Sanji meticulously polished the wine glasses, making sure they sparkled like diamonds in the morning light streaming through Baratie's windows. Today was the day he'd finally share his passion for wine with Hana, that elusive and enchanting hostess who had captured his heart. He couldn't help but smile at the thought of her, imagining her delicate hands holding the stemware as they tasted the finest vintages together.
"Focus, Sanji," he chastised himself, "This isn't just about impressing her. It's about sharing knowledge and enhancing the dining experience for our guests." Yet, deep down, he knew that every swirl of a glass and every sip of velvety red would be an intimate dance between their souls.
The tinkling bell above the door signaled Hana's arrival, and Sanji's heart leaped into his throat. She gracefully stepped inside, her eyes scanning the room before landing on him. Sanji dropped to one knee, presenting her with a bouquet of roses he had painstakingly arranged earlier that morning.
"Please, my dear Hana, allow me the pleasure of your company and indulge in this exquisite journey through the world of wine," he said, practically swooning.
Hana rolled her eyes, but there was a hint of warmth and gratitude in her expression as she plucked the flowers from his outstretched hands. "Alright, Romeo, let's get started. I'm here to learn, not just to be wooed."
"Of course, my love!" Sanji sprang to his feet and led her to the table he had set with an array of wine bottles and glasses. His excitement bubbled up like champagne, threatening to overflow at any moment.
"First, we must understand the basics," he began, trying to sound professional despite the twinkle in his eye. "There are four main types of wine: red, white, rosé, and sparkling. Each has specific characteristics that pair well with certain dishes."
"Take this Pinot Noir, for example," he said, pouring a small amount into one of the polished glasses. "Its light body and crisp acidity make it an excellent choice for our pan-seared salmon dish." He handed her the glass, their fingers brushing together as she took it.
Hana sniffed the wine, her eyes closing as she inhaled its fruity aroma. She sipped it slowly, savoring the taste before swallowing. "It's like a symphony of flavors," she mused, sounding genuinely intrigued. "I never knew wine could be so captivating."
"Ah, my dear Hana, it is not just the wine that captivates – it is also the person who shares it with you," Sanji replied, struggling to contain his emotions. As they continued to taste different wines, Hana's enthusiasm only grew, her eyes lighting up with each new discovery.
"Sanji, I can't believe I've been missing out on this world of flavor," she admitted, her gaze lingering on him for a moment longer than necessary. "Thank you for opening my eyes to the art of wine pairing."
"Anything for you, my love," Sanji replied , his heart swelling with pride and affection. Together, they dove deeper into the world of wine, their connection growing stronger one sip at a time.
As Hana swirled her glass, watching the wine's crimson hue catch the light, she felt a sudden urge to share something personal with Sanji. "You know," she began, her voice softening as she let her guard down, "my family never had much growing up. We were fishermen, and while there was always enough food on our table, luxuries like fancy dinners were simply out of reach."
Sanji looked at her, his eyes filled with warmth and understanding. "I didn't know that, Hana. I'm sorry if this is bringing up any painful memories."
She shook her head, smiling gently. "No, it's not like that. If anything, it only makes me appreciate what we have here at Baratie even more. I love learning about all these intricate flavors and pairings, and I find myself dreaming about being able to treat myself to a lavish meal one day. Just once, I want to experience the kind of happiness our customers do when they dine here."
"That is truly admirable, Hana," Sanji said sincerely, his heart aching at the thought of her working so hard to provide herself with a better life.
"Thank you, Sanji," she replied, her cheeks tinting a delicate pink as she took another sip of wine. "It's also why I take so much pride in my work here – I want to make people happy through food, just as I wish I could've done for my own family."
Sanji found himself lost in her words, his thoughts racing as he began to understand the depth of her passion and drive. It suddenly became clear that her humble background was the very reason she strived for excellence and knowledge, pouring her heart into every aspect of her work at the restaurant.
"Your determination and dedication are truly inspiring, Hana," he told her, his voice filled with admiration. "I'm grateful to have you by my side here at Baratie, and I promise that no matter what, I will do everything in my power to help you achieve your dreams"
"Sanji," she whispered, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears over his generosity, "Thank you. That means more to me than you could ever know."
As the wine tasting and pairing concluded, Hana couldn't help but feel accomplished by what she had learned from her flirtatious mentor.
