Of this Dream

by: a psycho chibi named Wendy

Disclaimer: I do not own a thing except a slightly dented imagination.

Warnings: Language, yaoi, AU, sap and fluff

Pairing: Sanji x Zoro/Zoro x Sanji

Summary: 5 years have passed. After waiting for so long, a moment of serendipity may give Sanji and Zoro the chance to see if the promise they parted with can bring them the to the destination they've strived for.

Author Rant: This story is the sequel to my other fic A Long Promise. I recommend you read it before reading this one if you want to know what's going on.

Enjoy~

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-"They canceled your flight?"-

A deep sigh left him as Zoro sat heavily on the king sized bed. It was a ridiculously comfortable bed in a lavish hotel room, but it did nothing to lift the sour mood he was in. "Yeah. They're having a pilot strike. I'm stuck until I can get a train ticket to another airport. I probably won't get back to the states for another week. I'm afraid I'll miss the reunion." he muttered as he glared at the useless plane tickets on the dresser.

-"Oh! That's what I'm calling about. Usopp and Kaya had to go on an emergency mission trip, and Sanji had to cancel too. We've rescheduled for next month. There's no hurry. You're not going to miss everyone."- Luffy's voice reassured.

His tan lips shifted from a bitter frown to a relieved smirk as he fell back to the bed. "That'll be fine. I have the next two months off."

-"Sweet! Maybe we can spend the holidays together! Franky and Robin invited everyone to their place, and Sanji promised to be there and make a huge feast for everyone! It'll be awesome!"-

Zoro's expression softened on hearing that name again. Just the sound of it made a dull ache form in his chest. "How... how has he been?"

-"Ridiculously busy. He's got that new book published. He's been doing all sorts of interviews and book signings for that. He's gotten involved with a charity that works with the same missionary workers that Kaya and Usopp work with. He said something about starting a chain of public soup kitchens for poor urban areas, but that's still in the planning stages... OH! And he was finally able to find a business partner! With this guy's help, Sanji was finally able to open a really classy restaurant. He sent me pictures. It's beyond 5 star. I wanna go so bad!"- Luffy's voice trailed off to a low grumbling for a moment before he was actually speaking again. -"Anyway, that's why Sanji had to cancel. A big buzz started about it, and some sponsor encouraged them to move up the grand opening. It just opened 5 days ago. He sounded so excited when he called me. I don't think he's slept in weeks."-

A slight smile curled Zoro's lips as he closed his eye. "Sounds like he's really getting somewhere. So where's this restaurant?" It was good to know that Sanji what finally getting what he had worked so hard for. 'Wish.. I could have been there..'

-"France. Just outside of Paris. Oh yeah, where are you anyway?"-

Zoro's eye shot open as his heart suddenly seemed to stop. He sat up slowly and glanced towards the balcony of his room. The view was breath taking of the city that stretched out in all directions, but the prominent fixture of the land scape was one very infamous tower. On looking at it his heart pounded in his chest. "... Paris..."

-"No way! That's awesome! You definitely have to go!"-

While glad to hear his friend's excitement, Zoro felt a familiar nervous knot twisting in his stomach. One he hadn't felt in 5 years. "I... I don't know... He sounds busy, plus I've never liked all that ritzy shit. I would stand out too much." He almost scolded himself for how weak all of that sounded. He knew Luffy wouldn't buy that load of shit.

And he didn't.

-"When the hell has that ever mattered to you? So you've got green hair and an eye patch. Big deal. You're a kendo world champion! You've got 50 million trophies and all sorts of other cool shit! You're an international martial arts super star!"-

"Luffy, you know I hate all that super star name brand endorsement shit. I'm not a super star. I'm just a swordsman. That's it." Zoro countered flatly. Dammit he hated phones so much. He couldn't glare at the person on the other end like he wanted to.

