on their way.” Nami informed Sanji who kindly thanked her for getting his message and promising her a delicious drink as a thank you before the snail clicked. 

The silence didn’t last long though as very soon after the call ended the hatch was being thrown open in urgency. Chopper was in his heavier point, probably in an attempt to get up the ladder faster, and with too much force pushed the hatch open with a loud bang. 

Sanji grimaced at the loud slam and looked to the little moss that was sure about to react. 

“Sanji what’s the matter !? Where’s Zoro !?” Chopper asked with worry and urgency in his voice. 

Though the doctor’s question was answered by the sounds of a cry starting from a baby very suddenly woken from what sure to be a deep sleep. 

“Oh my… what is that ?”  Robin asked as her dark hair peaked through the hatch shortly behind Chopper. 

“Is it a baby ?!” Chopper asked, stunned. The same stunned face Sanji probably had when he first discovered the little thing

Sanji grimaced at their reactions, unable to hide the annoyance he was starting to feel as the baby’s cries scraped the ends of his frayed nerves. Despite their less than cautious arrival,  he was more relieved that he wasn’t alone anymore. He had no idea what to do now that the little moss was starting to really cry. The screams filled up the space in a way Sanji would have never expected to come from someone like Zoro.

Despite all they had gone through the only time he had ever seen Zoro cry was at the Baratie, during his declaration to Luffy. It was clear that Zoro was so overwhelmed at the time that he simply could not hold them back any longer. It felt wrong to see this now. He kept trying to think of any way this could be some other baby… could be anyone but Zoro. The pool of possibilities was small but something in Sanji just could not accept this. The continued screaming was not helping him get his thoughts in order. Sanji looked down at the little moss, watching as his small body got tangled in the shirt as he tried to orient himself. He couldn’t bear to see it , and since their other two crewmates were still in a state of useless shock, he picked the baby up. Holding him close in an attempt to calm down. 

Sanji had never held a baby before. He doubted he was exuding the confidence and comfort needed to actually get him to calm down. But as he hushed and bounced slightly in place, it seemed to be actually working. 

“Shhh shh it’s ok Mossy… its just Chopper and Robin chan..”

The baby tucked his little mossy head into Sanji’s chest. Tears and snot probably staining his button down but the crying had stopped just as suddenly as it started. 

With the volume under control the other two were able to fully make their way into the space and examine the baby. 

“What happened ? Where did that baby come from ?” Chopper asked as he turned back into his smaller form, less intimidating to the small thing that was still seeking refuge in Sanji’s embrace. 

Robin hummed as she looked around the room. Also not finding any signs of their swordsman but taking note of the green hair baby and the discarded clothes that matched what she had seen Zoro in not just a few hours ago. 

“Is that Zoro-san ?” She asked flatly. Like she was already certain of her guess. 

“What !??” Chopper exclaimed as he rummaged through his small medical bag. 

“I thought so too but .. look there’s no scar.” Sanji held the baby up under his little armpits. Fully on display for the others to see. The little moss did not take too kindly to that though, attempting to wiggle his way back into the comfort that was Sanji’s arms. A soft whine escaped tiny lips as the cool breeze flowed through the room. “None of his injuries he was still nursing. Aside from a hungry tummy, this baby seems to be totally fine.” Sanji offered his findings to contribute to Robin’s theory as he tucked the baby back into his chest. 

“Hmm, that is true. Though if he was reverted back to this age would his skin still show the tale of the Zoro from our time ?” She asked inquisitively with a slender and delicate finger to her beautiful lips.

The archaeologist continued to ponder and shared a small look with Sanji that indicated she might know more than the others about Zoro’s injuries. But this wasn’t really the time to discuss Zoro's actions back on Thriller Bark and even if Robin knew the truth, he swore to the stupid moss that he would never bring it up again. He looked back down as the moss in question, his bright gray eyes were so wide; this was probably a lot to take in so suddenly. Sanji could just faintly hear little grumbles as he pressed his face back into Sanji’s chest, clearly he wanted something but was probably a bit too overwhelmed to actually speak up. If he could speak at all, he looked so small. 

“Well that’s why I asked you to come too, Robin-chan. Did anything seem off on the island ?” Sanji continued to bounce in place a little, trying to avoid aggravating his still healing leg. “There’s no one else here and -” 

“FOOD !” the little moss interrupted, shocking everyone in the room with his small and cute voice. Sanji especially was taken aback, since he was sure he was no more than one. Shows how much he knows about babies. 

“Oh..um…sure, in a second” Sanji tried to reassure the baby - toddler ?- as he turned his attention back to Robin  “I’m not sure what else could have done this to him if not a devil fruit user.” The little moss did not like that though and continued his demands. “FOOD !” 

“God you sound just like Luffy,” Sanji grumbled but Robin let out a soft chuckle at the little swordsman’s pleas. 

“There was nothing that I found during today’s exploration that would indicate anything like this. I am sorry dear Sanji.” she responded calmly as she got closer to the little moss with a warm smile. “Hello tiny swordsman.” she extended a finger to gently poke at the baby. He seemed to look at her for a moment before turning back into Sanji with a now muffled whine of “fooooddd”, impatient little thing. 

“What do you think, Doctor ?” Robin asked after introducing herself to their new guest. Though once he hid himself back in Sanji’s chest she turned to look through the pile of clothes still on the floor as if there were some type of clue in them. 

The small doctor was doing his best to not panic in the presence of this situation. It was unprecedented, this was unlike anything they had ever seen before and Chopper felt a bit out of his depth trying to decipher something that wasn’t clearly an illness. 

“I'm not sure, I've never heard of anything like this either.” he was flipping through the small book he carried in his pack for herbology but it was not a tenth of the information they had available in the new library on the ship.

“Well, we can do some more research in the morning. It seems now the biggest priority is tending to our tiny nakama.” Robin directed as she also found no more information in the clothes. Sanji was incredibly thankful for her cool head despite the chaos they found themselves in. 

“You're right Robin. We need to get the baby .. Zoro … downstairs. There's way too many dangerous things up here for a baby to be near.” Chopper agreed , referring to the dozens of heavy weights scattered about haphazardly, the open hatch on the floor that plummeted at least forty feet down to the wooden deck, thankfully though the three precisely sharp and deadly katanas that were always glued to Zoro were already hidden while he was still recovering from his other injuries.

“Right, Sanji, can you go down first and then I will send the baby down ? He seems to have taken a liking to you already.” she smiled nodding down to how he was still holding Zoro.

“Huh ?” Sanji sneered looking down at the small bundle in his arms that had fallen back asleep, tired of waiting for his food, and apparently taking a significant comfort in Sanji’s arms. He didn't really think anything of it, it was just a baby, a baby mosshead , and it was just like Zoro to check out of a conversation he wasn’t very interested in. Surely the brilliant Robin and their amazing doctor would get him back to normal soon enough for all of this mess to be nothing more than an unpleasant memory. 

“Nah he's just asleep, if this is Zoro then I’m not surprised he sleeps so much.” Sanji laughed, struggling to find anything really humorous about this predicament other than Zoro’s predictability, and handed him gently over to Robin. 

Despite how soundly he seemed to be sleeping, as soon as he was removed from Sanji's arms he was wide awake and very not happy. He fussed at first, trying to get back to Sanji’s hold but the blonde man was already making his way back to the hatch. He was old enough to understand that maybe the man wasn’t gone forever but he couldn't control the way he started to cry for him. Not wanting to be away from him. 

“Shh shh little swordsman kun.. Sanji is right there, see ?” Robin made her way to the hatch too and let Zoro peek out carefully to see the familiar blond hair back down safely on the deck. 

“Ok little one, you need to be still, okay ? No wriggling about.” Robin tried to plead with the baby. 

In a flash, a flutter of petals bloomed, quickly morphing to several sets of arms all cascading down the main shaft from the Crow’s Nest back down to the deck. Zoro’s eyes were wide at the site, unable to comprehend what really just happened but the flashy display was captivating nonetheless. 

“Wait !” Chopper interjected, finally seeing what Robin was about to do. And while he was also grateful to her help, the idea of the baby being sent down on his own was terrifying to the doctor. 

“Here, let me hold him and both of us can go down. If it's not too heavy Robin ?” Chopper asked, taking the toddler from the second set of hands already holding on to him. 

Sanji stood helplessly on the deck waiting for them to get Zoro down to him. He surely trusted Robin and Chopper with a baby but the way he cried for Sanji, it made something in his chest ache unpleasantly. He didn’t allow himself to dwell on that feeling too long. 

