The Dark Knight of GLU

Chapter 17
New VS Old

I love you…

The intense look in Sanji’s eyes as he spoke sent a flurry of emotions through him. Zoro stumbled back a step and the blonde lost grip on his shoulder. Part of him was jumping for joy at the confession, but an even bigger part screamed for him to run away quickly. True, he wanted the blonde for himself, but he wasn’t sure if he was quite ready for love just yet. There were too many secrets left untold to be able to consider it. I love you. How was he supposed to respond?

“Zoro, did you hear me?” The cook was clearly annoyed at being ignored.

“Huh?”

“Shit, are you even fucking listening to me?” Sanji frowned when Zoro shook his head no. “I said don’t ignore me. I would love it if you just took a breath and calmed down. I didn’t even freak out this bad when I got the call from Usopp the other night. What the hell is going on with you?”

Zoro’s heart twisted in a knot when he realized his error. Sanji didn’t love him. It was all a misunderstanding. As much as he knew he should feel relieved, a depressing sadness began to set in. Wishful thinking was all it was. He wondered if he should even bother telling the blonde any of the truth. It would probably be safer if his father came looking for him. At least that way, Sanji could be somewhat prepared. An alarm started going off back in the bedroom, distracting them both.

“Fuck! We’ve got class. Look. You’re going to tell me what’s going on, one way or another.” Sanji headed to silence the beeping from the clock. “What could be worse than me getting fucked by a genetic freak?”

Zoro knew he was trying to lighten the mood, but being labeled as a freak slightly pissed him off. He had enough shit to deal with at the moment and he didn’t need to be reminded of his family’s strange traits. True, Sanji had no idea that he and the Knight were the same, but still, it was no reason for him to say shit like that. Just what did those test results say? If they were done by Usopp, then maybe Luffy could help out. Would Sanji think he was a freak when he found out the truth? Would he leave him as quickly as he did the Dark Knight?

“Hey?” Sanji appeared before him and captured his lips in a kiss. “Come on, I picked your clothes out already. Good thing we went shopping yesterday. You gonna be alright without your glasses? I looked last night after work, but I didn’t find them in the alley.”

“I’m fine,” he mumbled as he tried to collect his thoughts, realizing he still needed to go to the bathroom.

When he stepped to the sink to wash his hands, Sanji knocked on the door briefly before entering. Zoro turned on the hot water and lathered up his hands, trying to ignore the naked man to his left. Apparently, Sanji had no shame when it came to showing off his body, or relieving himself in front of others. Sanji joined him at the sink a moment later and opened up the mirrored cabinet to get out a razor and shaving cream.

“I’ve got an extra one if you want to use it.” The blonde said while dispensing an ample amount of white foam into his hand. He shrugged in indifference when Zoro shook his head no and began shaving. “So you ready to tell me what that was about?”

“No.” Zoro shook his head and leaned against the doorframe. He looked at Sanji’s annoyed reflection in the mirror and sighed. It needed to be done. “My father is coming and… It’s really complicated.”

“Try me. Hey, I told you about all the shit with the Dark Knight last night, you owe me an explanation at the very least.” Sanji looked at him through the mirror.

Zoro let his eyes wander over the blonde’s body as he tried to decide exactly what to disclose. So many secrets that would need to be carefully avoided, yet it was important that he didn’t exactly lie. He took a deep breath and took the first step.

“My parents didn’t have a normal relationship. They split shortly after I turned two, but never told me why. Somehow they loved each other though.” The struggle was apparent as he tried to find the words for the next part of the story. “She died when I was nine and I was shipped off to my father. Her will says I can’t get my inheritance until I either graduate with a degree from college or get married. Unfortunately, my father also has a say if I deserve it or not.”

“So, what’s got you all upset?” Sanji wiped the remaining foam from his face and closed the distance between them, forcing Zoro to look him in the eye. “You’re doing great at school, probably top of the class, and except for that little fight I can’t imagine what kind of trouble you could have gotten into. I mean seriously, what are they gonna hold that shit with your boys at the school over your head?”

“Fuck, I hadn’t even thought about that. Thanks.” Zoro grumbled and turned towards the bedroom to change clothes. “That’s just one more thing to add to the list of reasons why I should be disowned.”

