One Year Later...

Sun flitted through the drapes that shuddered lazily in the summer breeze humming through the open window and bathing the two sleeping men in a warm glow. Zoro blearily blinking awake as his schedule now had him sleeping in long after the sun had risen and even longer still on the days Sanji happened to work a night shift and came to bed at ridiculous hours. Giving a heavy groan, he rolled over to find Sanji curled into his pillow with a blissful expression on his face, and a dumb smile worked its way onto Zoro's.

It had been almost a year, and yet he still wasn't tired by the sight of Sanji every morning when he awoke. Wavy hair a haphazard mess that fell into his face and took on a magnificent golden glow when the morning light came in through the window to filter through the tresses. Unable to stop his hand from reaching out and carding through the locks in adoration and brush them back from the man's face; exposing his handsome features and the stubble that had come in overnight to decorate his jaw.

Sanji stirred lightly, and Zoro leaned in to press a kiss to the blond's still slack lips, pulling away to watch as the sleep dazed man only just recognized the sensation and tilted his jaw up to return the kiss that had already ended. Giving a soft chuckle, Zoro leaned back in to press a chaste kiss to Sanji's forehead and murmured, "Just going for a run."

"'ll c'me; g've me tw' min's." Sanji mumbled out in a daze, body not moving in the slightest as it was clear the blond was mostly speaking on instinct.

"Sleep." Zoro ordered with a laugh, "Idiot."

"Sh't uhp." Sanji grumbled as he turned his face into his pillow, passing out before he even finished his response. Sun bathed his back as a soft snore could already be heard from the exhausted man. Lately, Sanji's schedule had been pretty regular, but every once in a while he worked a night shift or a double and would end up sleeping late into the afternoon to recover properly.

Giving a final kiss to the mess of blond hair, Zoro pushed himself out of bed and walked directly past the alarm clock that he didn't even bother looking at. Snatching a pair of shorts out of his closet, he headed to the gym they had set up in a spare room down stairs, casually going through his workout routine as late morning sun shone in through the window and illuminated the room.

Finishing up rather quickly before heading to the kitchen and chugging back several glasses of water before digging through the cupboards under the sink to pull out the dog food. Filling up a bowl by the fridge, and topping up the water dish, he gave a soft whistle through his teeth and called, "Wado."

Soft padding of paws on the hardwood announced the arrival of the older dog as she rounded the corner and came trotting over with a happy smile and exuberant tail wag. Stopping and falling onto her haunches as Zoro dropped down to give her some affectionate pats, "Good morning, girl."

She gave a content grumble before turning away and making for her dish, digging in as Zoro pushed himself to his feet and went back to the other two dishes. Filling them up and balancing them on his arm as he kicked the cupboard closed and asked absently, "Boys still outside, huh?"

Making his way past Wado, he made for the back door where they had installed a flap so the dogs could come and go as they pleased. Shoving open the back door, Zoro stepped out onto the modest porch and into the warm sunlight of the summer morning. Yuba and Kitetsu both looked up in interest upon his arrival; Yuba sprawled in a patch of sunlight enjoying the summer heat and Kitetsu curled up in his dog house. Kitetsu was still a rather reclusive animal, but he had grown fond of the other two rather quickly, much to Zoro's relief.

"Breakfast." Zoro grunted with a grin. Setting the down the dishes and leaving both of them to it, knowing that neither of them would come running, and would mostly eat whenever they felt ready. Checking the outside water dish was still full before heading back inside where Wado was just finishing up and now looking up at him expectantly, "Yeah. Yeah. Time for a run."

Finding his running shoes, he laced them up easily – it had been months since he had had to pay attention to each motion to keep himself grounded. Finishing the last knot with a quick jerk, he nabbed the leash from the hook by the door and stepped out the front door with Wado trotting happily at his side.

~X~

Gravel crunched loudly under the tires of the large truck, engine cutting out as both men got out and stepped into the gorgeous summer weather that had come around once more. Sanji made his way to the driver's side as Zoro opened up the back door to the quad cab, barely getting it unlatched before three dogs came bolting out. Wado already in the lead as she took off towards the open field with Kitetsu close on her heels; Yuba making his way lazily behind them.

Leaving the dogs to their fun, they headed up the gorgeous walkway that lead to the quaint facility that was nestled amoungst the forest bordering the large field. A chorus of excited howls and yips could be heard from the kennels behind the building as the residents became aware of the new arrivals. Making for the door as they passed by the large sign that read with bold warm lines of script nestled on a bed of clouds;

Skypiea

Animal Shelter

and Kennels

Stepping inside the building, they found the manager of the place just coming in from the back room to welcome them before realizing who they were. A bright smile lit up her face as she pulled off her work gloves and set them aside as she strode forward eagerly.

"Oh, Zoro!" Conis chirped happily, "Sanji! It's so great to see you!"

Zoro awkwardly accepted the hug from her before she turned to Sanji who made a show of picking her up and giving her a squeeze and a spin before putting her down. Tittering happily as she found her footing once more, Conis tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear as she glanced between the two, "What brings you here today?"

"Had the afternoon off," Sanji explained cheerfully, "Figured we'd stop by and give the dogs some time to stretch their legs."

"Well you know I always love when you visit." Conis gushed, "If you want to go to the field, I can meet you there in a moment with a few other rescues I'm sure would love your attention?"

"Sounds great."

