The Dark Knight of GLU

Chapter 9
Defining Normalcy

All Zoro could think about was Sanji. The sound of his voice, the way his hair always fell back over his face, the smell of his cologne combined with smoke, the taste of his lips, and the feel of his hard, lean body as they ground together in his memories. It was driving him nuts. Every time he closed his eyes, he was back in that alley, wanting and ready. If he didn’t get himself under control soon he wouldn’t be able to make it through class.

Zoro woke up that morning completely aroused and an hour behind schedule. The alarm was unplugged and his grandfather nowhere to be found. The normal morning workout would have to wait because he barely had time for a shower before needing to leave for school. He turned the water on as cold as he could stand in hopes of trying to alleviate his problem. Fifteen minutes later, he was standing outside waiting for his cousin to show up.

Smoker pulled into the drive at exactly 0800 in a sharp looking silver pickup. He barely waited for Zoro to buckle before putting the truck into reverse and leaving. They rode in comfortable silence to the downtown station.

“Wait, why are we here?” Zoro looked around in confusion.

“This is where I work, or did you forget?” Smoker scoffed as he got out.

“Jackass, I meant why here instead of the school? I thought you were giving me a ride to campus.” Zoro grabbed his messenger bag and followed the older man into the building.

“I have too much work to do. Some damn punk keeps beating the shit out of one of the local gangs and I am left to fill out the paperwork.” Smoker purposely emphasized the word punk as he grumbled about the issue. He groaned as large man with a strange looking hat that resembled a dog’s head walked out of an office and headed towards them. “Whatever you do, don’t open your mouth.”

“Smoker! Good to see you here so early. And who is this that you’ve brought in, that new boyfriend I’ve been hearing about?” The old man laughed boisterously and clapped the detective on the back, hard.

“Hell no! This is my cousin Zoro. Kid this is my boss Chief Garp Monkey.”

“It’s good to meet you, sir.” Zoro fought the urge to bow and merely held out his hand in greeting. The man’s name was familiar though, and he couldn’t help but ask. Besides, when did he ever listen to Logan? “Do you have a couple of grandkids my age? I know another Monkey.”

Garp’s face darkened and he glared at the green-haired man with fierce intensity. “I did once. But they disgraced themselves and I refuse to acknowledge them. Good for nothing, worthless, lazy washouts! I gave them the chance to join me here and what did they do? They threw it all away to go on some silly adventure of soul searching, or some bullshit. I could care less about them.”

Zoro grinned as the man stomped away muttering about how inconsiderate youth were these days. He was exactly like Luffy and Ace described him. Now to deal with the angry member of his own family. If there was a patent for lethal death glares, he thought that he and Logan would be tied for the fiercest lately. Maybe it really was something to do with pent-up sexual frustration. That must mean that Ace wasn’t having a bit of luck winning him over.

“How are things going with your lover?” Why not, he had time to spare before class, though he still wasn’t sure how he would be getting there.

“If you’re speaking of that miscreant you call a friend, I could care less.” Smoker sat down at his desk and began pilfering through paperwork, refusing to look up at his amused spectator. Realizing his answer wasn’t working, he gave in and continued. “It’s gotten worse. He has somehow found out where I live and tried to serenade me over the weekend. If my neighbors come up missing I’m blaming you for everything, including giving him my name.”

Zoro threw back his head and laughed. “Just give in! Think about it logically. You get all your problems solved with one little three-letter word. Fuck him and all these screwy tactics stop; and you even get to vent your frustrations out on him in rough, hard sex.”

Smoker groaned at the thought. It had been a while since he had a relationship, and Portgas was certainly an attractive man. That loincloth had just about been his undoing last week. When he was called out to the city zoo for a Tarzan wannabe, he never expected the brat to take the costume to that level. He hadn’t been able to hide his erection from Portgas or Tashigi then, much to his chagrin. That was one of the reasons he appreciated having the girl as a partner. She knew when to just turn her head and keep quiet. He was beginning to wonder if she was enjoying his torment, though. Honestly the only thing holding him back right now from taking the freckled raven was the fact that he had no desire to get on the bad side of the Chief and had yet to find out the old man’s standing on homosexual relationships. Once he found that out, he would know better how to proceed.

