Of Seminars and Men

AN: Well things are starting to wind down. Only 2-3 more chapters left. I really hope you guys have enjoyed this as much as I've enjoyed writing it. Here's another LONG chapter for you.


Chapter 7

The laughter continued in the Drawing Room and spread to other patrons as well. It was all in good nature, even though Smoker couldn’t see the humor in it. Zoro sat doodling on his napkin with a pen, his mind in its own little world. Soon strange curly lines filled the white cloth. Smoker scowled at him and grumbled about defacement of private property. Zoro ignored him and decided to check out the other patrons while waiting for his meal to arrive. A shock of yellow and black caught his attention. Across the way in the adjoining room sat a very familiar looking blonde.

While the food was excellent, Zoro had a hard time trying to eat. Every time he tried to get a glimpse of their face, Luffy would try to steal his steak and he’d have to rescue his food. It didn’t help that the left side of the person’s face was shielded from view by golden blond hair.

Why did they look so familiar? Even the redhead sitting across the table tugged at his memory. It had to be a he, judging from the way the redhead flirted. Either that or maybe a butch woman. No, it was definitely a man. He could hear the flirty waitress address him as Monsieur something-or-another. Just who was he? He had to be someone very important, because the head chef had just come out to speak with him. Zoro looked back at his plate to find it empty. He immediately scowled at Luffy.

“Well, it’s not as good as my boss’ but it’s still good. Hey Zoro, if you ever get to New York, you need to come eat where I work. I only go there sometimes when I need some extra money. Or when I’m hungry. Or when he needs some company. But mostly when I’m hungry.” Luffy looked up at his friend with a huge smile and stuck another piece of meat in his mouth.

Zoro shook his head and turned back to look at the blonde. He was shaking hands with the chef and following him to the kitchens. Maybe he was a fellow chef, or a restaurant owner. That would make sense. He looked back at the redhead and found her smiling at him. He raised an eyebrow in question and she laughed. The sound carried to him and sent a shiver down his spine. It was an eerie déjà vu feeling. He hoped that the blonde would return soon. Maybe when he came back he could see his face. It was bugging him that he couldn’t place the guy. Ace’s giggling brought his attention back to the table.

“She’s cute. But I think she’s taken.” Ace gestured over in Nami’s direction. He had been watching Zoro try to stare a hole in the back of Sanji’s head for a while now. When he notice redhead looking at Zoro he cringed. When she just laughed and turned away, he let out the breath he’d been holding.

“Che. That witch? Who in their right mind would like her? That guy must be desperate or crazy.” Zoro searched the direction the blond had taken.

“That lovely thing? What makes you think she’s so bad?” Ace questioned. Zoro only shrugged in response.

“So tell me about this favor you were wanting from me. Just why am I trying to find out the identity of a mysterious woman? What does she mean to you?” Smoker leaned forward on the table and laced his fingers in a steeple. Where he was sitting, he was unable to see Sanji’s table, so he was unaware of the source of Ace’s mirth. “Don’t tell me you finally found someone that is able to catch your attention. Well, there might be hope for you yet, boy.”

“But why do you want a girlfriend Zoro? Don’t you want to hang out with us guys anymore?” Luffy crossed his arms and pouted.

“No she’s just a girl I met last night. I can’t remember her name and I really wanted to talk to her again. Maybe I can even con her into going to dinner with me at Mom’s.” Zoro gave his uncle a mischievous smirk. Smoker only rolled his eyes in response.

“Well sorry, kid. You’re outa luck. The room was registered to a company not a name. Some fancy restaurant in New York. You’d have better luck trying to catch up with her at the hotel before she leaves tomorrow. Tonight is the last night the room is reserved for.” Smoker was a hardened officer. He had learned to control his facial expressions for interrogations and trials. Never was he so grateful for that training. It took everything he had to say she instead of he, and keeping the laughter out of his voice was getting harder and harder. Oh was this poor soul in for a rude awakening. He inwardly groaned as Luffy went into a story about a guy in his History class that had a big red nose.

A small commotion in the corridor caught Zoro’s attention. The blond was returning. Zoro unconsciously sat up straighter in his seat. The man’s excited voice drifted over to him. His laughter was mesmerizing and so familiar. Who was he? Only a few more inches and he’d be able to see… Oh. Shit. There stood a tall, very handsome young man with soft blonde hair, a single blue eye and an eyebrow curled in the exact pattern currently drawn on his napkin. The black suit was the same one that he kept picturing in his mind from last night. He remembered working with the large buttons, hastily trying to remove the garment. Images of pale skin stretched out on a bed below him haunted his vision. He saw himself licking down the flat stomach, lower and lower, before taking the very erect male anatomy in his mouth.