“Shit, remember I followed you around for a couple weeks trying to prove you were the Dark Knight. I was so bored that I began doing crossword puzzles. You’re life is even more bland than Usopp’s.” Sanji trailed behind him and rummaged through his closet to find the suit he wanted for the day.

“What about the shit I did when I was with you? What if someone tells him when he gets here?” Zoro dropped his clothes back onto the floor where they had been last night.

Sanji paused in stepping into his pants and tried to think about what they had done that was so horrible that it would get him disowned. Then it hit him… “You’re worried he’ll find out about us? You mean he doesn’t know?”

Zoro knew he would have to tread carefully on this topic. “I thought Jiji might have known, but he’s sending me on these dates with different women all the time, so… Who knows, he might be doing that just to torture me.”

“I wouldn’t put it past him. He’s a crafty one.” Sanji chuckled as he remembered his last encounter with the little old man. “So we just have to convince your dad, huh? I can do that.”

“You haven’t met the man. He has this thing for rules. He doesn’t bend them for anyone. I’ve never seen him do anything wrong, or even risky unless it’s due to his job. The last time I even remember him happy was before my mom died. After that… Fucking buttons! This is why I dressed the way I did. This shit just pisses me off.”

Sanji turned to see what the fuss was about since he was dressed with the exception of his tie and shoes now. The green haired man had gotten on the jeans just fine, but now he was struggling with the buttons of his shirt. Sanji started laughing and chased after him into the living room to help. “Here, let me.”

“This is bullshit!” Zoro threw his hands up and grudgingly turned to face the blonde. He watched long, nimble fingers deftly fasten each of the small buttons, the tips barely grazing his flesh teasingly as they moved up to the next one.

“You know, Marimo, you’ll have to learn to do this on your own one day.” Sanji laughed quietly as Zoro’s frown increased. “Or maybe I’ll just have to continue to have you get dressed here.”

Sanji stopped buttoning mid-chest and grabbed his collar to pull him in for a kiss. Zoro hummed appreciatively at the welcome attention. He reached around and palmed the cook’s perfect ass in his hands, then pulled them close together. Sanji answered by combing his fingers into thick green hair and deepening the kiss. A sharp knock on the door, accompanied by Luffy’s voice caused them to break apart.

“Hurry up you two! We’ll be late for school!”

Sanji gave an apologetic look to Zoro and went to open the door. “Go find… Nami, my sweet! What a wonderful surprise. To what do I owe this honor?”

The slightly grumpy redhead rolled her eyes and pushed her way into the apartment, looking for the other occupant that Luffy had made reference to. No one was in sight, but she could hear someone moving around in the bedroom.

“So, who was the lucky girl last night? It’s odd for you to bring someone here, especially on a school night.” Her eyebrow rose in question as she looked over at the blonde.

“Oi, Cook. Where’s that blue bag with socks in it?” A rough and very masculine voice called out from the other room. “I’m not wearing your pansy-assed ones with the prissy little designs on them.”

“Che, you wouldn’t know style if it bit you in the ass, moron. I put it in the closet with the rest of your shit.” Sanji shook his head. “Do you want me to put them on for you too?”

“Fuck you, asshole.” Zoro came out of the room carrying a pair of plain black socks. He froze in place and mentally slapped himself for not remembering that he had deposited Luffy’s girlfriend with him last night. This wouldn’t go over well at all.

Nami gasped as she took in his appearance. He had taken a moment and tucked in his shirt, showing off the way his jeans contoured to his hips and ass. The shirt remained unbuttoned halfway and gave her glimpses of his defined chest, as well as the scar running across it. His hair was still mused from Sanji’s abuse, giving him a just out of bed look. The slight stubble made him look both rough and sexy at the same time.

“Hi Zoro!” Luffy grinned and waved. “You feeling better?”

“Yah, I’m fine.” Zoro nodded to him, holding his breath and wondering if the boy would slip up and mention something about last night. “I only feel like I’ve been hit by a sports car now.”

Luffy chuckled and snagged his arms around Nami from behind, pulling her close to his chest. “I guess your grandpa kicked your ass pretty good, huh?”

“You mean Jiji? Is that where you went last night?” Sanji sat down on the couch and donned his own footwear. “I was wondering how you got all those bruises. That little old man must pack a mean punch.”

“Wait. You’re Zoro, and you got beat up by your grandfather?” Nami glared at them all in disbelief.