-"Fine. An epically awesome swordsman with a cool eyepatch."-

Being reminded of it, Zoro lifted his hand to the black leather that covered his permanently closed left eye. He touched it for a moment before a deep frown fell over his face. "I don't think I should go."

There was a long pause over the phone before a frustrated sigh could be heard. -"Dammit, Zoro... You two haven't even spoken to each other in 5 years. I know you miss each other, and you're finally in the same area! Just a few miles away! Go see Sanji!"-

Zoro was quiet for a moment before he spoke. "Did he say that?"

-"Well... Not exactly, but you're always the first thing he asks about when he calls."-

The furrow in his brow drew in deeper. "I don't know, Luffy... He's got his own life going. I don't want to get in the way." And he meant it. No matter how much it made that dull ache grow sharper.

-"Go see Sanji or I'm calling him right now and telling him where you are."-

The threat had Zoro's eye widened for a moment before it narrowed sharply. "You wouldn't..."

-"Wanna bet? Sanji's got connections over there. He could hunt you down in under an hour. Go. See. Him."-

A growl left Zoro as he raised his hand and pinched the bridge of his nose tightly. "Okay... I'll go... He'll probably be too busy to even notice me." he added more under his breath.

-"Dude. Green hair. He'll notice you. Just wear something that isn't splattered with blood or full of stab holes."-

That actually pulled a chuckle from the swordsman. "Heh.. Fine. What's this place called?"

-"The Blue Garden. Just show up there sometime this evening. You'll get in."-

"Don't I need a reservation?"

-"Trust me. Just show up."-

Zoro quirked up a brow in suspicion at the cryptic response. "Right..."

-"Ow! Nami! Quit throwing shit at me! Oi!"- There was a loud clattering sound followed soon by a faint groan of pain. -"Ugh.. Zoro... I think I have to go before I get a concussion..."-

The commotion instantly pulled a smirk to the swordsman's face when he heard a familiar woman's voice yelling in the background. "We told you she was violent."

-"Yes, but the sex is great. Ow ow ow ow! Okay! I'll talk to you later, Zoro! You better go see Sanji! Ack! Nami! I need that body part!"- Luffy yelped just before the call was ended.

Chuckling at how the dysfunctional pair were the same as ever, Zoro closed his cell phone and put it back in his jeans pocket. "I sometimes feel sorry for him..."

Now left in the silence of his room, he let out a heavy troubled sigh. His mind was spinning with this new information, and his heart was still racing like he had just finished a fight. His hands came up to rub firmly at his temples in a weak attempt to ward off the headache that was creeping in on him. "A few miles away..."

Just saying it made his heart do strange things.

Like screaming at him to get up off his ass and go.

'Go to him!'

'You've done your time!'

'Take back what you let get away from you!'

It was commanding him so strongly that Zoro almost winced before he allowed himself to fall back to the bed. There he stared up at the ceiling as a memory played through his mind. The same memory that had been playing over and over in his mind for the past 5 years.

'Take care, Zoro.'

Those were the last words that Sanji spoke to him.

Not one call.

No emails.

Nothing.

That's what they agreed upon. 5 years to get where they wanted to be. 5 years to get their lives on the right track to their dreams.

And now...

The 5 years were up.

Back then 5 years had felt like a lifetime. Now it felt like a blur. Like only yesterday Sanji kissed him goodbye.

"No..." Zoro whispered as a sad smile pulled over his face. "We didn't say goodbye..."

He remembered how adamant Sanji had been about not saying that word. The fact they didn't gave him a small amount of hope that maybe...

Maybe...

Zoro took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Might as well get it over with."

He pushed himself out of bed and headed for his luggage. "Okay... No blood stains and no stab holes..."

While grabbing one of his suitcases a smirk pulled over his lips as he let out a snort of amusement. "Heh... I haven't even seen him, and he's already being a pain... Damn blondie.."

With that bit of humor to steel himself, Zoro worked to get ready.

This was it.

The moment where he would finally see if their paths would cross again...

'Or.. Finally overlap...'