Oh, God. He was she. She was a he. Last night, he had sex with a guy. The best night of sex he couldn’t remember was with a man. He sat there wide eyed, openly staring at the blonde. How could this have happened? He slowly lowered his head into his hands and rubbed his face. He had to get the images out of his mind. He had to compose himself in front of his friends and family. If this got out, Ace and Smoker would never let him live it down. They had been trying for years to set him up with a guy. He adamantly turned them down, stating he was fine being alone.

He needed a drink. But then again, drinking is what got him here in the first place. Drinking with that guy. That guy. The one right over there sitting with the sassy redhead. The one that had been plaguing his thoughts all day long. The one that could bend those long agile legs in the most lewd positions. Zoro had a strong urge to bang his head into the table.

“You alright, gaki? You look a little pale?” Smoker was still oblivious to the occupants in the other room. Had he known, he would have definitely taken advantage of Zoro’s distress and humiliated the poor guy.

“Yah ’m fine. No prob. Just a bit of … a headache.” Zoro brought his hands from his face and laced them together behind his head, placing his elbows on the table. He was a pitiful sight.

Smoker looked at Ace for an explanation. Ace merely smiled and mouthed ‘he’s here’ and turned back to listen to Luffy go on about some cooks that were really good fighters. A well dressed man approached the table with a beautiful woman on his arm. She had a grin on her face to match the fabled Cheshire cat himself. When he spoke, Zoro went completely rigid and tried to hide further in his arms.

“Luffy? Is that you? What are you doing here? I mean not in a restaurant, I know why you’re in here, but I mean in Detroit. I thought you were taking your finals.” The gentleman gave them a warming smile. He appeared honestly relieved to see Luffy.

“Sanji! Why didn’t you tell me you were coming here? I could have saved you a bunch of money on hotel expenses. You could have stayed with my brother.” Luffy pouted but still stood up to hug his friend. “We could have had so much fun. Hey, this is my brother, Ace. And this is his boyfriend, Constantine. We just call him Smoker. Guys, this is my boss I was telling you about. Sanji Blackleg.” Both men stood and shook Sanji’s hand.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you both. Luffy’s told me much about you. I guess by now he’s mentioned that he works at my restaurant from time to time.” Sanji did his best to not drool at the sex appeal of all three of the men standing before him. It didn’t matter if you were gay or not, these men were hot! A tightening on his arm reminded him that he was not there alone. “Oh, forgive me. Gentlemen, this lovely woman with me is Nami. She came a long way just to take my class here this week. Might I say she has great promise.” He gave her a charming smile before turning back to see a scowl on Ace’s face.

“See, Mr. Security Guard. I told you that Sanji and I were close friends. You should really have listened to me last night.” Nami gave him a smug look, and clung closer to Sanji’s arm. Her gown was still straining to confine her cleavage.

“And yet, here he stands completely unharmed.” At the questioning look he received from Luffy and Sanji, Ace continued. “Miss Nami was concerned for you last night, Sanji, and insisted that I let her in your room to check on you.” Sanji paled considerably. “Of course I assured her that you had been taken to your room by one of our own staff and would be seen to. We do our best to make our guest’s stay as pleasurable as possible.”

Ace couldn’t help it. He just couldn’t contain himself. He put just the right emphasis on the word pleasurable and received a nice blush on the cook’s cheeks. He could hear Smoker snickering and practically snorting behind his hand covering his mouth. Oh what the Hell. He was probably gonna get the shit beat out of him anyway, so he might as well enjoy himself until then.

“We made sure he was completely taken care of last night, right Zoro?” All eyes turned to the fourth man at the table, who was currently trying to slink away. When everyone stood, Zoro had tried to make a run for it. Unfortunately, karma had it out for him and he only made it a few steps.

Zoro straightened to a standing position and quickly affixed a composed expression of indifference. He did his best to look suave and cool. He turned and looked straight into a panicked blue eye. So many emotions passed between the two of them. Fear was the most forefront. Apparently the guy knew who he was, and by the look on his face he didn’t want anyone else to know.

Sanji froze. Before him stood the walking conundrum himself. Here was the man he had last seen sleeping naked in his bed. This was the man whose hands he felt all over his body. This is the man who took away his innocence, so to speak. Sanji looked him over from head to toe and back. The way the material clung to his chest and abs was sinful. The well fitted slacks let him remember just how muscular those legs were. On his journey back up he noticed the large bite mark on the Guard’s neck. Shit. There was no way to deny it now. It really was him.