Making their way back around to the large field, they unlatched the gate to the fence and Zoro held it open as he waited for all three of their dogs to make their way inside. Half the field had been left open since it made a nice area for people to bring their own dogs, and the other half had been fenced to let the rescues roam freely for long periods of time without having to worry about wolves attacking them, or wandering too far away and not being able to locate them. They also got more than enough space so there were no longer crowding issues, hence why the dogs were all typically in much better spirits.

"So how much you wanna bet Luffy ruins the cake before the ceremony?" Sanji chuckled as he fell into step behind Yuba, dropping to a knee to attend to the old hound, lovingly scratching him behind the ears as he cast a glance back at Zoro.

Zoro finished latching the gate as their other two dogs began roaming about, inspecting the field despite having been there multiple times before. Wado got bored rather quick and had taken her favourite place on Zoro's right side, Zoro dropping a hand to scratch behind her ears as he replied absently, "Nami would throttle him."

"Ah, that she would." Sanji swooned with a happy sigh, "And she'd still look like a goddess while doing it; I can't wait to see her in her dress. It's gonna be like witnessing an angel."

A scoff bodily shook Zoro as he eyed the blond, giving Wado a final pat as he shoved his hands into his pockets, "Sure you shouldn't be the one marrying her?"

"Pah," Sanji pouted, dismissing Zoro's comment with a wave as he pushed himself back to his feet. Responding wistfully, "She'd never have me."

"Glad to know I was your first choice." Zoro drawled, rolling his eye rather dramatically. Taking a step closer towards the man as he was already thinking of several ways to playfully rile the man up, crook of his finger placed under Sanji's jaw as he guided the man's gaze up to look at him.

"Yeah..." Sanji shrugged, purposefully – teasingly – not looking Zoro in the eye as his gaze instead flickered over Zoro's shoulder, "You're okay I guess."

Letting go of the blond's chin, he wrapped his arms around Sanji in a modest hug and glanced at the blond with a wicked smirk, "I love you too, Curly."

A look of horrified recognition crossed the blond's face a second before Zoro was dragging him down into the grass using all his weight. The blond put up a decent fight despite Zoro's surprise attack, nearly getting away before Zoro managed to finally hold him down, pinning his wrists to the ground before glancing up at Wado who had watched the whole scuffle while yipping and scurrying around them excitedly; more than used to their behaviour. Giving a sharp whistle, he gestured his head down toward Sanji and muttered, "Get 'im."

"No." Sanji yelped, struggling viciously in Zoro's grasp as Wado ducked into to lick at Sanji's face. Sanji's writhing and squirming got worse than before as he desperately tried to free himself all while barking in a rather shrill voice through his forced laughter, "No! Gods damn it, you're the worst, mosshead! Wado! Down girl! Stop! Please!"

Excited yipping announced Conis' arrival as Zoro released the blond and pushed himself to his feet to stay out of Sanji's wrath. Watching as Conis brought out four other rescues that immediately took to the field excitedly and greet their own dogs happily; having become regular playmates.

Glancing down at Sanji, who had finally managed to sit up – hair a slobbery mess and his clean shirt covered in grass stains – while giving a disgusted, "Yuck."

"Y'know Curly..." Zoro snickered as he watched Sanji unsteadily push himself to his feet, "Imitation is flattery, but I didn't know you liked me that much..."

Glancing down at his shirt that was now more green than white before back up at Zoro with a narrowed glare. Sanji wiped some of the slobber from his cheek with the back of his hand as he threatened playfully, "You're gonna pay for that one."

"Nope!" Conis ordered happily as she stalked over, placing a large bucket of tennis balls in Sanji's hands to keep them occupied and unable to lash out at Zoro, "No more rough housing. It riles them up."

Sanji was clearly torn between making Zoro eat grass and pleasing the word of the pretty woman, but eventually gave in with a swoon and smile as he made his way out to the field. Placing the bucket down and tying his hair back into a messy bun, snatching a tennis ball from the bucket before rearing back and whipping the ball into the field as hard as he could.

From a comfortable place leaning against the fence, Zoro watched Sanji from afar as the blond continued to play with the dogs. Conis standing by his side just as silent as several dogs took off immediately as the blond snatched up another ball to toss for them. Some of the dogs returned the ball to Sanji which he immediately threw again, while others got a hold of one and darted off to protect their prize. All of them played well together and it was clear that Conis had spent a great deal of time getting a lot of them accustomed to one another.

Out of the corner of his eye, Zoro noted as Conis raised her hand to have it come to rest upon her chest as she murmured, "Zoro... I just can't thank you enough for this..."

Turning back to the field, he gave an awkward shrug as he muttered, "It's not a big deal..."

"Yes! It is!" Conis implored, turning away from Sanji to bodily face Zoro, "I don't know how you did it but..."

Zoro let her words trail off without a response. She had pestered him about it for several months after he had managed to get the funding for the building and the large acreage for her, but he had firmly denied an explanation. It hadn't stopped her from thanking him every time they visited, but she had at least accepted she'd never get the full story out of him.

"It's good seeing you so happy." Conis murmured finally.

Zoro conceded a snort at that, giving a playful jerk of his thumb towards Sanji, "It's hard to be glum around that one."

"It's not just that," Conis shook her head softly, "You're a different person than when I first met you; more at peace."

The sardonic grin on his face fell into something much softer at the truth in her words, knowing without a doubt that he was an entirely different man than when he had first walked into her shelter all those years ago. But in truth, that was why he felt indebted to her; when he had felt useless she had given him somewhere with a purpose. No questions asked, no words said; just there for him.

Like so many people were now...

Giving a short nod as he agreed, "I am."

