[At least, with two years distance between now and then, even with memories being tossed back and forth between them, a lot that was raw and hard then has cooled by now. Zoro lets him rage back, his lips twitching briefly as if to stop himself from interrupting. It stung, being reminded that it wasn't just about him. He and the cook were carrying the full weight of that moment together, so that none of the others would ever have to know that kind of pain and worry. But that means however he feels about that day, Sanji feels it, too.]

You don't gotta worry about me. [although, too little too late, there. He sighs and tips his head back against the back of the couch.] Look, there's no point in arguing about it. That was a long time ago, and we're both stronger now. You saw for yourself what I had to do to get there, and I've seen your hell. That time, that'll never happen again.

[he sits up and then shifts slightly toward Sanji, his eye still focused mainly on his hands in his lap. It could almost be mistaken for shyness.]

If you saw what I said to Hawk-Eyes, to get him to train me...then you know. It's not about carrying her dream with me. It's not about me at all, anymore.

[that was the most open he had ever been, his plea came from a heart laid bare and exposed. He wouldn't ever even be able to say so, but if Sanji witnessed it through spirit-fox shenanigans, he doesn't have to. He can only hope the cook understands what he saw.]