"No smoking in the dojo."

Of course Zoro had already told him that but somehow the Sensei's' silent and intense scrutiny had made him nervous and the cigarette had come into his hand and lit itself entirely on its own accord.

"Shit…sorry." He twisted the butt into the ground quickly and felt keenly aware how much he was fucking up as the swordsmans teacher frowned deeper.

Smoking, language, and disrespecting the matts that protected the dojos floor. The silence was thick.

Sanji jumped up as Zoro finally returned with the forgotten legal documents that sensei would need to sign if this was going to be official.

Zoro looked at him in question and Sanji floundered for a moment, not wanting to admit even silently how uncomfortable he had let the situation become.

"Let me fix you and Sensei some tea. Where is the…?"

Zoro nodded behind him to a far door on the left and the blond cooks long legs were striding there with purpose, not turning back.

"First you become a pirate and now this. Are you sure you don't have any regrets, Zoro?"

"Never."

"Why him? Someone so rough and disrespectful?"

Zoro laughs hearing Sanjis common complaint with him being directed back on the blond before realizing his only father figure is completely serious.

"He ties himself to his own code of honor with as much conviction as I ever have and is tough enough to face me honestly without hesitation."

Sensei seems surprised at this but not, after all if they are here talking about marriage it must be serious.

"I guess it doesn't matter in the end as long as you love each other and still have your conviction."

Zoro nods at the hidden question.

"Both burn stronger than ever."

With that the paper's signed.