Life and Trials of a Former Assassin

Chapter 3

Sanji spent the limited free time he had during the weekend to binge watch romance movies. He knew most of that wouldn't work with Zoro but he enjoyed the rom coms and they were funny and teaching him what not to do. He loved romance of all kinds. He didn't always understand everything and felt stupid thinking about doing some of that himself but if Zoro wanted some of that he would do it. The fear of actually having a relationship was pushed to the back of his mind in favor of excitement.

On Monday he poured through his personal cookbook. It was filled with Zeff and his recipes. Many were ones they had worked on together others were ones they had worked on separately either for the Baratie's menu or just for experimentation. He had typed all the recipes before and saved it to the cloud but nothing replaced the actual feel of the paper. Looking at the crossed out lines and notes on the side always made him smile. It brought back memories of arguing, stomping of his little kid feet and the happiness of success.

Based off muscle mass and Sanji's observations of what Zoro ate at the cook out he guessed the man stuck to protein. There was also cake and other sweets that day but Zoro never ate it. Sanji was making the guess that Zoro either didn't like sweets or just stayed away from it. He had decided that he would make different sample dishes so Zoro wasn't limited to one thing. He also made certain that the table in the back with the most privacy would be reserved for him.

Tuesday morning Sanji made the dishes he would make for dinner. It was a mix of traditional dishes from multiple countries. Braised pork and Char Siu from China. Sauerbraten from Germany. Bistecca Fiorentina from Italy. Coq Au Riesling from France. Sliced Kobe Beef with Hibachi slaw from Japan.

Zeff had made comments since Sanji came in that Saturday all flushed after the heated kiss. Zeff initially thought it was just another romp but quickly learned this one was different. Zeff was never good with telling his Eggplant how he really felt and words of wisdom were foreign as well but he tried to guide Sanji with his snide remarks. He knew the kid well enough to know how to push his buttons.

He saw his son had made a run through of the dishes for his dinner later on that night. Sanji was clearly struggling to find the perfection he sought. Zeff walked over his graceless gait from the prosthesis sounding his arrival. Sanji didn't bother looking up knowing who it was.

"It's perfect so I don't want to hear any shitty remarks." Sanji said as he stuffed his hands in his pockets.

Zeff knew his Eggplant was stressed by the strong smell of cigarette smoke lingering on him and the set of his shoulders. He sampled each dish taking his time to dissect each flavor. He had to admit the kid was surpassing him. He nodded his approval and saw Sanji sigh in relief. "You're gonna be good for nothing all day aren't you?" Zeff asked.

Zeff could hear the sounds of Sanji's lighter opening and closing in one pocket a clear sign of frustration or stress. He saw the rigidity of his entire body and the look of contained anger on his face. The kid was going to be stubborn like usual. "You stink like an ashtray!" He kicked the kid in the ass for good measure. "Get upstairs and don't come down until it's time to cook your dinner! And you better be smelling better I don't want your stink infecting my kitchen!"

Sanji stalked off up the stairs mumbling about shitty old men but secretly happy his dad gave his approval to his food and gave him the day off. He still had to find the best look for tonight.

Zoro had relaxed the rest of the weekend. He was looking forward to his date tonight. He even thought of texting Sanji when he watched an old UFC fight between Anderson "Spider" Silva and Chael Sonnen. He could never get over how Silva looked like a boxing nun with his crazy long reach. He always thought it would be fun to fight a professional UFC fighter with no holds barred. His competitions were always fun but highly regulated. He had started fighting in underground bouts a few years ago but his opponents were always a mixed bag with some that made him work for the win and others he barely broke a sweat over.