Chapter 3: Cinnamon Buns

Sanji softly drummed his fingers on the counter. From the shop window, he could see three bikers loitering outside of Zoro's place. Sanji had to watch as some customers bypassed his bakery quickly to avoid the bikers across the street. Sanji wanted to go out there and tip over their bikes. As usual, Zoro's shop was bad for business. Just when he thought he couldn't get more annoyed, the three bikers crossed the street towards him. Sanji grit his teeth as they entered. They all looked like they just came from a brawl. They wore torn pants and leather or jean jackets. The three sat at a table near a young woman who was reading the paper. She quickly got up and went to Sanji, asking for a lid for her coffee. Sanji gave it to her, knowing that she was leaving because of the bikers.

'I have to take their order. I wish I didn't make that vow.' He always said he would never discriminate against anyone who comes into his bakery. He went over to the three men and they stopped talking to look at him. "What can I get you?"

"Your ass on my bitch seat," one of the men said with a crude smirk and the others laughed. Another one of his customers got up and left.

"If you're going to be disrespectful, then you can leave my bakery." Sanji told them.

"The customer is always right!" Said another followed by a laugh.

"We'll have three black coffees and three cinnamon buns," said the third man who seemed to be slightly better than the other two.

Sanji knew things were going to turn out like this. Today he already lost two customers, not including the ones who wanted to come but saw the bikers and went somewhere else. Sanji put the three coffees and three cinnamon buns on a tray and carried it out. Without a word, he served the men and returned to his spot behind the counter. They may have been rude to him, but they weren't talking loud or making a scene. They paid their bill and even gave him a big tip. Still, they were bad for business.

It was the end of the day and Sanji flipped the closed sign over. He locked up the bakery, then looked across the street at Zoro. Zoro was closing up shop too. Sanji wanted to go over there and tell Zoro what happened today, but it would fall of deaf ears. He climbed the steps to his apartment and went inside to relax and then start dinner.

He changed into more comfortable clothes and hung his chef's coat, brushing it a bit to get any stray crumbs. He planned on making shrimp scampi for dinner, but he wanted a smoke first. He went outside and lit up a cigarette. He just happened to be looking over at Zoro when the green haired man threw open a window and puffs of black smoke came out. Sanji raised his brows as Zoro had his head sticking out of the window and coughing.

Sanji needed to find out what happened, so he rushed over to Zoro, standing under his window. "Are you okay?" He shouted up to Zoro.

"F-fine!" Zoro coughed.

Sanji ascended the stairs and found the apartment door unlocked. The moment he opened it, a wave of smoke greeted him. Sanji covered his nose with his shirt and went inside. He left the door open to help get more of the smoke out. Zoro was still coughing and hacking out the window. Sanji saw the small kitchen and realized that's what the issue was. He quickly ran in, took the burning pan from the stove, and dropped it in the sink, pouring water on it right away until it stopped producing so much smoke. The item in the pan was so burnt he couldn't even tell what it was.

The smoke had cleared out more and Zoro moved away from the window. He saw Sanji, frowned, then said. "Thanks for helping out, I guess."

"What were you trying to cook?" Sanji asked.

"Fish."

"Fish?" Sanji looked at the charred remains and now could make out that it was a fish. "How did you manage to burn something so simple?"

"I'm not a good cook, alright?" Zoro said. "Looks like I'm having another microwave meal."

"Can you cook at all?" Sanji asked.

"If it comes from a package or goes in the microwave,"

Sanji shook his head. Why, oh why did he feel the need to say the next words.

"Come over to my place and you can have dinner," Sanji offered. "I'm making shrimp scampi."

"You'll actually feed me?"

"I can't stand microwaved meals," Sanji said. "I'm a chef as well as a baker. And if someone is hungry, I will always feed them. So, come on. Follow me, Moss-Head."

