Chapter 2: Cherry Tart

Sanji cooked himself dinner and sat at the small table with his food. Sometimes, it was hard for him to eat in silence because he didn't have someone with him. He got lonely often, but there haven't been any bites on the dating app. He could eat in front of the television for sound, but he didn't like food leaving the kitchen table. Then, his silence broke as the sound of Zoro's motorcycle reached his ears. Sanji grumbled and went to the window, watching Zoro mount his bike and take off. He hates that motorcycle!

He finished up his dinner, cleaned up, and changed into his pajamas. Sitting on the couch with his feet tucked under him, Sanji opened up the new issue of his favorite baking and cooking magazine called "Cooking Utopia." As he flipped through the magazine, he saw a lot of ads with happy couples enjoying meals together. All were heterosexual pairings, not same-sex ones. These types of ads were always like that, but they also remind him that he's living alone.

Sanji closed the magazine and placed it on the coffee table. He got his cigarettes and took them outside to smoke. Currently, the street was quiet save for the occasional car passing through. He looked up, hoping to see stars, but it was too cloudy. The quiet moment became a loud one as Zoro pulled up on his motorcycle. Sanji watched him park the motorcycle and take a plastic bag with him. Sanji fingered he had gone out for food. He blew a puff of smoke as he watched Zoro climb the stairs to his apartment over the shop, the same as his. Zoro noticed him looking and gave him the finger. Sanji grits the cigarette in his mouth and flashes the middle finger back at him.

Finishing his cigarette, Sanji went back into his apartment and flopped down on the couch. He turned on the TV, lazily shifting through the channels. He paid for cable, which had over a hundred channels, and there was nothing good on. He wondered what Zoro was doing. Did Zoro have a girlfriend? Zoro was handsome, but he was a little weird, and that might throw women off. Then again, women could be excited by a man with manly tattoos and riding a black motorcycle. Was Zoro also sitting alone in his apartment? Sanji shook his head of any thoughts of Zoro and focused on the TV. He stuck to the home and garden network.

Zoro removed his microwaveable mac and cheese and pulled the film off. He frowned when he saw that the cheese had burnt the edges, hardening it. Oh well. It was still edible. He was a lousy cook, always burning things or letting the boiling pots boil over. Microwave meals kept him from going hungry, but he did miss a good, savory, hot meal. He could go to a restaurant, but it was weird to go to one alone and just eat a bunch of food.

Accepting his somewhat burnt food, he sat at the table and ate it, washing it down with sake. He loved to drink, and sometimes, he would substitute drinking for a meal. He knew it wasn't the healthiest way to live, but it made him happy, so he made sure to drink in moderation.

After he was finished, he went to the window and looked across the street to Sanji's window. The curtains were closed. Zoro wondered if Sanji had anybody living with him. From what he has seen so far, Sanji lived alone, just like him. The blonde was too prissy for him. Sanji was a high-maintenance person, and Zoro couldn't stand those types of people. Granted, he barely knew Sanji, but he could safely assume these things. He was good at reading people.

Zoro moved away from the window and plopped down on his sofa, which was sinking more and more each day. He needs a new one. Zoro took his phone and decided to check his dating app. A few messages showed up. Zoro checked them out, but none caught his interest. He kept swiping until he saw Sanji. Sanji was on the dating app for same-sex couples? Zoro quickly clicked on Sanji's profile.

Name: Sanji

Age: 24

Height: 5'11

Birthday: March 2nd

Hobbies: Baking and Cooking

Business/Occupation: Bakery Shop 'The Kickin' Good Bakery'

Bio: I love baking and cooking, especially trying out new recipes and different types of food. I can always be found in a kitchen making something delicious for myself or my friends. But I am no housewife!

What are you looking for on a date?: Someone who either loves to cook or enjoys being fed. Intellectual conversation is important, and light outdoor activities are acceptable. I'm mainly looking for a long-term companion to share my life with.

Zoro smirked and gave Sanji's profile a like. The baker didn't really seem the dating app type. Oh well. People can be surprising.

Zoro got a shower and hopped into bed. He set the alarm on his phone and was asleep the moment his head hit the pillow.

Sanji fell asleep on the couch and woke up around 2 am. He sat up and yawned while turning off the TV. He got up to put his slippers on and went outside for a smoke. The night air was warm with a gentle breeze. Sanji let the wind push through his hair as he cupped his hand around the lighter and lit the cigarette. After a few puffs, he looked over at Zoro's window. All the lights were off, so Zoro must be asleep. He had his phone in his pocket, so he swiped it open and saw he had a like on his dating profile. Sanji clicked on the app and hit the notification button.
'Zoro liked your profile!' the comment said. Sanji almost dropped the cigarette out of his mouth. He clicked on Zoro's icon, and his dating profile came up.

