Three days had passed since the curse had been broken. Sanji had made a full recovery and he and Zoro spent nearly all their time together, making up for years they had missed not being fully in each other's company.

"Pardon me, Monsieur," Sanji said to Mihawk, "would you permit me to make use of the kitchen?"

"Whatever for?" Mihawk asked.

Sanji smiled. "I'm a cook, you see, and I haven't had the chance to make something in a good while . . . not to mention," he added, turning to Zoro, "you'd love to try my wonderful cooking, wouldn't you?"

"How should I know?" Zoro said, scratching his head.

Sanji scowled. "Of all the—"

"I don't know if it's wonderful or whatever," Zoro pointed out. "I should be the judge of that after I have it."

"That's fair," Sanji admitted. He turned to Mihawk expectantly.

"Very well," Mihawk said. "Be sure not to make a mess."

"Of course!"

When Zoro tried the food at last, Sanji hovering expectantly, he said nothing, but delight shone on his face and he devoured the meal sooner than anything he'd ever had before. Sanji smiled in relief.

"What are you staring at?" Zoro muttered to Perona. She floated just ahead of him and Sanji, watching them intently as they walked.

"You two look really good together," she remarked, smiling.

They glanced at each other.

"Er . . . thank you, Madame," Sanji said politely.

"I'm just trying to say I'm happy for you!"

"Right," Zoro muttered, glancing at Sanji and brushing some stray hairs on his forehead aside.

As the three entered the throne room, they were surprised to be met with Luffy, Nami, Vivi, Hancock, and Merry in the throne room, where Mihawk sat in his seat.

"You guys," Zoro said, smiling.

"Zoro!" Luffy said, waving. "Sanji!"

"Hello, Messieurs," Vivi said with a smile.

Zoro glanced at Sanji, but he was staring at Hancock, wide-eyed and slack-jawed. She scowled at him.

"Either control yourself or leave the room," Zoro snapped, punching him lightly to get his attention. Sanji shook his head and glanced at Zoro.

"Forgive me, Madame Hancock," he said, keeping his gaze away. "I don't mean to be rude, I assure you—"

"Think nothing of it," Hancock said coolly. Sanji, thankfully, had enough self-control to keep himself from staring again.

"So, Hancock, do you have something you'd like to say?" Nami asked, the hint of a threat in her voice.

Hancock faced Mihawk and bowed as low as she was able.

"Mon roi Mihawk," she said respectfully, "I deeply apologize for my actions on that day, and I sincerely regret what they brought about. I . . . beg your forgiveness, and I hope we shall no longer be enemies."

It was clear she had rehearsed this. Mihawk eyed her thoughtfully.

"Very well," he said at last, standing. He approached her. "Madame, raise your head."

She looked up, hands clasped behind her back.

Mihawk offered his hand. "I accept your apologies . . . for the sake of this kingdom and my family."

"Many thanks," she replied with a small smile, taking his hand and shaking it. They nodded to each other before Hancock stepped back to stand with Luffy, who gave her a grin of approval, at which she nearly melted.

"Merry?" Zoro said. "Why are you here?"

Merry smiled rather sadly. "I'm here to escort Madame Perona . . . if she so chooses."

Perona stared at Merry, who looked at her expectantly.

"So you're . . ." she said in awe.

"Aye," Merry said. "Are you ready?"

Perona turned to Zoro and Sanji and placed her hands through their shoulders. It was as if someone had soaked their shirtsleeves in ice water.

"I had fun with you morons," she said, smiling. "Don't miss me too much when I'm gone! Next time, don't be idiots and wait to confess for a year!"

"Hey," Zoro muttered. He smiled. "Wherever you end up, I hope you'll be happy."

Sanji nodded, having nothing more to say. Perona's face screwed up and she turned away.

"I'm ready," she announced.

"Right," Merry said, their voice already trembling. "We should go . . . somewhere private."

The two left the room, Perona floating through the wall. The others watched them go.

"What just happened?" Mihawk asked.

Merry returned in a right state, and the others decided it was time to go back to la Colline. They bade farewell to Zoro, Sanji, and Mihawk before departing.

"I guess . . . she's really gone," Zoro murmured. "I never thought I'd miss her . . ."

"I'm sure she'll be happy," Sanji said, squeezing his hand.

"I have an idea," Zoro announced as the sun set that day.

"Oh? Do tell," Sanji murmured.

"Let's get married."

Sanji whipped around and stared at him, eyes wide.

"What?" Zoro said. "We'll be able to share a bed once we're married, right? Father's been insistent on separate rooms this week, not to mention we have been together for a good two years, so it only makes sense—"

"What kind of proposal method is that?!" Sanji yelled, aiming a kick at Zoro's shoulder, which Zoro ducked away from. "How can you be so casual about it?!"

"What does it matter?!" Zoro yelled, throwing a punch, which Sanji dodged. "Do you accept or not?!"