Zoro kept the window open and left with Sanji. He still found it hard to believe that Sanji would invite him over, as they didn't really get along. They didn't speak to each other as they crossed the street and entered Sanji's apartment. It didn't surprise Zoro that the apartment was very clean and well kept. Sanji told him he could sit at the table bar. Zoro looked around, unsure of what to say next. Sanji was preparing the kitchen for dinner.
"Do you want something to drink?" Sanji asked.

"What do you have?"

"Red wine, white wine, sangria, sparkling water,"

"Hm. I haven't had sangria in a long time."

"I make it myself," Sanji said, going to the fridge to take out a pitcher of a foggy red drink with fruits floating on top. He got a glass and poured it for Zoro. He slid the cup across the table and Zoro caught it. "Of course, fish often pairs well with white wine." He said and put the sangria away to get an already opened bottle of white wine from the fridge.

Zoro took a sip of the sangria and he was amazed at the flavor. He had to take deeper drinks! Zoro tried to nurse his drink as Sanji started cooking. The house was smelling like garlic and butter. The smell made Zoro's mouth water. He hadn't had a home-cooked style meal in ages.

They remained quiet until dinner was done and Sanji made them two plates. Before he served them, he quickly whipped together a fresh green salad. Sanji also poured himself some white wine and served Zoro first. He sat opposite of Zoro with his own plate.

"Eat up," Sanji said.

Zoro twirled the pasta on his fork along with a shrimp. The moment he put it in his mouth, his taste buds exploded with rich flavor. It was so good! He chose to forget manners and just set to slurping down the food.

Sanji slowly ate his because watching Zoro gobble down food was interesting to see. Zoro reminded him a little of Luffy when it comes to eating. "I take it you like it?" Sanji asked.

"It's delicious!" Zoro said. "You really made this?"

Sanji nodded. "With my own two hands," he said, sipping some wine. He did like when people complimented his food. Seeing someone thoroughly enjoying something you cooked is a great feeling.

"Hey, since I have you here, we need to talk about your tattoo parlor,"

"What about it?"

"Your crowd of people threaten my customers, even if they're not doing anything. The last two groups of bikers I had sexually harassed me. Their presence was enough to send away two customers who didn't want to be around them."

Zoro slurped the last noddle. "There's nothing I can do about that," he said. "Not all my customers are bikers, and I can't tell them where they can or cannot go."

"It would be easier if you packed up and left," Sanji said.

Zoro narrowed his eyes. "What does that mean?"

Sanji's tone was serious. "You should move your parlor. It doesn't fit in with the other shops around here."

"I have every right to be on this street," Zoro countered. "I'm sure I've mentioned it before, but I'm also bringing you more customers."

"The motorcycles are loud and the way they all dress is upsetting to some customers."

"Maybe you should move your bakery then." Zoro countered again.

"I was here first."

"The only person who seems to have a problem here is you," Zoro said. "This is something you're just going to have to live with. There is nothing I can do, it is what it is."

"Why should I run out of business because of you?"

"I've seen inside your bakery. You have a lot of customers. You're not hurting at all."

"As I've said before, I've had customers leave because of bikers! It's just going to continue!"

"Again, that's a you problem," Zoro said. "I'm not moving my shop!"

"And I'm not moving mine!"

They both were leaned over on the table glaring hard at the other. Finally, Zoro broke the stare.

"I'm out. Thanks for dinner." he said flatly and left the apartment.

Sanji grumbled to himself while cleaning up. Zoro was so infuriating! If people stop showing up to his bakery, then he would be out of a business and Zoro would have won. But what could he do? Zoro was right, the man had a right to be here and nothing could actually make him leave if he didn't want to. So, Sanji decided that he would have to figure something out that will work for both of them. But what? Get a tattoo, win a free donut? No. The whole point was to keep the bikers away.

As he was thinking and washing dishes, he came up with a swell idea. He grinned from ear to ear! He knew what he could do to keep the bikers out. It would take a little bit of redecoration, and he had to rush to a thrift store. He decided that he was going to make the bakery more of a tea party setting. The more decorative he makes it, the higher chance of bikers not choosing to come in. It was a brilliant idea!

