"EHH? So you're really Luffys brother?" Nami mused, mouth agape.
She had heard about Luffys brother constantly but figured he'd be and act like another Luffy. What she saw in front of her was the total opposite.
Ace set a cloth napkin onto his lap.
"I'm afraid so." He said jokingly looking back up at everyone. He was quite use to the baffled looks on people's faces when told that he was in fact related to Luffy.
"Wow..." Zoro, who's face was usually un scathed by anything and apathetic towards everything, was just as confused and intrigued as the others were. Sure he'd seen Ace pull up in his drive way to drop Luffy at his house a couple times before, but he never has officially met him. He was impressed.
After the commotion over Aces arrival had subsided, everyone sat down and Luffy introduced his friends to Ace. Ace had met Chopper and Usopp before on many Occasions so he skipped them.
"Alright!" Luffy beamed
"Let's go from left to right"
Ace nodded.
Luffy sat at the very end of the long dark oakwood table, and Ace was on Luffys right side. "Let's see.. Skipping these two... Ah! Ok! This is Nami! Then there's Zoro, then Robin at the end of the table over there-" She waved and ace gave a small bow in her direction.
"Then there's Brook, Franky-"
"Oi sorry about the prototype incident!"
Ace sat back and waved a hand at him "Don't mention it! As long as it helped you understand what failed, I don't take it as having lost anything."
Once again every one was amazed by aces demeanor.
Luffys voice continued to trail off.
"And.. Oh hm."
Luffy looked behind him and around at the other tables.
"Where's Sanji?"
"Ah he went to go get the cake!" Nami replied.
"He should be coming in any minute though"
she lifted her wrist up to check the time 6:25 already. She looked back at Luffy, who was unable to sit still due to his big appetite.
"Well I don't see any harm in ordering now while we're at it. Luffy looks like he's about to lose it."
Luffy banged the table with his fists
"YEAH! See this is why Namis the smart one!" She rolled her eyes but definitely didn't doubt what Luffy was saying. Was his compliment motive driven? Yes, but hey it was still a compliment.
Everyone chatted with one another and placed their orders, and everything was going well.
Ace swiveled the wine glass that he had in his hand. He was a bit distant from the others, but he definitely would engage in conversation if someone else came to him. He had talked to Robin about Physics since she was a senior who majored in it as well. Ace liked talking to her, he felt she was the same as him; outgoing, yet reserved. He admired her knowledge and thought she was very sweet. Although she was reserved like Ace, she definitely did her best to engage in conversation and reallt gave off a caring Vibe. She was a really great listener.
Now it was a matter of meeting Sanji.
Sanji.
What a name if it ever was one huh.
He thought it was a lovely name, he's never heard of another person named Sanji in his entire life. He really did wonder what he would be like. He liked Robin, so he'd definitely like Sanji. Ace took a sip of his wine. He honestly was confused as to why he was so intrigued by someone he hadn't even met.
Everyone's conversations ended and turned their attention towards the light blue wooden double doors to the kitchen swinging open. The waiters made their way to the table, trays of plates above their heads held up with one hand. They brought the orders to the respective customer and everyone's faces sparkled at the array of delicious food bestowed upon them.
"LETS EAT!" Luffy shouted. He rolled up his sleeves and started eating viciously. In an instant, two plates had already been downed, traveling through the void that was Luffys never ending appetite. It wasn't until the waiters brought out the plates that Ace realized he had ordered 5 plates for himself. Jeez this kid is really... something else... He wasn't really gonna engage in a food eating competition with him, but if he were to one day he'd doubt he'd be able to match his brothers appetite.
Everyone else knew from the start Luffy wasn't going to wait for anybody or anything once food is set in front of him, but they were conflicted themselves. Ace could tell they were hungry but didn't want to start without Sanji. They all looked at their plates and abstained from eating and stuck to just drinking.
"I think it's alright if you all start eating." Ace stated.
Everyone turned to the Raven haired man who had been silent for most of the day.
"I don't know everyone's situations, but I already ate a buffets full of food before I came here so I can definitely wait for Sanji."
"Usopp looked concerned. "Is that really ok? Are you sure you're not hungry Ace? It's not too much for us all to wait for him, you don't have to do that. You're kind enough as it is you're killing us here!" The long nosed man scratched the back of his head and laughed.
