Chapter 4: Chocolate Chip Muffins

Sanji was fuming when Zoro got to an open washer before he did. It was first come, first serve, but what happened to him was unfair. When he rushed for the open washer, an elderly man pushing a cart of clothes accidentally blocked his path. Sanji seethed at the victorious smirk from Zoro as the bastard made an L with his fingers, silently calling him a loser. But as luck would have it, a kind young mother with three children told him that she was done with hers. Sanji thanked her and used it. While waiting, he sat at one of the chairs and took out his phone, refusing to look at Zoro. All the other chairs were taken, and the green-haired bastard was forced to sit next to him. Sanji frowned but did not put down his phone. Zoro took out his own phone, and they both sat there in silence, though the tension was heavy.

After a bit, Zoro got the alert on his phone that his laundry was done. He got up and smirked at Sanji, and said, "Well, I finished first." Sanji gave him the finger.

Zoro put the last of his clothes away and went out to the balcony for some fresh evening air. He opened a bottle of beer and took a large swig of it. Across the way, he noticed that Sanji's window was open with the curtains half closed. Zoro assumed it was Sanji's bedroom. Strangely enough, he didn't turn away as he watched Sanji get changed. He saw Sanji's naked back and admired the toned muscles he had. Nothing like his own, but not that bad. He should have turned away to give Sanji some privacy, but he found himself staring. Sanji had flawless skin, from what he could see. Sanji slipped on a sleeping shirt and stretched. Then, Sanji walked out of view, and Zoro saw the light turn off. He thought it was a bit early for Sanji to go to bed. But then, he remembered that Sanji was a baker, and they needed to be up early.

Zoro remained outside for a few more moments before heading inside. His stomach rumbled and he was hungry again. He didn't want too much, so he checked his fridge for something small to snack on. He barely had any food, only booze, potatoes, yogurt, protein drinks, protein mix, and a box of Arm and Hammer baking soda for odor control. Zoro never did keep a full fridge. The freezer, however, was well stocked with meals. Zoro decided on yogurt and stood up in the kitchen to eat it. Afterward, he plopped down in front of the TV, putting on some talk show, only to fall asleep on the couch.

The special today was a simple one: Chocolate Chip Muffin. Muffins were quick and easy to make, and people loved them. Sanji hummed to himself as he mixed the batter to make the muffins. His tea party was such a success that he decided to do it twice a week, on Thursdays and Sundays. While the muffins were baking, he started on some other all-time favorites. Soon, everything was baked and ready to be purchased.

Sanji hoped he could keep the bikers and tattoo enthusiasts out of the bakery. He flipped the sign to 'open' and made himself a cup of coffee. All his usual customers came in, and he had another productive day. He was a bit low on supplies, so he decided to make a trip to the market. Sanji thought he was free of Zoro for a while, but then he caught sight of that unforgettable mossy-green hair.

In the frozen food aisle, Sanji watched as Zoro gathered up some microwavable meals and put them in his cart. Sanji couldn't stand to watch him, and he cursed himself for going to do this, but he had to help Zoro learn how to eat. So, Sanji pushed his cart over to Zoro and tapped the other cart to get Zoro's attention. Zoro turned to see who it was, and he frowned at Sanji.

"What do you want?" Zoro asked.

"Put all those back," Sanji said, moving ahead to start doing it himself. "I'm going to teach you how to shop healthy and how to cook."

"Healthy? You run a bakery," Zoro pointed out. "Talk about obesity, diabetes, and cavities."

Sanji narrowed his gaze. "You want to talk healthy?" He turned one of the frozen meals over and pointed his finger at the calories, sodium, and 'other' added flavors. "Tell me which part of this TV dinner is healthy?"

"...it has broccoli," Zoro said.

Sanji slapped a hand to his face. "Okay, let's start again. I can't sit back and watch someone eat this terrible food," he put the rest of the frozen dinners back. "You're a grown man. It's time you learned how to cook and shop properly. Follow me, and you'd better not bang my heel with the wheel of your cart!"

Zoro didn't know why, but he decided to trust Sanji. He knew that eating only frozen food was not the best for his health. But he couldn't cook. He was always terrible at it. If it wasn't frozen meals, then it was food from a box with instructions. Zoro let Sanji put items in his cart, mostly fruits and vegetables. There was lean chicken and beef, tofu, pasta, and drinkable yogurt. Zoro looked at all the items in his cart, which was already half full. Sanji didn't say much other than to explain why he was putting different types of ingredients in the cart. Zoro thought it was never going to end, but when it did, he wanted to give a victory cheer.