Finally there was movement and he held his breath in worried anticipation as he watched the fussing baby, held in Chopper’s arms, be passed from hands to hands all the way down the shaft.

“It’s alright Zoro, it’s me Chopper. We’re almost there.” Sanji could hear the little doctor try to calm him down but it seemed fruitless. Zoro did not pay any mind to Chopper’s pleading, his little hands reaching out to try and touch the hands as they were taken down one at a time. Wiggling trying to see the flutters of petals behind them as the hands disappeared but then  more appeared before them. Chopper was bigger than a toddler certainly but he was struggling to keep him still for just the few more seconds as they descended. 

“Zoro. I'm here. Please be still, it's ok.” Sanji called up to them trying to keep the baby’s focus on him and not the massive fall or the surely bizarre sight of disembodied hands. 

Thankfully it was a quick journey and Zoro was back in Sanji's arms again as he and Chopper landed safely on the deck. Not that he felt worried for Zoro's safety. It was a defenseless baby, pathetic and incapable of fending for himself. Not only would Sanji never let any of his nakama meet an untimely end in such a pitiful condition, he was not so much of a prick as to be rude to a baby. Toddler ? He still wasn't quite sure how old this Zoro was. 

Surely that would be something that Chopper could figure out once he is able to do a proper examination in his office. Though it didn't matter too much, it's not like he would be this little for long. 

.oOo.

Once they were all back in the galley, the rest of the crew were in complete shock and awe over their little swordsman. Despite Zoro's clear preference for Sanji, the cook put as much distance between himself and the baby as possible. Handing the bundle over to Nami and Robin so the others can fawn over him while Sanji went to the kitchen. Ignoring his fussing and whining and the way his tiny little fingers were gripping onto his shirt. 

Once at his station though he can instantly feel some of the stress easing, as he tries to fall back into his safe familiarity. But can't seem to get into his usual flow. His leg still aches from Thriller Bark, the memories are still too fresh. 

“What happened here ? Nothing at all.”

The words still ring in his head. The smell of blood still fills his nose. He can still feel Zoro’s dead weight in his arms. 

He understands though. He wouldn't have expected anything less from Zoro. It doesn't mean he forgives him though. Maybe that makes him a hypocrite but it doesn't matter because no one else knows what happened between them - or at least will talk about it. 

But now those injuries are gone. There is no more pain. There is no reminder on Zoro at all of last week. 

As if nothing happened at all . 

But looking at the baby, it makes Sanji feel sick in a way he can't describe. 

Is it anger ? A rage that the mosshead consistently puts himself in harm's way, so selfishly leaving the crew to clean up everything after him. 

Frustration? Aggravation that their swordsman keeps putting aside his own dreams and ambitions he so clearly values. 

Guilt ? An aching remorse that he failed to protect Zoro again. 

“FOOD !” a tiny voice chirps up from the semi contained chaos around the galley table. Sanji had already gotten to work preparing some treats for them as soon as Chopper took the little moss into the infirmary. 

A sandwich for the beautiful Robin, who was currently using her multiple hands to hold the baby loosely in her lap while the others started flipping through some books she had grabbed from her library. Already getting to work researching what could have fallen their nakama. A triple ice cream sundae for their dutiful doctor that was surely also thinking of how to treat Zoro’s condition, an apology since he had to abandon his dinner due to Sanji's distressed call earlier. And finally a small plate of rice and steamed vegetables for the tiny swordsman. 

Zoro was never a picky eater and this seemed like a safe enough option for him at this size. Chopper’s examination confirmed that Zoro is most likely around two years old. Something about the amount of teeth he had but that he appeared to not be potty trained yet but could walk on his own. He was small for two years old though. When Sanji first saw him in the Crow’s Nest, he would have guessed barely older than one year old. It's hard to imagine that such a small thing can grow up to be the freakishly large mosshead. Maybe Sanji could pat himself on that back for his contribution to the swordsman’s high protein diet that helps him maintain his ridiculous muscles. 

He should probably talk to Chopper after everyone calms down about what other foods are good for Zoro. Though, it’s not like this will last long at all. If it's some random spell or devil fruit surely it will wear in no more than 24 hours. 

They had also been able to find him some clothes. Some of Chopper’s clothes that had accidentally shrunk in the wash when Franky tried to amplify the heat so the clothes would dry faster. A simple shirt and some shorts to cover him up, they did also find in Zoro’s things a spare bandana with a cute onigiri pattern. Sanji actually remembers the day they found it in a market. Sanji teased him about it, how ridiculous he would look yelling out his “Onigiri” moves with rice balls on his head. Zoro had pushed him down and they spared for a bit, but ultimately Zoro kept it to use for training when he thought no one was watching. 

Now though, it was being used as a perfect bib for the little moss. When he did manage to spill anything on it, which was almost a guarantee, Sanji would just put it in the wash and big Zoro would be none the wiser. 

Sanji grabbed all the plates and served them to the respective crew members and took his small delight in the way Chopper and Robin gave him a sweet smile. 

Since the food had now arrived, Robin placed Zoro in the chair beside her atop a small stack of books so he could reach the table. The third recipient of Sanji’s cooking did not appear as grateful. Sanji heard his tummy rumble before, and his demands just a moment ago and repeatedly back in the Crow’s Nest, surely he was hungry. But the pout on his face, chubby cheeks puffed out and little arms crossed in a way that kicked out any lingering thought that this baby was anyone but Zoro, told a different story. 

“What's the matter, Zoro ? Aren't you hungry ?” Nami asked, her sweet voice even more pleasant as she donned a gentler tone. 

“Icky !” Zoro shouted and pushed the plate away, a few grains of rice toppling over the rim of the plate and a piece of vegetable threatening to tumble down as well. 

Sanji raised an eyebrow, and contained his immediate reaction to yell something obscene at the mosshead.  His normal menu wasn't really catered for children but plenty of families had come into the Baratie over the years, he didn’t think something so simple would be a problem. 

“What ! Sanji's cooking is the best !” Luffy exclaimed, seemingly unable to fathom that anyone could dislike Sanji's cooking. Let alone call it “ icky ”.

Zoro pouted again. Turning his face away from the plate in clear disapproval. But it did give him a new view of the large ice cream treat that Chopper was enjoying. 

“Yum ! ow-cream ! ow-cream !” Zoro shouted, reaching as best he can to Chopper’s tall glass. 

“No no, Zoro, no sweets until you eat your veggies.” The little doctor smiled and gently redirected his attention back to the plate of rice and veggies. 

“NO !” He shouted and shook his head back and forth in objection to the suggestion. 

“Oh come on now Zoro, it's not so bad. You like Sanji's cooking too.” Nami tried to convince the little moss, but Sanji anticipated that bargaining with a toddler would not end well, even if Nami was the most persuasive woman on the sea. There were few things in the world that could convince a hungry toddler to eat a vegetable instead of dessert.

Sanji was about to excuse himself to a much deserved smoke break on the deck when he heard the shatter of a plate against the tile floor. It was, unsurprisingly , soon followed by a cry - either from the loud noise or out of frustration for not getting the ice cream. 

Sanji stood staring at the mess for a moment and could feel the crew staring at him. It would have been silent in the room if not for the crying. Not only was a plate broken, something Sanji tried to avoid at all costs considering their limited supply, but the food was all over the floor now.

It only lasted a moment though before Luffy was more than willing to eat what was left. One would expect the rest of the crew to react in disgust but it was an all too familiar occurrence at this point in their adventure and Sanji could rest a little easier knowing the food was not wasted. But he was still faced with a crying and hungry Zoro. 

“What else can he eat Chopper ? He clearly didn't want the vegetables.” Nami asked, almost having to yell to be heard over the crying despite talking to Chopper who was right next to her. The little doctor was clearly contemplating the pros and cons of letting Zoro have some ice cream. He did have a very exciting last few hours, and this was sure to wear off soon anyway. 

“Shhh Zoro stop crying please. You want some of my treat ?” Chopper offered and the tears were gone as quickly as they started.

Manipulative little shit. Sanji thought to himself  

There was a small nod before Chopper handed over the spoon with a little mouthful of chocolate ice cream on it. 

“Two year olds tend to be very independent. They can hold utensils themselves mostly and want to try and do everything themselves.” Chopper explained as Zoro messily shoved the dessert into his little mouth. 

As much as Sanji didn’t want to acknowledge it, it was undeniable that he was a little cute. But he wasn't a damn sociopath, anyone with eyes would think that a baby with chocolate ice cream on its face was cute. Even Brooke would think it was cute and he didn't have any eyes. 