Zoro hoped to ease the cook’s anxiety by glancing away first. He turned his gaze murderous as he looked to Ace. So the son of a bitch knew all along. He knew that it wasn’t a girl. He knew and kept his mouth shut. Zoro didn’t know if he should be grateful or pissed. He guessed it would depend on if he told anyone. Ace’s sheepish look told him everything he needed to know. His best friend was horrible at keeping secrets in school, what made him think that it would change now? Zoro did his best to recover some ground.

“Yes Mr. Blackleg. It’s good to see you well. I trust you are feeling better this evening. You had quite a bit to drink last night. I’m afraid that was my fault. I didn’t realize you were unused to such hard liquor. My apologies.” Zoro kept his voice as professional and discrete as he could. His eyes were the only thing that betrayed him. They kept drifting to the full bottom lip currently being chewed by its owner. Luffy’s whiny voice forced him to break away from the fascinating sight.

“Yah, Ace told me you guys knew each other. Man I wish I had known you were going drinking last night. I would have come home yesterday. We came out tonight to celebrate me coming home and passing finals. If you had told me you’d be here we could have eaten together at least.” Luffy threw his arm over Sanji’s shoulders.

His action made Nami loosen her hold and step back slightly. She noticed Zoro staring at her and began to squirm. This was bad. Her plans would all be for naught if things didn’t go well tonight. She needed those recipes. Her future depended on it. Well, time to bring out the big guns.

“So, Zoro was it? I see that you indeed take care of my sweet little chef. I hope he didn’t give you too much trouble. Rest assured that I’ll be the one taking care of him tonight.” Her voice dripped with honey and the promise of sex. She shoved Luffy’s arm off Sanji’s shoulders and snuggled back up to his side. The blonde had practically melted with her words of endearment. Her eyes danced with victory as she and Zoro battled silently.

Smoker and Ace had sat back down to enjoy the show. Smoker nudged Ace in the side and pointed over to his little brother. Luffy was standing there drooling, his eyes fixed on Nami’s breast. Granted, she was dressed in such a way that you couldn’t help but notice them, but the fact that Luffy was staring sent them into a fit of giggles.

Zoro broke his death glare with Nami to see what was going on. He himself started to chuckle at Luffy’s expression. It was like a kid in a candy shop with no money. Just staring at what they knew they couldn’t have, and dreaming of getting a taste. Sanji glanced at his friend and scowled. He debated on the best action, and settled for smacking the immature kid upside the head.

“Oi, baka! Haven’t I taught you anything? Women are to be treated with respect.” Sanji yelled at Luffy as the young man rubbed his head.

“Gomen, Sanji. I see why you used to like them so much now.”

Sanji sweat dropped and pulled his date close to him. He could feel the fury radiating off her. Sanji needed to get her out of here quick before she caused a scene.

“Che, you really need to learn some tact, Luffy,” he mumbled. Nodding to the two seated men he bid them goodbye. “It was a pleasure meeting you two in person finally. If you are ever in New York, I would be honored if you would allow me to treat you to dinner at my restaurant.” He shook hands with them and turned to Zoro.

“I appreciate you, um, taking care of me last night. Thank you, for both the company and the drinks.” Sanji hoped that the green-haired man would understand his meaning without embarrassing him. “Let’s make it my treat next time.” As soon as the words left his mouth, Sanji wanted to die. He hoped that it didn’t sound like a proposition.

Zoro raised an eyebrow in surprise at the blonde’s invitation. Was it really supposed to be that? He suspected that it wasn’t due to the deep blush rising on Sanji’s face.

“You’re on Ero-cook. Next time you buy the rum.” Zoro grinned at him and stuck out a hand. Maybe they could both just put this behind them and move on. No one else needed to know.

Sanji took it reluctantly and shivered at the loss of heat when they let go. He let Nami guide him out through the Great Hall to the curb. In a daze he hailed a cab and gave the driver the address to the hotel.

Back inside, Zoro sat down in his chair next to Smoker, crossed his arms over his chest and glared across the table at Ace. He remained silent, trying to find the right words to ask his questions. If he was wrong, this would be bad. If he was right, he would have to control himself until they had exited the building. He assumed that if Ace knew, then Smoker would know as well. What he hadn’t planned on was Luffy.

“So do you think he’s just going out with her to make you jealous?” Luffy plopped down in his seat next to Zoro and leaned forward, bracing his forearms on the table.

“Nah, he’s just upset that Zoro took advantage of him when he was drunk. He is trying to prove that he’s still his own man.” Ace chimed in.

“Maybe he just needed something more. Apparently Zoro wasn’t enough to satisfy him. That or he didn’t do it right.” Smoker leaned back in his chair and put an unlit cigar between his lips. He may not be able to smoke in here, but at least he could pretend like he was.