“Che, you’re one to talk. You’re playing with fire on your own end there.” Smoker laughed at the disgruntled frown on the younger man’s face. “Maybe you should just take a bit of your own advice there. I’ve seen what you look like under that façade. I bet if you show that to him, he’d be the one chasing you around like a lost puppy.”

“Then have him blab it on that damn paper of his? I don’t think so. I’ll find another way.” Zoro turned away from him and watched the other officers coming in and out of the room. “You ever feel like fate is just laughing at you?”

“Every time I get a call about Portgas.” Smoker nodded in agreement. He fished a set of keys out of the top drawer of his desk. “Here take the truck, just be careful. You do have a license right? You know what, don’t answer that. I’m going to assume yes since you’ve been driving Uncle Yuu’s car around all this time.”

“I got my license back in Okinawa on base. I just don’t know if it’s legal here.” Zoro snatched the keys and grinned as he took off.

“Damn it, Kid, I’m serious!” Smoker stood up to chase him and ran into his partner as she came through the door with the morning coffee barring his way. “If you fucking wreck my truck I’ll tell Frank you’re working the streets!”

Zoro threw up a hand in a half wave just before disappearing from sight.

DK*DK*DK*DK

Classes ran as normal, which in itself was strange for Zoro. He looked around for his favorite blonde, but failed to see him anywhere including his normal hangout during the lunch hour. It annoyed him that he felt so lost not seeing the reporter around campus. He toyed with the idea of going over to Ace’s after they picked up the car and just happen to stop by and say thanks for the dinner the other night, but he was sure it would sound as lame coming out of his mouth as it did in his head. How in the world was he supposed to get on the blonde’s good side if all they did was fight and argue each time they were within sight of each other. Shoving his books into his bag with more force than necessary, he got ready to leave for the day.

His class at the dojo was also strange. The Horsemen were all acting odd, slightly depressed and very distracted. Things were really off with every movement almost as if they were hindered by an injury. He called them on their mistakes, hoping that it would snap them out of whatever funk they were in. At the end of class, the four boys stood in front of their sensei, heads bowed in shame.

“One of you will be telling me what is going on or none of you will return.” Zoro crossed his arms and widened his stance, the imposing aura having the desired effect.

“We’re working on fixing, Sensei, seriously!” Chad blurted out.

“It’s not like we asked for it.” Mark argued.

“Shh, guys don’t tell him.” Brian whined.

“He can’t do anything anyway.” Sam pouted.

“And I can’t make that decision if I don’t know what is going on, so out with it!” His annoyance grew with each evasive answer. The boys looked at each other clearly not wanting to say. Zoro walked towards them, causing the boys to jump and take a step back. Finally, Chad answered.

“There’s these guys from the upper class that jumped Brian the other day. They kicked our asses.”

“Chad,” Brian hissed.

“Wait… You guys were beat?” Zoro stood there in shock.

“If we used our training, we’d cripple them. All that would do would get us suspended.” Sam mumbled.

“So you’re telling me that you took a beating because you didn’t want to hurt them?” Zoro cocked his head to the side as he studied the brokenhearted children.

“You’re probably really disappointed in us, huh?” Mark chanced looking up at his sensei.

“Actually quite the opposite.” Zoro knelt down on the floor in front of the boys. “While you should never let someone take advantage of you, it takes a great amount of training to be able to control yourselves like that. I couldn’t be more proud.”

They all four looked at him in surprise and smiled, each of them standing taller and stronger than before. Even with all their bruises and cuts, their sensei was proud, and that was all that mattered to them. They had made the right decision, and it felt good. Zoro was tackled to the ground beneath the hugs and thanks of his Horsemen. He noticed Jiji in the doorway smiling and nodding in approval, his own pride at his grandson’s actions evident in his strut as he walked down the hall.