Nothing else needed to be said - which was what he had appreciated so much about her from the beginning – as she simply placed a hand to his arm and gave a reassuring squeeze. A sweet smile lighting up her face before walking away and making for the field where Sanji was occupying several of the rescues.

Zoro watched as she came to stand beside Sanji and lean in, able to easily discern as she mouthed 'Thank you.' to the man who just quirked a brow in confusion. Head whipping around to where Zoro was still leaning against the fence watching the two fondly; giving Sanji a reassuring smile and wave to ward off his confusion until the man eventually grinned back with that perfect smile Zoro had fallen in love with.

~X~

Dipping the razor into the sink, Zoro swished it about to get rid of any excess hair before bringing it up to continue dragging across his face. Getting the last of the stray hairs at his jaw before dropping the razor into the water and snatching up a towel to wipe off the excess soap and water. Dabbing down his chest, he tilted his head from side to side to inspect his work just as Sanji appeared in the bathroom.

Hands looped around his waist from behind, clasping gently around him as Sanji's cheek nuzzled against his back with a happy hum of contentment. Even the barest contact causing Zoro's heart to skip a beat; just like their very first time... and every time since.

Placing the towel down, he began draining the sink and wiping off the counter as he asked, "Need something?"

"Oh, definitely." Sanji hummed, pressing fully up against Zoro and making his 'something' clearly known, "A lot of things."

Tossing the dirty towel aside, he looked up to meet Sanji's gaze in the mirror and countered with a grin, "I already showered."

"I haven't~" Sanji rebuked with a smirk.

Zoro contemplated the offer for all of a second before turning around and scooping the man up into his arms with a greedy kiss. Dragging him out of the bathroom and over to the bed where he unceremoniously dropped the man – only because he loved the disgruntled look it earned him – before tackling him a moment later. Sprawled in the mess of unmade blankets, he kissed Sanji happily in the patch of afternoon sun that lit up his fair skin.

If Sanji wanted to risk them being late, then who was Zoro to deny him. Hands skimmed down warm flesh and lean body as Zoro's mouth wandered down to a collarbone he teased with eager teeth. Taking in all of the blond's body that his senses could, his need to be close to the other man hadn't diminished a bit since their first time. If anything, only getting worse as he had finally found a new crutch; and one that was significantly less bad for him.

It wasn't long before Sanji was flipping them over and he was taking his own turn to trail reverent kisses down Zoro's body in a weird pre-sex ritual he never failed to do when he was feeling mushy. Which was a lot of the time, but had yet to bother Zoro.

Kalifa had never cared about any of his scars, yet Sanji revered each one with painful cautiousness. Sanji knew the story behind each mark and every bullet wound, he spent hours worshipping each scar and kissing each blemish as though thanking it for having not taken Zoro's life. Instead of waking up in the morning and seeing a broken and cracked image of a man that had given up on life, Zoro now saw marks that had brought him to where he was today; to Sanji. And each one now linked to a different memory.

Each wound no longer carried the dark memories of its creation but rather the reverent kisses of the man he loved. A bullet wound to his arm wasn't an unpleasant reminder of his past life, but the constant memory of laying in bed on a snowed in morning as he told Sanji what had happened. And the large scar on his leg no longer had him breaking out in a sweat at the thought of the nightmares it caused, but had him thinking of a moonlit lake in the heat of midnight summer when Sanji had asked about the story.

The stories that had haunted him and that he had desperately tried to forget had now become something much stronger. And instead of trying to forget in an attempt to heal, he had found an entirely new way to embrace what had happened to him and what made him be. He wasn't perfect, but he'd learned to accept that. And more importantly, be at peace that he never would be.

Like almost every time, Sanji's head dipped forward and his lips sought out the wound to Zoro's shoulder that Sanji seemed to thank every day for not taking Zoro's life. Kisses almost always trailed up from there to his neck, and then teeth would nibble at his jaw before pulling back to level a look on Zoro.

Hand coming up to brush Zoro's erratic hair back so Sanji was able to see every bit of the scar that sat the length of his face; from the thin end that sat below his cheek bone, all the way up to the jagged tip that ran into his hairline. Urging Zoro forward just enough that he could lean in to press a kiss to the permanently shut eye before pulling back to stare into Zoro's remaining eye with unwavering love.

Desire mounting, Zoro reefed the blond back down into an intoxicating kiss as they became lost in a tangle of blankets and overwhelming emotion. Sanji's gentile actions always stirring up an arousal in Zoro that he had trouble controlling, pinning the blond back into the sheets as he began prepping him. Lube slick fingers working into him as a glorious flush decorated Sanji's chest and face; slack jawed ecstasy replacing the blond's earlier look of fondness.

It wasn't long before hazy blue eyes were opening and Sanji was forcing Zoro to quit teasing him already. A moment later sliding into Sanji as Zoro began moving in deep, languid thrusts as everything became awash of vibrant sensation and tantalizing movements. Hands grasping slick sheets in desperation, lips sliding across heated flesh drenched in sweat, toes curling in pleasure as they pulled each other closer.

Propping a hand on the headboard, his other trailed up Sanji's thigh - both of which were clasped eagerly around Zoro's waist - as Zoro took a commanding grip and hiked the blond higher. Angling to just the right spot that he knew drove the blond wild as he let his eye fall shut and simply soaked up the sensation of being inside the man and hearing his guttural moans.

Sighs coming from perfect lips that he already missed, ducking back down meet the blond's feverish kisses as his hand fell between them to grasp Sanji's length. Stroking him in time to his thrusts as he could already tell from the way the blond's legs were twitching that he was trying to stave off his climax. Practically whimpering into Zoro's mouth as he came with a back arching shudder and groan that had Zoro tripping over his own as well.