Name: Zoro

Age: 24

Height: 5'11

Birthday: November 11th

Hobbies: Creating tattoo art, motorcycles, working out at the gym, martial arts.

Business/Occupation: Tattoo Artist; 'Three Sword Style Tattooing'

Bio: Just a guy who likes the freedom of an open road.

What are you looking for on a date?: Nothing fancy.

Sanji raised a brow. Zoro's profile was very short. It left a lot to the imagination. Sanji smirked and gave Zoro's profile a like. But wait. If Zoro met someone who also likes biker stuff and tattoos, he'd have DOUBLE the issue of loud sounds and 'colorful' people hanging around. It would be bad for his business!

"Man, this sucks!" Sanji shoved his cigarette in the outdoor ashtray and went back inside. He got into bed and set his alarm, throwing the covers over his head.

The next day, Sanji got up at his usual time and went to the shop to start baking. The special today would be a cherry tart, and he wrote it on the chalkboard. His mind was more on Zoro than on his baking. He ended up making more of a mess than usual. He had a reputation to uphold with his bakery, so there was no room for failure. Sanji paused while rolling out some dough. 'Failure.' That's the word his father always used because he went into culinary instead of the army like his brothers. That was why he moved a whole city over and started his new life with his own business. But he has to get these thoughts out of his head. He turned on the radio and let the late-night DJ play some out-of-date tunes.

Soon, it was time to open, and he flipped the sign to open. He already had a small line of people, usually those that have to get to work early. He served the people staying and wrapped up take-out orders. His cherry tart was selling fast. But as he made his rounds to check on the customers, he noticed Zoro was opening his shop. Sanji frowned but went back to his customers.

Zoro looked at his appointment book and saw that his first customer was due in an hour. He looked over at Sanji's shop, where people were cheerfully eating. He could go for a coffee and a snack. He locked the door behind him and crossed the street to Sanji's shop. When he stepped inside, everyone turned to look at him. It was still clear that he was not the typical clientele here. Everyone was dressed in casual clothing. They all turned back to their business, and Zoro approached Sanji at the counter. Sanji wouldn't meet his eyes.

"Can I take your order?" Sanji asked.

"Yeah. I'll take an espresso and," he looked at the 'Specials' board, "And a cherry tart."

Sanji gave Zoro the total and went to fulfill the order. Zoro took the plate with the tart and the espresso cup. Sanji remembered how Zoro liked his dating profile, and he let his eyes scan Zoro's body from his hidden spot behind the display counter of treats. Zoro was wearing a form-fitting black shirt that showed off his muscles. The jeans were also skin-tight, cupping his ass perfectly. The black boots had straps and a chain on them that clinked when he walked. Sanji even noticed the three dangling earrings.

"Excuse me?"

Sanji jumped, startled, and hit his head on the top of the display window. "I wasn't looking!" He said quickly. Everyone turned to look at him, and he quickly cleared his throat. "Sorry, I thought one of the scones was…baked wrong." He went to the customer at the front to take her order.

Zoro sipped his espresso and took a bite of the tart. It was sweet as well as tart. He had to admit that Sanji knew how to bake. But Zoro wondered why Sanji had a bakery and not a restaurant. He could still have a bakery along with a restaurant. His profile said he liked cooking as well as baking.

He finished the tart and left without a word. His first appointment would be coming soon.

Sanji turned the sign over to 'closed' and turned out the lights. He exited the bakery, locking it tight. He returned to his apartment to change out of his chef clothes. He put on more casual wear, a baggy band T-shirt and black slacks. He was in the mood for a drink. He lit a cigarette and left the apartment, locking the door and pocketing the key. He thought he was alone until he saw that Zoro had exited his apartment as well. Sanji tried not to pay any attention to him, but then, the Moss-Head tattoo artist called over to him.

"Out for a walk?" Zoro asked.

"Yes. I'm heading to the bar," Sanji said, tapping the ashes on the sidewalk.

"Is that the bar some blocks down? I forget what it's called,"

"Frank And Stein," Sanji said.

"Do they sell sake?" Zoro asked.

"I think so," Sanji replied.

Zoro took a helmet from the back of his motorcycle and held it out to Sanji. "Hop on."

"If you think for one second I would get on that death machine, then find someone else! I don't want to end up a meat crayon!"

Zoro smirked. "It's alright to be scared, you know. Driving a motorcycle is not for everyone. It takes a certain skill and a little more concentration than a car."