"Of course I accept! Why wouldn't I want to marry you?!" Sanji yelled, tackling Zoro to the ground and pinching his cheeks.

"Well—good!" Zoro snapped, pulling Sanji's hands away. "That's settled!"

"Good! I'm glad!"

"Good!"

"Excellent!"

Zoro pulled Sanji's face towards him and they kissed.

Mihawk had shrugged and approved of the wedding, adding that a messenger would be sent to Sanji's father informing him of the event. Due to the distance, the marriage would be held in one month.

It was decided that since Zoro had no siblings and Duval had claim on leadership by age, Sanji would live in Zoro's castle. Mihawk stated that while neither would take over the position of King (or Kings) while he still lived, he would be happy to involve them in decisions on behalf of the kingdom.

Zoro and Sanji visited la Colline and informed their friends of the upcoming wedding, inviting them all to attend. Usopp, Franky, and Hancock had been reluctant, but with coaxing they were convinced to accept.

"Your family's here," Mihawk announced to Sanji, the door half-open.

Sanji and Zoro looked up, their ongoing argument of whether Sanji looked best in pink or blue paused.

"I . . . thank you," Sanji said. He stood and straightened out his clothes, glancing at Zoro. "Are you coming?"

"Of course," Zoro said, standing with him.

Sanji took his hand; they started walking to the throne room, Mihawk leading the way.

"It's been some time since I've seen them," Sanji murmured.

Zoro squeezed his hand.

They reached the throne room and found Duval and Zeff waiting for them. Duval's face lit up when he saw Sanji, but Zeff held him back with an arm and a stern look.

"I've already explained the circumstances," Mihawk said, standing to the side.

Sanji nodded. "Father," he said, facing Zeff, "this is . . . Zoro. My . . . fiancé."

Zoro cleared his throat. "It's, ah," he mumbled, "a pleasure to . . . meet you."

Zeff folded his arms and glared at Sanji. "Two months," he said. "Two months, and the first word from you is you're to be wed."

Sanji nodded.

"I don't like it," Zeff stated, eyeing Zoro suspiciously. "To have you taking my son away when I know nothing about you . . ."

Zoro swallowed nervously.

"But I won't stop you," Zeff finished. "If Sanji trusts you to take care of him, then I will, too."

"Thank you, Monsieur," Zoro said with a small bow.

"Wait, what do you mean, 'take care of?'" Sanji demanded, temper flaring. "If anything, he's the one who needs taking care of here!"

"Look who's talking!" Zoro snapped, glaring at him. "Which one of us didn't eat for five days due to heartbreak?!"

"You shut your mouth, you're the one who went and got yourself cursed—"

"I was an infant, do forgive me if I can't change fate—"

Duval strode forward and pushed them apart, breaking up the quarrel. "Now, now, this is a joyous occasion!" he proclaimed. "Young lovers should not fight!"

"Hey, Duval," Sanji said, glancing up. "It's been too long."

Duval grabbed Sanji in a headlock. "Indeed it has, little brother! When I heard you were to be wed, I shed tears of joy! To think my young sibling shall marry before I, ah, it borderlines on being a tale of tragedy—"

"Holy . . . you were not exaggerating about the theatrics," Zoro remarked, stepping back.

"Help me out here," Sanji muttered, wrestling Duval.

"No, I believe in you."

"And you're to be my new brother!" Duval exclaimed, letting go of Sanji and turning on Zoro. "The Man of Mystery from Sanji's dreams!"

"Uh . . . yes," Zoro said, leaning away.

Duval grabbed him in a headlock. "This is your initiation into the family!"

"Help me out here!" Zoro exclaimed to Sanji, wrestling with the grip.

"No, I believe in you."

Ignoring them, Sanji approached Zeff and they embraced.

"Sorry for leaving for so long," Sanji muttered.

"You have to tell me next time you have an affair like this," Zeff muttered in return.

"It's not like there will be a next time . . ."

Zoro stood at the altar, fidgeting as he did his best to stand tall in one place. The crowd was large, and he could see his friends in the front row. Hancock had covered herself quite a bit more than usual, though she still drew some stares and faint murmurs.

Sanji was finally led down the aisle. Zoro's breath caught in his throat when he saw him. Sanji wore a dark blue suit, bringing out his eyes (or eye) stunningly. As he made it down and stood in front of Zoro, Zoro couldn't help but stare.

Likewise, Sanji's gaze was caught by Zoro, wearing a green suit to complement his hair, and he smiled nervously.

The man to their side cleared his throat. "We are gathered here today," he said in a squeaky voice, "to celebrate the wedding of le prince Zoro and le prince Sanji, in holy matrimony . . ."

He continued on for so long many members of the audience began to nod off, including the speaker himself. It was only when Zoro nudged him did he jolt awake and look around frantically.