Sanji drove off to the thrift store and bought out all the tea sets, tea cups, teapots, and tea dishes. His backseat was filled with porcelain, so he had to drive back very carefully. He rarely used his car for anything. If possible he preferred to walk to where he needed to go. It was still early in the night, so Sanji stopped at the fabric store. He gathered up the most girly and most pretty tea party styles for tablecloths.

Once Sanji had finished shopping, he returned to the bakery and started setting up for tomorrow. He covered all the tables and set out the tea sets. His bakery already had a bunch of tea that he can use. When he finished, Sanji looked it over and gave a nod. It looked perfect! Pottery Barn meets Martha Stewart. Let the bikers stick to the second hand Hot Topic. Oh, and the bikers would need a 'reservation.'

The last thing Sanji did was create and print a sign to post in the window. 'Alice's Tea Party' is what he called it, after Alice in Wonderland. He even made up a special little menu on the sign; Creampuffs, eclairs, macaroons, chocolates, and chocolate covered strawberries set on three tiers. He printed it out and headed to bed wearing a big smile.

Zoro had a fitful sleep and he didn't know why. He kept waking up but easily fell back to sleep. Something must be bothering him, he just didn't know what. He looked at the bedside clock and it was time to get started for the day. He had two appointments today. Hopefully, business will pick up because he wasn't getting as many customers as he thought he would. But he pushed it from his mind and took a shower. He got dressed and headed out to the shop. He looked over at Sanji's bakery and saw him put something in the window.

Curious, Zoro went over to the bakery and went inside. "What the hell happened here?" Zoro asked, looking around at all the pastel and floral print tea sets. "It looks like Alice threw up in here!"

"It's a tea party today," Sanji said. "Reservations only."

Zoro crossed his arms, then he sniffed the air. Something smelled delicious!

"If you're done here, then you can leave. I have a few more things to do."

Zoro knew what Sanji was doing, and it was a solid plan. Sanji was making the bakery look so old ladylike that the bikers would pass on by. Well done, Zoro thought to himself.

"Can I make a reservation?" Zoro asked.

Sanji raised a brow. "For tea time?"

Zoro nodded.

'Shit,' Sanji thought. "I can give you the last spot for the day at three thirty. I'm booked otherwise."

"I guess I'll pass," Zoro said as he left the bakery.

Sanji smiled and wiped his hands. "That takes care of that!"

And Sanji's tea party was turning out to be a success. All the tables were full of mainly of elderly groups and stay-at-home moms. Nami and Robin even came in and Sanji gave their tea free of charge, because they are so beautiful. But the best part was watching the bikers look inside but walk away. Sanji smirked. He did well. Everyone was complimenting him, saying he should do this more often. Sanji agreed, and thought maybe he could do this two or three times a week. His bakery was always frequented by the ladies, and they like the setup of a tea party.

The rest of the day went great for Sanji and he was just closing up. However, he heard someone calling his name and he knew who it was. It was Luffy. Sanji smiled as his friend came over. "I know what you're here for," Sanji said.

"Yup! Got anything good left over? I'm starving for something sweet!"

"Come on in,"

Sanji unlocked the door and turned the lights back on. Luffy knew where to go in the back to get the desserts that didn't sell well. But Luffy had to do it in secret because Law wouldn't allow him to eat so many sweets. Sanji has never seen a person like Luffy who can eat so much and not gain a pound. He always assumed that's what one does when married to a gym owner.

Sanji turned around for a moment and saw Zoro leaving the apartment dressed in a karate outfit. He didn't know Zoro did karate. There was one a few blocks down, so that's likely where Zoro was going. Sanji had the urge to follow him.

"Sanji! I'm all done!"

"Good. You got a bit of raspberry in the corner of your mouth."

Luffy wiped his mouth with his hand. Typical Luffy, Sanji thought.

