[It's not like he's forgotten, it simply had to be packed away like a favorite shirt that's too small to wear. That night in Cocoyashi, the happy babble of celebrating villagers, the burn across his chest fading to a dull ache the more he drank, and the cook sitting across from him, casually lighting up a smoke and just talking, not mocking or fighting or anything yet. Zoro had looked at him and wondered. He'd seen Sanji's abilities first-hand, he had already learned in just a few short moments that this man, this new crewmate, could be trusted. And, damn, he was an amazing fighter, there was real power hiding underneath that fancy suit. But then their personalities clashed, things got in the way, women got in the way even if it was only in Sanji's mind, and so Zoro's interest slumbered.

What changed? As he sits there, thinking about it, Zoro can only really chalk it up to this new world of theirs.]

No shit. Just...I dunno, this place, maybe. [and one really awkward thing but hey, the question's been asked, he might as well answer] Then there was that day you brought the books home from the library. I know it wasn't real but. [a small, stiff shrug] Things don't stay buried after a thing like that.

[it sounds so dumb, especially with his complete lack of eloquence, but it's all true]