DK*DK*DK*DK

Ace walked into the showers right as Zoro stepped under the spray to rinse his hair. He watched the water run off his body and admired each shift of muscle as the green haired man washed away the sweat from his afternoon training. With a mischievous smirk he tiptoed up behind him, slid his arms around the developed chest and pressed his own naked body fully against the other’s back. He felt Zoro stiffen and couldn’t hold back the chuckle any longer.
“Damn it Ace, knock it off.”

Ace let go and leaned back when an elbow came towards his face. “You know I bet if you let Sanji see you like this, he’ll be spreading his legs in a heartbeat. I know I would if I weren’t already involved with someone.”

“That someone hates your guts, you know. You’ve been trying for… What is it, three weeks now? And still he’d rather throw you out of his car than take what you offer.”

“Yah, but I’m wearing him down. He’ll cave soon.” Ace had a happy grin on his face as he quickly washed. “So how are we going to get the car?”

“It’s only a couple miles from here so I figure we’d pull it with the truck. Think you can stay awake long enough for that?” Zoro’s snickered at his friend’s fake look of shock.

“I can’t believe you think of me that way. How rude!” Ace slapped him lightly on the shoulder and turned to stomp out.

“We’re going in Logan’s truck...” Zoro sang out after him.

Ace was dressed in record time and stood by the door impatiently yelling at him to hurry up and get his clothes on. He stared in awe at the impressive piece of machinery before hopping up inside, breathing deeply the smell of familiar cigars. Zoro chucked and shook his head at him, but Ace knew the man would do the same thing if he ever got into a certain blonde’s car.

It took them a bit more work than originally planned, but they managed to get the wagon back home before it got too dark. Ace tried his best to convince his friend that he could be trusted to drive the truck, but no amount of begging or pleading seemed to help. He gave up when Zoro offered to drive him back to his apartment.

“You just want to go see your own little fantasy boy, don’t you?” He taunted.

Zoro narrowed his eyes, but couldn’t help the brief flush of color that dusted his cheeks. “At least I’ve gotten to kiss him. That’s more than you can say.”

“What! When?” Ace sat up straight, leaning towards him to make sure he caught every word.

“Last night. I’m sure you’ll be reading about it in next week’s paper.”

“Wait… then you didn’t really kiss him, the Dark Knight did. That’s kinda sad, don’t you think?” Zoro looked over at him and glared. Ace kept grinning and waited for his answer.

“At least he wants the Dark Knight. Of that I’m certain.” Ace could hear the disappointment in his voice. “If he ever gets to know me he’ll figure things out immediately, then where will I be? … I’d rather have him as one than not have him at all. If that’s what the Knight gives me, then that’s what I’ll take.”

They pulled up into the parking lot and Ace hesitated getting out. He leaned over and gave Zoro a soft kiss. When he pulled back, he gave his friend a soft smile to alleviate some of the tension.

“I’m sorry,” he whispered and cupped the tanned cheek. “I just couldn’t stand that I was the only one to not do it yet.”

Ace ducked the backhand that Zoro threw at him, and laughed. “Besides I just had to know if Luffy was right.”

Zoro’s puzzled look was priceless.

“He said you tasted like rum even though you hadn’t been drinking it,” Ace shrugged his shoulders, “and he was right.” The puzzled look was gone, replaced with one of annoyance as he continued. “I wonder what Sanji would say his hero tastes like.”

“Oh, shit! You don’t think Luffy would have said anything to the shitty-cook do you?” Zoro looked worried.

Ace leaned back against the seat and tried to figure out how to convince his little brother to keep quiet. “Don’t worry. I’m pretty sure that Sanji’s told him he doesn’t want to discuss that kiss ever again. It freaked him out to see my little brother kissing a guy. Luffy’s as straight as they come.”

Zoro shook his head as he tried to forget the kiss he shared with the youngest D. Ace told him that all men in his family carried the “D” with pride. It reminded him about another family member he had met earlier that day.

