Falling Zosan Lace

by LadyRhey

Ace and Law host a sex and relationship stream/Discord called LACE (Love And Care Extraordinaires) where they talk about core relationship issues involving the hetero and LGBTQ community. During one of their shows a regular user (greenmachine3) and rumored personal acquaintance throws out an offhanded comment that upsets another user (PrinceofTaste) who slides into his DM's and gi

Slide Into My DM's

As soon as Ace and Law's away status on discord changed to online then the cheering emoji's and catcalls began before Law even had the chance to link their stream so it showed live on Discord. Not accepting chat conversations on their YouTube stream due to the NSFW nature of their content, the two set up a private discord just for fans so they could chat to their heart's content in the various channels.

"Good Morning lovelies and welcome to today's stream of L.A.C.E. I'm your host Ace accompanied by my cohost and incredibly hot boyfriend Law and we are here to discuss a topic that has been highly requested on our Love And Care Extraordinaires chat boards for the last, I dunno, fucking forever. It's the topic of sexuality in a relationship. Seeing as this is such a hot topic-"

Lifting his lighter, Ace flicks the flame on only to have Law, who is sitting next to him lean in close and blow it out making sure to place one hand on Ace's thigh closest to his groin as the other rests on the table in front of him before leaning back in his chair and allowing the broadcast to continue.

"-We have divided it into multiple categories we will probably cover over several days depending on how the discussions go. That being said let's start with one of the most controversial aspects of sexuality; same-sex vs opposite sex and then everything in between. Now given that Law and I are slightly biased, we will do our best to leave our feelings out of this, but we will be making sure this stream stays clean. You all know the rules."

Here Law chimes in as the voice of reason and sound judgment. "This is an LGBTQ+ friendly stream that incorporates same-sex and opposite-sex views and recs so behave yourselves."

"You heard it folks, so let's begin. The first subject is Bisexuality: How would you feel if someone of the same sex came onto you? Now we chose this as our first question because many of you know I worked long and hard to snag this emotionally constipated, visually breathtaking, gentleman of exquisite caliber whose little nasty side is to die for."

Ace licked his lips as he stared with lustful eyes at Law who blushed and said, "Can't even make it through a show can you?"

Ace just smiles and winks before continuing.

"Many don't realize just how adamant he was that he stay straight but I refused to give up. I knew the moment I saw him I had to have him and now I'm thoroughly convinced he can't live without me." Ace slaps Law's inner thigh playfully as Law rolls his eyes.

"So what is my secret?" Ace holds his finger up to his lips and remains silent a moment allowing people to guess things like your smoking hot body, your perverse charm, your ability to play hard to get, and a vast array of other appropriate and not so appropriate answers before he responds. "Looks like none of you guessed it so I'll tell you. My secret was I was willing to love him and let him go. Staying friends was more important than forcing me on him. It allowed him to realize what I offered and that he missed the things he thought he hated when I wasn't there to share them."

Here Ace took Laws' hand and brought it to his lips before kissing his palm and looking into his eyes. I loved this man with all my heart from the moment I saw him. That meant I knew having him in my life any way I could get him was more important than forcing him to love me."

"Idiot. That was all Law said as he tried to scowl in embarrassment causing Ace to look at the camera and wink. "Gets him every time." Ace releases Law's hand and the crowd goes wild with a vast array of heart emojis and cute spelled out sounds that Ace allows for several moments before reeling them back to the topic at hand.

"Now that you know, why don't we take some comments and questions from the crowd." Ace faces the camera and smiles as Law scrolls through to the questions they had presaved to find a suitable one.

"This one is from preciuspeach." Law chimes in. "This question is for Law. What made you realize you were attracted to Ace? I have this friend who I haven't physically seen in years but we have been in touch. I have followed them on Instagram which is the only place they post pictures and have watched them share their life with so many people on the outside while sharing with me in private what goes on behind the scenes. Many of these conversations are personal and I have begun to feel emotionally attached to this person in a way I never expected. Though, yes, I find the person attractive, I feel more attracted to the person I talk to and care less about what they look like. I'm hesitant to say anything because we are the same sex and I want to make sure I don't lose a great relationship just because I jump the gun."

"Oooo look out everyone! Here is a rare opportunity for Law to open up and confess about things he likes to keep behind closed doors." Ace teases as he purrs out the last few words looking at Law from underneath hooded lashes.

Law clears his throat and tries to ignore his precocious partner. "To be honest, the day I realized I had feelings for this sexual deviant over here was the same day I said some pretty horrible things to him before going out to drink and ending up in bed with another woman who looked a lot like him from behind. For about six months after meeting him and becoming very close friends despite his constant attempts to hit on me in private, I had subconsciously begun to change my taste in women. With each one I took back and slept with I found more and more I couldn't stomach looking at them sexually in bed. I either had to fuck them with the lights off or fuck them from behind. All of them had to have short hair or had to keep it up the entire time we fucked. They had to have a dirty side to them and be a little bit of a freak which was not something I had been into before, but the more I hung around Ace and shared his presence the more I realized I was only ever happy or calm with him around. Then the night he touched me in a less than innocent way I caved. Since then we have established we can't have wooden bed frames, everything is a toy, and the world is our playground. I haven't regretted a day since."

By the end of his story, it was Law's turn to smirk as Ace blushed furiously and tried to hide his face with his hat as the chat blew up with phrases like "take a break and fuck that man Ace!", "Kiss him a little dirty Law!", and "I wish you two could have a love child!" All standard responses until one particular instigator lit up the chat.

"Why don't you show them how you do it in the club after a few drinks you too! That'll show them just how deep your love goes."

The speaker was a regular who always liked to throw something in when they popped on to rile everyone up and challenge the pair to put their money where their mouth was. They always seemed to know a little too much but only gave enough to hint at the things the crowd was wanting without giving too much away.

And they went by the name greenmachine3 or Mac to the regulars.

Sure enough, the discord chat dedicated to the live stream only erupted as everyone agreed forcing Ace to step in and mediate.

"Now Mac you know better. Save those requests for the after-hours channel."

"Lame!" That was all the man known as Mac said before Ace laughed and moved on to the next inquiry leaving the chat to calm itself down with no further interruption by Mac in the forum.

That didn't mean that someone didn't have a bone to pick with Mac one on one.

No sooner had the main chat moved on than Mac got a DM from PrinceofTaste. Raising his eyebrow, Mac red over the message quickly.

P: Hey asshole why do you always have to ruin the moment and turn things perverted in the middle of their show. Some people rely on this channel to help them work through serious issues revolving around emotional trauma and relationships. They don't need jerkoffs like those who get off to fucking with people ruining their genuine attempts to find healthy forms of happiness. Why don't you go get laid or find a hobby instead of hanging around here like some degenerate loudmouth who likes to hear himself talk?

Mac whistles. "Looks like someone's panties are in a bunch and needs to get laid." Typing away rapidly, Mac gives his response.

M: Look princess, if you had any taste you would mind your own business. There are plenty of us out here that love getting a ride from these two and know personally that they enjoy every god damn minute of it. If there are cake eaters out there like you too traumatized by their sexual misfortune to tap into those needs because everything has to be romance and flowers you have a long hard road ahead. Get off your high horse and onto a dildo if you can't get laid, just don't presume to know everyone's taste when you can't even tell your shit is awful.

P: I'm a guy you cock stain, not a woman, or is your interpreter broken since you have to be illiterate if you missed the difference? And I highly doubt you know on a personal level what these two enjoy and what they don't. I've been following them since the beginning and happen to have a very good relationship with both outside of the stream. There is no way they would waste their time on someone as crass and crude as you. And I'm straight FYI so I won't be sitting on a dildo you delinquent. Maybe stop eating so much ass and gain a more variant sexual palate to see if it improves your rank personality.

Mac's eye twitches as he furiously typed away.

M: I called you princess you walking anahole because you bitch just like those prissy cunt muffins that only want a man because it alleviates them from personal responsibility. And to say your straight makes so much sense now. No wonder you are so close-minded in regards to the gay community. Since you aren't on the inside of this A and B conversation between me and them why don't you C yourself out letting the door hit your ignorant as on the way out. FYI I bet if I ate your ass I would change your mind about what's shit and what isn't. I can make a man cum just by eating his ass and pinching his nipples interjecting a few naughty phrases like "Do you want to ride me when I'm done so I can feel your ass twitch around me." or "Look at how it puckers just from licking it. I wonder how many fingers I can fit inside before you are begging me to ram you. One? Two? What about my whole fist?"

Hitting send Mac had to shift in his chair to relieve some of the unexpected strain on his pants. He hadn't been this riled up by anyone, especially a man, in ages and though he was getting ticked off he was also becoming aroused. The balls on this guy. What made him so righteous and confident as a straight man? He didn't even sound like he had much sexual knowledge beyond missionary so what gave him the right to stifle someone else's pleasure with his two-dimensional urges?

Running his fingers over the armrest of his chair as he stared at the screen Mac waited for a response. When none came, he growled at the screen and logged off. He needed to get rid of this unexpected erection or be faced with an irritating case of blue balls.

Stripping naked and tossing his clothes in the hamper, he headed for the shower. Looked like it was going to be a two shower night since he didn't feel like heading to one of the local LGBTQ+ bars just to get laid. That left the gym.

Turning the shower on at the coldest setting, Zoro jumped in and cooled off before hopping out, grabbing his phone, and sending off a text.

Zoro: I need to cool off. You guys have time to kill so meet me at the gym across the street from your place in twenty. No excuses. Just tell your man you swear it makes his muscles look bigger and it turns you on that much more.

Then he tosses the phone on the bed and dresses in a gray wife beater and black basketball shorts before grabbing his bag, black sweatband for his wrist, keys, and phone before heading out the door.

Friends and Fakes

Grateful that it was just after noon on a Thursday, Zoro walked into the virtually empty gym and headed for the locker rooms once he arrived twenty minutes later. Though he wasn't a man that suffered from a lack of wandering eyes every time he showed even a modicum of skin, he found it hard to boost his ego when those two playboys entered the scene.

Despite being gay and born again gay, Ace and Law pulled every eye straight and leaning to them the moment they entered the floor leaving Zoro to fee like the ugly friend everyone had to make themselves look better. It didn't help that eighty percent of everyone seemed to appreciate their attractiveness even when they practically fucked each other in public just because they were hot and knew it.

With the gym this empty though the three of them could just hang out and blow off steam instead of turning it into some gym pin-up contest for hottest and fittest.

Walking through the entrance of the men's locker room he walked three rows down before turning into the second to last row. With the locker's insight, he headed straight for locker four only to curse when I find it already locked.

"Mother fucker."

Though it could have been anyone using the locker, the odds that two and four would be taken leaving three unlocked was unlikely with all the other lockers wide open. Grabbing his phone and shoving it in his pocket he pulled his wristband on and crammed his stuff inside before heading out to the floor. They knew it was his favorite locker since his secret porn pickup line involved his four sword style so it was no coincidence both lockers would be taken.

Though he hadn't seen them when he entered, most likely because they didn't want to be seen until he had put his stuff away, Zoro found Ace and Law with no problem over by the weights as soon as be hit the floor. Walking over to them with irritation tattooed all over his face, he came within earshot before saying, "Ass wipe."

Ace just looks up from where he was spotting Law, in reality, the spot he had chosen to look at the man's godly six-pack, before blowing Zoro a kiss.

"That's what you get for that cheeky shit you pulled in chat. See if we take you out again." Ace teases.

"After the show, I got after going out with you the last time I think I will pass. Exhibitionism on that level isn't my thing. Do you guys have any shreds of decency or did that all go out the door once you started taping After Midnight?"

"I'll have you know A.M. was Law's idea believe it or not." Ace said in a slightly snotty tone.

"You can't be serious? That man is the biggest prude I have ever seen next to that dickweed who DM'ed me when he got his panties in a bunch after I made that comment."

The bench press weights clang down heavily and Law sits up covered in a light sheen of sweat before looking at Zoro with a hard eye. "Who the fuck went after you? They know we don't tolerate that shit."

"Some closet queen preaching the sanctity of your site's moral code. Told me how helpful it was to troubled people navigating romance and that I shouldn't ruin it with others since I had no idea what kind of people you were or what you stood for in creating L.A.C.E was the gist."

Law just pinched the bridge of his nose while Ace shook his head before saying, "I told you eventually he would run into the wrong end of the short stick."

"Wait, you guys know this jerkoff?" Zoro's irritation suddenly escalating.

"He's a friend of mine from back when I was straight. He's a good guy and one of the only ones to stay friends with me once Ace and I made it official. He is also the only one that supports our show and has seen every episode. Though slightly delusional about love, he is a very sweet and talented guy at his core." Law's voice carries a lot of responsibility and exhaustion all of a sudden.

"This isn't the first problem we have had to mediate. He seems to have taken it upon himself to police our chat and try to prevent hecklers from wanting to tarnish the beauty of what we are trying to create." Ace interjects.

Zoro busts out laughing. "Sanctity and beauty? You guys run the most popular gossip column for online relationship advice covering romance tips to fetishes and he wants to keep the purity of it all intact? That's a riot. I've seen more of your ass on cam than I ever thought I would through that show. Please tell me he watches A.M."

"He's a straight arrow Zo. That's the one thing we don't talk about and he doesn't take part in." Law stands up and moves around the bench to where Ace is standing so the two can switch places.

"That explains why he didn't respond when I talked dirty to him telling him all he needed was me to eat his ass and he would change that shitty perspective of his."

Ace gasps and Law chokes on the water he had been drinking. "Please tell me you are joking." Ace is half laughing half shocked.

"Well I mean what I actually said was 'I bet if I ate your ass I would change your mind about what's shit and what isn't. I can make a man cum just by eating his ass and pinching his nipples interjecting a few naughty phrases like "Do you want to ride me when I'm done so I can feel your ass twitch around me." or "Look at how it puckers just from licking it. I wonder how many fingers I can fit inside before you are begging me to ram you. One? Two? What about my whole fist?'"

Walking over to the weights, Zoro picks up a few before deciding on the one hundred-and-twenty pound ones. Walking to the nearest bench he positions himself before beginning his curls not even phased his friends have gone silent.

With the first set done and silence still prevailing, Ace finally fills the void. "Dude, Zoro you really said all that?"

Focused, Zoro half replied, "Yeah, why?"

"Fuck me." Ace says before Law slaps him causing him to squeak out an "Ow! I didn't mean it as in invitation!"

Zoro stops and turns to look at the two. "What's the problem? The guy was being a major asshole. I just called his bluff."

"You did more than that. You stabbed him right in the gut."

"What the hell is that supposed to mean?" Zoro's face scrunches up in frustration and confusion.

"That's what the guy said on the tape that was found when your asshole of choice caught his girlfriend cheating on him. Except of course the guy was talking about what he wanted to do to the girlfriend, not another guy. They had been together for three years and he had no idea."

"You can't be fucking serious? How was I supposed to know?" Zoro growled angrily.

"You weren't but it also wouldn't kill you to have some tact and not be so confrontational." Law pointed out.

"Yeah well, it's probably his damn fault anyway for being such a tightwad! I mean what person stays with someone that self-righteous and delusional?" Zoro barks back.

"More people than stay with an oversized brute who spouts off at the mouth and will fuck anything that walks just to fill the void in his soulless shell." Ace jabs back.

"Yeah well, not everything is a love story. You two know that about as well as I do." Zoro's look at Ace is fierce showing just how many lines he has crossed. Ace doesn't care and glares right back forcing Law to step between them.

"Enough ladies." Ace breaks the gaze first before heading to the bench and lying down so he can lift the bar with Law spotting. "Tomorrow we will have a talk with Prince. I'd suggest you stay out of chat for a few days and let things cool over. It's not like you can't get a rise somewhere else."

Zoro says nothing only turns and continues his workout despite knowing full well it is going to take more than just a round of weight training to take the edge off of this evening.

For a long while Sanji just stared at Mac's reply. He couldn't believe some random ass prick had the audacity to say all that. It hit way to close to home and yet it was all so true. Maybe not in regards to him, but it was exactly what had driven his girlfriend of three years into another man's arms.

And if someone else he didn't know could see that then the issue had to be with him and not with her like he so desperately wanted to believe. Closing his laptop screen Sanji didn't even bother to log off nor did he have it in him to call the guy out to Law to see if he could get him to put on notice as he had done to so many other pricks.

It just wasn't worth it, much like it wasn't worth wallowing in the cesspool of misery he had been in since she had gone and left him six months ago. Walking to the balcony he took the pack of cloves and lighter from the side table by the door before stepping outside and lighting it; old habits dying hard. Looking out onto the sprawling cityscape as a stray breeze caught his hair Sanji allowed himself to flashback to the nights they had spent out here kissing and making love thousands of feet in the air on this very balcony for everyone to see. He hadn't had any cares then and she had tasted ten times sweeter than she ever would again in those moments.

But all beauty fades leaving the husk of memory all that was left to paint the pictures in his mind onto the empty spaces as he waltzed cross the barren floor drunk on dreams and forgotten love affairs. He had loved her then. He loved her still, but if he was honest the memories were far prettier than the realities he had had to face the few times he had seen her around town. Cold and distant she had blown him off without a second thought no matter what he had tried.

Bringing the clove to his lips he closed his eyes and tried to remember what she tasted like when they kissed but couldn't. It was useless. Though his mind still held her clearly, his body had forgotten her. He hadn't even had the desire to go out and flirt to try to get over her as he had successfully done with every fling before her.

To him she hadn't been a fling she had been what he thought was real. Guess that meant reality was only a figment leaving only harsh platitudes and lonely corridors his bedfellows. No matter who he greeted, no matter what he said he felt empty.

Except for today. Thinking back he hit the clove hard sucking in deeply the sickly sweet fumes before letting them expel out of his nose slowly. Whoever that prick was he had gotten under his skin and lit a fire in his soul that had lain dormant since he had learned the devastating truth about his relationship. Sure he was crude and thoughtless but his quick comebacks and combative attitude mixed with douses of reality Sanji couldn't refute or deny both pissed him off and drove him towards the man.

Taking one last drag, Sanji bent down and put the clove out in the bucket hanging from the balcony. Despite not being what he wanted to hear, Mac's points hit right on the money. Too traumatized by his sexual misfortune to tap into needs because everything has to be romance and flowers. That's what he had said.

Growing up surrounded by men with crude humor and large egos, Sanji had come to appreciate women and how easy they were on the eyes. Swayed by simple words of appreciation and gratitude they became flowers in a field of weeds blossoming in radiant beauty with just a simple word here or smile there. Unlike men, they held an appeal that rivaled art. Ever-changing and full of life women were everything he wanted to possess and everything that counterbalanced the brash world he lived in as a master chef.

Yet here he was left in the wake of such beauty with nothing to his name but an empty pad, a thankless job and a broken heart. Though he doubted he needed to go gay to get perspective, he did agree he needed a change or he would continue to live a lonely life where he roamed the empty halls instead of filling them a life worth living.

Taking his phone out of his pocket, Sanji scrolled through it for a while as he headed to the kitchen before absentmindedly pulling out and pouring himself a glass of Merlot. Setting the bottle on the table he booked a room at the Palisade for two weeks before opening his email.

Zeff,

I'm off to look at properties. It's time I let go of this shit hole and followed my dream. I'll be out of town for two weeks. Don't miss me too much you old washout.

Sanj.

His express train left tomorrow. That left him just enough time to pack and get a few hours of sleep before finding out exactly what it meant to take the bull by the horns. Tapping his forehead he sent a last-minute text.

Hey Nami, Think you can watch my place for two weeks without trashing it or wearing all of my expensive clothes that happen to look good on you? I'm going out of town for a while and want to make sure the place stays in sellable shape.

A thumbs-up was all he got which meant she was otherwise engaged but would do as he asked without issue. She had his spare and was the only one who had come to his rescue when he was stuck at work and his ex tried to take him for all he was worthwhile he wasn't there so he knew he could trust her; a rare thing these days as more and more people seemed to value themselves over others.

Heading to the bathroom he grabbed his suitcase out of the closet before throwing it on the bed. He was moving forward and things could only go up from here.

Little did he know how true that was.

Lights Camera Action

Tossing his bag on the floor by the living room couch, Ace stretched his arms over his head trying to relieve the tension in his body that wouldn't look good on camera when they went to tape tonight's episode of A.M.

"Look, I know its unfortunate that Sanji picked the wrong person to pick a fight with but you said it yourself it was bound to happen. We should have curbed his behavior sooner I mean look at the train wreck he has become since that cunt left."

Ace groaned and headed into the bedroom where went the foot of the bed and landed his ass hard on the foot of the bed before whining, "I know I know! It doesn't help that Zoro hasn't the faintest idea how to be tactful or have emotional sympathy for anyone he doesn't know the way he knows us."

"True." Law walks into the room and comes to position himself between his lovers legs before running a hand gently through his hair. "They can't all be charming little shits like you."

Sighing contentedly at the small kindness of Law's touch, Ace takes Law's other hand and places it at his cheek before nuzzling into it. "I feel bad for them both, but I also feel so incredibly grateful for us don't you?"

Law smirks. "Me too." His usually skeptical eyes relaxing at the corners to look down at Ace with a rare affection.

"Really?" Ace, so like a child with his affection, looks back up at him with wide eyed excitement.

"Do you not believe me little thief of hearts?" Law's voice carries a deeper more sensual tone.

Ace blushes slightly, "Of course I believe you. You…just don't say it often so I can't help enjoying you saying it."

"I don't say it because I'd much rather show you." Bringing his lips to Ace's ear Law whispers, "Shall I show them too?" He coo's causing Ace to whine.

"But D I'm all dirty. We just got back."

"I don't think they will mind. We haven't given them a dirty episode in a long time. I'm sure they will be salivating at the mouth. Besides, what does it matter what they think. If I want to lay your ass on the bed and work you over I have every right to."

"D, you are so mean you tease."

Law just smirks. "Hey Alexa. Turn on the video camera and dim the lights."

"Turning on the camera and dimming the lights. Would you like to listen to Wicked Games by The Weekend?"

"Yes."

"Playing."

As the music begins to play Laws sultry eyes radiate with lust as he stares down at the man he has fallen helplessly in love with.

"Undress me." His voice has dropped several octaves and is barely above a whisper; their meaning meant for Ace and Ace alone.

I left my girl back home

I don't love her no more

And she'll never fucking know that

These fucking eyes that I'm staring at

Unable to resist, Ace brings his hands to the hem of Law's cotton tank. Gathering it in his fingers without tearing his eyes from the gorgeous man standing before him, Ace slowly slides the fabric up gradually revealing for the camera set up on the opposite wall the sensuous curve of Law's tight ass as it leads into the triangle of muscle at his lower back.

Wanting desperately to place his skin on the salty flesh as Law's abs appear in front of him, Ace restrains himself knowing he will be in for a world of hurt if he doesn't do exactly as Law says.

Bring your love baby I could bring my shame

Bring the drugs baby I could bring my pain

I got my heart right here

I got my scars right here

Pulling the tank up to his neck, Law takes it and pulls it the rest of the way off by grabbing it from behind his neck and pulling it off; his muscular arms flexing as his back ripples with muscles meant for gods and gods alone.

With his shirt off, Law places his left knee on the bed next to Ace's right hip as he leans forward and catches his lips softly with his as he guides the younger man back. Though gentle to the touch, his kiss is demanding as his lips capture and suck on the delicate fleshiness of Ace's as their bodies come to parallel when the younger man falls back far enough that it is flat against the mattress.

Pulling his lips back, Law speaks in a low voice again as his nose traces the line of Ace's jaw. "Now, you aren't allowed to interfere. All I want from you is to hear the sounds you make as I please you and nothing else, do you understand."

Ace just nods his head sharply.

"Good." Sliding up his body so he can bring his lips once again to Ace's ear Law says a few final words.

"Just let me love you the way only I can. Because I love you, more than anything."

So tell me you love me

Only for tonight

Only for the night

Kissing first Ace's ear, then licking the rim before moving down to nibble on the lobe Law slowly trails his face down all of his lovers sensitive spots as he brings his delicate fingers to the younger mans shorts so he can tuck his fingers under the waist. With two digits tucked under the band, Law nips at Ace's neck drawing a needy moan as he tugs his shorts down below his ass so he can wrap his delicate fingers around the mans now raging erection.

Let me see you dance

I love to watch you dance

Take you down another level

Get you dancing with the devil

Unable to resist and not even remotely wanting to, Ace reaches back and grabs the steel railings of the headboard behind him so he has something to grab and brace against as his hips lift slightly with the feel of Law's fingers wrapping around the base of his cock.

Pleased with the reaction he was getting, Law continued his slow descent down Ace's body nipping and sucking at his neck until he reached the depression created by the rise and fall of his shoulder as his muscles build hills and valleys around his powerful shoulders and clearly defined collar bone.

Wanting to taste his lovers arousal little by little, Law peppers sweet, slow kisses down the right side of Ace's chest before stopping at the center of his pectoral muscle. Still resting his fingers around the base of Ace's cock, Law slips his tongue between his mauve colored lips before trailing it down to Ace's already erect nipple.

