Title: A Golden Encounter
Author: Xarciel
Chapter: One
Rating: K (this chapter only)
Word Count: 760
Pairing: Sanji/Barnaby
Warnings: None
Author's Notes: A crack-fic inspired by Rae-Wolf-Demon, because the concept was too good to ignore. The setting is just all of the One Piece characters slotted into the T&B world, though more specific details will be explained further in the fic.
"Oh no, I assure you it's nothing like that," Barnaby laughs, a glass of chardonnay in one hand. It's eleven o'clock, and the function had started at seven, but even so Barnaby doubts it will wrap up any time soon. The last four hours of his time have been spent schmoozing with company executives and media moguls, pulling out all the stops to make sure that Barnaby Brooks Jr's way to the top of the Hero Board is clear. In the Hero business media representation is nearly as important as the challenges themselves, and he knows that he's already creating a sensation amongst the viewers.
The business man of the moment tuts appropriately in response to Barnaby's comment, and raises one hand to stroke his rather curly moustache. Sensing another long-winded story in the works Barnaby extricates himself from the conversation with the skill of an old pro, taking the chance to shake the gentleman's hand before he makes his escape, draining the last of his wine from the glass.
Barnaby sighs. It had been a long day. That fool Kotetsu is still not taking their business seriously, and he's starting to seriously wonder if the older man ever will. It's only when he made it over to the bar to dispose of his now empty glass of wine that he realises that he can feel a headache coming on. On top of everything else the vintages of wine they're serving tonight are subpar at best, so his original plan to get him through the night by enjoying fine wine was ruined before it even began. Heading home is a tempting idea. He sits down heavily in one of the bar stools, contemplating whether it would be too early to call it a night when he hears a familiar voice from behind him.
"Excuse me sir," the man says, voice deep and steady in the way it only is when he's feeling serious. He hadn't seen Kotetsu all night- truthfully he wasn't even aware that the older man had been invited to this function, but it's this twist of fate that makes him decide that for once leaving a party early won't kill his reputation. He braces himself for the man's childish nature and turned of the barstool to face him, expression impassive.
Except, that isn't Kotetsu. In his place is a tall slim man in a well-tailored suit, the gold buttons and red silk shirt an elegant contrast against the charcoal black of the jacket and pants. There's no tie, instead the shirt is open just enough to see the man's jutting collarbones and the top of his pecs, revealing that despite the slim build he's not as skinny as he looks.
"Do you mind if I join you?" The man asks, and Barnaby looks away from him and shakes his head, gesturing to the empty seat beside him.
"Not at all," he replies, turning his attention to the man's face. There's a cerulean blue eye admiring him, it's partner hidden under the golden fringe the man has pulled down over his face. He has a strong jaw, a well-trimmed goatee that can't stop him from comparing this stranger to Kotetsu again, and most noticeable of all, a curled eyebrow, resting in the centre of his forehead.
The man's eyes are wandering over him, and Barnaby realises with a start that they've been checking each other out. How base, this is a high-class gathering, not some city-side tavern.
"You look like a man who enjoys a fine wine," the stranger comments, resting one arm against the bar as his body faces Barnaby. "I've found the circulating selection tonight rather lacking, but they only offer wine by the bottle here, and it is rather uncouth to drink alone. Can I interest you in joining me for a bottle of Rosé?" The man grins at him, and Barnaby nods, adding a quiet 'it would be my pleasure'. The man waves a barman over, requesting his vintage, and then it's just the two of them, the tinkling of glasses and murmur of conversation from the crowd the only thing to fill the void.
"I'm Barnaby Brook Jr, pleased to meet you," Barnaby says finally, extending a hand.
"Sanji Blackleg," the stranger with Kotetsu's voice replies, and raises Barnaby's hand to his lips, kissing it in the way that he would for a lady. Barnaby blushes, and as he notices the mischievous glint in Blackleg's eye, he realises that tonight is looking up after all.