Chapter Text
“Oi dartboar- Sanji. Can I help you with anything?”
“Why? What are you planning?” Sanji backed away from the green haired man who had just stepped into his kitchen.
“Nothing. I just want to help out.”
“Why?”
“I’m trying to help out the whole crew okay? Ask Nami and Chopper, I already helped them out today. Now I’m asking you if I can help you with anything.”
Sanji eyed the moss head up and down before pointing to the sink. “Help me with the dishes then.”
Zoro sighed, “I meant something I don’t already help you with from time to time.”
“Well then help me out more often with the dishes. I have to clean these all the time. We have a lot of crew members now compared to when I first joined the crew.” Zoro just nodded as he headed over to the sink. Sanji washed while Zoro dried the dishes. It was a little clumsy at first but they got into a rhythm quick enough. The dishes was quick work with the two of them. When they finished Sanji grunted a thank you before starting to cook some healthy snacks for everyone. Zoro left and went about helping more crewmates.
Over the next few days, Zoro came by and helped Sanji with the dishes. Sanji was skeptical with all the help Zoro was providing but he also noticed all the help he did with the others. He helped Nami and Ussop with their plants. Zoro hung out with chopper more on the deck instead of chopper going up to the crows nest to see the workout crazed moss-head. He and Robin sat together in silence and he helped Franky when needed/wanted. Brook, Luffy, and Zoro hung out a little more on deck with everyone, playing games or listening to Brook sing songs. Sanji laughed as he lit a cigarette and leaned on the wall at the back of the boat. The moss-head was really trying to spend more time with everyone. Everywhere the cook looked, Zoro was there. He was actively in sight of everyone, being helpful and hanging out more instead of being anti-social and working out by himself. Sanji thought it was a little admirable but he couldn’t help but wonder why. Zoro still definitely slept a lot and worked out everyday, so it wasn’t like he was going out of his way, he was just being in front of everyone more.
The following day when Zoro came to help with dishes again, Sanji asked him to sweep as well. While Zoro swept the floor and Sanji cooked lunch, Sanji asked, “Hey, why are you spending more time with the whole crew? I’m just curious.”
“I’m the first mate. Our idiot captain spends time with everyone, not knowing it helps to boost morale, so I figured I should do the same. The better the crew knows each other, the better we can help and rely on each other. It builds trust.” Zoro finished sweeping. He gently put the broom away and leaned against the door. “Everyone knows they can count on me in battle, but I want them to know they can count on me for anything. Just like I can count on you to make great meals for everyone. You keep us healthy so Chopper doesn’t have any extra work. They also taste amazing which I'm sure helps something out mentally.”
Sanji looked away and nodded. He leaned against the counter, not looking at Zoro but feeling Zoro’s eyes on him. They stood, not speaking a single word. The Sunny swayed gently on the waves and the only sounds that were heard were of various crew mates talking, the wind gently blowing, and the gentle creak of wood.
After a few moments Sanji turned around to face Zoro and asked, “Do you want some tea or something?”
Zoro sat down at the table and nodded so Sanji put on a pot. While the water heated Sanji made some snacks for everyone. Once the pot was warm he carefully poured the water on the Sencha Green leaves and let them steep. While the leaves soaked, he went and gave everyone their snacks. When he returned the tea was ready. He carefully removed the leaves and poured himself and Zoro a cup. They both shared a plate of sea food in silence and drank their tea. Once Zoro finished, he thanked Sanji and quietly left the kitchen. Sanji also left to go chill by himself at the back of the boat. Somehow, he was comfortable just being alone with Zoro, there was no awkwardness at all. It was weird because normally there was always animosity. Sanji smoked his cigarette and enjoyed the sunset, trying his best not to think about the marimo too much.
Zoro went up to the crows nest after checking in on everyone. No one needed or wanted him for anything today, except for Sanji. Sanji seemed to actually, finally accept some of his help. Zoro was just glad that the two of them were finally somewhat cordial. In the crows nest he looked down and saw all of his crew mates going about their usual days. He went to grab a bar and put weight on so he could train. Training daily was essential, even if it left him dead tired after. Zoro trained with weights for about 2 hours before calling it quits and sitting down. He crossed his legs, sat upright, and meditated. Sound body and sound mind goes a long way for anything in life.
After meditating, Zoro looked down at the deck below again. Chopper, Franky, Ussop, Robin and Nami were no where to be seen. They were probably below deck or in their quarters. Luffy looked like he was asleep on the head of the Sunny and Brook looked like he was looking across the sea. A light on in the kitchen told him that Sanji was in there, probably making everyone dinner.
The sunset was a deep orange and red, cut with purple and pink clouds on the horizon. The waves and wind were gentle, swaying the ship ever so slightly. It was peaceful for a ship and crew that was always in chaotic situations.
Zoro came down the crows nest and peeked into the kitchen. Sanji was working hard, making everyone food. He decided to not look for too long and sat at the back of the boat until dinner was done. Everyone gathered around like they usually do and ate together. This time however, Zoro found his eyes lingering on Sanji. Sanji was watching everyone enjoying his food with rosy cheeks. Zoro smiled and finished his plate. As people got up, Zoro stayed back and helped the cook gather the plates. They silently worked together with ease and got the dishes done together.