Relishing his lovers mewls, whimpers and squirming, Law takes the tip of his tongue and flicks the nipples tip causing Ace to gasp shapely before circling the entire bud with his mouth and sucking sharply on it as his right hand glides slowly up Ace's cock.

Ace's back arches as he grips the headboard. "D!" His voice is needy, desperate, and affectionate all at once.

Gently biting the nipple as his index finger slides over the head of Ace's cock smearing the seeping precum over its surface before sliding his hand back down, Law hums. "That's it little thief. Say my name."

Wanton and hopelessly addicted to the affections of the man above him, Ace tucks his legs up and spreads them folded out to his sides like butterfly wings as he begs, "Please D. I need you. Suck me and finger me until I can't take it any more."

Groaning at the boldness of the request, one Ace has yet to say on camera without being prodded, Law shifts slightly in an attempt to release the uncomfortable pressure being placed on his own cock still trapped within his skin tight gym active shorts.

"So needy. If I didn't know any better I would say you actually do get turned on by me working out and then coming home to put those muscles to good use."

Sultry hooded eyes gaze down at Ace who practically trembles with sexual frustration as Law hovers momentarily above him before bringing his head to his lovers abdomen and slowly kissing down until his lips can kiss the throbbing base of the younger man's cock.

Wanting to hear him beg a little while longer, Law inquires, "Tell me, why should I indulge such a greed?"

Bypassing his cock, Law slides off the edge of the bed until his face is eye to anus with his lovers second most sensitive area. Continuing to swipe languid strokes up and down Ace's cock with his slender fingers, Law brings his tongue to Ace's clam shelled hole before licking him from hole to cock slowly and sloppily; Ace being neatly trimmed with a path left just for this purpose.

Unable to stand such a tease, Ace bucks his hips once but a firm hand on his hip prevents him from doing so again as Law's strong arm presses his hips down with one hand as he stroked his length with the other.

Unable to do anything but beg, Ace cave's

Just tell me you love me

(I'll give you what I need, I'll give you all of me)

"D, I love you and I want you , please just take me."

Roused by a uncontrollable lust to dominate the man in front of him, Law pulls his face away and lets his hand stroke up one last time before his body slips off the bed entirely so he can walk to the nightstand and pull out the lube.

Taking the bottle from the top dresser drawer, he jerks down his shorts and gives a relieved sigh as his erection pops free releasing him of his last vestige of control. Pouring a small amount of the water based lube into his hand, he slides it over his cock before walking back to the end of the bed and climbing into it on his knees as Ace watched fervently.

Having slid his own tank and shorts off when Law left the bed the two now bore it all for the camera. For several minutes Law just knelt there as his eyes devoured the naked man in front of him who coyly ate up the attention.

When his eyes had memorized everything there was to see about the man laying in front of him casually stroking his cock as he licked his lips, Law broke the silence. "If you want me so badly come sit on Daddy's lap so I can thrust so deeply inside you that I fill your entire body when I cum."

Blushing, Ace leans forward and and crawls to Law's lap as he kneels on the bed; his ass resting on his heels until Ace has straddled him and hovers above his hips waiting to receive him.

Bringing one hand to Ace's ass as the other angles his cock for entry, Law guides his lover down onto him slowly so as not to injure him in a lasting way. Not wanting to wait, or caring if it hurts, Ace instead sheathes Laws cock quickly pressing his lips to the other man and moaning into his mouth as his ass is forced to part as it accepts the other man's girth.

Not expecting this small act of defiance, Law was caught off guard as the tight walls of Ace's ass suck his cock in like a starving animal quickly and without mercy. Moaning deeply, Law digs his fingers into the plush flesh of Ace's right ass cheek as the younger man bottoms out in seconds.

After a moment to adjust, Ace placed his hands on Law's face and kisses him over and over as he say, "I'm so in love with you Trafalgar D. Law. So much so it hurts. Please, show me that you feel the same."

Ace's kiss then is sweet as he tries to rise up enough to start a rhythm but he doesn't have enough hip height above Laws lap to achieve the result he was looking for himself. Before he can become disgruntled, Law placed his hands on Ace's ass to cradle it so he can lift him up and down in a merciless rhythm of his own design.

Now all the camera can see is Law's undulating back and flexing biceps as Ace's arms and legs wrap around him; the younger man's face a mess of pleasure as he rides his lovers cock completely at Law's mercy.

One hand digging into his shoulder as the other wraps around to rake down Laws back, Ace's flush face places kisses and love swept promises against his lovers ear as the pace increases and he is thrust up and down roughly on law's lap.

Wanting to bring Ace to orgasm and feel the man submit to him further, Le thrusts one more time before tilting his head and whispering against Ace's cheek, "I'm going to lay you down."

Clenching his legs abs arms around Law, Ace let's the man guide him back down before releasing his arms and returning his hands to the headboard when he is once again flat on his back.

Placing one hand on the underside of Ace's thigh, Law spits into the still slick hand that had lubricated his own cock before taking hold of Ace's length and starting up a rhythm between his thrusts and his strokes.

Though his grip is firm his pumps aren't as aggressive as the thrusts he penetrates Ace's ass with. Harvesting moans, screams, and the occasional "fuck", Law cultivates his lovers orgasm between variant thrusting bursts into Ace's ass and opposing pressure on the man's cock.

Within moments Law feels the spas among of flesh signaling the orgasm that is about to rock his lovers body. Wanting to milk it for all it was worth Law's voice commands Ace lustfully, "Cum for me. Show me who you belong to."

Rocked by the tipping point and sucker for Laws commanding voice in bed, Ace yanks at the headboard and calls Law's name as his back bows; his orgasm crashing over him as his cum spurts out all over his chest with a little spattering on his face.

Unable to hold his own in check as Ace's anus clenches around Law's cock as soon as the orgasm hits, he too is rocked by his own wave of pleasure as he fills his lover to the brim with his own fluid.

For several moments neither moves they just stay where they are panting and collecting themselves until Law leans over Ace to grab a towel tucked into the headboard and the wall. Collecting the fabric in his hand, Le delicately brings the towel to Ace's flushed face before cleaning the ejaculate from his cheeks and neck.

With the sticky fluid removed, Law refills the towel and collects every drop that covers his lovers chest only having to refill the towel one more time before everything is collected. Now limp, Law let's himself slide out by shifting backwards slightly as he placed the towel at Ace's anus to collect the runoff that seeps out there as well. When all fluid has been gathered, Le uses the remaining dry spots to wipe himself down before tossing the rag in the hamper and crawling into bed with Ace.

Collecting his lover into his arms against his chest, Law kisses the top of Ace's head before looking at the camera and mouthing mine.

The song cuts out as the feed shuts off and the stream ends.

"Fuck those guys." Zoro's bitter voice says to his empty bedroom as he watched the edited episode of A.M., granted to only registered long term subscribers and friends over twenty one validated on their website, broadcast on his seventy-five inch 4K television in his bedroom.

It shouldn't be misunderstood, Zoro loved both men as socially adoptive members of his family. They had known each other a long time and there was nothing they hid from each other. When Zoro asked if he could watch their A.M. Law got defensive, but Ace was the one with the questions and finally got Law to see that Zoro didn't want to watch for the sex or to beat odd to his friends. He wanted to experience the love they shared through the love they made being deprived of it himself.

Sure Zoro could fuck pretty much anyone he wanted to, but each time was devoid of the deep seated passion those two shared. It left a black hole in his chest and made his heart hurt. Collapsing back in bed as he shit the T.v. off Zoro absentmindedly ran the palms of his fingers on his left hand over his chest above his heart.

He wasn't getting any younger. Hotter maybe but not younger and he was finding more and more he had no taste for the party scene and drunken debauchery of his youth. He wanting something more constant, something more tangible, something he wasn't sure he could ever find with the way he was now.

Rolling to his side he plugged his phone in and turned off the lights using the app on his phone before placing it on the nightstand next to him. He hadn't believed he was a lost cause. He wasn't 'ThePrince'. Zoro had way more taste even if he wasn't everyone's long term flavor.

The Place I Call Home

The first thing Sanji did after stepping onto the platform of the express train station was pull out a clove and light it, shielding the faint flame from his dying lighter with the palm of his hand as if it was poised to cup it in the same way he would hold a lovers cheek. Despite only a soft breeze blowing, Sanji cradled the flame until the end of his smoke turned a bright cherry red.

"Note to self: find a cigar shop and fill this." He said to himself quietly before grabbing the handle of his rolling suitcase and exiting the station.

It had been six years since he had moved back in with his old man to work on the business side of the restaurant business and left this city, but as he looked around little had changed besides his heart and the power of his dream.

Hoping one day to come back and open a chain of restaurants based off the no food wasted tag line, Sanji had worked tirelessly to both achieve his dream in the monetary world while foster the romantic dreams he thought he had with the woman he would devote the rest of his heart and soul to.

Now back in his hometown he felt like half the man he was when he had left. Though he still wanted to establish the foundation for his dream here in this city, the flame that stoked that fire was just a small ember now. Having been drained of his passion and desire, Sanji felt like a culinary nomad.

With no clear path to the future and no desire to go back to where he had come from, he had toyed the entire train ride over with the idea of starting fresh; putting his culinary aspirations on the back burner and making it more of a pleasure project instead of a monetary sink hole.

Once outside the gates, he looked down Alabasta and Fifth and felt a twinge of nostalgia as he pictured himself six years ago waving to that same street as he left on some great adventure with all the confidence in the world.

"Speaking of confidence." Taking a hit off his clove, Sanji placed it back between his lips before pulling out his phone from his pants pocket and tapping away in text.

Hey, guess who's in town for two weeks? I just got in and am headed to the hotel on Grande Line and eighty-fourth. Let me know when you are free and we can catch up.

Not really needing a response since he knew the hotel had WiFi and he would be logging in just in time to see the broadcast of L.A.C.E, Sanji called an Uber and headed off with no inclination of what he had just thrown himself into.

—

"Holy fucking shit!" Laws voice shouted out in the living room as he set up and tweaked the computer and mics for the upcoming stream before an angry "Ow! Mother Fucker!" followed as a sound thunk hit the wooden dining table as Law's head connected with the underside edge of the table as he went to stand oblivious of his lack of clearance.

Popping his head out of the bathroom down the hall as he dried off from his morning shower, Ace asked curiously, "What happened? You okay?"

Groaning his response Law rubbed the back of his head as he stared at his phone. "Yeah, I'm fine but things are potentially about to get very interesting."

Popping back into the bathroom to hang the towel he used to dry his hair before grabbing the tooth brush and toothpaste to brush his teeth, Ace pops into the doorway as Law comes to meet him.

"What makes you say that?" Ace's eyebrows furrow as he sticks the toothbrush in and begins brushing.

"See for yourself." Le holds up the phone and Ace begins to read.

Lost Cause:

Hey, guess who's in town for two weeks? I just got in and am headed to the hotel on Grande Line and eighty-fourth. Let me know when you are free and we can catch up.

Not paying attention as his eyes go wide, Ace jams the toothbrush too far back and makes himself dry heave. Rushing to the sink, he retches making his eyes burn abs water as Law pats him forcefully on the back.

"Guess someone needs to work on their deep throat game." Law teases.

Holding onto the edge of the sink still slightly bent over Ace turns on Law with a harsh scowl that looks more like he is going to cry as his watery eyes tone down the frustration. "I wouldn't need to if SOMEBODY stopped being so pushy. All you ever want is to do things to me. You never let me have any fun."

Law blushes and pouts slightly. "I thought you liked me being dominant."

Ace slaps his chest and stands up now mostly recovered. "I do you big idiot. But sometimes-" grabbing a fistful of Law's graphic tee Ace pulls him forward towards him with one hand as the other reaches around to slam the bathroom door "-I want to do all those things to you for at least a little while even if all I hear is my name from your needy lips once." Pressing into Law's chest Ace pins him against the door. "You can still be my Daddy and tell me what to do, I just want to be the one to take sometimes."

Sliding his right hand down his lovers chest, Ace begins to undo Law's jeans as he captures the man's lips in a tender kiss.

"You cheeky little bastard." Law's voice against his kiss is breathy and mixed with rising desire that Ace swallows with his lips a moment later as he gently pulls Law's erection out of his boxers and begins stroking it.

"You haven't seen cheeky yet you possessive fuck." Ace's eyes are hooded and locked on Laws with a thick layer of seductiveness as Ace pulls back and begins to slide down Law's body.

Pressing himself into the door, Law digs his fingers into Ace's damp locks as the man's head comes level with his cock seconds before they painfully grip the silken strands as Ace's warm mouth swallows him whole.

Slamming the back of his already bruised head into the door Law closes his eyes and says-

—

"Fucking hell Ace."

—

Sitting in front of his computer Zoro curses at the only person with any say in the matter as he looks at the "user cannot enter chat" message as he tries to get into general chat for L.A.C.E. a few moments before the stream goes live.

"Selfish cock sucker."

The queen with all the say, Ace is the face and resident content director of the famous chat stream with Law the computer genius that allows it, the discord channel, and the website to have "special modifications" they don't pay for while maintaining the front that they are an LGBTQ+ friendly community focused on inclusion. Not a lie, but also not entirely true. Having become local porn stars courtesy of A.M. the two now run a very successful community on both the PG and adult side; the adult content funding their inclusive community endeavors with them only paying one set of business fee's because L.A.C.E somehow had a non profit status no one but Law knows the logistics for.

This also means if Ace doesn't want someone in chat or on the server they aren't there. Law scripts then into time out in a channel of Ace's choosing and Law will only release them when Ace gives the go ahead.

This time it was Zoro being banned from general chat.

Tempted to call the prick up and give him a piece of his mind, Zoro thought better off it as he thought back to his late night heart to heart with himself where he established he would need to change some things about himself if he wanted to find someone and keep them longer than a week or two.

Turning off his screen he got up and headed to the front door. It was still too early to open up shop, but being around all that cold steel somehow always calmed him and helped bring him to center.

—

Sitting in front the computer with their status set to idle, Ace shook his head as he watched Zoro logon and then log off a handful of seconds later.

"He's probably pissed." Ace said through a frown.

"He will live. Besides, with Sanji in town we are going to have our hands full juggling the two without their paths crossing." Law came to sit in his chair next to Ace before sliding closer to him and placing the outside of his left thigh against the outside of Ace's right in a comforting affectionate gesture.

Bringing his hand to Law's thigh, Ace runs his fingers over the top in a nonsexual gesture while his mind begins to wander.

"Would it really be so bad if the two met?" He asked curiously as he stared at the screen."

"I mean if you want to light the fire of the apocalypse and watch everything burn be my guest but the two of them are so hot headed and guarded that I don't see how they will do anything but clash."

Bringing his cheek to his fist Ace leans on it. "Maybe, but maybe not? What if their abrasive personalities actually meshed?"

Law flicks the side of Ace's head. "If you take out the part about Sanji being the straightest arrow I have ever seen then maybe. But I don't think Zoro has what it takes to make a man that straight into a dick lover."

Raising and turning his head, Ace brings his hand to Law's nose and pinches it between his fingers. "You thought the same thing about me."

"True, but you and Zoro are nothing alike." Bringing his lips to Ace's ear he whispers, "For one you are way hotter."

Ace blushed and playfully pushes Law away. "The shows about to start."

Law just smirks at him as Ace switches their status to online and the show begins.

Sanji's Wool over Zoro's Eyes

Strong, gentle fingers glided slowly down the tang of the horizontal katana as Zoro held it up to his eyes to check the balance. An ominous sight to see as his predatory gaze saw through both his eyes and his finger tips all the nuances and imperfections hidden on and under the surface as he slid across the cold metal much the same way he would were it his lover naked in front of him.

Upon reaching the tip he carefully slid his index finger over the edge to check for sharpness before flipping the blade over to the other side and repeating the process.

Satisfied with the results he placed the blades hilt in both his right hand and left hand testing its heft and grip before placing it on the velvet surface of the case abs closing the lid.

"As always it is a beautiful piece of craftsmanship. A perfect replica of the Masamune from my great great grandfathers pictures."

"Your patronage is always appreciated Tomahito. If you find any fault or need repairs please bring it here and I will make sure they are done quickly." Zoro picks up the box and hands it carefully to the customer.

"May the muse of creation always shine on you." The small man of mixed heritage said with a bow that Zoro returned.

"And may you remain in good health."

The man left with a smile then allowing Zoro to return to his seat behind the counter of his small exotic blade shop. At least until the door opened and a not so welcome face came appeared.

"Hey there handsome."

Growling under his breath without looking up Zoro's voice was terse. "You know my rule Tae. If you aren't going to buy-"

"-get the fuck out yeah yeah I'm fully aware."

Standing 5'9" in heels with a bosom that men wanted to drown themselves in, a body whose curves were in all the right places, and long auburn hair that contrasted her deep green eyes, Diamantae Vargas was the catch of the city. Unfortunately for the city she was caught by a man that wanted nothing to do with her. That didn't stop her from trying.

"What if I told you I would leave you alone for good if you closed your shop and fucked me for a day straight." Her eyes fucked every inch of Zoro she could see as he sat behind the desk and she stood just inside the doorway.

"Tempting because it could get you out of my hair but no. I couldn't blow torch that pussy clean of all the diseases I'm sure it carries from similar promises you have made around town before latching onto me. Besides you know damn well-"

The door opened again except this time it was actually the last thing Zoro expected to see. Standing at the same height as him with sunlit shaggy blonde hair that partially hid his face, a slender but leanly muscled body that wore that blazer far too well, and an air of sophistication as his critical but not intrusive eyes scanned the store, was a man probably in his mid twenties that took his breath away as well as the end of his sentence as he openly stared with his mouth slightly open.

None of this was lost on Ms. Tae who noted Zoro's sudden speechlessness and matched it with heated anger.

"Seriously? Your penchant something specific is this? Are you out of your fucking mind?"

Still rendered speechless abs completely ignoring Tae, Zoro watches the man as he turns to the angered diva and speaks.

"My pardon for interrupting mademoiselle. Clearly your beauty outshines my paltry needs. You seem in distress. Is there any way I can be of assistance?"

Thrown off her game by the unexpected sincerity of the man she had unknowingly insulted, Tae turns to him with a pretty flush. "Nothing that can't be revisited another day. Thank you for your gentlemanly concern." She smiles prettily and then turns and struts out the door.

"Quite the customer you have." The man says as he dismisses her exit abs focuses back on Zoro who has been snapped back to some semblance of reality by her bipolar display of kindness.

"Yeah, that one isn't a client she's a nuisance. Now, what can I get for you blonde?"

It took all his focus not to let his voice crack as it dropped an octave when he addressed the man. Trying to keep a casual stare as he approaches the counter, Zoro swallows hard when a slender peach hand slides towards him with a silver butane lighter engraved with an elaborate koi.

"Got any butane? I need to buy a refill."

"Yeah, no problem. There was a cigar store a few doors down though so what made you come here?"

Looking casually around at Zoro's wares, he answers, "The place reeked of sweat and stale cigars not to mention the price the guy wanted to charge just to fill this small a tank."

Zoro smirked. "Yeah he's a cheap bastard. Hoards all his goods and charges way to much but his selection seems to make up for it."

"Clearly. Anyway, knowing my way around a kitchen I knew there had to be other places that used small butane torches in their business since many restaurants use them to brown the tops of brûlée. I'm glad I was right. When I saw your sign I figured someone here might use them for micro details or finishing touches."

"Quite resourceful aren't you." Zoro takes his lighter making sure to gently graze his palm when he does it which was a mistake. As soon as his calloused fingers brushed against the man's soft skin ripples of electricity fan out over his flesh.

Zoro's breath hitches and he tries to cover it up by clearing his throat as he walks to his back room door.

"This will just take a second."

"Sure thing." The man then turns around and leans against the counter giving Zoro an unobstructed view of what is now his second favorite side of the man.

Small of frame but broad with a long lithe back that tapered into a more petite waist, Zoro had to force himself to open the door and step inside so he doesn't become any further enthralled by the attraction he was feeling to a man he wasn't in a position to get to know.

As he said it would, the refill took only a moment before Zoro opened the door causing the man to turn and face him. Trying not to look him directly in the eye, Zoro hands him the lighter back holding it with just his index, middle and thumb.

"Here you go."

"Thanks, how much do I owe you?"

"Nothing. That little bit won't make me go broken unless you chain smoke like a lifetime pothead and are in here every week."

The man smiles and laughs lightly which makes Zoro's heart skip a beat. "Not quite, though if things don't turn around that might just be true come next year."

"I'm sorry to hear that. Anything else I can help with?" That line was like nails on a chalkboard because he knew if he could get his hands on that man more than just he luck would change.

"Sadly no. Not unless you are any good at helping a guy get over a woman."

And just like that his heart felt like it shattered into a million pieces before quickly being replaced by anger at himself and confusion. Trying not to let his inner turmoil show, Zoro tries to remain neutral.

"You saw Tae when you came in. Does it look like I'm good with women?"

For the second time the man laughed causing his face to lite up. "Yeah I guess not. Guess we are in the same boat."

Zoro just responded with "Yeah, right."

"Anyway thank for the refill."

"Sure." Was all he could say before the man was out the door and Zoro quietly said as he shook his head, "How the fuck can a sharp dressed, smooth talking hottie like that not be gay."

Metrosexual: The Best of Both Worlds

The rest of Zoro's evening at Blades by Design was pretty uneventful which both played in his favor and worked against him because it left him enough time to scroll through L.A.C.E's back episodes and get far too inside his own head. Never one to obsess over aything except his craft, Zoro was forging a path through uncharted territory as he perused episodes titled 'The Gay Man the Straight Man: making piece with your fantasies', 'Riding Switch: playing both sides of the fence', 'The Friend Zone: Gay and Straight' and so on.

Though Zoro had always joked he could make any straight man gay at least for a night just by getting his hands on them, the green Adonis now found himself wondering if he really could. It took a special kind of man to be that put together without worrying about judgement and Zoro wasn't sure any amount of pressure from him could break that convoluted an exterior.

Then it hit him and Zoro shuddered as his eyes came across the only episode he had refused to watch entitled Metrosexual: The Smart Straight Man With a Fashion Gaydar. Zoro had always given Ace shit for believing metro men were a thing. There was no way a straight man could have the incredible fashion sense and confidence of a gay man without all the flamboyance.

Enter mystery man.

Turning his head from his phone so he looked at the door as he sat behind the counter, Zoro replayed the entrance of the rare spawn now known as Metroman taking out of course the appearance of Tae.

Gliding through the door with fluid but assertive steps, he had walked right up and inserted himself and his choir-like tenor without any hesitation or awe. Getting right to the point, he stole the room with his casual and slightly aloof grace and manicured appearance. Appealing to both women and men, he had owned the flow of the room without ever so much as raising his voice or gesturing in an aggressive manner.

Such a polar opposite to himself.

Turning back to face his phone, Zoro sighed before bringing his calloused hands to his face and rubbing it roughly. Never one to back down, Zoro tried looking at it from a different angle. The last man he had fucked who was straight he had won over in less than a week, course it helped that he was tired of his significant other and was looking for an easy out. Even so, he still received random hookup texts from him here and there proving Zoro had left a lasting impression even if it wasn't a consistent one.

A man like this though had a different weakness. Maybe it was small maybe it was debilitating. Whatever it was it would be harder to pin down unless Zoro got very very lucky. Men like him hid that shit deep. Sure most on the outside thought a man's metroness was the front that covered it all, but in this case Zoro felt pretty confident his Metroman came out of the womb a number one stunner.

Checking the clock on his phone and seeing it was six, Zoro lifted his ass off the stool he had been sitting on and started closing up shop. With only that one special order the whole day, there wasn't much to close up so five minutes later he was walking out the door and locking it behind him.

Loosely holding his keys in his hand, Zoro decided it was too early to go home. He also didn't want to hang out with dumb and dumber who would know something was bothering him and start hounding him until he told them every embarrassing detail.

That left Cove the middle class bar on the corner of twelfth and Midway. It was a great place to go if you needed a quieter bar with a descent selection and reasonable prices. It also helped he knew the full-time bartender. Following the sidewalk until it lead to the garage in back, Zoro clicked open the driver side door of his lowered, blacked out 2020 Ford Mustang in chameleon green and slid in. It would be good to see Koala anyway. Shifting into drive after pulling out of his spot, Zoro headed down the road to a place he sometimes called his pocket home.

—

"Heeeeey Zoo!" Koala's voice all cheerful and welcoming rang through the bar as soon as Zoro entered causing him to roll his eyes.

"Seriously Ko you need to stop calling me that."

She winked and poured him a whiskey sour. "I'll stop calling you that when you stop being an animal when you drink." She teases.

Glaring at her, Zoro's voice is unamused. "I have never known a woman so interested in bedroom gossip in my life. What, do you pay them to make up elaborate stories about me?"

"Only when I can't get video evidence."

Zoro chokes the last of his drink down before slamming the glass on the table.

"Jesus Christ Ko."