“Don’t mess with the crazy Japanese man. I learned that first hand.” Sanji ran his hand through his hair in embarrassment as he remembered his encounter at Zoro’s house.

“I tried to warn you.” Zoro smirked at him.

“I knew it! From the first time I fell in your lap, I knew you weren’t what you seemed. I just didn’t realize it was like this.” Nami pointed her finger at him angrily. “I bet you’re even the Dark Knight!”

Sanji looked up at Zoro’s blank face and began laughing. “I thought so too, until I saw him fight. Usopp could probably fight as well as he can. Besides, I got a good lead on the guy and it’s not Zoro.”

Luffy and Zoro shared a worried look, both nodding slightly, and joined in Sanji’s mirth to avoid suspicion. They would have to talk more later and see if they could find out what this ‘lead’ was.

“So, Nami, what are you doing here this early?” Zoro walked to the door and slid his boots on. He needed to get everyone on a different topic and quick. He was saved by Sanji’s deception this time, but Chopper had warned him that Nami was ruthless when she set out to get information.

“Oh, I… um… Well, I’m not really sure. You see…” she began.

“Nami got attacked last night and was saved by the Dark Knight,” Luffy piped up.

“Luffy! I told you I didn’t want him to know.” Nami smacked him over the head.

“Wait! He was out again last night?” Sanji looked over to Zoro who seemed lost in thought and mumbled. “So, that means I was right. It couldn’t be Zoro. He was here with me last night.”

“I guess this means your opinion of him has changed now.” Zoro asked Nami as he tried to remain calm and cool, silently worrying about having his cover blown.

“Hell no! That bastard called me a bitch! I swear if I ever meet him again I’ll not only hit him with a damn pipe, I’ll shove it up his ass,” Nami swore heatedly.

Zoro cringed at the thought and made it a point to say as little as possible after that so she wouldn’t have a chance to recognize his voice.

“You hit the guy who rescued you?” Sanji tried to hold back the twinge of worry that began to gnaw at his the back of his mind. He didn’t care if the Knight was hurt, right? He was just some freak of nature that happened to take advantage of him in a weakened state… wasn’t he?

“He was going to leave me there!” Nami said in defense. “You would have done the same thing if you were in my position.”

Zoro leaned up against the door as the other took a seat and listened to her version of what happened last night. He had to hold back the snorts of disbelief at her embellishment of the truth. She made it sound like he was worse than the men that had attacked the blue-haired girl at the college. He never said that she wasn’t worth saving. So maybe he did imply it, but he never actually said it! And he only shoved her to the side to get her out of the line of fire. He didn’t pick her up and throw her into the wall, though he wanted to. Ok, he did call her a bitch. He’d give her that one. Funny how she completely left out the part where she told him to stay out of her business. Maybe the Knight needed to give his side of the story this time.

By the time she finished, Sanji had several pages of notes filled out in his little book. It was interesting to watch him work. Zoro had to admire his patience when the blonde began asking questions. Nami kept going off on tangents and refused to give straight answers on a few occasions. The reporter just sat there and listened to her rant, picking out what he thought to be the truth from her verbal garbage. It was obvious she was leaving out something.

“So how did you get to Luffy’s?” The strain of patience was evident in Sanji’s controlled speech.

“I don’t know. The last I remember I was crying in the alley.” Nami’s brow was creased in concentration as she tried to recall what had happened after that.

“I know!” Luffy shouted, obviously proud of himself. He was too busy grinning to see the panic that flashed across the secret hero’s face. “The Dark Knight brought her to me.”

“What!” Nami and Sanji both shouted.

“Yup! He knocked on the door and handed her over.”

“Why didn’t you tell me sooner? You know I’ve been looking for him! Damn, Luffy!” Sanji had jumped up and grabbed him by the shirt, slamming him into the wall.

“But, you didn’t ask,” the boy pouted. “And he doesn’t want you to find out who he is either. I told him I wouldn’t tell. After all, he saved Nami from those bad guys. Who knows what would have happened if he didn’t show up?”

Sanji fought with the emotions building up inside him. On one hand, he was extremely grateful that Nami was safe. Her life was more precious than his article, or the Knight’s identity. On the other hand, he had a good idea that Luffy had seen the guy’s face. If he saw his face, he could help answer the question of whether or not the man was as big of a mutant as he feared. Oh, the irony.

