Ink With Sugar, Please
By Tenkku
Chapter 1: Tiramisu
The heavy rain outside almost drowned out the sound of the alarm. Sanji was still sound asleep but woke up when there was a rumble of thunder. His hand felt around on the nightstand to find the alarm. When he felt it, he turned it off and groaned a little. He sat up in bed, lifting the sleeping eye mask and turning to the rainy window. It was falling hard and loud against the glass. But that wouldn't stop him from going to work. The red clock numbers flashed three o'clock. It was time to get up, get dressed, and start baking.
He took a quick shower, had a quick smoke, and prepared for the day. He chose a black long-sleeved shirt and jeans. Another rumble of thunder startled him slightly while he was trying to slip on his shoes. Sanji hoped the rain would clear up soon because this type of weather kept away his regulars. He had a slew of loyal ladies from forty to eighty years of age. They rarely came out in this type of weather. Sanji took a minute to check the weather app on his phone and groaned when he saw that the rain would not let up until mid-afternoon. Still, he had a bakery to run, and no harsh weather would keep him from the shop.
Fortunately, Sanji lived above his bakery, so transportation was not necessary. He grabbed his umbrella and opened it outside. The stairs were slippery when wet, so he took his time. He fumbled with the key, dropping it on the wet sidewalk. Sanji grumbled to himself and picked up the keys. He got inside and closed his umbrella, then switched on the lights. The 'Kickin' Good Bakery' was his pride and joy.
He started the bakery two years ago, and business was always booming at his shop. He handmade everything from donuts to cupcakes to chocolates to cakes. His biggest customer time was breakfast; he always had fresh bagels and other bread products ready. Although he can cook (and cook very well), he did not offer any meals. He was the only one working in the bakery; he had no staff because they weren't needed. He was able to do everything by himself.
Fortunately, just before it was time to open up, the rain had slowed to a drizzle. Sanji sighed in relief. He wrote the special of the day on the shop chalkboard in blue chalk: cake pops. They were quick and easy to make, and the children loved them. So, Sanji unlocked the door, flipped the 'open' sign, and sighed happily. They say if you love what you do, then you haven't worked a day in your life. How true that was.
Suddenly, there came a loud noise, like a motor. Sanji peered through the glass window and saw a person drive up on a motorcycle. They stopped at the new shop that hadn't opened yet. Sanji knew the old man had put the shop up for sale a year ago, and someone had bought it, but they had been doing renovations for a long while. Sanji missed the old man because they used to work together, even though they were at separate shops. People would buy books and then cross the street to his bakery, and vice versa. But Sanji had forgotten to look at the shop sign when it was put up. The person on the motorcycle might be the new owner. Sanji wasn't thrilled about the bike. This street was a bustling hub of shops and restaurants but was relatively quiet. The usual crowd was not a rowdy bunch.
Checking to ensure no one was coming, Sanji left his shop and went over to the other one. He looked up at the black sign written in bold, gold letters: 'Three Sword Style Tattoo.' Sanji's jaw almost hit the sidewalk. A tattoo shop? Here?! This was NOT the place for a tattoo shop! The crowd that comes to this street for quiet shopping won't like the type of people that go to tattoo shops. This wasn't good for his business!
Sanji looked through the large front window and saw it was ready to open. He hadn't really paid attention to what was happening across the street; now, he wished that he did. He checked the door, and it was open. He stepped inside, and the other man turned to look at him. Sanji was taken aback by the man's handsome looks. Short green hair with matching eyes and a well-built physique. The man obviously spends time at the gym. He wore black jeans, a short-sleeved, unbuttoned white shirt, and motorcycle boots. Sanji quickly noticed the man's tattooed arms. There was a skull and crossbones on his left bicep. Two long swords were on each forearm, and one more sword on his chest with the blade pointing down to his crotch.
"Who are you?" Asked the man. "The shop isn't open yet."
It took Sanji a moment to find his voice. "I'm Sanji, and I own the bakery across the street," he pointed to it through the window front. "Who are you?"
"Zoro." Zoro stated calmly.
"Well then, Zoro, why have you opened a tattoo shop here? The clientele that comes here are not quite the tattooing type."
