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Chapter Text

Sanji knows his mom has been through hell, he does. She poisoned herself to reverse what his father had done to him and his brothers when they were in the womb and it only worked on him. That's why he's stealing from the little boat, because he owes it to her to make sure they can eat since she's so sick. He chokes as a hand fists into his shirt and pulls him back and Sanji is eye to eye with Dracule Mihawk and oh he fucked up . 

“I'm sorry!” Sanji exclaims dropping what little he had grabbed, which was a loaf of bread and three cans of food. Mihawk looks over the dropped items and then the boy. He pulls the kid off the boat and keeping his hand fisted in his shirt pulls him onto the main road way near the docks. Sanji doesn't say anything and instead tries to follow as best he can lest the swordsman kills him or his mother.

“Where the hell is the orphanage on this damned island?” The man growls before heading off and dragging Sanji with. 

“I'm not an orphan.” Sanji replied weakly trying to look for the abandoned shack that held his mother. 

“Then perhaps your mother should have raised you better.” Mihawk mutters as the boy began twisting his hold. “Quit that.”

“Don't talk about my mother like that!” Sanji seethes. They continue walking, Sanji gripping Mihawk's hand to keep him from ripping the shirt more than it already was when Sanji sticks a finger out pointing. “I live there.” 

“And?” Mihawk growls, dragging the boy further still.

“My mother is there, she's sick, I have to get back to her.” Sanji says, struggling with a new vigor. Mihawk drags him to the derelict building and almost breaks the door as he slams it open and finds a woman, who looks a lot like the boy he has in his hand. They're both very light blond and have sea blue eyes and are very thin. She looks like she's on her way to death’s door if Mihawk is honest. 

“Sanji? What did you do?” She asked as Mihawk let him go and Sanji ran to her, arms wrapped around each other he mumbled his answer to her shoulder. “I'm sorry,” she looked to Mihawk, “I'll make sure he never does it again.” 

“Given the circumstances it’s understandable.” Mihawk states which is as close to forgiveness as he'll give, usually. “You're not from here.” He catches them off guard with that.

“No, we're from the North Blue.” She nods. 

“And what brought you to the East Blue?” Mihawk asks.

“I had to save my son.” She gave Mihawk a look and it stoked something inside the man. She held herself with the grace of royalty and being from the North Blue, where much was in ruins at that moment, he could see it.

“Come with me.” He says, shocking everyone in the shack.

“What?” The woman asked. “You don't even know us.” She argues.

“I can tell you'll both die here without help.” Mihawk says. “You called him Sanji earlier.” The woman and the boy looked at each other, the silent conversation ended with the woman nodding at him. “Then let's get going.” Mihawk orders. The boy stood and helps his mother who is fairly weak. They walk slowly back to the coffin ship, Mihawk glared down any onlookers who dared to simply whisper or gawk.

Once they were settled and Mihawk split the loaf of bread between them and got the ship moving did the woman speak again.

“Why?” Was all she asked and Mihawk took his eyes off the ocean to look.

“You know how to keep a secret.” Mihawk answers and she nods. They sail for two days before reaching an island that knew Mihawk well enough to not ask questions. He also learns Sanji and his mother, Sora, had been struggling for a good few months. They didn't explain much, other than that Sanji had been trying to work to keep them afloat but a child would never be paid much, even if they were better than an adult. 

“You said you had to save your son, why?” Mihawk asks, looking at her. 

“Why did I have to save him or why did I?” Sora asks back. Sanji is asleep, albeit fitfully with his head in his mother's lap. She pets his hair but it doesn't seem to help much. She receives no answer but shares look between the two. “I poisoned myself to save my children, but it only worked on one. He thought I was dead for two years before I managed to get us both out. He blamed himself because his siblings don't have the same faculties as he does.” Sora explains. 

“I see.” Mihawk replies. He doesn't understand it, not really but he guides the coffin ship to the dock. Sanji woke and tied the boat to the dock quickly. The knot was good and tight and Sanji stood on the dock double checking. Mihawk and Sora took some time getting onto land, she was weak but her determination was admirable. They walk for a while, gathering some supplies before heading to an inn where Mihawk got their rooms. “You both need a bath.” Mihawk says without thinking.

“As do you, Sir Mihawk.” Sora smiles at him. “Go take one in your room, we've got it.” 

The swordsman nods and they part ways. Mihawk takes his bath and cleanses himself and tries to pick apart what he had done. Sora certainly held herself like royalty, her posture immaculate and her pain well hidden. She also had more kids than Sanji. He didn't know what other ‘faculties’ his siblings were missing but chances are Sanji was singled out for not measuring up. He finishes his bath and put on fresh clothes when he realizes he had the bag of clothes he bought them in his room. He grabs it and walks to the room they were in, Sanji was nowhere to be found but he can hear humming. It's an old North Blue lullaby, one Mihawk remembers from his time traveling there when he was working to become what he is now.

“Sanji?” Sora calls from the bathroom.

“No.” Mihawk answers. “Are you alright?” He couldn't help but ask. The quiet lasted longer than a few moments and having not received an answer he opened to the door slowly and saw Sora in the bath. They were staring at each other, confusion and shock in both sea blue and ringed yellow eyes. 

“What are you-” Sora starts.

“Are you stuck?” Mihawk asks at the same time. They stare at each other again neither answering other than Sora shyly nodding after a moment. Mihawk helps her out and hands her a towel and rushes out of the bathroom quickly. He was not shy about nudity or sex or any of that, but Sora was not a pirate and had her son with her. She was certainly more shy about certain things than he was. He laid out the clothes he thought best on the bed as Sanji came back into the room.

“Oh, hi.” He whispers meekly as Mihawk nods to him. 

“I got you both some clothes. They'll hold up longer than the rags you both claim are clothes.” Mihawk says and Sanji nods.

“Thank you, sir.” Sanji mumbles. They don't talk and Sora comes out and she gives them both a look.

“Pray tell, what happened out here?” She asks as Sanji hurries past her, successfully dodging past her without bumping her and shutting the bathroom door.

“I brought clothes for you both.” Mihawk answers.

“You're being extremely kind for a pirate,” Sora hums out, "but who am I to look a gift horse in the mouth?” 

“The dress should be easiest to put on.” Mihawk replies instead and Sora nods. “I'll leave you to get dressed, I'll bring dinner soon.” 

Sora nods and Mihawk leaves. Later dinner is a quiet affair, Sora and Mihawk talk rarely and lightly and Sanji doesn't speak at all, despite Sora trying to get him to. Mihawk doesn't push one way or the other. Sora is pleasant company and Sanji is well behaved. Maybe a little too well behaved but Mihawk will tackle that beast later. After they're done Sanji quickly nabs the dishes and cutlery and bolts out of the room, Mihawk spares a glance that followed the boy.

“What time will we be leaving?” Sora asks as she gathers the spare clothes Mihawk had purchased.

“Before lunch.” Mihawk answers, moving to leave.

“I must thank you again, Sir Mihawk.” Sora says.

“You keep referring to me as ‘sir’ yet I am no knight nor am I remarkably honorable.” Mihawk responds looking at her. “Am I right to infer that you're royalty?” 

“Not anymore, though it's a force of habit I will try to break.” Sora answers. “Sleep well.” 

“And you.” Mihawk drawled leaving. Ex royalty then. Mihawk tries to think of any recently fallen kingdoms or kingdoms that lost members of their family and couldn't place any that looked like those two. Sanji's twirly brow would stand out everywhere. Mihawk tries not to dwell on it. Even to the next day as Sanji helps him load the coffin ship and Mihawk helps Sora in. They don't talk much, Mihawk warns them of the dangers on Kuraigana, possible bounty hunters or Marines but neither seemed to be concerned about either of those. There might be much worse after them then, Mihawk thinks, but nothing he couldn't handle most likely.

They're arrival is marked by Sanji taking the first items to the kitchen while Mihawk shows Sora to a room before going to help Sanji who has managed to find the kitchen and has brought in a good amount of the supplies already. The boy was quick so Mihawk follows to make sure they miss nothing and the humandrills won't bother the kid. They don't but Sanji's eyes flick through the trees enough to pique Mihawk's interest into what the boy could do.

Chapter Text

It had been two months since Sanji and Sora had moved into the castle, and Mihawk had counted as it had technically been eighty three days, so nearly three months. Sora had taken over many cleaning duties and Mihawk tried to argue until she fixed him with a look that ended that train of thought. Sanji joined him for cooking meals and he would be decent if he was an adult so being a child of ten meant he was very skilled for being young as he is. Sora’s health had also improved. Before she would tire easily and the tasks seemed to take all her energy and she had to take breaks but she could go longer now and had even tuned the piano in the castle and would play after dinner. 

Such as tonight, she was sitting at the bench playing a melody from the North Blue as Mihawk sat in the room and read a book of North Blue fairytales. Sanji had disappeared, as he often did, to explore the hidden depths and passages of the castle. Mihawk found them both extremely endearing. Sanji had opened up a small bit, a few words here or there about his siblings, of which he had four and he was part of the quadruplets Sora had carried. Sora still held herself with the grace of a queen, somehow Mihawk had grown used to the way she would carry herself and offer advice in the meetings he didn't want to go to or the best possibilities of treasure or plundering from the maps he had.

Mihawk did not want them to leave, he had learned that after the first month. It was just a matter of telling them, he enjoys the cleverness of Sanji's dry wit when he exposes it. It was similar to his own. And Sora often sang melodies under her breath that Mihawk would enjoy if he caught them. More often than not it was the same one where Mihawk could only glimpse the word ‘moon’ from the foreign tongue she sang in.

“You've been looking at the same page for the past ten minutes, I've never seen you so distracted before.” Sora hums as her fingers fly across the keys softly, the piano growing quieter than before.

“It's a welcome distraction.” Mihawk says, putting a bookmark in and closing the book.

“Would you like to talk about it?” Sora asks, sparing the swordsman a glance and a small smile.

“I don't want you two to leave.” Mihawk answers and Sora’s fingers stop moving. Her whole body tenses as she looks at Mihawk properly.

“I beg pardon?” She asks in disbelief, eyes wide with shock.

“I don't want you or Sanji to leave, but if you want to I won't stop you.” Mihawk responds and Sora nods mutely.

“I, we, I'm sorry.” She struggles as she puts her hands on her lap. “You don't wish for Sanji or I to leave? We haven't told you where we're from or anything that could be of detriment to you.”

“So tell me,” Mihawk argues. Sora looks uncertain but Mihawk continues, “I doubt you'll be able to change my mind, I earned the moniker ‘Marine Hunter' for a reason.”

“I suppose that's true.” Sora sighs out. “Sanji and I hail from a kingdom that fell ages ago, but the current king, my former husband, is trying to conquer it all over again. King Judge of Germa, who rivals most devil fruit users with his technology and experiments.” 

“Germa is a myth.” Mihawk replies.

“I assure you it is very real. His top experiments were our children and the soldiers. They were born to be fighting extraordinaires, and they are. With their exoskeletons and no emotions.” Sora states with sadness. “As you can gather Sanji was the only one I managed to save with that poison I took, but it hindered him compared to his siblings and I was helpless to stop it. I was trapped in the medical ward for the doctors to try to reverse whatever I had done to myself.”

“You also said Sanji thought you were dead for two years.” Mihawk points out.

“And I him. Judge announced I was dead and I was taken to a locked off medical wing, Sanji a few weeks later was proclaimed dead and thrown into the dungeons with a metal mask.” Sora says with sadness. “He was six.”

Fury burned within Mihawk as he thought about how the boy often put his hands on his hair and seemed surprised. The one uncovered blue eye always widened as he furled and unfurled a hand in his hair. How often he would just do it concerned Mihawk and he actually asked the boy if he wanted a hat and Sanji ran away. 

“Two years later we crossed the Red Line into the East Blue and I had managed to break us both out by stealing several sets of keys and we made it onto a cruise ship where we worked. I don't know if they think we're dead or what but the mask was left in his cell.” Sora explains. “I don't know whether or not they'll come after us, truly. Maybe they think we're dead. They probably wouldn't care either way.” 

“Then stay. I want you both here.” Mihawk says again and Sora looks at him with a smile.

“Until you tell us to leave.” She nods.

“Never.” Mihawk assures her with the confidence he held in in most things these days. Sora nods again and goes back to playing and Mihawk goes back to his book as Sanji runs into the room and hurriedly says something to Sora in their native tongue. Mihawk could only catch glimpses of what was said before Sanji ran back out.

“He seems to like it here.” Mihawk says lightly. A small grin on his face as he looks at the door that Sanji had run through.

“He does, we both do.” Sora agrees. Mihawk nodded and the night continued on. Later Sanji joins them to read and mumbles to himself in his native tongue. The hard consanants softer and the vowels rolled easily from his mouth. When Sanji rubs his eyes and Mihawk picks him up to carry to his room, the boy flinches slightly and Mihawk rubs his back to placate him. 

“Tell me about your dream?” Mihawk asks gently as he fixes the boy's bed to lay him down.

“The All Blue.” Sanji mumbles. “It has fish from all the blues and more, spices and ingredients never found before. I want to open a restaurant there.” 

“You want to be a chef?” Mihawk asks and Sanji nods as Mihawk lays him down and covers him up. “Sleep well, Sanji.” The boy is asleep before he leaves the room and Mihawk lets himself smile slightly as he closes the door. 

~*~

It hit Mihawk like Yoru to a marine. He is in love with Sora and has basically adopted Sanji in the three and a half months they've been on the island. Sanji had agreed to training but he looked as if he dreaded every moment of it. Mihawk learned very quickly Sanji would rather not fight with swords. Or use his hands.

“A cook needs their hands.” Sanji explains as he and Mihawk make lunch.

“They do, and you need to know how to defend yourself so we'll come up with something.” Mihawk responds simply so Sanji nodded. The world was unkind and having a connection to one Dracule Mihawk is exceptionally dangerous. Mihawk took a softer approach to training with Sanji, often helping the boy up and dusting him off, explaining what he had done well, what needed work. 

Lunch was quick and Sora had come in just before they sat down to eat to wash her hands. Mihawk had also found himself enjoying putting Sora into finer dresses that she wore an apron with as she went around and cleaned. Sanji often wore training clothes at all times, enjoying how soft and loose they were. He is very flexible and could hold some rather tense extensions of his limbs that made him fit to join Buggy the Clown’s crew. 

“How did training go today?” Sora asks as she sat down next to Mihawk and Sanji sat across from her with his own plate.

“Very well, it's just a matter of finding a fighting style that fits with him, he has the skill to become a weapons master of any sort.” Mihawk answers while setting both his and Sora's plates down and taking his own seat.

“That's good, we could do some research later.” Sora suggests and Sanji nods as they start eating. Lunch was pleasant, all their meals were. 

“I love you both.” Spilled from Mihawk's mouth like the blood of a humandrill that had misbehaved on the island. The quiet was throat clenching as Sanji and Sora quickly try to cover their shock and Sora somehow managed to straighten her spine more.

“I'm not quite sure we heard-” Sora started.

“You both know very well I don't lie.” Mihawk interrupted her. “To be frank it explains why I would rather you both call this your home.”

“Right.” Sora nods. “I think we should save our conversation for after dinner, okay?” She pat Mihawk's arm and he nods as well.

“Very well.” He agrees, not knowing exactly where that particular conversation would land. Lunch was awkward after that and he couldn't quite pin down either of them until dinner preparations when he and Sanji had started making pasta and a red sauce.

“My father never told me he loved me.” Sanji says without much ado.

“He's a fool.” Mihawk replies.

“I'm a failure to him.” Sanji shot back. “I'm not like my siblings. When my siblings figured it out they were never stopped when it came to me.” 

“What do you mean?” Mihawk asks.

“Niji broke my ankle while Yonji and Ichiji held me down,” Sanji shrugs, “we were three.” He continues as if it was common place, and perhaps it was.

“They had no right.” Mihawk says, taking in a deep breath to quell his anger.

“My father said they could.” Sanji shrugs again as if that excuses any of it. Mihawk decides not to argue as they start rolling out the pasta and decide on what type of noodles they want to make.

“So you want to be my dad?” Sanji asks after a bit.

“If you'd have me.” Mihawk answers.

Sanji nodded with a small smile. “I would like that.”

“Then as long as it's okay with your mother, I would like it too.” Mihawk nods as they continue cooking. “Go get your mother, I'll plate up and bring it out.” Sanji nods and is out of the room like a lightning crack, his wiry limbs nimble and sharp angled. Dinner was no more out of the normal than usual, they talked and chatted, Mihawk relayed the news from the paper to them.

“Sanji, will you do the dishes?” Sora asks and Sanji nods as he gathers up the empty plates and cups and walks to the kitchen. Mihawk folded the newspaper and set it in his lap, giving Sora his full attention.

“I'm sorry if I made you uncomfortable at lunch.” Mihawk apologises. 

“You never do things by halves do you?” Sora asks instead of acknowledging his apology.

“Not particularly.” He answers. 

“This is why you don't want us to leave?” She confirms with a nod from Mihawk. “Sanji already considers you a better father than Judge.” She sighs out.

“We talked about it during dinner preparations. I also understand if it's too much too soon.” Mihawk says. “You've both been through a lot.”

“I guess I'm more confused about how you love us?” Sora asks.

“I consider Sanji my son, and I love you as if you are my wife. I understand how that may seem off putting but you may choose how to respond and there will be no ill will.” Mihawk answers and the emotions swirling in Sora's eyes are unreadable. “I've already said I want you both here and to not leave, to call this place home. I want to care for you both.” 

“Do you know what you are asking for?” Sora asks as she reaches for one of his hands which he easily let her hold.

