TMATP (Zosan) Sequel

Chapter 19

It was over, it was finally over. They escaped Big Mom's territory and everybody made it out alive, injured; sure, alive; definitely

Sanji was washing the grim and dirt off of him in his and Zoro's shower. The warm water cascading down his skin, creating a soothing atmosphere. It felt good to be clean, not to mention he feels lighter, freer. Everything was finally okay, well not everything

He stepped out of the bathroom, refreshed. On the bed sat Zoro, cleaning his swords

Zoro already bathe and wore boxers, he usually didn't sleep with a shirt

They briefly made eye contact before breaking it. They both knew what was about to come

Sanji opened his closet and took out a pair of boxers from the drawers and a shirt he stole from Zoro. It was big on him but that's what he liked about it, not to mention it had Zoro's scent

He purposely changed slowly to give himself some time to collect his thoughts. If Zoro noticed it, he didn't say anything. He could also feel the nervous tension in the air

Sanji spent  a little time standing by the closet before striding over to the bed to take a seat

Zoro gently placed his swords leaning next to the bed

It was time. For the talk

To be honest both of them would like nothing more than to ignore the situation and move on but they knew if they did it would become a serious thing and cause a rift in their relationship

Zoro waited for the cook to start. He stared at him expectantly

Sanji could feel the gaze but chose to ignore it. He was scared and nervous. To bare himself but if it was Zoro, he will try. He doesn't want their relationship to end because he couldn't trust the man he literally trusts his life with

He calmed down then met Zoro's gaze head on

"I don't know where to start"

"In my experience the beginning is always a good start" Zoro said trying to lighten the mood

Sanji smiled slightly then began "Well I'm one of all boys quadruplets. You remember my brothers right?"

"Ichiji, Niji amd Yonji, right?"

Well that was surprising, he actually remembers their names

"Yeah, shocked you remembered"

Zoro scoffed but didn't interrupt

"Well my dad-"

"Oi don't give that guy the honour. Zeff's your dad, remember"

Sanji's smiled at that "Judge wanted his kids to become strong killing machines, without emotions in order not to hinder them. So while my mother" his features softened as he spoke of his mother  and it didn't go unoticed by Zoro " was pregnant with my brothers and I he forced her to take a surgery that would make us into what he wanted. But my mother wasn't having that so she took a toxin to counteract the effects"

Zoro eyes widened at that bit. 'That would be sure to have a negative effect on her body'.

Sanji continued "It did work, well on me at least, but it made her ill and shortened her lifespan" he took a moment to calm himself. He noticed Zoro shuffling closer and appreciated the worry

"Judge wasn't happy about that, that was for sure. When we were kids my brothers and sister were always better, faster, stronger, more durable and fearless. I couldn't keep up. I was the weak link and they did what they were taught, prey on the weak. The mocked and beat me up every fucking day. And Judge.. " he gritted his teeth and clenched his fists "...he didn't care, heck, he even encouraged it. Saying it would make me stronger and teach me to work harder. For him his love was conditional, if you didn't meet his standards you are of value to him as trash. He didn't allow weakness, said laying flowers for the dead was pointless, and prevented me from cooking. The only ones who cared were Reiju and my mother, but for Reiju the most she could do was patch me up in secret and my mother.." he gulped feeling his eyes mist over, he wanted to stop and he was sure Zoro would understand but he went on "...she died when I was seven. So I was basically on my own. Eventually Judge had enough me and he...he..." Sanji trembled the tears finally streaming done