Ace appreciated what they were doing, but reassured them. "No I'm sure! Please go on ahead, I'll be fine really."
7:00.
Everyone was wondering where Sanji went.
Zoro clenched his teeth together, and veins bulged from his forehead. The fact that the two already had such an unstable friendship made his fit of anger ten times worse. "That god damn idiot." He fished his phone out of his pocket so he could text him to hurry the hell up "How long does it take shitty eyebrows to bring a cake here." Just as Zoros finger hovered over the send button, the door to the entrance of the Floating Restaurant opened, and there he was. "Of God damn course" he muttered under his breath.
A tall, lean, blonde man in a slick black suit and tie. That's what had just walked in. He had an air of confidence and the charms of a prince, as cliché as that sounded.
And with him: The cake.
Ace tried not to stare too much. Staring was rude and he couldn't pride himself on being kind if he let rude staring get in the way of it. He stopped himself and downed what was left of the wine in his glass.
Everyone turned their attention to him. Zoro, Usopp, and Chopper all in unison yelled."YOU BASTARD WHERE HAVE YOU BEEN." The trio fuming at the others late arrival.
Sanji strode pass them, paying them no mind except for the words "idiots" slipping out intentionally for them to hear; upon which hearing them, fed their anger. He smiled, walked towards Luffy and placed the cake in front of him, and listened in triumph at the array of vulgar words thrown his way. He patted Luffy on the head "Congrats you idiot."
Luffy eyed widened and was admiring the signature of sogeking on the cake. "SANJI THANKS."
Sanji slid a box of cigarettes out of his pocket and placed one between his lips, not yet lighting it. "You're welcome I really do come through when I can. Now you see, I was on my way here honestly, but being the gentleman I am at heart, I helped many women along the way, they were practically begging for my help! How could I resist..."
Zoro flared up and had to be restrained by Ussop and Chopper, which upon hearing the cooks ridiculous excuse yelled even more variations of "idiot" and "Bastard" here and there, while Sanji made his way to the other side of the table greeting Robin and Nami.
Robin greeted Sanji sweetly "Mr. Cook we're glad you came." Sanjis kissed her hand and Ace swore he could see hearts in his eyes. Really this guy was a bit ridiculous- but he supposed that his flamboyant ladies man act was a bit endearing.
A huff escaped Namis lips "I'm not! You're late! TOO late. You haven't even Greeted Ace yet and he's been waiting for you so you wouldn't have to eat alone!"
She crossed her arms, and this time, ace swore he could see flames in her eyes. Luffys friends were certainly amusing- do friends normally fight this much?
Sanji froze.
"Uh... Who?"
Ace propped his head on his hand and smiled
"That would be me." Ace waved to the blonde, snapped his fingers, and lit the Blondes cigarette. "Nice to finally meet you Sanji the pleasure is all mine." Ace meant everything he was saying with his entire being. The way that Sanji talked and carried himself was so amusing and charming, he certainly was a card to Ace. Of course he had no such intentions behind what he thought, but he was also unbelievably handsome; radiant even. His soft blonde hair covered his right eye, while the other deep blue was in plain view. He could honestly drown in them- no uh. No he couldn't. Ace just noticed eyes on everyone. A little. Too much for Sanji though...
Ace snapped out of his gaze when he spoke, and boy did he love his voice. "shit. Shit I'm so sorry." Sanji stood in front of his seat next to Aces and looked like he regretted being late with every fiber of his being. "It's unacceptable really I'm sorry Ace I'm sure you're hungry-" Ace looked up at the blonde and held eye contact with him for 2 seconds but it felt like an eternity, and he could tell it made the other squirm. He Smiled. He looked down at aces lap and back up. Was.. Did.. Did he just um...
No no he's surely a ladies man there was no way he was checking him out right now. He'd like to think he was though.
He took hold of Sanjis hand and and held eye contact with him again.
"It's fine really, I wanted to wait for you."
"Ah really you're way to kind-"
He laughed and took his seat.
Huh. Unaffected.