"Er, yes," he said quickly. "Do you, le prince Zoro, take this man to be your lawfully wedded husband . . ."

"I do," Zoro said, barely hearing the rest of the vows.

The man turned to Sanji and read off the same words.

"I do," Sanji said, rather choked-up.

"I pronounce you wed," the man announced. "You may now k—"

Sanji didn't wait for him to finish before he flung his arms around Zoro and kissed him full on the mouth. Startled, it took Zoro a moment for his thoughts to catch up with what was happening, but when they did, he relaxed and kissed Sanji in return.

The audience stood and cheered; Duval, Franky, and Usopp could be heard sobbing loudly in the front row.

The after-marriage party began. Sanji had helped cook the food for the feast, which of course meant it was excellent beyond compare.

Zoro and Sanji were swarmed by friends and citizens in congratulations, and both were relieved when the others finally backed off.

"So?" Sanji murmured. "Do you still think I look better in pink?"

"Hey, Luffy!" Zoro called, waving him over. Luffy's face was stuffed with food to the point where he resembled a chipmunk. "Could you turn this guy's suit pink?"

Luffy swallowed his food, coughed, and grinned. "Sure thing!"

"Hey—!" Sanji protested, but one point of the wand later and his suit was pale pink.

"See, you look better in pink," Zoro proclaimed.

"I'm not saying I don't look good, but blue is clearly my color—Monsieur Luffy, please change it back—"

Luffy had already wandered away. Sanji rolled his eyes.

Zoro glanced around. Hancock was clinging to Luffy while a few folk trailed towards her curiously, though she shooed them away with a glare. Chopper was in a corner, entertaining folk with his transformations, while Usopp and Franky hung by the wall, staying away from the crowds as was their want.

A tap on his shoulder made Zoro turn around with Sanji. Brook waved to them and signed something, holding up his violin.

"Certainly," Zoro said with a nod. "I'm sure everyone will love it. Make sure to let the orchestra know when you're done so they'll be able to play their set."

Brook nodded and went near the front of the room. He tapped the table to get the audience's attention, raised his instrument, and began to play.

A hush fell over the crowd and everyone stood stock-still in awe. The non-human ones were less affected but still ever in admiration of Brook's skills. The melody flowed through them like the sea, filled with beauty and wonder.

When Brook finally lowered his violin and bowed, it took a moment for everyone to snap themselves out of it. But soon they applauded, leaving Brook smiling brightly as he rejoined his friends.

"I didn't think it was so . . ." Sanji murmured.

"I know," Zoro said. He grinned. "Your mouth was hanging open, you looked so—"

"Oh, shut up," Sanji hissed, his ears turning red. The orchestra began to play, and the citizens gradually began dancing. Zoro looked around to see Nami and Vivi swaying together on the floor, while Brook led Robin, and Luffy and Hancock swung each other around. For some reason, Mihawk and Zeff ended up dancing together as well.

"May I have this dance?" Zoro asked, a smile tugging at his lips. The song was the same one Sanji had brought about in the dream that night so long ago.

Sanji pursed his lips. "Well . . . I suppose so," he said as if reluctant, though he grinned as he and Zoro took each other's hands and began to spin slowly across the floor.

Zoro rested his head on Sanji's shoulder. "You're wonderful."

"You would know, you're the wonderful one here," Sanji muttered, kissing his forehead.

"Oh, shut it," Zoro muttered, leaning in to kiss Sanji's nose.

They drew themselves closer together, relishing in the ability to feel each other's touch, each other's warmth . . .

The festivities ended all too soon. Gradually, the crowd dispersed; Zoro and Sanji's friends went on their way back to la Colline after bidding farewell and making them promise to visit soon.

The departure of Duval and Zeff was much louder, due solely to Duval's sobbing. Sanji was forced to promise to visit eventually, to which Zoro insisted on accompanying him.

But soon, they too left.

"Our own bed at last," Sanji said happily as he and Zoro prepared for bedtime. "One of the perks of marriage . . ."

"Mm," Zoro murmured. He and Sanji climbed into bed, a candle still lit on a small dish.

Sanji played with his hair, facing away. "So . . ." he murmured, shifting awkwardly, "if you'd like to . . . that is . . ."

He looked at Zoro and found him fast asleep already.

"How did you—oh, another time, then," he muttered with a small scowl. He could not keep this on for long when he gazed upon Zoro's peaceful face.

The candle was blown out and Sanji adjusted the covers, pushing his head into the crook of Zoro's neck. Lulled by the warmth and the soothing heartbeat, he too fell into slumber.

Zoro and Sanji looked around in the throne room of the castle, both dreaming deeply.

"Oh," Zoro said.

"Well, then," Sanji said.

They grinned.

"Is there anything you want to do?"

"I'm sure we'll figure something out."

In the bed, they unconsciously snuggled closer to each other.

~Fin~

Story's done! Thanks for all your support, everyone!