Not Just A Punishment [SLIGHTLY EDITED]

pt. 9 | telling the others

Sanji

It's been 2 years. After everyone got separated at Sabaody, Kuma teleported us to places far apart from each other. One day, Zoro and I found each other on another island. We exchanged our transponder snails and we'd call everyday. He'd tell me his day and I'd tell him my day. The ladies would eavesdrop between our conversations and soon after, I was pestered into talking about my relationship with him. In the end, I told them my love life and they taught me how to flirt, how to get him in the mood and how to get him worked up whenever he sees me.

"Alright, we've taught you everything we know. You need to do your daily run. Hurry now," One of the ladies said.

I smiled lightly and ran around the island, chased by ugly but kind women. As I ran, I couldn't help but notice that lady looking at me, a dull smile on her face. Why's her smile so... dull? I'll ask her later.

After my daily dose of running, I approached the lady and asked her what was wrong.

"You... remind me of someone close to me. He'd always ask me for advice. He was a transgender male and pansexual. He'd go with anyone, even if they look like a dump truck as long as they've got good in them. One day, he wanted to go out. He did but he never came back home. I used to stare out at sea, waiting for my friend to come home. It seems now, it's hopeless to do that anymore," The lady answered.

"I see. Well, who knows? Maybe your friend is out there, finding someone to bring home so you'd be happy for him. There's still hope. It just needs more time and patience," I advised her.

She smiled and hugged me. I hugged her back and then, we let go and turned our heads to the sea.

A few days later

I was all packed and ready to go back to Sabaody. The ladies offered me their boat so I could sail. I then hopped on the boat and raised the sails, letting the wind blow the boat. As I steered from the pier, the ladies waved me goodbye and I waved back to them. The lady whom I talked to just now smiled and thanked me. I saluted and sailed to Sabaody. I'm coming, Zoro. See you soon.

A few hours later

I arrived in Sabaody and heard a man shouting as his ship was trashed. I got off the boat and ran to the man.

"Old man, what happened?" I asked.

"Some green-haired swordsman destroyed my ship for no reason! What a jerk!" He answered.

Green-haired swordsman? Is it Zoro? Did he reach here earlier than me? Those questions were answered when the culprit arrived at the top of the destroyed ship.

"Oh, is it not the ship? Well, my apologies. I thought it was a familiar ship. Oh, hey, honey."

I smirked and waved my hand.

"Yo, marimo. Y'know, you're an absolute piece of shit but I'm not mad because you're my idiot. Well, come on down. Luffy's waiting for his wings to return to Sunny," I told Zoro.

After Zoro came down and we apologised again to the man, we walked together to where Sunny was parked when we first came here. I glanced at him and his left eye was closed. I wonder why. We were halfway to the ship when we saw a bunch of marines firing at a familiar rubber boy. We grinned and called him.

"Luffy!"

Luffy heard us and waved at us.

"Hey, Zoro, Sanji! You guys wait a bit. I need to settle something first," Luffy told us before he turned back to fight the marines.

This guy. After fighting off the marines and bidding farewell to Rayleigh, he ran towards us and hugged us. The three of us walked together and while Luffy was distracted in the front, Zoro took the chance to kiss me passionately and then held my hand. I blushed furiously and Luffy noticed it. He didn't say anything and just ran towards everyone else who already gathered there. I saw Nami-chan and Robin-chan who looked so gorgeous. I was head over heels for them again but I knew my one and only was Zoro. Then, as everyone prepared to sail under to Fishman Island, I sighed and looked at the scenery of Sabaody. It felt like yesterday when we first arrived here.

"Oh, right. Zoro, Sanji. Don't you have something to say to us?" Luffy asked.

Everyone but Zoro looked at me, confused. I was even more confused.

"What do you mean?" I asked further.

"Y'know what I mean. You and... y'know. You were about to tell us something that time before Kuma separated us," Luffy answered.

Oh, right. I was going to tell them about my relationship with Zoro. I cleared my throat and everyone had their eyes on me.

"Zoro and I..."

Everyone but Zoro waited in anticipation as I huffed deeply.

"Zoro and I are dating."

Nami and Robin giggled like little girls while Chopper and Ussop were shocked. Brook guffawed wholeheartedly and Franky congratulated me.

"Zoro, he's joking, right? Did he really...?" Ussop asked Zoro.

"Yeah. Don't believe me? I'll show you," He answered before walking up to me.

He grabbed me by the hips and kissed me. Nami and Robin squealed like fangirls while Chopper passed out and Ussop was speechless. Brook and Franky chuckled and then, everyone turned to Luffy who stood there, laughing.

"What's so funny?" Nami asked.

"Actually, you guys are not the only ones who're dating. I've got one too," Luffy answered.

"What?!"

ꕤ

Law

Meanwhile

"Achoo!" I sneezed.

"Are you alright, Captain?" Bepo asked.

"I'm fine. Mugiwara-ya's probably talking about me. I guess he must've told his crew about our relationship," I answered.

Mugiwara-ya. Although he's an idiot, he's also my rubber boy and that will never change.

ꕤ

[End]