“He’s really a good guy, Sanji. I think he just wants to be left alone about all this.” Luffy put his hand on Sanji’s shoulders. “Give the guy a break. If you could find out who he is, then the police could too. He’d be in a bunch of trouble if that happened.”

Sanji sighed and let go of Luffy’s shirt, smoothing out the wrinkles as best he could with his hands. “I know, but that doesn’t mean I’m going to give up completely. I still need to try.”

The breath that Zoro had been holding was finally released in a rush and he wanted nothing more than to bang his head against the wall in frustration. The blonde was relentless in his search. He silently promised that he would make sure to do something special for Luffy though. He had kept his promise completely. Maybe he could buy him a freezer full of meat. Zoro was brought out his thoughts by Luffy’s whoop of excitement.

“Food! Food! Food!” The happy monkey danced and latched himself onto Zoro’s back. “Sanji’s gonna buy us breakfast!”

Nami lectured her boyfriend all the way down the flight of stairs, which Zoro insisted on taking, that he shouldn’t be hanging all over someone who was injured. Zoro tried to tell her that he was healed but she chose to ignore him. She began to think back on the entire morning and none of it completely made sense. Wasn’t Zoro dating Ace? If so, then why was he staying at Sanji’s house instead of with his boyfriend? If not, did that mean that he and Sanji were going out? What happened to his glasses? Even more important, what happened to his clothes? Why in the world would such a good-looking guy want to hide that sinfully delicious body? By the end of the week, she planned on having answers.

DK*DK*DK*DK

The small café on campus was slightly crowded as they walked towards the counter. Zoro tried to ignore the stares he was getting from everyone as he placed his order for coffee. He hated being the center of attention. Why did he let that asshole convince him to dress like this? He could have fought against it and just stayed in the ones from yesterday. But, one look at the way Sanji’s eyes wandering over him appreciatively and Zoro knew he would continue to wear the new clothes for as long as the blonde wanted.

Looking around campus, there were several different couples holding hands and whispering close to each other. Luffy had Nami’s hand firmly in his grasp while they chatted away, each with a glow of happiness about them. Sanji and Zoro walked side by side, Zoro with his hands in his pockets as he watched his blonde smoke. They caught quite a bit of attention as the four of them made their way through the busy pathways.

When it was time to part, Nami blushed furiously when her boyfriend pulled her in for a passionate kiss, leaving her breathless and lightheaded. It was obvious that he swept her off her feet, but she still refused to give in easily. The happy guy laughed and practically pounced away to his class, leaving her in Zoro’s care once again. She glared at her protector and stormed off, leaving he and Sanji alone for the first time in what felt like hours.

Zoro smirked at her retreating back and laughed silently. Sanji stepped in front of him, blocking his view, and held his gaze.

“We got interrupted earlier. Don’t think I’ve forgotten,” he said sternly. Slowly Sanji closed the distance between them until their noses were almost touching. “I’m not going to let you get away now.”

“Who says you have me?” Zoro teased, the smirk leaving his face as Sanji tilted his head and claimed his lips, but nothing more.

It was soft, tender, laced with nicotine and coffee, and all too brief. As quick as it came, it was gone, leaving Zoro hungry for more. He growled at the superior look on Sanji’s face, narrowing his eyes dangerously when he realized what just happened.

“I’ll see you in class later. Be sure to stay out of trouble.” Sanji turned without waiting for a response, waiving back to classmate who had greeted him.

“Um, do you think it’s safe to get involved with him?” A small voice asked.

Zoro looked down to see Chopper staring up at him, teary eyed and obviously concerned. “I don’t know, but I can’t help it.”

The teen turned to watch the retreating back of the blonde and nodded in understanding even though he didn’t have a clue. He tugged sharply on Zoro’s shirtsleeve and gestured to the side door of the building, indicating for Zoro to follow him silently. They entered the empty stairwell and he crossed his arms over his chest, frowning.

“Hey, Zoro? Did something else happen this weekend?” Chopper stared intently at his jaw line.

“Hai, but I’m fine. Just a little bruised from a stray kick.” He ruffled up the boy’s brown hair and grinned. If he did this right, maybe he wouldn’t be yelled at too much. “I made sure to protect my side. The stitches came out clean and it looks good. You did amazing work.”