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"Dammit.. I feel like I'm wearing a dead cat around my neck..." Zoro muttered to himself when he caught the 27th person staring at him. He made sure to scowl at the pompous bastard and stare right back.

It only took 5 seconds before the overdressed penguin became flustered and waddled off.

Though Zoro gained little satisfaction from it. "Snotty fucker..."

He didn't understand what the big deal was. He was wearing his best dark wash jeans, and a crisp white dress shirt. Had even polished his boots to get rid of the scuff marks on them. He knew he didn't look like a thug or a homeless person.

True, the eye patch and the green hair probably didn't help him, but he couldn't do anything about that.

Not that he would have if he could. 'Let the fuckers stare. I didn't come all the way over here to get glared into submission by some rich pricks I can't even understand.' He thought firmly as he moved with the line that was heading for the host's podium. The fact the line seemed to wrap around the building had him balking somewhat. It was ridiculous, but from what he could pick up from listening to the conversations prattling on around him, everyone was raving about the restaurant. Praise and compliments were all around...

Hearing it all placed Zoro in a bit more tolerant mood.

He was happy. Happy that Sanji had done so well and earned all of this recognition.

'You deserve it...'

As he gradually worked his way into the building, he took stock of everything silently. So far the building looked huge. Looking at it seriously he could tell by the general shape that it had to have been converted from an old warehouse. Traces of old architecture could still be seen through the fresh and classy facade that had been skillfully planned.

On entering the building he was nearly dazzled by blue and gold. The color combo was everywhere from the floor to the walls. There were elaborate statues and sculptures with a distinct dancing motif. He was a bit puzzled by all the dancing references, but the color scheme made him think of golden hair and blue eyes.

The more he thought about it the more that nervous knot twisted in his stomach.

He wanted to believe Luffy's words, but he remembered how Sanji was about women. He was a slut when it came to women. Even when they were together Sanji would still stop and stare at any pretty thing in a skirt. There was no way Sanji didn't have a slew of women at his beck and call.

Just the thought made that knot threaten to choke him. What the hell could he possibly offer the cook when he was already swimming within his element. Thriving.

'Fuck... Will he even want to think of me... That way...'

He felt stupid, but there was a distinct fear that felt heavy and bitter in his gut. What was he going to do if he wasn't even spared a passing glance? He had been prepared to never see the man he gladly called his lover after the blond boarded that bus and slipped out of his life.

Now...

The line was moving all while his mind kept turning in on itself. When he finally glanced up he saw that he was almost at the podium. He had to make a decision now.

'Risk it.. Or walk away and let him keep living the life he has now..'

"Janette! Such a heavenly sight! You look ravishing as always~!"

Zoro's heart stopped.

'That voice...'

He knew that idiotic cooing anywhere.

He glanced around until he saw the sight of golden hair and a black suit move past the entranceway to the main lobby.

'S... Sanji...'

He knew that confident stride. It was him. He only caught a glimpse of him, but it was enough to make his heart pound in his chest.

"Monsieur?"

Jerking his attention back to the present, Zoro saw the smartly dressed man behind the podium looking at him expectantly with a pen poised over the reservations book. He silently chided himself for being distracted so easily.

That one instant made Zoro realize exactly why Sanji had insisted on no contact between them over the 5 years.

They simply distracted one another too much.

Forcing himself to focus, Zoro stepped up to address the host. He was still iffy on why Luffy said not to make a reservation. Maybe Luffy called it in for him..?

"Zoro Roronoa..."

The man behind the podium froze for a moment before he sat down his pen. Not even bothering to look at the reservations book, he quickly motioned for a nearby waiter to take over for him as he grabbed a menu. "Ah, Monsieur Roronoa! Please follow me and I shall take you to your table." he said with a heavy French accent and a bright smile.

Blinking in bemusement, Zoro tilted his head and followed the man warily. "You.. Know who I am?" he asked slowly as he was led inside the main lobby.