“I know I am asking to stay with you both however you choose, whatever that may look like.” Mihawk answers and Sora nods as she holds his hand tighter. He squeezes back lightly. “However you two want to do this, I will follow.”

“Thank you, Dracule.” She smiles and he lets the smallest smile show back. It was a good feeling to have, to know that he wasn't rejected but the slow going of whatever may be coming was enough to keep him quelled. They moved to the sitting room with the piano where Sanji eventually joined them. Sora played the piano as Mihawk read a book on North Blue language and Sanji pointed at a line in the book and repeated it in North Blue.

“I'm learning, I don't know what you said.” Mihawk says, giving the boy an amused look. He says something else in North Blue with a teasing grin as he leaves the room. Mihawk sent a questioning look to Sora who simply smiled at the piano as she kept playing, no answer was given as the night went on normally.

Chapter Text

Sanji has nightmares often, it was a well known fact in the castle. More often than not he would find Sora's room and lay with her but sometimes he would stumble through the fear into Mihawk's who would sit with the boy and calm him down. Sometimes though Mihawk would pass the boy's room and find him in the midst of a nightmare and go whisper softly to Sanji and pet his hair. Sometimes Sanji would wake up, others he would stay asleep. Sora was not free from these events either but always put on a brave face for her son but Mihawk would often catch her in the kitchen sipping tea and would sit with her in silence. Perhaps he would hold her hand or perhaps he would offer to read to her.

Mihawk loved them both very much, so it wasn't an issue to him, they weren't a burden. They had both opened up more, Sanji learning martial arts that focused on kicks and acrobatics and Sora joining him in his office as he looked over maps and letters and gave her opinions. She also kissed him once and giggled at the baffled look Mihawk had given her before asking for another.

Safe to say Sora got to choose what room she spent her night in and Sanji had giggled mercilessly at them over lunch the next day. Sora rolled her eyes while Mihawk cocked a brow at him. Sanji would sometimes crawl into their bed after a hard night and Mihawk's only thought about it was to possibly get a larger bed. Sanji didn't practice with swords anymore, but Mihawk kept him studying the types, curses and how to hold them in case Sanji ever ran into another swordsman that wanted to pick a fight. 

“We should take a family photo.” Sora suggests one morning over breakfast. Mihawk and Sanji look at her as she raises the snail camera Mihawk had brought home from a recent voyage. It's been over a year since they came to Kuraigana and several months since their relationship had started.

“A family photo?” Mihawk asks, his voice tinged with humor.

“Yes. Sanji and I were excluded in Germa, you don't have anything other than portraits from the man you killed, a family photo is in order.” Sora says to him with a grin knowing she'll get her way.  

“Do we have to dress nicely?” Sanji frowns, feeling the loose and soft cloth of the training clothes that make up most of his wardrobe.

“If you have something nice in your closet I would like you to wear it but if not oh well.” Sora answers. “We're not putting this photo out to a kingdom or to the world. It'll be just for us so it's not like looks matter, no one comes here.” 

“Okay.” Sanji nods in agreement and Mihawk sips his coffee. 

“Do I need to set up a room?” He asks lightly.

“The sitting room should be fine.” Sora nodded and Mihawk smiles as they finished breakfast. Mihawk and Sora went and set up the sitting room which meant just moving the lounge slightly and figuring out how to set the timer on the snail. Sanji came in and he was still in his black training pants but had found a blue dress shirt that fit and a jacket. 

Mihawk and Sora always dress nicely. Dresses were easier to get in and out of for Sora when she was weaker and she was just so used to wearing them that Mihawk had asked a few times but it didn't bother him at all. Mihawk would often find dresses and bring them back, he found a tiara and currently has it hidden in the store room. Mihawk always wore dress shirts and tailored training pants as he was more often than not killing when he was off island, too many who thought they were better when they weren't.

“You should be in the middle.” Mihawk says to Sora.

“With my boys on either side?” She shoots a sharp smile at him.

“Yeah, because you're the prettiest.” Sanji nods and Sora laughs and kisses his head. Sanji smiled as Sora and him sat on the couch and Mihawk managed to get the timer going and sit on Sora's other side, holding her hand on her lap with her other resting on Sanji's knees. The photo turns out well and Sora is beaming. If this is what it takes to keep her smiling like this Mihawk knows he'll do this whenever she asks.

~*~

“Dracule Mihawk!” A marine officer calls to get his attention, more of it anyway. He has just finished a raid of some noble's private island while they're off somewhere else. 

“To what do I owe the honor of dealing with the Navy today?” Mihawk drawls as he ties the second bag down to his coffin ship.

“The Navy has a proposition for you! Your bounty is frozen as long as you do what the Navy wishes. It will be under the title of ‘warlord’, you'll be expected to answer to the Navy when called but all you do otherwise is not of our concern.” The officer explains brandishing a letter to the pirate. Mihawk takes it while maintaining eye contact until it's opened.

“The Navy does understand I am not a lap dog, I do as I please, when I please.” Mihawk answers with a glance over the letter.  Meetings, calls, coming and going, all in all it's tedious time away when he could be taking care of his wife and son.

“You'll be left alone more often than not.” The marine tells him and that, well that is tempting. “Hawkeye, you value your privacy more than anything and you defend your island more than most pirates defend their territory and with far more veracity. I believe this will be beneficial for all parties involved.” 

Mihawk spares a glance and then goes back to the letter. Boa Hancock, Gecko Moria, Kuma, and Doflamingo so far. How they got Kuma is beyond Mihawk but Boa Hancock even more so. He does not want to deal with any of them. “How many ‘warlords’ will there be?” Mihawk asks.

“All together there will be seven.” The marine answers and Mihawk will give it to the officer in front of him, they aren't nearly as scared as others have been. “Jimbe and Crocodile are our other candidates at the moment.”

“Very well, I accept.” Mihawk says as he kicks his ship off the sand and jumps on board. Yoru on his back as he watches the marine scurry to try to get to his boat. Mihawk notices the rather large carrier ship looking to fire at him so he takes Yoru and brings her down heavily to send an air slash through the carrier.

Heavy metal creaks as he focuses on his sail to swiftly carry him away and back to Kuraigana, back to his home where Sanji and Sora are. He watches the vessel go down as the Marines escape in their life boats. He won't be back for at least a week still, he has to stop and sell the items in markets that cater to pirates, those who don't ask questions about the wares he brings. Mihawk will also pick up clothes from the town that he considers his territory and the townsfolk prefer him over the Navy as well. 

He still won't take Sanji and Sora there. Too many bounty hunters who may tell Germa of their existence and ties to him. He loves them too much to even think of what would happen if they were taken from him. Pirates are inherently selfish, Mihawk even more so, having claimed the title of greatest swordsman alive. The townsfolk know and those more comfortable with him tease him.

“You should bring her in so I can tailor it for her,” Annette tells him when he finally reaches town and is looking at a dress, “and that protege you have. He seems like a good boy.” 

“He is.” Mihawk answers her. 

“Bring them. They should be properly tailored. That boy keeps going through training pants more than the kids here who train to get you now.” Annette smirks at him. She's in her fifties and has been pestering him since he first bought clothes for anyone other than himself from her.

“You know very well, I won't. He's not training as a swordsman.” Mihawk says as he wanders to another rack of dresses Annette has sewn.

“Would you like to see the piece I just finished?” Annette asks as she walks by him to the training pants and grabs several of varying sizes for him. “Absolutely gorgeous, embroidered with silver thread since the winter season is coming up. A fine snow pattern. You’re developing a very small northern accent, boy.” 

“Yes, please.” Mihawk nods as he follows the woman to the counter as she disappears into the back of the store. He checks the pants and sets aside the stack that will fit his son. She reappears with a garment bag and lays on the counter, unzipping to show a dark navy dress with snowflakes, small and unassuming almost, the silver threads gathering at the bottom to form the crests of waves.

“No one here would wear it, none of us have something nice to go to. She's yours though.” Annette smiles at Mihawk.

“She is,” Mihawk agrees quietly and further inspection shows it will fit Sora. “I'll take it, and the pants.” Mihawk nods and once his goods are paid for he sets sail for home. When he arrives on the island Sora is waiting on the beach with a newspaper in one hand and her hands on her hips. She's not angry but she is thoroughly unimpressed.

“You took a title?” She asks as Mihawk ties the boat then grabs the bags of goods.

“Yes, I did.” He nods, letting his amusement show.

“I understand because of the frozen bounty but the Government ? Dracule! Hone-” He cuts Sora off with a kiss because it's been two weeks and he has missed her. “Oh don't think you can distract me.” She hisses at him.

“I don't plan to. I will do what the Navy asks me, rarely, and my bounty is frozen.” Mihawk says as they start heading to the castle. “Annette made a dress for you, as well.” 

“Well tell her thank you for me, but Dracule, a Warlord? You hate people outside of Sanji, myself, or the town, and you still despise more than half the town!” Sora berates him and she's right. She usually is. “Doesn't Boa Hancock hate men?” She asks incredulously.

“Indeed she does, but I doubt the Navy will have much work for us that we'll agree to. We're pirates first.” Mihawk says. “Personally I'm quite interested in what they will even ask of us. It should stop unwanted pests getting too close.”

“Very well.” Sora nods. “I'm still mad we didn't talk about this first.”

“I expect nothing less, darling.” He smiles at her as they go inside. He gives her the garment bag. Sanji is reading at the dining table so Mihawk pats his hair as he passes by to go to the kitchen. Sanji greets him quietly, too caught up with the cook book he's reading. Mihawk makes a note to buy the boy his own set of knives soon. 

When Sora plays the piano that night, the dark blue of the dress with the silver threads glowing orange and yellow in the firelight as Mihawk practices the lullaby about the moon she plays. He sings in North Blue, voice smooth and low as Sanji sleeps in his lap. He is selfish, he loves rarely and deeply and wholly. 

Chapter Text

“Dad, lunch!” Sanji calls from down the hall. Mihawk rolled his eyes as he leaves the study to go to the dining room. Sanji had started calling him “dad” not too long ago. He and Sora, having been on the island for two years and Sanji now being twelve, had grown to take over meal preparations other than breakfast because he still often suffered bad night terrors. Although some mornings Mihawk would find him awake and half dead because he hadn't been able to get back to sleep. 

“What have you made?” Mihawk asks as he enters the dining room and gives Sora a quick kiss as they all sit to eat.

“Mushroom ravioli in an herb and cream sauce.” Sanji answers proudly as they all begin to eat. It is very good. Sora compliments Sanji and Mihawk gives him a nod of approval. “Are you setting off soon?”

“Yes, I have a warlord meeting in three weeks, I have to set sail in a week to be on time.” Mihawk answers.

“We'll be alright with the supplies we have, and we'll tend to the vineyard as well.” Sora assures him.

“You two are the only ones I would trust with such a task.” Mihawk says.

“You don't have anyone else you could.” Sanji points out.

“That's true.” Sora laughs and Mihawk shakes his head lightly.

“I trust you both will be alright while I'm gone?” Mihawk asks.

“Of course.” Sora assures. And later that night Mihawk dances around the sitting room with Sora as Sanji plays the piano and laughs because Mihawk had set the tiara he found on Sora's head finally. It's as close to marriage as they'll get. Even as Sanji sleeps down the hall later and Mihawk and Sora hold each other in the master bedroom, out of breath as he pets her hair. 

“I love you.” Sora says in North Blue, all hard consonants and rolling vowels.

“I love you too.” Mihawk replies in Common Blue. They share another kiss before they drift off to sleep. 

Mihawk sets off the following week, annoyed he has to attend a meeting. Truthfully he's sure if it weren't for Sora and Sanji and the visceral need to keep them with him then his bounty would be unfrozen by now. He supposes that was what made Sora an amazing queen to man who didn't deserve her. No matter, she was his wife and Sanji his son. Not that he ever told Sora or Sanji but he figured they knew if ever ran into Germa he would sink their ships, they know him best after all.

It's the dead of night when Mihawk returns from the sea. He grabs the most important things: a rifle, a roll of knives he deemed perfect for Sanji, and Yoru. He doesn't expect much from the rifle but he knows better than to leave it on his ship overnight. He double checks the locks and ropes before going to the castle. He places the rifle near the door and heads to his and Sora's room.

Sora is not alone however, Sanji is there too. Sanji and Sora are curled up around each other with the blankets half kicked off the bed. He chuckles lightly as he places Yoru in her holder then changes and lays behind Sora. She and Sanji don't wake as he wraps an arm around Sora and falls asleep. 

He wakes up alone the next day though. Mihawk is not one to sleep late but he can tell it's midmorning by the sun streaming in. There is a plate of food from breakfast on his bedside table that he doesn't spare a glance at from the yelling outside. He rushes to the window and looks outside to see Sora holding the rifle as Sanji sits cross legged behind her. 

“You sure put that last can out there, didn't you?” Sora asks. She repositions herself slightly as she aims back down the rifle. Her stance is strong and powerful. A far cry from how she looked when Mihawk had first seen her.

“Well yeah! That's how a challenge works, Mom!” Sanji laughs. 

“Right, challenge.” Sora giggles as the rifle goes off again and Mihawk can hear the light ping of a tin can being hit. “That was fun and you can hide them again after lunch, alright?” Sora looks to Sanji who is bolting into the forest without much care to collect the cans. Sora looks up and waves to Mihawk who nods back. 

He changes rather quickly then heads downstairs with his plate. He pats Sanji's head as he passes by and gives Sora a kiss. The breakfast is put away in the fridge and he helps Sanji prepare lunch. Sora looks over the gun more carefully. She's taking it apart expertly and inspecting the individual pieces.

“I didn't realise you were such an excellent shot.” Mihawk chuckles.

“I would say it's much easier than being a swordsman.” Sora argues lightly. Mihawk hums lightly.

“The furthest can was in a tree like a hundred yards away.” Sanji says, Mihawk cocks an eyebrow at the boy. Sora had managed to hit the can fairly easily and Sanji had retrieved it rather quickly. He looked at his wife who had completely disassembled the gun.

“Have you thought about becoming a pirate, darling?” Mihawk asks.

“Gods no. I do not have the fortitude for that. I'm quite alright just helping you.” Sora laughs.

“Like a first mate who doesn't leave?” Sanji asks.

“Basically.” Sora nodded. She begins putting it back together as they continue to cook. After the gun is back together she takes over for Mihawk so he can inspect her handiwork. It's all correct and well done, as best as it can be without the proper products to care or clean the thing of course but nonetheless.

“Well you seem to be a sniper if I've ever seen one.” Mihawk says, giving her a look. “Have you touched a gun before?” 

“Once or twice.” Sora answers, smiling at him. “It’s breath control and focus.” 

“Some damn fine focus then.” Mihawk sniffs as he puts the gun in a closet. 

“Oh I'm sure you both could do it.” Sora retorts with a hefty eye roll. They all shoot the rifle after eating lunch and catching up. Mihawk is a better shot than Sanji but Sora is leagues ahead of him. Sanji is fast at hiding the targets if he runs any faster his feet might catch fire, his dad thinks. Sora takes less than a minute to shoot them all when Sanji returns.

“Yasopp is going to eat his damned hat.” Mihawk mutters as Sanji bolts off to hide the cans again and Sora laughs, her dress too elegant for the rifle she's holding. It never takes her longer than three minutes to shoot the cans.

~*~

Observation haki is what earned Mihawk the nickname ‘Hawkeye’ and his son seems to be in the same boat as they tend to the vineyard. Sora brought her rifle and Mihawk Yoru as they collect grapes for wine. The humandrills are more behaved than they have been but they still chase Sanji to no end. The boy is still too lean but at this point Mihawk thinks it's more genetic than what he had suffered in Germa. 

“You can sense them, can't you?” Mihawk chuckles at Sanji as his eyes flicker around them as he cuts grapes down to put in the basket.

“I guess. It feels like,” Sanji pauses as he thinks of a word, “like fog or syrup or something. It's sticky.” Sanji continues with a furrowed brow. Since they exclusively talk in Northern now Mihawk often felt the same trouble for finding words. Northern was not a kind language. More words for cold and snow and ice than anything else in the language.

“That's your observation haki, it's also how you know where your mother or I are at any given moment.” Mihawk nods. “Though you've felt it for a while, haven't you?” He eyes the blond boy curiously.

“You mean people don't know how to do that normally?” Sanji asks back with his one eye wide with surprise.

“No, I noticed your first day on the island. Your eyes kept scanning the trees.” Mihawk answers.

“Oh.” Sanji replies as he focuses on the task at hand again.

“With training you would be able to sense coming attacks, pick apart emotions and such. Observation haki is also referred to as someone's ‘soul voice'. You can learn a lot about a person with it.” Mihawk explains. He thinks of Shanks and the thrill of having an equal match in their fights but the man seemed to have little ambition and drive to become better. Granted he was making waves in the New World and quickly rising in status. The man overall was lackluster after his shine wore off. Spending more time drunk and depressed than anything else.

“That’d be a useful skill for a cook.” Sanji nods.

“It would.” Mihawk agrees.

“What are you two talking about?” Sora asks as she walks over with a filled bucket.

“Training in observation haki.” Mihawk answers. Theykiss and Sanji rolls his eyes at his parents. Sora ruffles his hair after setting her bucket down.

“I have no idea what that is.” Sora says as she looks between them, but she's smiling brightly and unphased as her shooting has only gotten better, to the point Mihawk had bought her a proper rifle and a pistol 

“Guess I'll train you both then. It'll be useful if they take away my warlord status or when Sanji sets off.” Mihawk says with a smile.

“You do so dread playing nice with the government.” Sora agrees. “Shall we finish with these and head back then?” 