"Sanji..." Zoro choked out, stilling against the man as he hit his peak. Waves of pleasure knocking the wind out of him until he managed to get enough of a grasp on himself to keep moving as he milked them both. Stars dancing behind his eyelid as he found himself slumping into the blond a little bit more with each finishing thrust.

"I know." Sanji urged breathlessly, arching his head back to slide his lips along Zoro's jaw before eventually finding his lips and matching Zoro in a desperate kiss. Sucking and biting as the repeated words were a mumbled smear against Zoro's jaw, "I know."

A heavy groan slipped out of Zoro as he leaned further into the blond still propped up as all his motivation to leave the house had left him conveniently at the same time he had climaxed. Now all he wanted to do was drag the covers over the both of them and hopefully sleep the midsummer afternoon away in the sunlit patch that warmed the bed. Not even so inclined to roll off the man, as he instead slumped into the blond's ready embrace and shoved his face into the man's collarbone to ward off reality.

It seemed to last for a few minutes; Sanji's hands threading through Zoro's hair methodically, Zoro drifting off to the melodic rise and fall of the blond's chest, before Sanji deigned to be the more rational one. Hands stopping short as one patted Zoro's head as he commented in bemusement, "Okay, now we really need to go..."

"You started this." Zoro groused the words petulantly into Sanji's collarbone.

"And I think we both ended it..." Sanji chuckled fondly, "Quite spectacularly, I might add."

Zoro finally lifted his head to grunt at the blond, "Dork."

"Moss." Sanji countered, giving Zoro a final kiss before pushing himself out of bed with a stretch and a far too pleased hum of approval. Rolling over so he could get a better view, Zoro watched the blond leave with a hunger already growing in the pit of his stomach again as he watched the man's naked figure walking away from him.

Sitting on the edge of the bed, Zoro resisted the urge to race after him and instead slowly rose to his feet to finish getting ready. Cleaning up the bit of mess they had made before throwing on his dress shirt and methodically doing up the buttons as he listened to the running water as Sanji showered. Smiling to himself as he could hardly believe this was the norm for him now, living together with the man and experiencing these casual mundane moments with him.

It was still a rather new house, but they had very quickly made it a home. When they had returned to Merryville a year ago - with Sanji having a burnt shell of an apartment and Zoro with a house that was only filled with bad memories - it hadn't take much time before they had decided to get their own place together. It had been a little strange at first, but they fell into a rhythm surprisingly fast.

With everything shifting back to reality so quickly – and the threat of death no longer hanging over them – it had left them in a completely new situation. However, in a span of a few days everything had fallen into place as though it had always meant to be that way, and Zoro had found himself waking up each day just as thrilled as the day before.

By the time Zoro had finished adjusting his tie, Sanji had exited the shower and was already in the process of getting dressed as Zoro went in search of his patch. Digging through several drawers before eventually finding it at the bottom of his sock drawer and making his way out to the hallway mirror to make sure he at least put it on correctly this time.

Fitting the odd patch over his head, he adjusted his hair enough that the strap didn't make it sit too flat before glancing at his reflection momentarily. Always feeling a little weird with the patch, but also finding it polite when going to important occasions or places with a lot of people; it helped with the staring. While the scar wasn't too nasty, it was still a rather shocking sight to some people, and it was just easier for him to cover it.

"You know..." Sanji interrupted Zoro's thoughts as he made his way down the hall with a smirk, "I think the last time I saw you in a suit you got shot."

Forcefully lowering his hands so they wouldn't muss with the strap anymore, he turned towards Sanji and chuckled, "Let's hope this time ends better."

"I think I can easily promise it will. Unless there's any more women who want you dead that I haven't met yet?" Sanji assured, correcting the patch a touch before letting his hand fall to cradle Zoro's jaw. Adding with utter sincerity, "It doesn't look that bad."

"I feel like a pirate." Zoro deadpanned.

"Just another reason for Luffy to adore you." Sanji smiled before leaning to give him a soft kiss, Zoro returning it just as sweetly, knowing anything more would likely cause them to be late. Sanji eventually pulled back and shrugged, "If you hate it so much, don't wear it."

"Nah." Zoro batted Sanji's hands away, as the whole issue suddenly seemed so very trivial after a kiss from the blond. Somehow Sanji had a remarkable way of making Zoro's worries vanish. "It's fine. Less stares."

"If you're sure..."

"I am." Zoro grinned, snatching Sanji's wrist and pulling him into a final – tad too heated kiss – before tugging the still dazed blond along towards the stairs. "Let's go."

"A-alright." Sanji agreed rather dopily, confused smile on his face as he let Zoro tug him along.

Making their way downstairs and out of their house, they passed by the mantle in the living room which housed an assortment of clutter and collected knickknacks over the past months. A bowling trophy, ticket stubs to a soccer game for Sanji's favourite team, a cast covered in familiar signatures, and right in the centre was the bottled ship Zoro had given Sanji all those months ago; feeling like a lifetime away.

~X~

Arriving at Nami's family home, they found the entire place lit up with tasteful fairy lights and flowers woven along all the balconies and railings. Large signs directed guests along a footpath that lead around to the massive orchard that was in the backyard, and as they rounded the house, the walkway lead them directly into the tangerine grove.

As they made their way down one of the many rows of tangerines, they found the bushes alight with fairy lights causing the leaves and fruits to glow brilliant oranges and greens. But what really set the experience apart were the dozens of photos hanging from the bushes of the couple. All of the times they had spent together. Some of them as kids, others of them with their families, or with their friends, and dozens of just them together. Sharing kisses, laughing together, smiling brightly.