Plush navy blue chairs and sofas were scattered about along with several well kept plants as the glamorously dressed people mingled. All the suits and glittering gems made him feel horribly out of place, but his curiosity allowed him to ignore it.

"Of course, Monsieur. The entire staff knows you. You have been placed on the permanent VIP list. That guarantees you a table and the best service possible." the man stated as he led the way into the restaurant.

Surprised, Zoro was about to question further when he finally saw the interior. "... Damn..."

High arching ceilings painted in swirling shades of blue had lights that rippled across it like sunlight reflecting off water. The floors were done in blue carpets while a blue marble mosaic walkway wound it way through the restaurant to the different seating areas. He noticed a classy martini bar towards one wall of the restaurant with a huge aquarium with tropical fish and plants behind where the bartenders were working.

As they passed some of the tables his eye caught sight of the tables covered with white linens that had a blue wave pattern embroidered along the hem. The chairs were elegant Victorian style done in a shining gold with blue upholstery. Columns lined the walls with more statues of dancers looking as if they were moving around them.

'It's.. Like an under water palace..'

However what stole Zoro's breath away was towards the back of the restaurant where there was an area sectioned off with velvet ropes.

Looking like an island in the middle of the sea was a vast indoor garden. Mosses and lush green grass covered a hill that had a number of flowers and trees placed about it. There was even a waterfall towards the top on a rock formation that fell to a beautiful koi pond down below. He could even see paths and walkways that led through the garden that some of the patrons were strolling along.

"Damn... Sanji... This... This was your dream..?" Zoro asked quietly as he was led along. It was then that Zoro noticed he was being led straight towards the garden. He blinked in surprise when a man in tux standing at the velvet rope readily unhooked it and pulled it aside for them to pass. He could barely believe any of this, but it was clear he truly was being led to the VIP section.

He was led around the garden to the very back to a quiet table that was a bit secluded from the rest in the exclusive area. His guide stopped at it and pulled out the seat for him. "Here we are, Monsieur Roronoa. Your private table. Here is the menu and the wine list. I shall return shortly with your Sake."

Zoro was about to sit down when he paused on hearing that. "Wait.. Sake?" He hadn't said anything. 'And why would a French place even have Sake?'

The smartly dressed man smiled and nodded. "Oui. All of the members on the permanent VIP list can have the option of requesting something specific to be ready for them on their arrival. Yours has a bottle of our finest Sake served warm. Is this correct?"

For a moment Zoro couldn't really even begin to think. 'Did Sanji..?'

Eventually he gave a nod. "Yes, that's fine. Thank you." He settled down in his seat and watched the host give a slight bow before leaving.

Now that he was alone he tried to take everything in.

Everything seemed as if Sanji had this setting in wait for him, but that was impossible. Unless Luffy did call him. "No.. Luffy wouldn't do that. He knows I'm good for my word.. But how...?"

Unable to answer his own question, Zoro let out a heavy sigh and glanced towards the area of the garden he was seated at. It was only meant to be a quick glance, but his eye widened when he registered what he was seeing.

A smaller koi pond surrounded by flat stone and ornamental grasses was next to a beautiful Japanese maple and a small pagoda. He saw another tree behind the pagoda, and though it was bare, Zoro recognized it as a Japanese Sakura. Meaning in the spring the tree would be filled with brilliant pink and white blossoms. He could almost picture it within his mind. It looked similar to some of the peaceful gardens he had seen while he was traveling the Japanese competition circuit.

And his private table just so happened to be placed right in front of it.

Zoro's heart clenched in his chest.

"Sanji... You did this for me..?"

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At the bar on the other end of the restaurant, a certain blond was enjoying a well deserved martini. His legs were aching and his shoulders were stiff from being up on his feet for the past 16 hours, so he was thrilled with getting a moment to finally breathe. Still, as he watched the thriving hum of life that filled his restaurant, Sanji couldn't help the content smile that was on his pale lips.