"Sanji, the way you understand and explain these wine pairings is truly impressive," Hana said, her eyes wide with admiration. "You've opened up a whole new world of flavors for me."
"Thank you, Hana," Sanji replied, his heart swelling with pride at her words. "I promise that one day, I'll treat you to the most luxurious dinner, paired with the perfect wine, of course."
Hana's heart skipped a beat as she looked into Sanji's blue eyes, which were filled with sincerity. It was a moment that she couldn't forget. She had always found Sanji to be a bit annoying, but in that moment, she couldn't help but feel grateful for his kindness and understanding. As she stood there, lost in thought, the warmth of her affection towards him grew stronger. She realized that Sanji wasn't so bad after all, and that maybe she had misjudged him.
"Thank you, Sanji," Hana said softly, her cheeks flushing a rosy pink. "I'd really like that."
As the day turned into the busy evening service, the restaurant bustled with activity. Hana gracefully attended to the patrons, her mind still filled with thoughts of Sanji and their earlier conversation.
"Excuse me, miss," a male customer interrupted her reverie, an impatient tone in his voice. "Could you please tell us about the wines you have available?"
"Of course," Hana replied, trying to recall the details from her wine training with Sanji. However, under the pressure of the moment, she found her mind going blank. "We have, um, a lovely red… and a white as well, both perfectly paired with our dishes."
"Is that all you know?" the man scoffed, his voice dripping with disdain. "This is supposed to be a fine dining establishment, and you can't even give us proper information on your wines?"
Hana felt her face burn with embarrassment as the man's harsh words stung her pride. "I apologize, sir," she said, her voice wavering slightly. "I'm still learning about our wine selection. I can bring you a menu with more information if you'd like."
"Unbelievable," the man muttered under his breath, shaking his head in disapproval.
As Hana hurried away to fetch the wine menu, her thoughts raced, berating herself for not being better prepared. She wished she could rewind time and give the customer the detailed explanation he deserved. But as she glanced over at Sanji working diligently by the kitchen, she also couldn't help but feel grateful for his unwavering support and encouragement – and for the first time, she realized just how much it meant to her.
The male customer's eyes narrowed, his voice turning venomous. "You're a disgrace to this restaurant, not knowing something so basic," he sneered. "How did you even get hired here?"
Hana felt a sudden lump in her throat, and her vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes. She tried to stifle a sob, but it escaped her lips with a tiny whimper. The dining room seemed to grow more silent, and she could feel the stares of nearby customers boring into her.
"Look at you," the man continued mercilessly. "Crying over some wine. Pathetic."
Anger bubbled up inside Hana, directed both at the cruel customer and at herself for being unable to hold back her tears. Her hands balled into fists at her sides, nails digging into her palms.
Why couldn't I have just remembered the wine pairings? Why was this one customer getting under my skin so much?
A choked apology eked out from her trembling lips. "I'm sorry, sir. I'll get the menu for you right away."
As Hana turned to escape the humiliating scene, Sanji caught sight of her tear-streaked face from across the bustling dining room. His heart clenched in his chest, feeling like it was being crushed beneath a heavy weight. Seeing Hana – usually so poised and confident – reduced to tears by that man's words was almost unbearable.
Sanji tightened his jaw, gnashing his teeth on his cigarette, and balled his hands into fists until his knuckles turned white. He had to do something, anything, to help Hana regain her composure and stand up to that insufferable customer. But what could he do without making the situation worse for her?
"Focus, Sanji," Patty shouted, noticing his distraction. "Orders are piling up!"
"Right," Sanji replied, forcing himself to turn his attention back to the plates he needed to run. But his thoughts kept drifting back to Hana, and the anguish in her eyes when she looked at him as if pleading for help.
"Damn it," Sanji muttered under his breath, feeling a surge of protective instinct well up inside him. He couldn't just stand by while someone treated Hana with such disrespect. He needed to act, consequences be damned.
As he steeled himself for the confrontation that would inevitably follow, Sanji knew one thing for certain: he wouldn't let anyone hurt Hana again. Not on his watch. Sanji's fury reached its boiling point as the male customer continued to berate Hana. He threw down his kitchen towel in a fit of anger, ignoring Patty's protests. The fire in his eyes burned brighter with each step he took towards the dining area.
