The following Monday came dreadfully quick for most. Every person who attended the party spent Sunday either knocked out cold, or hung over. Well...all excluding Ace.

All students reluctantly returned back to the shithole they called school to receive the bleak poison known as education.

Zoro was making his slow, direction less hike to school, constantly recalling the dream he had two nights ago. He had tried to recreation that magical, imaginary encounter, but his mind wasn't having it happen. He ended up dreaming about dancing sake.

"Hey, shitty Marimo!" Sanji screamed while hoisting himself on the unsuspecting Zoro's back. If it weren't for his broad shoulder and back muscles, they would've both toppled to the ground.

"Ugh, what the hell curly-coo-" he was soon cut off by the blond smashing their lips together. That. That definitely made the two fall to the floor.

"Ugh, fuck, Zoro! What the hell did you fall for?!"

"The fuck do you mean?! Why'd you jump on me? And why'd you suddenly kiss me?!"

They sat on the ground and screamed at each other, unaware that they were both missing precious time by the second.

"Uh, what're you guys doing?"

They both ceased their incisive barking to look up to see a scrawny, dark skinned, exhausted looking fellow with shaggy black hair partially covered with a headband.

"Oh, hey Gin! Nothing, just yelling at this stupid Marimo here. Help me up?" Sanji asked his childhood friend, who happily obliged. Gin and Sanji had been good friends ever since 2nd grade. They had been separated for some time because Gin had started middle school back in Cuba, but later returned after some persistent begging to his parents.

"Oh yeah?" He pulled Sanji into a hug, slowly looking the blond up and down with a small smirk. He then offered a hand to Zoro, "hey, I'm Gin. One of Sanji's friends."

"Zoro," he said hoisting himself up, completely ignoring the outstretched hand. "C'mon, Sanji, we're gonna be late." He stated boldly, grabbing Sanji's hand and walking off...in the opposite direction from the school...

Dear God, help this lost soul.

"Uh, I'm pretty sure it's the other way..." Gin suggested awkwardly.

"Right, you stupid Marimo. It's that way." Sanji growled, pulling Zoro to a halt and slid his hand out of the other's grip.

"C'mon, Gin. We're gonna be late. You should follow too, Zoro. Closely." Sanji pulled Zoro's hand in his and began leading him to the school. With Gin walking slowly next to Sanji. They began idle conversation about restaurants and kick boxing. Zoro tried to have a part in it, but he couldn't find the right time to jump in. They were so engrossed with each other, it seemed like no one could break their conversation.

It was annoying.

The entire way to school, Zoro felt like some lost child being led by their mother while she was talking to her infuriating friend. It wasn't long until they reached the building, and Zoro has never been happier to walking into a school.

"Nice catching up with you Sanji, I'll catch you later, " he waved off, beginning his way to class. "Zoro." He nodded towards the green haired boy and walked off.

"Yeah, I'll see you around. Now, let's lead you to class before you end up in another school entirely." Sanji teased before he was violently shoved in an open storage closet.

"Zoro, what the hell was that fo-" Zoro quickly cut him off with the smashing of their lips together in a rough kiss. He pulled back only a tad to look into Sanji's visible eye with a mixture of anger and hurt in his onyx orbs. Sanji stared back, with an equally intense look of frustration and confusion.

"The hell is wrong with you, you stupid moss?!" Sanji whisper shouted, "we're gonna be late, move."

He tired to push the other off of him, but ended up being push back against the wall twice as hard.

"Who the hell's that? Why was he looking at you like that, huh?" He aggressively demanded, grabbing Sanji by the shoulders and shaking slightly. Not too much to hurt him, of course.

"What's with you? He's an old friend, there's nothing going on. You need to calm yourself. I don't know what you're thinking, but you're really overreac-"

The bell abruptly rang, singling that the two were 5 minutes late to class.

"Oh my God, Zoro! Now they're gonna call my shitty old man, thanks a lot!" Sanji shoved Zoro out of his way, and finally emerged for the mold-smelling closet.

"Sanji, wait! I still wanna-"

"Shut up, moss! Don't talk to me 'til you're done assuming shit!" Sanji yelled back, then turned to a quick jog to his first period class. Zoro stood there, alone. He started to think that he was really overreacting about Sanji's friend, or whatever. Maybe he should just show some approva-

Just before he gave his full consent to Sanji's whatever he was to him, the bastard just had to walk past and give him the most shit-eating smirk Zoro's ever seen. Then had the nerve to look him in the eye and yell:

"Hey, Sanji, want me to walk you to class?!"