He loved this. Seeing the smiling faces. Hearing the positive buzz. It made all the back breaking work worth it.

Still, after putting in countless hours greeting well to do patrons and dodging his overly clingy business partner, he knew he was going to have to get some down time soon. He had almost been caught by that raving loon that helped him start his business the last time, which was enough of a sign that told him he needed to get some rest.

His mind often wondered if he had made a deal with a devil to get the rest of his financial backing when he signed the contract. But in the end, it was worth the irritation it caused.

'Still.. Damn dragqueen had to make me use a red pen to sign all that shit...'

That part he hadn't been thrilled about, but he used work to take his mind off of the twitch in his jaw.

It had been a grueling and demanding process, but he finally did it. The place was perfect. Everything he ever dreamed of and more. Everyone loved it. Prospects were higher than he ever dared to think possible, and his career was shooting straight to the top.

He was almost happy.

Almost.

He leaned back against the bar and watched through half lidded eyes at the fruit of his labor. The product of intense work and non stop dedication. Countless sacrifices and opportunities passed by. He had kept focused through it all and now that he had this beautiful palace he had created with his own two hands...

He still felt it wasn't enough.

Something was missing.

He knew it.

He had known it for 5 years.

"5 years... Has it really been that long?" he asked himself quietly.

It didn't really seem like it.

Seemed like an eternity. And with every passing day, Sanji felt that it truly was going to be an eternity. An eternity living with that void in his chest that no amount of success would ever fill.

He truly tried not to dwell on the past. If anything the world he created proved that he pressed forward no matter what befell him. No matter what sort of pain or hardship he endured, he clawed his way through it all and used it to make his resolve stronger.

"But then again... Nothing seems worth worrying about... Not after I ripped my heart out.. And left it at that bus station.." Sanji whispered as he watched the clear liquid swirl around his glass.

Every other pain was laughable compared to the one he inflicted upon himself.

Still..

He made a constant effort not to let that turn him bitter. Kept his focus towards the end of his dream. Taunting him like the horizon. Never within his grasp, but still calling out to him. He would keep moving forward.

"Even if I never reach the end..."

After a heavy sigh, Sanji was in the midst of taking a sip of his martini when he saw one of his Maitre'des heading for the bar. That only happened when a special VIP showed up. 'Wonder who..'

The man approached the bar, but instead of heading for the regular bartenders, he moved for the Japanese Sushi chef that was stationed at the end of the bar. Sanji couldn't hear the words exchanged, but his visible blue eye widened when he saw the sushi chef pulling out the large bottle of their best Sake. The bottle Sanji specifically had reserved for only one person.

His heart pounding all of a sudden, Sanji knocked back the rest of his martini and quickly moved to catch the man before he left with the bottle. "Henri! I trust you know who that bottle is reserved for." he started as calmly as he could. Inside he was trembling.

The Maitre'de paused and looked back to see his boss approaching. He readily smiled and gave a slight bow. "Oui, Monsieur Black. Monsieur Roronoa is at his private table as we speak."

Sanji's throat tightened for a moment on hearing that.

He was here?

Already?

How?

Why?

Realizing that he was about to lose his composure, Sanji forced himself to slip back into his professional mindset and smiled at his employee. "Ah, excellent. Don't worry, Henri. I shall tend to Monsieur Roronoa. He is an old friend of mine."

"Oui, Monsieur Black. He is a most lucky gentleman." Henri stated as he handed over the bottle. Once the bottle was in the blond's care, he gave another bow and promptly left to return to his post.

With the heavy bottle in his grasp, Sanji looked at it silently for a moment before he took a deep breath.

This was it.

This was what he had really been working for these past 5 years. This moment. He was minutes away from finally seeing how this dream would end.

Taking a deep breath, Sanji looked back to the Sushi chef who was in the midst of preparing an order. "Oi! Ryouta! Move your ass. I'm making a special order." he called out as he shrugged out of his black suit jacket. A gleam of determination in his eye.