"I'm not scared!" Sanji protested. "I just like having my face where it belongs and not smudged on the pavement!"

Zoro shrugged his shoulders. "Suit yourself." He put the helmet back and revived the engine. He turned his motorcycle around and took off down the street.

Sanji shoved his hands in his pockets, grumbling all the way to the bar. When he got there, he recognized Zoro's motorcycle parked. He flicked his cigarette to the side and entered the bar. It was decently packed for a weeknight. Sanji saw his friend, Brook, at the piano playing some sort of classical song. Sanji walked over and stuck a five-dollar bill in Brook's tip jar.

"Good to see you, friend," said Brook. "Thank you for the tip."

"I always like to hear you play," Sanji said. "Any specials tonight?"

Brook continued to play as he answered. "A summertime favorite, Lavender Lemonade."

"Eh. I'll keep my herbs for self-care moments," he said, patting Brook on the back. "I'll order my usual,"

"Nami is working tonight," Brook told him.

"Sweet Nami! She's my favorite girl!"

"I thought Robin was your favorite girl?"

"Robin, too," Sanji added. "I guess tonight Robin is staying late at the library. Hm. I'll catch you later," Sanji went up to the bar and took a seat. He looked down the bar to see Zoro pouring some sake in a very traditional Japanese way. Zoro had the little cup and everything.

"Hey, Sanji!" Nami greeted him, dressed in a simple company shirt with a bar rag over her shoulder. "What can I get you?"

"My beautiful Nami, what a lovely princess you are!" He laughed when Nami gently whacked him with the bar towel. He liked women as much as he liked men. "The usual tonight,"

She nodded. "Saint Germaine and champagne. Coming up!"

Sanji kept looking at Zoro out of the corner of his eye. Zoro hadn't seemed to notice him yet. Nami brought him his drink and he thanked her. Brook began playing another song that sounded familiar, but he couldn't name it. He took a sip of his drink and took the chance to look at Zoro. Apparently, Zoro thought the same because he looked as well. Sanji was getting a little tired of Zoro always ending up where he is. First the shop, then the gym, and now at his favorite bar. It's been nothing but awkward since Zoro's arrival. 'Crap! He's coming over!' Sanji quickly looked ahead as Zoro sat down on the bar stool beside him with his sake.

"Are you stalking me?" Sanji asked.

"I was about to ask you the same thing," Zoro said.

Sanji looked at the tattoos on Zoro's arms and they were all of Asian designs. He wondered if any of them had meaning. He knew that people liked to get tattoos as a reminder of something or someone or to represent something. He wondered who did Zoro's tattoos. Maybe he should ask. But there was an awkward aura between him and Zoro.

"So…that sake?" Sanji asked.

"Yes," Zoro poured himself some more. "It's hard to find good sake at bars. This one does it right. Do you want to try it? I have an extra cup,"

Sanji sipped his drink and declined. He knew sake could be very strong, and the last thing he needed was to like it, then get drunk, then have Zoro or someone bring him home. He'll stick to his Saint Germaine and Champagne.

"What are you drinking?" Zoro asked.

"Saint Germaine and champagne," Sanji answered. "It's a sophisticated drink."

"Sophisticated, huh," Zoro took a sip from his sake cup. "I can say that about sake too. Not everyone can handle the taste of sake."

"I have to say, I'm a little surprised to see you drinking sake," Sanji started. "I'm only human, so I do jump to conclusions, but doesn't your type of…lifestyle…drink beer at biker and dive bars?"

Zoro paused as he was pouring out the last bit of sake. "Are you going to ask if I'm in a gang too?" Zoro said, a bit snippy.

"You could be," Sanji said.

"Well, I'm not in a gang, nor do I frequent biker and dive bars. I don't like beer but I'll tolerate it. I'm a lone rider. The outdoor world is where I have freedom to do as I please with no one to answer to,"

Sanji could understand that. It's one of the many reasons why he left his family. He liked the freedom of not having them around. Zoro got Nami's attention and asked if he could have another sake. Sanji looked at the sake bottle and decided to try it. He took one of the little cups.

"I guess I'll have a taste. I'm always looking for new flavors,"

Zoro poured him some sake. "Don't drink it too fast, or you'll be sorry,"

Sanji sniffed it and it smelled heavily of alcohol. He took a medium sip and though it didn't burn on the way down, it was strong enough to make him cough. Zoro chuckled beside him and Sanji gave him the finger.

"Having some trouble there?" Zoro asked, amused.

"It just…surprised me, that's all!" Sanji took another sip of the sake. The second sip wasn't as bad this time, and it wasn't a surprise. The sake cup was small, so Sanji downed the rest and gave the cup back to Zoro.