“Oi, you might want to get back on your granddad’s good side. He likes Logan.” Zoro clapped him on the shoulder and shoved him towards the door. “Get out of my truck. I have school tomorrow. Tell Luffy to keep his mouth shut and maybe I’ll put in a good word with that redhead for him.”

“Che, be careful what you say about her. He’s infatuated big time.” Ace slid out of the truck and shut the door, running his fingers lightly across the paint as he walked by. One day he vowed it would be bare skin his fingers were caressing instead of a vehicle. He wasn’t giving up for anything.

DK*DK*DK*DK

Life was strange, or so he was beginning to believe. He woke up in a great mood, worked out, had coffee with Jiji, and drove to school in a beautiful new truck. He got to campus and found a spot right outside the building of his last class to park, then was met with open arms by both Luffy and Ace. They brought another cup of coffee and an almost empty box of donuts.

“Ace said you’d help me with Nami.” Luffy said between bites.

“Who?” Zoro snagged the last pastry before the bottomless pits could get to it. He let Ace put his arm around his shoulders as they walked and ignored the open stares the three of them were getting.

“The redhead. Remember I told you you’d better be careful what you promised.” Ace reminded him.

They walked into the classroom and almost all noise stopped for a few seconds before resuming at a quieter level. Zoro wondered just what they would be thinking now that he had shown up with both his alleged boyfriend and another of his little trysts. He wondered how long it would take for the wicked witch of the South to show her face.

“Nami! Will you go out to dinner with me-” Luffy ran up to her, eyes filled with hope.

“Look, I told you last time-“

“-at the Baratie on Friday?”

Nami stopped mid sentence with her mouth hanging open. She looked back and forth between the doe-eyed boy and Zoro trying to decide what to do. You could see the battle being waged in her eyes as she tried to weigh the pros and cons, dinner at an expensive restaurant definitely a plus.

“Luffy?” A small voice said.

“Oh, hey Chopper. What’s up?” Luffy stepped around Nami to speak with his friend. “Sorry I haven’t been around in a while, this semester is killing me. What have you been up to lately? Still working with your mom?”

“Doctorine has been working me hard on my medical knowledge. I want to be as good of a doctor as she is one day, but right now I have to wait for my residency.” The small brunette looked a bit depressed as he spoke.

“You know each other?” Nami shouted.

Chopper and Luffy looked over at her, acting as if they had forgotten she was even there. They blinked owlishly for a moment before nodding and resuming their conversation. Zoro leaned over and whispered into Ace’s ear.

“I think he’s just what she needs.”

Ace grinned and agreed. The professor entered and looked up at them in aggravation. You could tell he was tired of them being there when they didn’t belong. He cleared his throat a few times before Ace gave in and grabbed Luffy by the back of his shirt and pulled him out.

“Bye Nami! I’ll pick you up at 7 on Friday.”

He shouted before the doors shut. The class giggled at her red face and she turned in an angry huff back to her seat. Chopper, books still in hand, hurried and took refuge next to the grinning green-haired man instead of his normal place by the redhead’s side. Zoro looked down at him with compassion and gave him a nod of encouragement. The smile he received in return would have brightened anyone’s day.

The little teenager stopped him after class and reminded him that tomorrow was when they would be meeting for the project. He assured the boy he was free and would be there. Zoro even took out his phone and programmed in the information to his reminder alarm just to prove the point. The happy look on Chopper’s face contradicted his words, but Zoro was sure that the kid was pleased. He shook his head at the boy’s antics and left for his next class. There were only a few more hours before he could see his secret lover again.

Zoro hurried to his last class, now very close to being late. His last professor pulled him aside to ask if everything was alright since he had been constantly fidgeting and looking at his watch during the lecture. He never realized that the man even paid attention to him, not to mention gave a damn. This meant he wasn’t as camouflaged as he thought. Just because he had scored almost perfect on every assignment and test, didn’t mean that he wanted to be singled out. He just wanted to get school over with and move on in life. Hopefully towards a sexy blue-eyed blonde’s bed in the near future if he could work it out.

