Work Text:
“Uh, Curls, what are you doing?” Zoro asks as his roommate, who is currently curled into a ball vaping in the corner of their shared kitchen, surrounded by countless cakes.
“What the fuck does it look like I’m doing? I’m failing is what I’m doing. I am being a disgrace to chefs everywhere is what I’m doing.” He gestures around wildly, “Not one of these fucking soufflés has come out the way they are supposed to, and Zeff trusted me to perfect this fucking recipe before we debut them next weekend and it is now Wednesday and I have nothing!”
“God, you’re so dramatic, tell me what is wrong with this one?” He points at the nearest plate, to a cake that he deems perfectly acceptable, and would be appetizing if the cook didn’t overload it with so much powdered sugar. Sanji looks at him with disbelief, gesturing that it should be obvious. Zoro only responds with a slightly annoyed but still confused face, waiting for an explanation.
Sanji takes this as his invitation to vent further, as he stands from where he was previously seated to go through his entire catalog of soufflés in assorted ramekins and serving trays. “This is the first one I tried making, I made a beginners mistake and didn’t use room temperature eggs before whipping the egg whites, it sank into itself after it was plated.” He said pointing to the aforementioned soufflé. “This one was over-baked,” he pointed to the next ramekin, “this one was under whipped,” and he went so on and so on, finding trivial things to nitpick his own recipes on.
“Do they not teach you how to make all these fancy ass recipes in the school you are in debt to attend?” Zoro states in a matter of factly tone. “I am a CULINARY ARTS major, studying to be a chef, not a pastry chef, but you would know that if you took even a second to think before you spoke.” Sanji retorts in an exasperated manner, walking off to the couch to return to his sulking.
Zoro scoffed and sat next to him, seemingly unaffected by the situation while scrolling on his phone. After a short while he perked up and shoved his phone in the cook’s face. “Well if I am sooooo dumb, then tell me how I managed to find a soufflé workshop happening this Friday at 4:30pm? It works out perfectly with your class that ends at 3:30, and your shift at 7:00, AND it’s also discounted for GLU students to attend. So HA.”
Sanji didn’t know where to begin, from the mosshead being able to figure out a solution to his problem with something that he didn’t even think about, to the memorization of his class schedule and consideration for budget he was left speechless. After a second he smiled and spoke, “That was actually very thoughtful mosshead, I don’t know where to begin.”
Zoro pretended not to notice his own face heating up. “You can start by reimbursing me for the registration fee, I am trying to buy your ticket but it’s not letting me select units that are less than 2.”
“Maybe you’re so ugly you broke the website.”
“Or maybe it heard you were attending and the website crashed itself.”
Sanji snorted and the both of them ended up taking a second to laugh at the ridiculousness of their responses. “Even for you that was childish.” Sanji spoke, wiping away a tear from laughing. Both looked softly at each other before turning their heads away simultaneously. “Whatever, the site is still not working, I think you just need to bring someone along, have anyone in mind?”
“Oh I can call Nami and see if she would be interested!” Sanji all but ran to his phone to dial her number. Picking it up to his ear, “Oh Nami-swaaannnn what are you doing this Friday afternoon?” He cooed into the phone, earning an eye roll from Zoro in the process. “Oh a date with Vivi! That’s alright, never mind then, I wouldn’t want to interrupt the evening of two lovely ladies like yourselves”. Now visibly deflated, he shook it off, “Oh don’t worry about it Nami! It was unimportant anyways.” He continued, “I won’t take up much more of your time for now, it was wonderful talking to you, see you later!”
He resumed his spot next to Zoro as he continued to try the rest of their friend group, but to no avail. Robin is the TA of a section that met at 5, Ussop is scheduled for an afternoon shift at the bike repair shop he works at, poor Chopper has classes from sunrise to sunset every day of the week, and Franky has an appointment for a new prosthetic leg that day.
“Should I try Luffy next?” Sanji sighed, looking at Zoro. “You would rather go down the list, and get to Luffy, before asking if I was interested?” Zoro said, trying (but failing) not to sound genuinely hurt, “Luffy is my man, but we both know he would be a bull in a china shop in a kitchen. I don’t like expect an invitation if you don’t want me to be there, but I wouldn’t mind it and you know” he looked to the cook, desperate for him to say anything to save him from his uncharacteristic rambling, but that bitch stayed silent, “it would cost the registration fee in half, and my training also ends at 3:00 so I would be-” he was cut off by Sanji. “Jesus fucking Christ I’m sorry I didn’t think you wanted to go so bad. Is the mossy growing soft on me?” He teased.