"You'd be surprised by how people of all states and ages like tattoos. It's more than you think. Sometimes, people you don't expect want or have tattoos. I picked this spot because it's a quiet street."
"It won't be quiet if you have motorcycles here," Sanji said, crossing his arms.
Zoro smirked. "Don't think of it like that," he said. "Think of it as new customers for your bakery."
Sanji frowned. Zoro wasn't wrong about that, but he had a specific clientele that frequented his shop. If biker gangs were in there, they'd turn people away, especially the elderly.
"The people that frequent my bakery are elderly people and families with children. I do have young people as well. They are not going to come to my shop if they see bikers in there,"
Zoro narrowed his eyes at Sanji. "You're following the motorcycle stereotype," he said. "Hardly any of them are gang members or rough and tough fighters. It's the freedom a motorcycle gives them- it's something you wouldn't understand. But we're not a bad group of people."
Sanji understood that, but others might not. "When do you officially open?"
"Tomorrow," Zoro answered. "Now get back to your bakery. I still have work to do, so leave me alone."
'Rude!' Sanji thought. "There better not be any trouble coming from this place," Sanji warned.
"Or what?" Zoro challenged him.
Zoro walked up to Sanji, who was the same height. Their noses almost touched, and their eyes peered into each other's.
"Or I'll deal with you myself," Sanji said.
"I'm not afraid of you, Curly-Brow," Zoro said. "What are you going to do? Throw a pie at me?"
Sanji grits his teeth. "I'm not afraid of you, Moss-Head!"
"Moss-Head?!" Zoro grits his teeth now, too. "What grown man plays 'cafe' and bakes sweets?"
"I'm a VERY talented baker! Baking is not as easy as you may think! But why does someone need a tattoo? What are they trying to prove?"
"It's a lifestyle," Zoro countered. "Again, it's something you wouldn't understand! Now go back to your shop, Curly-Brow, and stop bothering me! Go bake a cake or something!"
"Jerk-face!" Sanji said and left the shop.
Zoro watched Sanji cross the street to the bakery. He hadn't even been here ten minutes and already had an enemy. Sanji was making a big deal out of nothing. Sure, bikers will come to his tattoo parlor, but there will also be other types of people. Zoro was certain that most of Sanji's customers were old retired people, and they may be frightened of motorcycles and bikers. He wasn't sure, though. Older people can surprise you. He's done some tattoo work on older adults. Sanji will have to figure that out for himself.
When he was face-to-face with Sanji, he smelled of something sweet, like a cake or a cookie. He figured that's what a baker would smell like. He wasn't a big fan of sweets. He was more of a protein, vegetable, and powdered drink mix type. However, he would go over and try some of Sanji's baking. He wanted to see what kind of people frequent the bakery; he was probably right that it's a lot of old people.
Around lunchtime, Zoro walked to the nearby Chinese food place and ordered takeout. He brought it back to his shop and looked over at Sanji's bakery. There were a lot of people in there. He swiftly ate his takeout and then went over to the bakery. He looked up at the white sign with blue letters that read, "Kickin' Good Bakery." It was an odd name for a bakery, he thought.
Zoro stepped inside, and a little bell above the door rang. Some people turned to look at him but then went back to their own business. Zoro took a quick look around the bakery. There were tables with eyelet tablecloths and plastic coverings. The chairs were wrought iron and painted white. There was a small votive candle in a crystal holder on each table and a small vase of mixed flowers. To his left was a wall of coffees and teas for sale. The walls were a light canary yellow, with paintings for sale lining the walls. Zoro then approached the counter, looking at the trays of chocolates, cookies, muffins, croissants, and scones. Zoro could see now why Sanji didn't want his tattoo shop across the street.
"What are you doing here?"
Zoro looked at Sanji, who had just come out of the back of the shop.
"I came to take a look at your establishment."
"Is that all you want, or do you want something to eat?"
"I'll take something," Zoro said. "I guess I'll have a slice of the tiramisu," he pointed to the cake. He also noticed that people were drinking mimosas. "And a mimosa." Zoro was fine with champagne but preferred liquors like sake and rum. He could tolerate wine, but it wasn't his favorite.
Zoro took a free seat in the corner and looked around at the people. There were more older people than young people. Sanji came over with a small plate of the tiramisu and the mimosa.