Upon reaching the end of the grove they found a large chalkboard sat propped by the entry to the garden with beautiful calligraphy writing out in curling letters;

Nami Mikan and Vivi Nefertari

Out of the grove, they found the rest of the backyard had been transformed as well. Between the tangerine grove and the apple orchard, there was a large field where everything had been set up; a dining area sat off to the side near the large oaks bordering their property, a bar was situated near the small decorative pond, and in the remaining part of the field chairs were set up facing a large archway made of tangerine saplings.

There was already a large amount of people milling about and waiting for the ceremony to start; friends and family members of both brides. Everyone looking jubilant and excited to be there as it seemed that everyone else integral to the ceremony were likely in the house getting ready and finishing final touches.

"Sanji! Zoro!"

"Luffy!" Zoro called out, half in surprise as the young man came sprinting towards them. A grin already growing on his face as Sanji murmured a soft, "Oh no."

A second later they were both nearly knocked over as Luffy literally threw himself onto them before enclosing them in a rib crushing hug. Zoro chuckled fondly and ruffled the man's hair back as Sanji – both arms trapped – just accepted his fate with a wheezed grumble, "My back."

Finally releasing them, Sanji took a few moments to straighten out his suit as Zoro got a good look at the other man whom Nami had managed to shove into a suit for the occasion. It was probably one of the few times he had ever seen the man wearing pants instead of shorts, and it looked like he had actually run a comb through his unruly hair for once. "You ready?"

"Yup!" Luffy grinned, digging in his pocket to pull out a wad of index cards, "Nami made these for me so I won't forget."

"How thoughtful." Zoro muttered dryly.

"Always a great planner, that Nami." Sanji swooned.

"Luffy!" Chopper poked his head out of the house, "Get in here! We need to get ready!"

"Be right there!"

"I still can't believe Nami's letting him officiate." Sanji muttered in awe as they both watched Luffy sprint across the yard while shoving his index cards back into his pocket, startling several guests and nearly knocking drinks out of more than a couple guests hands as he made for the back door where Chopper had beckoned him from. Turning back to Zoro, Sanji shook his head, "Or how on earth he got his license."

"I thought it was because-"

"UNCLE ZORO!" Was screamed out by a chorus of children barrelling towards them that had just emerged from the tangerine grove, Sanji actually taking a step away from Zoro to stay out of harms way. Zoro had just enough time to grace the blond with a look of betrayal before he had three children colliding into him.

"Can I wear your eye patch?"

"Can I have a shoulder ride?"

Two of the three had taken to their ritualistic harassment of climbing onto his back and dangling from his neck, while Tama was dangling from Zoro's arm and needling him, "You promised you show me some more cool arm locks!"

It went on for several minutes as Zoro answered their questions while uselessly attempting to remove the clingy children from himself. Several adults looked on with small smiles and light laughter at the adorable scene taking place. Sanji seemed to finally take pity on Zoro and stepped in to help peel Piiman off of Zoro's back and place him on the ground.

"Go pester Franky!" Sanji ushered them away, "I heard from your father he's supplying the fireworks for later."

All three boys paused to turn to Sanji as a look of pure glee lit up their faces before they took off screaming to find the other man. "I wanna light them!"

"I get to first!"

"UNCE FRANKY, LET ME PLEASE!"

With the three menaces distracted, Sanji stepped forward to help straighten out Zoro's shirt and jacket that had gotten remarkably dishevelled by the hellions. Once finished with his collar, Sanji moved on to correcting Zoro's tie as he simply let the man fuss over him. Through his chuckles, Zoro sent Sanji a disapproving glare, "You're horrible."

Sanji released Zoro's tie and waved him off, "He'll be fine."

A few moments later Usopp came stumbling out of the grove – not particularly in a rush, but also surveying the area as though expecting to see something on fire – eyes catching sight of Zoro and Sanji and making his way over. Gaze still wandering the crowd as it was apparent he was watching to make sure his boys weren't causing any trouble.

"Ah, Usopp." Sanji chirped, "Just saw your boys; they've gone to bother Franky if you're trying to catch them."

"Listen," Usopp grunted with a firm wave of his hand, "I got them dressed; that's a war all on its own. It takes a community to raise a child; time for the community to do its part."

"Has the great Usopp been defeated by three children?" Sanji taunted, "I didn't think I'd see the day..."

"It took thirty minutes to get their ties on – THIRTY MINUTES," Usopp repeated with near hysterical emphasis, "They each had to do it themselves; and then there's the untying and the retying and the changing of the colours and-"

"Alrighty." Sanji cut the man off with a consoling hand around his shoulders, beginning to lead him off as he offered, "Let's go get ready for the ceremony, yeah? I'm sure Franky'll be fine with the boys." Making sure Usopp was at least momentarily consoled before casting a glance back at Zoro, "You gonna be alright, mosshead?"

Waving the two off with a flick of his hand, Zoro scoffed, "I'll be fine."

"Don't get lost on your way to the seats."

As Sanji lead Usopp way with a grin and a teasing wink, Zoro flipped him off just in time for Kaya to step out of the grove and see Zoro's rude gesture. Eyes widening, he turned it into an awkward wave as she made her way over with a humorous, yet skeptical expression, "I certainly hope that wasn't for me?"

"Naw." Zoro dismissed as he awkwardly shoved his hands into his pocket in embarrassment, refraining from ducking his head as he felt akin to a child about to be scolded. Attempting to salvage it by muttering, "Low flying duck."