“Yeah, do we have books on haki, Dad?” Sanji asks and Mihawk racks his brain as they carry the buckets to the barn to press.

“I'm sure we do, I can't imagine I haven't brought some back at some point or the man before me didn't.” Mihawk answers. They press the grapes and barrel the juice. They laugh at the stains they've accumulated on their clothes as Mihawk picks them both up and over his shoulders to carry into the castle. “We all need to change, come on.” 

“The gun and Yoru.” Sora scoffs at her husband as Sanji laughs. 

“They'll be alright.” Mihawk says as he kicks the barn closed. 

“Dracule!” She hits his back lightly as she gives her son a disbelieving look which makes Sanji laugh harder. They make it to the castle and all change before meeting in the sitting room where Mihawk scans the shelves and pulls a few books for them to read. They sit and read until Sanji goes to start dinner. Mihawk is reading an interesting passage about oversensitive haki.

“Darling?” Sora asks him.

“Yes, love?” He asks back, casting a quick glance.

“You think he already is using haki, correct?” Sora wavers and Mihawk gives her his full attention.

“To some extent, yes. Some kids who have gone through similar experiences start using haki as early as five or six. With what he has been through I suspect the same for him.” Mihawk agrees. “Granted I don't know the full extent, yet.” 

“Nor do I, I've really only seen what Sanji would come visit me with or what he's told us.” Sora sighs.

“It'll be a useful skill for him, and for you.” Mihawk nods and pulls her close. “It will help keep him safe.”

“Do you promise?” Sora asks.

“Do I lie?” Mihawk counters and Sora lets out a sigh as she gives in. 

A few days later and with little practice, so little Mihawk is actually shocked, Sanji is able to pick apart his and Sora's emotions. They test his range and they find that it almost extends to the beach from the sitting room. Sanji's range is big and could get bigger as he grew. It is a matter of training him to bring his range down.

Sanji is otherwise exceptional at observation haki. Which makes Sora worry that Mihawk was correct in his assumption. Mihawk knows that unfortunately he is right but with the right training he'll have it under control. 

“It is not your fault.” Mihawk insists one night as they're getting ready for bed. Sora is pacing in her nightgown, back and forth near their bed.

“But if I hadn't drank it he wouldn't be like this.” Sora argues.

“No, but you both would still be in Germa and he would be like his siblings. Could you have lived like that?” Mihawk asks her as changes into his sleep pants.

“Would it have mattered? He wouldn't have gone through what he has.” Sora spits at him.

“He wouldn't be dreaming of the All Blue. He would be a pawn under Judge’s thumb not knowing right from wrong and only knowing death and blood shed. You saved him, over and over you saved him.” Mihawk takes her anger and lets it wash over him. They are not at fault. “Judge used your children for his own gain. He wouldn't be as strong as he is without you.” 

“I let them hurt him.” She says and Mihawk pulls her to him finally. She stills and Mihawk holds her loosely in case it is too much.

“No, Judge did. Judge is the only one at fault. You were as much a prisoner as he was.” Mihawk soothes her. “You're the one who got you both out, because of you I have a son. I fell in love. Sora, you saved him time and time again. Do not ever doubt what you did for him, he doesn't want that for you.” Sora nods and leans into him so Mihawk takes that as a sign to hold her closer. Mihawk hums the song she plays most on the piano, an old North Blue hymnal he believes, as he rocks her gently side to side.

Sanji might be thirteen when he crawls into their bed later that night. He doesn't wake Sora so Mihawk shifts them so there's room for his nightmare stricken son. 

“What was it about?” Mihawk asks quietly as he cards his hands through the boy's hair.

“The mask and bugs.” Sanji whispers. 

“Never again, I swear that to you.” Mihawk responds and Sanji nods as they eventually are lulled back to sleep by that same hymnal to a long dead god. 

Chapter Text

“Zeff at Baratie said he would take you on.” Mihawk says over dinner preparations one night. Mihawk frequents The Baratie any time he’s in the East Blue for work or the like since he isn’t bothered when he eats there. Zeff was a well known acquaintance of Mihawk's as well, being the only restaurant to serve the wine made on Kuraigana. Zeff, however, ran through staff like Mihawk ran through patience.

“Really?” Sanji asks, fifteen and still thin but has far more muscle on him than before. He got back into sword fighting a bit, he's skilled, more so than Sora, but still prefers his kicks and flips over a proper duel. Sanji has, however, managed to knock Mihawk's hat off his head several times, one of which was displayed on the photo wall to Sanji's delight.

“Really, he seemed quite interested in you. Says he'll give you a month as a trial.” Mihawk assures him. “I've already discussed it with your mother, she agrees it'd be good for you.”

“So I can go? Just like that?” Sanji smiles. “I would like that.” 

“You'll need proper work clothes.” Mihawk reminds the boy. Sanji still prefers training clothes but has started wearing more suits and such around the house which makes Sora clap in delight and Mihawk nod approvingly. Mihawk had them tailored to fit Sanji's need for fighting, especially as he's getting old enough to set out on his own soon. 

“That's fine, it won't be too bad.” Sanji shrugs. Mihawk wouldn't say Sanji had matured, he had in some ways, he wasn't blind and his parents had sat him down for a thorough sex talk that was as comfortable as it could have been given who his parents are, not even to start discussing the issues of Mihawk's piracy. But Sanji was still fifteen and living a childhood neglected to him. The family photos they took yearly showed growth for them all. They had taken three photos all together and Sanji looked more and more like Sora with each one.

He's dropped off at Baratie two weeks later. Four months later Mihawk bribes Zeff heftily to let them take a family photo and keep his silence in Sanji's quarters. Zeff had become Sanji's uncle in the time Sanji had started working there. A lot of bickering and fighting and a good sparring match. Sanji looked proud to be there. He may not agree with Zeff at all but there's another adult in Sanji's life to be a decent human to him so Mihawk won't complain. Other than about how dull it can be sometimes for Sora to be alone for so long. 

Sanji is happy, his cooking has improved vastly in the short time he's been there despite being ‘fired’ every day almost. Mihawk won't say as much but he is proud. Sora will say it full chested and eagerly. They eat in private, in the bedroom Sanji has that's small and cramped. Mihawk doesn't smile often but he does for his family, for the food his son makes, for the ass kicking Zeff and Sanji give each other with the best of intentions.

~*~

Yoru slices the green haired boy that's far too confident for his own good. Mihawk also breaks two of his swords. He leaves him alive because he sees potential and drive to be the best swordsman like he sees the drive to open a restaurant on the All Blue from Sanji. There's a boy there too that reminds him of the child Shanks told him about as well. He spares a glance at his son, who looks disappointed the green haired kid is alive. He leaves without much thought and without a word to his son that he was supposed to be checking in on. 

A week later Mihawk is reading the paper when a wanted poster from the East Blue catches his eye, a familiar straw hat from the boy he saw with the green haired swordsman but looking closer it's Red Haired Shanks' old hat. Sora peeks over his and lets out a hum of approval at the bounty.

“That's good for a newbie.” Sora grins.

“I believe this is the boy Shanks used to tell me about.” Mihawk says. “Certainly looks like his hat.”

“Wasn't he with the boy you sliced open last week?” Sora asked.

“He was, yes. Suppose I should tell Shanks.” Mihawk sighs. “I know he never reads the paper.”

“That's what first mates are for, right?” Sora grins at him. “Can I come?” 

“You know very well I can't tell you no.” Mihawk grouses as Sora claps happily and goes to quickly pack a change of clothes. It's a quick two day sail to Shanks who looks at Mihawk and then Sora. 

“I don't want to fight, especially when you're half the man you used to be. I believe this should interest you,” Mihawk says, handing over the bounty poster, “a boy in a straw hat you used to mention.” 

Yasopp is proudly displaying the poster as they all cheer and Shanks grabs it and waves it around.

“Come on you uptight bastard, have a drink with us!” Shanks demands while elbowing Mihawk. “We'll bring out the reserve and your,” Shanks suddenly looks to Sora who is dressed in pants and a loose shirt, “lady can join.” Shanks says confusedly. “You like women?” 

“I like people who aren't you.” Mihawk says politely and Sora laughs.

“I've never gotten to drink with pirates before.” Sora grins mischievously at Mihawk.

“I suppose a drink won't hurt.” Mihawk sighed. It wasn't one drink however, Shanks very quickly was wasted again and leaning against him as Sora sat on his lap drunkenly laughing at Beckman’s stories of his captain. Mihawk almost feels bad for the man but he chose to be Shanks' first mate, why he still chooses to be is beyond Mihawk's reasoning.

Somehow the next morning Sora is awake and cooking for the crew before anyone else. The Redhaired Pirates look at her like she is inhuman and Mihawk blinks tiredly at her.

“Sora?” He asks.

“Yes?” She replies, smirking at him.

“How are you not hungover?” Mihawk groans as he sits up. 

“Maybe those doctors were good for something.” She laughs lightly. Mihawk rubs his face as Shanks looks at him again.

“Drac, what the fuck is she made out of?” The disbelief in his voice was clear.

“Oh if you think I'm tough you should see our son.” Sora laughs. Shanks rubbed his eyes and rolled over. It was far too early and he was far too hungover for that conversation.

Chapter Text

Travelling with Luffy was a whole new level of excitement that coated Sanji's haki to become tiresome very quickly but he powered through. Luffy was a bundle of excited energy and Nami's freedom overwhelming at times but he cooked. Usopp was nervous as he told stories about his dad on the seas travelling with Shanks. All clips from the paper Sanji knows. Zoro also refuses to see his worth it seems. No matter how Sanji can defend or care for the crew Zoro seems to find him lacking.

So Sanji cooks. He's rarely out of the galley but since the Merry is small he still has quite a few interactions with his crew and fights with Zoro more often than not it seems. He wishes he could get along with the Mosshead but there's just something about him that irks Sanji. Not even the fact the guy wants to kill his dad, that's not even part of the problem, even if he has the potential to get good enough to do it. Maybe it's because his dad let him live? Sanji isn't going to waste energy, he can't. He has a crew to cook for after all.

When they pick up Vivi and Karoo, both of them are bigger than Sanji remembers. Up until now they were permanently small, three and just barely a year old. The small duckling could fit in his hands then. They don't talk about it, Sanji acts aloof when she asks if she knows him. He can't let it get out, get uncontrollable because he and his crew will die before they reach Alabasta otherwise. 

Little Garden leaves Sanji with the ship and no crew. It's a couple hours after the crew is supposed to be back when he goes searching and finds the hut with the forever post to Alabasta. He finds his crew mostly fine and some guy he assumes is the Mr. 3 that Mr. 0 was looking for on the denden. 

“Oh, Sanji. What are you doing off ship?” Nami asks him.

“It's a few hours past when you guys said you'd be back so I came looking. Good thing too, I found this.” He smiles as he presents the post. Vivi squeals in delight and hugs him and Sanji hugs back and helps her put it on her wrist. It reminds him of his parents. Of his dad who would rarely bring home jewellery for his mother but placed it on her with the utmost care. He stitches Zoro's ankles up the way his dad would see him up. Minus the apologies because he didn't give these cuts to Zoro, he did it to himself. He doesn't even give the sentient algae a smile or call him dumb, just focuses on the task.

That night when he and Vivi meet in the crows nest, her doing the first watch him doing second does he give her a sorry smile.

“My crew, they can't know. It's a secret.” He explains.

“I'm glad you're alive, I'm sorry about your mother.” Vivi says.

“Don't be, she's alive and well. I am sorry about yours.” Sanji replies as he rubs her shoulder.

“Thank you, you both got out then?” She asks.

“Yes, it was rough but a man found us and took us in.” Sanji nods. 

“Zeff, right? The retired pirate at Baratie?” Vivi asks with a smile.

“No, someone far more dangerous.” Sanji laughs as he leans over the side. “Dracule Mihawk. He found me stealing food from his ship and then took us in. He trained me in my observation haki. He told us he loved us not even four months after he took us to Kuraigana, he has a massive vineyard and learned Northern because I often gave up on Common towards the end of the day.” He smiles at her.

“You're both very lovable, your father was an idiot for not seeing it.” Vivi agrees evenly. “Thank you for trusting me Sanji, it means a lot. For all that it's worth I am glad you're alive.” She leans against him and Sanji leans his head on hers.

“I'm glad you're alive too, Princess.” He says.

Nami gets sick so they stop at Drum Island. Luffy carries Nami up the mountain and Sanji protects them. Sanji throws them up as he lets himself get washed away in the avalanche. He will sacrifice himself for his crew, to repay the kindness they have shown him. Even Zoro. Maybe to prove his worth to the asshole or prove that he belongs to the crew. To Luffy.

He feels a sharp pain in his back that steals the breath from him. His legs fill with pins and needles as the snow swallows him while he can't get out. He can't escape. He lets the black swallow him whole.

“Huh, I haven't seen something like this in ages.” An old witch looking woman says as he awakes. “Ah, you're waking up. Want to tell me why a Vinsmoke made his way into my care?” 

“I'm not.” Sanji answers. “I'm the failure so I'm not a Vinsmoke.” The witch looks at him and nods.

“Fair enough. Whatever. Don't move too much. We had to do surgery on your back, you should only have a small scar though.” Witch lady says. 

“My crewmates?” Sanji asks. 

“Alive.” She answers. “Get some more sleep.” Sanji nods and closes his eyes and sleeps. He awakes to Luffy asking for food so he gets up.

“That was dumb.” Luffy scolds him. “You don't need to sacrifice yourself for people, least of all me!” 

“But if I hadn't done that we all would have been swallowed by the avalanche, Luffy.” Sanji replies as he gets dressed. “Besides, thanks to you we all made it up here! So let's find the kitchen, okay?” He smiles at his captain and they leave once he's dressed. They chase a deer and find Nami, who is luckily. He makes sure he's okay and apologises to the deer, Chopper, and is led to the kitchen to cook.

Chopper sits and watches him. Sanji hums as he cooks, the same melodies of a dead god and the lullaby of the moon he grew up with. He cooks for them and plates it up. Luffy finds his way and he takes plates to Kureha and Nami. They fight Wapol who demands to take down the Jolly Roger at the top of the castle and somehow Luffy has worn down Chopper enough to become a member of the crew, their doctor.

The pink snow, the cherry blossom mirage as they escape. It's sweet as Chopper cries about his dead father. Vivi comforts him as they sail off. Sanji does what he does best and makes sweets for the deer, the kid really. Alabasta in their sights as Luffy's brother shows up.

Sanji knows he likes men, he told his parents he liked both genders and Mihawk sat him down for a talk about Shanks specifically. About disappointing partners and ambition. Ace doesn't seem that way though and he's surprised he doesn't have a nosebleed when Ace lights his cigarette for him from where he's perched on the railing and Vivi gives him a knowing look as he flusters his way to the galley.

Ace offers his help with dishes, with packing, he keeps lighting his cigarettes and he calls Sanji cute. Zoro keeps glaring at them. Ace helps them a little and finds Luffy in the desert and returns him before he goes back on his hunt for Black Beard. All in all they only spend a day and a half together but Sanji kisses Ace goodbye in private and has a nosebleed they laugh at.

“I'll see you again soon, Blondie.” Ace promises him.

“I'm holding you to that, Commander.” Sanji grins at him. He flies to his ship and they wave him off. They make it through Alabasta and King Cobra is back on the throne where he should be. Ms. All Sunday, Nico Robin joins their crew and the festivities. King Cobra knows who Sanji is but doesn't say anything about it. Vivi must have filled him in, Sanji thinks. 

They set off and when everyone but him is on deck Nico Robin comes into the galley and sits at the table, eyeing him. Scrutinising him. 

“Can I do something for you, Robin-chan?” He asks lightly as he pulls his haki in closer to himself.

“Your haki.” She says. He can't tell if it's a demand or a statement of fact.

“What about it?” He asks hesitantly and she narrows her eyes at him.

“Hawkeye trained you.” She states. 

“I'd prefer it if you didn't say that so loud. Whoever he knew died when I left Baratie.” Sanji says while fixing her a look. “Safer that way.” 

Robin nods as he sets a cup of coffee near her. They don't talk about it further. They can't really. There's no privacy, really. She eyes him though, always watching like Zoro does. Like he's a liability and he hates it.

“What's that song about?” Luffy asks after dinner as it's his turn to help with dishes. Robin is still sitting at the table and reading a book she found. Sanji looks at his captain and smiles softly.

“It's a lullaby about a man and the moon.” Sanji answers.

“Oh. Cool.” Luffy says. “Can you sing it?” He looks at Sanji with a goofy smile and Sanji obliges. He can feel the barest hint of a smile from Robin at the table.

~*~

BLACKLEG SANJI 

77,000,000 BERI

DEAD OR ALIVE

What an awful portrait. Sora is laughing at it like she lost her damn mind. Mihawk keeps looking at it in confusion because Sanji does not look like that. Sora is crying and cannot right herself. 

“P-put it away!” She chokes out through the laughter.

“I would if I knew where.” Mihawk argues but Sora is turning blue from laughing and Mihawk worried that she would faint. Sure she was stronger now but some days were harder than others. 

“Dracule!” She laughed as he showed it to her again.

“I think we ought to display it, it is his first bounty after all.” Mihawk smirked at the woman. She squeals again and tries to cover her face and shield herself from it. “Sora, he'd be upset if we didn't.” He chuckles and Sora runs away from him but Mihawk chases her. 

“Don't you dare!” She yells.

“We could display it next to the family photos!” He yells back with a grin. They make a sharp turn around a corner and through a door to make it outside near the vegetable garden. Mihawk manages to catch her and swing her around in a spin, arms tight around her waist.

“We cannot put that up, he'll kill you.” Sora laughs, shoving the poster away while trying to catch her breath. 