She just laughs and moves on to another client a few stools down after filling his glass again.

Deciding it might be safer if he nurses this one, Zoro shifts a little on the stool before leaning on the bar and raising his eyes to the T.V. to his left as he swirls the glass lazily in a counter clockwise circle slowly. The nice thing about Cove is it's atmosphere is sedating. With cooler colors, softer music that isn't outdated and a mixture of ethnicities, it truly is the chill melting pot of the city. Perfect for high stress nights like tonight.

Despite being written up numerous times as being the best budget bar, there never seems to be a swarm of people no matter what night it is. It was also rare for Zoro to run into anyone he knew. Law and Ace tended to frequent the higher class bars or the truly skeezy dive bars depending on their mood while his acquaintances from the trade district by work tended to go to Pulse because its lower levels doubled as a night club. As it stood, Cove wasn't so bad if, like tonight, you wanted some time to yourself without getting felt up every five minutes.

So here he was hanging out with the bartender from his favorite bar as he drank his night away. Not the worst night he had ever had.

That's when his attention was drawn down to the bar he was leaning on as a fish bowl sized Long Island he didn't order was sat down in front of him by Ko who looked like she was about to jump out of her skin with curiosity.

Looking down at the drink and then at her with a what the fuck look she raised her hand to her chest and motioned behind her while whispering, "Whose the smoking hot blonde?"

Suddenly anxious, Zoro looks up at where she is trying to point as she hops up and down on the balls of her feet so fast she is practically vibrating only to see Metroman pulling on a clove before waving with his smoking hand and raising his wine glass.

Fumbling like an idiot, Zoro picks up his enormous goblet of alcohol and does the same which elicits a snort and laugh from the blonde that makes Zoro blush. Rapidly putting the drink down, he polished off the second whiskey sour before pulling a straw from the bin to his left and stuffing it in the large drinks center. Unsure of where to put his eyes now that the object of his attraction had reentered the picture, he chose to stare blankly at the T.V. as his index and thumb of his left hand toys with the base of the cup.

What the fuck was that guy doing here and why was a straight man buying him a drink, especially one with this much alcohol? Trying not to think about it he kept his eyes glued to the screen until he heard the scraping of the stool next to him and the smooth familiar tenor say, "Too much alcohol for you?"

Zoro snorted and turned to look at the blonde who was now only separated by what was easily a pint of guilt that he had yet to feel.

"Hardly. It takes more than that to even get me buzzed. Nice try though."

"Good. I'd feel bad if the drink I bought you as a thank you for filling my lighter caused you to pass out like some virgin."

Zoro laughed out loud a deep hearty laugh. "Virgin huh? Hardly. Between the two of us-" that's when Zoro's eyes caught Ko desperately making the sign for shut the fuck up as she purposely tossed a shot glass into the sink loud enough to clatter and catch his attention. Confused, but taking the hint Zoro changed gears.

"-between the two of us I'm sure we have enough experience to put a virgin in a coma."

That made the blonde laugh with a cynical undertone before asking, "What do you suppose defines a Virgin?" Picking up his glass, Metroman polishes off his wine before signaling for Ko with his glass and a soft smile.

"Are you serious right now?" Zoro can't hide how ridiculous he finds the question.

"As a matter of fact I am." Metro's voice is slightly sharp before he shuts the question down. "You know what forget it. I doubt you would understand anyway."

"Whoa whoa whoa." Zoro cuts in. "I know

You bought me a drink but that doesn't give you the right to tell me what I think or am capable of understanding. Why don't you try me."

Taking a final drag before putting out his clove the man remains silent a moment before acquiescing. "Fine. Let's see if you have brains or just brawn. Now I realize on the surface my question seems juvenile, but what I want to know is are there levels to virginity? For example. Can a man have sex and still be a virgin in some ways sexually because he lacks experience in certain aspects of sex?"

Zoro nods before taking a sip of his Long Island. "That makes way more sense. You should have just lead with that."

"Yeah well whatever. You gonna answer the question or not?"

"Yeah yeah don't get your panties in a bunch." Clearing his throat Zoro continues, "I think that any type of sex removes the element of virginity from the table. From that point on you are just inexperienced. People who say things like 'I popped your kink cherry" are just looking for another way to give themselves a conquest. A real partner who loves you wants to experience all your firsts with you and trusts that you will accept theirs should you wish to explore them."

Suddenly feeling parched, Zoro takes a big drink from his chalice which he instantly regrets as his face puckers up from the potency of it.

The man next to him just laughs slightly before saying, "You sound a lot like my best friend. He says almost the same shit."

Zoro stares at the man with conviction. "It's not shit it's truth. There are a lot of shallow people out there that don't deserve anyone's firsts. It's why I don't fuck virgins." He takes another sip as the man turns to look at him questioningly. "I refuse to ruin someone else's first. Mine was terrible. It was in the boys locker room in college and the guy ghosted me as soon as it was over."

He takes another drink.

"I may not live a virtuous life sexually but I'm a firm believer that no one should be looked down on for their legally acceptable sexual proclivities or sexual experience. Everyone has something to learn and there is nothing wrong with not having experience. If it's a problem for your partner and they aren't willing to learn with you or teach you then they are a selfish prick just out for themselves and their desires. They aren't interested in cultivating a lasting relationship with someone who might have the capability of cherishing them now and forever."

That's when Ko runs up and throws herself across the bar to strangle hug Zoro. "Oooooo Zoo Zoo I had no idea you were so deep! Why can't you be my boyfriend!"

"Because I don't swing that way not get off me Ko for Christ's sakes!" He growls in embarrassment at having been caught in one of his few emotional soap boxes that he usually only shared with Ace and Law.

Ko pretends to dry her eyes after releasing the hunky green haired man. "You are so precious Zoo Zoo. You are a lucky man mister. He's the best guy I know gay or straight."

It's Metroman's turn to respond. "I'm

sorry my dear there must be some kind of mistake. We aren't dating. I'm just buying him a drink as a thank you."

Ko just winks. "That's where it always starts. You boys need anything else you just let me know."

That's when she slides them the bill with only zero's which causes Metro to look up in protest but Ko shuts it down by placing her finger on his lips.

"Thank your date. He paid with Ko credits." Then she walked to another patron leaving Zoro covering his face with his hands too mortified to look.

"It seems I can't even give you a simple thank you for services rendered."

Not removing his hands all he can say is. "Look. I can't help what that loud mouth says but I assure you that is not what this is. I came here not even knowing you would be here."

Metro just laughs. "It's okay. I have nosey friends too. It just means they love you and want what's best for you."

"Yeah but sometimes they go too far. I mean come on you are straight and I'm not. As a bartender she should really know how to read a room."

He laughs through a slight smile. "True, but some people just don't see lines. All they see are hearts beating to the same rhythm." Flipping his receipt over, he grabs a pen from the bin on the table before scribbling out in swooping cursive something that he then folds in half and slides towards Zoro.

"I'm in town for at least two weeks. The names Sanji. For a guy supposedly not hitting on me, I had a really great time. You have a unique depth I would enjoy trying to pick apart. If you ever want to hang out again let me know. That's my cell. I could use all the good company and honesty I can find, Zoo Zoo I presume?"

Zoro turns bright red. "God damnit Ko!" He turns and yells at her last known location before turning back. "The names Zoro actually."

"Well then Zoro, there's my number. I have friends in town but the more the merrier."

Zoro looks at him septically. "You did hear the part where I'm gay right and I know you aren't stupid enough to think everyone, including me, isn't staring at how hot you are in that suit and throwing daggers at me for capturing your attention."

Sanji just takes out another clove and lights it. "Gay or straight it doesn't matter. My best friend is gay and his boyfriend was straight until they met. Just because I like women doesn't mean I can't appreciate you as a person and value the contribution you add to my life."

Zoro just stares dumbfounded.

"Anyway thanks again for the refill and I'm sorry you had to pay for my drink instead of the other way around. Guess next time I will have to suggest some place you can't pick up the bill."

Shocked by how fast Sanji turned the tables and made Zoro the bitch in this conversation, Zoro just sat there with Sanji's number in his hand as he stared at Sanji's sincere face.

"Anyway, I better get going. It's almost midnight. You okay to get home?"

Zoro self assessed a moment before standing. When his body doesn't stumble and his head doesn't feel like a never ending ocean he nods.

"Alright then. Thanks again and have a good night." Sanji reached into his pocket and pulls out a couple bills before leaving them on the table. "It's okay to leave these here right? I normally like to hand bartenders and wait staff their tips. I've seen too many get stollen in my time."

"Unless the staff wants to die by my hand it'll be fine. Besides, Ko is a tough cookie. Don't let her cuteness fool you." Not wanting to be left behind, Zoro reaches into his pocket and does the same before yelling, "Hey Ko! Bottoms up."

Somewhere odd to the left he hears, "Thanks Zoo Zoo and Zoo Zoo's date! It was nice seeing you! Don't be strangers!"

Zoro just rolls his eyes. "She really is a sweet girl. Mind if I walk out with you?"

Sanji shakes his head, "Not at all."

The two then leave the bar wrapped in a silence that is neither awkward nor hostile. When they get outside, the cooler air brings Zoro back to his senses a little and he pulls out his phone before tapping away.

"That's my number. The only time I don't answer is when I'm asleep and since I run that shop I'm free to answer my phone any other time for the most part. Don't hesitate to reach out even if it's just to ask me stupid questions." Zoro smiles and the turns and waves. "Night blonde. Get back to your room safe."

"You too Zoo Zoo."

Zoro flinches and Sanji laughs.

"Just get the hell outa here before I regret giving you that." Zoro grumbles.

"Right. Later"

"Night."

Then the night swallows them both as each goes back to their personal realities with a light that's just a little brighter at the end of their respective tunnels.

Game Set Match

The next morning Sanji sat at brunch in his hotel's restaurant with Law and Ace.

"So how was your trip?" Law asked as he cut into his steak portion of his steak and eggs breakfast.

"Very relaxing actually. The train is a much more scenic way to travel. There was also hardly anyone there even with it being first class." Sanji's response was thoughtful.

"Good. For being so last minute I am glad to see you look as rested as you do. Are things…better?" Law tries to ask casually without seeming too concerned or judgmental.

Sanji took a sip of his orange juice to organize his thoughts and assess his feelings. "Not really. Let's just say I have had a change of perspective."

"Really? What brought this on?" Ace, curious and nosey as ever, chimed in.

Placing some eggs in his mouth, Sanji chewed it over a moment before clarifying, "Let's just call it an act of God or an intervention by fate, despite me not believing in that nonsense."

Ace and Law both look at each other in confusion as a message comes through on Sanji's Phone. Taking another bite of his eggs, he reaches into his pocket and pulls out his phone.

Zoo Zoo

"Get home okay? I realize looking at your receipt you only ordered two glasses but you said you were from outta town and not all taxi services are on the up and up."

With a slight quirk of his lip Sanji sets his fork down and replies.

Sanji

"I did thank you. I'm glad you did as well seeing how you downed that last one. Did you make it into work okay?"

After a few seconds of waiting for a reply Sanji set the phone down and continued eating as Ace's sly voice interjected. "Does this 'act of God' have a name?"

Sanji just glares. "Only you would assume every revelation is the result of some act of deviance."

Drinking his mimosa, Ace responds back. "Maybe it isn't but only acts of deviance bring residual pleasure the next day." Pointing at Sanji's phone with his fork Ace smirks at the same time the phone vibrates with another message.

Choosing not to respond, Sanji picks it up and reads the message making a slightly disgusted sound before smirking again slightly.

Zoo Zoo

"I'm not at work yet. That drink knocked me flat on my ass last night and I slept like the dead. About to head in now. Just wanted to make sure your first night in the city didn't end up like some bad date."

Tapping away a response as he attempts to ignore the glaring stares from his friends Sanji hits send.

Sanji

Well since it wasn't a date I'd have to say it ended on rather a high note.

Within seconds a reply came.

Zoo Zoo

Are you saying a date with me would be a low point in your day?

Sanji tried not to react.

Sanji

Well considering my only basis for comparison is that gorgeous woman you clearly offended when I entered your shop, I'd have to say I'd rather stay friends.

He hit send.

Zoo Zoo

What if I told you I could promise to change that opinion?

Sanji leaned back in his seat.

Sanji

About you being an awful date or about it being better if we stayed friends?

Zoo Zoo

What the fuck do you think blondie? Both, jesus.

Sanji let a small laugh slip.

Sanji

And how do you propose to do that?

Zoo Zoo

You said two weeks right? For these two weeks you date me on a probationary period then after the two weeks is up if you decide you can live without me we can either stay friends or you can choose to never see me again.

Sanji bites his lip and doesn't respond right away. Instead he picks up his utensils and dives into his food a little too aggressively.

"Seems like this act of God gave our little friend a commandment he isn't sure he is willing to follow." Ace leans into Law and loud whispers.

"Do you two ever mind your own business!"

The boys shake their heads.

Sensing their judgement Sanji growls through the bacon he shoved in his mouth "It's not what you think!"

"Mmmhmmm." They both humm in unison. "Whatever you say, Sanj. I just hope this one has a set of balls instead of a couch as wide as the Grand Line."

Sanji choked violently on the piece of pancake he had in his mouth as a look of horror crossed his face that somehow the boys associated with choking and not that they might have guessed a little too accurately.

Law gets up and pats Sanjinon the back roughly as Ace hands him his glass of water.

"Easy there Sanji we were just teasing. We know your straight laced ass wouldn't actually date a guy."

Regaining his composure Sanji takes a drink and clears his throat. "Have a little more tact than you two you almost killed me." Sanji

"We will save that for just before you leave." Ace winks and the boys continue their meal; the message train stalled until they aren't around.

—

Zoro didn't mind playing hard to get when it was him, the one being caught or when he knew it was just a tease. This, however, irritated the fuck out of him.

After getting home last night he had stripped and gotten into bed where he promptly lay wide awake trying not to expect a call. Always being the one hunted, Zoro had never had to consider someone was out of his league or just not interested which was frustrating in this case because the man he was attracted to was both.

"Asshole." He grumbled as he lay in the dark with his forearm over his eyes. "Don't fucking buy a guy a drink as a thank you even if it doesn't cross your mind that he might be into you."

But the things he had said struck a cord that had hit Zoro deep and resuscitated a part of his heart he thought long dead.

"All they see is two hearts beating to the same rhythm." No gay or straight just hearts and minds. Even repeating it in the dark made Zoro blush slightly. "Fucking hell." Groaning he rolled to his side and pillowed his head on his bent elbow. "Way to steal my thunder."

Normally the flirt with all the lines sweet and dirty, Zoro wasn't used to someone just spouting that kind of nonsense to him even if it wasn't meant as a come on. Still, Zoro couldn't help holding a glimmer of hope that maybe that had been Sanji's heart talking and not his head between his ears.

Now, after sending that text and glowering at his screen for around twenty minutes he was thoroughly fed up. Zoro knew it had been a ballsy move to suggest a trial date period, but he had just been following the mood. Christ between being given the guys number and now being taunted with the idea that Zoro was a bad date the guy had essentially been verbally throwing himself at Zoro egging him to make a move.

"What is with this guy!"

Walking to the shelves set into the wall next to the back door, Zoro reached for the radio and changed the station to something more angsty before turning it up. He couldn't spend the entire day fawning over some dick tease. The shop wasn't going to pay for itself.

Fortunately for Sanji, Ace and Law couldn't stay much past brunch because they had to get back for the day's show. That left Sanji some free time on his hands to do a little soul searching, which he clearly needed to do according to Ace.

"Sanj, we are worried about you. We aren't saying you need to find someone and move on, even though you do, we just want you to realize you have the right to be happy. Just keep in mind that your preconceptions of what make you happy might be keeping you from actually being happy." Ace's voice was calm and soft.

"I know it's eaten you alive, the whole mess with your ex, but maybe you should do something different for a change and not worry about what you think should make you happy only worry about figuring out what does. If it's a woman, great. If it's a dude, great. If it's knitting clothes for an entire village or doing charity work with your craft then great, but don't sell yourself short just because you aren't willing to open up and experience life because you are afraid." It was Law's turn to chime in.

"I appreciate all your support guys. I agree I need a fresh start and packing up and leaving a toxic environment was a start, but I also know I can't run forever. While I'm here I'm planning on looking at some other opportunities and seeing if maybe I can't start fresh doing something completely different somewhere else."

Ace and Law just nod. "Just know we support you whatever it is. We just won't sit by and let you self-destruct either, at least not while you are here." Ace said with a smile.

Sanji had been relieved to hear that. Of all the people he had been friends with Law was the only one who really seemed to still speak to him after the split. Many had stayed friends with his ex and 'chosen her side' when they split even though she was the one who cheated. Well there was also Nami, but she was only good for anything that benefited her which usually meant watching his house and doing things for him for money.

So as sat on his bed staring at his phone back in his room he thought long and hard about taking Zoro up on his offer. What could it hurt? If he set some ground rules it might actually help solidify what he really wanted. It wasn't like the guy was unattractive. In truth he could totally see why anyone would fall over him. He had an incredible body, and attractive face, bright and honest eyes, and a personality that always kept him on his toes. Sure he was straight but if they weren't straight and kept things strictly below first base it might not be so bad.

It definitely couldn't be any worse than realizing you were some bitch in bed and that three years worth of love and devotion weren't worth shit if he couldn't put out. Besides, he wasn't the naive boy he was when he left.

Opening up the text chain Sanji replied.

Sanji

When can we meet? I want to set some ground rules.

Testament

Zoro didn't know why the idea had struck him shortly after the last text to Sanji was ignored or what about it drove him to throw all of his efforts into it, but it had taken half the day just to get the draft done. Wiping his brow causing a slight charcoal trail to smear across it, Zoro looked down at the final sketch of what he was calling the Widowmaker.

Drawing inspiration from fantasy and erotica it sported an eighteen-inch main tang that curved up in a slight crescent from the hilt and a thinner shorter tang that attached to the base of the first and the hilt that ran a quarter of the way down the length of the main. Serrated from where the short tang ended and the main tang took over, it was as much a work of art as it was a death machine despite being purely ornamental.

Made from 1045 carbon steel, it would be engraved with a koi similar to the one that had been engraved into the lighter Sanji carried. With a hilt wrapped in elk died a vibrant red and a black lacquered pommel, it would embody the grace and elegance of the owner as well as the deadly beauty.

And he only had two weeks to make it.

Though Zoro had the ability to be romantic, and he definitely loved his kinks, he knew his usual tricks would be tired. He needed to revamp his game and in order to do that he needed to put himself on the line in ways, he normally wouldn't because, frankly, there hadn't been a guy worth upping his game for until Sanji. Between the deadline, Zoro had given and the striking attraction Zoro felt towards him, Sanji had become something worth giving his all to.

Picking the image up and bringing it to the back room he pinned it to the crafting table before taking a snapshot with his phone that he could print at home so he had an image when he went to the forge.

With the first stage complete and nothing else that needed to be completed, he came back out ready to close up for the night only to be surprised when Sanji, with his arms crossed over his chest, stood at the counter.

Trying to keep it neutral, Zoro asked. "Need another refill already?"

Sanji's reply was terse. "Did you not get my text?"

Reaching around to pat his butt but not finding his phone, Zoro held a finger up to suggest Sanji hold that thought which earned him an eyeroll as he walked over to where he thought he left it last to check. Sure enough, when he picked it up he had an unread message from the now irate blonde. Opening the message he scanned it quickly and his eyes went wide. Turning around, Zoro walked out behind the counter and up to Sanji before walking past him and locking the door.

"No one can bother us now." Leaning slightly back and into the door as the bolt clicked behind him giving Sanji a front-row seat to stare, Zoro stood there a moment before moving back to the counter where he almost brushed Sanji as he walked past yet again. Turning so the two could look into each other's eyes once he was back at the counter, Zoro sat partially on its top as he rested his hands on his thighs.

"Classy." Was all Sanji said with a slightly disgruntled tone.

"Hey, better late than never right?"

Sanji just glared.

"Look, I had a last-minute gift come in that needed to be completed and it's got a nasty little time limit. Think I can cash in that drink and call us even?"

Sanji smirked and some of the tension in his body left. "Seems fair."

"Good. Now, about your text. What are these ground rules you want because unless it's in bed I'm not a big fan of being tied down to someone's ideal."

Sanji blushes slightly and clears his throat. "Considering this would be a trial period I thought it would only make sense to keep things simple. That means physical contact needs to stay from the waist up so no farther than first base if even that."

Zoro's eyes go wide and he shakes his head back and forth but doesn't complain. "Go on."

"Second, all dates need to be respectable and appropriate that means no strip clubs, no drugs, no -" Sanji starts but Zoro cuts him off.

"Yeah, I get it. No Tinder dates got it. Next?"

"Third, public displays of affection are also to remain appropriate. No heavy petting, no fondling, no inappropriate teasing, and so on."

Frowning, Zoro interjects, "You know blondie you are turning into a real buzz kill."

Throwing on a cocky look Sanji retorts, "If you aren't up to it or don't think you can handle being a gentleman then I will be happy to walk out that door and let bygones be bygones."

Letting the threat and the thrill in Sanji's words travel all over his body in electric waves, Zoro stands and walks towards the blonde before stopping just in front of him. "The biggest mistake you will ever make is underestimating me." With eyes that promise everything indecent, Zoro gently takes Sanji's hand and brings it to about waist height before bending down and kissing the back gently. "I accept your conditions. Now, Sanji will you accept the terms of the agreement?"

Keeping his eyes locked on Zoro as he slides his hand from Zoro's gentle grasp, Sanji agrees. "I do."

"Then I now pronounce us boyfriend and boyfriend," Zoro whispers as he steps into Sanji's personal space causing the blonde to swallow heavily before adding one more thing.

"I have just one more request."

"And that is?" Zoro raises his hand and brushes a few stray strands of Sanji's beautiful blonde hair out of his face without ever touching him.

"Keep this between us. Since it is just a trial period and I have friends I am visiting I would rather keep this between us so there isn't any influential interference."

Making a show of considering his words, Zoro brings his hands to his hips and lets his eyes travel over Sanji's face before agreeing. "That seems fair."

"Good."

Teasing just to see what his reaction will be Zoro chides, "So do we seal it with a kiss or maybe in blood since I have a plethora of weapons?"

"No, you idiot." Sanji's face blushes a beautiful pink causing Zoro's breathing to hitch slightly.

"Okay, it just doesn't seem as official. What about a hug?"

Sanji frowns though his embarrassment is still clear. "Don't make me regret this already."

Zoro just raises his hands in surrender though a small smile tugged at the corner of his lips. "Fine. Have it your way."

Sanji nods.

"Well, since you are here did you want to start our first official date tonight?" Zoro's voice was hopeful.

Looking him up and down, Sanji gave him a slightly disgusted look. "Were you planning on going like that?"

Looking down Zoro pulls on his tank and then twists around to look behind himself.

"Good point. Did you want to meet up in an hour at your hotel? I can pick you up since I doubt you are ready to come back to my place and wait like a good little boy."

Sanji could tell the last part was a jab even though the rest was completely sincere.

"Very funny asshole don't you know it is impolite to make your date wait? Take me back to your place. If you try anything funny the deal is off."

Zoro puts his hand over his heart and says in an exaggerated voice, "You wound me, sir."

Sanji just rolls his eyes. "Whatever just come on."

"Sure thing just let me grab my keys." Stepping back and turning towards the counter, Zoro walks back to the back room and takes his keys from the drawer underneath the shelf where the radio sits. Though he can't see Sanji giving him a once over he does feel a pleasurable shudder crawl down his body starting at the base of his skull. Absorbing that feeling a minute, he turns slowly before heading back to where Sanji stands.

"Will you let me get the door for you?"

Sanji just raises an eyebrow but doesn't move towards the door leading Zoro to believe he has given his consent.

Walking the two steps to the door, Zoro holds it open. "After you."

Giving him the side-eye as he walks out, Sanji exits unscathed much to his chagrin and a satisfied grunt from Zoro.

Once outside and the door is locked Zoro extends his elbow. "Shall we? Your chariot awaits."

Sanji gives him a look that shows how unamused he is by Zoro's blatant and over the top displays of gentlemanly behavior. "Just get moving."

Zoro sighs, "Can't fault a man for trying."

"I most certainly can."

The Curtains, The Drapes and A Lack of Personal Space

"Never seen a man that paints his car to match his hair or was it the other way around?"

To be fair Sanji was impressed. Though not a muscle car kind of guy he could tell just by the way that Zoro ran his hand over the hood as he walked to the driver's side before tracing it lovingly along the cars side, trunk, and then passenger side before opening the passenger door that he took exceptional care of the things he loved. But he wasn't about to tell him that. Especially when the man was working this gentleman role.

Still skeptical that he hadn't put enough boundaries on this trial relationship, Sanji walked up to the passenger door wondering if he would be able to squeeze in between Zoro and the car parked next to him without actually touching the man. With no inclination that Zoro saw an issue with how little room there was, Sanji stood the course.