Zoro winced and attempted to walk away with a scoff before Sanji grabbed the back of his hoodie, making Zoro turn around and look at him again, “Wait! I’m sorry that was too much, I honestly just didn’t think you would be interested. I would actually really enjoy it if you came with me.” At his apology Zoro’s face softened and Sanji continued, “besides I need somebody to be worse than I am at making soufflés so I am not alone,” he snickered. “You wish dart brow, I’ll mop the floor with your poor excuses of cakes.”
“They’re SOUFFLÉS.”
--
Once the registration was paid for, Sanji took a look around the mess in the kitchen. “I probably should call Luffy though, I need someone to clear out these soufflés for me.” Zoro only nodded in response.
Not even twenty minutes later, did Luffy plop down on the couch, content with the assortment of soufflés consumed in record speed. Zoro takes the spot next to him, with Sanji taking a seat at the desk chair. “Are y’all down for some Fortnite? I brought my switch!” Luffy questioned. Sanji responded “Jesus fucking Christ yes, I’ll take the PC if Zoro wants the TV, but for the love of God Luffy don’t spend your money on stupid shit like the fucking skibidi toilet backbling.”
“Shishishishi, no promises.”
--
The week came and went, with business going on as usual. What else was life to college students if not class, work, weed, maybe the gym, and friends. For Sanji and Zoro their routine consisted of early morning breakfast, before a race to GLU’s recreational center where Sanji ran while Zoro lifted. Followed by a full schedule for the both of them before meeting up back at their shared dorm for an attempted peaceful dinner watching whatever show they didn’t curb stomp the other for even suggesting. Once dinner was done Sanji would be off to his shift at the Baratie and would not return until the late hours of the night, where he would either be greeted to the crew hanging out in the living room, and/or a sleepy Zoro.
However, Friday was different. Sanji wasn’t exactly sure what made it so different from any other hang out, but he wanted to make sure that it was special. Zoro wasn’t an awful cook by any means, and he can definitely be trusted in the kitchen, but there was something so exciting about learning a new skill together.
--
After his last class for the day ended, he felt a ping in his pocket. Sanji picked up the phone to read a text from Luffy.
Luffy: have fun on your date sanji! :D i call dibs on all the scratched cakes so don’t throw those out or give them away! :3333
Sanji: Hardi har har, if this class is worth it there won’t be any scratched soufflés to give you.
Sanji: Buuuutttt I would be happy to make them for you any time!
Sanji: ALSO, it’s NOT a date. Don’t go around spreading rumors like that.
Luffy: yippee! and whatever you say ;3
Lighting a cigarette, Sanji brushed Luffy’s comments off, why think anything of teasing. So what Zoro was his bi awakening freshman year. That silly crush was over and done with, they have both grown so much over the past 3 years since everyone became friends, and have only respected each other as friends. Why try and insert something into a dynamic he has grown so comfortable with for so long.
--
Upon getting home, he showered and got ready for his NOT date, but casual hang out. Opting for functionality rather than presentation, he dressed himself in business casual, with his sleeves rolled up to allow for more movement in the kitchen. He was sure they would provide aprons so he didn’t have to worry about his clothes getting ruined in the process.
Sanji was surprised to come out and find Zoro completely ready in the living room wearing a black turtleneck and jeans. For such a simple outfit, he really pulled it off well. “Guess even mossheads like you can clean up nice huh” Sanji teased, earning a scoff from Zoro. “You’re just jealous I can look attractive without having to wear a 10 piece set up everywhere I go.” Zoro chuckled before dodging a swift kick to the face, immediately countering with a punch to the air as Sanji moved out of the way in time.
“Your weak punches are going to make us late mossy, let's just go,” Sanji ushered Zoro out the door before he could sputter out another dig on Sanji.
--
Sanji was buzzing with excitement, more than anything he was finally going to perfect his soufflé recipe and stick it to that old geezer for ever doubting him. Not that Zeff ever said he couldn’t do it, but he offered to help and that was somehow worse. His pride actively preventing him from accepting some much needed advice. Plus baking classes are fun, you get to learn with others and also feel good about your mistakes because no one is judging. There is no grade, no timer, just pure community and good vibes while Sanji gets to be in his natural element kicking soufflé’s ass. Zoro was the perfect addition to this equation, he loves math and measurements, baking would come easy to him.
