Primal Instinct (Zosan)

four

Sanji's stressed. After days of continuous searching, Sanji had managed to find his cigarettes and since then, had been chain smoking like a damn chimney, even though that has done nothing to ease his nerves. On the contrary, it has probably helped spike them up even more, if that was possible.

Even since the full moon incident five days ago, Sanji had been avoiding Zoro like a plague, again. Ever since he had found out about Zoro's...feelings towards him, Sanji hasn't been able to get one damn second of rest, and honestly, it's been driving him insane!

Without even wanting to, he has started noticing small details and things Zoro does. Like how he is the first to dive into the sea with no hesitation every time Luffy has gone overboard, how he helps around the crew with whatever they might need. At first, Sanji always thought that Zoro was a selfish asshole that only cared about himself and his own goals, but Sanji quickly realized that it was all a front. Now, it's as if he can finally see things that weren't there before.

How Zoro grumbles and complains, but always helps Nami with whatever she might need assistance with, cuddling with Chopper when the little doctor is afraid to sleep on his own at night, spending time with Captain— Sanji one time even saw them playing while in their wolf forms!

And then, there are the things Zoro does for him. Sanji hadn't noticed it before, but when he was still injured and in a critical state, Zoro would always be outside the infirmary, as if guarding him. Zoro would offer his help silently, go out of his way to help him get from point a to point b, offer to cook in his stead. Was always there for him, grounding him, a silent pillar in his life. Always stood right next to him, facing together their enemies, fighting with him. For him.

Up until now, Sanji had written it all off as Zoro being ignorant and selfish just because he couldn't see further than his own problems. Turns out, he was the selfish one. What had he ever done for Zoro?

These past five days, his whole world was rattled, and Sanji had no idea how to stop it from escalating.

"Oi, cook."

Sanji jerked, the pan almost dropping from his hands. He cursed as he noticed that some of its contents spilled on the counter and started wiping it away, not once turning his head to acknowledge Zoro.

"What the fuck do you want, marimo? Can't you see I'm busy? If you want your damn booze, go and get it on your own." He grumbled, and kept working on finishing up his cooking, tensing as Zoro walked silently behind him.

Also, it seemed like Zoro had no recollection of what had taken place five days ago in the full moon. Sanji didn't know if it was a common occurrence for werewolves not to have any memories of events that happened during a full moon, but at this point, Sanji wouldn't be that surprised.

During these five days since the full moon, Zoro hadn't once confronted him about what had happened. Either he was really fucking good at hiding it and pretending that nothing had happened, or Zoro really had no memory of it. Sanji knew that Zoro could suppress his emotions well, but he was absolutely sure that it wasn't the case this time. So, to avoid any unnecessary embarrassment, he decided not to address the subject and let things be.

He mentally noted to later ask Robin if she had any book about werewolves.

"Why are you avoiding me?"

Sanji's shoulders tensed as he noticed from the corner of his eyes that Zoro was leaning against the island behind him. "No, I'm not— why would I? You're just spewing bullshit." He disagreed, lowering the flame on the stove.

"I have been here for over ten minutes," Zoro continued, "not once have you turned to look at me."

Sanji's heart leapt in his throat as he heard Zoro closing in and stopping right behind him. His hands became clammy with sweat, his posture hunched. Why was he even reacting this way? It was just Zoro, it's not like that green-haired idiot could do anything to him. If- If Sanji ignored him, perhaps he would give up and leave, probably go sulk somewhere alone and start avoiding him too out of stubbornness.