Turning so his ass was to the other parked car and his pelvis towards Zoro's ass, he turned sideways and pressed himself into the other parked car allowing him just enough room to slip by without even grazing the man.

"You know what they say about the curtains matching the drapes." Zoro gave a half-smile with his lips but a much different smile with his eyes as he casually leaned against the door he popped open; his gaze following Sanji as he walked around him and then appeared on the other side of him to slide into the passenger side without so much as a thank you.

"Are you always this incorrigible?"

"Are you always such a tight ass?"

Not sure if that last one was supposed to have a double meaning or not since Sanji knew his ass was one of his best features, he ignored it and buckled himself in as Zoro walked around the car the way he had come, before sliding into the driver side door.

Slightly trepidatious at first that he would be thrown into a cramped space and end up with a creek in his neck from how tense he would be, Sanji found it quite easy to get comfortable in the passenger seat especially when they started to warm.

Once settled and he could look around, Sanji became completely distracted by the masculine ambiance of the car which clashed with the elegance of the leather seats, nav system, and seat warmers that Sanji was taken by complete surprise when the car started up and the low deep rumble of the modified engine vibrated the car so much that his ass started to tingle.

Letting out a short gasp that he quickly regretted, he watched Zoro's face lit up before saying.

"Looks like I need to find plenty of reasons to take you for a drive if just sitting in my car without me doing anything gets you that excited."

T hat's when Zoro's hand gently land ed on the stick and sifts the car in to reverse before moving it so it rests behind Sanji's headrest as Zoro's body turns towards him so he can look out the rear window.

"You know you have a backup camera right?" Sanji's voice is tense as the well-chiseled body begins to push the boundaries of his comfort zone.

"Yeah but-" then Zoro bites his lip as he smoothly turns the wheel with his left hand so he exits the spot allowing him to turn back to forward and rest the hand behind Sanji's headrest loosely onto the stick again. "I've always preferred looking at what's behind me whenever possible."

There had been no inclination that comment had been meant for him nor that it should have been taken as sexual but that didn't stop Sanji's brain from suddenly picturing himself behind Zoro just like when he was squeezing between the cars except this time naked as the good build man straddled him reverse cowgirl while looking at him over his shoulder.

Turning his head so his blush didn't show and crossing his left leg over his right to try to stave off the sudden ache that shot through his groin he vowed to stop spending so much time listening to Ace and Law's sexual recaps when he talked to them, not during their shows.

Why the fuck would he think of that or even picture himself doing it with this brute?

Unsure of how to respond or how to react, Sanji just continued to look out the window as the car drove smoothly until Zoro broke the silence. "When we get inside I need to take a quick shower and change before we head out. If there is someplace you want to go just let me know otherwise I'll try to be creative."

"For someone so adamant he can make me change my mind in two weeks you sure don't inspire a lot of confidence. Since this was your idea shouldn't you be trying to impress me instead of me just telling you what I want so you can cop-out?"

Completely unphased Zoro responded, "If you were gay I would know exactly where to take you, what to give you, what to do with you, and the fastest way to get rid of you. Since you are not and I'm not looking for someone and done, I want to make sure the things I do please you instead of just me."

Feeling the heat rise in his face that another man could be that brash about his intentions with another man, Sanji just humphs.

"You can not believe me all you want. That doesn't mean what I said isn't true. I genuinely intend to change your mind in two weeks but if I'm going to do it I need to quickly learn your likes and dislikes so I can give you everything you deserve."

Sanji remains silent.

"Alright, why don't you tell me where you would go on a first date to impress the person you were with?"

Sanji breathes in and out once deeply. "Everyone knows first impressions are everything. That means the first night you take the person out to a romantic meal, the more expensive the better, with the best view or nicest private atmosphere you can find. After that you could go for a walk in the park if the weather is nice or go shopping: things that keep you active but intimate and let you learn without being intrusive. If there is still time after that, depending on how intimate you are, you can curl up at home and watch a movie or go someplace and stargaze before dropping them off. That is unless you are staying together."

Zoro doesn't say anything, just listens as Sanji rattles off all the guidelines for what the first date with him would look like. Trying not to frown as Zoro was faced with his relationship inadequacies as he was forced to digest how little he had chosen to care about the people he had been with in the past, he made a mental note to pay more attention to his surroundings so he had more awareness of what someone so particular might like.

"The key also is to know the place you are dating in. If you live in the city and date in the city then you need to know the ins and outs of it. Though that may seem obvious you must always remain in control of your date and surroundings so in case anything doesn't pan out you have a plethora of contingency plans. A smooth date is a successful date. Don't give them anything to complain about because women especially will use that shit against you three days, a week, even a year later."

Sanji sighs heavily then and Zoro can feel his mood darken. Focused on driving and listening while reacting out of instinct, Zoro brought his hand to Sanji's knee and rested it on the kneecap culling it gently but reassuringly with his palm before railing his thumb in a comforting manner back and forth over the outside.

"I have to say I'm not a big fan of intangible weapons. Words and actions should never be used to hurt someone. If you make a mistake or fuck up own it but don't hold someone's mistakes over their head in a hostile manner. It's no different than holding a knife to their throat every day making them fear every moment that the wrong move could cause you to slit their throat."

Momentarily paralyzed by the feel of Zoro's hand, Sanji panicked and went stiff causing Zoro to look over at him quickly before he looked back at the road, then down at Sanji's knee, then back at the road as he flushed and lifted his hand.

"Sorry I was focused on driving and listening to what you said so my body just reacted to your change in mood. My bad."

"It's fine just…try not to do it again. I said above the waist."

Even as Sanji said it he felt a pang of guilt. When was the last time someone tried to comfort him? Even if it was a guy the momentary relief he felt before his brain lost its shit juxtaposed with the sudden loss of warmth that radiated from his knee as Zoro's hand lifted away felt like his body was freezing back over after a temporary thaw.

"Yeah well, I veto your rule. I'm your goddamn boyfriend now and though I respect your need for personal space I deny your right to it when it jeopardizes your happiness. I'm not going to let you suffer just because you've trained yourself not to accept the help you don't think you want."

Sanji could feel the hurt in Zoro's voice behind the anger and felt ashamed. Zoro was right of course. Sanji wasn't exactly being fair and it wasn't like Zoro had tried to grope him sexually.

Still faced towards the window but turning his head just enough so he could watch the stern-faced man's reaction Sanji asked for forgiveness. Spreading his legs, Sanji moved his left knee towards the hand Zoro rested on the stick shift. When he was within an inch or two of his hand Sanji stopped and left it there.

When a few minutes went by and nothing happened, Sanji's eyes scowled. Though he had had his fair share of rejection this felt more like a blatant slap in the face. Not willing to accept no to his sincere yet constipate apology, Sanji pressed his leg against Zoro's hand causing the man to jerk his head and look his way.

Ready to angrily tear into him Zoro's face changed to one of surprise as he looked and found Sanji in a much more suggestive pout than he was equipped to face. Jerking his head back so he faced the road Zoro responded in a much softer voice, "You know you shouldn't sit like that you are liable to give me a heart attack."

Now it was Sanji's turn to be hurt, "I was just trying to tell you I was sorry and that I guess it's fine as long as your intentions are pure." His voice a sharp burst of anger as he went to pull his leg back but a sudden grip on his knee held him in place.

"Apology accepted. Now quit being a child." Releasing the grip on Sanji's knee Zoro starts with back and forth caresses against the side as he had before. After a few minutes when Sanji relaxes he begins to tent his hand up and down stimulating the entire knee but not moving his hand farther up or down his leg.

Gasping slightly at the sudden ticklish but arousing sensation, Sanji shifts slightly in his seat.

Knowing the limit of effectiveness, Zorro begins to shift his grip so his thumb rests on the left side of Sanji's knee while his middle finger slides lazy arcs over the inside surface of the knee cap. Though he cannot see Sanji's exact reactions he can tell the man is warming to his touch just by the way his breathing levels out and slows.

The rest of the ride continues in silence until Zoro pulls into the garage of his condo. Removing his hand regrettably from Sanji's knee Zoro puts the car in park before turning off the ignition.

"We are here. Stay there and I will get the door for you." Not waiting for an answer or reaction, Zoro opens his door and gets out before walking around and opening Sanji's door. With the door held open, Zoro reaches his hand out to Sanji.

Caught between a rock and a hard place with a pretty good feeling that if he doesn't take Zoro's hands things will only get more personal, Sanji reaches out and places his hand in Zoro's.

Though he had expected to feel a larger more masculine hand, he had not anticipated being able to capture the gentleness within such a firm exterior. Holding his hand as if it were a delicate flower, his thumb locking on top of Sanji's hand as Zoro's fingers locked around the sides while his palm lightly cradled with an intense heat Sanji's palm giving it a strong but soft base to support it, Zoro supported Sanji's exit from the car with only a slight tension as he assisted in pulling him out.

As soon as Sanji had two feet on the concrete floor, Zoro backed up and allowed him to pass before shutting the door and heading for the elevator.

"My place is on the fourth floor." Was all Zoro said as he reached the elevator and pushed the button leaving Sanji to stare after him and wonder why this man was able to crawl under his skin and why that didn't seem to bother him even though he knew this was nothing more than a trial that couldn't possibly last beyond two weeks.

Peek-a-boo I See You

Primarily only seeing the inside of women's houses or Ace and Law's place, which incorporated a heavy dose of fashion and erotica due to their stream, Sanji wasn't sure what to expect when Zoro opened the door to his condo and let him inside. To say he was underwhelmed both comforted him and somehow disappointed him.

To the right was a very plush black leather sectional set with a black lacquered coffee table and a stone grey shag rug underneath it. Across from the sofa was a black layered entertainment center with steel supports that housed a curved 72" television and some shelves tastefully organized on the wall with books and other knick-knacks. This room, essentially the living room, leads to a sliding glass door that opened up to a balcony that connected, via a door, to the room next to it which one could guess would be the bedroom.

To the left of the door was the kitchen. Done also in black lacquer, it had silver mounts on all the pull-able drawers and incorporated an island bar with three bar stools also in lacquered black with steel feet that let a person cook at watch the t.v. or watch the city outside. Beyond that was a hallway that leads to at least two other rooms.

Though simple in décor and slightly modernistic in design, it seemed to resonate with its owner much in the same way his car had; hard on the outside with a hidden layer of elegance if you looked.

Not realizing he was staring with a critical look on his face Sanji jumped when Zoro said behind him, "What not clean enough for you? Or are you worried about catching someone else's pleasure when you sit down?"

Turning bright red because a similar thought had crossed his mind, Sanji barked, "Just hurry up will you."

"Calm down. Just so you know you are the only guy I have brought back to my place that isn't a friend. I'm not really into baggage and I don't need some needy one nightstand hanging around my place it's annoying."

Sanji just stared in disbelief as Zoro walked down the hall and opened the door to the left before turning to say with a cheeky smile, "No peeking now, I'm just gonna be a minute."

Making an embarrassed and half-assed disgusted sound, Sanji turned and headed towards the balcony. He hadn't had a smoke since before he entered Zoro's shop and the itch was suddenly overwhelming. Reaching out to slide the door open, he reached into his pocket to grab a clove before bringing it to his lips and lighting it.

Though his nerves were on edge it wasn't the kind that made him feel creeped out. If anything it was more like anticipation similar to the kind you got on your first real date when you don't know any better or what to expect. Taking a drag he looked out onto the city whose lights were just beginning to shine as the sun set between two taller buildings in the distance. Though not as breathtaking as his place, the scenery had a certain intimate charm similar to a secret villa tucked away in a foreign country where no one knows your name and all your inhibitions can just roam free.

Blushing at the thought, Sanji took another drag letting the smoke out of his nose before movement to his left caught his eye.

Turning his head all Sanji could do was quietly mouth 'holy fuck' at the sight of Zoro through the glass in the balcony door wrapped in only a towel low on his waist as his incredible biceps scrub away at his hair with a towel over his head slamed into his vision. The fact that Zoro turned to face the bed wasn't making the image any better. With a long back rippling with well-sculpted muscle and a lower back that lead into the tightest and perkiest ass he has ever seen, Sanji temporarily forgets to breathe. He also forgot he was holding a clove. Continuing to watch as Zoro removed the towel from his head and placed it on the bed only to then drop his hands to his waist to remove the towel, Sanji's heart feels like it was going to beat out of his chest.

At least until Zoro opened the towel and held it out to each side at the same moment the clove's cherry burned Sanji's hand because it burned down far enough to reach the filter because the blonde wasn't paying attention.

Of course, Sanji screams out fuck and looks down at his hand, dropping the clove onto the balcony as he shakes his hand furiously causing Zoro to come outside via the door, a towel tied back in place, to see what happened.

"You okay?" His concern was genuine.

"Yeah, fine. Just wasn't paying attention and burned my finger." Sanji's voice was angry and slightly pained.

"Here let me see it." Not waiting for permission, Zoro collected Sanji's hand gently before examining the finger, bending the others slightly down and placing the burned part to his lips where he sucked it gently letting the tip of his tongue gently caress the hurt flesh.

Stunned, confused, slightly aroused, and unable to speak Sanji tries to find a place to look that doesn't make the situation worse and allows him to feel anything other than the array of emotions he was going through at that moment. Unfortunately, moments later Zoro released his finger and asked, "What had you so engrossed that you forgot you had a lit cigarette in your hand?"

That's when Sanji's eyes betrayed him and looked towards Zoro's room as his lips said, "Nothing! I just had a lot on my mind."

Zoro, following the path of his eyes, puts two and two together and smirks knowingly.

"Too much on your mind huh?" That's when he pulls Sanji towards him sharply but not enough for the man to touch his naked torso placing Sanji now close enough for Zoro to lean in and whisper in his ear, "I thought I told you no peeking." Then he releases Sanji and turns to head back to his room. "Once I'm dressed I'll bring out a bandaid. Try not to do anything else to yourself between now and then."

Stepping into his room Zoro closes the door and pulls the blind effectively blocking Sanji from view.

For several moments more Sanji just stared there stupified before his body started shaking. Grabbing hold of the rail to steady himself, Sanji faces the city yet again and tries to breathe deeply. Unfortunately, the only thing he can smell is the musky scent of Zoro's clean body burned into his nostrils.

"Fucking hell." He finally chokes out as he closes his eyes and focuses on his breathing. How could a man be that seductive and yet so controlled in his actions? Just looking in his eyes Sanji could tell that Zoro was holding back his desire to do way more than he was doing, but something was keeping him from doing it.

Shaking his head to try to clear it, Sanji turned and bent down to pick up the dead bud and out it in his pocket to throw away later.

As soon as he stepped in the door, Zoro entered from the hallway dressed in faded light wash jeans with a black belt hanging below a cotton heather grey exercise tank that did nothing to reduce his muscular sex appeal, as he sported a backward baseball cap in black with a label that read UNDERGROUND on it.

Taken back for the second time tonight, Sanji's face was a mixture of trying not to devour every inch of the man and feigning disappointment.

"You do realize that outfit isn't any better."

Zoro doesn't look at him only heads into the kitchen and begins rummaging around. "Maybe not to go out for dinner but no one said I was taking you to dinner. All you said was dinner should ideally be at an expensive place but it should also have the best view and be very intimate."

Turning around, Zoro places some utensils and a cutting board on the island. "And I can't think of a place with a better view that's more intimate than here so why don't you sit down and let me make you dinner."

Turning back around Zoro pulls a wine glass from a cabinet above the sink and places it on the counter before going to the fridge and picking out the only bottle of wine he owns.

"I hope this tastes good. It was a gift and I don't drink red but the client that gave it to me said it was a good vintage so I hope it's to your liking."

Pouring the glass, Zoro placed the bottle on the counter before bringing the glass to Sanji.

Even before Sanji takes it the bouquet hits his nose and his eyes go wide.

"You can't be serious!"

"Is it that bad? You haven't even tasted it."

"Bad? This wine couldn't be bad. This is a bottle that costs easily over 1k per bottle." Bringing it to his lips Sanji can't help but close his eyes and moan slightly at how wonderful it tastes.

When he opens his eyes Zoro is standing there flushed with partially hooded eyes.

"Glad you enjoy it. I will never drink it." His voice is deeper, huskier and the tension that grows between them seems to crackle.

Suddenly anxious Sanji tries to redirect the conversation. "Though I am sure you are a man of many talents and you have been incredibly considerate so far, there is no way I am letting you cook for me. Only a well-trained chef could make a meal that would compliment this wine to perfection."

Heading towards the kitchen, Sanji places the glass down on the counter and heads to the fridge to see what Zoro had to work with.

"Hey! This was supposed to be my date. Don't you go muscling in and taking it over?" Zoro, clearly upset, barks making Sanji rise from his squat and turn to face the angered man.

"Listen, I've been cooking for almost as long as you've been sleeping around according to you if not longer. I know what I'm doing and I also know, being professionally trained as a Sous Chef, that there is no way in hell I'm letting you ruin this for me. Now, why don't you take this list I am going to make and run to the store to get me what I need like a good boy."

Crossing his arms over his chest, Zoro pouts. "No."

Sanji's eye twitches. "And why the hell not? Do you want to ruin this date for me?"

"Zoro turns his head and keeps pouting. "Of course not."

"Then why won't you go and do this for me?"

"Because."

"Because why?"

"Because I am enjoying spending time with you and I don't want to go by myself okay! What happens if you leave while I'm gone?"

Sanji's heart constricts and his mouth hangs open a second.

"Idiot, what makes you think I would leave? I never back out on a date."

Zoro sighs and his face turns sad. "Let's not chide our selves I know this isn't what you want and that I might be beating my head against a wall, but I can't help being attracted to you. I know the trial date wasn't fair to you, but when you agreed I thought I had won the damn lottery."

Raising an eyebrow in disbelief Sanji interjected, "You didn't look that excited to me."

"That's because I didn't want to look like an idiot." He turns to face Sanji then. "I'm fine if you make dinner as long as I can help. I want to do things with you and get to know you better not just be an accessory to fill the two weeks you are here."

Overwhelmed by the hurt and sincerity in Zoro's words, Sanji meets his gaze earnestly taking a moment to feel the words the man is saying before responding.

When he finally can speak Sanji's voice is calm and accepting. "Fine. I'll go with you. Maybe then I can at least teach you about how to choose ingredients and what might go with what so you can better stock your fridge and not live like some twenty-something college student."

The change in Zoro's face was like night and day. As soon as the words left Sanji's mouth Zoro's eyes went wide and began to sparkle with contained excitement that seemed very overwhelming as he walked up to the blonde, took both his hands in his as he held them and said 'Thank you Sanji' before bending down and kissing him lightly on the cheek.

Never had Sanji experienced a sweeter gesture or been given a more precious kiss. Though light and quick it contained a wealth of emotion without boring down on him with someone else's expectations or regrets.

Frozen for a second it took Zoro's voice to pull him back to reality.

"Ready when you are. We can walk there and back it isn't far."

Turning his head as the world came back into focus Sanji bit the inside of his lip just to make sure he wasn't dreaming before stepping out behind the counter and following Zoro outside.

Lines In The Sand

A gentleman the entire time, Zoro kept his hands in his pockets as they walked to and from the store, had been attentive and asked questions as Sanji chose what he needed and carried every single bag back even if it meant holding one in his teeth which thoroughly irritated Sanji, but he acquiesced because had he tried to steal the bag the ingredients would have been damaged.

Once back at the condo, Zoro neatly organized the ingredients on the counter and waited for instruction.

"Now that we have everything there is only one thing left to do."

"And that is?" Zoro's voice was focused and attentive.

Lifting his finger while not looking at Zoro, Sanji's voice silently requested, "I can't cook with an injured finger. I'm going to need a bandaid."

Confused for a fraction of a second, Zoro dug into his pockets and pulled one out. "Sorry, I grabbed it like I said I would and then forgot to give it to you." Holding out the bandaid Zoro waited for Sanji to take it.

Turning to look at his finger, then Zoro, back at his finger, Sanji begrudgingly said, "You do it."

Trying to hide a smile, Zoro pulled one side of the bandaid off before holding Sanji's hand and placing the padded part of the bandaid over the angry flesh. With the pad secured, Zoro folded the sticky side down before pulling off the other tab and wrapping the wing around the finger. With the bandaid secured, Zoro brought the finger to his lips and kissed it again.

"I'm sorry I forgot. My mind was full of other things."

Sanji blushed and pulled back his finger. "You realize we will starve if you don't give me that hand back."

Zoro just nodded and waited for instruction.

—

Even with Zoro helping, dinner only took forty-five minutes to prep and cook. When it was done Sanji pulled it out and placed it on the counter to cool before pouring himself a glass of wine.

"You should sit, I can bring it to you." Zoro offered politely.

"Nonsense, presentation is important. Go sit, I'll bring it."

Sighing but admitting defeat, Zoro went to the fridge and opened it ready to grab a beer before Sanji's incredulous voice rang out.

"What do you think you are doing?"

The accusatory malice was almost dominating and sent a shiver of deviant pleasure down Zoro's spine. Trying to not let his arousal show, he turned to Sanji with a slight squint to his eyes.

"I was grabbing a beer."

Turning so he faced him, Sanji lit into Zoro. "I swear to God Zoro if you touch that beer and ruin this meal I will beat you with this serving spoon now sit your ass down as I told you to."

Unprepared for such adult games, Sanji suddenly regretted his choice of words as Zoro's eyes turned predatory as he rose to almost stalk towards Sanji until the two were breaths apart.

Placing his left hand on the counter, Zoro raised his right to Sanji's hair where he tucked a few strands behind his ear before saying low and quiet, "Do not threaten me with a good time Sanji." Then the two stood their eyes locked for a handful of breaths before Zoro broke eye contact and walked to the cabinet above the sink to grab another wine glass. Pouring himself some from the bottle he brought it to his nose to smell and nodded in surprise before grabbing two sets of silverware from the drawer and going to sit down at the table located on the other side of the couch by the wall.

Letting out the breath he was holding, Sanji plated the food and carried it over before setting the first in front of Zoro and the other across from him where he would sit. Going back to grab his glass, Sanji focused on his breathing in an attempt to settle his racing heart.

Once seated he motioned for Zoro to eat.

The meat was tender as Zoro cut it letting juices seep out as the slight aroma of spices and citrus juice filled his nostrils. Placing the morsel in his mouth, he chewed several times and was impressed beyond words by the flavor he hadn't anticipated the meal to have. Looking up at Sanji to compliment him, Sanji just motioned for silence before pointing to the glass of wine.

Staring at it with distaste, Zoro glanced back at Sanji who wasn't budging, before looking back at the glass. Telling himself he would just take it out of the blonde later, he took the glass and brought it to his lips.

The moan that escaped Zoro's lips as the mellow tones of the red bled into and surrounded the flavors and juices saturating his pallet couldn't be described as anything but sexual. Sounding similar to a man nearing his climax, Zoro took another bite and swallowed before closing his eyes and leaning back in his chair to savor what he had eaten.

"Holy shit Sanji you weren't kidding. I'm sorry I was being selfish and almost ruined this though I have to say I'm concerned any meal I take you to now with fall short in comparison."

Coming back to a proper seating position, Zoro continued to eat in silence as Sanji watched him devour everything set in front of him. When Zoro was finished eating, he polished off the wine and then looked at Sanji, his face immediately falling as he noticed the man hadn't even eaten a bite.

Suddenly feeling guilty Zoro asked, "Did I do something wrong?"

Startled Sanji looked down. "No, not at all it's just been a long time since I cooked for someone in the intimacy of their home and I can't remember the last time they enjoyed it even a quarter as much as you just did."

"Yeah well it was fucking good but I'm not going to be happy unless you eat something so here-"

Moving over to sit next to Sanji, Zoro took the man's fork and knife before cutting a piece and placing it in front of Sanji's lips.

"Eat Sanji, please?"

With his heartbeat elevating, Sanji tried to take the fork from Zoro but the man wouldn't let him.

"Damnit Sanji I know you will just put it down and not eat so just take it off the fork so I don't have to shove it down your throat."

Scowling and very embarrassed to be eating off Zoro's fork as he fed him, Sanji opened his lips and let Zoro place the fork inside before pulling off the meat and chewing.

Though Sanji had made it a thousand times, no other times had it tasted this good. It didn't matter that he hadn't changed anything or that the ingredients weren't the same quality. Something about this meal was different, but at that moment Sanji didn't care. All he wanted was more.

Swallowing, he looked towards Zoro expectantly.

"Oh, I'm sorry. I thought you didn't want me to feed you." Zoro teased and Sanji scowled.

Ignoring the look, Zoro cut another piece and fed him and continued to do so until everything on Sanji's plate was gone.

With the food devoured and the glasses empty, Zoro stood up and gathered the dishes before placing them in the dishwasher. Pulling out his phone, he noticed it was getting late and sighed.

"It's getting late. Want me to take you back to the hotel?"

Looking at his watch Sanji furrowed his brow. Pushing midnight, Sanji was faced with a dilemma. He didn't want the date to end but he wasn't sure staying the night was a good life choice. Thinking back on everything that had happened tonight so far he decided to throw caution to the wind. "What am I sixteen with a curfew?"