There he was the supporting character in his erotic dreams. Sanji stood at the front of the class dressed in a royal blue button down shirt tucked into impossibly tight faded jeans. The blonde bent over to speak with someone in the row below him and Zoro had to force himself to stay in place, knowing it would be bad to attack and rape him here in front of all these witnesses. He really wished he had not freaked on his friends while they were visiting. He really needed to get laid. Just then, Sanji stood and turned towards the side door showing off the dark purple mark on his neck. Nami had seen it as well and was currently interrogating the blonde as to where it came from.

Zoro stiffly took his seat and brought out his notebook, fighting down the possessive anger he was longing to release upon the redhead for touching what didn’t belong to her. Seeing his little reporter turn down her demand for answers had him practically preening with joy. However, it quickly turned into a sulking pout when the blonde’s eyes floated right over him without acknowledgement as he scanned the room. The dark eyes kept their focus on Sanji the entire class, memorizing every curve, every movement, every thing he possibly could. He wasn’t obsessed, he was just really, really interested. Yah that would convince no one. He needed help, especially since it was now 2230 and he was sitting in Logan’s truck outside of a very familiar apartment building watching the shadows pass behind windows on the second floor.

Zoro temporarily gave up his fascination with Sanji’s late night activities around midnight when the bedroom light was turned off and a jaw-cracking yawn reminded him he’d already had a long day and needed to get up early the next day for class.

Zoro was greatly disappointed the following morning when he remembered he didn’t share any classes with the blonde that day. Luffy’s continued attempts to woo Nami were amusing for a while, but then thoughts of Sanji returned to mind. Thankfully, nothing the professors said were of much concern to him. There were no tests that day, so all Zoro needed to do was just mindlessly copy the notes the professor wrote on the whiteboard. Zoro was contemplating another secret trip Sanji’s place to see if anything had happened when Chopper caught up with him in the courtyard and reminded Zoro that their project meeting was that night.

DK*DK*DK*DK

At 1800, he pulled up to a small house on the outskirts of town and wondered if he had the right address. This was where the GPS directed him, but those things were know to lie sometimes. Oh well, if it was wrong he could just go home and catch up on some much needed study time. Grabbing his bag, he walked up to the front door and knocked. Before he could even hit the door twice it flew open and Chopper was there ushering him inside.

“My mom isn’t home until late today. She’s making a few house calls. Not many doctors do that anymore, but she says it’s an important part of family practice.” The short teen was too happy for his own good. “The others are already here in the living room. Come on, I’ll show you the way.”

Sitting on the floor around a large coffee table were two other students. One was a pretty, young girl with blonde hair and an aura that screamed she was gullible and innocent. Next to her sat a young man, also with blonde hair pulled back into a ponytail at the nape of his neck and dressed like a ‘70’s disco star. The size of his lapels was enough to make Zoro wonder if the man could fly.

“Guys this is Zoro, our other group member. Zoro this is Helmeppo and Conis. They’re in class with us too.”

Zoro eyed them both and wondered where they sat, because he had never seen them before. Despite a certain cook’s ideas, he did have manners and walked over to shake hands with them both. He thought the young girl would pass out when their skin connected and made sure to pull away quickly. The man was a different matter all together. His grip was almost vice like, though the green-haired man scoffed at his significant difference in strength. He acted almost like Zoro had spurned him at one point in time and he was holding a grudge. It amused the swordsman and he did his best to goad the man all night out of boredom. Conis seemed oblivious, but Chopper caught on quickly and had a hard time holding back his giggles. When the outline was established and the next meeting was set, Zoro stood to leave.

“I have to get back and check on Jiji. Chopper… Ja ne.” Zoro addressed the young man he had immediately taken a liking to. If he could have a younger brother, he would want one like him; smart, happy and full of mischief.

“Bye Zoro!” Chopper waved, eyes filled with admiration, and Zoro prayed he had not developed an idol complex.