Now that he thought about it, Sanji was starting to feel a bit bad that their newest crew mate was asked to keep watch while they all dealt with this situation . 

The musician didn't seem to mind though, he seemed eager to be of help and definitely understanding of how his presence (a talking skeleton) might be a bit terrifying to the little moss. They were lucky that Zoro took to Chopper so well, the examination going by with minimal screaming. It was likely due to his soft fur and small size making him look more like a giant plush toy than a threat. 

It was becoming clear though that the little Zoro didn't remember any of the crew. He had taken an early liking to Sanji, which should have been a clear enough sign that he didn't really know who was who. Sanji was certain that if Zoro remembered anything about them he would have bitten or kicked Sanji as soon as he got the chance. Instead he clung to him, crying and whining as he tried to pass him off to the rest of the crew. Even Luffy was clearly a new face for the little moss as well. He was already acclimated a little with Robin but both her and Nami were calm enough to not be too overwhelming and Usopp was also politely gentle. Luffy on the other hand, lets just say he was not going to be unsupervised with little Zoro any time soon. Especially after his suggestion to give Zoro his favorite sake to help him stop crying. 

It made sense though, whatever this thing was that hit Zoro had turned him back to his two year old self. He would most likely only have memories from then, which for such a short life would not be many. It did get Sanji's mind curious though since he didn’t know much about the moss. 

Granted neither did the rest of the crew. The bastard had that cool mysterious swordsman shit going on and no one bothered to ask him anything else about it. He knew a little about his childhood friend, the girl he made a promise to and left him his prized white katana. His whole purpose in life. But anything from before they met is just a big blank spot. He does know a little about his life as a bounty hunter, The Demon of the East Blue, but that was only articles in the paper that he glimpsed through on his smoke breaks at the Baratie. Nothing Zoro ever told anyone openly. Even after meeting Johnny and Yosaku there was hardly any new information given; not that they had much time to reminisce when trying to rescue their beautiful Nami from the clutches of the fishmen. 

Though Sanji wasn't one to judge people on their mysterious backstories, he barely told any of the crew about his past. Only Luffy knows about his time on the rock when he met Zeff. The others just know that he was originally from the North Blue and was in a shipwreck and the geezer took him in when he was a kid. No one knows about his family, no one has asked and he was grateful to keep that hell to himself. 

But he can't help but wonder where this little Zoro grew up. What was his mom like ? Did she sing him songs when he was scared ? Did she hold him close while he cried ? 

What was his dad like ? Was he as brave and selfless as his son became ? 

Sanji exhaled the smoke from his cigarette and watched the waves gently over the railing. 

This day started rather normal, and it was ending just as chaotic as usual. 

.oOo.

Franky had offered to build the little Zoro a crib for the night. Not only did Chopper say that Zoro was too big for a traditional crib but the whole crew seemed certain that this would not last long enough. Well all except Robin. The beautiful archeologist volunteered to watch Zoro overnight since she was still reading through her books trying to find any leads on what could have befallen him. She hasn't landed on anything concrete just yet but she seemed particularly unsatisfied with the rest of the group’s consensus that this would only last a few more hours. 

Her research and offer to babysit the moss was a kind and selfless gesture, and Sanji would have never expected less from his Robin-chan. Despite her kindness though, and to Sanji’s chagrin, the moss decided he was going to continue to fuss until Sanji finally picked him up again. He tried to avoid him, he really did. He wasn't even in the galley anymore but he couldn't stand the idea of leaving Luffy in there without him. 

And that was his fatal flaw, because as soon as big teary gray eyes latched onto Sanji he wouldn't let up. If it wasn't for Robin's hands holding him in place Zoro would surely have run over to him and demanded his attention. 

Sanji grimaced at the idea of tiny sticky hands tugging at the pant leg of his suit. The thoughts of his crisp silk tie being played with like some cheap toy. 

For the life of him Sanji couldn't figure out what he had done to warrant such an attachment from Zoro. But it seemed like there was no getting out of it, at least for the night.

“Sanji dear, it seems he won't calm down until you tend to him.” Robin smiled at Sanji sweetly but with a slight air of urgency because it was getting late and the longer he took to pick him up the louder Zoro screamed. “I'm sure the rest of the crew will appreciate the quiet for the night.”

“Yes of course my dearest Robin. Anything you ask. Your prince Sanji shall deliver.” he fawned over her, taking Zoro into his arms, who quickly settled and Sanji mentally rolled his eyes at the little con artist. 

“Sa-“ , Zoro spoke, little chocolate covered sticky hands pressed to Sanji’s cheeks. 

“Sa-n-ji” the cook sounded out. Even if it was only a few more hours he was not going to be reduced to a single syllable. 

“Great, then he can sleep in your bunk tonight.” The cunning but still beautiful Nami pointed out. 

Sanji was definitely not too keen on the idea of having a sticky toddler in his bed, let alone ZORO ! But his own wants were outweighed by his declaration to not want to continue to inconvenience Robin or Nami, and aside from Chopper, the other guys just didn't seem like the most responsible choice. 

Reluctantly, very reluctantly, Sanji headed to the bunk room with a half dozing moss on his hip. Thankful to Luffy and Chopper for playing with him some to burn off the little sugar rush from the ice cream. Sanji quickly kicked off his shoes and headed to his bunk. He was afraid to move to even take off his suit jacket for fear of waking the moss and consequently the rest of the bunk if he started to cry. 

So there he lays in his small bunk, fully clothed, with a baby swordsman sleeping peacefully on his chest. He sneered a little looking at the tiny moss. 

He would never admit it to another soul, barely to himself, but Sanji felt a tug at his own heart. The way Zoro's eyelids got heavy, closing slowly as he brought up a tiny thumb to suck on. He laughed thinking about big Zoro and his sword in his mouth, some habits never change. Sanji idly wondered if he was a thumb sucker too ? Would explain his smoking. 

The thought of smoking reminds him of Chopper’s lectures on babies and second hand smoke and now he is worried if the smell from his clothes is too much. 

If there was it doesn’t seem to be bothering Zoro as he has managed to tuck himself further into Sanji. His little head laying on his chest, high up enough that little green hairs are tickling Sanji’s nose. There was nothing he could do about it now other than to make a mental note to check with Chopper on it in the morning. 

He also had to think about what to make for breakfast in the morning. He didn’t have time to prep anything, or even set a bread out to rise. 

They still had plenty of stock from Thriller Bark and if all goes well with Zoro turning back, they should probably be at Sabaody in a week or so from Nami’s latest predictions.  

Even if this is a twenty four hour thing , Zoro will still be small until around dinner time. He can probably just do something simple for breakfast and lunch and then make a good meal for dinner to make up for Zoro’s lack of one the day prior. Some fresh fruit and yogurt should be fine. Well he has some leftovers for Luffy, because that definitely won't be enough. 

It was still weighing on his mind that Zoro didn't want to try the food. Was he just being polite all the time that he did like Sanji's cooking ? He never really had much of a sweet tooth before so the begging for dessert took him by surprise as well. Though it wasn't the first time he saw a toddler pitch a fit over vegetables if something sweet was in sight. 

 It was not unusual for Sanji’s thoughts to race and keep him up at night. As the ship’s cook he was constantly planning and with someone like Luffy on board, constantly fretting about their stock. On some nights when it seemed sleep wouldn’t come he would just take himself to the galley and write down his menus or take inventory again. But that wasn’t an option tonight, not with the little marimo sleeping peacefully beside him.

Despite all his worries and frustrations, something about watching the little moss sleeping, the soft noises as he breathed, was calming. Though for as little as he knew about children he was expecting more of a struggle to get Zoro to sleep. Well, it was Zoro after all and that big lump of moss could seem to fall asleep anywhere. As he watched him though, Sanji couldn’t help but notice how peaceful he looked. His little face was free of any of the pain that Zoro usually carried around, relieved from the weight of the pressure he put on himself. Sanji found himself drifting off with the knowledge that for at least one night, Zoro wasn’t in any pain. 

 .oOo.

The sun peeking through the small windows of the men's dorm woke Sanji up at his usual time. The rest of the crew was still sleeping and this was usually the time he would use to get himself ready for the day and start breakfast. But considering there was still a tiny swordsman in his bunk when he woke he didn’t think he would have the chance to do much other than a simple breakfast.

As inconvenient as it is to carry him around, Sanji doesn’t want to leave Zoro alone in the bunk with the other guys. If he starts crying he’s sure none of them will have the first clue what to do. And if he wakes up on his own, he's bound to manage his way out of the bed and get lost somewhere on the ship – in classic Zoro fashion.