That son of a bi-

"Yeah, thanks Gin. C'mon, it's this way." Sanji said cheerily, leading Gin to his biology class.

That really got Zoro's blood boiling. How dare that motherfucker offer to walk his boyfriend... yeah, boyfriend to class. That was his job now. Shit, he was really gonna ring his scrawny neck for that.

"Hey, you. Where should you be?" Zoro turned to see one of his strictly annoying vice principals, Akainu. Oh great, some more fuel to his already bad mood.

"I was just walking to-"

"Nonsense. You're lost, aren't you, Roronoa. Don't make me call your-"

"I'm not lost, okay? I'm just walking to my English class, geez."

"Is that so? Well the English wing is that way. You're going to the Engineering wing, Zoro." Akainu replied condescendingly as be pointed in the space behind him.

"...I knew that." He muttered as he shuffled his way by the older man. He was now 10 minutes late by the time he entered the room. His father would definitely get a phone call later in the day. Damn.

"Well, don't you look chipper. Did something happen this morning?" Robin asked in her already knowing tone. She was the only one it the class that Zoro actually knew, and boy was he thankful for that. If it weren't for her, most of the time, Zoro would just end up sleeping throughout the entire lesson.

"Yeah, Sanji's stupid middle school friend's been all over him. Then Sanji had the nerve to say that I was overreacting about it! I mean, what the hell?"

Robin gave a sad smile, "well, maybe it's just because they haven't seen each other in a while. You know, they were separated for some time. Just give them the chance to catch up."

"Well, I would, if he weren't looking at him like he was gonna eat him! What type of friend looks at you like they wanna have sex?"

"Shh! Highly inappropriate! I said turn to chapter two in your textbooks!" Zoro sighed and opened his stupid textbook.

The rest of that class, or that day rather, went on with Zoro pettishly muttering profane fantasies of just how to end that skinny, boyfriend-stealing bastard. Oh how he wanted to beat that smug little grin off his stupid drug dealer looking face.

You had to admit, he did look shady as hell.

Just how the hell did Sanji meet that kinda of guy anyway? Sanji's way out of his league, but whatever. If they were just friends, then Zoro could attempt at a mutual relationship with the darker teen.

The final bell rang, dismissing all students to go home. Zoro wasted no time rushing out of the building to meet his father. He plopped himself down on the nearest bench and hunched over, smothering his eyes with his hands.

"Hey, Zoro, what's got you down?" Usopp asked, setting a comforting hand upon his shoulder.

"Nothing," Zoro sighed, "it's just...have you seen Sanji's new friend?"

"Oh yeah, that Gin guy. I don't know, he does look a bit...odd. Maybe it's just me."

"Exactly! He looks like some creepy drug dealer or a pedophile. Why would Sanji be hanging out with that." This was only making Zoro even more upset.

"Whoa now, let's not get out of hand here. I mean, you don't really have the most inviting look either, Zoro."

"Hey, I don't look creepy!"

"Not exactly. You look like a guy who'd beat someone up just for the heck of it, if we're being honest..."

Zoro glared and sent him a deadly, animalistic growl.

"Okay, okay! See, my point exactly. But seriously, Zoro, you mustn't get so bent outta shape about this. They haven't seen each other in a while, just let them catch up. It's not like Gin's trying to steal Sanji away or anything," he playfully nudged Zoro in the ribs. "Don't worry so much, you look scarier when you're deep in thought."

"H-hey, I'm not scary!" Zoro yelled as Usopp barely dodged the incoming fist and started running home. Zoro's father pulled up just in time to prevent his son from getting lost chasing some long-nosed hooligan.

"Roronoa! Where do you think you're going?"

"Dad! Bu-but h-he called me scary!"

"No wonder. You look like a sea monster, going around roaring at everyone like that. Hurry up and get in the car."

Zoro stocked over to his father's car, grumbling curses about how he's not scary and how everything is stupid and can go die. It wasn't like he was trying to look scary...it was just his face.

"How was school?"

"Hmph, I don't wanna talk about it," Zoro grumbled, facing the window with a deep scowl on his face. He didn't want to tell his father that he had been jealous of Sanji's new friend. He would just say he's being ridiculous and his face will forever be stuck with an angry expression if he continues to glare like that.

"Alright, then. How're you and the blond boy doing?"

"What's it matter how we're-" Zoro stopped mid-sentence to smack his bulging for head on the window, nearly breaking it in the process. They had just driven past Sanji walking alongside Gin, probably back to his house to hang out. Oh, this was perfect.