Upon approaching the venue, Sanji began to pale. Surely this couldn’t be the class that Zoro had registered them for? On a big banner it wrote, “Early Valentine’s Lovers Soufflé Workshop! All Lovers Welcome!”. He saw Zoro freeze as they both realized what they had signed up for, the heat rising to both of their faces. “No fucking way” Sanji started, “can you not read! How did this happen?”
Zoro looked just as lost as Sanji did, not having a good enough reason or response he simply said, “I guess I just didn’t catch it.” Sanji groaned and took Zoro by the hand, leading him closer to the entrance before stopping. “We already paid for this shit, why back down. Are you okay with pretending for a couple hours Zoro? We can leave if you are uncomfortable.” Zoro only nodded in response, “I’m fine curly let’s just get on with it, it’s not like we need to fuck in front of the class.”
Sanji snorted out a laugh as he led Zoro by the hand to the entrance. “Hello, Reservation for 2, should be under Roronoa Zoro.” Sanji said as he spoke to the hostess. After scrolling through her guest list she nodded and led them to their working station, already outfitted with themed decorations and kitchen utensils. Everything from shaped ramekins, to heart shaped measuring spoons was displayed for them. Along with the ingredients to make the soufflé itself.
Of course Sanji had to check if the eggs were room temperature, and surprise surprise they were. He internally knocked himself in the head for that kind of rookie behavior he displayed earlier in the week. Never again, he promised himself.
“God all of this shit reminds me of my sister’s kitchen, everything with the fucking theme,” Zoro started “It’s all black cherry scents and ghost themed decor with her. At least here Stevie Wonder is playing, with Perona it’s all old goth bands that everyone cringes at now” Sanji snickered before responding, “Yeah well at least she has a personality, all you have going for you is your muscles that take up 90% of your head space. Also MCR is not cringe, and I will die defending them.” Sanji says, ready to get in Zoro’s face like they would in any other setting before Zoro grabs his shoulder gently to stop him.
“Careful now curls, we don’t want to be one of those couples that fight before the class even gets started now do you.” Zoro warned. “Since when have you cared about what other people think about you?” Sanji asked. “Since it involves you,” his voice softened just a fraction, but still kept that edge. “This class is for you, I don’t want your experience dampened because of the people around us making assumptions without knowing you and your damn good cooking.”
Sanji blinked, completely caught off guard, his thoughts racing a million miles a second. Before he could gather any of them the chefs came in.
“Good afternoon everyone! I am so glad we could all make it today. I am Chef Chiffon and this,” she gestured at the man next to her, “is my handsome husband and business partner Bege.” Bege greeted everyone with a wave before speaking, “With Valentine’s Day coming up so soon, I bet we are all anxious to provide the best quality desserts we can give to our loved ones,” he said while holding Chiffon’s hand, “so we are here to make that happen. I am going to let Chiffon take the lead on lecturing, while I, along with some of our other assistants, will go around making sure that everyone is on the right track and even provide some tips and advice if the need arises. We are here to make sure that you get the best out of this experience. If you feel insecure just know that I am not a trained chef, only my wife is, and I am sure many of us can relate to that feeling of our dishes not being good enough. Just know that all skill levels are welcome here.”
True to his word Bege stepped back and walked to the back of the venue, where the other assistants were waiting for the actual lecture to begin. Sanji took this chance to scan all the other couples, and they all seemed very excited and happy, so why did he feel so anxious?
Chiffon began, her voice warm and commanding. “Tonight, we’re not just making soufflés. We’re learning about trust, communication, and the magic that happens when two people work together. Think of the soufflé as a metaphor for your own relationships, delicate, slightly difficult, but ultimately capable of extraordinary heights when handled with care.”
Bege, arms crossed and eyes scanning the room, added dryly, “And if it flops, don’t worry. You’ll get over it. Probably.”
A ripple of laughter ran through the room, easing the nervous energy. Sanji looked to Zoro, who was hyper focused on the instructions that were being handed out. He was glad that Zoro was getting into it, and decided to put all of his anxieties away so that they could have a good time together. Fake relationship be damned, they were going to make one damned good fucking soufflé.
--
Step 1: Mise en Place
Chiffon gestured toward the now carefully measured ingredients. “In French cooking, we call this ‘mise en place,’ or ‘everything in its place.’ It’s the first step to any successful dish.”
Zoro looked at the list again and then at their ingredients, making sure that they had measured it all out perfectly. “Sanji, checklist.” “Got it.”
