Life and Trials of a Former Assassin

Chapter 7

Sanji got off the L train with his backpack slung over one shoulder and walked the block to Usopp's shop Merry Ink. Zoro told him the side stairs were hard to find so it was best to go through the shop. It was in a long line of historic buildings all made from cut stone at the end. The first floor was the tattoo parlor with tall, wide windows showing the entirety of the shop.

There was a waiting area with chairs by the front. In the back were ten work areas each with a floor length mirror, countertops and rolling carts and reclining chair in each one. Sanji tried to go in without checking out his surroundings first but anxiety crept up. He walked around and found the stairs hidden in an alcove. In the back was a balcony and a ladder leading to the street level. There were plenty of windows on the second floor. There looked like four different styles. A few had forest green curtains, others were yellow with black designs hand painted, a few others were white with ice cream cone curtains, and the last was pirate themed. He thought only adults lived there but had to question that based off the curtains. He however did feel more relaxed seeing all the exits.

Sanji walked back around the front. He opened the door which rang a bell. Usopp popped his head up from where he was bent over a young woman with pink pigtails and gothic clothing. Sanji could see she was getting a beautiful sugar skull tattoo on her arm. "Hey Sanji."

"Hi Usopp." He said.

"Zoro said you'd be coming by. Just walk down that hallway and the stairs are on the right. His name is on the door." Usopp snickered. "We had to. He kept going in the wrong one."

Sanji laughed. "Yeah he fights with the GPS and anyone else trying to give him directions. I don't get it." He waved as he headed down the hall. "Thanks. See ya."

"See ya too." Usopp went back to his work.

Sanji continued down the hall and up the stairs as the buzzing from the tattoo gun diminished. His anxiety was still high and he hoped it would get better but thought it might get worse once he was in Zoro's apartment. Tonight would be different then his prior pleasured relaxation seeking experiences there was bound to be an emotional connection and he feared rejection once Zoro saw how beat up he was.

After sucking it up and mentally slapping himself for being so self conscious he knocked on Zoro's door. Almost immediately Sanji was met with a stunning sight he bit his lip in anticipation and tried to hide his blush. Zoro was barefoot wearing loose black pants that hung low on his hips and a white towel around his neck. All either could eek out was a "Hey."

Zoro moved back from the door and Sanji walked inside. He took note of Zoro's modest apartment. The living dinning room combo was roomy with a plush couch, TV and three katana on display. He had a small four person round dinning table by the windows. Once inside both stood there awkwardly with Sanji fidgeting with the straps to his backpack. "I was going to make spaghetti for us for dinner if that's okay with you." Zoro said. "Just uh let me put a shirt on first."

As Zoro dressed then went to cook. Sanji drifted around his place. He peeked into Zoro's room knowing they would be there later. He had a shelf filled with trophies, a dresser and bed. He noted Zoro was a man of simple taste. He saw another room smaller than the bedroom next to it. Inside were weights and work out mats. Sanji wanted to test Zoro's fighting ability after dinner.

Dinner was done and they began to talk and ease back into familiarity. The tenseness of the upcoming night together easing. They began kissing and touching each other and getting closer to the point one was almost on top of the other. "Before things get intense do you care about being top or bottom? I don't really care I just want us to feel like equals. But..." Zoro began stroking Sanji's thigh. "I would like to be inside you."