Sanji sat up, and gave an annoyed huff as he picked up the still sleeping toddler.

 “Just a few more hours Mosshead and then I'm done catering to your ass.” Sanji grumbled to himself, Zoro still too sleepy to even hear him. 

Once in the kitchen Sanji adjusts the still half asleep Zoro on his hip. The position is far from ideal as he tries to maneuver around the kitchen with only one hand.

He does manage to retrieve the container of yogurt he had already made, it was the key component to many of the delicious parfaits he made for his gorgeous Nami and Robin so he always made sure to keep some on hand.

It's definitely inconvenient to have to make several trips to the fridge to retrieve all of the fruit he wants to prepare. As he stared at the various fruits, he struggled to think of how he would be able to cut these one handed. Sure he was more than skilled with a knife to manage but with little Zoro so close, he was a bit more wary. Not that he cared about hurting the mosshead, rather he didn’t want his grubby little hands to get all over his tools. It was clear that this was Zoro at this point and he was sure that he might try to gravitate to anything that looked like his precious swords. That some part of his tiny subconscious had the urge to cut something. 

Appearing like the true angel that she was, an answer to his prayers, the beautiful Robin graced the galley with her pleasant floral scent and soft smile that could make Sanji forget about any issue in the world. 

“Good morning my most precious flower. Please take a seat… can I get you anything? ” 

“Good morning Sanji-san. How are you feeling today ?” 

“Oh much better now that you are gracing me with your company Robin-Chan”

The sudden commotion of talking and Sanji’s involuntary wiggling when in the presence of either of the ladies managed to wake Zoro up. 

He grumbled, and raised two tiny fists to rub the lingering sleep out of his eyes. 

“And good morning to you tiny bushido.” Robin cooed to the baby and Sanji pouted, not that he felt jealous over a baby..let only the baby moss head. Don’t be ridiculous. 

“I see he is still small … ” Robin asked, rhetorically since it was clear that Zoro was indeed small and currently trying to escape the hold Sanji had on him. 

“San …mmm .. down down” Zoro demanded. He was so clingy yesterday but now he can’t wait to get away from him ? He held him closer, not too keen on the idea of him running around his kitchen. 

“Unfortunately, yes. But it hasn’t been twenty four hours since he was likely exposed. You guys headed to the island some time before lunch but he was changed sometime before dinner.” 

“Hmm” Robin hummed sweetly and continued to watch Zoro squirming in Sanji’s arm, her tone clearly indicating that she might have found something in her readings. 

She couldn’t hold back a little laugh at the way Sanji tried to wrangle the boy in his arms as he climbed around him. 

“Were you able to find out anything more about the island ?” Sanji asked, starting to feel some cracks in his hope that this whole mess would be gone by tonight. 

“Not much yet.” She kept her smile and didn’t give off any more information, she was as beautiful as she was brilliant but secret keeping may have been one of her most honed traits. 

“Why don’t you let me take Zoro so you can focus on breakfast.” She put her hands out to take the toddler and Sanji could not have felt more relieved to get the extra weight off his hip and still sore leg. 

“Thank you Robin dear. It won't be mu-“ as much as Sanji needed the break from the moss, he did not seem to feel the same way. As soon as he was handed over he pushed away from Robin, trying to get back to Sanji. 

“No ! No ! Niji ! Niji !” Sanji almost froze upon hearing the name of his older brother. He hadn’t thought about the bastard in years and he could feel the bile rising in his throat at the memory. 

“Thank you Robin, just … take him away please.” he pushed down the feeling and turned away, intent to focus back on the cooking and not let those memories come back to the surface. 

Ever astute Robin could see that something had made Sanji tense up. But she knew what it was like to have things you weren’t quite ready to share, so she gave him his space and took the baby in her arms. 

“Oh, I think someone might need a diaper change,” she said with a little laugh. 

“What ?”, that was enough to break Sanji out of his forced stoicism. 

“Yes, Chopper was able to make a temporary diaper out of some cloth last night for our little swordsman but it looks like he might need a change and probably a bath.” 

“Ew, disgusting ! This is a kitchen !” Sanji shouted, his nerves already shot from this whole situation coupled with the shot of anxiety that name just gave him. 

Of course the shouting only set Zoro off more, making the poor thing go from a pathetic pout of discomfort to full on sobbing. 

“I'll take him for a bath, if Chopper comes in can you please tell him to meet me in the infirmary to fasten a new diaper ?” 

“Sure sure, just get the stinky Marimo out of here” Sanji waved them away, and part of him felt horrible for the idea of being so dismissive to the sweet Robin who has already done so much for him, but more of him was frantic over the possibility of the food or him being contaminated by a soiled diaper. 

Robin frowned a little at the wave and how Sanji dismissed Zoro. She could understand that perhaps he was a bit distressed by the situation they found themselves in but Zoro was just a baby. They had to keep their own emotions in check since small children are uniquely perceptive to the energy of those around them.

While Robin took Zoro to the bath, Sanji was able to refocus back on the breakfast preparations.

There was not much to do since he decided on a simpler menu. Now that he had both hands free he was able to make quick work of cutting all the various fruits up, making sure some of them were in small enough pieces to not be a choking hazard to the marimo. 

Sanji lets his mind wander to that blissful quiet place he goes when he is cooking. The kitchen is quiet, which is ideal. But now it's too quiet. There’s no subtle sounds of pages turning in a book from their studious archeologist. Nor the soft tap of a cup of tea on the counter from their kind navigator charting their route. No soft snores from the swordsman who just finished his watch. 

It was too quiet.

Thankfully with the simple breakfast and the use of both of his hands, he finished quickly. Just as he was setting the table the others started to trickle in one by one. Franky burst through the galley loudly announcing himself with “Supppppeerrr good morning, crew”, it would usually wake Zoro up with a bit of a jolt before his standard resting face returned, but this morning Sanji was the only one there to greet him. Nami joined in shortly, a little behind her usual time, but Sanji would never question his lovely ladies getting some much deserved beauty rest. And soon enough Luffy, Usopp and Chopper were barreling through the doors excited for whatever yummy breakfast Sanji had prepared for them. 

“Where’s the pancakes ?” Luffy pouted, looking at the table covered in small bowls of yogurt and fruit. 

“Hey, no complaining about the food ! Sanji’s always doing what he thinks is right !” Nami was quick to defend.

“Oh my dearest most beautiful Nami, your words of kindness and validation swoon me.” 

“Knock it off,” she rolled her eyes reaching for her cup of tea. “You’re only using the fruit so that Zoro will eat it right ? And so it doesn’t go bad ?” 

“You're so wise Nami swan. You are absolutely correct.” Sanji had hearts in his eyes for the way Nami was complimenting his food, overjoyed that she would be satisfied with something so simple. 

“Also I didn’t have much time to prepare something more involved since ... Zoro and everything.” She nodded but at the mention of the swordsman they all looked around, suddenly taking a note of his absence from the table. 

It wasn’t unusual for Zoro to miss breakfast, sometimes still asleep in the Crow’s Nest or finishing an early morning workout on the deck. But everyone also seemed to collectively remember Zoro's situation at that same time. 

“Where is Zoro ?” Luffy asked, his rubber neck snapping back from its unnatural twist as he looked around the galley. 

“He is with Robin, getting a bath. That reminds me, Chopper when you are done with your breakfast she asked for your help to get the diaper situated.” 

“Sure thing !” the little doctor grabbed his own bowl to start on his breakfast.

“Eww !! Zoro needs a diaper ? That's so gross,” Luffy chuckled at the idea but Usopp seemed to lose his appetite at the mention of such a thing. 

“It's not gross Luffy ! It's perfectly natural. Zoro is only two years old. If he were to stay this age any longer than the rest of the day I would recommend potty training him but it doesn't seem necessary. Like I said he's pretty independent right now, so he would definitely want to learn. I think he even has some idea already, the diaper is just a precaution. He could probably tell us when he needs to go.”

Suddenly Sanji felt a bit of guilt at the way Zoro was fussing in his arms this morning, squirming and asking to be put down. Sanji assumed he was just being difficult but if it was really Zoro trying to express himself, well, then Sanji ignored it. 

Though the thought of taking Zoro to the bathroom, changing his diaper or bathing him was filling Sanji with an indescribable dredd. He was sure if he ever had to tend to the little moss in such a way that he would never be able to make eye contact with their much larger swordsman ever again when this whole ordeal was over. 

He was counting on Robin's verdict to confirm his and the rest of the crew's hopes that this would soo just be a funny story to tell once they get to the New World.