"I told you not to drink it so fast," Zoro scolded.

"It wasn't that bad a second time," Sanji said, going back to sipping his own drink. They sat in silence at the bar, either staring at their drinks or looking ahead. Sanji was on his second glass and he was feeling a bit buzzed. He decided to break the ice and talk first.

"So…you liked my profile…"

"You liked mine too…"

"It was more of a joke," Sanji said.

Zoro nodded. "Me too," He finished his sake and put cash and tip on the table. "I'm heading out. Do you need a ride back?"

Sanji was still feeling buzzed, and the idea didn't sound too bad right now. He was always a little braver when he had some liquid courage.

"Sure, I'll take the ride," He paid for his drinks and followed Zoro out of the bar.

They went to Zoro's motorcycle and Zoro got on first. Zoro tossed Sanji the helmet, telling him to put it on. Sanji asked about Zoro's helmet, but Zoro just smirked and said, 'I like to feel the wind through my hair. Now get on," Zoro turned it on and revved the engine. Sanji swallowed the lump in his throat as he wondered if he should pull out. It sounded fine when he was drinking, but now looking at Zoro's bike, he was feeling anxious again. Zoro urged him to get on and Sanji finally did so.

Sanji put on the helmet and wrapped his arms around Zoro's toros. He could feel Zoro's abs beneath his arms. Sanji let out a panicked 'yipe' as Zoro took off. Sanji clung to Zoro's torso like super glue. He had to close his eyes most of the time to try and stay calm. It was fortunate for him that it was just a straight road back and they wouldn't have to make any turns. The motorcycle seemed to only go faster the closer they got. This was a bad idea!

Zoro ignored the tightening grip around his waist and rode as fast as he could. He loved feeling the open air on his face. Their shops came into view and he slowed down, stopping outside his shop.

"We're here," Zoro said but as he tried to get off the bike, Sanji was still holding him in a vice-like grip. "Let go," Zoro said, trying to unhook Sanji's fingers from around his waist. "I said let go, Curly Brow!" Zoro was finally able to get free and watched as Sanji took off the helmet. Sanji looked startled and pale. Even the blonde hair was almost sticking up. Zoro had to stifle a laugh. "You look like you've seen a ghost,"

Sanji finally got off the motorcycle. "I would have rather seen a ghost," he said. "Thanks for the ride."

"Everyone's first time is a little scary," Zoro said. "But it wasn't for me. I was born to ride."

Sanji rolled his eyes and took out a cigarette. He offered one to Zoro but Zoro said he doesn't smoke. Sanji lit one up and thanked Zoro again for the ride. His heartbeat was slowly returning to normal. They parted ways and Sanji stopped at the top of the steps to finish his cigarette. Zoro climbed his stairs as well and went inside. Sanji thought back to their ride and how solid Zoro's body felt. His body was hard like a rock. Sanji felt himself flush but then scolded himself. He roughly put out the cigarette and quickly went inside.

The special of the day was strawberry shortcake and Sanji wrote it on the chalkboard. He then flipped the sign to open and customers started coming in. The strawberry shortcake was selling fast. He made his rounds to the customers, checking if they liked the sweets. Everything was peaceful and quiet. Customers were talking with each other and eating his sweets.

Suddenly, there was a heavy base of music coming from Zoro's shop. Everyone in the cafe turned to the window. Sanji grit his teeth and left his shop to cross the street to Zoro's. He opened the door and was met with a blast of heavy metal music. Sanji quickly found the stereo and lowered the music.

"What the hell are you doing, Curly Brow?!" Zoro said.

Sanji then noticed that it was Nami in the tattoo chair. "Nami? You're getting a tattoo?"

"I am! I've wanted one for a while," She said.

"Turn the music back on," said a customer who was seated and waiting for their turn.

"No! It's too damn loud and it's bad for my shop," Sanji said. "We could hear the base all the way over there! Keep the music down low."

Zoro paused in his work and went up to Sanji, meeting him face-to-face. Sanji stared hard right back at him.

"Don't touch my stuff," Zoro said.

"Don't blast music," Sanji countered, crossing his arms.

"Maybe you should be more tolerant," Zoro crossed his arms as well.

"I could say the same thing about you! Just keep the music low! You're disrupting my customers,"

"Most of your customers are old ladies! They complain about everything,"

"Just keep the music down," Sanji said again. "If you continue to play it loudly, I'll have to contact the police and have you cited for noise pollution."

Zoro smirked. "You're seriously going to call the cops because my music is too loud?"

"Don't push me to do it," Sanji warned. "I'm not being uncooperative. I'm not saying you can't play music, just don't blast it! We're in shops, not at a concert."