This was his chance.

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Waiting quietly at his table, Zoro was lightly glancing over the menu he had been given. It only took him a moment to recognize the whispy cursive hand writing. The sight of it made him smile.

Sanji had hand written the menus.

True he couldn't read a damn bit of it, but still. It was nice to see.

He proceeded to flip through it, but suddenly his eyes glanced over something he actually recognized. "Onigiri..?" He began looking over this section of the menu more carefully and saw that everything was Japanese. Not only Japanese, but things he himself enjoyed quite a bit.

'I may be able to go to Japan to study there.'

"So he made it over there..." Zoro whispered as he looked over all the dishes that Sanji must have mastered.

The blond seemed to have accomplished so much and created a beautiful world for himself. It made Zoro's achievements seem so meager in comparison. All he had were some trophies and some over elaborate titles some random judges decided to give him. Only a few of his victories held any true value to him. The true swordsmen that he defeated.

He had to resist reaching up to the eyepatch that covered his left eye. How would Sanji react? Did he know?

'Luffy probably told him... Wonder how he took it...'

There really was no telling with Sanji. There had been times when Zoro was half dead after a fight and Sanji would merely kick him and tell him to get over it. Then kick him again.

Oddly enough Sanji had once fussed over him like a mother hen when Zoro had sprained his ankle on a trip to the beach during their one summer together. Even went as far as carrying him all the way from the beach back to the car. Zoro had pitched a bloody fit over it.

But it was still one of his fondest memories.

Even now he couldn't stop the smile that curled his lips when he remembered how Sanji had made him sit in the car to examine his ankle. Sanji hadn't batted an eye at the fact Zoro had been dripping wet with sea water and was ruining the custom leather seat. The blond didn't think of anything other than Zoro's well being.

It was that moment that made Zoro realize just what he felt.

What he still felt.

"Dammit... What am I going to say..?" he asked himself in frustration.

What could he say?

5 years was a long time. A simple 'Hi' seemed so lame. Their normal greetings usually included an insult or three. But they were both in their late twenties now. Had they outgrown that sort of thing?

When Zoro posed that question to himself, his expression fell a bit. He had enjoyed that part of their bizarre relationship. The arguing. The random fighting. The insults they traded like second nature. It was their way of communicating. Their violent way of showing they were paying attention. That they cared.

'What.. What if we've changed too much to carry on like that anymore...?'

His eye stared at the delicate hand written menu, but he no longer saw the words. He was so lost in his silent concerns that he nearly jumped when a large bottle was suddenly sat down on the table. His eye widened on seeing the label. 'Shit... That bottle costs a fortune...' His astonishment was cut short, and quickly replaced with confusion when a large white china plate was sat in front of him. On it was a elaborately arranged sampler of what looked to be everything from the Japanese section of the menu.

It looked amazing. "But.. I haven't ordered anything yet..."

"It's courtesy of the head Chef."

That voice...

Freezing for a second, Zoro slowly turned in his seat and looked to the figure that was standing beside him. The first thing that caught him was the dazzling blue eye and the wide smirk that was pulled across pale lips. Though the lines were sharper in that face and the golden hair was a bit longer and looked stylishly messy, Zoro would always recognize that smug ass smirk.

"... Sanji..."

That smirk twitched wider. "Yo." Sanji greeted casually. He was proud of himself. Zoro wasn't able to hear his heart that was trying its damnedest to pound right out of his chest. He managed to gesture towards the empty chair at the table and keep his hands steady. "Mind if I join you?"

"Ah..." Zoro went completely blank for a moment as he stared at the figure that had been haunting him for the past 5 years. But he soon realized that he was staring and gave an uneasy cough before nodded. "I mean, yes. Of course. Sit." This wasn't turning out at all like he had hoped.

Then again what was he hoping for?

'Make it through without making an ass out of myself...'