“4 tablespoons (56g) unsalted butter, cut into 4 pieces”
“Yep”
“4 ounces (113g) semi-sweet chocolate, coarsely chopped”
“You know it”
“3 large eggs, separated”
“We spent like five minutes on one egg alone, yeah we got it.”
“1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract”
“Right here”
“1/8 teaspoon salt”
“Yes”
“1/8 teaspoon cream of tartar”
“Present”
“3 tablespoons (38g) granulated sugar”
“We should cut it in half since you don’t like sugar but yes it’s all here.”
Zoro hummed in approval and continued listening to the lecture. “Preheat your toaster ovens to 400°F,” Chiffon continued, “and generously butter your ramekins, then coat them with sugar. This creates a non-stick surface and helps your soufflés rise evenly.”
Bege stood by a couple next to them fumbling with their ramekin. “More butter,” he muttered. “Don’t skimp. You want the soufflé to slide out, not cling for dear life.” Sanji made a mental note and quickly added more butter.
--
Step 2: Melting the chocolate and butter
“Now,” Chiffon said, picking up her saucepan, “we melt the chocolate and butter together. You can do this in your toaster oven for now, but once at home you can totally feel comfortable to throw this chocolate in the microwave, but keep the heat low. Burnt chocolate is no one’s friend.”
“Cook, I think I burnt the chocolate,” Zoro said sheepishly
“God fu-” he caught himself midway, “it’s okay Zoro, let’s just try again.”
Their second attempt was more successful and Zoro couldn’t help but beam at Sanji for finally getting the melting process correct. Sanji found himself getting flustered and clumsy with his mixing while trying to ignore that familiar pang in his heart.
Bege moved between them, inspecting their progress. “Don’t rush it,” he advised Sanji. “Stir until it’s smooth. No lumps, no excuses.” Sanji nodded and continued with more care.
Once melted, Chiffon reminded everyone to let the mixture cool slightly before moving to the next step.
--
Step 3: Mixing in the egg yolks
“Now we’ll whisk the egg yolks into the chocolate mixture,” Chiffon explained. “Add them one at a time and mix until fully combined. Then stir in the vanilla extract.”
“Oh hey Zoro, might wanna speed it up. Don’t want the chocolate to cool too much.” Sanji chirped in quickly.
“Thank you Sanji.”
--
Step 4: Whipping the egg whites
God Sanji was dreading this bit, it’s not like he’s never done it before in his life, he has just never struggled to perfect it so hard.
“This is where the magic happens,” Chiffon said, her enthusiasm somewhat comforting Sanji, but not by much. “We’re whipping the egg whites with cream of tartar and a pinch of salt. This step is critical because the air you whip into the whites is what makes the soufflé rise.”
Using electric mixers, the couples began whipping. “When the whites are foamy,” Chiffon instructed, “gradually add the sugar, one tablespoon at a time. Keep whipping until stiff peaks form.”
“I guess we really needed the sugar, sorry Zoro, I hope you’re okay with having overly sweet soufflé.” Sanji apologized, continuing to whip up the egg whites. “I can promise you it’s no big deal, I knew this from the get go. I am just glad this class is going so well.” Zoro responded
“Yeah me too actually, you’re not bad in the kitchen mosshead, maybe I should keep you around more often.” Sanji bumped his hip into Zoro’s. In return Zoro got behind him and rested his chin on Sanji’s shoulder overseeing the electric mixers. “Yeah maybe this will show you that I can be trusted to take care of dinner more often, you deserve a break too curls.”
“HAHA YEAH MayBE.” Sanji awkwardly responded, trying not to think too much about the new weight on his shoulder, or what that meant.
Before he knew it, he had the perfect stiff peaks and Zoro shifted to give Sanji a high five for completing his redemption arc. “FUCK YEAH!” Sanji couldn’t hold back his excitement for finally getting these stupid fucking egg whites right and Zoro erupted in laughter at Sanji’s reaction, grabbing his shoulder to hold himself up, eventually removing it not before lingering a little bit too long at the cook’s forearm.
Sanji was not oblivious to these subtle touches, but was trying very hard to not get his hopes up. He cannot afford to lose Zoro as a friend by having these buried feelings come up again to haunt him.
--
Step 5 - Folding the Mixtures
“Now comes the delicate part,” Chiffon said, lifting a spatula. “You’re going to fold the whipped egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Do this in three additions, being gentle to preserve the air in the batter.”
Sanji felt nervous entrusting this part to Zoro, but everyone needs to learn somehow. Plus Bege is on standby.