“Really? It looked like he was enjoying it to me. I mean, there was no sound, but from what I could see he ….” Luffy was stopped by a dinner roll being shoved in his mouth by Ace.

“You taped it, and didn’t tell me! Damn, that was ballsy. You must have tapped into the security feeds, right? What’re you going to do when the blonde gets the bill? You know it shows on there when the cameras were activated and for how long.” Smoker shook his head in dismay. Ace had gotten sloppy, now he would have to do some cleanup. He would probably be able to stop any legal suits, but he doubted he could save his job or his friendship. Smoker sighed. Looks like Ace might be moving in with him permanently now.

“The second video was just the two of them cuddling.” Luffy swallowed his mouthful and continued. “I got bored with it really quick. But, the first video was really good. Man you should have seen the way Sanji’s legs bent! I knew he was limber but…” Ace pulled Luffy to the side just in time. Zoro’s fist hit nothing but air.

Every table in the two adjoining rooms went silent. They had seen the handsome couple come up to the four gorgeous men. So many hot people in one small spot is bound to draw attention. Then when Zoro tried to pummel Luffy, a woman next to them called out in surprise. Not everyone knew what was going on, but the sight of the furious, and intimidating, man standing there at the table put everyone on the edge of their seats. Murmurs of a jealous lover’s quarrel quickly spread. The maître d' stood at the doorway unsure of what to do. He debated calling the police. A shake of Smoker’s head advised him to wait. He saw the burley man pull back the edge of his jacket and show his badge. For now he would comply, but he kept the phone in hand just incase. It was not hard to tell the angry man could cause significant damage to both people and property.

Zoro could not believe what he heard. They tricked him! The son of a bitch set this whole thing up tonight. But how? Ace had been with him the entire day. When did he have time to do all of this? The only answer was that he had help. It had to be someone from the hotel. More than likely someone that worked last night.

“Who all knows?” Zoro’s voice cut through the air like sharpened sword. He looked at each of the three men sitting there squirming and growled. This was getting him nowhere. He flopped back down in his chair, very ungracefully, and crossed his arms over his chest. Not a one of them would meet his gaze. “Obviously there’s the three of you. My guess says that there are at least two more. Robin and Usopp. How am I doing so far?”

“Whaa! Usopp knows? When did you tell him?” Luffy forgot that he was one of the ones in trouble and leaned in to listen intently.

“I didn’t tell him, he was the first… well the second to know something was going on. He saw those two at the elevator doors. From the way he describes it, it was really a funny sight. He saw Sanji trying to get his hands in Zoro’s pockets, but I don’t think he knows that anything else happened.” Ace waved his hands in front of him in surrender. By now, the other patrons had relaxed and began talking again. They were still watched, but not so openly.

“So if he was the second, and he saw us at the elevator, then Robin must have been the first, right?” Zoro was trying to put the pieces together. Everything came back to the bar. That’s where it started. “I’m still trying to figure out how everything came to this tonight. Why didn’t you tell me it was a… well, that it wasn’t a… you know? You let me go on all day long thinking he was something that he very obviously wasn’t. You’re really a bastard for that.” Zoro groaned and pushed his fingers through his short hair.

“Look, man. I’m really sorry. If I thought there wasn’t a chance for you two, I wouldn’t have even tried to set this up tonight. If you had seen things the way I did last night, you’d think different.” Ace laughed at Zoro’s raised eyebrow. “No, I don’t mean it like that. Ask Luffy. He saw the tapes. You guys looked really, I mean REALLY, happy together. You should have seen the way you slept with him in your arms. It…” Zoro’s face turned red as held up his hands for him to stop.

“I can’t believe you let Luffy watch the tapes before me.” Smoker pouted and pulled away from his lover. Ace stammered and tried to kiss up to the older man.

“I didn’t let him. He just took the tapes out of my work bag and watched it without permission. Baby, please believe me. You know I was planning on showing it to you as soon as possible. I had really hoped to watch it with you tonight. Maybe with a bottle of chocolate syrup and some fresh strawberries? You bring the handcuffs and I’ll bring nothing. Not even a pair of clothes.” Ace’s voice grew husky as he whispered all the nasty things he wanted his lover to do to him. The lecherous grin on Smoker’s face grew to monstrous proportions.

Luffy leaned in closer and made disgusted faces at his brother’s suggestions. His eyes grew wide and he jumped back. He slid his chair closer to Zoro and looked up at him.

“Can you really do that with a feather?”

“We really need to get you a girlfriend.” Zoro patted his young friend on the back and tried to ignore the obscene noises coming from the two across from them. He motioned for the waitress to bring them the check, and proceeded to get out his wallet.