Sanji took a drag of his cigarette and turned his head to the side to let the smoke drift out. "But it's not acceptable." He said. I've let another cooks meal turn cold and a guest wait." He layed his arm on the back of his chair, slowly tilting his head back. "Tomorrow."
Ace was entranced by everything that was happening and kept staring. He couldn't keep his eyes off him. Yeah sure this was really, really not his intent at all to feel when he met Sanji. He thought he'd be some random dude that was good at cooking. A nice friend to get along with, but he'd be lying now if he didn't admit that his heart was snatched the minute he walked in the door. Ace hadn't even thought about his attraction towards him. Yeah, he's flirted with people of all genders here and there, but he had never developed a crush. Not one as intense as this one. Not until today.
"Um... Tomorrow?" Sanji repeated.
"Oh uh- wait what" Ace realized he'd been staring for waaaaay too long, his expression didn't falter though despite the increasing beating of his heart. This man had so much power over him and he was completely oblivious to it all, and it made Ace like him even more. He apologized to the blonde. He needs to get a grip honestly.
"Are you free tomorrow?" Sanji asked. He took the wine bottle from the approaching waiter and placed his hand under aces, which was holding the glass and filled it up. The waiter walked off annoyingly.
"Red wine. pretty Basic but a classic" Sanji gave a contented sigh.
Oh. Oh god.
Ace raised an eyebrow. And politely withdrew his hand from sanjis. His heart felt like it was about to explode and the pace of his heartbeats was unerringly excited. Sanjis hands were calloused but smooth at the same time, they gave the feeling of comfort and passion and his hold sent shivers up Aces arms. As nice as they were, though- nothing like that would throw his cool expression off. Sanji was handsome and made his heart race no doubt, but he also prided himself on being unreadable and never having his expressions falter. He swished the red velvet liquid and took a sip. "Lucky you, I happen to be free tomorrow."
Sanji blew smoke out and stuck the cig back in his mouth again and turned his head to Ace.
"Lucky you, I'll cook you something as an apology."Luffy interrupted.
"WHAT no fair! I want Sanjis cooking!" Usopp and Chopper chimed in with him. "YOUVE NEVER COOKED ANYTHING FOR US YOU BASTARD."
Robin smiled and covered her mouth with her hand. She and Nami exchanged glances. Brook elbowed Franky and they both were holding back laughs. Sanji took notice of everything and turned a light shade of red.
"What? What is it you bastards!"
Nami had a devilish look on her face, and a smile reminiscent of the Chesire cat.
"Oh no! It's nothing... It's just that I don't think you've ever offered to cook for ANY one before... Not even for us two... Or any other lady."
Nami shot Ace a wink. And ace lowered his hat to cover the gigantic smile he couldn't stop from having.
This was just... Flat out ridiculous. First off he had no intentions to like Sanji as much as he had, he hadn't meant for other people to find out; but then again- by the way he stared at him it was easy to find out, and now this? Ace wasn't thinking of making moves on him at all what so ever, he thought it rude. He was Luffys friend, and he had no idea what Sanjis Orientation was, nor did he find it appropriate to ask since they've just met. Seeing as how he talked about women he assumed he was a total ladies man, but what Nami had said made him feel like he might have a tiny sliver of a chance.
Sanji fumed. "OI what are you trying to say? If Luffy had a sister and the exact situation we're in happened, I'd definitely do the same damn thing christ!" He smashed the cigarette butt into an ash tray and picked up his fork. His flustered anger punctuated by the jabs he made at the meat.
Everyone giggled. He glared back, he glared especially hard at Nami. She pretended to be on her phone checking something important and whistling, although there was absolutely nothing and she was trying hard to stifle her own laughter. Sanji started to eat his food. Ace could tell it was pretty damn cold by the wrinkled face the blonde made at the plate.
"Everything ok?" Ace asked. He glanced between the food and the blonde.
"Oh uh yeah." Whether food was cold, messed up, or inedible, Sanji would never disrespect the cook who had made the food and snub it. He knew the importance of food, the value of it. He had almost starved to death when he was younger for gods sake. He was going to eat this plate of damn food If it was the last thing he did.