"No, but everything but the bars is closed which means we either watch something on the t.v., I take you back, or you take the bed and I take the couch.

The thought of leaving irritated him almost as much as the thought of sleeping alone in Zoro's bed, but he wasn't sure what would happen if they took things to the bedroom. Caught in a loop he couldn't get out of, Sanji didn't respond until Zoro placed the bottle on the coffee table in front of the couch before setting their two wine glasses on it.

"Want me to find something to watch while you decide?"

"That would be great thanks." Standing up Sanji suddenly needed some fresh air. Heading out the balcony door, he took out a clove and placed it between his lips before lighting it and leaning against the railing.

What the fuck was he doing? He knew what he was doing but why was he trying to do it with a guy and why was he enjoying it? Thinking back on both nights he had spent with Zoro, Sanji couldn't think of a single moment where he had been made to feel like a sleaze for his flirting, been treated like a pack mule, or had his ideas dismissed. Instead, Zoro had actively engaged him in everything they did and even treated him with respect and genuine kindness.

Which wasn't what Sanji was doing in return. Instead, Sanji had just taken everything Zoro had given him without so much as a thank you or a compliment. Being so stuck in his head he hadn't listened to his advice.

"Some people just don't see lines. All they see are hearts beating to the same rhythm."

Lines in the sand. That was all he had drawn. Do this. Don't do this. That was no way to treat someone. That was no way to learn to love someone. The question was could he learn to love Zoro? Taking away the fact that he was a guy there was so much that was attractive. He had an aggravatingly attractive personality, was incredibly attractive physically as well, was well kept, and reliably stable.

The biggest question after him being a guy was could Sanji stop being the dominant one and become the submissive. Taking a drag of his clove he closed his eyes and bowed his head.

What would it be like to be touched by that man in the same ways he was touched by all the women before? What would his hands feel like on his body as they glided across the sensitive flesh with the same sensual touch he had given his car? What would his lips feel like as they traveled over his body?

Gripping his chest in his free hand Sanji sucked in the last of his clove before rubbing it out on the underside of the banister.

Why did this hurt so much? Why was this so hard. Why-

Then there was a tap on the glass door before Zoro stepped outside.

"Everything okay?"

There were uncertainty and concern in Zoro's voice.

Turning to face him but not look him in the eyes, Sanji's voice caught in his throat. Having turned his hat around, he leaned on the door frame in a casual S-curve that highlighted the long svelt frame that held a world unknown to him. Drinking in his allure with eyes that desired and feared everything about what he was seeing, Sanji leaned back and gripped the rail with his hands as current feelings mixed with previous pain and sent his mind into a spiral.

"Sanji?" Zoro could see the pain and fear in his eyes. Unsure what was wrong, he moved away from the frame and made his way slowly towards Sanji. Though he could see the tension and maelstrom of emotion increase the closer he got, Sanji gave no inclination he wished to move despite turning his head away. Once the few steps between him and Sanji faded , Zoro reached out tentatively and captured Sanji's chin before turning it towards him.

"Sanji, please look at me."

When he didn't, Zoro asked in a gentle voice a second time. "Sanji, please. I'm not going to hurt you. I swear to you."

He sounded so sincere. His touch was so kind and soft. Even so, Sanji didn't know how he could learn to love something like this. Could he learn to like it? Maybe, but love it and love him? Sliding his eyes so he stared into Zoro's he realized then and there it was futile because he wasn't going to be given the option.

The eyes that looked at him didn't look at him they liked through him and into his soul. They made Sanji feel bare, exposed like Zoro could see all of his secrets and knew all of his thoughts. It was electrifying and terrifying all at once.

And it was something Sanji didn't feel he ever wanted to live without. Though it was invasive, it was also refreshing. To have eyes that clear look into him and not be tainted by the scars and the pain littered within was relieving. It made Sanji want to give in which was exactly what he decided he was going to do.

Two hearts, one rhythm.

"Zoro?" His voice a little breather than intended.

"Yes, Sanji?"

"Let's go inside."

Love Me Harder

Not waiting for Zoro to reply, it was Sanji's turn to brush past and head inside; his body shuddering as he felt Zoro's eyes on him. Not looking back, he walked halfway inside the room before he stops.

It didn't take long for Zoro to follow suit and step inside before closing the door behind him. For a few moments neither one moves and then, as if in sync, Sanji turns to face Zoro as Zoro turns off the lights and hits play on his phone.

The only words spoken then come from Zoro sho says, "Just shut up and don't think." before Love Me Harder by Ariana Grande and The Weeknd plays over the phone speakers.

Tell me something, I need to know

Then take my breath and never let it go

If you just let me invade your space

I'll take the pleasure, take it with the pain

The words hit Sanji square in the face as Zoro walks up to him and takes his hands before pulling them behind his head and letting go. Leaving no choice but to cross his arms behind the gorgeous man's head, Sanji finds himself at Zoro's mercy as Zoro places his hands at Sanji's hips before he pulls the slender man against him and begins swaying slowly to the song.

And if at the moment I bite my lip

Baby, at that moment, you'll know this

Is something bigger than us and beyond bliss

Give me a reason to believe it

'Cause if you want to keep me, you gotta gotta gotta gotta got to love me harder

And if you need me, you gotta gotta gotta gotta gotta got to love me harder

(Gotta love me harder)

Love me, love me, love me

Harder, harder, harder

With his heart beating fast and his body melting into Zoro's, Sanji closed his eyes as Zoro brought his temple to Sanji's so their heads rested against each other. Suddenly choked up by all the emotion and the lyrics of the song, Sanji tried to speak.

"Zoro I-"

But Zoro's lips against Sanji's temple silenced him as Zoro whispers, "Hush. It's okay."

I know your motives and you know mine

The ones that love me, I tend to leave behind

If you know about me and choose to stay

Then take this pleasure and take away the pain

Zoro's hands at his waist then slip and circle Sanji bringing him into a more intimate embrace as Zoro continues to slow dance them to the music as the preceding lyrics break Sanji.

So what do I do if I can't figure it out?

You got to try, try, try again

So what do I do if I can't figure it out?

I'm gonna leave, leave, again

It was more than Sanji could take. Speaking to both his past pain and his current insecurity the song destroyed his last bastion of defense as Zoro, whose strong body was the only dam between Sanji's emotions and his emotional collapse, held him upright as the tears began to flow.

"Zoro, please I-" Sanji's knees gave out then but Zoro was there to pick him up and cradle him against his chest before carrying Sanji into the bedroom and laying him down on the bed. Releasing him for only a second, Zoro hopped over his body and then lay down in front of him so he could pull the broken man back against his chest as he cried.

It would be almost an hour later before Sanji calmed down enough to lay in the bed without residual hiccups or bouts of tears. Even so, Zoro never left his side unless it was to get tissues or to get Sanji something to drink.

When Sanji could finally sit up, his eyes were red and bloodshot but he looked like a weight had been lifted. Reaching out tentatively to take his hand, Zoro bridged the subject laying between them.

"Want to tell me what happened?" Still laying on his side with his head propped on his right hand, Zoro kept his voice curious but not intrusive or judgmental.

Sanji just shook his head. "Just an old scar I never really let heal."

"Fair enough. Think maybe someday you might tell me?" Zoro traced lazy circles on Sanji's palm with his index finger.

"Maybe, if you still like me after two weeks I'll consider it."

That's when Zoro saw him smile genuinely for the first time and it almost crushed his heart to see such a beautiful man crushed by such a dark weight.

"By then maybe I'll have taken your breath away and it won't matter anymore because you will have me." Blushing, Zoro released Sanji's hand and rolled onto his back so he could face the ceiling. "If you want I can turn the t.v. on in here so you can watch and fall asleep. I won't move from this spot or even change my clothes so you can rest."

Considering it, Sanji chewed his lip. He didn't think emotionally he could go back to his room alone and sleep. He also didn't want to call up Ace and Law and show up at their door looking like this. That would just be a nightmare.

"Mind if I change?"

Zoro sat up. "No, go ahead. You can borrow a shirt and a pair of my sweats if you want or just sleep in your boxers and a shirt."

"That would be fine. I'll take a shirt and possibly borrow some pants tomorrow."

"Right. They are the middle drawer on the right by the wall."

Following where Zoro pointed with his eyes, Sanji walked over and opened the drawer before pulling out the top shirt. Resting it on the opened drawer Sanji removed his sport jacket and laid it across the open drawer before unbuttoning his shirt from top to bottom. With the buttons down the front and at the wrist undone, he pulled it open and slid it off as a 'Christ almighty' comes from Zoro who he hears shuffle on the bed.

"Next time tell a guy you are getting naked and are hot as fuck without clothes so he has a chance to prepare himself."

Sanji just smiles and blushes before pulling on Zoro's shirt which fits a little loose given he doesn't have as much muscle as the green-haired man.

With his top changed, Sanji begins to unbuckle his bottoms before letting them drop with think and stepping out of them. Checking to make sure his boxers stayed buttoned, he collects his things and folds them before setting them on the top of the dresser by the end of the bed where the t.v. is.

Coming back around Sanji pulls back the covers and crawls into bed. When he is all settled he closed his eyes and turned to Zoro. "Thank you for the best date I have ever had Zoro."

Caught completely by surprise, Zoro flips around to look at Sanji in shock at what he just heard. Unfortunately, the stress of the evening seemed to have been too much and Sanji's even breathing suggests he hit the pillow and fell asleep as soon as the words left his mouth.

Watching him for several moments as he sleeps, Zoro reached out and ran his fingers carefully through the blonde's hair as he says, "You are welcome blondie. Thanks for giving me a chance and being the best thing to happen to me in a long time." Then placing his hand on Sanji's, Zoro also closed his eyes and fell fast asleep.

Wake Me Up Before You Go

When Zoro woke up alone there was an array of emotions that tore through him all at once. Even before he opened his eyes he knew the room was empty of the life that he was one hundred percent positive had been there the night before. The air moved differently, the silence permeated stronger, and the blankets were flat.

Laying there he toyed with the idea of not opening his eyes because if he didn't open them then he didn't have to see…

A sudden clatter came from the kitchen and Zoro's heart lurched. Sitting bolt upright, eyes wide open, he jumped out of bed and speed walked to the kitchen causing him to almost barrel into Sanji carrying a breakfast tray as he came around the corner.

Bumping the tray with his chest as he braces himself against the wall with his sudden stop he earned a nasty scowl.

"If you didn't want breakfast you should have said something, course that would have required your dead ass to wake up sooner."

"Sorry." That was all he could say as he backed back into the bedroom to sit on the edge of the bed.

"I was hoping that if I brought you breakfast you might wake up before it was time to go back to bed." Sanji set the tray beside Zoro before seating himself next to him on the bed.

"You could have always found other ways to wake me up sooner." Zoro teased with a sense of relief and giddy excitement that it hadn't all been a dream which only earned him a chunk of pancake being crammed into his mouth.

"Shut up and eat."

Humming softly he chewed, swallowed, and teased again, "You know I could get used to this."

This time eggs were crammed in his mouth as Sanji kept an unamused blush on his face.

"I can't imagine why anyone would want to do this much work for someone so ungrateful."

"I could show you how grateful I am but that would be a little below the belt."

Sanji scowled harder trying to hide his discomfort at such flirtation. "Someone feels rested."

"Actually yes," Zoro affirmed. "I slept the best I have slept in God only knows how long. What about you? That sour face sure doesn't suggest you got to sleep even though you looked hot as hell laying there next to me in my shirt."

Giving Sanji the once over, Zoro was sad to see he was no longer wearing his shirt. "Guess that was short-lived." Taking the fork from Sanji's hand as he held it in the air, Zoro cut some more pancake with the side before stuffing it in his mouth

"I'm not in the habit of taking what isn't mine. I put it in the dirty clothes and then when you didn't wake up, I went ahead and did the laundry for you and put everything away where I thought it went."

"Quite the little housewife aren't you?" The tease in Zoro's voice was affectionate as he looked at Sanji who tried to look anywhere but at the cheeky green-haired man.

"I didn't want to just sit around and do nothing." He snapped slightly.

"I'm sorry I woke up so late Sanji. Forgive me?" Stabbing more egg, Zoro stuffed it in his mouth before Sanji could, further irritating the blonde making him huff and stand up.

"You are incorrigible. If you are just going to be this fresh I'll catch a cab back to the hotel so you can cool off."

Sanji only made it as far as shifting his seat on the edge of the bed so he faced the door before Zoro's hand grabbed his wrist and his voice became serious.

"Please, don't do that I'll stop."

Unprepared for the severe change in emotion and the form, desperate nature of Zoro's grip Sanji freezes as he turns to look at Zoro.

With head slightly bowed, lips in a tight firm line, eyes pinched and one hand holding Sanji's the other grips the fabric of his jeans Sanji feels a pang of guilt.

"Just eat your food before it gets cold, dummy." His voice lines with regret.

Zoro seems to relax as he hesitantly lets Sanji go but says nothing, just pics up his fork and finishes eating. When the food is gone he looks up at the blonde. "Thank you for breakfast Sanji. I didn't know pancakes and eggs could be this good."

"Yeah well, they could have been better we're you not living like some ignorant teen. Cooking like this is almost as bad as kids throwing together ingredients hoping it works out."

"Well, it hasn't killed me yet." Zoro pouted.

"It's an amazement, though it would explain the green hair it's like you've starved your brain so much it's turned into a marimo living off sunlight and whatever the hell it can find."

"I happen to like my hair thank you very much! And if I was that stupid you wouldn't be here so give a guy some credit." He growled slightly defensively.

"There must be something wrong with me then too I guess. You are clouding my better judgment."

Then Zoro's lips were at his ear and Sanji shuddered, "I haven't even begun to cloud your judgment yet Sanji. Though we could start now if you like."

Reaching up and gripping Zoro's shirt Sanji's voice tried to be firm but it just sounded breathy and needy. "You will do no such thing."

Nuzzling Sanji's ear with his nose, Zoro teased more, "You sure? We've already slept together. Doesn't that break some cardinal rule of yours?"

Sanji gasps slightly as his eyes hood; his hands tightening on Zoro's shirt as the deep reverberation in Zoro's voice seems to travel through his body. "Don't twist what happened jerk.

"If you don't want me to twist it why don't we set the record straight." Zoro carefully nipped Sanji's ear then eliciting a slightly feminine moan that embarrassed the blonde causing him to push Zoro away before falling back on his elbows on the bed.

"Enough. Don't you have work?" His breathing was heavy, his face flushed, and his body was hot and pulsing.

"Yeah yeah, it can wait. I'd much rather spend more time with you."

"Well, you can't." Sanji sits up and watches as Zoro's face becomes crestfallen.

"You need to go to work and I need clean clothes. Besides I'm not here on a holiday. I have other reasons for being here."

Zoro sighs heavily. "Yeah, I get it. Just don't expect me to be happy about it." Zoro reaches out his hand towards Sanji then offering to help him up.

Sanji pauses a second before taking it and letting the man gently pull him to a standing position in front of him.

Not releasing Sanji's hand, Zoro runs his thumb over the back of as he asks, "When can I see you again?"

Sanji chews his lip a moment. "It depends on what happens when I get back to the hotel. If I'm not bombarded with a bunch of drama, I will see about tonight. If not then we will try tomorrow.

"As long as it isn't."

Sanji released his hand and slaps Zoro's arm, "Don't be stupid I'm here for another thirteen days."

"Trust me I'm aware."

"Good. Then I'll clean up while you get dressed." Turning Sanji grabs the tray and takes it back to the kitchen while Zoro watches him go as he tries not to worry about what will happen when the days turn into zero.

Sealed With A Kiss

The entire car ride to Sanji's hotel gave Zoro butterflies. With his palm rested on Sanji's thigh right below the knee he tried to force himself to believe they were only moving forward and he was making something of nothing. Even the fact they didn't say a word wasn't concerning to him, which seemed odd because normally he spent the entire ride prepping himself for shoving some cock stain out of his car that he never intended to see again.

This time, as with every time with Sanji since they met, things were different.

When the car parked in the garage by the elevator, Zoro didn't try to get out right away. Instead, he squeezed Sanji's knee and turned his head to say, "Can I text you?"

"It is a free county and there is freedom of speech last I checked just don't be a hormonal teen about it."

Zoro smirked, "Can I be a hormonal adult about it?"

Sanji's face turned bright red at the thought of Zoro sending him anything like what he almost saw on the balcony.

"Don't you dare?"

Zoro grinned cockily, "And here you said you wanted the best view in the house. Guess you need to get your priorities straight."

Sanji glared. "Maybe you need a reminder about being a gentleman."

Sliding his hand slightly down Sanji's leg, Zoro dropped his voice to a deep purr, "I already told you once Sanji, don't threaten me with a good time."

Sanji balked and jerked his leg back as his face turned crimson. Leaning on the door he snapped, "You gonna open the door or not?"

Zoro's sigh carried genuine sadness in its weight. "Yeah, sure thing." Placing the hand that had been in Sanji's knee on the seat Zoro leaned to his left and reached for the door handle to open it and get out so he could walk around and let Sanji out.

Except for this time, it was Sanji that grabbed his wrist and stopped him. "Zoro wait."

Freezing for a moment riddled with butterflies and insecurity he could not name, Zoro stayed there a moment before turning and looking into Sanji's eyes which were swirling with something similar.

There was no way both men couldn't read the room. There was no way neither man wanted anything but what was scripted for this moment even if one of them still had a hard time admitting it. That meant it was once again Zoro's turn to make a move.

Lifting his thumb and closing his eyes he kissed the pad of his thumb softly before bringing his hand to Sanji's face to cup his cheek. When the blonde cheek rested softly in his palm he took the pad of his thumb and pressed it against Sanji's lips before gently tracing the bottom one back and forth.

Though it wasn't a real kiss the look in Sanji's eyes as he melted, his lids slightly closing and his lips twitching against Zoro's palm almost broke Zoro's resolve. The windows were tinted so much the car was blacked out so there would be no way anyone would…

But Sanji would know and he would know and that wasn't how the first time should be.

Pulling his hand back while Sanji remained partially stunned by his kiss, Zoro exited the car and came around to open Sanji's door. Reaching his hand out he waited to collect the blonde's touch one last time.

—

The opening of the door is what brought Sanji back to consciousness. Turning to look, he saw Zoro's hand ready and waiting to let him out one last time.

Even as a child Sanji couldn't remember a time when he sat at a crossroads and saw the forks in the road that stood before him. The first fork, Zoro's hand, lead him down a path that had high chances of solitude should he choose to stay on it comfortably and not deviate giving him an easy out but not forcing him to grow as a person. The second stopped here in the car and didn't go any further forward. Instead, that one stretch back onto itself as far as the eye could see leading to a path of uncertainty that both scared abs excited him.

Though he knew Zoro was waiting Sanji wasn't ready to make a decision. Instead, he closed his eyes and breathed deeply for a few moments as he collected his thoughts.

Last night he had almost made a mistake. He had come back inside with misplaced anger and tried to do something he would have regretted the next day. To be clear he wouldn't have regretted doing it he would have regretted that it wouldn't have been genuine and honest. Sanji never wanted to use another person as a means to justify his actions or validate himself and that's exactly what he would have done had he gone through with having sex with Zoro.

Somehow though Zoro had known that that wasn't what Sanji wanted. Bringing him close and supporting him in his arms Sanji had been able to release a lot of the toxic emotions he had held onto since separating from his ex. Now that his head was clear and his priorities straighter he felt confident he wouldn't put either of them in that situation again.

But that didn't mean he didn't want to put himself in other situations that might be much much better.

Reaching up to take Zoro's hand Sanji let him pull him up. When he was standing in front of him with only a sliver of space between them Sanji looked into his eyes as he brought his thumb up, kissed it, and then placed it on Zoro's lips.

"Try not to have too much fun while I'm gone okay marimo?" Removing his thumb from Zoro's lips he reaches up and runs it through his hair which is soft like velvet. "I don't want to have to worry about if you are taking care of yourself or not. You are already a handful."

Then his hand was gone and he was walking away.

—

Zoro's heart was hammering in his chest as he walked around the car. The urge to suck his thumb just to taste a little of Sanji's lips was overpowering but he steeled his resolve and came to the door with a soft smile on his face as he opened it and reached down towards the blonde.

When Sanji neither took it nor shied away, Zoro knew he needed space. Wanting to make sure Sanji knew that he was here for him no matter what, Zoro continued to hold his hand out until Sanji finally took it and stole he breathe away.

Though it wasn't a real kiss, though their lips never touched, the sweetness and attraction held within the kiss were not lost on Zoro. As he watched Sanji softly kiss his thumb his heart skipped and his pupils dilated seconds before he found himself frozen by Sanji's words.

"Try not to have too much fun while I'm gone okay marimo? I don't want to have to worry about if you are taking care of yourself or not. You are already a handful."

Zoro didn't realize how desperately he needed to hear that or something like that, that showed Sanji had any personal investment in him or this trial relationship until those words exited the blonde's mouth.

Unable to move or speak outside of turning his head and watching Sanji walk away, Zoro found himself left with a clawing need to feel that warmth again. Wanting with every fiber of his being to hear more words like that escape Sanji's lips Zoro commuted then and there to himself never to stop trying. Never to give up and to never let that man slip through his fingers even if he didn't choose to stand by his side.

Not willing to accept the latter until the thirteen days was up, and maybe not even then, Zoro walked back around, got in his car, turned on the engine, and licked his lips unconsciously which caused him to moan sharply as the sweet taste of clove slid over his taste buds.

"Holy fuck." Sucking his bottom lip into his mouth, Zoro looked like an invalid for the next several minutes as he sucked himself until his lip was sore, which didn't help his level of personal torment in the slightest as he now associated it with Sanji and then his brain sexually derailed from there.

Though Zoro wasn't a fan of smokers, Sanji's cloves didn't bother him the way cigarettes did. Sanji never smelled like an ashtray, though he had only spent a short time with the man, nor did he have the same filthy habits regarding disposal of said addiction. Now Sanji also tasted even better than anyone he had kissed, which he imagined would be true across the board.

Jamming the back of his head into the headrest as he gripped the steering wheel, Zoro screamed through clenched teeth in frustration. Thirteen days was a long time to be a gentleman but damn if it wasn't going to pay off.

—

When Sanji got inside he was greeted by the concierge who nervously looked at him with a bright red face as she said, "Good morning Mr. Vinsmoke. I have five messages for you." She then handed over the white pieces of paper which Sanji quickly scanned to see were from Ace before quietly reading them within earshot of her.

10:00 p.m. "Where the fuck are you! Call me."

11:00 p.m. "Why haven't you come back to your room have you died in a ditch? Call me."

11:30 p.m. "If you are out sucking another man's dick I will never forgive you fucking call me you selfish straight bastard!"

12:45 a.m. "Are you ghosting me now! You even missed the show! Where the fuck are you!

7:00 a.m. "I swear to god if you don't call me by noon I am filing a missing person report and coming to find you and kill you myself!"

Sighing heavily, Sanji turned to the woman whose head was bowed and had a face that looked like she would die of heatstroke any moment.

"My apologies my dear it seems my friends were a tad worried while I was out. I am sorry for their disgraceful behavior out you in any discomfort. Please accept my apology and assurance that I will personally delay with them if this happens again."

Crumpling the notes he headed back to his room and entered the moment the phone rang. Knowing full well it wasn't Zoro because he would just text or call his phone, that left only one blithering idiot.

Making sure to only pick up on the third ring, Sanji answered in an annoyed, monotone voice, "Hello?"

"Oh my god, you ARE alive! Sanji where have you been I've been worried sick! Crying hysterically, Ace wailed into the phone as Law yelled in the background, "See I told you he was fine! This is exactly why I wouldn't let you have my phone to call him!"

Shaking his head now that everything made sense Sanji barked into the phone, "Listen you overprotective cum dumpster those five messages you left embarrassed the poor woman at the desk! Don't you ever leave messages like that again! If you want to leave a message fine but Law has to leave it because if I find any more of that filth when I come back from whatever the fuck I'm doing that is not any of your fucking business I swear to God and everything holy your man's next fleshlight with being an inside out rendering of your skinned cock now calm the fuck down!"

The voices on the other end of the phone were silent for so long Sanji thought they got disconnected.

"Did you fucking hear me Ace you sex-crazed prick!"

"Yes Sanji, I'm sorry." Ace's voice was quiet as he sniffled once.

"Good, how did you need something important?"

"No. Just wanted to make sure you were okay."

"I'm fine! Next time listen to your boyfriend for Christ's sake he isn't just there for his looks!"

Sanji heard Law choke on something and could visualize Ace wincing as the man apologized again.

"Now, I've had a long night and I need to freshen up. If you need me Law can text me or you can call here but don't bother me for at least another hour you got that!"

"Okay, Sanji."

"Alright. I'll talk to you then. Thank you for being worried. I love you guys." Then he hung up.