Confusion was rife on Kaya's face as she glanced back and to the sky as though looking for a bird. "Wh-"

"It's gone." Zoro attempted to hopelessly recover the whole situation by gesturing vaguely towards the tangerine grove, "What'd you think of the entrance?"

"Oh, the grove was so beautiful – all those photos! What a lovely idea!" Hand on her chest as she gushed while Zoro just nodded along in agreement as their previous incident was thankfully forgotten. Allowing her to swoon for a moment before glancing around intently, "Have you seen Usopp and the boys?"

"They were here a second ago," Zoro reassured, "Sent them to Franky. Usopp and Sanji went inside since the ceremony's about to start."

"Ah. I see." Kaya pressed. "Were the boy's respectful?"

"They only asked to borrow my eyepatch once." Zoro informed with a grin.

"That's improvement I suppose." Kaya sighed with a shake of her head, doing nothing to hide her fond grin.

"Everyone!" Nojiko announced loudly across the garden, waiting until the guests had turned their attention on her before she continued. Giving a gracious wave to the large area of the garden that had been sectioned off with an alter and rows of chairs, "We'll be beginning the ceremony in a few minutes if everyone would like to start taking their seats. Thank you!"

"I'm gonna see if I can reign in my children," Kaya chuckled, "Can we catch up later?"

"Absolutely." Zoro reassured her, Kaya made her way off to locate her sons as Zoro simply started following the rest of the crowd. Taking a free seat in one of the middle rows near the isle so he wouldn't get in anyone's way and waited quietly for everything to begin. After everyone was seated and Luffy had come out to take his place at the alter, a silence fell over everyone as the ceremony began.

A beautiful melody started up as everyone turned in their seats to look down the long flower-lined pathway that curved out of the seats and beyond the house. Bridal parties making their way down the aisle before taking their places at the altar on their appropriate side, Sanji making his way down with a woman Zoro vaguely recognized as one of their co-workers before letting go of her arm to allow her to stand on Nami's side as he went to Vivi's. Usopp followed closely after and took Nami's side. They were followed closely by the flower girls and the boys bearing the rings. When everyone was in place, the music paused and everyone rose to their feet.

There was a muted moment of silence before the music swelled into something brighter and everyone broke out into gasps as Nami stepped into view and began making her way down the aisle. Looking absolutely stunning, her hair done up in an elegant style with little white flowers sprinkled throughout, and the dazzling white dress – simple yet classy – was breathtaking to behold.

Gen made his way down the aisle with Nami on his arm, tears already shimmering happily in his eyes and a pinwheel fluttering in the wind sticking out of his breast pocket. Formal jacket fitted well, but still wearing a pair of white cargo shorts to counteract the summer heat. Getting to the altar, he let her go, but not before taking her hands and kissing them lovingly a few times before muttering something that the rest of the audience couldn't make out.

It was apparent Nami was barely keeping herself from crying as well, finally letting go of his hands with a tearful laugh, letting him go take his seat as she attempted to delicately corrected her makeup before turning her attention down the aisle as she awaited Vivi.

A moment later, she stepped out on her father's arm and just like with Nami everyone gasped and even more people started tearing up. Zoro's gaze flickering from where everyone was looking at Vivi to look Nami and the look of pure exhilaration on her face caused a smile to grace his face.

Zoro glanced over to the blond and noted the tears starting to form at the corners of his eyes, firmly trying to blink them away as he watched the ceremony. Catching Zoro's gaze, he turned to look at the other man and swiftly brought his hand up to try and dab the tears away while mouthing at Zoro across the isle, 'Shut up, moss.'

Zoro just smirked softly, turning his gaze back up to the altar where Vivi had taken her place next to Nami and the ceremony was beginning. Standing in front of each other, they hadn't taken their eyes off each other since the moment Vivi had stepped out and they had seen each other. Both of them laughed through their tears as they looked at each with such elation.

With everyone back in their seats, Luffy commenced the ceremony with a wide grin. Managing his way through his prepared speech with a rather incredible amount of seriousness, getting all the cues and formalities correct without managing to raise his voice once. Vows, rings, and words exchanged, they leaned in for a passionate kiss and Luffy finally seemed to break as he threw his script over his head – the index cards fluttering everywhere – as he let out an exuberant cry, "WOOHOO!"

Everyone rose and begun clapping happily, Nami and Vivi eventually pulling apart to wave to everyone with smiles riddled with laughter. Then Nami took Vivi's hand in hers and dragged her back down the aisle as everyone continued clapping until they were out of sight. Once the bridal parties had followed after them, everyone else was allowed to leave their seats and head over to the other side of the garden.

People went back to mingling and enjoying the bar until eventually both brides made their appearance in the yard to more cheers and yells of approval from guests. After a few hugs to several guests that intercepted her, Nami eventually managed to get free long enough to make her way over to where Zoro and Sanji had taken residence under one of the large willows shading the middle of the yard.

"Sanji! Zoro!"

"Darling!" Sanji crooned with an excited cheer, arms extending towards Nami as she made her way towards them. Front of her white gown in her hands to allow her to properly walk without fear of tripping over it as she practically threw herself into Sanji's arms. Dropping the front of her dress, she returned Sanji's hug before the blond eventually released her to get a proper look as he gushed, "You look a vision."

Taking a spin to properly show off her dress, she came to a stop and grinned, "Thank you, Sanji!"

"You look beautiful, Nami." Zoro agreed with a sincere nod.

"Are you saying I don't normally look fantastic?" She rounded on Zoro with a teasing wink.