"Enjoy." Sanji said.
"Thanks." Zoro replied.
The tiramisu looked perfect- it was cut into a perfect-sized square. The coco on top was layered flat. He preferred drinking to eating, so he took the mimosa and sipped it. He could tell it was freshly squeezed orange juice with the pulp strained from it. Then, he took a bit of the tiramisu and tasted it. His eyes widened. It was so good! He ate the whole piece and wanted another. But he would have to hold off. He does have to go to the gym soon. Zoro noticed Sanji carrying a tray of mimosas and a tiered plate of small sweets to a table with four older women.
"It's good to see you all again," Sanji said to them, handing out their orders. "I love having such beautiful women in my shop."
"Oh, Sanji!" Laughed one of the middle-aged ladies. "You're too much!"
"We're old enough to be your mother!" Said another.
"Age is only a number, my lady," he said with a polite, proper bow.
Zoro rolled his eyes at Sanji's flirtatiousness. He did notice, however, that he was the only man in the bakery. These women must come to see Sanji. Zoro had to admit that the baker was attractive, with long legs and a narrow waist. He let his eyes travel along Sanji's back as Sanji was flirting with some young, giggling women. Sanji's tight pants showed off his ass while his chef coat hugged his waist. He wouldn't mind taking Sanji into the back and bending him over the spot where he kneads the bread. But Sanji didn't like him, and Zoro did have a feeling that they would not be friends. He was surprised Sanji served him at all.
"How was it?" Sanji asked with a hard stare, unlike the one he was giving to the ladies.
"Good," Zoro said. He wanted to say it was better than good but didn't want to boost Sanji's ego or his own. He finished the mimosa and then reached for his pocket for his wallet.
"For first-time customers, it's free," Sanji said. "But that's not going to apply to you,"
"Dick," Zoro said. "You're going to prove to be a real pain in my ass," Zoro snatched the receipt from Sanji's hand and paid the amount.
Sanji smirked and said, "Thank you very much. Come again!"
Zoro left the shop and saw his motorcycle when he got an idea. He smirked and hopped onto his motorcycle. He turned it on and revved the engine before taking off down the street. He would go for a ride to clear his head of Sanji.
Sanji hated the loud sound of the motorcycle, which surprised some of his customers, too. The table of middle-aged ladies started talking about how gangs were going to come here now. This is JUST what Sanji was worried about. He went over to the table and smiled sweetly at the ladies.
"There's no reason to worry about that," Sanji told him. "I met the owner, and he said there would be no gangs coming for tattoos."
"Oh my, is that what that shop is?" Asked one of the women. "I do miss that bookstore…now look at what bought it! Terrible!"
"It's a shame," Said another woman. "I hope you're right, Sanji,"
Sanji smiled reassuringly. "You ladies will have nothing to fear. And if they do come, I'll take care of them!" He flexed his body, which made the ladies giggle and flush. He would have a lot on his hands with Zoro's new shop.
After Sanji closed the bakery at five, he changed into his workout clothes and headed to the gym. He lit up a cigarette as he walked. The gym was only a few blocks from his bakery. He walked in and saw that it was moderately full.
"Sanji! Heeey!"
Sanji smiled as his friend, Luffy, came rushing over to him.
"Shouldn't you be making rounds and checking on things?" Sanji chuckled. "Did Tra-guy leave you in charge?"
"Yup! I run this place when he's not here! He wanted to get to the food market before the rain comes."
"Ugh. Rain again?"
"Yeah, but rain is fun, though!" Luffy said with a grin. "You can catch raindrops on your tongue and jump in puddles!"
Sanji ruffled Luffy's hair as he loved Luffy's childlike actions. Luffy was just what Tra-guy needed. The pair had a great relationship. Sanji wished he could find a man to have, one with a relationship like theirs. While he loved the ladies, he was attracted to men. He hadn't had sex in over two years since his last relationship, who he couldn't seem to remember. He had been out on a few first dates with some guys, but they weren't his type, nor did he feel anything with them. He eventually gave up and thought about getting a pet. Maybe a dog?
"Well, let me get to my workout," Sanji said.
"Yeah! Have fun!"