Sanji went first, paying for all of his food, and Zoro followed right after. Zoro suddenly remembered something, and he paused pushing his cart.

"Wait, I don't have a car for all these bags," Zoro said. "Only a bike."

Sanji just realized that too, and although he didn't want to do it, it was still the right thing to do. Sanji sighed and said, "Put it all in my car. I'll meet you back at the apartments." 'Damn, I shouldn't be so nice!'

They loaded up Sanji's car and headed back. Sanji parked his car outside Zoro's building and helped him carry up the bags. Sanji was curious to see how Zoro lived. When he went inside, he looked around and saw that it was a tad bit messy and smelled of booze. He had no room to talk since he smokes, but he'll only smoke outside. Sanji placed the bags on the counter. Zoro didn't say anything as he started putting things away. Sanji opened the fridge and saw how bare it was. There was nothing of substance or health. Sanji put all the cold food in the fridge, finally making it look normal.

"Now sit down and let me cook," Sanji said. "Where's your pots and pans?"

"Here," Zoro opened a lower cabinet door.

Sanji wasn't surprised that Zoro had hardly any pots or pans. The ones he had were not matching and looked like they were rarely used.

"You don't have to do this, you know," Zoro said. "You don't owe me anything, Shitty Cook."

"I can't stand by and watch someone go hungry for real food."

"But I'm not starving,"

"You're not eating healthy,"

"Again! The guy who owns a bakery!"

Sanji pointed a pan at Zoro. "Food in moderation is just fine! If you eat a donut a day, then yes, it's bad. But one on occasion? It's fine!" he nearly slammed the pan on the burner. "I'm going to make you stir-fry."

Zoro sat at his breakfast nook with his arms crossed on the surface, watching Sanji work. He was impressed with Sanji's skills at cutting up vegetables and meat. Sanji worked swiftly and soon Zoro's mouth was watering to the delicious aroma of stir-fry. When it was done, Sanji got out a plate and scooped some out. Zoro had to tell him where everything was. He looked at the steaming pile of food and didn't waste a second before diving in.

Sanji washed his hands and had to wipe them on his pants since Zoro didn't have any hand towels. It was nice to see someone enjoying the meal he made. He didn't have anyone around to really enjoy his cooking. Sometimes, Luffy and Law would come over, but that was mostly it. Zoro was clearly enjoying the stirfry. It was likely the best real meal he'd eaten in a while.

"This is really good!" Zoro said with a mouth full of food. "You should own a restaurant instead of a bakery,"

"Maybe I will someday," Sanji said. "Well, my job here is done. You can clean up. And now you have real food to eat. I have an old recipe book for beginners. I'll bring it over for you tomorrow."

"Sure."

Sanji just waved at him as he left the apartment. Zoro didn't really notice him leaving; he was too busy finishing up the delicious food. He had to admit that Sanji was right- fresh food was better. He cleaned up the kitchen and then got ready for bed. He had to be up early tomorrow since it was his gym day before he opened the tattoo shop. He turned out the light and was immediately asleep.

Today was his off day at the bakery. Sanji was used to getting up early, and it was often hard to go back to sleep. He had decided to go to the gym before the crowd showed up. When he got there, he saw that Zoro was also there in the weightlifting area. Sanji couldn't help but stare and admire Zoro's muscled body beneath that tight tank top and pants. Sanji wasn't really into lifting too many weights, but he found himself walking over to them. Zoro hadn't seemed to notice him. He picked up two twenty-pound dumbbells; they were heavy, and he started curling his arms with the heavy weights. That's when Zoro saw him and put the weight down. Sanji didn't say anything as Zoro approached him.

"You're doing it wrong," Zoro said.

"It's just weightlifting," Sanji countered.

"Yeah, but there's a right way and a bad way. Right now, you're doing it the wrong way. You're likely to hurt yourself. Do it like this."

Sanji allowed Zoro to stand behind him and correct his posture and stance. Sanji tried not to flush as he felt Zoro's hard body pressing up against him. It was hard to concentrate on the weightlifting, but Sanji forced himself to focus. Zoro also gave him lower weights, saying that it wasn't safe to use heavy weights if you're not used to it. So, instead of forty pounds, he was doing twenty pounds. In exchange for the cooking and the food, Zoro offered to give him some gym advice. Zoro took him around the gym and showed Sanji the best equipment to use and how to choose the proper weight. It was always to start low and gradually increase weight. Sanji had learned a lot, and he realized while he knew all about baking and cooking, Zoro knew all about working out. And it showed.