"Yeah," Zoro smirked with a drawl, "something like that."

"Hey." Both of them said in unison, the back of Sanji's hand smacking Zoro's arm at the same time Nami's heel came down to kneed on the toes of his shoe. Zoro's grin only widening as it was simply how he and Nami interacted; she had always liked to playfully antagonize him, and when he reciprocated it only seemed to make her approve of him more.

When Zoro and Sanji had initially returned from Croatia there had, understandably, been a lot of confusion from everyone. Nami had been surprisingly hostile in her protectiveness over Sanji, but after she had heard the whole story – or as much of it as they were able to tell – she had instead become remarkably grateful. But not before calling them both idiots for getting themselves into that situation in the first place.

"Did he cry?" Nami's gaze flickered slyly over to Zoro.

"Oh, he cried." Zoro confirmed with a smirk.

"Of course!" Sanji crowed, ignoring Zoro completely as he proudly continued, "Who wouldn't cry for two beautiful angels such as yourselves."

Their conversation broken as a cry from across the yard had all three glancing over at several older relatives trying to flag down the bride, "Nami!"

"Sorry!" Nami apologized rather sincerely, glancing back at them as she began to make her way towards the relatives calling for her, "Thank you so much for coming."

"Go on," Sanji urged with a smile, "We can catch up later; you have guests to entertain!"

"Es'suse me."

Both men glanced down at the young girl who still had the corner of Sanji's jacket grasped in her hand and was looking up at him expectantly while shyly pointing towards the dance floor. Sanji looked between the young girl and where she was gesturing before smiling, "Of course, my little lady."

Bending down so he could offer her his arm, she latched on with a grin as Sanji guided her over to the floor with a hunched posture. Sending Zoro a small wave as he left which Zoro returned with a chuckle, nursing his near beer with lazy sips, watching as Sanji got the little girl to stand on his shoes before beginning to dance with her. A soft smile forced itself on Zoro's face as he'd never quite get over the amazing soft side the man had.

As the music finished, the girl excitedly pulled Sanji into another dance and Zoro decided to let the man be as he made his way to the bar to get another drink. Just as he had gotten himself another drink and was beginning to make his way from the bar, a hand caught his elbow and he was wrenched to the side and into a rather flustered looking bride.

"Hey." Zoro grunted, a little caught off guard before remembering himself, "Congratulations, Viv."

"Thank you! I'm so glad you could make it!" She gushed happily, glancing around Zoro curiously before inquiring with a tad of concern, "Where's Sanji? I haven't seen him yet."

Jerking his thumb over his shoulder towards the dance floor, Zoro explained, "He got roped into dancing."

Glancing around Zoro, she got a good look at the floor and where Sanji was currently guiding the young girl into a spin which mostly consisted of him holding her hand above her as she ran in circles. A dopey smile on his face as it seemed he was having nearly as much fun entertaining the kid as she was playing with him.

"Life's a funny thing, isn't it?" Vivi tittered.

"Hm?" Zoro grunted, turning away from Sanji to face the woman again.

"Well, a year ago I was bringing you into the E.R. on a gurney," Vivi explained with a giggle, "and now you're at my wedding with one of my best friends. I guess I just wouldn't have expected it."

It definitely hadn't been where Zoro would have assumed he'd end up either; given the track his life had been on, this certainly hadn't even been on his radar of possibilities. But somehow he had managed to end up here, and it was the happiest he had ever been. Ending up on that gurney had been the luckiest thing that ever happened to him and he could easily admit that, "Getting hit by that truck was pretty lucky."

The comment caused a rather unexpected snort of laughter from Vivi, hand coming out to lightly touch his arm as she levelled on Zoro seriously, "I wouldn't call that lucky. More like gross negligence on the driver's part."

"No. Lucky." Zoro disagreed, "It's how I got to meet all of you."

"That's... sweet," Vivi accepted with delicate tentativeness, "but I also hope that's not how you intend to make all your friends from now on?"

That earned a rather hearty chuckle from Zoro - certainly hoping he wouldn't have to go through anything else that ludicrous again - as shook his head and reassured, "No. I think I'm good."

"Have you told that to Sanji?"

"Naw," Zoro shook his head, "He doesn't need the ego boost."

"Well, I'm going to tell him."

"Go ahead." Zoro shrugged carelessly, not bothering to mention to her that he had already let the blond know this – and many other things – on countless other occasions. Taking a sip from his drink, he continued to feign nonchalance, "He'll never believe you."

"We'll just se-"

A bunch of girls around Vivi's age came running over excitedly yelling, several offering drinks and others making to drag her over to the bar. Zoro made an awkward pointing motion, and sidestepped the crowd to make his way back towards where there were less young women screaming in his ears, making his way back to the dance floor to see if Sanji had managed to free himself when he ran into Brook.

"Zoro!" Brook announced jovially, "Enjoying the festivities?"

"Yeah." Zoro grinned, "That piece you performed was beautiful, by the way."

"Why thank you, Zoro." Brook inclined with a formal bow, "I wrote it specifically for today. I've been working on it ever since they announced their engagement!

"I had no idea." Zoro admitted, "That's wonderful."

"I also performed one for Usopp and Kaya's. And I have a few more in the works," Brook leaned in conspiratorially, elbow nudging Zoro's side as he muttered, "Maybe I'll be writing one for you soon."

Zoro's face immediately lit up and he began waving his free hand nervously, "Oh, I don-"

"I already have a few others in mind," Brook dismissed Zoro's words, completely oblivious to the whirlwind of thoughts he had stirred up in Zoro's head, having not thought much about marriage since he had managed to finalize his divorce – with a little help from the CIA – with Kalifa several months ago. "I have one in mind for Franky."