He watched that slender figure take the seat across the table from him, and had to remind himself of what he had just told himself. He couldn't just stare. He had to say something. Anything.

"You changed the part in your hair." Zoro almost winced at himself. Maybe he should stab himself in the temple with the chopsticks and get it over with.

Sanji saw clearly the inner berating that the green haired man was giving himself. Seeing that made him smile. "Well... It has been 5 years." Ignoring etiquette, Sanji leaned on the table on his elbows and propped his chin on his fist as he regarded his long lost companion. Sharper angles made up that tan face, and the green hair was a few inches longer. "You let your hair grow out a bit. I don't know if I can still call you Moss head, or if Kelp head is now more appropriate."

When the first dig at his hair came flying at him, Zoro's eye widened a bit. The look on the pale face wasn't as sarcastic as he remembered. It was softer. 'He.. He looks genuinely happy to see me..' Suddenly a great deal of tension left him as he finally relaxed back into the comfortable chair.

A smile curled his lips as he looked to that visible blue eye watching him. "I see 5 years hasn't done anything to improve your creativity with insults." he teased a bit as he eyed the sake bottle.

"I've thought of a few, but I think I'll save them for later. So... How have you been?" Sanji started slowly. He figured he was just as uncertain as Zoro, so they both had to ease into this.

"Decent... You..?"

A light shrug tilted the black jacket covered shoulders. "Can't really complain... Well I could, but I doubt me bitching would go well with your meal."

Zoro smirked. "I'm used to having your cooking with a side of bitching, remember..?" he asked coyly. It was.. Surprisingly easier than he though it would be... His tension was steadily starting to ease away now that he finally had the blond there. Relaxing in Sanji's presence seemed to be too ingrained within him for time to fade.

Seeing Zoro relax was all Sanji needed to ease up on the strangle hold he had on himself. "Heh.. So you are.. So.. How's the fan club and the room full of trophies coming along?"

On recalling that stupid bet before they parted ways, Zoro chuckled as he took up the chopsticks. "Well.. I've gotten word that a fanclub has started, but I haven't bothered to really check... And I've gotten half a room filled."

"Only half?"

"It's a big room." Zoro looked over the lavish and delicately presented spread in front of him. It all looked so good. He didn't know where to start. "So what about you? You've got the restaurant. How bout those cooking shows?"

"I've gotten offers, but I turned them down. This place needed too much of my attention. I've got a book out though. Does that count?" Sanji asked lightly, smile still on his lips.

"Heh, I dunno. We never agreed on books." Picking a piece of sushi at random, Zoro took the bite only for his eye to widen in amazement. The flavors were bold, yet subtly mingled with one another all across his tongue. He almost regretted having to swallow. "This... This is good..."

Sanji's smile turned beaming. "Is it?"

That radiant expression only made it all the better. Zoro was soon smiling in return. "I see a spare set of chopsticks. Why don't you find out..." he said while picking out another piece.

Taking pleasure in watching Zoro enjoy something he had made, Sanji took up the spare chopsticks and picked out a piece for himself. "Did Luffy tell you about canceling the reunion?" Sanji asked lightly before eating a piece for himself.

"Yes. It's a bit of a mixed blessing, really. I wouldn't have been able to make it with that pilot strike going on." Zoro answered, a bit amazed how just how easy it was to talk to Sanji. 'It's.. Like he never left..'

A slight groan left Sanji as he shook his head. "Don't remind me.. That strike nearly blew the opening of this place. Thanks to some very quick deals and possibly blood signed contracts, I was able to pull it off. I wouldn't have been able to make it either. I'm going to have to watch this place for at least a month before I'll be able to take sometime off."

Zoro hummed lightly as he nodded. "Luffy said you were really busy. Looks like all that hard work paid off. This place is amazing. I had no idea this was what you were aiming for..." Zoro trailed off as his gaze shifted to the perfect tranquil scene they were seated in front of.