Sanji let Zoro go back to his workout as he began his own based on Zoro's tips and lessons.

Afterward, Sanji sat at the juice bar sipping on a mixed berry juice. Someone sat next to him, and he saw it was Zoro. Zoro ordered a protein shake. Sanji once again found himself admiring Zoro's body. Zoro's skin was a little tanner than his, which meant that Zoro spent more time in the sun. Sanji found himself picturing Zoro in a tight Speed,o and he flushed hotly, downing his juice in three big gulps.

"Slow down on that juice," Zoro said.

"I was…really thirsty," Sanji said. "Thanks for all your tips today." He asked the person behind the bar for another juice.

"It's payment for you helping me with cooking." Zoro requested a second one as well.

"Yeah, you're more of a gym rat than a chef,"

Zoro scoffed. "I'm not a gym rat. Curly Brow."

"Moss-Head," Sanji said back.

They got their juices with straws this time. Sanji sipped first, then Zoro zipped. Suddenly, it became a competition. They both sped up their sipping, trying to be the first one to finish. They were getting down to the bottom when Sanji sipped a huge air bubble that shot into the back of his throat, and he started coughing. Zoro finished his and licked his lips.

"Done!" He slapped Sanji on the back a few times, but it didn't help stop the coughing.

"Don't…touch me!" Sanji said through coughs. Not only did he kick his own ass and make a fool of himself, but he lost to Zoro. When he was finally done coughing, he narrowed his eyes at Zoro. "One more juice!"

"I'd rather have booze," Zoro said. "Juice is easy to drink. I think I'll stop at the bar on my way back."

Sanji wasn't ready to admit defeat. "Instead of the bar, come back to my place and have a few drinks instead. Oh wait, you're likely a beer man, right? I only have wine, which is better than beer."

Zoro smirked. "Are you challenging me to a drinking contest?"

"Damn right, I am," Sanji matched Zoro's smirk, and they glared at each other.

"Bring it on, Curly Brow! I'll drink you under the table! We'll even use your drink of choice!" Zoro didn't really care for wine, but he could drink it.

"You should bring something, too," Sanji said. "It shouldn't just be me, that's an unfair advantage for you,"

Zoro would have to stop at the store for the drink he wanted to get. "I'll bring sake then."

"Sake? Oh, you mean rice wine," Sanji said. "I've never had it, but I can handle any type of alcohol."

"I can't wait to put that to the test,"

"You're on!"

Sanji waited anxiously for Zoro to show up. He paced the floor. What was taking Zoro so long? Then, he heard the familiar sound of a motorcycle. It was a little early in the day to be drinking, but it was five o'clock somewhere. Sanji heard the heavy sound of Zoro's boots walking up the steps. There was a knock, and Sanji called for him to come in. Zoro was still in his workout clothes while he changed into a comfortable jogging suit. Zoro held up a big bottle of sake written in Japanese.

"You ready?" Zoro asked, ready for the challenge. "I'll go easy on you, and we'll do wine first. Then, we'll introduce the sake."

Sanji had two bottles of his best reds, both aged in oak barrels and full-bodied. But Sanji decided he should do the rice wine first. If he drank a lot of wine and then added another alcohol, he might pass out and lose.

"We'll do the sake first," Sanji said.

Zoro smirked. "Okay. Oh, and I brought these from home." he placed two small black sake cups on the coffee table. He didn't get expensive sake since they would be drinking it quickly, so he bought an average one. He opened the bottle and poured some for them in the little cups.

"How Japanese of you," Sanji said, sitting down on the couch next to Zoro. Zoro handed him a cup, and Sanji looked at the clear contents. He smelled it briefly and noticed it smelled strongly of alcohol. He would have to be careful. His goal is to out-drink Moss-Head.

"Well, bottoms up," Zoro said and he sipped the whole contents of the cup. He didn't want to tell Sanji that sake was best to sip slowly because the alcohol can take effect quickly. It would be an easy win. Sure enough, Sanji followed suit and drank his like a shot. "How's it taste?"