"Excuse me, sir," Sanji said icily, his voice barely concealing the seething anger that threatened to boil over. "I couldn't help but overhear your comments about our hostess."
The man looked up at him, an arrogant smirk playing at the corners of his lips. "Ah, yes. I was simply expressing my disappointment in the quality of service I received."
"Your disappointment?" Sanji snarled, leaning in close enough for the man to feel the heat of his breath. "You humiliated her, insulted her, and made her cry. All because she made a simple mistake?!"
"Look, I have high standards for the places I choose to dine, and I expect those standards to be met," the customer replied haughtily, taking another sip of wine.
"High standards are one thing," Sanji retorted, his voice dangerously low. "But what you did to Hana was cruel and completely uncalled for. She is an exceptional hostess, and you have no right to treat her like that."
"Are you threatening me?" the man asked, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"Let's just say," Sanji began, his face mere inches from the customer's, "if I ever see you treat Hana - or any other staff member - with such disrespect again, I won't hesitate to kick your pompous ass out of this restaurant myself."
The customer's face flushed a deep shade of red, but he didn't dare say another word. He stared at Sanji, his bravado crumbling under the intensity of the sous chef's unwavering gaze.
"Enjoy your meal," Sanji said icily, straightening up and glaring down at the customer one last time before turning on his heel and walking away, his protective instincts having trumped his usual calm demeanor. Sanji's anger faded away when he caught sight of the shaken Hana.
"Are you okay?" Sanji asked with genuine concern, replacing his previous anger.
Hana blinked back tears, her chest tightening with a confusing mix of gratitude and embarrassment. Even though she knew Sanji was just standing up for her, she couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt for causing such a scene.
"Thank you, Sanji," she whispered, looking away from him. As she did so, she couldn't help but notice how his presence seemed to envelop her in a sense of safety, like a warm blanket on a cold night. She realized then that her feelings for him were growing stronger, fueled by his unwavering loyalty and support.
"Hey, it's okay. Please don't cry...please... I hate to see you cry." Sanji's voice was gentle now, a far cry from the harsh tone he'd used to confront the rude customer. "You don't deserve to be treated like that, Hana."
Hana bit her lip, attempting to stifle the emotions that threatened to spill over again. "I shouldn't have let him get to me like that," she admitted, her voice barely audible.
"Even the strongest people can be pushed too far," Sanji replied, his eyes softening with understanding. "What matters is that you stood your ground and didn't let him walk all over you. That takes courage, Hana."
Her heart swelled at his words, and she found herself marveling at how this man - who could be so infuriatingly flirtatious and headstrong - could also be kind, caring, and fiercely protective. It was in these moments, when he showed his true character, that Hana couldn't help but like Sanji a little bit more.
The aftermath of the confrontation lingered in the air like a heavy fog, making it difficult for Hana to fully regain her usual composure. Although she managed to keep the tremor out of her hands as she wiped down glasses behind the bar, her eyes betrayed a lingering hurt that refused to be extinguished.
"Are you okay?" Sanji's voice was laced with concern as he approached her, his eyes searching hers for any sign of continuing distress.
Hana took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, feeling the tension begin to ebb away. "I will be," she assured him, forcing a small smile onto her lips. "Thank you, Sanji."
"Of course." Sanji's expression remained serious, his gaze unwavering. "I won't stand for anyone treating you - or anyone else here - like that. And I don't regret stepping in."
His assurance struck a chord in Hana's heart, prompting her to do something she'd never done before. Reaching up, she pressed a quick kiss to his cheek, whispering, "Thank you" once more.
The effect of her gesture on Sanji was immediate and dramatic. His face flushed a deep crimson, and blood gushed from his nostrils like water from a broken dam. He swooned, grasping at the edge of the bar for support as he stammered, "H-Hana! I can't believe it! Your kiss... I must be dreaming!"
"Sanji," Hana couldn't help but laugh, her previous distress momentarily forgotten. "It was just a small thank you, but I truly do appreciate how you stood up for me."
"Anything for you, my beautiful Hana!" Sanji exclaimed, still reeling from her unexpected show of affection. He held her hand and got on his knee "You're the most stunning woman in the world, and I am hopelessly in love with you!"