Sanji went to the locker room to put his items down and went first to the treadmill. He just started it when he saw Zoro come in. He frowned as he watched Zoro look around. Sanji didn't know that he kept hitting the incline button as he glared at Zoro. He didn't notice how high it got before he lost his footing and got thrown off of it. Sanji heard laughing from his spot on the gym floor and saw that it was Zoro, along with a few other gymgoers.
'That jerk! I'm going to poison his next sweet treat!' He returned to the treadmill, fixing it before starting it again. Zoro was coming over to him. Sanji pretended he didn't notice him and focused on the treadmill.
"Nice spill you took," Zoro said, shifting the weight of his gym bag. "You should be more careful next time or stick to the bicycles. You can't fall off of those!"
"Bite me, Moss-Head." Sanji said, still looking forward.
"Break a sweat," Zoro said, and he disappeared into the locker room.
Sanji increased the speed of the treadmill. Then, he saw Zoro go over to the weightlifting area. Sanji's eyes widened at the huge tattoo of a green tiger in a Japanese style on Zoro's back. His entire back was covered! Sanji almost lost his footing again. He should be looking forward, but he couldn't stop looking at Zoro's body. He watched the muscles flex as Zoro used the dumbbells, one in each hand. Sanji couldn't tell what weight they were, but they were larger than the ones he used.
His time was up on the treadmill, and he decided to do some weight lifting. For some reason, he wanted to be near Zoro. When he got there, he saw that Zoro was lifting fifty pounds of dumbbells, a hundred pounds altogether. Sanji's eyes slipped down to Zoro's bare chest, where beads of sweat rolled down over lightly tanned skin marked with a sword. Sanji swallowed hard and went to the rack of dumbbells.
"The kiddie ones are over there," Zoro said to him.
Sanji spun around and gave him a glare. "Just what are you trying to say, Moss-Head?"
"That you shouldn't play with the big boys," Zoro smirked.
Sanji put his hands on his hips. "I can lift weights the same as you!" Sanji wasn't sure he could and hated himself for even saying it. He hoped he wouldn't make a fool of himself. He could do fifty. He took two fifty-pound barbells and brought them over to the bench where Zoro sat. Sanji began curling the weights, but they were heavy, and his arm muscles soon started screaming at him to stop. He glanced over at Zoro, who was still going with the dumbbells. 'How the hell can he do it so easily?' Sanji wondered, but then figured Zoro was likely a gym rat.
"Stop trying to prove yourself, Curly-Brow," Zoro said, getting up to put the dumbbells away. "Or maybe I should call you 'Bitty Baker'?" He snickered at the nickname.
Sanji's mouth dropped open. Zoro was calling him small!
"Well, it's better than being a Meat-Head!" Sanji countered.
"What does that even mean?"
"It means you're hard-headed and stupid!" If Zoro was going to insult his body, then he would insult something of Zoro's. And it worked. Zoro looked annoyed, and then he approached him.
Sanji stood up to meet him, and they were nose-to-nose again. They glared into each other's eyes and had matching sneers. They were both sweaty from working out. They were about to fight when someone came to stop them.
"Hey! Break it up!"
Sanji saw that it was Tra-guy who pushed between them.
"This is a gym, not a boxing ring!" Law said. "Do it again, and I'm kicking you both out!"
"Sorry, Tra-guy," Sanji said. "I was just about to leave anyway."
"Don't use that nickname in public," said Law.
"Good for you," said Zoro. "A wounded animal knows when it's defeated,"
Sanji stopped walking, and he spun around, glaring at Zoro.
"Sanji, just leave," Law said. "And you," he pointed to Zoro. "Shut it, or I'll send you out too!"
Zoro put his hands up and walked back to the weights.
Sanji grumbled under his breath as he left the gym. He wasn't a wounded animal! He was just taken by surprise.
The sun had hidden behind the gray clouds, and it started drizzling. Sanji hoofed it back to his home before the rain fell harder. He made it just in time, stepping into his apartment as the rain began to fall harder with big, thick drops. There was a distant rumble of thunder. He remembered Zoro and how he would be stuck walking in the rain. Sanji smirked, picturing a soaking wet Zoro, and wanted to call him a drowned rat. That Moss-Head got on his nerves.