A brief nod to Conis earned him another heated blush as the girl stuttered her goodbyes. Last but not least, he looked over to Helmeppo and smirked, letting the pain in the ass think whatever he wanted of the meaningless action. The guy’s piss-poor attitude had gotten on his nerves all night, acting as if he were better than everyone else. Then the idiot even tried to brag about his skills with a sword and how he planned on finding out who the Dark Knight really was and challenging him. Zoro let him go on for a few minutes before ‘accidentally’ tripping him and watched the guy fall flat on his face. Seeing the lack of reaction time and poor coordination assured him that there was nothing to worry about.

He climbed into the truck and turned towards the center of town. There was one more blonde he wanted to see tonight before he headed home.

DK*DK*DK*DK

Sanji had been torn between heaven and hell since that night when he made out with his mysterious hero in a dark alley. He swore he could still hear the man’s seductive whispers in his ears. His wrists still burned where they had been held tight against the cold door. If he closed his eyes and let himself go, he could even imagine those rough, chapped lips were still dancing across the damp skin of his neck. It was torture!

He sat down every night after work at his computer trying to write the article and ended up fantasizing about the steel of a blade connecting with the sole of his shoe. The power that man could wield was amazing. Sanji hadn’t had that much of a thrill in a very long time. His last opponent was his ex-boyfriend Gin, and that had been three years ago. Now he was lucky to do a bit of sparring with Patty and Zeff on his days off. There was no better adrenaline rush than a fight you didn’t know if you could win.

By Thursday, Sanji was ready to pull his hair out. Zeff sent him home with the orders to get his this shit out of his system and quick. He heard the music and laughter coming from Ace’s apartment as he exited the elevator. The door was wide open and the smell of burnt popcorn assaulted his senses. Curiosity getting the better of him, he ventured down to his friend’s place and walked in.

Ace was standing in the middle of the room in a black satin and lace teddy posing for pictures. The wall had been lined with sheets of red silk and the furniture was pushed completely out of the way. Only a giant faux polar bear skin rug was lying on the floor beneath Ace’s feet.

“What the…..” Sanji chose not to even complete the thought as he was attacked by the youngest Monkey.

“Sanji! Doesn’t he look pretty? Robin picked it out.” Luffy pointed to the raven-haired woman operating the camera. “He already modeled the thing with the string up his ass. I was laughing so hard at that one I forgot about my popcorn on the stove. That’s why we have the door open. It really stinks in here, and now I’m out of snacks.” Luffy’s smile faded into a pout at the reminder of his lost food.

“Ok. Oh! I need you to get me reservations at Baratie tomorrow night.” Luffy beamed with excitement.

“You finally get that girl to agree to go out with you?” Sanji smiled at his grinning friend.

“Yup! Zoro helped me.”

Sanji shook his head as he tried to imagine the green-haired idiot doing anything at all with the fairer sex. The Neanderthal had the charm of a turnip and the whit of an onion. What could he have possibly done to help Luffy romantically?

He watched Ace follow the photographer’s directions and get down on his hands and knees on the floor, his ass facing the camera and looking back over his shoulder. Sanji couldn’t help but appreciate the view and wondered just how much this little escapade was costing his freckled friend. He reached into his pocket for a cigarette and realized he had gotten down to the last two.

“I want it to be the perfect night. Then Nami will have to be mine.” Luffy sat on the back of the couch and clapped his feet together in a childish fashion.

“Nami!? You’re going out with Nami?” Sanji couldn’t believe his ears.

“Uh, huh. Zoro says I’m perfect for her.”

Sanji stood there trying to comprehend how the moron could come to that conclusion when he hated the redheaded beauty. Tossing his spent cigarette out the open window, he decided to head down the street to Paulie’s for another pack. Tomorrow would be too late and if he hurried, he could possibly see Kaku and get them free.

“Hey Luffy, I’m outa here. Tell Mr. Playboy over there I want to see the proofs before they get mailed.”

“Sure thing, Sanji!” Luffy waved and turned back to the photo shoot.