Sanji was a little surprised by the heavy taste of alcohol. "It's like whisky but without the burn," he said. "I'm pouring another."

"Pour one for me," Zoro held out his cup.

They continued with the sake, getting halfway through the big bottle. Sanji was starting to feel a little heated and buzzed. But he couldn't stop now! He had to beat Zoro! Zoro didn't appear to be buzzed at all. He was wearing a knowing smirk between drinks. Sanji kept knocking it back until he started to feel light-headed and dizzy. He tried to stand up but fell to the floor. He thought about just laying there and falling asleep.

"Get up, Curly Brow,"

Sanji could hear Zoro's command, and it was almost…calm. He felt himself lifted from the floor and carried. Sanji buried his face in Zoro's neck, taking in the faint scent of aftershave. His nose hit the three dangling gold earrings, and Sanji brought his hand up to touch them.

"I'm going to put you to bed," Zoro said, carrying Sanji into the bedroom. "I won, by the way," he said and placed Sanji on the bed. He removed Sanji's shoes for him and was about to leave when Sanji grabbed his wrist. "Hm? What is it?"

"Stay," Sanji said.

"Stay? No, I have to leave," he said. "And you're drunk."

"I'm not that drunk," Sanji sat up, but his head fell forward and backward.

Zoro just shook his head and sighed. He was also feeling the hint of a buzz. He gently pushed Sanji back onto the bed. "Go to sleep, Sanji."

"But I'm not-" he hiccuped. "Drunk."

Zoro chuckled. "Yeah, you are," He rolled Sanji over, and the blonde stayed like that. "Go to sleep."

Zoro shut off the light and slowly closed the door. He didn't want to waste the sake, so he sat back down and started drinking right from the bottle. He also wanted to stay a little longer to make sure that Sanji was alright. However, something strange must be happening because he felt drunk as well. But he was still aware enough to know that he was drunk. He did finish the rest of the bottle. He got up and stumbled, knocking into the coffee table with his shin. He hissed out a curse and wobbled his way to Sanji's room. He really needed to lie down. He bumped into the wall twice until he found the right door. Sanji was still asleep on the bed, and Zoro flopped himself into it on the other side. He kicked off his boots and rolled over to go to sleep.

"Mm…why are you in my bed?" Sanji asked, his voice heavy with sleep.

"Tired," Zoro answered.

"Get out."

"No."

Sanji weakly shoved him. Zoro shoved back. Sanji did it again, but harder this time. Zoro nearly shoved him off the bed. The shoving turned into a drunken wrestling match where they rolled around in a tangle of limbs, unsure of what they were doing. It ended with Zoro on top, pinning Sanji's wrists to the bed. Sanji tried to use his legs to kick Zoro away, but Zoro's own legs had locked them together. Sanji struggled to get free, but he couldn't. Zoro had all his weight on Sanji, and Sanji had no choice but to surrender.

"I…yield!" Sanji said, and Zoro stopped, but Zoro didn't move. Sanji felt Zoro's face against his neck, smelling him. "What are you doing?"

"You smell good…like a cake,"

Sanji let out a moan when Zoro teased the skin with the very tip of his tongue. Zoro released his wrists, and Sanji knew he should push the other away, but he didn't want to. He wrapped his arms around Zoro's broad back and moaned softly as Zoro's mouth moved to his ear, nibbling it. Sanji felt a shiver of pleasure travel down his spine. Then, Zoro's mouth moved to his own, but he turned his head away. Zoro brought it back by gripping his chin and pulling him into a kiss. Sanji let himself kiss Zoro. It had been a long while since he last kissed someone. Zoro's lips were firmly pressed against his own, and Sanji opened his mouth to welcome Zoro's tongue.

Zoro figured it was all in his mind, but he swore Sanji smelled and tasted like cinnamon and spice. He couldn't get enough of it. He was pleased when Sanji opened his mouth so he could push his tongue in. Sanji's mouth was warm and smooth. He felt Sanji's arms wrap around his back, and Zoro felt himself in the beginning of arousal. However, Sanji would not permit him to lay between the long legs. Zoro used his knee to try and pry Sanji's legs open, but he couldn't do it. Sanji's legs suddenly became like iron. Sanji smirked and let out a little chuckle when he broke the kiss.

"You don't get that, Mr. Biker," Sanji flicked Zoro's nose with a drunken smirk.

"Then I'll make you open them for me," Zoro challenged.