“Mm, he'll certainly try his best.” Mihawk laughs. “Maybe that green haired imbecile will do it. He wants to be the greatest swordsman next.”

“I wish you wouldn't have to die to pass that title on. It's a stupid tradition and what if Sanji brings us grandkids? Grandkids! You could have a real swordsman to train then.” Sora huffs at him. It's a conversation they've had several times and Mihawk has been wavering on the ‘to the death’ portion of the duel rules that usually come with the passing of the title. 

“We'll see, now won't we?” He asked as he heaved her over his shoulder. “For now we need to hang this up.” He starts heading back to the castle as Sora hits his back more as an act of annoyance than anger. The poster is nearly hung next to Mihawk

's latest underneath the family photos. Sora giggles helplessly at it every time she passes it in the hallway.

Chapter Text

“They’re just bugs! Why the hell are you scared of them!” Zoro demands of him and Sanji can't say anything about the iron mask and how Sanji couldn't fit his tiny, bony, malnourished hands into it to get the bugs to stop eating him. His mother cried looking at him during their escape or how his dad had found him in a panic attack because he got bit while outside once.

“They're a cook's worst enemy.” He says because that is also true. 

“So you act like a little girl?” Zoro laughs at him. “Pathetic.” 

“Stop pissing me off, asshole! At least I don't get lost!” Sanji yells as he lands a solid kick against the green haired man. He wishes he could be honest but he can't, he can't it will kill them if he is. The crew only just found out he's from the North Blue talking to a descendant of Noland the Liar, Cricket, and he's not sure people believe him. 

Sanji fights a man who claims to be God in order to protect Nami and Usopp. He's electrocuted several times and he doesn't die. Sanji wonders if his death would be payment for the suffering his mother went through, especially if it was for protecting his crew. Would it be worth enough? 

Luffy wins against God, he's Luffy. Of course he won. Enel, God’s name is Enel. The golden bell is ringing and it's gorgeous. He can't help but sing to the dead god under his breath as they leave Skypiea. The hymnal to a god of slaves as they leave. It's comforting as they head to Water 7.

The Foxy pirates are an interesting group and Sanji is made to be the ball in the final game. He's getting his ass kicked with Zoro. All the illegal moves are legal for them and Sanji can feel his ribs break. They win luckily. Luckily. They make it to Water 7. 

The Merry is no longer seaworthy unfortunately and Usopp doesn't believe the builders as he starts to work on the Merry. The crew is fighting about it and Usopp leaves and Sanji, regrettably because it's Zoro making a good point, he agrees with the Mosshead that he'll have to make gracious apologies to come back to the crew.

They just don't expect Robin to leave either. They save her with the help of Franky. And Sanji takes on the Sea Train mostly by himself. He finds Usopp and they watch Robin and Franky be saved by Luffy and as they head back to give Merry back to the sea Nami catches it.

“Sanji! You're bleeding! What happened?” She yells at him as she rips the sleeves of his shirt up and sees the scabbed over cuts up both his arms. 

“They're not that deep, they've already stopped bleeding too, don't worry!” He says, deflecting easily. “It's not my hands, I'll be fine! Promise!” 

“I'm sorry you went through all that trouble for me, Cook-san.” Robin apologises.

“Nonsense, I would have done it for anyone on our crew.” He smiles at her as he fends Chopper off. He wouldn't expect the crew to do it for him because a cook is more easily replaced. Maybe they could find one Zoro got along with. Franky, Paulie, and Iceberg promise to have a ship ready for them in three days. The fourth day the ship is revealed and it's magnificent. Sanji loves the galley, it's for them and their ever growing crew, like Franky. They hang everything up from before.

Nami's trees are back on deck, Luffy and Chopper have a swing, Zoro can lift weights in the crows nest. There's more room in the bunk rooms. Nami's navigation room is huge and she's in love, the aquarium has the bar and library and Sanji finds more books from his childhood than he thought possible.

When they sail and find a skeleton named Brook and a ship island called Thriller Bark. Usopp, Nami, and Chopper are terrified and for good reason. Of course they go investigate the island despite Brook telling them not to. Luffy has to get this skeleton’s shadow back. Sanji will follow his captain to the end but he knows a warning when he gets one, a real one anyway.

After he saves Nami, because she got kidnapped and almost married off to the guy who had the clear-clear fruit and Sanji. Sanji has issues okay and he's so glad his crew isn't around or conscious enough to hear it. His shadow gets stolen and he sees his zombie fight Zoro and maybe they're meant to be enemies after all.

“Okay but we need to get our shadows back because the fog is gone and it's almost dawn!” Sanji yells at Zoro.

“And what do you take me for, Shit-Cook?” Zoro yells back as they fight Luffy's zombie until all the shadows are free. Luffy is passed out from exhaustion and Moria is gone. Somewhere. Sanji can't feel him or that pink haired girl anymore but there's someone new. 

“We got company!” He yells pointing up.

“Who the hell is that?” Zoro demands and Sanji could tell him it's Kuma, he could tell him about the paw-paw fruit but he stills in fear because he needs to protect his crew, his captain. Sanji gets thrown away when he attempts to attack as do most of the crew. “Leave my captain alone!” Zoro demands of the Warlord.

“If you take your captain’s pain I will spare him. I will not take his head.” Kuma says.

“You got a deal.” Zoro says and then Kuma gives him a taste and it's awful. Sanji can hear his haki scream in agony and pain. Sanji wishes he would never hear something like that again.

“Tell the crew to find another, Zoro.” He demands as he lights a cigarette and stands in front of Kuma. Except Zoro knocks him out and when he wakes he follows the searing pain until he finds Zoro. “Zoro? What happened?” He asks gently as goes and holds the man upright and starts leading him back. There's so much blood. Too much to be outside a normal human body and live and Sanji feels anger that Zoro, the one Luffy needs most, did something like this.

“What happened?” Zoro breathes raggedly as he lets himself be dragged. “Nothing, nothing at all.” 

“Stay with me Moss, we’re almost to Chopper, okay?” Sanji says as he tries to go faster. Faster and faster because the crew needs them back and for Zoro to live. He lives and Chopper is thanking Sanji for finding him.

“You have as much resolve as he does, it was quite beautiful.” Brook says as he plays the piano.

“I thought you were a violinist.” Sanji says instead.

“I know a good amount of instruments.” Brook answers. “Do you have a request?” 

“No, it's alright. Thank you, Brook. I'm happy you're joining the crew.” Sanji smiles at him as he goes and sits next to Zoro. “Fucking idiot Mosshead.” He sighs. He watches the crowd sing Bink’s Sake with Brook and wishes he was in Zoro's place. The nicotine steadies his shaking hands as he sings the lullaby about moon softly to Zoro. He sings again when Luffy climbs into his bunk shaking and clinging to him.

“Captain?” He asks at one point, clearly concerned because Luffy hasn't climbed out or fallen asleep. “How about some hot cocoa then? That's what I do-” he cuts himself off but Luffy is nodding and rubber arming himself around the cook so he gets up and makes his way to the galley.

“Luffy, I need you to get off me and free my arms, okay? You can still hold on if you want but I need my arms and hands.” Sanji explains and Luffy nods and his haki is scared and frightened. Sanji makes it and sits with Luffy at the table.

“What happened? I'm his captain, I'm supposed to protect us.” Luffy asks as he burrows into Sanji's side as the elder lights a cigarette.

“He's the first mate, Captain, his job is to protect you.” Sanji explains and Luffy buries himself into Sanji's side.

“Can you sing the song about the moon again?” Luffy asks and Sanji obliges, petting his captain’s hair. If it was him Luffy wouldn't be as sad because a cook is as replaceable as an oil lantern. Eventually he and Luffy both fall asleep and there's a photo of it on the wall the next day.

~*~

The next one comes out two weeks later and Sanji looks both less ridiculous and more ridiculous. Mihawk and Sora stare at it perplexed because this one is an actual photo at least but his heart eyes are sickening.

“I hope it was a cat.” Sora murmurs.

“It was definitely a type of cat.” Mihawk sighed and took a light slap to his shoulder as penance. 

They do not get another bounty poster, instead a wailing pink haired teenager, younger than Sanji floats into the parlour. The look Mihawk gives Sora as she observes the girl and flicks her hair.

“Well, she's not Reiju.” Sora says after going to sit on Mihawk's lap. The girl huffs indignantly at them as Mihawk wraps an arm around her and gives Pink Hair a look of anger.

“Ew, what an ugly name. So not cute.” Pink Hair sneers as she looks around. Sora stiffens and Mihawk is furious. He knows Sora didn't have much of a hand in anything involving her kids until her and Sanji's escape. The names were numbers and codes for experiments.

“I suggest you apologise and leave or I will make you leave.” Mihawk snarls. 

“I would love to leave but I have no idea where my captain is! Where the hell am I?” Pink Hair snaps.

“Kuraigana.” Mihawk snaps back, grabbing Yoru’s hilt. Pink Hair follows his hand and her eyes widen in shock.

“Oh shit, you're Dracule Mihawk.” She whispers in horror.

“Yes, I am. You just so happened to insult my wife. Who the hell are you?” He demands.

“Dracule, she's a child.” Sora chides quietly.

“She's a pirate.” He says, fixing Pink Hair with a look. “And not a very bright one.”

“Gecko Moria is my captain, he's a warlord as well! I'm Perona!” She squeals out in terror. 

“Moria? I haven't heard about him in ages.” Sora says. “You don't know where he is?” 

“No, some stupid rubber kid wrecked everything.” Perona groaned. “I haven't heard anything in like a week.”

Sora fixed Mihawk with a look that made him frown at her. They both knew if Sora said the word Perona could stay. They both knew that she held so much power over him that if she told him he would die for her. It didn't take much as he released Yoru.

“She can stay as long as she's polite to you.” Mihawk relented. Sora nodded as she stood once again. She led Perona away to a spare bedroom he assumed. Perona and

Sora appeared to be about the same size so she could wear Sora's dresses until he went on a supply run. 

Chapter Text

The green haired idiot, Roronoa Zoro, appeared not too long after her. He just appeared while Mihawk and Sora were sparring outside. Just collapsed onto the ground, covered in bloody bandages and clearly unwell. Sora immediately dropped her sword and ran to him. Mihawk followed behind her carefully as Zoro looked around, dazed and in obvious pain before his eyes landed on Sora.

“Cook?” Roronoa’s voice whispered harshly. Sora's eyes widened as she looked at Mihawk who knelt beside her.

“Dracule-” Sora started but Mihawk had already got his arms under the newcomer and hoisted the man up and stood. 

“He's in no shape to tell us now, let's find a room for him and have Perona get the bandages and antiseptic.” Mihawk said, heading into the castle. A room was found and Zoro laid on the bed as Perona and Sora began taking care of Roronoa’s wounds. 

This didn't bode well for Sora or Mihawk if this was Sanji's nakama. Sora was doing her best to hide her fear behind the soft touches of wound care as she gave Perona instructions. Mihawk left the room to hear the denden ringing so he answered.

“Hello?” He kept his voice neutral.

“Mihawk.” An admiral then.

“Yes.” He responded.

“You're needed on Sabaody immediately, for Portgas D. Ace’s execution. Three days.” The admiral said.

“Very well.” Mihawk hung up and pinched the bridge of his nose. Mihawk knew very well this was something he couldn't refuse and if he had to fight Sanji well-

So be the consequences of leaving early. He went back to the room and whispered quickly to Sora who nodded. He set off with a sack he always had prepared for situations like this. He would deal with Roronoa upon his return, if there was a man to return to. At least Sora had someone to tend to and someone to talk to. He had to at least be thankful for the entertainment they would provide his wife.

~*~

Only the Captain of the Strawhat Pirates was present at Ace’s execution. He fought well, valiantly even. Mihawk watched as Ace died in his arms and the screaming stopped. The battle raged on until Red Haired Shanks and his fleet arrived to end the war, Mihawk left as soon as he saw the flagship. 

“He was not part of the deal.” Mihawk said as he left the battlefield. Mihawk assumed the boy dead as he sailed back. He assumed the same for Sanji unfortunately. There was no way to tell or to contact him and Mihawk felt incredibly numb on the sail back. He was still covered in blood, days old and dried.

When he walked into the castle when he came back Sora looked at him. The hysterical crying that followed broke him even more as he held her. There was nothing he could say to comfort her. Nothing that could quell her fear that her son, their son, was dead. 

“He wasn't there.” Slipped from Mihawk's mouth. “Perhaps it's like Roronoa.” Sora gripped tighter to his bloodied coat, her tears staining his shirt would be like the blood on his hands, unwashable. He held her until she was too tired to stand and carried her to bed. She passed out no sooner than her head hitting the pillow so he quickly showered and changed. 

Roronoa was asleep, as was Perona, but he chose to sit with the swordsman. If for nothing else than answers when he awoke. He grabbed a book, Noland, and began reading. 

“What the fuck?” A harsh and quiet voice asked.

“You're separated from your crew.” Mihawk answered neutrally. “You're on Kuraigana.” 

He was not expecting Zoro to throw himself out of the bed on his hands and knees before him. A position familiar to Mihawk for those begging him to spare their life. He stayed neutral though.

“Please train me so that I can become stronger!” Zoro begged him.

“And why would I do that?” Mihawk asked blithely. 

“When my crew reunites, I want to be able to protect them.” Zoro answered with his head still bowed.

“You say that as if they're alive.” Mihawk responded, dog-earing the worn page of the book and closed it.

“They are, I know it.” Zoro said with as much force as he could muster. Mihawk studied him carefully, no hint of a lie.

“Do you know what you're asking?” Mihawk asked sternly.

“Yes, please. I couldn't protect them, I need to be the best that I can.” Zoro begged.

“Very well, get back in bed and rest. You're in no shape to start training yet.” Mihawk said and Zoro looked at him.

“But I need-” Zoro started.

“You need to rest, and truthfully I need to check on my wife.” Mihawk said as he stood. “Don't push your luck  or you'll die before you accomplish anything.” 

Zoro looked at him questioningly as he stood carefully and sat on the bed. His eyes never coming off Mihawk who fixed him a look.

“What is it?” He asked.

“The woman,” Zoro got out, “she's your wife?” 

“Yes. And?” Mihawk responded.

“She looks like someone I know.” Zoro answered. Mihawk didn't respond as he left the room. Sora was still asleep in their room; discontentment obvious as she tossed in her sleep. Mihawk laid beside her. For the first time in a very long time, Mihawk couldn't sleep.

~*~

“Listen, it was in the paper and just for us crew. He's giving us two years to train and get stronger. Kuma teleported us.” Zoro explained a few weeks later after a long bout of training with Mihawk. They sat at dinner. 

“And all of your crew is alive?” Perona asked sceptically. 

“If I didn't die then they're all alive.” Zoro shot back. Mihawk and Sora shared a look as they ate silently. This was their only hope Sanji was alive so they had to believe him.

“Even long nose?” Perona goaded.

“Get fucked.” Zoro seethed, making Perona laugh.

“Children, please.” Mihawk said. “Dinner is not the time for that type of talk.” 

“What do you care?” Perona and Zoro asked at the same time.

“Enough.” Mihawk glowered at them both. They both shrank slightly in their seats. For a few blissful minutes there was silence from them both.

“I still can't believe you found a woman willing to marry you.” Perona huffed and this time Sora gave her a stern look.

“Mind you it is my kindness that is letting you stay here and stay alive. It is in your best interest to not cross me.” Sora said.

“Yeah but you also said I look like your daughter.” Perona pointed out. 

“You look like the cook too.” Zoro said.

“Which one’s the cook?” Perona asked.

“Twirly brows, blond.” Zoro responded.

“Doesn't ring a bell. All of you made awful zombies though.” Perona shrugged. 

“Well we did win, got our shadows back and all.” Zoro said.

“Yeah and you weren't nearly dead when that happened. So what happened?” Perona asked. 

“I took all of my captain’s pain so Kuma didn't take his head.” Zoro shrugged. “Woke up on our ship to a seven foot skeleton joining our crew.” 

The blank stares that Zoro found made him shrug again. Sora rubbed her temples before going back to eating. Mihawk took a large swig of wine. Perona sat back in her chair and crossed her arms.

“That fucking humming skeleton joined your crew?” Perona asked with disbelief.

“Yeah, his name is Brook.” Zoro answered with a mouthful of food. 

“I can't believe this, what the hell is your crew's luck?” Perona demanded.

“Enough piracy talk for now please.” Sora asked.

“Aren't you a pirate?” Zoro asked.

“No, I'm just married to one.” Sora answered.

“Huh.” Perona said. Dinner ended very quickly that night.

~*~

“Just because I took your eye is not an excuse for not being aware of your surroundings. You say you want to protect your crew yet here you are dallying.” Mihawk said as he hit Zoro with the hilt of Yoru, knocking him to the ground. “If you die, who will protect them?”

“Shut. Up.” Zoro gritted out as he stood and swung Wado at Mihawk who blocked it easily.

“What an astounding response. Answer me.” Mihawk said, blocking two more swings at him.

“I'll kill whoever killed them! I'll crawl back from the depths of Hell if I have to!” Zoro yelled, anger clear in his voice.

“And how do you plan to do that if you can't land a single hit?” Mihawk shot back. 

“I'll be the strongest. I'll be stronger than you and everyone else.” Zoro's anger was pouring out of him like a forgotten spout. 

“Would you die for your whole crew?” Mihawk asked, knocking Zoro down and pinning him there with the tip of his sword. 

“Yes.” Zoro glared at him.

“Then be better.” Mihawk said, letting him stand. Zoro kept his glare as he stood up. Their blades readied again.

“Who would you die for?” Zoro asked.