Just as she entered his thoughts, the beautiful Robin entered the galley with a little bundle of fluffy towels in her arms. Wrapped in the soft cloth was a mess of damp green hair and a distinct little pout. Even little Zoro was opposed to bathes, or maybe just to anyone other Sanji holding him since the pout seemed to turn up to a small smile at the sight of the blonde. 

“Niji ! Niji !” 

Sanji rolled his eyes at the name again, the familiar itch of a much needed cigarette returning. 

He was actually just about to ask Chopper about that but the little doctor was already bounding out of his seat and to Robin and Zoro. 

“We will be right back”, they smiled before heading off with the baby. Sanji felt a sort of guilty feeling for not being with them. The baby was calling out for him after all, he should go with them but at the same time he doesn't want to see Zoro that way nor further cement himself as this temporary babysitter role. Chopper was the doctor and Robin was so naturally inclined towards caring for things, and she definitely thought he was very cute. He didn’t really have a place, he would just be in the way. 

Luckily whatever they had to do didn’t seem to take long as they were back to the galley just as Sanji put down the special prepared plate for Zoro. A plastic plate (to avoid any possible breaks again) with a nice dollop of plain vanilla yogurt with some cut up blueberries and strawberries mixed in. Then on the same plate was a cut up banana and some cut up melon. Beside the plate was a small cup with some fresh orange juice. He was a bit apprehensive about that but he did have some plastic cups he used when serving drinks outside to the men, with their affinity for knocking things over. The cup was barely half filled as Sanji worried it might be too heavy for him to lift. Which was a crazy concept to even cross his mind. A small cup of orange juice was potentially too heavy for Roronoa Zoro to lift. Barely a week ago he saw the same man lifting a monster, fighting a warlord. Sanji would never consider Zoro weak, but at this moment, what was he supposed to think ?

Zoro would absolutely kick his ass if he found out that Sanji was thinking that he was weak. Hell he might kick his ass anyway once he changes back just to keep the normalcy. Sanji might even welcome the clash of his swords to help forget that this whole thing even happened. But that would have to wait since they still had a few hours at the very least to manage. 

Robin sat down with Zoro in her lap again, he was mostly naked this time except for the new diaper covering his bottom and the same patterned make shift bid from yesterday. Sanji grimaced at the potential sanitary violations but if he wanted to say something about it he would have to say something to Franky too and hell even he was guilty of sitting in the galley in his boxers and a t-shirt in the early early mornings when he would stumble out of bed to check if his bread was proofing or to preheat the oven for the pastries. 

The whole crew seemed to fawn over the little moss again. Smiles and cooing and giggles as they poked at his little exposed baby belly, none seeming as perturbed as Sanji was at his missing scar. 

“Alright alright,” Sanji shooed them away, “everyone finish your breakfast before it spoils” 

Sanji sat in his seat, trying to ignore the extra elbow to his right, where Zoro usually sat. His stupidly muscular shoulders are not crowding his space. But instead the swordsman was seated in Robin’s lap with a small teaspoon clenched in his tiny fist. It was the smallest he could find in their cutlery, it was used for his delicate sauce placements. But it would work well to give to the baby moss…for now. 

He was just so grateful for this to be over soon. If Zoro were to spend anymore time as a baby it would be wise to invest in specific dishware for him but seeing as they were nearing the finish line of this it was hardly worth it. 

The crew went about nibbling on their fruits, all the while watching Zoro make an absolute mess of the yogurt. He took a few bites with the spoon but when he failed to get the piece of strawberry he wanted on his spoon he opted to use his hand instead. 

Sanji grimaced at the lack of decorum in his galley but all the others seemed to think it was cute. Luffy even joined in and coated a few fingers in the yogurt. It wasn’t as cute on him but it did manage to make Zoro laugh. Some people say that a baby’s laugh can brighten any room, that it is the cure to any sadness you could be feeling. And to those people, Sanji would call them liars because to him it is only the soundtrack to the sure eruption of chaos that comes with playing with food. This was not a new occurrence with Luffy and food is usually never wasted but Sanji is just not in the mood to clean it all up after. 

Thankfully, like the absolute goddess she is, dear Robin was able to subdue the captain for a moment. Somehow also calming Zoro down from all the excitement and getting his attention back on the fruit. 

He had taken a special interest in the strawberries in the yogurt and the bananas. He didn’t seem too fond of the melon, another surprise since Sanji specifically knew that to be Zoro’s favorite. He always made sure to keep some in stock if the stupid moss missed breakfast or for a snack on a hot afternoon. 

“He doesn’t like melon ?” Usopp asked, Sanji was thankful he was not the only one to notice. The sniper also had an eye for the finer details of their lives. 

“I know… weird right ?” Sanji added in sipping his own coffee. 

“Not surprising though, you should know that a person's palette can change a lot as they get older,” Chopper informed around a mouth full of strawberries, the juices staining some of his fur a bright red. And yeah Sanji did know that, but this was Zoro and it was bizarre to think of him as anything other than the brute Sanji has been getting to know for the last few months.

“I guess so, it's just weird is all. Didn’t like vegetables, doesn’t like melon… how sure are we that this is Zoro ?” Sanji gave a dry chuckle though the table seemed to find it not as humorous. Brooke probably would have laughed. Speaking of, he was still on the deck. He didn’t have to keep a night watch since Robin volunteered to stay up but he was still aware that it was the easier course of action to stay away from Zoro just for now. 

“I’m going to bring Brooke some fruit and tea,” Sanji said plainly as he made a small tray to take to the deck. 

He wasn't surprised to find Brooke on the deck, enjoying the warm sun. He had been stuck in a dark wasteland and unable to even think of seeing the sun for so long, it must be refreshing. Not that he needed the vitamin d .. well Sanji wasn’t sure how his devil fruit quite worked yet. 

“Hey Brooke, I brought you some tea and fruit.” Sanji placed the tray down on the small table beside where Brooke was lounging. 

“Oh ho yummy, thank you Sanji- san” Brooke thanked with a sing-song flourish on his words. 

“Don’t mention it .. I’m just sorry you have to be stuck out here. It’s just Zoro is still .. well not Zoro I guess. Baby Zoro ? Though Chopper said he’s just over two, so many not a baby..” he trailed off in thought, his mind filling up with Zoro again and against his will. 

He could hear the rest of the crew in the galley. Still laughing and cheering around little Zoro. It seemed like he was getting along fine without him around. Good, maybe he wouldn’t have to have the moss glued to him the rest of the day. 

“I think Zoro-san is a cute baby. I did catch a glimpse of him last night in your bunk. I know I didn’t get a chance to get to know our swordsman much since we sailed out of Thriller Bark but I can certainly tell he seems to be without some of the same weights that plagued him. It is clear to see he carries an immense burden, you as well Sanji-San .. and I don’t even have eyes to see !! Yohohoho !!” 

Sanji cringed at Brooke’s loud laugh in the still early morning. But the skeleton did make a certain point … 

Sanji knew more than anyone what burdens Zoro carried around. The weight he held on his shoulders and in his swords. Promises of old friends and the lives of new ones. Sanji could relate and as he reaches for his lighter and cigarettes he thinks about what it would be like to be a child again ? To not have to carry the same weights he did now ? 

Sanji’s jaw clenches around the cigarette in between his teeth as he thinks about his own childhood. If he was two years old again … he doesn’t want to think about that actually. Not right now. 

“SANJIIIIII !!” a shout comes from the galley. 

“Oh Sanji-san I think the captain is looking for you” 

“Yeah I think they heard him back all the way in the East Blue” Sanji chuckles as he takes another quick huff before putting the cigarette out. He usually didn’t have any qualms about smoking in the kitchen … it was his kitchen after all, but with Zoro still in there he didn’t want to risk a swift punch by Chopper or Nami. 

“Yeah ?” He enters back in, seeing Zoro now sitting on the table now instead of Robin's lap where he was left. He doesn’t make a comment on it, biting his lip in lieu of his usual fidget of choice. 

“You need to see this Sanji,” Nami says, a smile on her face that melts any annoyance Sanji could be harboring. 

“Oh what could it possible be beautiful Nami swan” 

“Just … ZoZo, did you want to show Niji something ?” He involuntarily cringes at the name, hearing that the bastard's name coming from Nami’s beautiful lips should be a sin. 

“Nuh uh” Zoro shakes his head, soft green tufts bouncing around as he does. 

“Aw, come on Zo it was so cute” Luffy tries to encourage the little moss. 

He blushes a little, opting to keep his head down and finding his little feet more intriguing than this conversation. 