"Dad, can I go to Sanji's house? Pleeaase?"

"What. What ever for?"

"I gotta do something, I'll tell you later. I won't say too long, alright? I'll call and everything-"

"Fine, alright. Call when you're done with whatever it is you're doing. No sex."

"Dad! Fine, yeah. I love you, bye." Zoro quickly concluded, swiftly grabbing his backpack and running over to the blond and his company.

"Hey Sanji."

"Zoro, what're yo-"

"Oh, nothing, just walking home...or whatever. Hey, what're you doing?"

"...Gin and I are gonna play some games. You can come too, if you're cool about it." Sanji explained, along with a warning glare.

"Sure, yeah, it's cool. Let's go." He said hurriedly, and swung a protective arm around Sanji's shoulder. Gin glared at the back of Zoro's head.

"So Sanji, what kinda games you got?" Gin asked, trying to regain Sanji's suddenly divided attention.

"...Uh, man, I don't even know. I haven't touched those games in ages. I guess we'll see when we get there."

"So Gin," Zoro started, "how'd you meet Sanji?"

"Well, we met in second grade. I didn't have lunch that day, and Sanji came along and gave me his. We hit it off instantly and kinda been inseparable ever since."

"Awe, that's so sweet. Hey, Sanji, you think your dad will let me stay the night?" Zoro asked, not giving a single fuck about the guy's sentimental flashback.

"Uh, no? You can't just barge in and stay the night uninvited, you rude moss."

"Worth a shot, right?"

"I said no, dummy. Gin's not even spending the night, what makes you think you can?"

"Whatever. Just asking, geez."

The rest of the walk was completed in heavy, unwanted silence until they got to Sanji's front door. He unlocked it and motioned the others to enter.

"My old man's not home yet, so you're gonna have to leave when he gets back."

"Alright, that's cool. Wow I haven't been here in forever. You guys don't really change your decor, do you?" Gin asked, looking around and feeling his second rush of reminiscence.

"Nah, you know how the old geezer likes his stupid fish designs everywhere." Sanji said with an annoyed snort.

"Yeah, I sure remember. Now, about those games..."

"Oh yeah. You could just go snoop around that box under the TV. Imma go get some snacks. Zoro, don't get lost on your way to the living room." Sanji exited towards the kitchen, leaving Zoro with a cute giggle and slight embarrassment. He then turned to Gin aimlessly rummaging through Sanji's box of various CDs and DVDs, only pausing to look at those that seemed remotely entertaining. Zoro shuffled over and knelt down next to the scrawnier teen.

"I didn't really introduce myself properly. I'm Zoro, Sanji's boyfriend."

Gin's face lit up in shock for a second, but quickly relaxed again. It made sense, to be honest. No wonder he had been so hostile towards him when he had just met the guy.

"Oh yeah? And how long have you two been together?"

"Uh...a couple days..."

A sly smile formed on Gin's face "Oh...I see..."

"You see what? And what's that look for?" Zoro was starting to get angry.

"Oh, nothing. It's just that you barely have a relationship with him, and you're acting like I'm some stranger to him."

"The fuck do you mean barely a relationship? I've known Sanji since 6th grade!"

"So? I've known him since 2nd. Get in line, seaweed. I'm the one who should be standing next to Sanji, not you."

"What?! Asshole, you wanna fight-"

"Oh my gosh, Sanji, you need some help?" Gin rushed over towards the kitchen, cutting Zoro off mid-sentence as he spotted Sanji struggling out of the kitchen with two trays. One occupying each hand.

"Oh, thanks, Gin. Gee, thanks, Zoro." Sanji said sarcastically and shot Zoro an unimpressed glance. Gin stood behind with a rather triumphant smirk.

"Bu- I-...sorry..."

"Whatever. So, what do you guys wanna play?" Sanji asked while setting the trays on the coffee table. There were cookies and apple juice.

"Uh...let's play this!" Zoro said, reaching for the closest disk and holding it up without looking at it's contents.

"Pfft, you wanna play Mario Cart? How old are you?" Gin sniggered.

"Hey, Mario Cart is awesome! You're just mad 'cause I always beat you." Sanji said, a little too defensively.

"Whatever. I only let you beat me 'cause you're so cute."

Sanji blushed and turned away, "Um...whatever..."

"Hey! I'm gonna beat you, so shut up and come play."

"Geez, rude much? Right, Sanji?" Gin nudged Sanji's elbow.

"Eh, that's how he's always been. You learn to love it."

"Oh, you love my rudeness, Sanji?"