“My wife and son.” Mihawk answered easily. 

“You have a kid?” Zoro asked.

“Yes.” Mihawk answered as he took the first swing at Zoro.

Zoro noticed a lot over his time at Kuraigana. First Mihawk was very human, the image around him protected his family. Two, his wife Sora looked so much like the cook it was uncanny. Three, Mihawk showed far more kindness to Sora than Zoro had seen in the entire damned world. Except for maybe Luffy and the ragtag crew that made up the Strawhats. Four, Mihawk and Sora spoke in North Blue a lot. Especially when they would all gather in the sitting room towards the end of the night. Zoro and Perona didn't know what they were saying but it didn't matter. If they wanted them to know they would speak Common Blue.

So when Zoro got lost for the umpteenth time in the castle he found himself staring at a line of photos, Sanji's wanted poster, and Mihawk's cancelled bounty poster. How he had never found them before was beyond him but seeing the cook as a kid was weird. The crew had just assumed Zeff raised Sanji but clearly they were wrong. There were eight photos of the cook with Mihawk and Sora, the first four in the sitting room and the last four had the cook in his chef coat at what Zoro assumed was the Baratie. 

The others were more organic photos. One was of the three of them soaked in a reddish purple juice and Mihawk was smiling widely at the camera as he held a child sized cook away from his body and Sora was mid step to join them. Another showed Sora and the cook sat at the piano - taken by Mihawk, then, Zoro thought - the most intriguing one however was of the cook in a handstand. Mihawk’s hat was in the air and the man himself looked both shocked and pleased in the photo. 

“Find something, Zoro?” Sora asked from beside him.

“That's the cook.” He said dumbly.

“That's Sanji, yes.” She nodded.

“He's Mihawk's son.” Zoro felt so fucking dumb.

“He is.” Sora nodded again. “I'm not surprised he hasn't mentioned us. Having this type of connection is dangerous for all involved.” 

“How long have you been with Mihawk?” Zoro asked, the cook couldn't be older than twelve in the first photo.

“Ten years, give or take some months. Sanji is eleven in the first photo, we took it around the one year anniversary of our arrival here.” Sora explained.

“So he's not Mihawk's son.” Zoro summed up.

“He is. Blood of the covenant is thicker than the water of the womb.”  Sora shot back. “You should forget you saw this. Things will be much harder for your crew if it gets out. Perona is under the same threat.” She walked away with a powerful aura surrounding her. One that made Zoro question things about the cook. Sanji was loud and brash and eager to prove himself in ways that were almost suicidal if not outright, he could set himself on fire and be fine.

Sanji had a lot of explaining to do and Zoro was going to beat it out of him if he had to. During practice the next day in the midst of sparring Zoro kept biting his tongue with questions he had. Sora and Mihawk noticed it, of course they did. Mihawk didn't let up-instead just doing all the little tricks and feints that caught Zoro off guard every time.

“I don't think you should hurt him too bad today, Dear. He did find out about Sanji yesterday.” Sora hummed as she raised the rifle and looked down the sights.

“Well, Darling, this will be an important lesson in distractions then.” Mihawk answered as he tripped Zoro. “Perhaps I should lock the liquor up as well.” 

“Hey!” Zoro yelled as Mihawk let him up, a quick succession of shots from Sora's rifle took their attention. Soft ping s echoed around the island.  “How come the cook doesn't use weapons like both of you?” 

“His most important tools are his hands, outside of those are his knives. He fights with his feet so his hands don't look like yours.” Sora answers, setting her gun down and looking at Zoro. “He's not one to ask for things, even small things that are insignificant.” 

“So what? Luffy already got him on the crew, and has promised to help him find that lake thing. What more could there be?” Zoro huffed. Sora didn't answer as Mihawk raised Yoru once more and training started again.

“Find your balance, that is part of being equals, being rivals.” Mihawk grits out as Shusui and Kitetsu fly from Zoro's hands in a swift swing from Mihawk.

Chapter Text

There was no answer given beyond that. Even after another year when the crew reunites and Robin doesn't answer where she's been and Sanji’s only response is to say ‘Hell’. Zoro tries to push everything about Sora and Sanji out of his mind because Sanji doesn't ask. He doesn't push or pull for answers. Sanji is not a liar but he and Robin both keep their fair share of secrets. Something necessary for their survival; they have silent conversations that start and end in a matter of seconds.

Zoro wants that with Sanji but their relationship had been purely physical and Sanji avoided touch like the plague now. Luffy being the only exception because Luffy was Luffy. He knew the crew better than anyone.

“You're being dumb.” Luffy said. 

“What?” Zoro said, snapping his head to his captain.

“You're being dumb.” Luffy repeated. “If you're angry you should talk.”

“I'm not angry.” Zoro replied. Luffy didn't dignify him with a response. He just bound away on rubber limbs to play a game with Chopper, Brook, and Franky. Zoro didn't feel angry. Zoro's just happy to be with his crew again to be with everyone and see them. Even if Sanji was avoiding him.

Fuck it, he'll go drive answers out of the cook if it kills them both. Zoro heads to the galley where Sanji is cooking. He's more muscular than he used to be, parts his hair on the other side to show off his other eyebrow, and has facial hair.

“Booze is not up for grabs, Moss.” Sanji says in lieu of greeting him.

“We need to talk.” Zoro says.

“About?” Sanji asks, sparing him a glance as he reaches into his suit pocket for his pack of cigarettes.

“Kuraigana.” Zoro shrugs, leaning against the counter near the cook. Sanji turns back to his lunch preparations, but his shoulders are stiff.

“I don't know what that has to do with me.” Sanji says easily.

“Cook-” Zoro starts.

“You should know when to leave well enough alone, Marimo.” Sanji cuts him off. 

“You look like her.” Zoro says after a few beats and Sanji gives him a side eye but gives no answer. Zoro feels like punching something, maybe Sanji, but he hooks a finger into the cook's belt loop and pulls him close instead. “Cook.”

“I'm serious. This isn't something you can play around with.” Sanji snaps.

“I'm not.” Zoro snaps back.

“Then let it be.” Sanji bites. All Zoro can think of is the way Mihawk told him to find balance. The way Sanji holds his knives, the same set he's had since Baratie, looks like the way Mihawk carries Yoru. They're tools to aid him, not define him. Mihawk would still be the greatest swordsman in the world with a different sword, Sanji would still be the best cook on all the blues with different knives.

“I'm here.” Zoro says finally, letting the cook go. Sanji hums in response and Zoro leaves. Sanji finally puts a cigarette between his lips and lights it with shaking fingers. A deep inhale of menthol flavoured smoke fills his lungs. They are not the same as they were two years ago. To the world the only Sanji that exists is Blackleg Sanji, not Vinsmoke Sanji or Sanji Mihawk. They are both dead, one died leaving Germa at eight; the other when he left Baratie for the final time to join the crew. 

~*~

“Let me help.” Zoro sits by Sanji and takes his left leg and- “Holy shit this is what your legs look like?” His leg is black, blue, yellow, and purple. It's covered in nicks and scrapes and his foot looks disgusting. He doesn't have nails, his toes are bent weird, there's a solid print of his dress shoe and sock on the top of his foot.

“These are my weapons, I'm not going to use armament for every little fight. If you have to make comments I can do it myself.” Sanji snaps as he tries to pull his leg back but Zoro keeps it in a tight hold. Before Chopper joined the crew Sanji stitched them up. No one had repaid that favour, except maybe Luffy. Luffy who constantly clung and asked for food from Sanji. Luffy, who complained when Sanji wasn't cooking and threatened to beat people up for not liking Sanji's cooking. “You've seen them before.” Sanji points out and yeah, he has. Zoro had seen them before, in Skypiea.

“It's been a while.” Zoro grunts as he starts disinfecting. Sanji doesn't vocalise his pain, just grits his teeth and lights a cigarette. “You should call them.” 

“You should mind yourself.” Sanji threatens. They're leaving Fishman Island, Jinbei joining them for the time being. “He's dead anyway.” Sanji mutters more to himself than anything. Zoro doesn't understand what that means. Mihawk is alive, Sanji is alive. They could talk, the crew wouldn't let it get out. Zoro didn't say anything in retaliation, just cleaned and bandaged Sanji's legs for him.

Robin pays attention, she always does and Zoro gets pulled aside. Well he gets cornered in the crows nest. She comes in and sits, eyeing him like she does with all the crew.

“He’s dead.” She says plainly.

“Who's dead?” Zoro grunts as he lifts his weights.

“The boy he was raised to be.” Robin answers. “Just as I left the girl my mother raised in Ohara.” 

Zoro stops, letting his weights drop as he looks at Robin. Declaring their past selves dead was an act of survival then, as well as their secrets. She's looking at him with an expectation he doesn't understand. 

“I don't think they'd care.” Zoro growls. “Who cares about that shit?”

“Then let me be clear. If he declared himself as Sanji Mihawk the government may reinstate his father's bounty and declare war on Kuraigana. The government and many others would be after our dear Cook-san for no other reason than to get at his father. I knew when I joined the crew. His sword training and observation haki are greater than he ever lets on.” Robin explains. “He will never claim his heritage and while I wear mine by force, I still wear it proudly.” 

Zoro thinks about how the cook always just seemed to know and deliver food or drinks or something. He doesn't ask for anything though, like his parents said. He doesn't demand attention or help with anything. He sinks into the shadows trying to be unobtrusive. 

“He has us.” Zoro says.

“Even so.” Robin says, standing to leave. “Their son is dead. Leave him in the ocean.” She leaves and Zoro stares at the empty place she left. Sora and Mihawk do not consider their son dead, he's sure Perona went back to tell them. If Sanji has never asked for things, even the smallest, insignificant things like Sora told him before Mihawk wiped him into the ground. Sora taking potshots at them while they trained. He imagines Sanji being a kid and dodging Mihawk and Sora and the humandrills and smiling and laughing like he did before Ace died. 

Before they were separated. Zoro wants that cook back.

Chapter Text

The cook doesn't let Zoro touch him again. At least, not like that. They still fight, train. Touching the cook with any sort of kindness is out of the question. Actually the cook isn't touching anyone on his own accord, Luffy will tackle or climb him when he's hungry and Robin will lay a hand on his shoulder when they pass but the cook’s hands do not wander. 

Punk Hazard has them forming an alliance with Law and the Heart Pirates. Law is just about as touchy as a cactus but he sticks close to the cook in a way that makes Zoro’s skin crawl. The cook can handle himself and by the looks he and Robin pass each other it’s fine with how close Traffy is. 

“I’m worried about Sanji.” Nami tells him with a huff.

“Why?” Zoro asks, he's not. Cook’s fine. “He seems fine.”

“It's just, when we switched bodies he didn't even try to peek!” Nami exclaims and Zoro cocks a brow at her.

“You're angry he’s not perving on you?” Zoro asks in disbelief. 

“It's just not like him! He's been so different since he got back. He's not hugging anyone, he's smoking way more, whatever is happening is concerning.” Nami explains drawing a shape in the snow. “He hates the cold and hasn't complained once.”

“If Luffy isn't concerned then we shouldn't be.” Zoro shrugs and Nami looks at him with anger.

“He's not okay! You're Luffy's voice of reason and you know it! He's part of our crew, he's Luffy's left hand like you're his right! You're the monster trio not duo!” Nami exclaims, giving him a look of rage. 

“He's a cook.” Zoro shrugs so Nami huffs at him and walks away. If the Cook wants to be different, let him. Mihawk and Sora won't be disappointed in him at all. But he's not the cook’s parents, he's nakama, sure. If the Cook wants to act like this then let him. He wonders about phoning them real quick on a denden mushi to make sure they know. 

Law also saves Sanji, haphazardly but he does. Zoro fixes him with a look that doesn't waver the warlord. Law fixes him with one of his own and then follows Sanji. Luffy doesn't seem bothered at all still so Zoro shrugs it off. Zoro heads into the galley about a half hour later in search of sake and freezes.

Kikoku is a long cursed sword that's home is on Law's shoulder, it's almost as tall as the man who carries it and Sanji is holding Kikoku and inspecting it like he's held swords everyday of his damned life. Law is leaning against the counter watching with the barest hint of amusement. Sanji unsheathes it and inspects the blade closer.

“The hell are you two doing?” Zoro snaps, making them both look at him.

“Fuck off, Mosshead. This sword won't try to kill me, it's well behaved unlike Kitetsu.” Sanji snaps back. “Damn, my old man would've loved this thing.” 

“A collector?” Law asks.

“Of sorts.” Sanji answers as he sheathes the sword and gives it back. 

“A pity for swords to never be used.” Law said as Kikoku finds its home again.

“They were all used plenty. Had a display room where we'd go through and pick apart each one.” Sanji grins as he starts making onigiri. “No umeboshi, right?” 

“Thank you, Blackleg-ya.” Law nods.

“You two are awfully chummy.” Zoro says as he grabs a bottle of sake to drink. Sanji doesn't even say anything, he just makes onigiri and doesn't look at him. Law tilts his head at the first mate though, interest wafting off him in waves that makes Zoro scowl.

“Dressrosa next then, and after?” Sanji asks Law.

“I don't plan on leaving Dressrosa.” Law says and Zoro watches Sanji stiffen slightly but doesn't stop.

“You better think of a backup plan for if you do.” Is all Sanji says.

“Tch, rich coming from you.” Zoro mutters and Sanji glares at him. 

“Get the fuck out my galley and don't come back until dinner.” The cook orders. 

“Ain't your ship, Cook.” Zoro mutters and he’s kicked off his chair and then out of the galley. The door is slammed shut and locked as Zoro stares at it. 

“Quit pissing him off!” Nami yelled at him.

“What's going on?” Usopp asked.

“Sanji has been different since he came back.” Nami explains as she looks at Zoro. “And he's been pissing him off endlessly.”

“But we all came back different.” Luffy points out.

“Luffy, he's not okay.” Nami points to the galley. “This is the most normal he's been and it's over a warlord who would kill us all if it came to it.”

“Traffy won't do that.” Luffy says focusing on the second half.

“Nami, I assure you Cook-san is doing his best given his circumstances. We're all different now.” Robin assures her.

“I want him to be happy again.” Nami sighs.

“You could show us your panties.” Brook suggests only to be hit with her Climattack staff and fly into the mast. The samurai, the kid with him, and the clown painter watch with wide eyes. Zoro doesn't think about the cook for the rest of the day, even during dinner he drinks more than he thinks. If Sanji isn't happy, why does it matter?

~*~

One night before Dressrosa Law and the cook are on deck. Dishes done for the night as Zoro prepares for watch. Everyone is on deck still and Cook and Law are talking in a different language Zoro has only ever heard the cook sing in. It sounds more natural than the Common Blue they all spoke and encountered on the Grand Line and in the New World. It catches Luffy's attention and Zoro watches the captain bound over.

“Traffy, you know the moon song too, right?” Luffy asks eagerly. Law blinks at the man as Cook laughs and says something in the other language. Law nods slowly as a frown forms on his face. “Will you sing with Sanji?”

“I don't sing, Strawhat-ya.” Law glowers at the younger.

“Live a little, Law.” Cook grins and elbows Law in the ribs lightly. 

“Now isn't appropriate-” Law starts but is cut off by the cook in the other language. Law sighs and they start singing, albeit Law sings so softly and seems to be hating it, himself, and the cook the whole time. Even when Brook joins in with his violin. Everyone is watching and Law looks ready to throw himself overboard by the end. Everyone claps and cheers and Luffy is the loudest.

The cook says something else to Law before waving and leaving the deck to sleep. The next day when they make landfall Zoro corners the Cook, they're alone. No Law or anyone else around even if they've been practically inseparable. 

“When Hawkeye came back from Marineford I heard her scream and cry.” Zoro says and the Cook looks at him with sunken eyes.

“Shitty Moss, leave it.” He says as he goes to leave.

“Does Law know?” Zoro asks and the Cook shrugs before he dodges past to leave. When Zoro rejoins Law tilts his head at him but doesn't say anything. No one does. They say their goodbyes and the Cook is off with the Thousand Sunny.

“Have I upset you, Zoro-ya?” Law asks later before they split to take on the Donquixote family.

“What exactly is your plan with the cook?” He asks.

“There's no plan.” Law answers. “He's your cook.”

“A pretty shit one at that.” Zoro grouses and Law tilts his head.

“He caters to your every need without the expectation of repayment. He doesn't ask for anything or begrudges you in any way. If you were on my crew I would use you as spare parts.” Law says.

“The hell? You barely know the guy!” Zoro yells at him.

“I would argue he's an open book.” Law shrugs. “Blackleg-ya is a far better man to deal with you as much as he does than I.”

“Enough, both of you. Let's go.” Robin interrupts them with a glare at Zoro. Law nods and follows, they all do. At some point the Sunny starts getting attacked so Sanji leaves to protect it. He was part of the ship's protection crew so Zoro doesn't begrudge him much but he still does. It's Chopper who shocks him as he answers the snail transponder call.

“We're leaving! We have to if we don't want Caesar to get caught by Doflamingo and Sanji is too injured to fight right now.” Chopper explains. Right, Zoro has forgotten about the gas clown and he was integral to this whole thing. 

“What, Shit-Cook got injured so Law is sending you ahead?” Zoro asks as he looks to the sea with furrowed brows.

“Doflamingo and his strings. They sliced him up pretty good. You guys focus on your parts! We'll meet you at Zou!” Chopper says to them and then the call is over and Zoro growls as he shoves it in his pocket.

Everything that happens, it all goes well. It's going well, all things considered. Even after the cook leaves and fires on Big Mom's ship with permission. The birdcage, Law cutting off his own arm. 