"Franky?" Zoro asked.

"He started dating this wonderful woman a few weeks ago," Brook informed, "It's new but I can already tell it's something special; I have sense for these things. It's an old man thing; in the bones."

"I'll take your word…" Trailing off, Zoro's attention returned to the blond on the dance floor as Brook's sudden insights regarding him and Sanji were still throwing him a little.

While he wasn't completely abject to the notion of marriage - especially to Sanji - he now realized it wasn't a solution to finding happiness. It was something you were lucky enough to share with someone you already loved; which meant despite being a declaration of love, it wasn't the be-all-and-end-all way to show you cared. And Sanji had proven that time and time again to him every day.

It was in the little things; like how Sanji would get up a tad early on weekends to make pancakes, or would send Zoro a text on his work break with far too many emojis dictating his swooning, or would grab Zoro a blanket whenever he fell asleep on the couch in the afternoon. Zoro felt it every time came up behind the man to hug him while he was cooking, or when he'd see that content look on his face as he sipped a cup of tea Zoro had managed to anticipate him wanting, and even in the embarrassment he had had to endure while learning to dance in his efforts to impress a certain blond...

Zoro watched fondly as Sanji swept the young girl across the dance floor as she giggled wildly; music coming to an end as Zoro knew now was his best chance. Glancing over at Brook who was still babbling away about other musical pieces he was in the process of working on, he politely excused himself, "Sorry, Brook. Would you excuse me?"

Taken aback for only a moment, Brook waved a gracious hand, "Of course. I shall see you later, hm?"

"That'd be great." Zoro inclined his head, waiting for Brook to begin making his way off towards the bar before Zoro turned back to the dance floor and made his way over. Setting his nearly finished drink down on a free table, he wove his way through empty seats and towards the dance floor.

Somehow following through on what he intended to do was more nerve wracking than anything he had ever had to deal with back in the military. Hands sweaty as he desperately wiped them off on his pant legs before heading over to where Sanji was just saying farewell to his latest dance partner.

Little girl skipping off with a cheerful wave as Sanji straightened and turned in time to see Zoro approaching him. Eyes widening in surprise, he watched Zoro come to a stop in front of the blond and hold out a hand expectantly. Already aware that the back of his neck was inflamed with a blush and his cheeks weren't faring so well either.

Owlish eyes darted from Zoro's hand to his face in disbelief, however the excited smile that was working its way onto the blond's face was already making this whole thing worth it, "Really?"

"I'm already regretting it." Zoro grumbled in embarrassment while waving his hand impatiently, "Let's get this over with."

"You're quite the romancer." Sanji teased sarcastically as he took Zoro's hand and allowed him to drag the blond onto the dance floor where several other couples were dancing to the slow music. Getting to a rather open space before turning to face Sanji and awkwardly reaching out to place his hand on the blond's hip; grateful that Sanji couldn't feel the clamminess of his palm through his jacket. "I didn't know you could dance."

"I couldn't." Zoro corrected honestly, finding his eyes falling to their feet as he desperately tried not to accidentally step on Sanji's finely polished dressed shoes. Chancing a glance up as he muttered much to his chagrin, "Robin taught me."

"Oh?"

"Apparently she used to be quite good," Zoro explained, "so she taught me enough so I wouldn't embarrass you."

"Please," Sanji scoffed as he adjusted their grips and began pulling Zoro into an entirely different set of steps, "with me leading? You'll be fine."

Refraining from rolling his eye, he allowed the cocky blond to pull him along as he found it not nearly as hard to follow along once he had managed to relax his shoulders and stopped worrying everyone would stare. Mostly distracted by the man currently in his arms and the bewilderment he felt at the surreal situation he found himself in.

"What?" Sanji chuckled, clearly catching Zoro's stare.

Zoro grunted.

Smile wider this time, Sanji prodded, "What's with that look?"

Zoro shrugged. Continuing to allow Sanji to pull him lazily across the dance floor as his gaze wandered across the garden. Candles and fairy lights illuminating the quaint little area as people mingled with delighted conversation, sipping at champagne and celebrating; all of it so surreal in its simplicity.

"Just never thought I'd be doing this." Zoro admitted softly, eyes returning to the man in his arms as he found himself once more mesmerized by the charming features that met his gaze. Evening had begun to envelope the garden and the twinkling fairy lights began setting an entirely different atmosphere; illuminating Sanji's hair in a halo of gold and refracting like stars in his eyes.

A soft frown creased Sanji's brow as he retorted, "Doing what?"

"Settled down." Zoro muttered, casting a look around at their surroundings as he recalled old words that had seemed so ridiculous at the time they were uttered but now seemed so wholesome. A house in a quaint little town, with a partner that he loved, and even a few dogs, "Living a simple life."

...in a quiet town.

A loud, derisive snort pulled Zoro from his musing as he turned back to Sanji where the man was chuckling to himself in mild amusement. Now it was Zoro's turn to cock an eyebrow at Sanji's behaviour, "What?"

"I thought you of all people would understand..." Sanji murmured incredulously, shaking his head softly as a bright smile lit up Sanji's face, and Zoro had to stop to appreciate how young and beautiful the man looked when he was smiling. Their movements stilling for only a moment as Sanji chuckled with a shrug, "Life is never simple."

A wry smile crooked Zoro's face unexpectedly as he found himself considering Sanji's words. Pulling them back into motion as he once more took the lead, he conceded, "You're right, but you make it easy…"

~The End~