"Wha- no! Stupid Marimo, shut up!"

"Can we just play the game?" Gin interrupted.

"Yeah, let's do this." Sanji then took a seat on the couch, quickly followed by Gin on his left and Zoro on his right. The game turned on and they chose their characters.

"I call Baby Mario." Sanji declared.

"I want Luigi," Gin added.

"Zoro, you should be Toad."

"Fuck off," Zoro grumbled, but ended up being Toad anyway.

The game started and they all tried their best to be the first across the finish line. Well, Sanji was at least. Zoro had somehow managed to drive in the opposite direction and used every opportunity to shove Gin off of the track. Gin was trying not to loose his temper with this stupid game so he again turned his attention to Sanji.

"Hey Sanji, you got any weed?" Gin asked suddenly.

"I got a little, but I don't smoke it like that. I stick to cigarettes most of the time. Why, you want some?"

"Yeah, I could go for some, but I don't know anyone who sells it."

"Oh, this dude, Kid sells it for a reasonable price. I could hook you up, if you want. He sells other stuff too."

"Wow. All that shit will seriously kill you." Zoro interrupted disapprovingly.

"Yeah, and you know what'll kill you faster?" Gin asked. "Being so damn uptight."

"Whatever, you're literally ingesting poison. How could you even look at that stuff without getting sick."

"Oh please, who are you to try and control Sanji's life like that. You barely know him."

"I've known him long enough to know that drugs can't help him when he needs it! And where the hell were you, huh? Since you're so worried about him."

"Guys, shut up before my old ma-"

"Eggplant! Why are you bringing these noisy bastards in my house?!"

"Well, hey Mr. Black! It's been a while, huh?" Gin got up and shook Zeff's hand a little awkwardly.

"Yes, hello, Gin. How've you been?"

"Good, good. Jut catching up with Sanji is all. Well, I guess I'll be on my way. Later, Sanji." He waved goodbye before exiting the house.

Zoro still remained a little stunned that an old, angry man had appeared out of nowhere and started yelling. Sanji nudged him and signaled him to go greet his father. He stood and extended his hand to the grumpy man.

"Hey, Mr. Black."

"Hey, Cabbage Patch, how's it going?" Zeff said casually and gave a firm shake of his hand. It hurt a little.

Cabbage Patch?

Zoro could hear Sanji sniggering behind him.

"Oh, nothing much, I just texted my dad to pick me up."

"Alright, well, don't let the door hit you on your way. Be careful out there."

"Sure thing. Bye, Sanji." Zoro waved off.

"Alright, bye, Cabbage Patch." Sanji said with a light giggle. For some reason, Zoro hated it less when Sanji called him that. His father replied for him to wait, he'll be there in 5 minutes. So he would wait.

"You really think you're all that special?" Zoro turned to see Gin leaning against Sanji's fence. He's still here?

"What now?"

"You're not that special. You don't know Sanji like I know him. You haven't seen his childhood."

"So? You've barely seen it either. And that doesn't change that fact that he likes me more than you."

"Oh yeah? Well, I know exactly how he feels about me and I'm gonna make him like me even more until he finally realizes how much he needs me. Don't be stupid, Moss. You don't even know if he likes you as much as you like him. You don't know him like I do."

"We'll see about that, bitch."

"Ooh, so vulgar. Sanji doesn't like that."

Zoro scoffed, "Shows what you know, his curly ass cusses all the time."

"Whatever, my Sanji doesn't cuss. Don't get in my way, Zoro."

"Then fight me, punk."

If Mihawk's horn hadn't interrupted them, Zoro would've easily thrown his scrawny ass into the street. But, alas, he had to obediently climb onto his father's car, face scowled deeper than when he first arrived. He threw one more threatening glare before his dad drove away.

"Who was that boy you were yelling at?"

"Sanji's stupid childhood friend..."

"Hmm, I'm guessing you didn't accomplish what you wanted to." Mihawk started.

"I hate being a teenager." Zoro growled.

"I know, but these and the important years where you face some real-world situations. You just have to fight through it with all you've got."

Fight through it? Exactly, that was the perfect solution! He would just beat that scrawny, bitch-ass punk into a pulp and prove to Sanji that he was the one who loved him the most. Wait, loved? Maybe not loved, but he surely had more to offer than that punk. He had spent too much time and effort confessing to him in the first place, and he wasn't just gonna let some old friend waltz in and ruin everything. He'd be damned to just sit back and let that happen.

Don't worry, Sanji. I won you over once, I can do it again. I'll fight for you, no matter what.