To ease his tension over Zoro, he decided to take a warm bath. As he filled the tub, he dropped in an eucalyptus bath bomb that bubbled in the water and turned a light sage green. He used his phone to put on some soft music and lit four candles, putting them on each corner of the tub. He turned out the lights so that only the candles would show. He undressed and got into the tub with a long sigh of relief. He rests his head on the bath pillow and lets the warm water relax his muscles.
Sanji tried to clear his mind, but it kept returning to Zoro. In his mind, he couldn't escape the image of Zoro's tiger tattoo. When Zoro flexes his muscles, it looks like the tiger is moving. Zoro was definitely a Meat-Head and a gym rat. But then, his relaxing time was cut short by the sound of a motorcycle. It had to be the loudest thing he had ever heard. Thoroughly annoyed, he got out of the tub and dressed for bed. He did look out the window at Zoro's place and saw the upstairs lights on. Zoro must live above the shop, just like him. He gasped and hid when Zoro passed one of the windows.
"Damn it. Not only is he my rival shop, but he's my neighbor, too."
Sanji shook his head and went to the kitchen to pour himself a glass of wine. He returned to the living room and sat on the couch to watch the rain. The place was always too quiet. Sometimes, he considered finding someone to date so his home wouldn't seem so lonely. He could still see Zoro's windows from his place on the couch. It appeared that Zoro was alone as well. He continued to drink his wine and watch the storm in the dark before dozing off to sleep on the couch.
Zoro poured himself another cup of sake and sat on the window seat. His window faced Sanji's, and he noticed he couldn't see inside. It seemed dark over there. Zoro shrugged his shoulders and brought the sake cup up to his lips, taking a delicate sip. The storm was helping him to relax from the day. He's due to open tomorrow and already has customers lined up. Sanji was going to be super annoyed because this round of returning customers all have motorcycles. Zoro chuckled and poured himself another cup of sake.
Speaking of the Curly-Brow, Zoro remembered the sweet scent coming from him. He liked the smell, and he could still smell it. That sweet scent. With another sip of sake, he thought back to the delicious tiramisu. There were many other sweet treats to be had. Zoro would go back and try more, even if the blonde didn't want him there. Maybe he can talk Sanji into getting a tattoo. Actually, he didn't want Sanji in his shop at all. He might make a scene in front of customers. Zoro was certain they were not going to be friends or friendly neighbors.
He downed the rest of his sake and went to bed, the storm slowly moving away.
Sanji's special today was cinnamon buns, and he had just finished the last batch. He put them in the display window next to the bagels and muffins. He looked over the shop, finding everything cleaned and neatly in place. He wanted his customers to feel happy when they came in. Sanji glanced at the wall clock, which he had to open in ten minutes. That was more than enough time to have a cigarette or two.
He stepped outside and lit up a cigarette, taking a long puff. The sun was out today, and Sanji let the soft, warm rays kiss his face. Then, the familiar sound of a motorcycle ruined his peaceful moment once again. He glared at Zoro as he parked his motorcycle in the alley next to the shop. Zoro shot him a look, but that was all. Sanji watched him unlock the shop and go inside. The sign was flipped to 'open.' Sanji quickly put out his cigarette and opened the shop a few minutes early.
The first customers were always the ones heading to work and they would come in for a coffee and a sweet. The next crowd tended to be older women who didn't have to work or were retired. Teenagers would come after school in the afternoon. Sanji handed out the coffees and sweets to those in a rush. And right on time, his favorite group of older ladies came in and took their regular table.
"Good morning, ladies," Sanji said from over the counter. "Do you want the usuals?"
"Good morning, Sanji," said one of the women. "Yes, I think we'll have our regulars!"
The women all laughed and started talking amongst themselves. Sanji prepared their order: four cappuccinos, one blueberry muffin, one bagel, one carrot cake, and a scone. He served it to the older ladies, who always blushed and called him handsome. Sanji then turned on some gentle, soothing music. A young couple came in, and a priest followed in behind them. Sanji was ready to take their orders when a loud sound suddenly drowned out the peaceful music. Everyone turned to look out the window. Sanji did so as well, seeing two motorcycles parking on the street. This noise is exactly what he didn't want!