“Come on, you looked real super, little ZoBro,” even Franky tries to get him to come around to show Sanji. It must have been really spectacular… though he thinks of things a two year old can be capable of and seems that nothing would be so impressive as to demand such persistence. 

“Oh well … maybe you can show Niji later.” He wants to correct Nami on the name, he doesn’t think he can stand to hear it again but a quick check to the clock reminds him that they only have a few more hours of this left to deal with. 

“Sure later …now if you’re all done eating, please let me clean up and I can bring you some drinks out shortly,” he gives a polite smile as he shoos them all out of the galley. 

“Hey hey wait ! What about Zoro ? Don’t you wanna spend as much time with baby Zo as possible ?” Luffy poked his head back in. 

“That’s ok … I got my fill last night. You guys play or something and I’ll come out at lunch. But put some clothes on him !” he brushes them off, leaving them with a final demand since he is sure the guys would not give it a second thought and think it’s totally fine to leave a little baby in just a diaper while on the open ocean, the chilly breeze would certainly have him catching a cold. 

With the wooden doors closed behind them , Sanji finally has some peace back. He sets to work clearing the table from breakfast. Taking note of Zoro’s still left behind melon, surprised Luffy didn’t take it. 

Sanji finishes it off himself in order to not waste food. Though eating half toddler chewed warm melon is not the refreshing breakfast he would have liked. 

He finishes quickly though and brews a fresh pot of coffee. He places all the now empty plates in the sink, and wipes down the table. 

There weren't many dishes from preparation, just the cutting board and his knives. There’s not much yogurt after this, so he adds to his ever growing mental to do list to prep some more. 

It’s quite cumbersome, so it’s best to do it after Zoro has changed back. No doubt Luffy and the others will be partying  all night once Zoro is back to normal. He also has to start prepping lunch, a child safe one, so probably sandwiches. Maybe onigiri for Zoro ? Fuck this is hard, he’s definitely relived to not have to plan around this much longer. 

Dinner will definitely be a celebration, he does have quite a bit of stock still, they could have a small banquet SMALL . The alcohol is plenty stocked considering Zoro has been on strict orders from Chopper not to drink since - since he’s been recovering. 

As he turns on the faucet to start on the dishes he wonders if he when he turns back if his injuries will come back. Will his bones break again ? Will his scar reopen ? Gripping the edge of the counter tight he tries not to think about it. He doesn’t want to see his body fall limp into his arms again, doesn’t want to smell the blood. 

He should ask Chopper. No doubt the little reindeer has already thought about the possibility. But … 

Again he chews on his lip, itching for a cigarette as he starts to wash the dishes. He puts them aside though since his usual green dish dryer is … well ... too small to reach the counter. 

It does take him twice as long to finish, barely getting time to make a drink for Nami and Robin. He doesn’t bother making anything for the boys, rambocus idiots will probably just drink the rain water collecting. 

“Sorry for my tardiness, my beautiful flowers, here’s a refreshing beverage for you” he places the tray beside Nami who is diligently charging their course to the Saboady Archipelago. Sanji can notice the slight crinkly in her brow, the New World is on the horizon and they are all a bit anxious for what it brings. 

“Oh thank you Sanji.” 

“Anything for you my sweet brilliant Nami swan” he smiles wide before scanning the rest of the deck. 

“Where is Robin ?” 

“She’s in the library, she said something about finding the true history of that village ?” She shrugs, no one ever really knows what Robin is getting up to but they all trust her brilliance and after Enies Lobby they know she will never steer them wrong. 

“Thank you darling,” another scan shows Luffy and Usopp chasing Chopper around the deck and Franky tinkering with his newest addition to Sunny. Brooke is also on the deck, though finding that Zoro is not here. 

He heads right for the library, there’s no way Robin would have left him alone somewhere on the ship right ? 

“Thank you my dear Nami, please just shout if you need anything, I’ll take this Robin now.”

“Ok Sanji-kun, thank you.” She barely spares a look up from her map 

As quickly as he can, Sanji makes his way up to the library, not even thinking of lighting a cigarette on the way. 

“Robin dear ?” He knocks gently to not startle her, though it’s rare anyone can take Robin by surprise. 

“Yes Sanji ?” she speaks up and he opens the door at her response. 

“I’m so sorry to bother you dear, but is the little mosshead with you ? He wasn’t on the deck and I have some snacks for him.” 

Robin gave a slightly concerned expression, “I left him with Franky and the other boys while I came to finish my research. He wasn’t playing with them ?” 

Sanji felt his blood run cold. “No, no he wasn’t with them… but um…maybe I missed him. I’ll go check again.” 

He was never usually one to be curt with the ladies but he placed the tray down and nearly ran back to the deck with little other conversation to Robin. It would be the worse outcome but it was starting to seem now that Zoro still managed to get lost. Sanji was able to briefly calm himself that at least they were on the ship and there’s not many places he could hide… but then he remembered his smaller size and a toddler’s natural curiosity. 

He was moving as quickly as he could back to the main deck, praying that somehow he just missed the smaller patch of green hair resting on the grass. 

“Guys !” he called over the railing, “Is Zoro with you ?” 

“Yeah little bro is right here,” Franky said confidently before turning around to realize that Zoro was not where he had last left him. 

“Huh ? I put him down right here for a nap !” 

“Idiot, he probably woke up and walked away if you weren’t watching him !” 

Sanji tried to think, finally lighting a cigarette to calm his frayed nerves and focus. 

“Well he’s small, where could he have gone ?” Usopp tried to rationalize as they all started looking around the deck. 

“Well where would big Zoro wanna go ?” Luffy tried to come up with a decent attempt of searching but if the last day has proved anything it was that baby Zoro seemed to have less and less in common with big Zoro… except for the wandering off bit - of course that is the same. 

Sanji didn’t have a good idea either on where Zoro would want to go. Typically Zoro would always retreat to the Crow’s Nest, or lay on the deck, or come bother Sanji in the galley. He just came from the galley, he was standing on the deck and there was no way he would be able to make it up to the Crow’s Nest. The ship was big and there seemed to be bits that Sanji himself hadn’t even gotten to explore yet. 

Maybe there was an open hatch somewhere leading straight to the water...maybe he locked himself in a cabinet too small for anyone else to reach into- well Chopper would probably be able to fit anywhere Zoro could get. Sanji tugged on his hair as he tried to think. 

“Chopper,  can’t you smell him ?” Sanji thought, surely it would be more efficient to sniff out the little moss than have to search every nook and cranny for him. 

The little deer poked his snout out, taking a deep breath. “Yes and no…I can smell that he is still on the ship, but with the wind I can’t really pinpoint him.” He hung his head, feeling guilty that not only was he not able to be more help in the search but that he wasn’t paying more attention to little Zoro. 

Sanji could see the look on their youngest - or previously youngest- crewmate’s face, “Don’t feel bad Chopper. It will be ok.” Sanji said as reassuringly as possible - for both of their sakes, but he really only managed to convince Chopper. 

He did feel relieved at the knowledge that Zoro was still on the ship. He was able to quell the possibility of a large bird scooping him up or him falling into the sea and being washed away like the mossball he is. As much as Sanji wished for that exact scenario many times when big Zoro would annoy him, the thought of it happening to the baby was actually terrifying. 

Just Zoro being lost was terrifying. Which again, is something that Sanji never expected to feel. Zoro getting lost on a new island was about as guaranteed as finding fish in the ocean. But he always turned up and Sanji could rest easy knowing that he could take care of himself. That he was more than capable of fending off any threat that came his way and anything he couldn’t take care of, Sanji was right behind him.                                                                     

“Sanji san ? I’m so sorry to bother you….” Brooke spoke up seemingly out of nowhere breaking Sanji out of his spiraling and panicked thoughts as he worked on clearing out all the cabinets in the aquarium room in case Zoro had crawled in there somehow. 

“Not right now Brooke, we’re in the middle of a situation.” Sanji didn’t intend to be short with the crew, but it was starting to seem that he was the only person freaking out over this. The others were still searching but not with enough urgency that Sanji thought this deserved. Luffy has even said something about “ Zoro is Zoro, he will turn up eventually .” The blind faith those two have in each other is impressive and annoying. 

“Oh, I’m sorry, is everything ?” Sanji now felt even shittier, Brooke keeping his distance from the group meant he probably hadn’t heard Sanji’s earlier freak out over Zoro missing.

“No dammit, Franky is an idiot and now we have a missing mossball.” Sanji explained with most of his head now in the cabinet and trying to look around in the dim light. 