He gripped the zipper of Sanji's jumpsuit and pulled it down to reveal Sanji's chest. Dusty pink nipples hardened to peaks as the air hit them. Zoro used his fingers to twist and pinch them, making Sanji thrash on the bed. However, his legs still wouldn't open. Zoro would have to work for the privilege, and Sanji wasn't budging. He knew Sanji could feel his erection against his stomach. Either Sanji was playing hard to get, or he was trying to push himself away. Zoro tried one more time to pry Sanji's legs apart, but Sanji's legs were just too strong.

Sanji's head was spinning from pleasure and sake. He knew what he was doing- he was kissing Zoro. He let his hands wander Zoro's back as they kissed deeply. When Zoro touched his nipples, he felt a shock wave of pleasure he'd never felt before. Like Zoro, he was getting an erection, but he wouldn't act on it. As much as he liked Zoro's touches, he had to stop this from going any further. Zoro wanted to get between his legs, but he wouldn't let Zoro do it. That would be going too far too quickly.

"Stop," Sanji whispered.

"Did I do something wrong?"

"No, but…we can't do this,"

"...right." Zoro rolled off of him and sat at the edge of the bed. He looked down at his erection, tenting his pants. How the hell was he going to get rid of it? He only lived across the street, so he could make it back and finish in his own bathroom. "I'll see myself out."

"...goodnight."

"Goodnight." Once he was out of the apartment his erection went away and he let out a sigh of relief. He had gone too far, and he was grateful that Sanji stopped him before they both made a big mistake. He returned to his apartment, took a cold shower, and went to bed.

Sanji stared up at the ceiling of his bedroom thinking about Zoro and Zoro's touches. The man knew how to kiss, and he was damn good at it. Sanji has kissed a few men in his lifetime but none were as talented as Zoro. Zoro, he figured, must be used to kissing others. He could have had sex with Zoro; he wasn't a virgin, though it had been a while. His first kiss was with one of his brother's friend who said they found him 'attractive' but it was just a mean joke. His brothers took a picture of them kissing and spread copies of it all throughout the school. Their father had been furious with him, stating very, very harshly, and loudly, that he should only be with women and that he deserved the ridicule.

Sanji rolled over onto his side. That was a dark memory he hadn't thought of in a long while. Kissing Zoro brought up the memory. His brothers constantly made fun of him for being gay and his father was just always angry at him because of it. Moving away from that hellhole and opening up a bakery was the best thing he'd ever done for himself.

But Zoro…Zoro was different from others. They didn't get along, but being with Zoro tonight felt right. His nipples hardened again as he thought of Zoro touching them like he did before. He shouldn't be thinking about the stupid, tattooed Moss-Head like this but he found his hand slipping into his pants. He gripped his erection and started stroking it. He had to pull the front of his pants down and tuck the fabric under his balls. As he stroked himself, he used his other hand to rub and pinch at his erect nipples, thinking they were Zoro. He closed his eyes and imagined being with Zoro. Would Zoro be a tender lover or a harsh lover? Sanji would be fine with either. It didn't take him long to cum in his hand and let out a choked, gargled cry. The orgasm had been intense. He quickly got up and wobbled to the bathroom to clean himself. He was embarrassed of himself.

He looked at himself in the mirror and let out a long sigh. "Sanji, you're just a mess," he said to his reflection.

Zoro lay in bed thinking about Sanji, and he was certain the blonde was also thinking about him. It had to be the sake that had dulled his senses and hyped up his libido. Sanji's body was pale like his bread dough and just as warm. He smelled of sugar and spice, which was a perfect combination for him. Zoro got up from the bed and took off his clothing, freeing his erection, which had come back. He sat at the foot of his bed and started stroking his cock, thinking about Sanji. Sanji's muscles were not as big as his, but Sanji was still well-toned. He imagined Sanji wearing nothing but a sheet across his lap, teasing him, and opening his legs underneath. Zoro couldn't see it, but he knew Sanji was naked under that white sheet. Like before, Sanji wouldn't let him settle between his legs, and Zoro saw it as a crime. He wanted to feel those long, strong legs wrap around his waist as he pounded into him. He would fuck Sanji silly and make the blonde walk crooked for a day or two. Dominating Sanji in sex gave him the welcomed climax that sprayed and dribbled onto the carpet. Panting, he silently cursed himself that he made a mess on the floor.

It was all Sanji's fault.

TBC