—

The moment Zoro got to work he put up a sign that said 'At the forge. Call and leave a message or try back tomorrow'. He then got back in his car and headed out to Warehouse 6, the small lot he owned where he had set up a forge just fifteen minutes from the store. As soon as he got there he stripped off his shirt and fired up the forge so he could start in on crafting the blade that would solidify all of his feelings and dedication for the person he intended to give it to.

When the fire was hot enough, Zoro put on his gloves, grabbed his tongs, and pulled out the metal that would be the blade before shoving it in the fire to heat. With plenty of pent-up sexual frustration, Zoro had no problem molding the dagger into a workable design by the end of the day.

—

Sanji had not expected just touching Zoro's soft pliant lips with his thumb would cause a heatwave to radiate through his body that started at his groin and blazed up to his face making it flush. He had felt it as soon as he touched the man but had turned away quickly so as not to reveal it. It was the kind of heat that didn't dissipate with distance or time so walking to his room Sanji found he had to unbutton his blazer and the top two buttons of his shirt.

Once inside the room he took off his jacket abs threw it on the bed before removing his shoes as he walked towards the bathroom. Entering the bathroom he didn't even bother closing the door concerned the trapped heat would only inflame him further.

Leaning into the shower and turning it on as hot as he could stand, Sanji stripped naked and stepped into the scalding water. Still railed up from Zoro and then infuriated by Ace, Sanji felt a mounting tension continue to creep into his body making him irritable and quick to snap coming on. Hoping the heat of the shower would take his mind off things, he stepped inside and gritted his teeth as his body adjusted to the temperature.

Once able to finally move, Sanji tilted his head back and closed his eyes as he brought his hands up to his hair so his fingers could run through and wet the strands.

Except it wasn't his hair or his hands it was Zoro's. Though confusing images to juxtapose, Sanji's mind pictured two things simultaneously as the water beat down on his frazzled mind and repressed body. With his eyes closed, Sanji envisioned Zoro's hands in his hair raking his fingers through as Sanji did the same to the spiked-haired man's as the two stood naked in the steaming hot shower.

When their hair was slick, Zoro reached down and pumped the shampoo before bringing it to Sanji's hair and soaping it up while Sanji did the same to Zoro's. With their hair, all soapy Sanji tilted his head back and let Zoro wash the suds out as his lips hovered inches from Sanji's exposed wet neck. With Sanji's hair washed clean, Zoro reached down again and pumped the body wash into his hand before bringing his lips to Sanji's neck so he could kiss and suck as his hand wrapped around Sanji's cock so he could stroke him in time with his kisses.

Moaning deeply as Zoro's calloused hands slid effortlessly and affectionately up and down his cock providing intermittent pressure, Sanji dug his fingers into Zoro's hair as the green-haired man dropped his lips to Sanji's shoulder where he bit down before pumping harder and faster.

Feeling his knees try to buckle Sanji released Zoro's hair and leaned forward coming in contact with the cooler surface of the shower wall which broke his concentration momentarily until Zoro whispered in his ear now from behind him, "You know you like it" before licking his ear.

Overcome with desire and completely caught up in his fantasy, Sanji came hard and fast on the shower wall as he cried out Zoro's name shamelessly. Though at that moment it was everything he wanted, he felt embarrassed and ashamed to have beat off another man just by thinking about him.

Rushing through the rest of his shower he stepped out and dried off before stepping into the silk robe he had packed for the trip. After tying the waist and giving himself a once over, he stepped out into the living area and walked over to his phone which he had left on the small desk next to his bed. Flipping it on he saw he had a missed text from Zoro.

Opening it up his heart clenched and the embarrassment he felt a moment before vanished to be replaced with a faint need to be cheeky just to fuck with him.

Inside the text was a picture of the pad of Zoro's thumb with a large X and squinty eyes drawn above it as if it was making a kissing face with the text 'thinking of you' on it set against a blurred out background.

"God he is so fucking cute."

Surprised he would even think that let alone say it out loud further made him want to be a little naughty. Rolling back the chair at the desk, Sanji sat in it smirking as he realized it was slightly reclinable. Adjusting it so he could lean back slightly he rested his head on the headrest making sure his chest and abdomen were slightly exposed by the 'loose' knotted belt, propped one leg up on a foot of the chair while the other rested on the floor making sure his legs were slightly spread but his goods were still covered by the silk and placed his thumb on his slightly puckered lips making sure his eyes were hooded as he looked up at his phone camera and snapped the picture.

Attaching it to his reply Sanji typed 'Don't miss me too much. Thinking of you as well' before hitting send.

Sure he would regret it but also knowing Zoro wouldn't do anything he didn't want, Sanji relished the anticipation and anxiety that came with waiting for his reply.

The Cards We Dealt

Rule 1: Don't bring baggage or a date home.

Rule 2: Don't mix business with pleasure. That includes fucking at work or fucking coworkers.

Rule 3: Never take a picture and send it if you wouldn't want it posted on the intranet by your best friend if he found them.

Having just finished the rough crafting of the main tang, Zoro had stopped around two in the afternoon to take a break and consider getting something to eat. Though he had done an awesome job -after taking that photo this morning of his thumb from his car once he got here- of not stopping every five seconds to look to see if Sanji responded, he was starting to feel lonely and anxious now that he had gotten to a stopping point.

Stepping back from the forge he pulled out his phone from his back pocket and turned it on only to light up as he saw he had missed a message. Opening it hurriedly he covered his mouth with his hand as his eyes went wide and a slight moan escaped.

Definitely not what he was expecting. Now sporting a raging erection, Zoro quickly closed all the vents on the forge and grabbed his tang and shirt before heading to the car.

Opening the trunk he placed the tang inside and closed the trunk before hurriedly getting into the driver's side. Now blissfully grateful he had blacked out windows, Zoro unzipped his jeans, pulled his pants slightly down so a small section of his groin was exposed, and angled the camera on his phone so the picture would show his exposed groin, his naked and sweaty abs, and his thumb as Zoro stuck his tongue out and licked it like it was something naughty.

Attaching it back his caption said, "Wish I was there so I could do this properly."

Hitting send Zoro wanted nothing more than to beat down that little shits door and take him like the bitch he was being, but he also knew that wasn't going to make Sanji his. Now that the doors to Pandora's box were open, Zoro had free reign to tease and torment the man so long as he stayed as gentlemanly as possible. That meant no dick pics that didn't mean any suggestive pics.

Turning on the engine, Zoro pulled out of the lot and headed home. He wasn't going to get anything productive done now. That meant he had a lot of free time on his hands that he knew just what to do with.

—

Almost the second after Sanji sent that picture there was a knock at his door.

"Just a minute!" He yelled as he rose from the desk chair and adjusted his robe so it closed better.

Assuming it was the front desk or some part of the staff since he had left a sign not to worry about changing linens, Sanji opened it up without hesitation only to find a stern-faced Law in the doorway.

"Law."

"Sanj."

The two greeted each other as Sanji backed up to let Law in before confusedly looking down the hall and closing the door.

"He's not coming. I sent him to the spa. He wouldn't stop moping about you yelling at him. He's devastated and he thinks you hate at him. I told him to go pamper himself and come back when he stopsped being stupid."

"But I'm not."

"I know that," Law said as he moved to the small table next to the t.v. and he reached in his pocket to pull out a deck of cards that he began shuffling; pulling out the chair with his foot, and taking a seat.

Frowning, Sanji walked over and grabbed the ashtray from the desk before walking to the chair opposite Law and sitting down; pulling a clove out and lighting it as the man dealt out the cards.

For as long as Sanji had known Law, he knew that Law only played cards when he was guaranteed to win or when he needed to talk. Being a man not good with emotions he needed something to do with his hands when he was upset or thoughtful and he had found cards to be the safest avenue as his mind processed numbers without thinking and his hands found solace in the rhythmic click and flip of the deck.

Taking a hit, Sanji picked up his hand and sorted his cards before discarding the ones he didn't want and taking the ones Law dealt him. When Law had done the same, they showed their cards and Law collected them before shuffling them again and repeating the process.

With the cards dealt and Sanji blowing the smoke out of his nose Law finally spoke. "The last time you spoke to Ace like that you ended up at the end of my fist bleeding on the floor."

Sanji tensed but remained quiet as Law organized his cards and discarded them.

"I'm not saying he was in the right because he wasn't but I also need to make sure you aren't in the same place as you were the last time that happened either."

Relaxing now that he knew where this was going, Sanji placed his cards face down with a snap before dousing his clove, getting up from his chair, stepping away from the table, and opening his robe so it fell to the floor with a thunk leaving him naked.

Placing his cards down as well Law leaned back and gave Sanji a critical once over.

"Hands."

Sanji spread his hands and showed Law the webbing until he gave a satisfied nod.

"Turn around."

Sanji turned to let Law look him over again critically.

"You look clean so far as well as sober. You also don't have that nasty twitch you tried to hide either so I won't ask you to spread your cheeks or show me your toes. Just get dressed and come sit down."

Bending down to pick up his robe Sanji pulled it on and tied it again before sitting down and picking up his cards.

After showing their hand and shuffling the cards again, Law asked, "Did you have a nice time?"

Sanji tried not to blush but he knew he failed so he lit another clove before answering. "I did."

Sanji organized his cards and discarded them as did Law.

"Care to tell me about it?"

Sanji showed his hand. "Why do you want to know?"

"What I want to know-" Law folds and then gathers the cards to reshuffle "-is why you feel you need to hide it?"

Tapping the bottom of his cards with his ring finger Sanji tried to collect his thoughts. How the fuck had he figured anything out? With his mind racing, Sanji tried to think what might have given it away, but no matter how he looked at the last two days he couldn't think of anything that would have suggested any of what was going on. Erring on the side of caution, Sanji tried to deflect to figure out what Law knew and what was conjecture.

"What makes you think I am hiding anything. Maybe I'm just being discreet."

Sanji discarded two cards and Law discarded one.

"That answer proves that you are hiding something. Even when you chose to be discreet, discreet still has a name and a personality that you cant shut up about."

They both showed their hand and Law gathered the cards before shuffling them and putting them back in the box. When the cards were safely away, he pocketed them and then looked up at Sanji as he clasped his hands together and Sanji lit the third clove.

"I have known you a long time Sanj. I have memorized who you date, how you act, what your quirks and pet peeves are, and every routine you do. Since picking up the phone you have completely derailed from every known pattern. Never have I heard you tell Ace something wasn't his fucking business and for a man that loves you like a brother you broke his heart. Not that he wasn't being over the top but you have never spoken to him like you did today."

He paused to let it sink in before continuing.

"Then I come to see you, just you and me, and I find you trying to hide from me. Me who dragged you out of your drug addiction when your ex broke up with you for another man. Me who destroyed all your needles and examined you daily until I memorized your body better than your Mother. Me who physically had to hurt you to get you to realize you were destroying others and yourself."

Reaching out his hands, Law took the clove from Sanji's hand and placed it in the tray before taking Sanji's hands in his.

"You were the only one who stood by me when I 'transitioned' as most people called it. You were the one that stayed with me as I cried and threatened to cut myself. You were the one who handcuffed me to the bed and slept on my sofa just to make sure I couldn't escape and do something destructive to the man I had come to love. You were the one who listened night after night and tried to give me relationship advice for a relationship dynamic you knew nothing about. You are also the man who inspired our show and has supported us even if you can't get out of your own way."

Law squeezed his hands then.

"I know you Sanji. I know you and I've been there. You don't have to tell me his name but you do need to admit what you are doing so it stays healthy and doesn't turn into something that can destroy you both."

At that moment Sanji's phone decided to vibrate. Appreciative of the distraction but knowing he couldn't get out of what was in front of him he pulled the phone out of his pocket and tried not to react when his phone read Marimo.

Glancing at Law who leaned back in his chair and crossed his arms, Sanji opened the message and bit his lip as he crossed his legs trying to block off blood to a region he was not trying to draw attention to.

Coming back to reality as Law cleared his throat, Sanji sets his phone on the table and attempts to regain composure.

"That good huh? Lucky man."

Sanji just rolled his eyes.

"Don't even tell me it isn't what I think it is because I'm damn well sure it is. Now, why don't you just admit it?"

Leaning back in his chair Sanji traces his phone with his index finger without answering and Law doesn't force him.

Eventually, Sanji relents and asks, "How did you handle knowing he wanted to touch you sexually but not being sure you were okay with it?"

Knowing Sanji like he did he didn't answer he just listened.

"What did you do the first time you fantasized about him so hard your orgasm nearly brought you to your knees?"

"How did you feel the first time he whispered in your ear and you knew you were everything he desired?"

"How am I supposed to handle not being the dominant one?"

That's when Sanji looked up with eyes gathering tears and said, "How do I love a man who knew I needed him to hold me in his arms as I balled my eyes out instead of letting me fuck him like I thought I wanted to do? How do I know him that well? How do I anticipate his needs like that?"

Law's eyes went wide and he stood up quickly from the chair to come and wrap his arms around his friend.

"I'm scared Law. I'm scared when my time here is up I won't be strong enough to love him and will go back to my life and fall apart."

"I know you are Sanj but I won't let that happen. Neither will Ace. We will do everything we can to help you. If this is what you want and you are happy we will do everything we can."

Giving a shuddered sigh Sanji nods. "Thanks, I think right now I'd like to keep things the way they are. That means not telling Ace. I don't want a lot of questions."

Hugging him, Law teased. "That's a tall order. You know how he is."

"Yeah, I know. I also know he worships you and won't do anything you truly don't want him to."

Law laughs. "That's true. Good thing we know each other so well."

"Yeah, it's a good thing." Then Sanji swats Law's arms and Law removes them to go sit back down. Once he is settled and Sanji has lit another clove Law finally asks, "So have you at least kissed yet?"

Sanji blushed. "No."

"Do you want to?" Law questions skeptically.

"Yes."

"Do you want him to touch you intimately?"

Sanji shifts embarrassed. "Yes but every time he tries I'm too embarrassed and freak out."

"That's normal. I recommend starting small. Especially if you aren't ready for him to kiss you. Why don't you ask if he is okay with you touching him? Maybe it's just you aren't sure you are comfortable with male pleasure outside of what you give yourself."

Sanji nods. "What if it turns him on?"

Law snorts. "Odds are just being around you arouses him. I'd even go so far as to say the man has rocked a permanent chubby ever since meeting you."

Sanji's embarrassment and surprise are apparent and it made Law shake his head with a smile.

"Sanji. Come on. You have no problem leaving girls hot and bothered on the daily whether they date you or not, this is no different."

Sanji frowns.

"Don't make that face you know I'm right. Besides, if you are asking about fantasies it seems you are just as guilty of being left hot and bothered, or am I mistaken?"

Sanji pulls his robe a little tighter closed.

"I knew it. Now, what do you intend to do about it because if I were you I wouldn't be here."

"He's at work."

"And?"

"I shouldn't bother him."

"If you don't someone else will."

Sanji looked at Law horrified.

"It's true. There is no way a man like you wouldn't be into a guy at least as attractive which means he's a hot commodity on the market. If you don't stake your claim someone might try to roll in on your turf." That's when Law cracks his knuckles. "I'll tell you a secret only Ace knows. You know how I say I caved when we did it for the first time?"

"Yeah."

"Well that was the signature that wrote the check but the check wasn't cut until some punk bitch tried to move in on Ace while he and I were going through our last rough patch before I completely devoted myself to him. We were both at a low point and that little bitch tried to play some mind games playing Ace and me against each other. Needless to say, I arranged his face and now he only shoots from one testicle."

Sanji just nodded. "Remind me never to piss you off."

"You can piss me off just don't try to steal my man."

Law stands then. "Let me ask since you brought it up."

"Yes?"

"Do you consider him yours? And when I say that I mean do you want to possess every part of him mind body and soul or do you get angry at the idea of someone trying to take him from you?"

Sangi's face scrunches.

"You don't have to answer now just think about it." He turns and walks towards the door and stops. "You do need to decide before you leave though so if you can't accept him like that you can tell him and not leave him hanging like your ex did with no explanation and a lifetime of regret. Something tells me he doesn't deserve that for putting up with your dramatic ass."

Law lets himself out then, leaving Sanji to his thoughts as pictures start rolling in on Sanji's phone.

Picture Perfect Fantasy

Lying on the bed with his jeans unzipped and his hand completely covering the only part of his cock sticking out of his pants; his chest bare and his eyes hooded as he leaned partway off the bed with his lips parted looking needy.

*click*send*

Laying in bed naked with the sheets only covering his cock as his head rests on his bent right arm while he licks his lips.

*click*send*

Leaning against the island in just his jeans hanging low as he rests a partially full wine glass in his right hand against his left bicep with his arms crossed as he licks his lips.

*click*send*

It had taken numerous tries to get these pictures perfect but Zoro had to say he was pleased with the result. Hell if he were Sanji he would want to fuck himself. It also helped he still had a selfie stick at his house from the last time the boys had to do a show here when they lost power. Still, if Sanji wanted to play a game of sexual chicken, Zoro was going to go toe to toe.

Unfortunately, it had only left him more hot and bothered than he had been when Sanji sent the first picture.

Half an hour later still half naked lying on the bed Zoro was still staring at the screen waiting for a response. When none came and his situation wasn't getting any better he texted 'You game?' before hitting send again knowing there was no turning back now.

Needing to take his mind off things he got up and went to the closet to change into something that wouldn't remind him of everything since two but was stopped as his hands reached the button on his jeans when a knock came at the door.

Anxiety spiking since he wasn't expecting anyone, he checked to make sure he wasn't exposed anywhere from the waist down and walked toward the door. Upon arriving and opening it Zoro found himself face to face with a very flushed and irritated Sanji.

"Sanji? How did you get here? Is everything okay?"

That's all the questions he was allowed before Sanji pushed past him and walked into the condo stopping when he got to the fridge. Opening it, he grabbed a beer and twisted the top off before taking a long swig and returning his gaze to Zoro who stood at the door, which was now closed, shirtless and confused.

"Sanji talk to me. What happened? What's the matter?"

Taking another long swig Sanji puts the empty bottle on the island before walking over to the couch so he can lean against the back of it slightly.

"Tell me something Zoro."

"Okay…"

"If someone came along better suited to your tastes with more experience, would you be inclined to indulge? I know I'm not exactly the most reciprocating partner but that doesn't mean at some point I won't want to or aren't willing to under the right circumstances."

Feeling like he was being slapped in the face, Zoro just stared in disbelief a moment. "Please tell me you don't think that?"

Sanji just pouted and turned his head.

"Sanji! Have you not been fucking paying attention! I have hit on your every god damn chance I get and would get down on my knees and suck your dick any and every chance you gave me. I want to be with you, make love to you, fuck you indecently everywhere I can, hell I even let you in my house which I never do and you want to sit there and tell me I'm the one that is going to leave? I'm NOT THE ONE LEAVING IN THIRTEEN DAYS! IM NOT THE STRAIGHT ONE! IM NOT THE ONE WHOSE SCARED OF LOVING SOMEONE OUTSIDE OF THEIR COMFORT ZONE!"

Shaking his head he continues. "I mean fuck Sanji I even send you suggestive pictures and don't even get a 'Damn babe.' You haven't said one nice or romantic thing to me or about me since we started this and yet I pour my heart and my time into you-" going suddenly quiet he stops a moment before saying, "You know what forget it."

Suddenly self-conscious, Zoro had a sudden urge to go to the bedroom and put more clothes on.

"I can't fucking believe you." He says as he walks away from the front door and heads towards the bedroom where he closes that door momentarily leaving Sanji to stand alone in the living room. Once inside he grabs a cream silk button-down and his dark purple blazer before stepping back outside and heading to the door.

"You want proof? I'll show you a proof. I'll show you that I'm so fucking serious about you I can't even see straight. That I'm so fucking into you I can't even joke about sleeping with anyone else. That I'm so-" Zoro stops again and chews on his words before continuing "I'm falling so hard for you Sanji even after only a day that I'm not sure I will know who I am when you leave in thirteen days."

There is unwavering fear in Zoro's eyes as he looks into Sanji's who are a mixture of shame, anger, fear, and need. Forging ahead, Zoro continues.

"But if you want proof I will give you proof. I'll give you whatever you want in an attempt to convince you even if it costs me my sanity because that is how much you mean to me. I know its stupid, I know I'm a runaway train running full force at a dead end, but I can't stop feeling the way I do. So you can either accept it or you can reject it but you can't stop it." Turning towards the door Zoro reached for it until Sanji's voice once again stops him.

"Zoro."

"Yes, Sanji?" Zoro puts his hand back down but doesn't turn to look at him.

"Zoro I-Will you let me touch you?" There is overwhelming insecurity in his voice as he asks as if he honestly expects Zoro to say no leaving him just as confused if not more than he feels right now.

Turning now to see if Sanji is just fucking with him or if he is serious, Zoro sighs and walks towards the blonde.

"Sanji you don't have to ask to do that. You can do that any time you want. I think the better question is can I touch you?"

Sanji purses his lip and grips the back of the couch. "Maybe, I don't know. I just want to go slow. Is that okay?"

Zoro, coming to stand in front of the blonde, half-smiles. "Of course. Just tell me what you need. And Sanji?"

"Yes?"

"I find you incredibly attractive. So much so I can't think about anything else all day and it isn't just physically I think your personality is attractive as well even if it is infuriating."

Sanji blushed and glares at Zoro.

"Even that face is hot."

"Shut up stupid marimo."

Raising his hand to brush Sanji's hair with his, Zoro asks, "Did you want to do it now or did you want to wait until later?"

Brow furrowing, Sanji's face gets redder. "Now. I don't want to wait. I don't like feeling like my hesitancy is causing you to lose interest."

"Is that right? Maybe you should stop watching mid-day soap operas."

Sanji purses his lips.

"Okay, Okay. Being serious. Although you should know you can start whenever you are ready." Taking the back of his knuckles, Zoro runs them lovingly over Sanji's cheek."

Sanji blushes and nods before a worried look across his face.

"And you don't just have to use your hands. You can use your lips, a toy, your-"

"Okay, I get it!" Sanji shouts in embarrassment and Zoro laughs.

"Don't tease me brute."

Zoro raises his hands in surrender before clasping them behind his head and saying, "I'm completely at your mercy. You can touch whatever and where ever you want."

For several moments Sanji just lets his eyes travel over Zoro's body. Having tried not to glance at any part of Zoro long enough to feel any type of attraction, this was the first time he was able to drink the man in. It was also the first time he allowed himself to realize there was so much he enjoyed seeing naked which he now couldn't see.

Frowning, Sanji glanced up at Zoro who had been watching him give him the once over.

"Something the matter?"

"I'm just wondering why you put clothes on. It's not like we were going out."

"Well, if I can't prove to you here that I'm serious that only leaves going out and since most places require shirts I had to put something on."

"Well, we aren't so you don't need to wear anything you don't want to. It's your house and it's just me."

Unable to resist, Zoro turns that logic back on Sanji. "You do realize the same goes for you. When you are here you don't have to wear anything you don't want. It is my home and-" he bends down to get closer to Sanji's ear "there isn't anything I'd enjoy more than seeing you naked."

Closing his eyes and clearing his throat Sanji tries to respond, "Don't be ridiculous I can't prance around here naked with all the windows open. What if someone sees me?"

His voice getting deeper, Zoro cups Sanji's left cheek as his nose starts tracing the lines of his right ear. " Let them see. I'll be happy to show them exactly how I feel about you."

Completely flushed and embarrassed, Sanji frantically retorts, "Well I'm not an idiot! That's not for everyone to see. That is something that should stay between us. I don't want to share this with others."

Humming softly, Zoro teased, "Don't want to share us or don't want to share me?"

"Don't be so full of yourself." Sanji tried to spit back.

"I'd rather be full of you." Then Zoro's lips kissed Sanji's ear and the blonde gave a high pitched moan.

"Zoro." His voice is breathy and his core suddenly coils like a spring.

"Sanji, touch me, please."

Placing his hands on Zoro's chest Sanji felt like he might get burned even through his silk shirt. His chest felt like it was on fire. Then Zoro wrapped his arms around Sanji placing his hands on his hips and pulling him gently against him and Sanji felt surrounded by an inferno whose heat alone could scorch a person to the bone.

"Zoro, you're so hot."

Zoro growled under his breath. "It's your fault."

"My fault? How is it my fault?" Sanji tried to pull back but Zoro had him trapped by his incredibly firm grip.

"I'm hard as a fucking rock." Zoro pressed Sanji's hips into his allowing Sanji to feel the press of Zoro's entire length against his thigh. "This is what you do when I tease you or you are close to me. When you aren't, I can't stop thinking about you which keeps me slightly hard. I don't think you realize how badly I desire you and have desired you since you first walked through my shop door."

Releasing his hips enough to there is a gap between him and Sanji Zoro whispers, "I want you Sanji. All of you. Now all I need is for you to want me in return."

Zoro carefully pulls away from Sanji then leaving a sudden chill between them as Zoro's heat quickly dissipated from Sanji. With some distance between them, Zoro heads to the fridge to grab a beer-making sure to slip his hand down his pants and pull his cock up under the waistband of his pants so it doesn't hurt anymore.