Hana's laughter filled the dimly lit restaurant, reverberating through Sanji's heart. She playfully nudged him with her elbow as she teased, "You know, I never took you for such a drama queen, Sanji!"
"A drama queen?!" he feigned offense, placing a hand over his heart. "I'm simply expressing my undying love for the most enchanting woman I've ever met!"
Hana laughed once again, and continued working through the busy dinner rush, feeling happier than ever.
As the night wore on, Hana found herself stealing glances at Sanji whenever he wasn't looking. His over-the-top reaction to her simple gesture had brought some levity back into the atmosphere, and she couldn't help but feel drawn to his unwavering loyalty and devotion. With each shared smile, knowing look, and whispered word of encouragement, the bond between them seemed to grow stronger, pulling them closer together. Hana felt an unexpected warmth radiate from Sanji. His contagious energy seemed to breathe life back into the room, dispelling the lingering shadows of the earlier confrontation.
"Sanji," she said, leaning in close to whisper in his ear, "I can't remember the last time I felt so appreciated and laughed so much. You really know how to make a girl feel special."
Their eyes locked for a moment as Hana playfully flicked on his tie, and the air between them crackled with an unspoken understanding. It was as if, in that shared heartbeat, all the pretense and banter fell away, revealing a connection that ran far deeper than either had realized.
"Same goes for you, Hana," Sanji managed to reply, his voice barely audible above the hum of conversation and his cracking voice. "You're one of a kind."
The rest of the night passed in a blur of laughter and stolen glances, each exchanged a look and secret smile weaving a tapestry of unspoken affection. By the time it was time for Hana to go home, Hana found herself reluctant to part ways with Sanji. The thought of an ordinary evening without his presence suddenly felt so... dull.
"Thanks again, Sanji," she sighed, her cheeks flushed from more than just the exertion of their busy shift. "For everything."
"Anytime, my love!" he assured her, his eyes never leaving hers. "I'll always be there for you."
With a playful twinkle in her eye, Hana took a step back and blew him a delicate kiss, her lips meeting the air with a soft 'muah!' Sanji couldn't look away from her. His heart thundered in his chest and he felt so weak, like the sight of her had taken all of his strength away. He was powerless against her beauty, captivated by her spell.
"Goodnight, Sanji," she whispered in a husky voice, before disappearing into the night.
Sanji felt a wave of affection wash over him. "Goodnight, my lovely Hana!" he replied happily, gazing at her retreating figure with a mix of tenderness and longing. As he closed the restaurant door behind him, he couldn't shake the feeling that something had shifted between them tonight - something that was both beautiful and unchanging. And all it took was a simple, sweet kiss.
Unbeknownst to the love-struck Sanji, a mysterious figure had been lingering in the shadows of the restaurant, his keen eyes observing the scene between the chef and Hana. The man's face was obscured by the dim lighting as he leaned against the wall, nursing a half-empty glass of wine. He had seen everything – from the heated confrontation with the disrespectful customer to the tender exchange of glances that hinted at something more between Sanji and Hana.
"This is interesting," he muttered under his breath, stroking his beard thoughtfully as he observed their interaction. "I can hardly believe that it was only a short time ago when he was accosting an innocent customer. He was acting as if this were a place of criminals, thugs, or even pirates!"
His eyes then widened as he almost spit out his wine. It hit him like a ton of bricks. The staff's brutish behavior without repercussions, those rumors about the owner, the fact that everyone fears said owner... it all made sense.
Pirates
He savored the rich flavor as the wine danced across his taste buds. His purpose for coming to Baratie was to confirm the rumors about Zeff, but what he found exceeded his expectations and somehow confirmed them.
The restaurant was empty now, with only a few lingering guests making their way towards the door. As the last of them left, the mysterious man at the corner table finished his wine and placed the glass delicately on the table as his mind began to reel about his revelation. As he left his seat to leave the restaurant, a wicked grin formed on his face upon noticing the chef who was still smitten with the woman who had left the restaurant moments before. The chef appeared to be walking on air, completely love-struck and oblivious to everything else around him.
"Young love..." the mysterious figure mused, his voice dripping with sarcasm as he headed towards the door, ideas forming in his head, "How sweet, how… combustible. Let's see how long it takes for this little flame to burn itself out."