"Sometimes I think you're more of an old lady, just like your clients. And shouldn't you be getting back to your shop?" Zoro pointed out the window.

'Crap!' Sanji thought. "Don't make me have to come over here again! By Nami!" Sanji rushed out and returned to his cafe. He didn't fear anyone would steal but he should have not left the shop.

For the rest of the day, Sanji didn't hear any music coming from Zoro's shop. Once the door was closed, he set to making that special order cake. He loved making red velvet cake. He decorated it with white icing and made ribbon designs with edible pearls. He was looking over his fine work and heard the door open. He must have forgotten to lock it. He stepped out of the kitchen and saw it was Zoro.

"You again? I'm closed."

"The door was open," Zoro said.

'Damn! I did forget to lock it,'

"Are there any other complaints you have about me?" Zoro asked.

"Other than you're annoying?" Sanji pretended to think. "Again, you frighten my customers."

"They should learn to deal with it," Zoro countered. "I have every right to be on this street, the same as you."

"But it's bad for my business," Sanji said. "I know our clienteles are different."

"I'm not going to change who I am and who my customers are," Zoro said. "I have the right to play music. I have the right to drive a motorcycle. Just because they're an inconvenience for you doesn't mean I have to change. I haven't complained about your shop."

"That's because my shop has nothing to complain about,"

"You're full of yourself,"

"So are you," Sanji countered again.

Zoro grit his teeth and stepped up to Sanji until they were face-to-face. "Don't piss me off, Curly Brow."

"You piss me off all the time!"

"You're nothing more than a pampered princess!"

"Oh yeah? Well you're a cliche biker! Did you buy out Hot Topic?"

"You have old lady fantasies!"

"With that hair, you should get a job as a Chia Pet!"

"At least my hair is natural!"

"Mine is natural too! And you smell of ink and sweat," Sanji said. "Get out before your stench makes all my desserts melt!"

"You mean this dessert?" Zoro took the last strawberry shortcake and suddenly crushed it into Sanji's face. "Eat me, Shitty Baker!"

Sanji froze as the cream slid down his nose and it all pooled at his feet. Sanji glared hard at Zoro and took a cherry tart, smashing it into Zoro's face. Now, they both had desserts dripping on their faces. The small food fight caused them to get in a physical fight. Sanji told Zoro, as he used his legs, that he used to be a kickboxer. Zoro had to block Sanji's kicks with his arms. Then, Sanji went for another kick but slipped on some whipped cream and fell backwards. Zoro was laughing so hard he had to hold his abdomen.

"I wish I had my cellphone on me!" Zoro said. "That slip could have gone viral!"

Sanji stood up and said, "Get out of my shop!" He was thoroughly embarrassed. Zoro kept snickering as he watched as the arrogant jerk left the shop. "He gets on my nerves!" Sanji said, putting his hands on hips. "Now I have to clean all this up! I should have rubbed his nose in this mess!"

Zoro returned to his home, still chuckling from watching Sanji slip. He went to the bathroom to wash the dessert off of his face. The blonde had some good moves but only seemed to fight with his legs and not his hands. He sat on the couch and opened up the dating app again to Sanji's profile. There were more pictures and he scrolled through them. They were all generic photos; pictures of Sanji in the kitchen baking and cooking. One where he's reading a book and another from a marathon he participated in.

Zoro only had one picture of himself aside from his profile. His favorite photo is of holding his katana, Enma. Zoro closed the app and went to the shelf where he had the katana displayed. He unsheathed it and twirled it around, practicing some moves and poses. He has karate tomorrow night and he can keep up with his sword training. He wasn't allowed to use real swords, only bamboo ones. Zoro would use those skills from the bamboo sword and train with his katana here.

After a few minutes of practicing, Zoro put the sword away and made himself another microwavable dinner. He went to the fridge and took out a sake bottle. While he sat silently eating his meal, he thought back to their little spat they had. When he was close to Sanji, he could smell the sweetness coming off of the blonde. Zoro had wanted to sniff a little longer because it smelled so good but didn't do it. That would be weird.

Settling in for the night, Zoro once again opened the dating app and viewed Sanji's profile. He couldn't get the blonde off his mind. When Sanji was clinging to him today he found that he liked the embrace. He liked a lot of things about Sanji. Too bad they fight all the time. Zoro could picture wanting to ask Sanji out, but Sanji would likely say 'no.' He hasn't had a companion in a long time. Maybe he should ask Sanji out on a date. The worst that could happen is that Sanji says 'no' but Zoro thinks he can persuade him. He smirked to himself and fell asleep.

TBC