Once Luffy left, Sanji closed up shop and made his way to the karate studio. He made sure to stay out of sight. Zoro went into the studio and Sanji took a seat on a bench across the street. He could see Zoro and a few other adults with him. Sanji didn't think of Zoro as the karate type. But he became interested when the adults were getting weapons. Zoro chose a sword, and it was one of those samurai swords. Sanji didn't know what it was called. Were those weapons real? He watched their training begin, and Zoro had a lot of moves with that sword. After a short time, Zoro took off his karate shirt and continued with the sword. It was like he was dancing, Sanji thought. He let his eyes follow Zoro, focusing on the muscles moving and flexing. A lot of Zoro's body had tattoos on it but it didn't take away from his masculine beauty.

Sanji surprised himself with how long he stayed there just watching. The training must be over because everyone went to put their weapons away. That was his cue to quickly get out of sight. He stuck his hands in his pockets and hurried away back home.

Zoro let out a sigh as he put the training sword away. He wished he could have more time but the dojo would be closing soon. He thanked the instructor and headed home, eager for some dinner and a good nights' rest. But as he walked back, he remembered the delicious meal Sanji had cooked for him. Tonight, he will be having another frozen dinner. He remembered Sanji's dating profile stating that he wasn't a housewife. Zoro smirked as he pictured Sanji in a blue and white polka-dot dress with a little frilly apron around his waist and high heeled shoes. He thought of himself sitting at a table and being served by Sanji. Zoro almost tripped while walking! He just pictured himself with Sanji! Zoro slapped his cheeks to get the image out of his head. He picked up speed and rushed back home.

Sanji was making sausage with peppers and he thought about inviting Zoro over for dinner. It was nice to have someone eat and compliment the food. He thought about Zoro eating alone, and he knows what that feels like. Then, Sanji had an idea. He doubled the dinner and when it was finished, he put some in a Tupperware for Zoro. He really shouldn't be this nice to Zoro because the man was hurting his business. However, he vowed that he would never let anyone starve, and Zoro is likely eating a microwavable meal, or burning down his kitchen.

With the food in hand, Sanji went across the street and up to Zoro's door. He knocked a few times and waited. The door soon clicked and Zoro looked surprised to see him. Sanji showed him the food.

"I thought you might like a good meal," Sanji said. "I had extra and thought I would share it with you."

"That's nice and all, but I already have dinner made."

"Oh? What did you make?" Sanji asked and pushed past Zoro, letting himself inside. He walked over to the kitchen and saw a pot full of macaroni and cheese with sliced hot dogs. He was mortified. "What in the world is this? Are you five years old? No adult cooks or eats like this!" 'Well, maybe Luffy,' he added to himself.

"It's food isn't it?" Zoro said.

"Yeah but…" Sanji took the wooden spoon and mixed around the noodles, finding the cheese sauce was watery. 'He can't even cook boxed macaroni and cheese!' "Well, you're in luck because I brought you some good food. Sausage and peppers."

Zoro could smell the delicious aroma. He walked over and stood beside Sanji to get a better look at the food. He noticed that Sanji smelled like something sweet, like chocolate or sugar. It was an intoxicating scent. He moved a little closer to get a better smell. Sanji noticed and stepped away.

"Do you mind?" Sanji asked, mildly annoyed.

"You smell like a cake," Zoro said.

"Well, I am a baker and I haven't showered yet," Sanji replied. "Anyway, throw that food out," he pointed to the macaroni and cheese. "It's an abomination!"

"It's not that bad!" Zoro countered. "You know what? I don't need you in here criticizing me and trying to pawn off food!"

"Well forgive me for trying to bring some culture into your life!" Sanji said.

Zoro went to the stove where the macaroni and cheese was. He took the wooden spoon, scooped some up, and took a big bite. He saw the look of disgust on Sanji's face. Perfect.

"You're an ass!" Sanji said. "I'll never cook for you again!"

"Who asked you to cook for me?"

"I'm just being neighborly,"

"You've been a shitty neighbor since I got here,"

Sanji stood face-to-face with him. "You brought rowdiness and noise to this once quiet street!"