"Oh my…" one of the older women put her hand to her mouth. "Are they going to come in here?"
"They might," Sanji said. He couldn't refuse to serve the bikers if they came in. He made a vow long ago that he would serve everyone no matter what.
He turned from the window and took the orders. Sanji served the couple first, followed by the priest, all while looking out the window. Then, Sanji saw one of the bikers come out and cross the street to his establishment. The man came inside, and he spooked the customers. The guy was tall and brawny, with a long dark gray beard that hung past his chin. He had a black jacket from which he removed the sleeves. His arm was covered in colorful tattoos. His fading blonde hair was tied back in a long ponytail. His black boots had chains on them, making noise as he walked up to the counter.
"Welcome to Kickin' Good Bakery," Sanji said. "What can I get you?" 'Don't start any trouble. I don't want to have to beat you up.'
"A black coffee and a plain muffin," the man ordered.
Sanji served him the order, and the man thanked him. Sanji went about asking the rest of the customers if everything was fine or if they needed anything else. His table of sweet ladies paid and left early without finishing their treats. Sanji knew they were scared of the biker who chose to sit behind them. He feared they wouldn't come back. He hoped they would. He cleaned their table, and the others wanted to pay and leave. Sanji couldn't tell them to stay. Soon, his shop was empty save for the biker. Sanji went behind the counter to organize some of the chocolates and shift the desserts around. He didn't want to be near the biker.
"Hey, baker," the man called to him.
"Yes?" Sanji answered.
"This coffee is really good! So is this muffin! Can I have a coffee to go and another muffin?"
Sanji managed to give the man a smile. So far, the man was calm and kind. Sanji prepared his order and gave it to him.
"I'm waiting to get my new tattoo," he told Sanji. "I'm next on the list, and I should be getting in soon."
"Well, good luck with your tattoo, and enjoy your day,"
"Wait, there's something wrong with my coffee,"
Sanji raised a curled brow. "What's wrong?"
"Your number isn't written on the lid," The older biker male smirked at him. "I can show you a good time, blondie."
Sanji forced a smile. "Sorry, but I'm not for sale. You can go now. My answer won't change."
"Aw come on, blondie! You don't know what you're missin'!"
"Again, I'm fine. Have a good day." He was relieved when the biker got the hint and left his bakery. 'Finally! Ugh. I can't believe I was just hit on by that guy!'
The phone rang, and Sanji answered, grateful for the distraction. "Kickin' Good Bakery, how may I help you?" It was a person putting in an order for a birthday cake. He took down her order and thanked her for calling.
Once the day was over, Sanji locked up and decided to visit Zoro. He crossed the street and went inside even though Zoro was closing up.
"Are you here to complain about something?" Zoro asked.
"Yeah, those damn motorcycles," he lit up a cigarette without asking if it was okay.
"You scared away some of my loyal customers!"
"I can't help that," Zoro said. "People should be more tolerant."
"I served two bikers today,"
"And? How were they?"
"Well…they were normal," Sanji said sheepishly. "But they were covered in tattoos, and those can frighten someone."
Zoro crossed his arms and rested his back on the counter. "What would you like me to do?"
Sanji opened his mouth but then closed it. He really wanted Zoro to move away, but he knew that wouldn't happen. He didn't know what else to say about it.
"That's what I thought," Zoro said, uncrossing his arms. "You're just going to have to deal with it,"
"My business is going to suffer because of yours," Sanji said.
"That sounds like a 'you' problem. You already got some business from the bikers and will likely have more. You are just changing the clientele, not the money."
"One of the older bikers hit on me and wanted my number."
"That can happen to anyone, anywhere," Zoro said. "Now leave so I can close up."
Sanji didn't say another word, and he spun on his heels to go to the door. He thought he had to push it, but he ended up hitting his nose on the glass. He heard Zoro laughing behind him. Sanji then pulled the door open and tried to slam it, but it was one of those automatic doors that close slowly. Zoro continued to laugh at him. Sanji was so annoyed that he stepped out into the street without looking and almost got hit by a car. He just wanted to get home and hate on Zoro some more in the dark. That man was going to end his bakery, so he would have to fight back. He just had to think of something.
TBC