For good reason too, Zoro was being too rough with their baby! The souffle batter of course…
“Whoa, whoa,” Bege said, raising a hand. “You’re not churning butter. Gentle folds, from the bottom up. Think of it like coaxing a soufflé to rise, not beating it into submission.” Zoro got into the groove of it after a second and Bege left their work center satisfied after seeing how light and airy the mixture became.
--
Step 6 - Baking
They were almost done! Last stretch before they’re home free. “Time to bake!” Chiffon announced. “Divide the batter evenly into your prepared ramekins, filling each about three-quarters full. Smooth the tops, then run your thumb around the rim to create a clean edge, this helps the soufflé rise straight.”
Sanji was careful to make sure that these were done with precision and care. They’re at the final step and they cannot afford a slip up. The ramekins went into the oven, and Chiffon set a timer for 12-14 minutes. “Now, the hardest part, no peeking! A soufflé needs consistent heat, and opening the oven door can ruin all your hard work.”
Bege smirked, “Think of it like trust. If you keep checking, you’re only going to cause problems.”
Why was Sanji lowkey gaining valuable relationship advice rn? God if everyone could be like the lovely lady Chiffon and Bege this world would be a better place. Zoro was just staring at the soufflé through the toaster oven window. “And yet I was the crazy one for obsessing over the soufflés at home?” Sanji teased. “Yeah but you were chain vaping blueberry razz and practically begging the soufflé gods to give you a chance, I already know that our cake fucking rocks. I just want to make sure of it.”
“Chain vaping is so stupid, you’re so stupid.”
“Yeah but you wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“I guess you’re right.”
--
When the timer dinged, Zoro carefully removed the tray from the oven, revealing a perfectly risen soufflé with a beautiful brown golden color. “HAHA LOOK AT THAT ZORO!” Sanji was beyond excited and could hardly stop himself from hugging his baking partner after he put the tray down. “Congratulations cook! You made your first successful soufflé.” “Nuh uh, we did it!” Sanji corrected him.
After sprinkling it with powdered sugar and topping with some sliced strawberries, they both sat and indulged in the rich chocolatey flavor along with the other couples. Zoro noted that the cake was surprisingly not too sweet. “I asked for dark chocolate for our second attempt at melting, in case you were wondering why it’s not as sweet as expected.” Sanji confessed. “It’s really good cook. Thank you.” Zoro grabbed Sanji’s hand and held it until it was time to leave, Sanji reciprocating and holding Zoro’s hand just as tight.
Sanji thanked the chef before they left, and asked for permission to use her recipe at the Baratie, which she agreed to as long as she got the credit and a shout out on the new official menu.
The walk to Sanji’s car was peaceful, and Sanji couldn’t be more proud of the both of them. They walked hand in hand before Zoro spoke up, “I think we’re far enough to where we don’t need to hold hands anymore if you don’t want to.” Sanji responded with, “do you want to let go?”
“Well… no”
“Then neither do I.”
Thank god it was getting dark, or the redness on Zoro’s face would’ve been spotted from a mile away.
Once at the car Sanji let go to face Zoro. “I could be reading this all wrong, but are you interested in me?” Zoro laughed and asked “has it not been obvious for the past 3 years? I thought you were the one not interested in me?”
Sanji stood there slack jawed, “Are you fucking kidding me?! That’s so unfair you were literally my bi awakening, I liked you first really.”
“Is this a competition now?” Zoro asked
“If it was I would have won because from the moment I met you I could not get you off of my mind and everything made sense and I like kicked those feelings down, but now they’re coming up again and I really like you Zoro.”
“Can I kiss you?” Zoro asked
“God please do.” Their lips connected and everything that had been unspoken since they first realized their attraction was poured out. The kiss only ending when they needed to break apart for air. “I really like you too,” Zoro said, connecting his forehead to Sanji’s. Sanji leaned in for another kiss, this one more desperate with more teeth as Sanji trailed from Zoro’s lips to his jawline and ear lobe. Nipping at the skin by his earrings.
“We should head back to the apartment.” Sanji said, and they both piled into the car.
--
The next Tuesday, Sanji submitted the drafts for the new menu items.
“Baratie’s Soufflé for Two Limited Time Valentine’s Specials!
Mosshead’s Matcha Strawberry Soufflé (Sous Chef’s Favorite!)
Chiffon and Bege Chocolate Dream Soufflé
Bellemere Farm’s Orange Soufflé with Citrus Coulis
Classic Golden Vanilla Soufflé”