“I’ve got it this time, gaki. Think of it as a coming out present.” He laughed at the evil glare sent his way by his nephew. His laughter dwindled as he let the amount of the tab sink in. ‘Holy Shit.’

Zoro snickered. “Thanks, but I’m not coming out. It was a one time drunken thing. You saw the look on his face when he saw me. It wasn’t supposed to happen. It’ll never happen again.” Zoro looked sorrowfully towards the exit. “Why celebrate things that can never be?”

****oSaM*****

Sanji couldn’t get Zoro’s grinning face out of his mind the entire time back to the hotel. Nami sat close to him chatting happily about this and that. When they got into the Lobby, she hesitated. Sanji turned to face her, and she blushed deeply.

“Sanji-kun, do you think maybe I could come up for a drink? I really hate for this wonderful evening to end so soon.” Nami cooed to him. She stepped forward and pushed her ample breast against his chest and played with his hair with her fingers.

Sanji stammered and stuttered his agreement, and the two made their way to the elevator. Usopp gave Nami a baffled look. He wondered why this guy was with her and not Zoro tonight. He took out his phone again and snapped a few pictures. One snapshot of the couple, and several of the indecent dress she was wearing. He might be married, but he was still a man. Besides, his friend Luffy would love these.

Inside the lift, Nami wrapped her arms around Sanji’s neck and whispered little flattering comments. She let her lips brush against the shell of his ear as she spoke. Sanji did his best to keep his hands in decent places on her as she moved against him. When the door opened, he escorted her to his door and quickly opened it. The desk lamp had been left on, giving a soft glow across the room. Sanji removed his suit jacket and hung it across the back of the chair. He winked at Nami as he opened the mini-fridge and selected the bottle of wine he had bought the day before. He wondered if it was fate that had him buy it now. He poured two glasses and handed one to the waiting woman.

“If you’ll excuse me a moment, I’ll be right back.” Sanji let his hand linger a moment under hers on the glass before pulling away. He quickly went into the bathroom and relieved himself. He washed his hands, brushed his teeth, and even combed his hair in record time. He left his shirt untucked and took off his tie, unbuttoning the top three buttons. It took a moment but he located the pack of condoms he kept stashed in his ditty bag. He slipped one into his pocket and walked back out to his guest. Nami had taken off her shoes and was standing on the balcony with her drink. Sanji grabbed his glass and joined her.

“To a beautiful evening with the most beautiful woman. I am honored to be in your presence.” Sanji lifted his glass in a toast. Nami giggled and raised her glass as well. With a soft clink, their glasses touched and each took a drink. Sanji smiled at the rosy tint to her cheeks. He was about to make a move when she raised her glass.

“To an extraordinary man, who’s cooking surpasses all others. It was my pleasure to be with you on this lovely night.” Nami gave him her most dazzling smile.

This time Sanji took a larger drink. He savored the sweet taste in his mouth before swallowing. It was a good vintage, well worth the money he paid. To share it with such a woman as this was only fitting. He took advantage of her staring out at the city to move in closer. He sat his half empty glass on the ledge before bending down and placing a kiss on her exposed shoulder. He placed his hands on her upper arms and caressed the skin with his thumbs. She hummed and closed her eyes, leaning her head to the side, allowing him better access. He continued his kisses up her neck and slowly slid his hands down her arms. When he reached her hands, he took he glass and sat it next to his own. He held her petite hands gently and pulled her back into the room. She came willingly and closed the distance between them as they approached the bed. She deftly went to work on the remaining buttons of his shirt. His lips brushed against her neck softly, sending shivers down her spine. Sanji felt lightheaded. He pulled back to look down at her. Nami’s eyes were half shut, a look of pleasure upon her face. She had undone his belt and was currently unzipping his pants. The room began to swim as he bent down to kiss those luscious red lips. Millimeters from his goal, everything went black.

*****oSaM*****

Zoro and Luffy came back to the loft together. Apparently Smoker had insisted that Ace keep his word about what was said at dinner. Zoro, in turn, insisted that they go to his uncle’s house because he had no desire to hear them screwing all night. Luffy immediately headed for Ace’s room to crash. His belly was full and he was running on very little sleep due to the exams. Zoro hung out in the main living area trying to get up enough courage to do what he wanted. With a mental kick to his own ass, he stomped over to Ace’s bag and began his search. There were several discs in there. Music, software, children’s movies… wait, children’s movies? He looked back at the titles and yelled.

“You fucking, son of a bitch, piece of shit, asshole bastard! I am not a damn frog!”