Chopper’s mouth opened to refuse the compliment but snapped shut as he heard the not-so-hidden message. “THE STITCHES ARE OUT?! What do you mean they’re out?! I told you specifically to come back to me to have it done. What if they got infected? What if it wasn’t time? What if it just opened back up again because you didn’t DO WHAT I TOLD YOU?!”

Zoro struggled to keep from placing his hands over his ears to dampen the echoing of the loud voice in the enclosed space. He instead grabbed the small shoulders and forced the boy to stop pacing. “Quit worrying so much. I’ve had enough stitches to know what to look for, and believe me it looks great. There’s not any redness or swelling. Everything is just fine. The stitching was perfect. In a few years you’ll barely be able to notice it.”

He loosened his grip when he felt Chopper relax and patted him softly on his shoulder. The poor kid would die of a heart attack at a young age if he didn’t learn to take it a bit easier. He stressed out way too much over little things. “I didn’t mean to worry you. I just wasn’t thinking. I took the ones out of my chest just fine so I knew what I was doing. They came out really easy, anyway.”

Chopper nodded once before his jaw dropped again. “Wait, you took them out YOURSELF?!”

It took several minutes to calm him down this time, including letting the doctor pull up his shirt and inspect the newly mended skin. When he was satisfied that Zoro had indeed told the truth he grudgingly allowed him to fix his clothes and they headed to class. Oddly, the professor was already at the podium gathering his notes for today’s lecture when they entered.

“Hello, may I help you?” he asked when he saw the pair.

“Good morning, Professor,” Chopper called out in his cheerful voice. “How are you this morning?”

“I’m doing well Mr. Tonee. Who is this that you have brought to class with you today? I don’t believe I’ve seen him before.” The old man smiled and adjusted his glasses on his face, though you could tell the gesture was pointless as the spectacles slid back down almost immediately.

“I’m Roronoa, sir.” Zoro glared at him, this time having the full effect with no glasses of his own to hide his features.

“Son, I know every student in my class, and while you might have similar hair color, you are indeed not Mr. Roronoa. If you are trying to act as his stand-in, then I must admit I’m very disappointed. All he would need to do is give me a call or e-mail and I would gladly excuse him from class for the day. I do not appreciate someone trying to pull one over on me.” The professor’s voice was becoming heated as his obvious anger increased.

“I’m not trying to deceive anyone. I am...” Zoro’s own annoyance was obvious as well.

“Please leave my classroom!”

“Damn it! See, Chopper, this is why I fucking hate change! All I wanted to do was come to my damn classes and get my shitty diploma so I could leave this hell hole, and I instead I get accused of not even being me!” Zoro turned to his short friend and immediately regretted his outburst. It looked as if the young man was about to burst into tears.

“As if you could even be him! Zoro Roronoa is one of my finest students, although his friends may be a bit disruptive at times. I have never had someone understand my lectures quite like he does. You are nothing but a miscreant trying to slide his way into my classroom to stir up trouble. Well, mister, I’ll have you know that I have no intention of letting that happen. If you do not leave immediately, I will call security.”

“Call them! And then call Detective Logan Smoker, Chief Garp, my grandfather and even that fucking pansy assed, cross-dressing, freak working over in the drama department and see who’s telling the truth!” His voice echoed in the large room as it was the only sound at the moment.

Everyone had hushed and turned their full attention to the scene at the front of the room. Only a few polite coughs could be heard here and there, as the silence stretched on, the students waiting for their teacher to reply or act. A small voice could barely be heard as one brave girl stood up to speak.

“Um, Professor? He’s telling the truth. He really is Zoro.” Conis looked around nervously at the shocked faces of everyone in the room.

Nami sighed heavily and stood up as well. “As much as it pains me to admit it, he’s the real deal. I couldn’t believe it myself when I saw him at Sanji’s this morning.”

Several gasps and words of amazement were heard from around the room. Whispering began and soon the two thoughts on everyone’s mind were ‘why was he hiding?’ and ‘are he and Sanji dating?’

“Proof enough?” Zoro asked, though he wanted nothing more than to turn around and leave.

“Um… Oh… Well, um, yes. I guess it is. I’m sorry for doubting you, son. It’s just such a drastic change. I, well, I don’t know what else to say.” The professor stumbled around his apology, clearly embarrassed.

