Author's Note

Another update, woohoo! Thanks too everyone who reviewed, faved and watched : ) I noticed recently all my chapter are quite short, so a question for you all. Would you prefer to wait for longer chapters, or should I just keep posting them as they are?

The latest chapter, enjoy.

Getting To Know You

Chapter 5

'God damn it!'

There was a frustrated cry followed by a clatter as a large frying-pan was hurled at a nearby wall, sending bacon and eggs whizzing across the room. Running his fingers through his short blond hair, he sighed.

That was the second time this morning Sanji had burned breakfast.

'Oi, egg plant! This is a kitchen, not a rubbish dump! Clean that damn mess up!' A loud voice called out from the doorway.

'Alright, sheesh! Keep your hat on you crazy old man!'

There was a short pause before Sanji was bombarded with another order.

'Get on with it or I'll stick my wooden leg where the sun don't shine, shitty egg plant!'

Sanji growled crabbily as the door closed.

'Stop calling me egg plant god damn it!'

Looking at the mess he'd made on the floor, Sanji hesitantly reached for a dustpan and brush and began cleaning up.

Oh how Sanj loathed weekends. Working an early morning shift was enough to put anyone in a bad tempered mood, especially when he couldn't get a certain green haired man out of his head after the previous night.

The thought of him made the blond slam the bin lid shut.

'Stupid moss head…' He grumbled.

Although when he thought about it, the look on Zoro's face when he stormed off was enough to make him feel a little bad.

Well, almost.

'Ahhh stupid Marimo get out of my head!' He wailed, clutching his head dramatically as he felt a headache forming.

Glancing wearily at the frying pan at his feet, he took a deep breath and braced himself for breakfast attempt number three. He grabbed a clean frying pan from the worktop, and tossed the other into the sink. Sanji was just about to crack his first egg when Zeff's voice bellowed through the walls.

'Eggplant! Get your arse out here, there are customers waiting! I'm swapping with you.'

'Huhhh?'

The double doors of the serving hatch flew open as Zeff peered into the kitchen, looking very displeased.

'Whadda ya mean 'Huhhhh?' You can't even fry an egg this morning, shut up and switch before I stick that frying pan somewhere!'

'Alright I'm coming, keep your hat on old man!' Sanji huffed, he threw his apron aside and walked out, his long legs striding with ease. He glanced quickly at his reflection in the glass above the door in front of him, fixed his hair and smoothed out the creases in his jacket.

After all, he wanted to look presentable for any ladies he may be serving.

Walking through the door, he dashed towards the till and grabbed his name badge from the counter and quickly pinned it to his shirt. Abruptly, Sanji heard the bell above the Café door ring out.

Expecting to be greeted by a beautiful maiden, the blond put on his biggest charming smile and spun around to face the lady.

'Good morning! How can I help y-'

His blue eyes widened considerably as dark hazel ones stared right back, baring a similar expression.

'What the hell are you doing here?'

'For god's sake!'

Thud!

Zoro growled in annoyance, kicking the bench in front of him that he'd just finished stretching his legs on. Gasping for a drink, he reached out for his water bottle, usually placed on the bench next to him; when his hand grasped thin air.

Must have forgotten it, what a pain in the arse!

He sighed, running his fingers through his short, messy hair and turned to make a slow walk back to the dorms. He stopped, staring at the many different turns on the footpath ahead.

Now, was it left or right…

I'm sure it was left…

Left... Defiantly left.

He nodded determinedly and walked forwards, following the path that seemed familiar, until he reached the end.

After 20 minutes of walking around aimlessly, Zoro found himself at a cross path, one that he didn't recognise whatsoever.

I am not lost…

He growled in annoyance.

His stomach also growled, reminding him he'd foolishly skipped breakfast this morning. When Luffy asked why he'd boasted, 'Food is for wimps'; now he really regretted those words.

The green haired teen kept walking, kicking a stone as he went, until something caught his eye. On the corner there was what appeared to be a large, blue building. A bold, flashy sign read 'Baratie' in gold letters; an orange goldfish on a hook hung just beneath it. Walking closer he saw a large menu posted on the window.

With his throat still parched and no idea where he was, he decided to go in and refresh his taste buds.