They're all alive and sailing to Zou. They're bounties have been raised again and Bartolomeo is crushing hard on all the Strawhats. Their voluntary army that Luffy doesn't care for, doesn't think is necessary really, promises to be with them for anything and everything and Zoro knows that's a good thing. 

“I've noticed something weird.” Bartolomeo says to Zoro since Luffy is distracted.

“Huh? What's that?” Zoro asks him.

“Blackleg’s poster says to bring him in alive. Only alive. The rest of you are dead or alive.” Bartolomeo says as he shows Zoro the bounty and even Robin is concerned. Maybe it's to announce an execution like Ace or something, Zoro thinks. No one says anything more about it as they head for the ancient elephant.

Chapter Text

The arrival on the ancient elephant's back is met with horror. The gates are broken open wide and the town is destroyed. Luffy has already run off and gotten into a fight. And won. Nami and Chopper are running to them in the hidden village where two minks, Wanda and Carrot, have led them too. 

“Where's Sanji?” Luffy asks as Nami closes her arms around the captain and she's crying.

“I'm so sorry, Luffy.” She sobs. “He's gone.”

The world is crashing down around them. The denden on the Sunny is probably ringing off the hook because Zoro gave the number to Sora and Mihawk.

ONLY ALIVE rings through Zoro's ears as Nami continues to sob and cling to their captain. 

“What do you mean he's gone?” Luffy asks as he pushes Nami away so slightly to look at her.

“I'm so sorry.” Nami says again and Chopper is crying too in Usopp's arms. Zoro hates that he feels relieved the cook is gone. The cook would hate that he’s making Nami cry. One less burden to carry, Zoro thinks.

The attack on the Minks is explained and it's the beast pirates' fault. Kaido’s fault. They're looking for the samurai but Luffy beat them. They're gone. Fled like cowards. Zoro doesn't pay attention to what happened to the cook, it's a relief, really. The cook is a coward for not fighting back. 

“I'm going after Sanji with Nami, Brook, and Chopper.” Luffy tells him as Zoro reads the note. 

“He left, Luf. Leave him gone.” Zoro says, handing the note back.

“He's my cook!” Luffy argues, anger flaring. “He's our friend!”

“He's a coward who left!” Zoro argues back and Robin stomps forward and slaps him.

“I hope you don't feel that way when he comes back.” Robin growls at him and Robin is rarely angry but she is now. She's furious. 

“Take everyone else to Wano with Law and we'll meet you there.” Luffy says with a finality that Zoro doesn't argue with. They're all leaving and Robin finds him in the Polar Tang. Away from everyone who looks at him with disdain.

“He's not dead.” She says.

“He is to me.” Zoro answers and Robin shakes her head at him.

“You push too much. Try pulling.” Robin says as she walks away. Zoro doesn't fucking get it. It's just the cook.

~*~

“Where is your mother?” Judge asks as Reiju snaps the explosive golden cuffs to his wrist. 

“No where you can touch her.” Sanji answers honestly. 

“She's dead then? Good.” Judge says as his brothers laugh. She's not dead, Sanji wants to say, she found a man willing to kill and die for her. For him. Sanji stares ahead. They make him change, a red cape with golden attachments to match the bombs attached to his wrists, white shirt, black pants, dress shoes.

He stops a plate from hitting a poor maid. His fiancee is sweet, he'll give her that but he just wants to get back to his crew, to the Sunny and be home. She's sixteen and Sanji feels weird that Big Mom is offering a teenager to be his supposed wife. 

He has flashbacks during his beating of a bright blue haired toddler crying as Yonji crushes his heel into his ribs. The cracks and breaks burn under his skin and Ichiji and Niji wail on him. Reiju patches him up like old times.

“Why did you come back? You were free!” Reiju berates him.

“They were threatening my crew. The Baratie, I'm not letting someone die for me.” Sanji answers as the bandages make him look normal. He visits Pudding, she peels them off and soothes him. The next day Luffy is there and Sanji hates this. 

“I am Vinsmoke Sanji! Third prince of Germa! Not some low life pirate.” He growls at Luffy hoping Luffy knows he doesn't want to do this as he beats the shit out of his Captain. Yelling at him to use is haki or die. He takes Nami's slap like he deserves and he doesn't cry until he's back in the carriage. He doesn't let them turn around. He will be strong so they are safe. 

“I'll starve to death before I leave!” Luffy cries after them. “I'll fucking starve without my cook! I can't be the pirate king without you! Sanji!”

He decides to take Pudding some flowers and properly propose to her. He'll make the best of this decision but-

“We'll kill you all! Your brother is so ugly and gross!” Pudding laughs as Sanji soaks in the rain. He takes the pack of cigarettes out of his pocket and sticks one in his mouth. “You couldn't even bring me a proper prince, maybe then we would let you all live. But you'll all die at the wedding!” She cheers. He can't get his cigarette to light.

“Why are you telling me?” Reiju asks, neutral as always. Never helping but never hindering their brothers when they were children.

“You won't remember.” Pudding shrugs and she stabs Reiju in the legs and Sanji watches her pull film out of Reiju’s head like a camera mushi and Sanji feels ill. He wants to go home.

He runs back, dropping the flowers, dropping the pretences as he rushes back and cooks for Luffy, quick and meaty and filling before stopping by the infirmary. Reiju looks at him and tilts her head. He glares at her.

“We're going to die, Pudding and Big Mom are going to kill us at the wedding.” Sanji snaps at her.

“We have an alliance.” Reiju says, confused and weak as her super healing takes its time apparently.

“No, you don't. I'm going back to my crew and maybe I'll make it out alive.” Sanji bites out. “Thank you for caring for me, but I have a family now.” I have a mother and father I should call, I have a captain who is starving, he thinks as his glare only hardens and she gives one back.

Sanji leaves with a nod as he runs. He runs to the kitchen and whips something half-assed and not worthy of his captain up. He trips and falls and the food is fucked just like it was when he fed his mother. He makes it to Luffy. He looks like Sanji did coming out of that damned dungeon, sunken and sad and starved. 

“Sanji!” Luffy says as he rips into the basket to eat. Nami isn't around. He wants to go home and Sanji is crying. “Sanji?”

“I want to go home, Captain. I want to go back to the Sunny and the crew. Please. I want to go home.” Sanji sobs and Luffy is wrapped around him and Sanji is holding him so fucking tight. He doesn't want to let go again, Luffy doesn't either. He can tell by the way Luffy’s heart thrums in his chest and the feeling of belonging Sanji feels in his arms.

“We'll go home, Sanji.” Luffy smiles like he didn't beat the shit out of him, like he didn't abandon the crew. 

“I have to save them, even if they don't deserve it, I can't let them die here.” Sanji explains. He thinks of his mother pacing and his dad trying to calm her down. He wants to save them so his mom and dad can deal justice how they see fit. He just wants to see his crew and cook and not be a prisoner anymore. 

“So we will.” Luffy shrugs, easy as that. “I don't like it but if it's what you want.” 

“Thank you.” Sanji says desperate and pleading.

“You're my cook, Sanji.” Luffy smiles at him. They start heading back to the castle where they'll figure out more and then Luffy will let the others know. “Someone called the denden mushi looking for you. I told them I would go get you.” Luffy says and Sanji whips his head to his Captain.

“Who?” He asks, he didn't give his parents the number. 

“Dunno, she sounded angry though.” Luffy shrugs. 

“Oh.” Sanji says, looking ahead. 

“You should call your mom.” Luffy says, simple as that. 

“Her son is dead.” Sanji replies.

“No he's not, Sanji's right here!” Luffy grins at him and hugs him and yeah, he is right here. They break apart with a plan formed, they go through the motions. Sanji does at least as he prepares for his wedding. He's dressed to the nines and is waiting for Luffy while he stands at the altar. Pudding with a gun and a third eye.

“Beautiful.” Sanji breathes and he believes it but he also doesn't want to die. 

As he only ever is with his timing Luffy smashes through the cake and the fight is on. Big Mom however goes into a state of mind that makes Sanji recreate the cake recipe down to the hidden notes. He splits from Luffy, again and he hates it. But they get the cake made in a time limit of nine hours, him and Pudding and her family as Luffy fights someone. Katakuri?

That sounds right. Mirror world. Nami is still disappointed in him and he takes a shot for Luffy in the arm as they're escaping. Niji grabs him as Luffy is passed out in his arms and the bloodloss starts to make him light headed.

“Are you still alive, failure?” Niji yells at him.

“Damn you!” Sanji yells back.

Sanji has bruises and broken bones for days. They land on the ship and Niji flies off to continue fighting. Sanji can feel everything twisting and stinging as he moves. How is he still standing? Would his parents be proud? Luffy had just managed to wake up as Germa approaches.

“You're too kind, your weak heart changes to those of lesser status. You care too much.” Judge sneers. There's more but Sanji tunes him out. 

“Well duh, that's why he's the best!” Luffy calls after him.

“That's not what he meant!” Sanji snaps to his captain who laughs at him. 

“Take this!” Yonji calls as he tosses Sanji a black canister with a bright yellow ‘3’ on it. “And send Mom our regards!” 

“Oh she doesn't want them! She's going to come take down Germa!” Sanji promises as Reiju and Niji look at him.

“She's alive?” Ichiji yells, shocked that the failures lived.

“And deadly!” Sanji answers as Reiju tells them to go again and there's an open pathway through the Germa fleet. They escape barely and once the coast is clear, Luffy and Nami are cared for, Sanji collapses on the deck of the Sunny. Blood pouring out of his arm and staining the deck and his suit like the rest of his cuts and stab wounds are. The last thing he remembers is Luffy's haki basically screaming that Sanji is his, that his crew belongs to him and no one will take them again.

The melody of the moon lullaby plays the whole way to Wano by Luffy's request.

~*~

“I'm on my way to get Sanji now.” Strawhat's voice rings through the denden. Mihawk is off to the side, listening in as Sora grips Sanji's poster. 

“You have to understand, Germa-” Sora starts.

“I'm gonna kick their ass, don't worry. The Sunny is his home.” Strawhat assures in what could be the worst way for Sora. Mihawk stares at her as her voice cracks.

“I'm trusting you.” Sora shakes out and then hangs up the receiver. Mihawk is wrapped around her and she’s buried into him and sobbing. “I'll kill him.” She gets out.

“Of course.” He's not going to fight her on this, he'll help. Mihawk will do anything for them. “We have to trust Strawhat to get him back to his crew.” 

“I'm not worried about him getting back I'm worried about what they'll do to him while they have him!” She yells, stepping away. “We're dead to Germa! To Judge! Why the hell does he want Sanji?” 

“We won't know until they call back or the paper comes. Sora, we also have to be wary of the Navy and World Government.” Mihawk says but Sora is shaking her head. Mihawk never wants to control her. “We'll keep them off the island, we can wait as long as we have to.” 

“I'll kill them all too.” Sora snaps. 

“Well no one is around now.” Mihawk assures her. Perona had left during the Reverie. Moria being found made Perona pack her bags and leave. It's just them in the castle now, empty nesters as Sora had said. Mihawk grabs her hands and pulls her towards him. He's never seen her so angry, truthfully he's never been in love as he is now. 

He pulls her into a slow waltz, trying to distract her as their son is missing in Germa. His captain will save him, his captain won't lose another person like he did in the Battle of Marineford. Monkey D. Luffy is stronger than before and willing to take out anyone in his way now. He wonders where Sanji trained and the others. He wants to hear about the two years where he was training, what he learned. 

He does his best to keep her distracted. He does. But another week passes when fresh bounties come out and-

VINSMOKE SANJI

330,000,000 BERI

DEAD OR ALIVE

Mihawk thought she was angry before, fury has never looked more beautiful or enticing as it does on his wife. He lets her take it out on him for another week and they seem to have a fantastic time as at least Sanji is alive. He's with his crew. They get to take out Marines on their breaks. All in all it is very fun for the empty nesters, Mihawk thinks.

Chapter Text

Luffy has his legs wrapped around Zoro and his hands in hair and he's yelling happily. Zoro is holding him up and smiling. They made it to Wano. They're back. 

“I got separated from the Sunny, Jimbe is there too. Sanji needs help.” Luffy says seriously after a few moments of celebrating his return.

“Why'd you bring him back anyway?” Zoro asks as Luffy climbs down. “He wanted to go.”

“No he didn't.” Luffy says, giving Zoro a confused look. “Nami and everyone said that. His family are a bunch of jerks too.” They start heading to the crew, Luffy tells him about their fight, their escape. About Katakuri, Zoro leads the way back so it took a couple of hours and when they get there Sanji is with everyone, dressed like he belongs in Wano. 

“Shit cook.” Zoro nods at him. He'll berate him later and the way the cook looks away from him means there's more he hasn't heard. Luffy, for once, calmly goes and curls up next to Sanji so the captain has forgiven him. 

“When did you wake up?” Luffy asks him.

“Halfway here, Jimbe was carrying me. It was weird.” Sanji shrugs. 

“Why didn't we kill them?” Nami huffs as she leans into Robin. “I get your sister saved Luffy but-”

“Don't worry, Mellorine.” Sanji smiles at her. He doesn't continue though and Nami lets out another huff at him.

“Either Law or I should check up on you, that last fight was rough.” Chopper says and Franky calls something from the Sunny that sounds a lot like ‘blood’ and ‘stain’ and Sanji shakes his head.

“Not right now, Chopper. Later, alright?” Sanji says reaching to pet Chopper on the head but Zoro kicks him off his seat. There's yelling around them but Zoro doesn't care and Law is running to Sanji but Zoro beats him there but as he yanks Sanji up and goes to lay into him again a hand gripping tight on the cook's arm he feels wet on his hand. He looks and it's red and soaking and he drops the cook. He's pitiful looking.

“What the hell, Zoro?” Nami yells at him and Law is pulling the kimono away and there's more bandages than skin. 

“Blackleg-ya?” Law asks but Sanji waves him off.

“Didn't even last an hour. Guess I better get the blood outta this.” Sanji grunts as he stands.

“The hell happened?” Zoro asked.

“I was protecting my captain.” Sanji spits at him as he peels the kimono off with a hiss. He's covered in bandages from head to toe.

“You need to rest. I'll wash it.” Law says as he takes it from him.

“I slept the whole way here.” Sanji waves off again.

“I sedated you, you dumbass!” Chopper yells.

“I need to be useful for a bit.” Sanji says.

“You never were.” Zoro snaps at him and everyone freezes. “Anyone can cook, twirly brows.” 

“Zoro, enough. Quit being mad at Sanji.” Luffy says.

“What do you want from me?” Sanji demands. “What the hell happened?” Zoro doesn't answer though as Nami stands abruptly and shoves Zoro.

“Can't you be happy he's back? He's nakama!” Nami snaps. “We can't do this without him. You weren't there! You were in Dressrosa and Wano for everything! You can be mad for all I care but where was this when I said he wasn't okay?” She's pissed and Zoro isn't scared of Nami, he's not.

He's not.

“Nami-” Luffy starts.

“You're not innocent either, Luffy!” She turns towards him. “If Zoro's going to repeat what that bastard said then I will-!”

“Nami, it's okay.” Sanji smiles at her. It hits Zoro that it's just Nami, not Nami-swan or Mellorine. Nami. Robin is giving the cook a curious once over as she goes back to her tea. The cook's not dead. Never had been. Not even to Zoro.

“Sanji's home,” Luffy shrugs, “I need you all to become the next pirate king.” He's smiling at the last part and well, no one will deny the future King of the Pirates what he wants, will they?

~*~

“If I come back different, I need you to kill me.” Sanji ordered through the denden mushi and Zoro hated it. Hated that he was being trusted with this even if everything was different with the cook. They were farther apart than they had been and Zoro wanted to scream ‘No!’ over and over again. The call ends before he answers, meaning the cook is fucking serious about being killed.

They don't see each other until after, well Zoro doesn't see him until he's done clawing his way out of hell and shocks awake to Hiyori swooning over him and the cook nearby. He last remembers fighting King and Law finding him. He wants to wring him by the neck as the cook shies away from the swordsman. 

“I came back from Hell to kill you!” Zoro yells at him and to his credit the cook looks ashamed.

“No, don't worry, it's fine now.” The cook mutters and it's not. It's not fine. Hiyori leaves after double and triple and quadruple checking Zoro so Cook sits next to him and lights up. “I don't know how many people have been giving you jealous looks about Princess Hiyori caring for you specifically.”

“Don't know what to tell you, Cook. She's not my type.” Zoro says and Sanji nods.

“I remember when my dad was declared a warlord.” The blond says so quietly that Zoro knows he's the only one to hear. “They found him while he was out on a raid he and my mom planned out. He only took it so the Navy would quit trying to get so close and he still sank their boat.” 

“Why?” Zoro asks back just as quietly.

“You've seen him, he'd feed his sword to the sea if she asked.” Sanji chuckled. “He started learning North Blue because he wanted to know what I was saying.”

“That's all they talked in most of the time.” Zoro whispers harshly and the cook nods, a crooked smile.

“Apparently he fucked up a whole meeting because he picked it up quick so we just talked in it while I was home, pissed off everyone because he wouldn't speak Common.” The cook fucking giggles. Zoro blinks at the cook who is shaking lightly with laughter. “She and Luf talked on his way to get me. It's the first time in a while I considered myself their kid again.”

“What do you think would happen if you claimed it?” Zoro asks and Sanji hums, his cigarette is half gone but a deep drag takes it down to its last third.

“I don't know, chances are our bounties would be higher. They'd tack on a few extra crimes on me. It'd be higher than yours probably. Maybe she would have one too.” Sanji shrugs. “We'd get attacked more, kidnapped more.” 