"Will you stop with that! I have every damn right to be here on your precious street! I'm going to continue working in my shop and you're just going to have to deal with it! So take your gourmet food and leave!"

Sanji stormed out of Zoro's apartment, this time slamming the door. He nearly fell down the stairs. He was hurrying so fast to get back home. When he got to his apartment he placed the helping of sausage and peppers in the fridge. Getting into that little spat with Zoro made him lose his appetite, so he wrapped his up as well for lunch tomorrow. He got his shower and sat down on the couch with a glass of red wine. He lazily flipped through the channels on the tv but found nothing good. He settled on the Food Network.

Zoro angrily washed his hair as he thought about what a pompous asshole his neighbor was. Who the hell is Sanji to tell him what he should and should not eat? What annoyed him the most was that he really wanted the food Sanji had cooked. It looked and smelled really good. Zoro realized he was scratching his scalp too hard when it started to ache. He washed and rinsed off, then got ready for bed.

But he was having trouble sleeping. He tossed and turned on the bed, kicking the covers off and on. He couldn't seem to get comfortable in his bed. His mind kept drifting back to Sanji and the food he brought over. When he did eventually fall asleep, he was not free of Sanji. He saw Sanji wearing only a chef's coat with one part unbuttoned and was just long enough to hide his groin. Sanji was beckoning him to come over. Zoro went to him and saw that Sanji moved to the counter, sitting amongst some dough and flour. Zoro was hesitant about going over and he couldn't keep his eyes from the sight of Sanji. The blonde then had some red jam from a jar with a spoon. It seemed that Sanji purposefully missed his mouth so the jam fell on the spot where his skin was showing. Zoro wanted to go over there and lick it off.

But then he woke up. He stared at the white ceiling above him, still seeing Sanji and somehow smelled jam. Why was he having wet dreams about Sanji? The ache between his legs seemed to say that it approves. He went to the bathroom to take care of it, but he still couldn't get Sanji out of his head. He couldn't help but imagine Sanji, naked, laying in a sea of decorative cakes only covering his lower half. Sanji was beckoning him over. Zoro grit his teeth as he felt his climax hit and he squirted into the toilet. He panted, resting his hand on the wall over the toilet. It seemed not to be enough, though. But before he could get hard, he quickly thought of Sanji fully clothed and stuck in the macaroni and cheese with a hot dog slice on his head like a hat. That image made Zoro burst out laughing, and his groin settled down.

Sanji drove to the laundromat. He did his laundry twice a week and the bakery was closed on Sundays. This was when he did all his errands. When he pulled into the laundromat, he recognized Zoro's motorcycle.

"Ugh! Why is he always where I am!?" Sanji had to get his laundry done so he had no choice. He parked and got out his laundry bag. A part of him still wanted to tip the bike over.

Inside, it was busy and Sanji saw no signs of Zoro. But there were so many machines being used that he couldn't find one. But then, he saw one at the very end of one of the rows. He rushed to it and slammed into something rock solid. Sanji fell back and spilled his clothes all over. What the hell just happened, he wondered. Then, he saw what, or rather who, he bumped into. It was none other than Zoro. They were both going to the same washer.

"I got here first!" Sanji said, taking the sock off his head.

"I don't see your name on it!" Zoro countered.

"I need this washer more than you do! You can wait your turn!" Sanji moved closer.

"Oh yeah? Well, I need this washer too! You can go after me!" Zoro went right up to him. They were nose-to-nose now.

"I'd like to shove a sock in your mouth!" Said Zoro.

"Let me go first," Sanji said again. "I've been in this town longer than you have!"

"That doesn't mean anything!" Zoro countered.

While they were fighting, a woman took advantage and took the washer, putting her clothes in.

"HEY!" They both shouted at the woman.

"You snooze, you lose." said the woman, not the least bit bothered by them.

They turned back to each other and said, "THIS IS YOUR FAULT" in unison.

TBC