“Oh ? Zoro is missing ?” 

“Yes dammit, so can whatever it is you want wait, please ?”

“Well it's not so much what I want…” the skeleton trailed off, testing Sanji’s low patience. 

“What the hell does that even mean ?” 

“Well I think someone is ready for snack time,” there was a slight sing song to his voice, again not the energy Sanji thought this situation deserved. 

“Well tell Luffy to wait, and what the hell he should be helping us look anyway.” His voice was taking on a more aggravated tone and echoing in the now empty cabinet. 

“Oh no it's not the captain, I haven’t seen him since before breakfast.” Sanji finally backed out of the cabinet after no sight of the moss. 

“Then who the hell are you -”  

“Niji ! Snack time ! Snack time!” 

Sanji stood in a state of shock for at least five seconds, the little voice finally registering.

“Marimo ! Brooke, what the hell !?” Sanji was a mixture of pissed off, confused and beyond relieved. 

“I found him by the orange trees trying to pick one, but his little arms couldn’t seem to reach. It was quite cute.” Sanji took another deep breath trying to compose himself as he looked down to where Zoro was standing beside Brooke, barely coming up halfway to the skeleton’s knee.

“He did take a little tumble somewhere in his journey, he might need a bandage,” Brooke added and Sanji took note of the small scrape on his knee, just under the hem of the shorts he had borrowed again from Chopper.  

It wasn’t worth it to yell, or freak out. Truly he was just glad he was safe for the most part. The idea of losing Zoro made Sanji’s stomach knot, he’d rather not think about that again. 

“Niji !” The little moss called for him again, this time little hands reaching up for him. For him . For Sanji. Zoro’s little hands, despite not remembering anything of the crew other than the last 15 hours, Zoro’s little innocent hands reach out for him. 

Without any need for further convincing or thought, he bends down with a smile and takes him in his arms. 

“What is it, Marimo ?” 

“Snack time !” he repeats, this time with a little more of a pout for having to repeat himself. 

“Oh you’re right… silly me,” Sanji replies and Brooke smiles at the cute display, the reunion of the two was something that would have warmed his heart if he had one. Sanji had started to head back to the galley with the little swordsman in tow and Brooke sat down in the plush couches of the lounge, feeling glad he could finally help.

“Niji, silly,” Zoro giggles and it is infectious. The sounds of Zoro safe and happy fill him with immense relief.

He had a snack made up for him earlier, but some time during his frantic searching for the toddler it must have been snagged by their captain since only an empty plate was left in its place.

“Snack ?” Zoro asked curiously, perceiving the empty plate where a snack should have been. He pouted again this time, with an added exhale of disapproval. 

“Don’t worry mossy, I’ll whip you up something super fast.” 

“Niji, super fast !” Zoro parroted, it felt like a compliment and hearing any form of praise from any form of Zoro felt wrong to Sanji’s ears…but he soaked in regardless. 

 .oOo.

Zoro enjoyed his snack and was content to sit in the galley with Sanji while he started on some dinner preparations. Luffy hadn’t announced the feast yet, but he was sure that as soon as the overgrown algae was back where he belonged Luffy would be adamant. And he might be super fast, but even he can’t prepare a small banquet in five minutes. 

He had set Zoro up with some plastic and dull kitchen utensils he wasn’t using. A whisk, the small strainer he used for the finer pasta, some spoons, and a rubber spatula. It wasn’t much but Zoro seemed to be entertaining himself just fine. Opting to put the strainer on his head and swing the whisk and spatula around.

When he set the last of his things on the stove to sit he turned back to Zoro. He couldn’t help but laugh at the sight. Whisk in one hand, spatula in the other, and spoon in his mouth. Even as a baby, something so small and innocent with barely any concept of fighting or dueling, the moss has this deep seated urge. 

Zoro’s passion was always clear, he was destined to be the world’s greatest swordsman. Which is why his ridiculous display on Thriller Bark still made Sanji’s skin crawl. He doesn’t understand. 

“You’re ridiculous, you know that ?” he says with a tired chuckle to the little moss. His head tilting at the word, strainer sliding off slightly to cover his eye. 

“Silly, you’re very very silly mossy” 

“N’uh..mmmi miwwy” Obviously the skill to talk nearly perfectly clearly with something like a katana hilt in his mouth came over time. 

Sanji laughed again and took the strainer off, to tussle the soft green hair. 

 .oOo.

Eventually, Zoro’s duel with the evil invisible pirates coming to ravage the innocent town ended in a clear victory for the brave samurai Zoro. He curled up on the bench, whisk still firmly held in his arms, and fell asleep. 

Sanji had paused the dinner prep to work on lunch. With Zoro still small it would have to be simple again. Some sandwiches would suffice for the crew and a simple peanut butter and jelly should work for Zoro. Unless he suddenly decided that he hated bread now too. 

As he assembled the sandwiches on the counter, he faced the rest of the galley instead of the wall like usually. He watched the little moss sleeping on the bench, listening in the still kitchen for the soft breaths. It was nice and somewhat familiar. 

A day with little Zoro has been hectic to say the least, he didn’t expect a walk in the park but he is sure eager for this to be over very soon. But another part of him, the part that smiled at Zoro’s giggles, the part that felt pride to be chosen, would miss this more than he imagined. 

 .oOo.

The crew started filing in just as Sanji set the large tray of various sandwiches down on the table. Zoro on his hip, nibbling at his own little sandwich. He was agreeable to the PB&J… only after Sanji cut all the crusts off and cut the sandwich into three triangles.

The others helped themselves to the spread Sanji had laid out. The room was quiet for a beat as everyone dug in. But once Luffy shoved down his third portion he was feeling chatty as usual. 

“Robinnn,when is Zoro going to change back ? Its been all day ?” the captain whined in understandable frustration. Zoro was his first mate after all, even if he spent all of his time alone in the Crow’s Nest his presence was still a noticeable absence. It must have been putting Luffy on edge this whole time too. A captain without his first mate… Sanji hadn’t really thought about it much before. 

Sanji held onto the little moss as they took a seat with the others, Zoro finishing his second triangle and looking for the small glass of milk that Sanji had poured for him. 

“Soon, captain… if this is simple it should resolve itself in about four more hours.” 

“Woo Hoo !” Luffy cheered, content with the answer and shoving another sandwich in his mouth whole. 

“And what if it's not simple ?” Nami asked, clearly also noticing Robin’s word choice and the expression of reservation that she wore. 

“Well…in my research I did find out some more on the island itself. The texts were very old and hard to make out… but it seemed like the town used to be thriving. Farms were successful, and the people were flourishing..”

“But …?” 

“ But in an even older temple on the island, there was mention of a blessing bestowed on people. Those who sought it out were granted a second chance. A reset and a chance to do everything over again if they so wished…” 

The crew was silent, all eagerly awaiting to be taken wherever Robin was leading them. 

“There was a catch though, to be given this “ second chance ” you are essentially living your life over again from the last point that you recalled before things went in a dissatisfactory direction.”

“I'm sorry Robin, I’m not following, what does that have to do with Zoro?” Chopper spoke up. 

“In one of the recordings, there were so few people actually able to recount the effects of this “ blessing ”... though some refer to it as a curse, but in one of the written recordings a man recounts making the journey to the temple in hopes to find love again. That he was nearing his sixties and had never found love after he ended things with a girlfriend in his youth. So to make his wish come true, to grant him a second chance ..he was reverted from 57 to 21, the age he was when he broke up with the love of his life.” 

“Yoww, that is so sweet. He got to meet her again and fall in love.” 

“No Franky, you idiot, he might have been 21 but she would have still been in her 50s right Robin ? That’s the curse part… you aren’t actually able to change anything.” 

“Yes Nami dear…that is correct. Though I suppose it would depend on what you were wishing for to begin with. But most of the records only recall things ending poorly.” 

“And what’s that all got to do with Zoro ?” Luffy asked with his mouth full, clearly only half listening to Robin's thorough recollection of her research. 

“Well you see…that temple is where I found Zoro on the island.” 

“Let us not fret though, we still have some time… perhaps it will wear off soon as expected. Robin san was there anything mentioned in your readings of how long the effects would last ?” Brooke chimed in, trying to relieve some of the palpable tension that just covered the crew. 

“Yes.. if he rejects the wish, or if he is able to rectify his objective within the 24 hours, the victim will return to normal at sunrise the next day.” She went on to explain. 

There was a glimmer of hope on Luffy’s face, but as Sanji held little Zoro in his arms he couldn’t stop thinking of how that was impossible. 