They're still quiet enough no one is listening, if his haki is as good as Robin says it is, then no one can really hide from the cook. Who has finished his cigarette. He's staring at the ceiling and huffs another small laugh. “They'd probably try to get us all on the same execution platform if Ace simply existing is anything to go by.”

It's the first time they've mentioned Ace at all. Zoro knows it hit the cook hard, hit Luffy harder because he was there holding Ace. Because Ace did the thing Luffy hated most which was sacrificing oneself for him. He thinks of hearing Mihawk come home and the only signifier was Sora’s wails of despair. Whatever Sanji's father did, the fact Zoro copied his words with so little care irks the swordsman that he doesn't know more. 

“Tell me something in North Blue?” Zoro asks and Sanji looks at him with curiosity. 

“Anything specific?” Sanji asks and Zoro shakes his head. Sanji's North Blue accent is a lot like his mother's, all hard consonants and rolling vowels. Zoro doesn't ask what it means but he's heard it before. When Mihawk and Sora would sit and talk quietly amongst themselves as he and Perona would argue and he would be deemed ‘not cute’ for the night. When they would bid them goodnight and head to their room.

“Are you going to take it?” Zoro asks after a while.

“I can't even make the Navy get a good picture of me. Why the fuck would they believe that's my name?” Sanji says and Zoro nods, it's a fair point. Sora could do it though so it's not outside the realm of possibility, Zoro thinks.

Sora is terrifying and Mihawk is fucking wrapped around her little finger, Zoro thinks as he watched the cook light another cigarette. If the Navy did believe them, if Mihawk was honest when he said he would die for his family then Zoro knows this time they won't fail if there's another execution of someone close to them. 

Sanji hums, not in thought or in answer to anything. Just that melody that Luffy calls ‘the moon song' and asks for constantly.

“He really likes that song, huh?” Zo

ro asks as he drinks a cup of sake.

“He does.” Sanji nods as they lapse into a comforting silence.

Chapter Text

Buggy is terrified, he tried not to let it show by keeping his haki reigned in. It's like Impel Down again with how his soul voice is swallowed but he has to keep watch on everyone's presence so that he doesn't get killed. He's exhausted, it's exhausting. 

And it's all because he forgot to pay Crocodile when he came up as a Warlord. Buggy’s carefully crafted cowardice hid his network. He could likely call Dragon and get out of this mess but then he would owe Dragon. He could call Shanks but Shanks would cling and suffocate him like when they were brats. His crew were actual cowards and too weak to fight against Crocodile and Mihawk, they would either all die or switch sides to live.

Not that Buggy blamed them. He encouraged everyone stronger than the rest to become mercenaries or join stronger crews so they could further themselves and follow their dreams. He watched from where he sat near a fire pit, dressed down and hair tied up with no makeup. He had been making bombs all morning and got a pretty thorough lashing from Crocodile about something or other, he couldn't even remember anymore. 

With a hefty sigh he went to the meeting room for the daily meeting they had about bounty payouts. A gorgeous woman walked around the camp like she owned it and she nodded to Buggy as he passed, a quick nod back as he went into a meeting that he was sure would end in his blood being spilled somehow. It was honestly all Crocodile's fault, Mihawk seemed impassive to it but had been trying to stop him recently. Why, he didn't know. He wasn't going to question it though.

The three of them sat at the table as Crocodile and Mihawk talked about new possible additions. Buggy is paying attention but he can feel the woman coming, her soul confident and seemingly singing a North Blue lullaby about the moon from Buggy's childhood.

She walks in, a deep navy blue dress with silver embroidery on it. It's well crafted and it looks amazing on her, she's carrying a box and she herself is humming that same lullaby. Crocodile’s soul flares in anger but she doesn't bat an eye at him as she walks over to Mihawk's chair.

“You need to redo the bounty system, a box of fingers was just dropped off at our tent.” She says matter of factly and sets the box in front of him

“The hell do you-” Crocodile starts and it hits Buggy that she is Sora Mihawk. A new pirate with some sort of tie to Mihawk that he doesn't know. Mihawk was reportedly alone for his whole life according to Buggy's network and Crocodile is about to lay into her.

“Ah, yes. We will work on that now, thank you, love.” Mihawk says as they share a quick kiss and she leaves without another word. Buggy watches her leave as Crocodile's soul voice swings to utter confusion as they both look at Mihawk. Buggy takes the fingers and looks for any identifying marks, waiting for the fall out.

“Who the hell does she think she is to interrupt our meeting?” Crocodile demands.

“My wife, Sora, who seems to have brought another good point of our bounties up. I take it there's nothing in there to warrant a payout?” Mihawk asks him.

“Correct.” Buggy nods. “Wife, huh?” 

“Yes, of nine years.” Mihawk answers as he goes back to the papers in his hands as Crocodile's haki shifts rapidly.

“How the hell did you hide a woman for nine years?” Crocodile asks.

“The same way I hid our son, I killed the Marines and bounty hunters that got close. Back to the bounties.” Mihawk says redirecting the conversation and the shock from both him and Crocodile is palpable, Buggy is sure, but he recovers first and snickers at Crocodile who seems to still be reeling. Mihawk pushes the meeting forward and as soon as it's done Buggy bolts away so he doesn't get beaten by Crocodile for laughing at him.

“Oh, Chairman Buggy, what are you doing in these parts?” A kind voice asks and he sees Sora. Looking around he's at the garden and Sora has a long apron on to protect her dress.

“Oh the meeting was done, I decided to run around.” He grinned and put the facade up that he wasn't in fact terrified for his life. Sora tilts her head at him and her hair is like corn silk and her eyes are the blue of the sea. She's gorgeous and he can see how Mihawk fell for her. 

“Your haki is a lot like my son's.” She says after a few moments and Buggy blinks at her.

“Huh?” He asks because how the fuck could she tell.

“Well, you're right in front of me and you're hiding it, which Dracule does for most as well so I guess that's not unusual, but you seem to know where anyone is at a given time. A range that large is really only found in observation haki that's over sensitive or extremely trained and even then it's unlikely.” Sora points out easily.

“How the hell did Hawkeye find you?” Buggy asks.

“Oh, our son looted his boat, he took us to Kuraigana with him.” Sora answers as she dusts the dirt off of her hands. “I take it you're running from Crocodile? I'm sorry if I caused a scene earlier.”

“Don't apologise, that was the funniest shit I've seen happen to him in a while. Not since we were escaping Impel Down together and he was there because of that strawhat kid too.” Buggy grins. “What does your son do now, if you don't mind me asking?” 

“He's a cook, on the hunt for the All Blue.” Sora smiles fondly. 

“Ah, is there a name I might recognise him by?” Buggy asks.

“And that I'm afraid is a question I can't answer.” Sora grins wryly. 

“Because of Mihawk?” Buggy frowns. He can feel Mihawk approaching, even if his haki is mostly hidden there's a gap being shown.

“No, although he wouldn't be too pleased either. Our son has far bigger threats after him.” Sora shrugs.

“Talking about our son?” Mihawk asks as he walks up.

“You mentioned him in the meeting, curiosity killed the cat as they say.” Buggy shrugs.

“They do,” Sora nods, “now what about your network that keeps funnelling things to Karai Bari?”

“Tit for tat, I guess.” Buggy mumbles as he answers their questions vaguely. If he won't get much, neither will they. Buggy still has personal and private deals to uphold but the beatings stop immediately and Crocodile looks at him with curiosity instead of murderous intent now. Sora also began to sit in on meetings and give her input, although her chair was Mihawk's lap more often than not which made Buggy snicker at Crocodile every time.

Chapter Text

They leave Wano in Momonosuke and Yamato’s care. They split from Law and Kidd and Sanji is sad to see their allies go, Law especially. They weren't close, not near enough to be friends by Law's standards but maybe they were. Sanji can feel them leave and his range holds onto them for a few minutes before they're gone. Hopefully to be seen again soon.

“Are you going to call her?” Robin asks as Jimbe side eyes them, his haki swirling with interest at the conversation.

“I don't need to,” Sanji smiles at her, “she knows.” Robin laughs lightly and nods. Jimbe huffs something akin to a laugh as the crew busies themselves with their next stop. Whatever it might be. The hallway to the galley is covered in posters, old and new, letters, a speedo of Franky's, and pictures of the crew and nakama past and present. Family that had passed and moved on. Other than Sanji's wanted posters he doesn't have anything of family hanging, except for the newly formed cross guild poster they had laughed at. He has a menu from Baratie hanging but that's all really. 

The crew who knew Vivi has letters hanging from her, and while it pains Sanji to not go help her, she doesn't need it. She's much stronger than she was and she was already strong then. His isn't, his is the only one not hanging. It's in his book of recipes and notes about everyone who's been aboard the Merry or the Thousand Sunny. It's too personal for anyone to just grab and read. It's not like the coordinates to Ace's grave. To Cocoyashi or the dojo or twin capes. It's not like the letters from Iceberg or Nekoji. 

He starts preparing snacks for everyone, and smoothies. He loves his nakama, of course he does, and he's glad he can tell Zoro more. There's just the danger that when it comes out, and Sanji knows it will eventually, he's going to have to bite the bullet and face it. His mother will probably do it. She has a bounty now and his parents' marriage is now known far and wide. Zoro and Robin come in and sit, a light conversation between them Sanji can feel the humour in. But they locked the galley door so he knows it'll turn on him.

“‘Sure Shot Sora Mihawk', six hundred million. Your mother took down four marine ships.” Robin says as if Sanji hadn't read the paper. 

“She was always good with a gun.” Sanji replies as he continues to work. It's quiet other than the knife chops as Sanji slices fruit and vegetables so that Luffy doesn't get a vitamin deficiency. 

“Robin says your observation haki is the best.” Zoro challenges, barely.

“Technically I have over sensitive observation haki.” Sanji corrects him. “Figured that out during my first few days of training.”

“Over sensitive?” Zoro questions and Robin hums.

“It's not well studied.” She mutters. “How does it work?”

“My range is larger than most.” Sanji answers. “I can read haki signatures better. At Baratie dealing with so many people was a shock and it really messed with all the training I did have.” 

“That must have been very tiresome.” Robin says.

“I learned to turn it off pretty quick.” Sanji shrugs.

“That's dangerous.” Zoro points out and Sanji shrugs again. It is, he knows that, just like not using armament is dangerous, he's still going to do it because it's too loud and then it's too quiet and he's not about to explain that. Even if he doesn't let his range extend that far it can be brutal and it may be life or death and he may have come to terms with killing but his dad did drill it into him that death is mostly pointless. Dracule Mihawk may have the moniker ‘Marine Hunter’ but he was hunted first.

“I use it when it's important, how do you think I'm always able to find you?” Sanji points out instead and Zoro sputters at him as Robin laughs. “Unlock the door, Luffy will break it down otherwise and I don't want to hear Franky bitch.” 

Robin does so with her fruit and not even ten seconds later Luffy is running into the kitchen whining for food and climbing the cook. Sanji doesn't even try to peel or push him off because Luffy finally has his nakama together again and they're at peace for the moment. Everyone filters in for snack time which is unusual but Sanji's limited mobility is caught by Nami and her camera mushi so Jimbe serves everyone under Sanji's direction.

“Where to next, Captain?” Zoro laughs as Luffy drinks his smoothie on Sanji's shoulders.

“We'll stop at where the post is set.” Luffy answers. “And then Black Beard.” 

“I'll call in the reinforcements.” Usopp sighs and Jimbe nods. 

“I'll see who I have left to contact.” The Fishman says, and in the galley with a plan of Luffy's calibre it's all set. For Ace and White Beard and for those left behind.

Sanji wants to watch his captain make Black Beard meet a fate worse than death.

~*~

“The Cross Guild has agreed to a meeting about Black Beard.” Jimbe says.

“But they're so lame!” Luffy whines and the crew laughs as he drapes himself over his swing. Realistically, they are. Buggy being the worst of them and Sanji still laughs to himself whenever he sees the poster. His dad, under the clown? Unbelievable. His mother probably has to talk him out of drowning the clown every damn day.

“Mihawk would be a valuable asset in this fight. From my understanding he and Buggy are both well connected and can call more force than we can.” Jimbe responds.

“And our fleet is waiting for orders to gather. Vivi just got back to Alabasta according to the papers so I'll call her.” Nami points out and Luffy looks at her in annoyance.

“We don't have a fleet.” Luffy says childishly.

“We got a fleet in Dressrosa, plus how many kingdoms feel indebted to you, specifically?” Nami shoots back, even though she hadn't been there she got all the details on the fleet from the others. “You could probably see Law too.” She smirks as Luffy lights up.

“We could see Traffy again?” Luffy’s annoyance now replaced with utter excitement makes Zoro laugh as he pets Chopper.

“If you behave.” Nami threatens in her oh-so-sweet voice that makes Luffy frown.

“Fine, but I'm gonna kick Buggy and Crocodile’s ass again.” Luffy says and Sanji nods in agreement.

“It'd be nice to catch up.” Robin says as she sips her coffee.

“I can't believe we're teaming up with the clown.” Usopp disparages. 

“He's a Yonkou.” Sanji points out as he lights a cigarette.

“So's Captain-bro.” Franky points out and yeah, that doesn't mean much when Luffy has killed Kaido and Big Mom is hiding away in a catatonic state. 

“I'd prefer it if Vivi joined us before we reached Karai Bari, you guys listen to her.” Chopper says sourly and then begins to purr when Zoro scratches behind his ear.

“I like how you think Luffy listens to anyone unless bribed.” Usopp mutters and Sanji thinks of all the food he's bribed the guy with.

It's a lot. It's a fucking lot.

Sanji can't wait to see Vivi again though. 

He's pulled out of his thoughts by Luffy wrapping an arm around him and Zoro hovering off his other side. Nami is looking at him and tilts her head.

“Your mom is alive, right?” Nami asks him with a curious voice.

“She is, yes.” Sanji agrees.

“So how come Judge didn't find out about her when he was watching the Baratie?” She pries further.

“She's not there, has only ever been there a handful of times.” Sanji shrugs.

“Oh, where is she?” Robin asks with a smirk.

“I'm not sure, I haven't talked to her in a few years.” Sanji smiles. “But if she has a gun, she's fine.” 

“Seas, your mother sounds terrifying.” Jimbe laughs.

“She is.” Sanji grins at him.

Chapter Text

Vivi and Karoo arrive on the Thousand Sunny a week later as they're setting sail for Karai Bari. She enjoys the new shop and the new women's quarters as she explores and laughs with the crew. Sanji makes her favourite dishes and she and Luffy swing on the swing together. She swaps stories with the crew and they all catch up over the week. Karai Bari is in sights when-

“That's the Red Hair pirates flagship!” Vivi points out and Luffy is frozen.

“Luffy?” Nami asks.

“I'm not supposed to see him yet.” Luffy answers.

“I'm going to punch my dad.” Usopp says as he eyes the flag.

“Well you don't have to give him his hat back yet, Captain.” Robin says. “This is not the end of the journey yet.”

“Can I watch you punch your dad?” Zoro asks Usopp who nods. Sanji swallows as they get close enough to lay anchor and take Mini Merry to shore, Vivi cooing about it the whole way. Luffy gives Sanji a look and he lets his range cover as far as it can. He feels only a few familiar signatures outside of his crew. It's Crocodile who meets them at the dock.

“Permission to come on land?” Robin asks.

“Granted.” The man sighs, he's exhausted and clearly there's more going on if he doesn't even bat an eye at Vivi or Luffy; that or he got a talking to from the other leaders about this possible alliance. Vivi and Sanji share a look as they follow him to the meeting hall where there's a lot of signatures, including his parents. He doesn't recognize the others. Inside is a mess of people. Sora is sitting on Mihawk's lap in pants and a shirt, older and far more easy going than when Sanji was at Baratie. Mihawk's arm is wrapped around her waist and the other is gripped tight to Yoru and he's not wearing his coat or hat.

The clown is dressed down from his poster and has his head buried in his hands as the man who ended the Summit War coos at all three of them. A man who looks like Usopp sees them and Nami readies her camera mushi as he heads towards them.

“Son!” He shouts and when he's in range Usopp lands one of the most solid punches any of the hats have ever seen and sends the man to the ground. It goes quiet in an instant other than the mushi printing the photo and Nami waving it.

“Damn.” Zoro says after a moment. 

“All Blues, Usopp. What the fuck.” Vivi looks genuinely surprised at the sniper.

“He deserved it, don't worry, Vi.” Nami giggles as she looks at the developed photo. “That's one for the wall.” She shows it to the crew and it's perfect. The shock on Usopp's dad's face, the fist just making connection, everyone in the background looking. Sanji is the last to have it so he tucks it into the inside pocket of his jacket so it doesn't get lost or ruined.

“What the hell did I do?” The man asks nasally from the ground and his nose is bleeding pretty bad and it's crooked.

“You left.” Zoro answers. It's still very quiet when the clown is the next to speak up.

“Did you seriously not leave him a way to contact you?” He sounds so disappointed and his haki reads the same.

“He has his mom.” The man defends.

“She's dead, she died ten years ago.” Usopp spits out crossing his arms and the Red Hair pirates look at him in alarm. Chopper goes over to check the man and Crocodile sighs.

“Can we please get a move on with this meeting?” He asks.

“Ever the business man.” Sora rolls her eyes and Crocodile shoots her a glare which she returns. “I suppose there will be time for reunions after so I suppose so. Teach is the biggest concern in the New World, even the Government isn't actively after him.”

“He's targeting Devil Fruit users as well, trying to claim as many as he can. We haven't had a run in with him, yet. Though I wouldn't be surprised if we missed someone in Dressrosa.” Robin says.