Popping the top using the bottle opener attached to the side of the fridge, Zoro takes a drink before asking, "So now that you are here is there any place you want to go or anything you want to do?"

Sanji just stood there flustered trying to collect his thoughts. One minute Zoro was a predatory sexual inferno the next he was acting like nothing ever happened. How the fuck was he supposed to sort out how he felt when Zoro couldn't even give him any type of hint as to what to do?

"What I want is what I asked for and that's for you to let me touch you but since you won't tell me where, I'm not sure what to do." His voice betraying his anger and frustration to the best of his ability.

Sighing, Zoro put the beer to his head and closed his eyes.

"I think at this moment it's pretty obvious where I want you to touch me Sanji."

Sanji looks down and blushed. "Okay yes, but is that the only place because I'm not sure I'm ready for that!"

Zoro, baffled, removed the beer and looks at Sanji like he has three heads. "What do you mean where else? Where do girls touch you when it isn't your cock?"

Sanji looks down and to the right. "All girls ever do is hold onto my arm or kiss my cheek. They never really care about my pleasure and that never really bothers me because I get so much enjoyment out of giving them pleasure."

The beer slips through Zoro's fingers and he has to scramble to grab it before it hits the floor and possibly shatters or spills. When he has regrouped, Zoro polishes it off and then comes to lean on the side of the counter facing Sanji.

"You mean to tell me you have almost no experience receiving pleasure?"

"I mean, I can receive it. I can give it to myself you know!" Sanji glared at Zoro and yells before turning bright red.

Zoro nods. "Fair enough, but you aren't as versed in someone else devoting themselves to your pleasure?"

Sanji crosses his arms in front of his chest. "You could say that."

Part of Zoro's mind breaks as the thought of imprinting himself on this man sexually brings him to a level of arousal he hadn't experienced before.

"Well, I think maybe, if you trust me, I can help with that."

Relaxing a little since Zoro didn't tease him as he anticipated, Sanji asks skeptically, "How do you plan to do that?"

Coming to stand before Sanji, Zoro gently takes his hands and says, "For the next twelve days I am going to dedicate a day to a form of pleasure your body can receive that doesn't involve having sex. Some days may incorporate previous days' focus's but each day will have a main theme. Does that seem alright with you as long as I promise not to initiate having sex with you or touching you there in any way unless of course, you ask?"

Sanji thinks for a moment and it dawns on him, "What about you? Won't you get turned on?"

Zoro just smiles. "Me getting turned on is my problem it isn't yours. You aren't obligated to fix it if I get turned on. That's a choice I make and it shouldn't be forced on you in any way. Should you wish to remedy it though you are of course always welcome too."

Sanji blushed deeply.

"Do you think you will be okay with that?"

Sanji nods and then asks. "So what is today's theme?"

Zoro releases Sanji's left hand and brings his thumb to the blonde's lips so he can trace them back and forth. "The one thing I have wanted to do more than sex every single moment I am with you and that's a kiss."

Kisses and Cock Blocks

Without a word of warning or inclination of what to expect, Zoro lead Sanji into the bedroom and to the foot of the bed where he stopped and turned Sanji so he could sit or fall back on the mattress should he have the desire.

"Try not to think. Just feel and let me show you what it's like to have almost your entire body worshiped by my lips alone."

The first kiss Zoro placed on Sanji's forehead. It was soft and reassuring without a hint of sexual deviance. Though tense at first thinking Zoro would kiss him on the lips flat out, Sanji let out the breath he was holding as the tension melted away.

"How did that feel?" Zoro asked as he looked deeply into Sanji's eyes."

"Sweet and relaxing." Sanji's surprise clear in his tone.

"Not all kisses have to be fierce or packed with intense emotion. Sometimes kisses just need to remind people it's okay and that they are there."

Next, Zoro kissed Sanji's nose which made Sanji go cross-eyed and blush which in turn caused Zoro to laugh.

"You are so cute I couldn't help it."

Feeling the need to retaliate, Sanji pops up slightly on his toes and returns the kiss, placing it in the direct center of Zoro's nose.

"Speaking of cute that first image you sent me of your thumb was pretty cute. Of course at the time I wasn't exactly thinking very cute thoughts." Forcing himself to keep his eyes on Zoro's, Sanji watched the surprise cross his face followed by a blush of his own and then confusion.

"Wait. What were you thinking when you got that?"

Sanji smirked and let his eyes hood slightly. "Let's just say it was a very hot shower."

Zoro hummed deep in his throat and purses his lips. "You bastard."

"I'm just being honest. Guess it's a shame you started with kissing."

The minute he said it part of Sanji regretted it since shortly after he found himself pushed back onto the bed as Zoro climbed on top of him.

"Zoro wait! You promised!" Sanji frantically called out as he placed his hands on Zoro's shoulders in a vain attempt to stave off the man.

Leaning down and placing his lips at Sanji's cheek he spoke deeply and softly. "I intend to keep that promise. I also intend to make you eat your words."

Zoro's lips were like fire as they kissed haphazard lines down the right side of Sanji's neck. First kissing his ear and down the side, then kissing from the collar bone to under the chin so Sanji had to crane his head back, and finally down the main cavern where all the sensitive nerves and major veins were, Zoro didn't miss a single inch leaving Sanji breathless as he dug his fingers into Zoro's clothed shoulders.

Not stopping there, Zoro leaned back and knelt, straddling Sanji while pinning him at the hip, as he brought his fingers up to begin undoing Sanji's shirt.

Panicking and trying not to get turned on given his precarious position, Sanji grabbed Zoro's hands.

"What are you doing?" Sanji's eyes were wide and he was breathing heavier.

Zoro scrunches his face. "What does it look like? I'm removing your shirt so I have better access. You didn't think I was just going to stick to the parts you chose to expose did you?"

"Of course I fucking did! What made you think I wanted this to get froggy?" Sanji snapped.

"God damnit Sanji don't be a little bitch! Are you going to let me do this or not because we can do this one of two ways? You can let me or I can tie you down and do it regardless. Both I will get pleasure from. You decide."

"You don't have any right to be mad! This is my body and you told me to trust you so I did and now you are trying to violate me with or without force and I don't-"

He had, had enough. Had enough. Zoro was one hundred percent officially done. Grabbing Sanji's hands he yanked them behind the blonde's head before Zoro brought his lips down to cover his and effectively shut him up.

He had tried. Tried to make it romantic, tried to be a gentleman, tried to keep it descent but enough was enough. If Sanji couldn't make his mind up, Zoro would make it for him. Sadly, in so doing he had ruined, in his eyes, what the perfect first kiss should be.

He had wanted it sweet. He had wanted to kiss Sanji lightly and nibble on his lip before reaching his chin and tracing his fingers lovingly down his spine. He had wanted it to be sensual, tracing his lips down Sanji's neck as the man clung to him and moaned slightly or dug his fingers into Zoro's hair. He had wanted it to mean something. Instead, it was angry, hard and dominating, demanding instead of asking, taking instead of requesting.

It symbolized everything he had been and nothing of what he wanted to be but it was too late to take it back.

Forcibly lacing his fingers in Sanji's Zoro pressed against Sanji's lips with the force of his desire stealing his breath and demanding more as he parted their lips slightly for breath before kissing him again. Ignoring the sounds that came from Sanji as his body writhed beneath him, Zoro penetrated Sangi's lips with his tongue delving deep into the soft pink flesh where he tasted and caressed Sanji's tongue before pulling back sharply and standing.

Once he was vertical he turned away and ran his fingers through his hair as he yelled, "Fuck!" before running his hands over his face and walking out the balcony door making sure to slam it closed behind him.

It had been a long time since Zoro felt this much shame in himself. Why did he always have to ruin the things that made him the happiest? Why couldn't he ever have nice things? Why did he always have to guard his heart and discard everything just to maintain some semblance of humanity?

Leaning his head in his hands he bent over the railing wanting nothing more than to have it be tomorrow so he could try to move past it all.

—

Fear. Anger. Insecurity.

Passion. Unbridled, unrelenting, irrevocable, passion.

That's what tore through his body as Zoro's forceful lips pressed into his at the same time Zoro trapped him against the bed.

Demanding. Dominating. Possessive.

Fuck was right but somehow what he felt and what Zoro felt were not the same thing. Left breathless, wanting, hard, and a twinge needy Sanji lay on the bed and bit his lip as he thought about how he was going to convince Zorro to come back and either finish what he started or show him more because no woman he had been with made him feel like this.

And what he hadn't been feeling until now and what he should be feeling was a thing that needed to change. Though he was still hesitant to receive pleasure from and give pleasure to a man, he trusted Zoro strangely enough and knew that what was going on between them wasn't something he should deny or shy away from.

Sitting up and looking out the door whose blind had rattled up when it slammed, Sanji looked at Zoro and was confused by the pain that he saw in his body since he couldn't see his face. Wanting nothing more than to see the face that had wanted to love him a few moments before, Sangi got off the bed and opened the door so he could step outside.

When the door closed he didn't even get a word in.

"I'm sorry. I didn't mean to ruin it…I just couldn't stand your stubbornness anymore and now I've gone and turned it into something raw and brutal after you asked me to be a gentleman."

Not seeing a reason to be any less forward than he had been up until now, Sanji's reply was blunt. "I don't remember asking you to tell me how I feel. Did you even bother to ask if that bothered me or did you just get too damn stuck in your head to think it was anything other than the shit you made up? It's not like it was my first kiss, just my first kiss with you. To be honest it was rather tame."

It was a lie. It was a complete and utter lie and Sanji was sure Zoro could tell, but he wasn't going for honesty. He was going for a reaction.

Standing up straight Zoro stared at him with critical disbelief.

"I got knocked out better when my best friend punched me in the face and broke my nose. What you did was child's play. I thought you were supposed to pleasure my body or at least leave it in some love-drunk stupor. Instead, you kissed me and ran like some virgin schoolgirl."

Like a flame poured with gasoline, Zoro's eyes ignited and he rounded on Sanji getting right in his face.

"What if I wanted it to be something else? What if I wanted to prove I could be everything you wanted and needed? What if I wanted to be a better person for you?"

His gaze not faltering, Sanji met Zoro's intensity. "What if I've come to realize, thanks to that kiss, all I want is you?"

"Really? Prove it."

Taking Zoro's face in his hands, Sanji pulled him in for a kiss. Though not as intense and slightly unsure it was enough to get the ball rolling. Reaching for the door behind him Zoro opened it and pulled Sanji inside while attempting to kiss and walk at the same time.

When the two finally made it to the bed, Sanji was already undoing the buttons on his shirt which Zoro was having none of. Yanking his jacket and shirt off, tossing them in some random part of the room, Zoro pulled Sanji's hands away before ripping open his shirt and pulling it off of the blonde's body.

Pulling back from the kiss Sanji griped, "That was one of my favorite shirts asshole!"

"Fuck your shirt-" Zoro kissed him "-and fuck you." Zoro continued kissing Sanji only to have the blonde pull away with a cheeky smile forcing Zoro to kiss his chin.

"Now, now. Don't go threatening me with a good time."

Growling against the blonde's neck Zoro bit back. "I'm not threatening. I'm going to give you the most amazing time you have ever had." Moving his lips from Sanji's neck, Zoro kissed down his left collar bone until he can pepper his shoulder with kisses.

Not sure what to do with his hands, Sanji places his left on Zoro's hip as his right rests on Zoro's bicep.

Sighing at Sanji's touch, Zoro lifts his head from Sanji's shoulder to kiss his left ear. "How does it feel? Do you like me kissing you?"

"Yes. Don't stop."

Zoro lets out a low hum. "I don't intend to unless you tell me to."

"Does that apply to other things as well? Could I tell you I want you to do other things or that I want to do things to you?"

Placing each hand on one of Sanji's ass cheeks Zoro squeezes the tight perky flesh as he pulls him against Zoro's groin. "Guess you will have to ask and find out."

Sanji hums turning his face so he can kiss the side of Zoro's lips before whispering. "Lay me on the bed."

Shifting his hands so they rest under Sanji's ass cheeks and partially on his thighs, Zoro lifts him effortlessly before climbing to a kneeling position on the bed. Kissing him quickly but gently, Zoro slowly leans him back, one hand supporting his head as the other braces on the bed until Sanji is lying flat on his back.

Now, hovering over him, Zoro stared into the blonde man's eyes several moments before bending down to kiss him sweetly and gently.

For a while, they just lay there kissing as Sanji runs his fingers through Zoro's hair. Eventually, it's Sanji who breaks the silence after gently biting Zoro's bottom lip.

"Zoro?"

Zoro nurses his lip a moment before bringing his nose to Sanji's chin and tracing it back and forth with the bridge.

"Hmmm?"

"You didn't ruin it. That was exactly what I wanted and didn't have the balls to say. How do you always do that? How do you seem to know what I want before I do?"

Bringing his lips to Sanji's chest, Zoro kissed where his heart should be.

"Because I listen to your body and don't let that bratty personality get in the way. Trust me when I say that I won't do anything your body doesn't want and I won't push you farther than you can handle."

Bringing his hand to Zoro's hair Sanji asks with a tentative, quiet voice, "And what does my body tell you it wants now?"

Sliding down so his ear was at Sanji's stomach Zoro only has to listen a moment before a loud growl erupts.

"It would seem like your body wants to cock block you. It's hungry for something other than me."

It's Not The Size of the Sword, It's How He Grips It

Kissing Sanji's stomach, Zoro pushed back from the bed and came to a standing position. For several moments he just stood there and stared with a mixture of arousal and wonder as he gazes down at Sanji memorizing every curve, every shade, and every twitch of his body. When he felt like his brain couldn't absorb any more, he reached out his hand.

No longer hesitant to take it, Sanji placed his within it and let Zoro guide him off the bed. When he was standing in front of him Zoro took a deep breath through his nose.

"You know you make it impossible to be a decent person."

Sanji tried to frown and give a retort but Zoro took him by the hip and berried his lips in Sanji's neck kissing repeatedly under the jaw as his fingers came to rest at the slender man's waist.

Catching his breath in a soundless moan Sanji places a hand on Zoro's chest and brought another to his fuzzy green hair before mumbling, "I'm not doing anything."

Shifting his lips to Sanji's ear Zoro's reply betrayed the intensity of the moment he was caught in. "God help me if you did."

Bringing a hand to Sanji's cheek Zoro pulled back just enough to look into the blonde's eyes. "As painful as it is to stop because I could devour you with kisses all night as I planned, we should eat. Where should I take you or what would you like?"

Leaning slightly into Zoro's touch, Sanji's face turned slightly pink. "Well, I had wanted to take you out to dinner but in my hurry to get here I forgot my wallet in the hotel room." Turning his head to look down at his buttonless shirt he accusingly teased, "It would seem my shirt has also seen better days."

"You started it."

"I did not!" Sanji's brow furrowed and he pouted slightly.

"You did too. You came out on the balcony and provoked me."

Thinking back Sanji realized that was an accurate representation of what transpired. "Well, you ran off so…"

Not backing down or willing to take the blame, Zoro clipped back, "I ran off because I was trying not to do things that might make you believe my intentions were impure."

"Your intentions are entirely impure but your heart is not."

Eyes going slightly wide before embarrassment kicked in and he turned his head Zoro found himself at a loss for words. "Yeah well, I kinda like you so deal."

"Kinda huh?" Sanji teased. Well, I kinda want Chinese so why don't you get on that lover boy."

Growling slightly, Zoro begrudgingly let go. "Don't get bossy with me blondie."

"Why? Like it too much?" Sanji's smile was coy and it made Zoro grit his teeth and scowl.

"What would you know!"

"Seems you've got a little dirty side. Bet you like being called Daddy then."

Zoro's eyes closed slightly as his body tensed and his heartbeat increased. "Stop teasing me about things you don't know and tell me what you want me to order so I can feed you and get some peace!"

"The only piece you are getting-"

Then Zoro's lips crashed against Sanji's effectively shutting him up as the green-haired man's tongue delved between his lips and danced with his own as Zoro's hands pulled his hips into his own.

Locked for several seconds as Zoro's lips and tongue dominated Sanji's with their intensity, the blonde was finally rendered speechless. When Zoro eventually pulled away Sanji was breathing heavier and his lips were slightly puffy.

"Why can't you just tell me to kiss you like a normal person instead of making me irritated enough that I force myself on you?" Not waiting for a response. Zoro pulled out his phone and opens up the app for the local Chinese place before handing it to Sanji. "Here. Type in what you want and then I'll put mine in."

Doing as Zoro asked, Sanji selected what he wanted before handing the phone back. Once Zoro took it and began ordering, Sanji walked over to his shirt and pulled it on before gathering the buttons.

"Hey! You got a sewing kit?"

"No. I rarely wear anything that needs it. I can go grab one from the store across the street though." Putting his phone in his pocket, Zoro walked to the closet and grabbed a random graphic tee before putting it on and heading to the door. "You gonna be okay by yourself or do you need a goodbye kiss?" He jabbed.

"Just go get the damn kit you perv!"

Zoro smiled and then left leaving Sanji to his thoughts. With the door closed and Sanji all alone, he walked out to the balcony and pulled out a clove which he promptly lit before taking a drag and leaning on the railing.

Once Law had left Sanji had been surprised by how upset he had gotten at the idea that someone might muscle in on Zoro. Despite not coming to terms entirely with how he felt about the man, Sanji couldn't deny he was attracted to him physically as well as on an emotional level.

Even when things got heated, there was never that underlying animosity that had permeated his relationship with his ex. At first that had made Sanji more confused because he kept looking for the next fight only to be shut down by Zoro's responses.

Then they had kissed and Sanji's perspective had shifted. He would be lying if he said he didn't want Zoro to do more. After feeling the heat in his kiss and the tension coiled in his body as he held back for Sanji's sake, there was no way he wouldn't want to know what the rest of it felt like.

When Zoro had said he wanted to use only his mouth to worship Sanji's entire body, though, he had been anxious and unsure but also turned on. The idea of being worshipped instead of being the one worshiping was a desire Sanji hadn't even realized he had until Zoro had said it and now he wanted Zoro to make good on that promise…even if it meant leading to other things.

At least that's what Sanji thought in the heat of the moment but when Zoro stopped and kissed his stomach, Sanji was more relieved than he realized. Zoro had been close to escalating things and Sanji wasn't sure he was ready to take that on still.

"It's only been two days what the fuck am I worried about? You shouldn't sleep with someone right away right?" He said quietly to himself, but Law's words still nagged at the back of his mind. If Sanji didn't that didn't mean someone else wouldn't.

At that moment Zoro came back inside. "Lucy I'm home!" He called in jest making Sanji give a short laugh as he continued to smoke.

Though he couldn't see Zoro, he could hear the man rusting bags and placing things down.

"The food was on its way when I was coming back so I grabbed it."

Then there were heavy footfalls behind him before Sanji saw Zoro's hands snake around him to grab Sanji's shirt before sliding it slowly off his shoulder and placing a sensual kiss on his right shoulder when the fabric fell from it.

"Let me see that."

Shuddering slightly at the idea of Zoro undressing him so intimately, Sanji put his clove between his lips and leaned back slightly pulling his shoulders back so the fabric fell with Zoro's hands. When the shirt had slid completely free of his body Sanji felt the back of Zoro's knuckles trail down the length of his arm.

"Buttons?"

Caught off guard, Sanji turned to face Zoro as he took a drag. "Do you even know what the fuck you are doing?" The incredulity in Sanji's voice almost demeaning.

"I work with leather bindings, of course, I fucking do!" Zoro grabbed the buttons from Sanji's hand.

"You do realize that needle in there is much smaller right?"

Eye twitching Zoro snaps back, "Yeah well the one in there-" Zoro motions to Sanji's clothed cock "I imagine is as well. That doesn't mean I don't also know what to do with that to make it do exactly what I want!"

Offended and unexpectedly aroused, Sanji tried to clap back but found he didn't have a leg to stand on. Instead, he stared at Zoro with a scowl as the man turned and went inside to sit on the couch where he began to reattach Sanji's buttons.

Turning back towards the city Sanji twisted out the cherry and stepped on it before reaching in and grabbing another. He was hungry but he also felt slightly sick to his stomach. Even though Sanji mentally knew Zoro commenting on the size of his cock had been nothing more than a pointed argument, it followed on the coattails of Law's comment and made Sanji trepidatious. What if Zoro did find him inadequate in bed? Be it size, ability, stamina it didn't matter, if he fell short what would happen?

Remembering back to the last days of his relationship with his ex when all they did was hate fuck Sanji reviewed all the times he came to quick or didn't cut it after going weeks without anything and his stomach turned causing a shaky hand to reach up and take hold of his clove.

"Your shirt' is done. It's on the couch. Are you still hungry? Foods ready if you are."

Zoro's voice was a reassuring grate against his cabalistic nerves as Sanji stood there. Raising his hand he waved in a shooing motion, which of course Zoro ignored.

Coming to stand next to him Zoro's eyes went wide. "You don't look so good. Can so get you some medicine? Do you want to sit down?"

Not waiting for an answer Zoro turned to go back inside when Sanji choked out, "Zoro I'll be fine. I just need a little more fresh air. I'll be in in a minute."

Pursing his lips Zoro stood his ground. "Whatever it is you should just tell me and not let it eat you alive."

"Yeah well you aren't the problem so…" Sanji's done strained.

"Okay well, what the fuck is then?"

Sanji just scowls. "It's stupid just forget about it." He took a drag.

"You want to know what's stupid?" Zoro barked back. "Thinking you have fallen in love with someone after two days even when you know there is an eighty percent chance your feelings will never be reciprocated and everything you are doing is pointless. That's what's stupid. Stupid and sad."

Zoro turned to face the house as Sanji spun around wide-eyed with shock.

"Look. Whatever it is I'm sure it's all in your head. Just stop fucking thinking and try to enjoy what's going on around you."

Sanji went to say something but his stomach once again interjected.

"You are hungry so come inside. The foods on the coffee table where the couch is."

Zoro started to head inside but Sanji, overwhelmed by emotion, dropped his clove and stomped it out before reaching for Zoro's hand and turning him back around. Capturing the momentum of Zoro's turning body Sanji placed his hand on Zoro's face and pulled him in for a desperate kiss.

Encapsulating all of the emotions he had been feeling so far, Sanji's lips pressed into Zoro's with eager ferocity as they first press then suck then release over and over as if Sanji is a drowning man and Zoro is giving him air from a limited oxygen supply. Frantic and feverish Sanji walked Zoro backward until he is walked into the back of the couch where Sanji pinned him; his body flat against the secure torso of the broader man clinging to him like he was a life raft.

"Sanji…wait…Sanji…what are you…"

Kissing him in between protests Sanji grabbed his tongue and sucked it hard before releasing it to a pained moan from Zoro.

"Just shut up you moss-headed fuck." His tone almost a growl as Sanji's fingers grabbed the fabric of Zoro's shirt and pulled it off over his head with only minor interference from the surprised man.

"Thanji thrrrt hrrrrt!" Zoro tried to say without using his tongue.

"Yeah well, deal. You are the one who opened his mouth and made things more complicated."

Kissing down Zoro's neck latching on to emotion rather than cognitive thought he would probably regret later, Sanji placed his hands on Zoro's chest and slunk down his body with his lips until he was kneeling in front of him.

Breathless and terrified on multiple fronts, Sanji placed his hands on the button of Zoro's jeans and began to fumble with it until Zoro's hands covered them in an almost crushing grip.

"Sanji stop."

Angry and frustrated all Sanji could say was, "Why."

"This isn't what you want this is what you think I want."

Yanking his hands away, Sanji returned them to Zoro's button to try again but was met with the same barrier.

"Sanji. Stop."

Zoro pulled him up then and pulled Sanji's face close to his. "Why are you doing this."

All Sanji could do was stare back at Zoro too afraid and embarrassed to admit what was going on in his mind.

"Sanji." Zoro's voice was firm. "Why do you feel you have to be sexual with me when you are not ready?"

Sanji blushed and turned away. "Because if I'm not gonna do it someone else will or try to be and with nothing holding you here to keep you since I'm such a limp dick, you can just move on."

Zoro's face was an amusing array of anger, confusion, embarrassment, and frustration that crossed his face like a wave cresting. Though Sanji only watched out of the corner of his eye, the tension in Zoro's body vibrated like an electric field.

Not really knowing what to say, Sanji stayed quiet until Zoro called his name through clenched teeth.

"Sanji."

Looking at his stern face from a side-eye was all Sanji could do.

"I will not rape you to solidify my intent to date you. I will also not do it to stroke your ego about being left behind in relationships. Whatever happened before this doesn't change what's happening now so EITHER fuck me right here and now OR sit the fuck down on that couch and eat."

Neither of them moved for several minutes; Zoro staring hard into Sanji's eyes until then blonde caved and walked around the couch to sit down and start eating.

Once he was seated, Zoro came to stand behind him and wrapped his arms around his neck so his arms tucked under Sanji's and came to rest on the man's stomach while his head rested on his left shoulder.