“Robin dear, I…I don’t understand. Well maybe I do, but in your research what was the youngest someone ever was turned back to ?” Sanji asked, hoping that the terrifying truth he was thinking would be dispatched. 

“Like I said there is not much recorded about it, it’s likely the townspeople stopped using it when they saw the negative effects more often. But from the few instances I was able to read about, the youngest individual was about 16 years old.” she said with a slightly solemn expression, like she knew what Sanji was thinking. 

“I see,” the cook looked down to the little moss still eating his sandwich without a care in the world. Little drops of jelly landing on his onigiri bib and crumbs on Sanji’s lap. 

“Well what did Zoro wish for ? We can make sure it happens before dinner time and then he will be turned back right ?” Luffy asked simply, mouth still full of food. 

“I…I think that’s the problem…” Nami also said in a crestfallen tone, gaze cast down at her lap, and soft hands clenched in a fist at the frustration of helplessness, “We don’t know what his wish is, and he’s too little to tell us.

“But he was turned into a baby ? What could his wish have possibly been to turn him back this far ?” Franky chimed in, also taking in all the information and trying to formulate a solution. 

“I’m not sure,” Robin said, closing her note book and looking towards the rest of the crew. 

“That’s easy,” Luffy chirped up, “Zoro’s wish is to be the world’s strongest swordsman !” 

“That doesn’t make any sense though, he is still working on that and even if that was the case he would just be a few months younger from back when he fought Mihawk at the Baratie,” Nami added, and she was right. They only knew of Zoro’s main wish and dream and he hadn’t really failed at it, and if he had it was no explanation for why he was two damn years old. 

“Well if his wish isn’t granted by sunrise how long will this last ? Is it permanent ? Will he be forced to live out his whole life again ?” Usopp let out a barrage of questions, his voice pitching at the possibility of being without one of their greatest protectors in the middle of the grandline - let alone having to raise a baby.

“If the wish is resolved in the initial time frame, there is another time frame of nine months to resolve it before it becomes permanent.” The final bit of information was now out and Sanji felt a knot form in his throat. Suddenly the light twenty pounds of Zoro in his lap, felt like a ton. He didn’t know what to feel, what to think. His thoughts were flying around his mind so fast. It wasn’t until Luffy spoke up again to get out of his head and take a breath. 

“Well, then we will just make sure Zoro’s wish comes true tonight !” He says it so simply, like Zoro could be in this situation just because he wanted a day to play or an extra nap. Clearly the swordsman’s deepest desire was something he hadn’t had for most of his life. And they knew so little about him that it would be nearly impossible to guess what that could be. But Luffy seemed to have faith so the rest of the crew put their faith in him. 

 .oOo.

With Zoro still small but the time dinner rolled around it was clear that there was not going to be a feast the way Sanji had planned for. But the food was still prepped, so with Zoro pleasantly occupied on the deck playing with Luffy and Usopp and carefully monitored by Brooke, Sanji started cooking it anyway. 

There may have not been anything to celebrate the way they were expecting come sundown, the small feast did do wonders on keeping everyone’s spirits high. To keep them from dwelling on the terrifying possibility that in just a few hours their whole course could change. 

Brooke played songs on his violin, Franky even bringing out his guitar and Luffy singing along joyously. It did remind Sanji of their last celebration with the other pirates on Thriller Bark. Though unlike then, Zoro wasn’t unconscious and clinging to life. Instead he was babbling along with the words he didn’t know, and skipping around the grass with the others. He was happy and carefree and surrounded by the love of his crew. All of them worried about him but smiling to see their usually stoic swordsman enjoying himself. 

 .oOo.

As the night wound down it was clear that Zoro was out of energy. His little body unable to keep up with the excitement of the rest of the crew. When Sanji returned from the galley after clearing most of the plates and dishes he found the others sat around the table, sipping drinks and chatting about something or other. He also took note of their captain asleep on the dreck and his round and stuffed belly with a little moss sleeping on top of it. He wanted to yell about how unsafe that was but Luffy had taken the precaution of wrapping his stretchy arms around Zoro gently to keep him secure. Even over the chatter and the waves slapping the side of the Sunny, Sanji could still hear Zoro’s soft snores. He wanted to take Zoro back right then and there, wanted to wrap him up in his arms and hold him close and relax to his soft breathing but the others were calling him over. 

“Sanji kun, we were just talking about how good you are with Zoro.” Sanji wanted to reject the statement but he would rather jump off the railing into the black ocean below than tell Nami she was wrong about anything and considering the last thought he had about wanting to cuddle the little moss, he knew she was right. 

“I mean, I don’t really get it either,” he laughed a little and reached into his pocket for his cigarettes and lighter, but stopping himself before actually lighting it. 

“Oi, Chopper, I never got to ask…what should I do about this.” he presented the cigarettes out to the doctor. 

“Well definitely don’t smoke when you’re holding him, or in an enclosed space with him, but we get enough fresh air here that if you stay outside it should be fine.” Sanji nodded, a little frustrated at the idea of potentially being put out of smoking in his own kitchen. But he would oblige, and it was still just a possibility. Luffy was keeping the faith that this would be over in the morning and the more and more he thought about what nine months with a little moss could bring, Sanji was praying for it too. 

 .oOo.

Not too long after chatting with the rest of the crew, Sanji also started to feel exhaustion creeping in. Brooke volunteered to take watch that night, they would have to work out a new schedule depending on whatever news the morning brang. 

He gently unwrapped Luffy’s arms from around Zoro, he must have been exhausted because he only let slip a few soft whimpers as Sanji took him in his arms. Once in the bunkroom Sanji was faced with a new dilemma. Should Zoro sleep in his own hammock, or with Sanji again ? These new ones were more secure than what they had on the Merry. Only problem was Zoro’s was not on the bottom, he slept above Franky, closest to the back of the room, while Sanji’s was on the bottom and closest to the front. It made sense, considering how few nights Zoro actually spent sleeping in there and for Sanji he was usually the last to tuck in and the first up. He certainly didn’t like the idea of playing musical bunks and making everyone shift just for one night and especially since Chopper and Usopp were already asleep in theirs. 

Sanji was more willing to let the little moss sleep with him again, despite all the stress of the situation it was some of the best sleep he had in a while. But there was also the thought, and hope, that this would resolve by morning and the risk of waking up to/ being smothered by a full grown marimo was enough to rethink it. He definitely didn’t want to put little Zoro in the top bunk though, the potential of him falling out was too high and would keep Sanji up all night. 

“I swear Marimo, when you get back here tomorrow I am going to kick your ass and you are doing the dishes for a whole month.” Sanji grumbled to himself as he tucked Zoro into his bed underneath Usopp. Making sure there was plenty of padding that he wouldn't fall through and that he was fairly comfortable. 

Sanji made his way over to the back of the room, to Zoro’s bunk. He held his breath, sure to be faced with the stench of unwashed sweaty sheets but in a pleasant surprise it was not so bad. Though it only served as a reminder that Zoro had been hiding out in the Crow’s Nest nursing his injuries for the last week. 

As usual, Sanji’s thoughts swirled around his brain as he laid in bed. Though now he was looking at the ceiling rather than his crewmate sleeping above him. As his eyes adjusted to the darkness of the room, not having the window and moonlight pointing on him at this angle, he stared at the wood. He was able to make out some faint lines in the wood, knicks to what he thought was impervious wood. Had Zoro made these ? Had he also laid in his bed waiting for sleep to come but never finding rest ? They were just random, at least they seemed that way to Sanji, they weren’t tally marks or anything like that. The moss was weird and as much as Sanji tried to get in his head to figure out why he did the senseless things he did, he would just come out empty handed every time. 

He turned to his left, catching a glimpse of the green hair in the beam of moonlight in his bunk. He barely knew anything about Zoro, how could they make his wish come true ?

 .oOo.

Morning came and it was less of the sunrise waking Sanji up this time and more so just his internal clock. He had been waking up earlier since the Baratie first opened, one night would not change that. He sat up in the bed and stretched, stifling a yelp when his hands banged against the wooden ceiling. 

Oh yeah, Zoro’s bunk. He thought to himself as he prepared to leap from back down to the floor as quietly as possible. With that reminder though, he was also reminded of why he was in Zoro’s bunk. He made his way over to the front of the dorm, practically holding his breath to see what their future had in store. 

In the soft beam of sunrise illuminating his bunk, Sanji could see the small child sleeping soundly curled up in his blankets.

The little boy with moss green hair and dark tanned skin.

The new world would have to wait, though Sanji could sense the next nine months were sure to be just as exhilarating.