Ace gave his signature smile and rested his arm on the back of Sanjis chair and leaned in close to him. He snapped his fingers and a line of flames in the shape of a heart appeared on Sanjis food and vanished instantly. Ace put a hand on his shoulder. "if you didnt want to eat cold food all you had to do was just ask." Ace gave a toothed grin and returned to eating his food in his own seat.
Sanjis uttered a "thank you" through gritted teeth as he stared intensely at Nami, motioning with a hand straight across his neck to cut it the hell out. Or that she was dead. At this point, it had probably meant both.
The rest of the night went great. Ace enjoyed himself. He and Sanji surprisingly had a lot in common and could talk for hours on end on just about anything. They didn't talk for much though, since Sanji kept fighting with Zoro from across the table.
Ace looked at his phone and decided it was time to head back to his dorm. He'd been anxious ever since Zeff mentioned Whitebeard. He was even more anxious at the fact that he hadn't met with White Beard in months. Luffy lived with him and he hadn't mentioned Whitebeard asking for him, nor did Luffy question how often Ace visited. It doesn't matter... This will all get sorted out soon... Sometime... Eventually right? Things couldn't be like this forever... If not he's more than a little screwed internally. It wasn't like Ace had done anything wrong. Did he? No of course not he couldn't let the ignorance of others make him question himself. He certainly wasn't at fault. He sighed. He should go. Now. He could drive himself just fine, he hadn't had too much wine, and he didn't have to worry about Luffys ride home since his friends were going to give him one. He definitely didn't want to drive up to that house again. Not now.
Ace scooted his turquoise chair back and stood up. He bowed his head a little.
"Ive gotta start heading out." He said. A tinge of sadness clung to his words. Everyone looked worried and at each other, even a waiter refilling Luffys cup paused in the midst of his actions. Luffy frowned. he was definitely noticing something different in his words. "Hey are you-."
Shit.
He smiled.
"It was great meeting all of you! I hope we can come together again sometime!"
He turned to Luffy and noogied his head. "Congrats idiot! Come visit me soon."
Luffy laughed . "Why don't you Visit me and Whitebeard!"
Aces eyes dilated.
Sanji turned his head as soon as he heard the name "Whitebeard" and observed the twos altercations. Ace could feel his staring from somwhere, but he couldn't tell if he was just paranoid since he knew about Sanjis connections to Zeff. Shit why did this idiot actually have to bring it up. He began to sweat.
"Haha c'mon Luffy don't you want to visit me? I've been there so many times already I don't want to bother him either."
Luffy sighed "Alright fine! But we're definitely having an eating contest when I visit you." Ace sighed and nodded.
Everyone's concern turned over into light hearted sadness. They really enjoyed Aces company and wish he could stay longer, but they understood. They all said their good byes to Ace and shook his hand.
Except Sanji.
Ace extended his arm to Sanji for a shake, which Sanji took hold of, but he definitely didn't shake it. He gripped. Hard. And yanked his hand forward so Ace stepped toward him.
"I'm very perceptive." He said.
He let go and folded his arms.
"About whitebeard.." He trailed off, not very sure on how to construct his sentence and voice his thoughts.
Aces mind was running frantically around in the circles. Shit what was he talking about. It really couldn't have been about his old man could it? I mean sure he's Zeffs Son but would he really be so much in the know about things concerning him? No. Of course not he probably doesn't know a single thing.
He smiled. "goodbye Sanji it was nice meeting you."
Sanji frowned and took another drag of his cigarette, intently staring at him. Aces nerves were spiraling out of control, but he wouldnt let this get to him. He frowned.
And tugged him closer so that he was right beside his ear, and brushed against his hair.
"I know you are, but it's none of your Damn business." He stared at the blonde with his dark brown eyes, eyes devoid of readability, eyes that possessed both immense attractiveness and fear.
He squirmed. And turned his head to side while tapping his foot. No reply. Ace took hold of his hand with both of his.
"Im looking forward to your homecooked meal tomorrow." He flashed a grin, and let go of te cooks hands.
"OI LUFFY!" the older shouted.
"I'm leaving! Have fun! Make sure to tell Sanji to mind his business!"
Luffy laughed and waved back and forth while sitting atop the table.
Ace left-
He left the Floating resturaunt, and left Sanjis piqued Interest of him alongside it.