Upon entering, he marched straight up to the counter; only to see the back of someone's head.

'Good morning! How can I help y-'

Zoro's eyed widened when he saw the server behind the counter.

'Curly brow?'

'What the hell are you doing here?'

Standing behind the counter in a blue, button up shirt and black pinstripe trousers; was Sanji.

Oh great just my luck, Zoro thought.

Zoro snorted.

'What do you mean 'What am I doing here?', this is a café aint it? Geez I know your stupid bu-'

'Stop being a smart arse!' Sanj scowled.

'Ehhhh, is that any way to talk to a customer dart board?' Zoro grinned, clearly enjoying the dispute.

'Shut up you moron, I'm surprised you even know what a café is.' He smirked, seeing the green haired teens face tense.

'You gonna insult me all day or you actually gonna take my order?'

'Sorry we have a no animals policy, I'm afraid I'll have to ask your owner to leave you tied up outside.'

'Fuck you!'

Sanji smiled, grinning proudly at his response.

'Ooo touchy! How abo-'

'Oi eggplant! Stop flirtin and get workin, I don't pay you to stand around all day!' Zeff shouted, 'I'll have you scrubbing toilets all week if your not careful!' He threatened, eyeing the blond from the doorway.

'I am NOT flirting!' he insisted with his face turning red, he glared back at Zoro.

He sighed.

'What would you like your highness?' He muttered, mustering up as much sarcasm as he could.

Zoro paused, pondering over the menu for a moment.

'Get me a green tea Bozo,' he ordered, 'and one of those pastry thingys.' He pointed behind the glass counter.

'Pastry thingy's? That's a cream Danish you imbecile!'

'Yeah yeah, hop to it Blondie.' He dismissed Sanji's comment. I mean, all pastries were the same, right?

'That's $3.95 moron.'

Zoro handed over his money standing with his hands in his pockets, looking lost.

'Go sit down, you're making me nervous...'

Zoro sighed, but said nothing. He took a seat at the far end of the café near the window, and it was surprisingly empty for the time of day; but he had no complaints. He leaned back in his chair and rested his eyes.

'One green tea and pastry thingy for the moss head.'

Sanji placed the plate and saucer down in front of him, Zoro was surprised when he sat down opposite him but said nothing. Reaching out for his tea, he carefully picked up the hot mug, and took a refreshing sip, eyeing the blond suspiciously.

Why was he sitting there?

Sanji caught Zoro staring at him.

'What are you lookin at?' he huffed.

Zoro shrugged offhandedly and took a large mouth full of fresh pastry.

'Dunno, label fell off...' He mumbled indecipherably around his food, trying his best not to feel awkward.

Sanji sighed.

Oh fuck it, may as well get this out the way with.

'Listen shit head, I know I was an arse last night, but you deserved it!' he huffed indignantly.

'Ehhhhhh? Is that suppose to be an apology?'

'Ok fine, I'm sorry! There, happy now?'

Zoro spluttered, nearly chocking on his tea; earning a cocky smile from Sanji.' He thumped himself on the chest to seize his coughing fit.

'Jesus, warn a man before you say something like that!' He wheezed.

'Shut up,' Sanji barked, 'so you gunna get your head out your arse and smile now or what?'

Zoro looked over the blond's shoulder, his eyes filled with curiosity; the blond swore they looked almost… mischievous.

'Hmmmm, that depends.' He smirked.

Sanji frowned.

'On what?'

'Two questions dart brow.'

He sighed.

'Fine what is it?' he groaned, 'Better be quick, if I don't get back behind that counter soon the old man will turn me into mince meat.'

Zoro folded his arms behind his head and leaned back against the wall behind him.

'How long you been working here shit cook?'

'Shit cook? Rich from the guy who didn't know what a cream Danish was, but bout a year on and off seems though you asked; next question.' He pressed on, wanting to get the conversation over with.

The green haired teen smiled, grinning like a Cheshire cat; looking over at the food counter.

'Those cookies over there….'

'Oh for god's sake, have a fucking cookie you child!' The blond yelled, pushing back his chair and storming over to the food counter to retrieve one.

Zoro chuckled contently.

Maybe he'd have to pop by to the Baratie more often.

Well, if he could find it again that is.