Zoro nodded to him and continued to his seat with his faithful follower running to keep up with him. He didn’t even resist the urge and banged his head into the desktop a few times before sitting up and fixing a fierce scowl on his face. The first thing he would do when he saw that blonde again was knock the shit out of him. One look at the doe-eyed women staring at him and he changed his mind. First, he would kick okama’s ass for putting the suggestion of modeling in the blonde’s head, then he’d see how he felt after that.

DK*DK*DK*DK

Yuu sat at the table drinking his tea and smirked at his dear friend sitting across from him. It had been too long since they had last gotten together, the last time being after a funeral. The front door burst open and the last two members of the little group entered the kitchen, the female bending down and kissing the little Japanese man on the top of his head.

“I missed you,” he whispered to her.

“It’s about time the two of you got together. You’ve only been beating around the bush for the last twenty years!” Zeff leaned forward in his chair and placed his elbows on the table, lacing his fingers together. “Is there a specific reason for this reunion?”

“Hmmm. I take it things are getting out of control and you need our help to do cleanup.” Chief Garp secured a brown envelope under his arm so he could pour his cup of tea and joined the others at the table. “I have my own problems you know.”

“Don’t tell me Dragon’s kids have been giving you trouble again.” Kureha laughed at the disgusted look on his face.

Yuu smiled sweetly at his sweetheart as she teased Garp about his grandchildren. Zeff sat there scowling at the others and debating if he should go ahead and cook breakfast or not. When the teasing only escalated, he shook his head and got up; wondering when was the last time his short friend had gone shopping. An hour later, dishes were sitting in the sink to soak and another pot of coffee had just begun to perk. It was time to get down to business. Yuu cleared his throat loudly and waited for everyone to quiet down.

“As you all know, my grandson has decided to follow in his ancestor’s footsteps.” Yuu started. All heads around the table nodded in understanding. “Unfortunately, it couldn’t have happened at a worse time. I’ll leave this part to you, old friend.”

Garp stood up and placed his hands firmly on the table. “A familiar individual was released from prison eight months ago. I hadn’t thought anything about it since most of his old contacts have moved away and things have been fairly quiet. I’m guessing that his antics started right at the same time that our new little hero decided to show up.”

“That ‘little hero’ is something else. He’s got my little eggplant running around in circles chasing his own tail.” Zeff let out a rough laugh as he remembered Sanji’s rant over the way Zoro dressed.

“Chopper is quite smitten with him, too. He’s even been buckling down on his knowledge of puncture wounds and sutures.” Kureha crossed her arms and leaned back into her chair. “I haven’t seen him this geared up over his work in a long time.”

“I admit he has surpassed my expectations as well. I only wonder what will come of it when his father shows up.” Yuu sighed as he thought of the man his daughter had married. “Garp, I think it’s time we called a meeting with the younger generation. They need to know what they are facing.”

The Chief fell back into his chair with a heavy thud. “Damn, we’re too old for this shit.”

“Speak for yourself!” The old woman argued. “I’m just as good now as I was then.”

“You were never one of the ones out there getting shot at either,” Garp barked back.

“That’s enough.” Yuu put his hand on his friend’s arm to calm him down. “There’s still another issue at hand. I received a rather nasty message from his underlings yesterday. Fortunately, I was able to distort enough of the words so Zoro could not read them when he arrived, however he has decided he needs to search out the individuals responsible.”

“Is he ready?” Kureha tapped her fingers together in thought.

“I believe so,” Yuu answered. “But I’m worried about the new recruits in the gang. We need someone to do some scouting, but every face we have is well known.”

Everyone at the table considered the suggestion and seemed to be thinking of whom they could call on for assistance. The D brothers were thrown out because of their familiar faces around the precinct, as was Smoker. Chopper was too young, Sanji was already wanted, and Zoro had just been targeted as well. They needed someone new, a fresh face, and Yuu knew just who to ask. Who could better than a couple of idiots, currently on their way into town, who would do anything for their beloved aniki? Fortunately, when Johnny couldn’t get a hold of Zoro again, he had called and left a message on the house phone saying what time he and Yosaku would be arriving at the airport. It was perfect timing.