Feeling slightly better after his vocal outburst he took the two discs to his room. Fortunately his computer played DVDs, so he wouldn’t be subjected to watching this where Luffy could come in anytime. He shuddered at the thought of watching himself have sex with anyone at his side. He could just see Luffy asking all kinds of questions. ‘Why do you suck on a guy’s nipples?’ ‘Do you have to take the whole thing in your mouth?’ ‘Why do you put your fingers there first?’ ‘Does it hurt to bend like that?’ Let someone else teach the moron about sex. He refused.

Zoro inserted the first disc in and clicked play. His eyes widened at the scene before him. He didn’t realize it looked this hot from an outside perspective. No wonder Ace was so caught up in it. His body responded to the visual memories. Even thought he knew all of this happened, he couldn’t remember all of the pieces. When he saw how he ripped Sanji’s shirt open, the physical Zoro let out a low needy moan. The sound coming from his own body startled him. He looked to the door. Yes, he had locked it. He looked back to the screen and saw himself attack the blonde. He paused the playback and stood. This was too surreal. It was like watching a dream. He studied the intertwined bodies on screen and came to a decision.

With determined motions, he removed the black ensemble and stood in just his briefs. His large erection was barely contained beneath the waistband. He closed his eyes and stood there, thinking about all that had transpired in the last 24 hours. He had longed for something to happen. He had asked for a challenge and a reason for being. He asked for all these things, and life had given him a foul mouthed, sexy, blond haired, blue eyed cook that could bend in the most provocative ways. He had been given Sanji. Now the question was… ‘What was he going to do about it?’

Zoro looked back to his computer. His erect cock had begun weeping as he stood there looking at his almost naked form latched onto the blonde’s half dressed one. Zoro swallowed hard and sat back down in his desk chair. With slow determination he hit the play button. He watched as the recorded Sanji came in his hand. He reached into his shorts and freed himself from the tight confines. He began long slow strokes to his shaft, letting his thumb rub over the tip. He picked up the pace when he watched his own mouth engulf the long member. He remembered the taste of the other man as he tightened his grip. Guttural sounds filled his bedroom as he began stroking in time with his thrusts in the video. Watching Sanji’s expression as he came again sent him over the edge. He bit his lip to keep from shouting out the cook’s name. He closed his eyes and let the emotions wash over him.

Zoro had never been against same sex relationships. His best friend was practically married to his uncle. He himself had never partaken in one, because he couldn’t stand most gay men. They were either too feminine or major control freaks. Maybe if Ace hadn’t fallen in love with Smoker, he might have considered giving it a try. But somehow those two ran into each other one day, and things have never been the same since. Zoro didn’t even know his uncle was gay until He walked in on Ace giving him head one night. After his initial shock, he decided ground rules should be implemented for the loft. Number one was no head in the main room. Number two was no sex in the main room. Three and four were similar, but were designated for the kitchen. The bathroom was left as free space because it had a locking door. Still, the walls were thin and he hated bringing back a date when he knew the two of them would be there. It made it hard to get in the mood when all she would talk about is how hot it would be to see those two fuck each other.

Zoro opened his eyes and looked at the blank screen. He scowled at the sticky mess in his hand and reached for a discarded t-shirt to clean up with. He knew Ace would give him hell since it was his turn to do laundry, but Zoro really didn’t care. He removed his wet underwear and pulled on a pair of loose lounge pants, then inserted the second disc. At first all he could see was two guys sleeping. Then, he began to look closer. Sanji had curled up to Zoro’s chest and was using his bicep as a pillow. Zoro’s arms were wrapped protectively around the blonde, cradling him to his chest as if he were someone precious. Zoro could see contentment in both faces. This must be what Luffy and Ace were talking about.

His shoulders dropped as the image of Sanji’s terrified face in the restaurant came back. He might have enjoyed it, but there was no way the baka would accept it. Zoro would just have to cherish the memory and forget about recreating it. Besides, he left him a note with his number on it and the guy never called. He even went out with the witch from the night before. And at the same restaurant. The more Zoro thought about it, the more pissed he got.

“Fucking Ero-Cook.” He swore under his breath.

*****oSaM*****

Zoro was still slightly put off when he arrived at work the next morning. Usually when he had a day off, he would be there an hour early, just to catch up on what had happened the day before. Today he punched in at exactly 0800. He no sooner sat at his desk when his phone rang.

“Zoro here.”

“Um, yes sir. This is Sally up at the Front Desk. I have a man up here demanding to be let in to one of the rooms. He’s a guest here too, but it’s not his room he wants access to. What do I do? He’s very upset.” The girl sounded frightened. In the background Zoro could hear a familiar screeching.