DK*DK*DK*DK
 
The air was heavy with the promise of rain again. Soon the weather would turn cold and they would be sifting through snow. The idea of seeing all the beautiful women bundled up in heavy parkas and snow boots dampened Sanji’s spirits, but he turned and headed towards the only local store open at this hour. Unfortunately, it was several blocks away, but the blonde felt the need to stretch his legs and picked up the pace.

Zoro had been sitting in the truck trying to work up the courage to just go talk to the blonde when he noticed Sanji walking out the door. He immediately ducked down and hid as best he could while keeping an eye on the tall skinny man. When the blonde began walking down the street, Zoro felt the strong need to follow and make sure he was safe. The shifty looking men that fell in step behind the unsuspecting reporter reaffirmed that feeling. Reaching for his hooded jacket, he came up short, remembering that this wasn’t his vehicle. Quickly he began searching for something that would make do. An old navy rain slicker was stowed under the front seat, thankfully large enough to cover him nicely. He dug out his sword, and wondering if there would be more guns, he opted to bring the red one this time as well. It was only as an afterthought that he had even put the case in the truck with him this morning. The familiar weight of both swords felt warm in his hand and he smiled, thinking the blades were as excited to be doing this as he was. Shoving them into his belt, he ran off in the direction the others had taken and prayed that no ill would come of this night.

Sanji ambled down the sidewalk, thinking about the funny way fate kept bringing him all these captivating stores and throwing him into tense situations. A threatening voice behind him made his blood go cold and his eyes widen in fear. He was shit-out-of-luck if there were more than one or two people behind him.

“You’ve given us a lot of trouble these last few weeks, Blondie. You and your hooded friend have caused us nothing but problems. Ever since he stepped in that night, we’ve been screwed. Nothing goes right and now two of us are sitting in jail, two more have crippled hands and our boss is on a rampage.” The intimidating figure stepped in close behind Sanji and pressed something cold and hard into the blonde’s lower back. “Be a good boy and don’t scream this time. We want to talk to you… alone.”

Sanji swallowed hard and nodded. Knives he could possibly fight against, but guns were something different. All he had to fight with was his feet, and they were no good for stopping bullets. He let the men escort him down the side street and around the corner. A little further, they entered an old warehouse and flicked on a few dim lights. Four men this time, one from the first attack and three he didn’t know, surrounded him. Sanji was roughly thrown into a chair and bound at his hands and feet. Panic didn’t fully set in until they blindfolded him.

“Tell us about the guy from the alley. We know he took you somewhere afterwards that first night. The other people were left at the scene so what makes you special?” The voice was familiar, and Sanji assumed it was the man from the first mugging.

“Look, I don’t know who he is. I was unconscious when he brought me home, or at least I’m assuming it was him. I’ve never seen his face. If you want his identity, you’re talking to the wrong person.” Sanji tested the ropes and winced as the rough hemp cut into his wrists. Ironically, he wondered where his savior was tonight.

“Maybe we’re using the wrong kind of talk,” an unknown voice said and suddenly pain erupted in his abdomen. “Let’s see if this jogs your memory.”

A few punches later Sanji felt as if his stomach was in his throat. Laughter rang out along with encouraging shouts then suddenly the air went still and all noise stopped. Sanji sat there slumped over gasping for breath as he tried to reach out with his remaining senses to find out what was going on in the room.

“I’m fucking sick of this shit.” Sanji mumbled sourly as he tried once again to work his hands free from the hemp ropes. Well, at least that idiot Zoro wasn’t there. He’d never live down his know-it-all snark about his shortcomings.

The sound of weapons being drawn from their holsters caused him to hold his breath. Something had put these men on edge and that could mean anything from a rescue to maybe the main boss joining the party. Praying against all odds that his hero had come to save him, Sanji allowed hope to enter his mind.

“He went that way!” one shouted.

“Shit, he’s fast.” Another grumbled.

“Let’s see him dodge this,” the familiar voice chuckled and two shots rang out followed by the sound of something sliding across the cement floor.