Zeff nudged Yuu under the table with his foot and nodded his head to the last man sitting with them. Garp had picked up the brown envelope and was studying it intently. From the look on his face you could tell he was very confused and yet curious. When he turned it over to open it, they could see the ‘To’ and ‘From’ addresses clearly.

“Do you think he has a clue?” Zeff asked, playing with one of the ends of his moustache.

“Not yet, but I’m sure he will soon.” Yuu stood up to refill his coffee when the entire house shook from a thunderous shout.

“WHAT THE HELL!!” Garp sat there staring at the very professional pictures of his eldest grandson in women’s lingerie.

“Oh my.” Kureha looked over his shoulder and hummed approvingly. “Very nice.”

Zeff snatched one out from the stack and began laughing so hard he almost fell out of his chair. Yuu, after recovering from almost scalding himself with his drink, snuck over to stand beside his ‘girlfriend’ to see the extent of the shocking evidence. He joined in the laughter with the others, unable to do more than sit down on the floor and wipe the tears.

Garp sat there gaping at the pornographic photos in shock. He knew that there was something wrong with his grandchild, but that wasn’t exactly what caught him off guard. It was to whom the words that were scribbled on the note accompanying them that was his undoing. He read them over a dozen times, trying to see if maybe there was a hidden meaning, or a blatant misunderstanding that he had overlooked.

“Logan,

See what you’ve been missing? I saved each outfit in case you saw one that you liked, not that I plan on wearing any of them long. Hurry up, or I’ll get bored and find someone else who wants to play with me.

Ace

Garp yanked out his phone and started punching in numbers. He had to start over three times before he entered it right. When voicemail picked up, he glared over at Yuu.

“You knew didn’t you?” He growled as Yuu nodded through his tearful laughter. The message finished and the beep sounded. “Dragon! That disgraceful son of yours has really done it this time. It’s not like I don’t have enough shit to deal with, he has to come and screw everything up even more! When it was just him, I could overlook most of it, but now he’s pulling one of my best detectives down with him! I want you at my house tomorrow night for dinner. Bring that boy of yours as well. He has a lot to answer for.”

On the other side of town, Ace felt the chilling sense of foreboding doom grip his heart. As quickly as it came, it was replaced with delicious heat as his lover filled him yet again. Ace prayed that whatever it was waited until he could at least walk properly. Never again would he mock the detective’s age and stamina. Ok, well at least not for a month or two. He needed to build up his own before he did that again.

DK*DK*DK*DK

On the far end of the terminal, Frank exited his plane, tired and stiff after being trapped in one seat or another for the past 23 hours. International flights were the worst. He rubbed his eyes and stretched his arms high above his head, groaning at the popping sound of each joint as he tried to relieve the tension. He might as well admit it; he was getting old. His body might look good, but in reality, it was on the verge of breaking down. His twenty years of service were almost up, and he couldn’t wait. Frank trudged over to the baggage claim and found a seat.

He wondered what his son would say when he saw him. Would he be upset? Would he freak out? Even worse, what would he think when he revealed the reason behind his visit? So many factors to take into account and so too many outcomes to even try to predict what would happen. He should have had this kind of talk with him a long time ago. It was his responsibility as a father to be held accountable for what had happened. As long as Zoro was ok, he could live with whatever the results were. He was his son after all. Frank closed his eyes and leaned his head against the wall behind him.

So, Zoro was in love with a blond haired, blue-eyed guy. The same guy who was the reporter for the college paper that was publishing the articles about the Dark Knight. How could that boy make such a serious blunder? He should have cut all ties with the guy as soon as he rescued him. Frank wouldn’t blame his son for trying to save an innocent victim, but to get involved with them after was just plain stupid. It was superhero rule number… well it was probably in the top five or something. Maybe he should write that down. Then again, it wasn’t as if he used to obey the rules either. That happened only after she found out his secret. When she left him, he joined the Navy, and soon they stopped speaking altogether. He got her letter about her health only a few days before her death. It saddened him that he could not make it in time for her funeral, but often the military does not meet ones personal needs as well as one desired.

He was so lost in his memories that he never realized that someone was standing over him until the smell of rum hit his senses and a pair of wet lips met with his in a tender kiss. A rough, calloused hand caressed his cheek and Frank opened his eyes to look into the amused gaze of his old love.

“Hey, Green.”

“Hello, Red.”