“What room?”

“424 sir. He says it’s his boss’s room, but we have no way to confirm that.”

Zoro sighed. He just couldn’t be rid of the bastard. “Tell him I’ll be right there.” He hung up and walked to the mirror. He fixed his hair back down in a neat style, straightened his tie and donned his jacket. He had yet to meet this guy face to face, but from his voice, Zoro knew he would be a pain in the ass as well.

In the Lobby, Bon Kurei continued to yell at the crying girl behind the counter. Yosaku was there trying to comfort her and also argue with the irate man. Zoro’s eye began to twitch as he took in the ridiculous outfit the man was wearing. He didn’t know whether to laugh or throw up. Zoro cautiously approached him from behind.

“Is there a problem here?” Zoro’s voice was firm, but not overly loud. Apparently it was exactly what was needed. Bon Kurei turned around quickly and beamed. The sudden change in demeanor made Yosaku’s head spin. He looked bewildered as his boss calmed the man down with a simple question.

“Mon ami. S’il vous plait! Monsieur Sanji will not answer his door. I’ve tried calling him, pounding on the door and nothing. Il est inutile! Were you with him last night?” Bon Kurei was very good with voices and he knew without a doubt that the man before him was the one he had spoke with on the phone yesterday. Maybe he was just panicking and everything was fine. He took a few deep breaths to calm down.

Zoro fought to hide his blush as the onlookers leaned in for the possible gossip topic. “I saw him last night at dinner. He went out with some redhead from his class. They left together, so maybe he’s in her room. I’m sorry but I don’t remember her name.”

“Merde. Can you take me up there to check his room then? We should be leaving for the airport at noon. We still have to get packed and check out of here.” This was not good. Things did not go as he and the bartender had hoped. Sanji had left with the woman anyway. Things couldn’t get any worse.

“Of course. We always see to the safety of our guests. I’m sure that he would appreciate you being such a good friend as well. Yosaku, see if someone can cover for her and take her back to my office to settle down.” Zoro gestured to the sniffling desk attendant. She was no longer frightened, but clearly still upset. “Check the card access and see if our guest even came back last night. Then check the video feeds from last night and see if he left his room.” He gave a stern look to all the people gathered around them. “Everyone, please, continue about you day. My friend has just gotten a little over excited about not being able to get his co-worker awake.”

The crowd disbursed and Bon Kurei hurried over to the elevator. When they came to Sanji’s door, Zoro knocked loudly.

“Oi, Ero-Cook! Wake your ass up!” Zoro wanted to laugh at the shocked expression on the…. um… man, woman… what the hell was he anyway?

After a few more attempts, Zoro cursed and pulled out his master key. What greeted them was completely unexpected. The entire room was trashed. Papers were strewn across the room. Sanji’s clothes were tossed out and his suitcase torn to shreds. His cutlery case was taken apart, knives lying on the floor. Bon Kurei let out a screech and pointed to the bed. Under the blanket a pair of bare feet could be seen. Without another thought, Zoro rushed in and pulled the blanket back. Sanji was naked but alive. Zoro took a deep breath to steady himself. He needed to be calm about this. He surveyed the room again. Whatever the thief was looking for was either gone now, or had never been there to begin with.

“Is he ok?” The dark haired transvestite was openly bawling.

“He’s alive. We need to call this in.” Zoro was reaching for his phone when Sanji groaned. He stopped and leaned over the blonde looking for any signs of pain in his expression.

“What the fuck happened?” Sanji’s voice was thick with sleep. His heavy eyes fought to open. When he was able to focus, he recognized the looming figure. “Damn it Marimo! This is the second day in a row that I have to wake up to his fucking screeching and your ugly face.” Sanji rubbed his eyes to rid the bits of sleep still clinging to them. Zoro gave him a cocky smile and replied.

“Even worse, you woke up with me in your bed and you’re naked.” Zoro began laughing when the color drained from Sanji’s face as the words sank in. He got up and tossed the comforter back over the mortified man. “So what do you remember from last night?”

It took a moment, but finally he answered.

“We came back here. I opened a bottle of wine. We started kissing. Then it goes blank.” Sanji
Sat up and looked around, unaware of the amount of skin he was again showing. “Nami! Is she ok? Where is she?”

“Sanji, cherie, I told you that she was trouble. I’m afraid that she is not with you. It is likely that she is the one who has done this.” Bon Kurei shook his head sadly.

“She couldn’t have. She was so sweet, and lovely. How could you accuse her of such a thing?” Sanji yelled at them. He jumped when ‘Pain’ began playing from Zoro’s vicinity.