Following where Zoro's attention went, Sanji chuckled softly and shrugged. "It's a dream that's been evolving for a long time... My time in Japan inspired the garden... The underwater look was consistent, though."

"I can tell... What about all the dancing stuff?"

"Heh.. That was my business partner's touch to the decor." Sanji explained with a bit of a grimace. "He's a ballet dancer and runs a local dance studio and performing troupe. Our deal was he provided the extra funding I needed to get this place started, and I allowed his troupe to perform here."

"Perform? There's a stage here?" Zoro asked with a tilt of his head. He didn't recall seeing one on entering.

"We actually clear one of the seating areas and set up a stage, but they also perform in the garden and throughout the building." Sanji paused for a moment with a thoughtful expression as he absently tapped his chopsticks against the platter. "I was a bit iffy on it, but I've grown more comfortable with the arrangement. Once I got them hooked up with a decent makeup artist and costumier they're quite good, really."

"Sounds really unique. I've never heard of anything like that being done before." Zoro commented. It said something for Sanji being able to adapt and make something strong out of such an unusual idea.

"Yes, that may be why it's working. The opening performance was a huge success. I was stunned how well the whole thing worked out. Heh... I've taken to slapping myself occasionally to make sure I'm not dreaming." Sanji joked lightly, but meant it. It was a bit surreal.

"I don't blame you... It's a bit dreamlike in here." Zoro admitted as he took up one of the onigiri.

"Yes... Dreamlike." Sanji poured them each a drink, ignoring etiquette again since Zoro was still eating. "I've heard you're quite infamous these days yourself. So what's it like to be the greatest?" he asked lightly. Doing his best to seem like he was only mildly interested.

"Irritating for the most part. All people care about is sponsorships and all that shit. It's annoying the hell out of me. I just want to do my training and compete to keep my title, but everything wants to use me like a billboard." Zoro muttered, but the moment he bit into the onigiri he nearly melted when the salty taste of salmon made his entire mouth tingle. "Damn... This shouldn't be legal..." he seemed to groan before finishing off the last bite only to take another riceball.

Sanji chuckled at the reaction and took up his cup. "Kampai?"

Zoro smirked and took up his own ochoko and lightly clinked it against Sanji's "Kampai."

They both took their drinks, which sent Zoro groaning again at the richness of the liquor. Something akin to a gruff purr left him as he looked back to the blond. "They taught you well in Japan."

"I had the right motivation to learn."

"That so..?"

Sanji's eyes glanced down to Zoro's hand resting on the table.

A million thoughts went through his head.

But only one came from his heart.

Zoro was puzzled by the way Sanji looked away, but when he looked in the same direction his breath grew still. He watched silently as a pale hand reached across the table only to settle over his own hand. His heart picked up its pace as he looked up at his long lost companion.

Sanji's gaze was still locked on their hands as he tightened his grip a bit. "Yeah.. That's so." he finally answered. He then silently waited. Keeping his eyes fixed on the caramel colored hand beneath his own. Trying his best to ignore the fear that was trying to crack his resolve to find the end of this dream.

The quiet words were like floodgates. Letting loose everything that Zoro was trying to keep locked away. All his emotions churned along with his spinning thoughts. Through it all, Zoro found his hand moving without him telling it too. Slowly tan fingers were lacing with cream colored ones. Holding on gently, tentatively.

"... I'm glad..." Zoro answered after he found his voice.

When the spaces between his fingers were finally filled, Sanji lifted his head. He looked into the eye watching him, his own blue one showing clearly the hesitant hope. "... Doing anything after dinner..?"

He wanted the end of his dream.

He was done with waiting.

On seeing his own feelings reflected on that pale face, Zoro was smiling.

Warmly.

Reassuringly.

"Not a damn thing... Care to change that?"

That seemed to be all that Sanji needed. He tightened his grip on Zoro's hand and smirked softly.

"I insist."

fjfjfjfjfjfjfjfjfj

TBC?

Is this the end of this dream?

You tell me.

Later~