“But Sabo got Ace's fruit so it's fine.” Luffy responds. “And he said the revolutionaries are also after him.”

“The revolutionaries- the Chief of Staff , Sabo?” Buggy asks.

“Yeah, he's my brother.” Luffy answers and even Red Hair is staring with wide eyes at Luffy. 

“Anchor, what the hell have you been doing?” A large man standing behind Red Hair asks.

“Stuff.” Luffy shrugs and Zoro snorts.

“Well, that's one way to put it considering your bounty has gone up to five billion beri in the matter of about seven weeks.” Mihawk says lightly. “A rather intense feat considering you took down Doflamingo and then Kaido with little news between other than an updated bounty for you and Blackleg.” 

Mihawk called him Blackleg, ignoring the twist in his heart and the way his mother's eyes catch him before he looks away. Vivi however catches his eye as she is flicking her eyes between him and Sora and he knows others are catching on by their haki. He gives her a look that begs her to stop so she instead focuses on Chopper, still providing aid.

“Why is there a raccoon treating Yasopp?” Red Hair asks Luffy.

“I'm a reindeer, asshole!” Chopper shouts at him.

“That's Chopper, he's the doctor.” Luffy answers and the man behind Red Hair lets out a sigh that proclaims how over the situation he is. 

“Back on topic, please.” Sora demands and everyone gives her their full attention except for Chopper.

“Clearly we need to get ready to take down Teach and his crew before they take out more crews and acquire more fruits. Shanks, you're not safe either after the Battle of Marineford. If he gets his hands on more than he already has his crew will be unstoppable and it won't be like when Roger ruled the seas.” Buggy points out and Jimbe nods.

“He is one of the worst I've seen take to the Blues. He acquires crew by force and slavery, same with territory.” Jimbe adds.

“He is the reason Ace was in Impel Down, he's mine.” Luffy says.

“Fair enough, I suppose.” Mihawk says. 

“We're really doing this?” Crocodile asks.

“Unless you want to try to fend off Teach by ourselves, yes.” Buggy snorts. “At this rate it's three Yonkou versus one and the odds are in our favour that way.” 

“Bold to say you are one.” Robin chirps and Buggy laughs.

“Oh, there's a reason I was in the East Blue, and trust me, I miss it.” Buggy laughs. “I'm sure there's a party getting ready to be thrown, come or don't.” Buggy waves off as he leaves, Crocodile glaring after him.

“Are-are you the Soul King?” A man in a bandana asks Brook.

“Yessiree! Yohohoho!” Brook laughs.

“Clearly there is much to talk about, Crocodile are you staying?” Mihawk asks the man who answers by turning to sand and slipping out. “That's that then.” 

“I do have sea prism bullets.” Sora offers. 

“Tempting.” Is all Mihawk offers in reply.

“Do I bow or not?” Vivi asks suddenly, making everyone look at her.

“Why would you? If anything we should be bowing to you.” Red Hair points out as Sora stands and walks over to the Strawhat crew. She nods to Zoro but her eyes stay focused on Sanji and Luffy is so curious it's covering most other signatures, but there's a hand on Sanji's cheek suddenly so he gives the woman a small smile.

“Hi Mama.” He breathes out.

“It's good to see you again.” She smiles and Red Hair looks at Mihawk.

“He's your son?” The disbelief is clear in Shank’ voice.

“Must you point out the obvious?” Mihawk sighs.

“We left Judge alive for a woman who has Mihawk wrapped around her finger?” Nami asks plainly at Sanji.

“Oh, he's still breathing? Lovely. I'm sure we'll have to make a detour after this Teach business is solved.” Sora grins to Mihawk. The man lets out a hum of acknowledgement.

“Cook-bro's mom is scary.” Franky says after a moment of silence.

“Do I curtsy or not?” Vivi asks again and Sora laughs.

“I'm still dead, darling. It's good to see you again, you've grown so well, a spitting image of your mother.” Sora curtsies to her deeply and then puts her hands on Vivi's shoulders.

“Sanji.” Nami growls.

“Yes?” He asks back.

“We are having a very long talk when we get back to the Sunny.” Nami threatens and by the look Vivi is giving him he's not escaping so easily. He feels distress coming from the man behind Red Hair which makes him look.

“Bug probably won't help you, Benn.” Red Hair laughs at him.

“He has alcohol though.” The man, Benn, sighs.

“That’s fair.” Shanks laughs again and Sanji spares a look at Mihawk because he remembers one very thorough and awkward talk about disappointing partners. Mihawk gives him a look but neither of their haki is betraying them to let the others know. Sanji needs a cigarette and doesn't even bother reaching for his lighter because he wants to see his dad's face for this. He steps back from the group and his mother who is definitely catching up with Vivi. Zoro smirks at him as Sanji catches his foot on fire and feels the shock, worry and surprise flood the room as he lifts his foot and bends slightly to light his cigarette.

“Didn’t you just say that the Chief of Staff has the Mera Mera no Mi?” Benn asks Luffy.

“Yeah, that's just Sanji. He can fly too.” Luffy answers.

“You should run.” Zoro says. Sanji slips out of the tent and hides his haki before the crash of signatures fuse together and he laughs quietly as he skywalks to the trees further on the island to avoid gunshots from Sora and air slashes from Yoru.

Chapter Text

Sky walk. Their son can sky walk. Even Shanks looks shocked and Beckman looks exhausted and Yasopp is finally deemed well enough by the reindeer doctor to be free. Mihawk is still watching Sora and Vivi catch up as the navigator keeps looking around for any sign of his son. Mihawk doubts she'll find any because he raised Sanji and the brat could hide when he wanted to.

Yasopp is trying his best to hide his grief at the love of his life dying, years ago and his son not having him there. Queen Vivi and Sora are talking and Roronoa is holding the reindeer like a child and Strawhat is ten steps ahead of them outside the tent with the navigator hot on his heels muttering so they follow suit. 

“Zoro, why did you tell the cook to run?” Nico Robin asks with humour in her voice.

“Easy, look at the witch and his parents.” Roronoa answers with a grin. 

“Well don't wander off, he doesn't have his transponder so we don't have anyone to find you.” Usopp interjects and Roronoa glares at him.

“Shouldn't we be focusing on Captain-bro right now? He looks ready to catapult into the woods.” Franky wonders.

“He's pissy that Red Hair is here because it's not time yet. Once he's on the Sunny he'll be fine.” Roronoa waves off and Shanks frowns.

“Is he not a great pirate?” Robin asks.

“Not by his standards.” The swordsman answers. 

“We could build him a proper swing set, he still hasn't hit that last growth spurt yet if Garp is anything to go by. Or what Sabo said about Dragon.” Usopp says and the skeleton chortles, fucking hell Roronoa hadn't been lying to them, and Shanks’ frown deepens.

“What about my dad?” Luffy asks, looking at his crew.

“He’s big, do you want a real swing set?” Usopp sighs at the man.

“Oh, yeah. That'd be cool. Can Chopper swing on it in his different points?” Luffy asks with a grin.

“Whatever you want, Captain, including Black Beard’s head “ Robin smiles sweetly at him. Vivi laughs at them while Sora looks shocked. Mihawk feels it too. Strawhat is nineteen, why would he need a swing set?

“Did he really run back to the ship? Fucking hell. Zeus!” The navigator yells as she whips out a staff and swings it around her unveiling what Mihawk believes is Big Mom's thunder cloud. Benn sighs again so it most definitely is. “Can you find Sanji please?” 

“On it!” The cloud answers and flies off.

“Well it won't be the first time he was struck by lightning.” Usopp says.

“When was Sanji struck by lightning? His blue brother did it in Tottoland.” Jimbe asks.

“Skypeia.” The crew answers and Vivi laughs again. 

“Is he still the one who gets hurt almost as much as Luffy?” The Queen asks and Chopper looks at her over Zoro's shoulder.

“I first met him when he broke his back. What makes you think he changed?” The reindeer asks her and Sora has stopped walking so Mihawk wraps an arm around her and guides her forward to keep up.

“I thought Trafalgar might have knocked some sense into him. Though Zoro did crawl out of Hell in Wano. Oh, Luffy! I haven't seen your awakened fruit yet!” She sounds so happy despite what she's saying. She's cheerful even and Luffy grins at her and Jimbe laughs with Nico Robin. 

“I can take you to the Sunny with it if you want.” Luffy offers. “Oh, I guess I could use it to find Sanji too, I'm hungry.” 

“You all just got stronger when we all thought you were dead, didn't you?” Vivi teases. 

“Duh.” Lummy smiles unnaturally wide at her. “But Zoro gets hurt more than Sanji.” 

“I did die.” Zoro nods.

“That is something we have in common, Zoro. Though I never went to an afterlife.” Brook says.

“That would be the revive-revive fruit, skeleton-san.” Robin says as Zeus flies back.

“And?” Nami asks the cloud and Mihawk needs a drink, Shanks needs several and Sora should probably be lying down at this rate. 

“He's on his way to the ship, Ma'am!” The cloud answers and disappears into the staff.

“We didn't do drugs, right?” Shanks asks Benn.

“Unfortunately, Captain, we didn't.” Benn sighs. Benn needs a whole crate of liquor and carton of cigarettes to himself as Lucky Roux laughs. 

“Why were you expecting our Anchor to get a normal crew, really? It's Luffy.” Shanks' cook gets out. 

“What the hell did my son get into?” Sora whispers to herself.

“The future Pirate King’s crew.” Robin answers her with the most sincere voice they've heard all day.

Luffy pulls Vivi, a literal damn queen, towards him with a long rubber arm and a bright flash surrounds him and all his clothes and his hair is white and Mihawk can feel Buggy watching them and alarm in his haki as Shanks freaks out and Sora is gripping tight to Mihawk because she hasn't seen something like this before. Luffy's dark brown eyes are golden and he is flying, that's not sky walking he's doing.

“All Blues, is he a god?” Sora asks.

“Close to one as we'll get.” Zoro answers. 

“My brat's a fucking god.” Shanks bemoans. 

“This all sounds right for him.” Benn says as he pats Shanks' back, but Luffy is already picking up Vivi and their laughing and their flying back to the ship. The skeleton, the humming skeleton Perona and Zoro talked about at dinner once is running on the fucking water towards their ship and over head Sanji’s legs are on fire as he bolts across the sky. 

“You guys wanna come?” Zoro asks them with a grin and Sora is nodding before anyone can answer. Shanks waves Buggy over and the clown comes willingly as they divide into Speed, a ship that has been with Shanks for as long as Mihawk has known him and the Mini Merry which Mihawk and Shanks both eye curiously.

“That's..” Shanks starts.

“It’s the Mini Merry, we gave Merry back to the sea.” Usopp shrugs.

“She was a super boat. So I built this to honour her!” Franky claims.

“I'm getting in Speed, fuck that. May I ?” Buggy asks Shanks who nods and Buggy goes aboard with Yasopp who eyes the ship as well. They sail to the Sunny and get permission to come aboard because Buggy and Shanks are sticklers for Code even if they had been invited. 

Luffy is wrapped around Sanji tightly and multiple times, still in his fruit's awakened form. Vivi is sitting on a swing hung from a tree and Brook is playing a song on a violin. The lullaby of the Moon, Mihawk realises lightly.

“I saw weirder in Impel Down.” Buggy sighs and Mihawk doesn't doubt it. 

“Why were you in Impel Down anyway?” Nami asks him.

“Oh, Garp was pissed about Orange Town but only because of Luffy. Ace fell for it too, it's not hard to draw a map to the Grand Line when you do it a few thousand times.” Buggy shrugs. “I knew everything in the East Blue too so they thought I would give up all the routes I knew the revolutionaries and such were using. It was my Sea.”

Mihawk had learned very quickly that Buggy was very competent and that his borrowing from Crocodile was more of something he forgot due to the pressure of becoming a Warlord than unwillingness to pay. Buggy was a pirate for the treasure and freedom. His time as a Roger brat and whatever happened after execution haunted the clown.

“What do you mean fell for it?” Roux asks and Buggy gestures around him.

“I grew up on the Grand Line and in the New World. With Roger and over sensitive observation haki. We were ten going into the Edd War and abandoned at fourteen and hunted. I wonder why I left. So Orange Town became my territory as long as we could stage hostage situations so rookies knew what they were getting into.” Buggy tosses the information out there like Shanks knows this but judging by his face and Sanji's interest suddenly cloaking him there's very different reactions to what the clown just said.

“Hey, Sanji has bad haki too!” Luffy crows and Buggy sputters as Sanji tries to get a knee between him and his captain with renewed vigour.

“Oi, shitty god, get off!” Sanji bites at his captain.

“But I'm hungry.” Luffy whines as he wraps around the man more. 

“I need my hands to cook, bastard!” Sanji argues.

“Told you the cook had shitty haki.” Zoro says to Robin.

“That's one way to put it.” Robin agrees as they watch Sanji try to get his captain off him without his hands. Luffy goes back to normal and looks exhausted in a matter of moments in front of their eyes and Sanji is holding him.

“Shitty rubber, fucking hell. Shouldn't have spun all those sun discs.” Sanji scolds him as he sets him on the grass. 

“Still hungry.” Luffy gets out.

“At least he's appreciated.” Mihawk sighs, pinching the bridge of his nose.

“He gets his attitude from you.” Sora responds and Mihawk doesn't argue. Sora and Mihawk scan the crew and other than Zoro they don't know Sanji's other nakama on a personal level. Sora may know Vivi, but that was when the queen was three and Sora was actively dying in Germa.

“Did we learn our lesson about showing off?” Sanji asks Luffy as he comes from the kitchen and gives him a plate and a glass a few minutes later, he sets a bottle of sake next to Shanks who nods at him.

“It's just Vivi.” Luffy argues as he starts eating. “You should talk to your parents, Sanji.” 

“Only if you talk to Red Hair next to you. Zoro would help me call a mutiny. Or I could just not make meat for a week.” Sanji teases his captain.

“Mutiny?” Most of the crew asks with interest, all smiling at the thought.

“Mean.” Luffy says as he points at the other.

“Whatever will make you listen.” Sanji waves off as he lights a cigarette with his foot before walking towards them. Sora pats his cheek again and Mihawk nods at his son. 

“Sky walking?” Mihawk asks lightly with a glint in his eye. Mihawk doesn't show pride outwardly outside of his home, never has. Sanji's room on the Baratie was the exception and Mihawk knows it will stay that way.

“Learned it during the two years of training we took. I set myself on fire in Ennies Lobby the first time. My mentor figured it had to do with my observation haki.” Sanji shrugs. Sora hums her acknowledgement and they talk quietly for a while.

“Luffy! Do you want to go to the party or do you wanna stay here?” Zoro yells to their captain after a bit of conversing with others, he's still holding the reindeer which Sora is eyeing with curiosity and adoration.

“Can I punch Crocodile?” Luffy asks.

“Absolutely not! Neither can you, Vivi!” Nami yells at the trio on the grass and in the orange trees. 

“Nami!” They both whine at her but her glare is fierce and unyielding and that is a skill Mihawk can admire from someone on the seas.

“And don't think about running off again, Sanji! I will have Zeus electrocute you!” She turns to Sanji to threaten him. Sanji has the decency to look sheepish and rub his neck at the navigator.

“I'd prefer if you didn't, I watched the red one do that to him when I was three.” Vivi calls and Strawhat's haki shifts to anger as he looks to the cook of his crew.

“What else did you see?” Mihawk asks. Sora looks to the queen in confusion as Sanji swallows his haki signature making Mihawk give him a look that tells their son this will be a later conversation they have.

“The green one broke his ribs, there were dogs?” Vivi questions her memories. Mihawk can feel shock and rage bubbling all over the deck as Buggy also hides his haki signature and morphs to a look of neutrality. Sora is by far the worst with anger and Luffy and Mihawk are close behind her.

“She was three.” Sanji clarifies, unhelpfully and worsening the situation for himself.

“So you were six?” The reindeer leans further over Zoro's arms to try to project his voice louder at the blond man. Seas, he looks like his mother, Mihawk thinks.

“I'm going to mount his head.” Sora seethes and Mihawk agrees with a nod. Judge will die by their hands and it will not be an easy death or a quick one.

“Are your siblings colour coded or something, Cook?” Zoro asks.

“They were a lot of things, colour coded was one of them.” Sanji shrugs.

“There's bigger things to worry about for now, one revenge plot is enough.” Nico Robin interrupts, giving them all a look.

“Yeah, Cook-bro and Zoro-bro need to tell us why they hid Mihawk being his dad.” Franky laughs and Sanji thumbs at Usopp, the sniper returns the look with exhaustion covering his body and haki as he avoids his father further. Yasopp doesn't seem to be getting the message as of yet though. 

“Sora threatened to kill both me and Perona when we found out.” Zoro answers. 

“Did you actually threaten to kill them?” Sanji asks in North Blue.

“Of course I did, we didn't want you getting kidnapped from your crew or your father's bounty getting unfrozen. Though it seems pointless now.” Sora answers back in their native tongue.

“Blackleg suited you fine. Vinsmoke is an utter disgrace. That name is far beneath you.” Mihawk nods as he also falls into his second language.

“Is this permission to use ‘Mihawk’ as my name?” Sanji asks with furrowed brows.

“You never needed permission or a blessing to use it. You are my son and have been since you were ten. It would be my honour if you used the name.” Mihawk says as he puts a hand on Sanji's shoulder. His son nods and thanks him quietly in an accent that sounds more his own than the common one people like himself used. Sora hugged Sanji close and he returned it easily, like they hadn't been separated for years. Mihawk smiles softly as he glances around

the ship and sees the family his son has accrued over the years. 

They'll fit in nicely, Mihawk thinks. The family photos were about to grow much larger than they had ever been.