“Zoro here… Yes we’re in… Yah we figured that out… Shit… Ok, what time was that? … Keep looking.” Zoro scowled. He knew that woman was a bitch from the moment he set eyes on her in the bar.

“What? Have they found Nami?” Sanji stood clutching the comforter around his hips.

“Not yet, but don’t worry we will. Fucking bitch.” He spat the last part out with such venom that Sanji didn’t even try to correct him. “Your little date from last night took your access card from you pocket and left the room only to return with a bag at 2115. I have one of my guys watching the feed to see when she left again. It seems that she was after something besides you. What else would you have that would interest her?”

Bon Kurei watched the two men interact. He could see the ease with which they spoke. How could he and the soft spoken raven in the bar have been so far off in their assessment? He started picking up the scattered clothing. He accounted for all of his friend’s clothing except for his favorite blue shirt.

“Sanji, where is the blue one? I know you would never get rid of it. It’s your favorite after all.” He held up all the other shirts for Sanji to see.

Sanji blushed and turned his attention back to Zoro, who too was blushing. Neither said a word and neither had to. Bon Kurei got the answer he needed. It was obvious the shirt had died a martyr’s death. He smiled as he handed Sanji a set of clothes.

“Mon ami, you should get dressed. I’ll help you cover the marks when you’re done.” His voice was kind and gentle, still whiny, but tolerable. Sanji blushed deeper, the color reaching down his chest. The tall man guided his friend to the bathroom and turned to Zoro. “I do not know what happened between the two of you, but if you break his heart, I will see that you suffer. Sanji is a good man and deserves a good partner. You should either get off your high-horse and fix this, or stay the hell away from him in the future.”

Zoro’s jaw dropped. He had no idea how to respond to a statement like that. He grew angry again with the accusation that the strange tension between them was his fault. He flipped open his phone and placed a call.

“Ace, tell Uncle I need a detective sent over. There’s been a problem here at the hotel… Yah, room 424... Seriously. We need an APB put out on the redhead… No, he’s fine… No, I don’t need you to come. Just tell him.” Zoro kept his rage filled eyes on the man his entire call. When he closed the phone he turned to leave. “You’re lucky I have connections at the Police Department. This will be kept under wraps. Our investigation will be discrete; you and your boss will not be inconvenienced any further than the initial questioning. Do not touch anything else until the officer gets here.”

Sanji exited the bathroom as Zoro reached the door. He looked into the stern black eyes and saw the raw pain. He took a step forward, but Zoro yanked open the door and hurried out. Sanji stood there looking at the closed door for several minutes before he walked out to the balcony. He remained silent, lighting cigarette after cigarette until Smoker and Ace showed up. Ace immediately rushed to Sanji’s side.

“Are you OK? What happened?” Ace checked him over for injuries, noting only the uncovered blemishes on his neck. “Don’t worry. My koibito will get her and whatever it was she has taken.”

“But that’s just it. She hasn’t taken anything. All my valuables are still here. My knives, my laptop, my wallet, my clothes, everything is still here. There was nothing that she could have been looking for. I didn’t even have anything on the computer. I just bought it before I left New York.” Sanji hung his head. “She played me like a fool. I’ve slept with many women, but this one was the first to try anything like this. And, I fell right into it. Damn, I’m such a fucking idiot!” Sanji slammed his hand down on the balcony rail.

“Don’t beat yourself up. We all make bad choices. It’s the choices that follow the bad ones that help us redeem ourselves.” Ace smiled reassuringly at the blonde. He patted Sanji on the back before returning to assist Smoker.

Nami’s prints were lifted from the balcony door, and her DNA from the saliva on the wine glass. They left Sanji and Bon Kurei with the promise of bringing her to justice.

Down stairs, Zoro dove headfirst into his daily work. He had papers to sign, people to check on, the next week’s roster to fill out, and his Uncle would be calling him back soon. Yosaku brought him a cup of coffee and a cinnamon roll.

Three hours later he walked out to begin his rounds. Across the Lobby, Sanji was just leaving the building. The blonde turned and a single blue eye met a pair of saddened black. Sanji gave him a halfhearted smile and turned back to the waiting cab. Zoro took a few steps towards the doors but halted when the cab pulled away. There went his last chance. Or so he thought. A hand rested gently on his forearm. He looked down at it and followed it up to its owner. It was Sally, from the Front Desk.

“He asked me to give you this.” She smiled and gave his arm a gentle squeeze. A folded piece of paper was presented to him.

He stood there holding it, debating if he had the courage to open it. ‘Why not.’ He unfolded it to reveal a short but to the point note. It was written on company letterhead from a restaurant called Baratie.

Thanks
Call me
555-0302