Grumbling, Sanji shifted before leaning back so Zoro could whisper in his ear, "I'm sorry for what happened but I'll never stop being grateful you are here with me and are mine."

Zoro kissed his ear then and Sanji's eyes went wide and started to tear; at least until Zoro came around the couch to sit down forcing Sanji to clear his throat and sniffle before shoving an egg roll into his mouth.

Neither spoke until Zoro went to steal some broccoli and Sanji went to stab him with the chopsticks. Only then did Sanji accept that it was never about the size of his inadequacy but the grip he held on the other man's heart as they navigated insecurity together.

Interrogations and Veiled Threats

"Soooooo, what's his name?" Ace wasted no time as soon as Zoro picked up the phone the next day while he was heading into work.

Groaning Zoro snapped back "It's why don't you shut the fuck up before I shove your dick so far up your ass it comes out of your mouth allowing you to blow yourself."

Ace squeals. "You hear that babe! This one is the top shelf!" Then Ace clears his throat. "How old?"

"Who the fuck cares he is legal."

"Awwwwww! Did you hear that babe he is younger than Zoro that is SOOOOOO CUTE!"

Zoro rolls his eyes as he hears Ace's desk chair roll around meaning he is dancing in his chair.

"Is he tall?"

"It's not a problem."

"Built or a nice lean femininely build?"

"He is prettier than you that answer your questions?"

"Quiet or mouthy?"

"Not as annoying as you and less stupid."

"Any nasty habits? Have you fucked yet?"

Zoro stays quiet a little too long on that one and Ace l his shit.

"LAW! LAW! OH MY GOD LAW!"

"I am sitting right here dear. I can hear you perfectly fine."

"Okay sorry but Zoro did it!"

"Did what dear?"

"He found an attractive, compatible version of himself that he isn't interested in fucking off the bat for once!"

"Don't you think that is a little harsh?"

"No. This is Zoro we are talking about."

"I am on the phone I can hear you asshole!" Zoro chimes in but Ace ignores his comment and pursues his questions.

"Have you kissed?

Silence.

"Have you seen him at least partially naked?"

Silence.

"When can we meet him?"

"Never." Zoro's only reply before hanging up.

Turning off the phone and setting it down Ace leaned back and smiled. Though Zoro going off grid was normal, especially when he was seeing someone, there were usual signs that showed just how off grid he would go. Since none of those signs had shown - no call from Ko saying he was out at the bar avoiding someone, no cryptic calls with an alibi, and no crashing in his car at work for days on end- Ace was happy to confirm this "stint" wasn't part of Zoro's usual behaviors. That meant he had found something more important than cheap bear and a half a night of sex.

If Ace only knew.

With still a chunk of time between now and the streaming of L.A.C.E's next episode, Ace decided to bridge the subject.

"Hey, babe?"

"Yes?"

"Do you…do you think whatever is going on with Sanji is making him happy?" Concern seeping from every word.

Since the moment he had gotten off the phone with Sanji after balling his eyes out in worry, Ace had done nothing but mope even on his stream, which had caused Law to also pull him aside and tell him he needed to pull it together.

When Law didn't answer , Ace t urned around and looked at him with concern to see Law's face clearly battling over his response.

"To be honest I think Sanji is at a turning point and sadly one we cannot guide him through like we have in the past. Though I do believe he is alright, I also know he is battling with something that bothers him deeply. Something related and not related to his past actions."

Crossing his legs as he sat in the chair, Ace pressed for more information. "Are you saying it's something other than his ex?"

Law took a sip of his coffee before turning the page of his newspaper. "Anything is possible. Whether it is or isn't I do not believe Sanji is in any danger either to himself or from anyone else."

"K. If you say so."

"I do. Now go get that cute ass of yours ready. I'll be done in a few minutes and will make the last tweaks before the show before you finish."

Ace smiled as the reassurance Law provided began seeping into his pours. It was life changing to have someone this compatible and in synch with him in his life. He just hoped one day both Zoro and Sanji could find that for themselves.

—

With time to kill after tuning in to Ace's stream which was all about friendship in a relationship and how men and women perceived friendship when they were in a committed relationship with someone, Sanji was left to entertain himself.

Still upset that Zoro had essentially kicked him out after dinner last night saying Sanji had had enough excitement for today and he would drive him back, Sanji was now frustrated even more realizing just how full his days had felt when they had included Zoro. Even doing mundane things like eating or arguing for no reason gave him a sense of fulfillment because they were enjoyable moments even if what was happening wasn't exactly enjoyable at the time.

Not wanting to just wait around in the hotel and knowing he needed to come to a resolution about the other thing he came here for, Sanji lit a clove, poured some coffee, and opened up his laptop to look at local business properties. Still interested in making a fresh start somewhere else Sanji filtered through the listings looking for local businesses specked for a restaurant currently that would give him the volume he needed customer wise and the open kitchen he dreamed of; a feat that soon seamed a pipe dream.

After his stomach started growling around three, he decided it was time to take a break and go find food. Checking his phone, Sanji was more than a little irritated that there hadn't been a message all day from Zoro especially after things ended so abruptly. Wondering if maybe he crossed the line, Sanji opened up messenger only to run his thumb along the side of his phone as he contemplated what to say.

Everything that came to mind made him sound like a bitchy female. Besides, eh shouldn't have to be the one to call. He wasn't the one who shut everything down last night leaving things off with just a peck on the cheek and that was it. Shoving his phone back in his pocket. Sanji headed out the door of the hotel and started walking. It couldn't be that hard to find a descent joint to get something to eat. Especially if he didn't have to see if cooked to realize just how awful everyone's standards were.

Catching himself up on that thought, Sanji was surprised at how arrogant that sounded. Did he sound like this around Zoro? Was he starting to get on the guys nerves? Chewing on his lips he continued to walk until he found himself standing in a very familiar area as a glass door opened almost into his face and a rather irate Tae walks out of Zoro's shop.

Making a mental note to not act too obnoxious about not hearing from him, Sanji steps inside.

"I fucking told you for the last Goddamn time! I am not fucking interested!" Zoro yelled from behind the counter which Sanji guessed he was kneeling behind as he looks for something since things were banging and there was a lot of aggressive commotion going on he couldn't see.

"Im sorry to hear that. You don't think that was a little harsh? I mean I did what you asked even if you sent me home shortly after."

Suddenly there was a loud dull bang before Zoro screamed out an array of colorful curses having apparently hitting his head rather hard on the way up to see Sanji turn and try to leave.

"Hey! Who the fuck said you could leave?" Zoro rushed from behind the counter to grab Sanji's arm and turn him back around.

"You just did when I entered."

"Dumbass I thought you were Tae. That woman is just insistent and can't take a hint. I can't wait until I tell her I have a boyfriend and that she doesn't have a snowballs chance in hell."

That's when Zoro removes his hand from Sanji's arm and drops it so he can take Sanji's hand in his and bring it to his lips so he can kiss the palm.

"I missed you." His voice had dropped to a quiet murmur.

Sanji's face blushed and his heart beat elevated. "Why did you shove me out last night then and not contact me at all today?"

"I'm sorry. Forgive me. I was…having a hard time last night. You pushed a lot of buttons and I didn't want to do anything that would be better off done later."

Zoro linked his fingers with Sanji's before pulling the blonde to the counter where Zoro could lean back on it and place the slender man between his legs.

"Then this morning I had a call I was dreading which put me in a bad mood so I didn't want to take that out on you unnecessarily."

Feeling rather foolish Sanji just sighed and gave his best exasperated face, next time just text an angry face. I might even send you something that will put you in a better mood."

Sanji instantly regretted that choice of words as Zoro's eyebrow cocked and his eyes sparkled.

"I most certainly am not." Sanji's stern voice not convincing in the slightest.

"Sounded like a good time to me."

Lip Service

"So, now that you are here what can I do for you?" Returning his demeanor to a more palatable one.

Once again Sanji opened his mouth and his stomach growled.

"I'm beginning to think all you want me to do is feed you." Leaning in because he can't resist the temptation, Zoro whispers, "I mean I am happy to do so but there is more than one way I would like to feed you."

Sanji turns a beautiful shade of crimson before stepping back and glaring at Zoro. "I didn't come here to be sexually harassed!"

"Deal. This is the first time I've talked to you all day. You don't get to decide how I chose to show my affection." Crossing his arms over his chest Zoro asked in a more serious tone, "All joking aside, did you have something in mind you wanted? I haven't eaten yet either."

Deciding to tease him back, Sanji gave a jab. "I'm surprised you want to show your face outside after making that woman that angry. She almost flattened my face with the door. She might be out to kill you for all you know."

Zoro laughed. "That train wreck has plenty of others to soothe her ego. I'd be willing to bet even now she has some idiot simping over here somewhere."

Turning to go behind the counter Zoro grabs his keys.

"C'mon, let's blow this joint."

Walking to the door, Zoro holds it open for Sanji who doesn't even bat an eye before stepping outside.

"Seems like you are becoming more comfortable with the idea of me taking care of you." Zoro mused.

"Seems like you are becoming too comfortable with the idea that you can get away with anything with me."

Mistakenly secure, Sanji doesn't turn around having subconsciously accepted Zoro would remain sweet. Much to his dismay Zoro did not.

Coming up behind him casually but quickly, Zoro brings his head down to whisper in Sanji's ear, "That's because my gorgeous blonde Adonis, I can." Reaching his tongue out Zoro licks from the base of Sanji's ear to the top ridge making Sanji shudder and gasp slightly before turning around pushing him back.

"We are in public!"

Zoro sheepishly grins, "Your point?"

Sanji makes a frustrated sound in his throat. "You! Behave yourself!"

Walking up next to Sanji Zoro's voice is contemplative. "Then I guess I shouldn't tell you today I had planned to show you what love looks like through licking. Sounds like fun right?" Smiling innocently Zoro began to walk down the street while Sanji stood there dumbstruck several moments longer.

"You know I never agreed to let you do that outside of the home." Sanji's huffy voice comes up to Zoro.

"You didn't have to let me. It's not something you get to decide. Like I said earlier you don't get to chose how I decide to be affectionate. Who knows maybe it will even inspire you to try to be affectionate yourself."

It was a pointed blow and the fact that Zoro said it without malice and with such affirmation only made Sanji feel worse. He couldn't help he wasn't comfortable being intimate outside of closed doors with a man. It wasn't something he was going to be able to just jump into but Zoro was right. He should be able to express his feelings how he wanted and if Sanji was uncomfortable he should express those feelings honestly.

"Could you at least try to be discreet about it?" Sanji's voice was much quieter and less abrasive.

"Of course." That was all Zoro said as his hand casually brushed against Sanji's so his pinky could accidentally reach out and capture his in a brief finger hug before continuing down the sidewalk.

Blushing, Sanji didn't argue. He just took the moment for what it was and moved on.

Having decided to go Italian, Zoro had asked for a booth in the back where they might have a little more privacy.

When the two sat down across from each other, Sanji tried not to show his confused distress over the fact he and Zoro were sitting across from each other and that there was an uncomfortable physical barrier between them.

As if on cue Zoro closed-lined Sanji's heel and dragged his leg forward under the table so his foot rested against Zoro's booth allowing him to press his leg into Sanji casually so he could establish contact without making it uncomfortable for the blonde.

"I've only been here a couple of time's but the food hasn't killed me so I imagine you will at least survive the meal."

Sanji just rolled his eyes. "You need to work on instilling confidence in others. How can anyone trust your opinion if you are always so nondescript and two dimensional?"

Ignoring the bait, Zoro replied honestly. "I am, and always have been, a very trustworthy man. Though I realize my reputation might suggest otherwise I have never left a person hanging or not knowing exactly where they stand with me. Maybe it doesn't instill confidence but it creates a more solid foundation than the bullshit some people spout."

At that point, the waiter came by and prevented Sanji from inserting his thoughts by introducing an element Sanji wasn't quite prepared for.

"Welcome Gentlemen, My name is Francis and I will be your waiter this evening and would like to take your drink order if you are ready. I would also like to pass this on to you Sir from the lady who just left." The waiter then placed a beer in front of Zoro with a slip of paper he tucked under it. "Do either of you gentlemen wants to place a drink or appetizer order?"

Both Zoro and Sanji look questioningly at the paper before Zoro broke the awkwardness with a request. "Get me a Blue Moon."

Zoro then looked at Sanji who looked at Zoro and then the waiter who looked at Zoro in confusion as to why he doesn't want the beer he brought before glancing back to Sanji.

"I'll have a glass of your Vegs Sicilia Unico but only if it's 2009 or earlier. If not then give me whatever the oldest cabernet you have is." The waiter bows slightly and leaves throwing an awkward silence over the table.

Finally, unable to stand the suspense, he asks, "Are you even going to see what's in the paper?"

"No."

"Why not?"

"Because I know what it says and I'm not interested. I'm not going to drink the beer either. I'm here with you and that's the only thing I care about vesting in right now."

Sanji blushed but couldn't let it go. "You should at least read it."

Zoro glared at him before grabbing the paper and jerking it from under the mug. Opening it up he scans it with a straight face before rolling his eyes and crumpling it.

Not able to accept Zoro's blatant disregard, Sanji reached over and takes the wad from Zoro's hands.

"I'm not sure you want to do that." His voice carries a very strong warning as his eyes lock on Sanji.

"Well since you won't tell me."

Opening the note Sanji scans it as Zoro watches his eyes go wide in horror before his face turns red and his eyebrows scrunch in what could be read as disgust.

"She can't be serious!"

Zoro sighs heavily. "She is. They all are."

Sanji tears his eyes from the page and stared at Zoro in disbelief. "They?"

Zoro groans. "Can we not ruin the meal? I'm not trying to have all our time filled with wasted arguments."

"Fine." Sanji drops the paper in the mug. "But don't for a second think I'm okay with someone telling you they want to suck you off under the table while you eat making sure you leave some of the beer to pour over them as you cum AND leaving their number in eyebrow pencil."

"You shouldn't be. I'm not asking you to be. All I'm asking-" he pauses and waits for Sanji to look at him. When he does Zoro continues. "-is for you to remain the only sweet thing I put in my mouth."

Sanji's anger was quickly replaced with embarrassment and arousal at the idea of Zoro's lips entering the danger zone; feelings he did the best to mask as the waiter dropped off their drinks.

"May I take your orders gentlemen?"

Zoro looked at Sanji knowingly for a brief second saying, "I think I know what I want."

Though the look was brief it spoke volumes and Sanji felt guilty for prying into aspects of Zoro's life that seemed to be behind him. It was stupid for Sanji to think they wouldn't run into any of Zoro's ex's or interests roaming around the city. It was even stupider for him to get upset about it when Zoro gave him no reason to doubt his feelings. Taking a deep breath Sanji tried to ignore the nagging feeling that Zoro might have interest elsewhere and he was just a flavor of the week.

After that little incident, the rest of the meal went smoothly. Zoro remained casually affectionate where he could while continuing to throw out straight-faced semi-graphic innuendos and Sanji did the best he could to adapt to his public displays of affection.

It was strange how different it felt to be given affection instead of giving it. Sanji had never realized how awkward and out of place it felt. It made him unsure if his aversion to accepting Zoro's was because he was a guy or because Sanji just wasn't used to it. Either way, he was going to have to try hard to find a way to accept it so Zoro didn't feel completely disregarded.

So as they left the restaurant Sanji kept his eyes open for something that might let him be a little more honest with Zoro and a little less timid. When nothing caught his eye and they had ended up at Zoro's car. Though the lot was almost vacant being later in the evening after most non-service industry jobs closed, there was an unsettling air of desolation.

Looking up at Zoro who had moved to the driver's side door and was leaning against it as he watched Sanji, the blonde felt himself faced with a dilemma he knew he would have to hit head-on even if he didn't like it.

"Zoro?" His voice was tense and slightly anxious.

"Something wrong?" It was a simple and honest question but it carried such weight with it.

"There is."

Unable to formulate the right words, Sanji just stared until Zoro quietly asked, "Do you want to tell me what's wrong?"

"Yes. I do."

"Okay."

It was part of what Sanji loved about Zoro. He never felt rushed or like he had to come up with an answer if he didn't have one to give. Zoro would just wait until he was readily staying solidly like a rock by his side.

When Sanji had gathered his thoughts, and some courage, he expressed to Zoro what had been bothering him.

"I want to find a way to make it obvious that you-" biting his lip and worrying over it a minute Sanji pressed them in a straight line and continued "- I want people to know when they see you that you aren't available for them. I want them to know, male or female, that you aren't interested and they need to respect that. The problem is without being overly intimate I'm not sure how to do that, especially when we are keeping this between us."

Zoro could tell the issue was upsetting Sanji much like it had at dinner but there was no way around the core of the issue.

"I know it upsets you Sanji and I'm sorry. Please understand I'm not out here trying to make you uncomfortable or jealous. The problem is that even with some type of proof people need evidence. If we aren't naturally intimate they are going to think this is just some ruse."

Turning to face Sanji, Zoro drives the nail home. "What do you want this to be Sanji? How do you see this playing out? Do you just want me to keep pouring my emotions into this without ever knowing we will make it after your time is up? Because right now this feels like a demo for a story arc in your life. It doesn't feel like I'm included. All I am is a test run that you got at some flash sale."

Shocked, all Sanji can do is just stand there and stare with his mouth open.

"I can't tell my friends, I can't enjoy you in public like a normal boyfriend, and I can't be intimate behind closed doors with you more than just kissing."

There is a dramatic pause.

"It's not fair Sanji, yet I swallow it all just for the chance to be with you in any shape or form. To me what we can't do will only make what we can that much better and that much more meaningful, but I can't find meaning when all you do is take and limit and get upset when things don't go your way or meet your ideal."

Zoro paused again.

"You can't control love Sanji. You are either in it or you aren't, but I would appreciate you letting me know which way you are going so I don't jump in and find out after it's too late that I can't swim."

Turning towards the car door, Zoro opened it and asked, "So I guess this means I'm taking you back to the hotel?"

Memories and Masquerades

Walking out to the car it had just begun to snow. Dinner had just ended and the conversation had been pleasant. Nothing dynamic but also not toxic like it had turned so many times in the last several months. It was a win really and possibly even a sign that things were going to get better.

It had been two weeks since the last major fight and though Sanji didn't like keeping track of it like some '130 days without incident' whiteboard, he had to collect all the little wins just to feel like things weren't as bad as they could be or had been.

So taking a deep breath of the cold moist air, letting it travel down his lungs and shock him into awareness, Sanji decided to push the envelope. "Dinner was really lovely. You look absolutely radiant and you captured the entire room. I couldn't stop marveling about how lovely you continue to be and get every time we are together. I know things haven't gone smoothly, but I want you to know I still love everything about you and want to make us work."

She had smiled prettily just like she had all night, just like she would continue to do even when he was gone. If he had been better at reading signs he would have known so many things before this moment but he wasn't because he didn't want to believe that the beautiful woman before him was anything other than the loving, tolerant angel he had met so many years ago.

"Sanji that's very sweet. Dinner was nice, wasn't it? You really did pick a lovely place."

"Only the best for you my dear." He walked around and opened the car door for her. "Shall we continue such a lovely evening back at my place? I can set a fire, turn on some music, open a bottle of wine, and just worship you as you deserve."

Sitting down and buckling in she waited for him to get in and close the door before answering. "Tempting but I have an early day tomorrow. There's a very needy client that requires a lot of finessing and leg work. I need to get back and write up the contract before getting as much sleep as I can."

Trying not to sound too crestfallen Sanji smiles. "Of course. I hope everything goes well tomorrow. Am I just taking you home then?"

It had been a simple question that warranted a simple answer, but it would end up being the wrecking ball that destroyed him by the time the night was through.

Everything after she said "Yes. Please" had been silent until he pulled into her driveway and put the car in park. Before even unbuckling his seatbelt she had grabbed her bag and was out the door.

"Thank you again, Sanji for a pleasant evening."

Then she was gone leaving Sanji to watch her fleeting form until she disappeared behind the door. With nothing else he was able to do, Sanji pulled out and headed home.

When he got inside his own house it had been quiet. If anything it looked like a show property for a mortgage firm with how neat and organized everything was. Being a man dedicated to his passion, Sanji had no reason to be here if no one else would be with him to share it. Having bought it in the hopes she would move in and they would start a life he had been slapped in the face when she said it was a nice thought but not quite where she saw their relationship going right now.

She had seen it a few more times after that but never stayed long enough to enjoy it. Even still, the memories of her presence still lingered in the after shadows. It's why the only room he ever stayed in was the bedroom because it was the one room she had never been in. When they fucked it had been on the balcony or the couch or the kitchen or the shower but never once had been made love to her in his bed.

Stepping inside tonight was no different. Walking straight into the bedroom he had thrown his phone on the bed and stripped before hopping in the shower to try to remove the chill that resided in his heart.

When he was done, he came out with a towel around his waist and sat on the bed. Picking up his phone he saw a message from her and smiled. Maybe she was checking in before bed. That would be sweet.

Opening up her text however his heart stopped. Sent from her phone and presumably taken from her phone was a video of her bound and gagged on her bed getting fucked hard and dirty by a man whose face he never saw. She was screaming and crying and begging him for more.

And he was saying everything Sanji would never say.

"Do you like me fucking you like this? I bet you would also like it if I ate your ass before ramming my dick inside."

He had spanked her hard then leaving a bright red welt that made her moan and call him Daddy.

"Yeah, I bet you would like that. I could even make you cum just by eating your ass while my fingers pinched and milked those utters off yours like the god damn cow you are. Are you a cow? Are you my little heifer? Shall I milk you with my cock until your pussy turns to cream?"

He had spanked her again, and again, and again while ramming into her hard.

"Shall I ride your tight little ass when I'm done so I can feel it twitch?"

He had brought his thumb to her anus then and caressed it.

"Look how it puckers and I haven't even licked it yet. I wonder how many fingers I can fit in that needy little ass of yours. Shall we find out?"

The rest Sanji couldn't process. He had shut it off and gone into the living room to drink himself stupid before passing out on the floor.

—

A door slammed shut then and the images faded causing Sanji to snap back to the present where he stood in the parking lot in front of Zoro's car.

Locking his eyes on Zoro who was now leaning on the driver side door of his car that Zoro had just shut, Sanji walked towards the passenger side.

"No, take me to your place."

His voice was firmly making it more of a demand than a request. Not being one to argue when it wasn't necessary Zoro waited for Sanji to get in before opening the door and sliding in the driver's side.

For Sanji, his response was equal to a do or die moment. If Zoro had argued he would have gone back to the hotel and had to figure everything out, but if he didn't argue it meant this relationship wasn't like the one with his ex and shouldn't be held to the same cookie-cutter standards as every woman before.

He had been wrong, so wrong. All this time Sanji had thought that Zoro would be just like his ex when really it was Sanji who had become his ex and Zoro who had taken the role of Sanji.

Since agreeing to date, Sanji had done all of the things his ex had done since day one to try to control the relationship and make it something he could stomach because it was there and he was being made to feel special so what could it hurt.

But it did hurt and Zoro had told him as much which was more than he ever said to his ex. Instead, he had just given in trying to keep her happy while denying what he wanted for three long years.

Not anymore. Zoro had shown him nothing but love and kindness and even accepted his affection in whatever form it took; something his ex never did. He had stayed with Sanji and fought to keep the relationship on even ground even knowing Sanji couldn't give him any promises about where it would end up.

In return, Sanji had treated him with abject emotional indifference starving the man by sucking him dry. Even though he liked how Zoro had made him feel. Even though Zoro had confessed how deeply he felt towards Sanji abd had never once demanded the same of Sanji nor had Zoro ever forced himself on Sanji or given up because it was too hard Sanji had continued to take.

Waiting just long enough for Zoro to sit down and close the door, Sanji lifted up the armrests for both seats and slid over closer placing his right hand on the meatiest part of the man's thigh as Sanji's lips kissed Zoro's neck under his jaw.

Readjusting frantically to try to accommodate Sanji's closeness, Zoro was only able to get out, "Sanji wait a second I-" before Sanji was straddling him in the car with his lips pressed harshly into Zoro's as his other hand came to rest in Zoro's hair.

Savoring the moan that escaped from Zoro's lips, Sanji returned it in kind as Zoro's hands grabbed ahold of Sanji's ass and ground his hips into Zoro's crotch.

The need that pressed against Sanji was hot and unyielding promising endless nights and broken boundaries as the long slender fingers on his ass demanded Sanji's body submit freely and completely.

Breaking the kiss, Sanji leaned his head back and whispered Zoro's name as the man's hungry lips assaulted the most sensitive places they had already found from the nights before. Bringing his hands to Zoro's shirt Sanji began to try to remove it, both men locked in a heated gaze that brought their lips crashing back together and Sanji's fingers to dig into both fabric and flesh as their two wills now enflamed fought to scorch the other.

It didn't take long for the windows to fog and the car to start shaking as Sanji lifted himself enough to fiddle with the fastenings of Zoro's pants and a knock came on the driver side window.

To read the rest visit me on (link in bio) or Tumblr (ladyrhey)