Sanji Fic - Tumblr Posts
HI GUYS IM ALIVE I SWEAR, IVE BEEN MEANING TO WORK ON MY SANJI FIC I SWEAR YOU'LL GET AN UPDATE THIS WEEK
Food Critic
sanji x reader
[2.4k words] [I'm working on the second part!! stay tuned]
a/n: hii! this is my first sanji fiction, hope you enjoy it. I would love to hear your thoughts about it and my reqs are open. there aren't any trigger or spoiler warnings on this fic.
summary: food critic reader goes to Baratie to enjoy a nice evening and analyze the restaurant without knowing what awaits her; a couple of romantic moments with the sous chef of the restaurant. 'apologies madam' scene included with slight changes and much more...
‘I’m going to be the greatest food critic of all time!’
The phrase echoed in your head as you stood outside the restaurant on water, otherwise known as ‘Baratie’. Ever since you were a little kid, you had one particular dream: To become one of the most respected food critics alive.
In a world full of pirates and bounty hunters, some may say your goal was boring, ordinary. Rather than fighting sea creatures and thieves, you were going from one restaurant to another, tasting all of their signature dishes; taking notes about the flavors in your mouth and the emotions each dish has brought you.
Don’t they say to follow your passion? Food has always been yours. You never saw it as a ‘boring’ task, you were enthusiastic about it.
It all started when you were a little kid; you sat there in the kitchen, watching your grandmother cook delicious smelling meals. To you, those were the best times of your childhood. Watching her skilfully chop up the vegetables, hearing the simmering pots, seeing the baked goods rise in the oven…
All of it brought you a sense of comfort. As you grew older, she allowed you to help her in the kitchen, teaching you each spice and many knife tricks.
When she sadly passed away, you were only 12. Needless to say she was your favorite relative, you made her a promise at her funeral, to learn the dishes all across the four seas.
It was her dream but when she started a family, she had to quit pursuing her goal. So you took it upon you and made her a vow in which you don't intend on breaking.
***
Once you stepped into the restaurant, you found yourself admiring the interior. Baratie’s ambiance was astonishing. You’ve been in many restaurants overseas but this place was nothing like you’ve ever seen before.
The open floor plan made the place look elegant. The choices of colors maroon, beige and wooden brown added more to the elegant look as well as the wrought iron handrails on the balconies of the second floor. The lightning was dim and there wasn’t much sunlight due to the lack of windows; it made the restaurant more alluring and mysterious.
While you were busy observing the interior, one of the hosts of the restaurant greeted you, saying
‘Welcome to Baratie, how can I help you?’
‘I would like to have a seat.’ you said, looking kindly at the man.
‘Do you have a reservation ma’am?’ He said, looking at you then directing his attention to the line behind you that had just been formed.
‘No, I don’t have one. Would it be a problem?’ You asked, batting your eyelashes. You weren’t the most experienced critic considering your age but you knew how to use your charm to get what you wanted.
He quickly looked down at the tables, searching for an available spot. There were some empty tables but looking at his attitude, you can tell that the restaurant didn’t want just any customer: Especially the ones who who looked like they could easily stir some trouble up. Lucky for you, you knew how to clean up nicely.
‘Normally, we’re very full today but we’ll be making an exception for you ma’am. If you’ll follow me...’
You followed him down the stairs just like he asked you to and he led you to your table. When you sat down, you sank into the velvety cushion of the dark red booth.
‘Here is the menu. Your waiter will be with you shortly.’
‘Thank you, sir.’
You began to wait for your waiter, as you were told. The antique table lamp’s soft yellow light reflected on your face while you listened to the background noise: Classy jazz, waiters rushing in and out of the kitchen, customers’ enjoying their dishes while chatting and clinking their glasses of wine…
Everything seemed peaceful until you heard the yelling noise coming from the kitchen. You directed your gaze towards the kitchen door, curious about what’s happening inside. Seconds after that, you saw a tall blonde man get out of the kitchen, looking annoyed as he quickly wore his jacket.
He stopped by a table full of appetizers and got a plate in his hand, holding it up to carry it around the tables.
Just as he was making his way to a nearby table, a fight seemed to occur right in front of him. Two guys were fighting over the table, the one already sitting at the table claiming it is his right to sit on the table, the other telling the opposite.
They began to talk more aggressively and one of them threw a plate of food that was sitting on the table as the blonde man stopped in front of them flashing a smile, saying
‘Now now, gentleman. You know the rules here, we don’t waste food. And there’s no fighting at Baratie.’
They didn’t seem to care about the blonde as they continued their bickering. He offered to pour them each a glass of Ithürzburger Stein, free of charge in hopes of stopping the chaos which was disturbing the other customers.
They seemed to like the idea at first, but that didn’t stop one of them from pulling his gun out only a few seconds later. The blonde was quick, just as he saw the gun he kicked the guy’s hand and sent it flying straight to the floor. He blew a few more kicks and in a blink of an eye, the two customers were laying on the ground.
After the fast paced sequence, he didn’t change his calm and -more so- annoyed attitude one bit. He took his appetizer plate back in his hand, let out a sigh and proceeded to walk away exclaiming
‘No cause for alarm, folks. Please enjoy your meals.’
Then, he walked straight to your table while being busy eyeing other tables. Without paying attention to your face or your figure, the words fell quickly from his lips.
‘Hi, welcome to our shitty restaurant where the only thing worse than the ambiance is the food. My name is Sanji, what can I get for you?’
‘Shitty ambiance? I couldn't take my eyes off of it ever since I came here.’
Hearing the sound of your voice, he swiftly turned his gaze on you. His expression of annoyance left its place to a more loving, soft look. He ever so slightly tilted his head to the left and put on a little smirk on his face.
‘Apologies madam, didn’t see you there.’
The tone of irritation in his voice was completely gone and now it was much more... suave.
‘You’re liking the ambiance eh? Can’t say the same about the second part ‘cuz you’ll be the only thing I can’t take my eyes off of tonight.’
You did not expect the bold flirtatious act nor the quick word play from him. Given that he caught you off guard, you were thankful for the dim lights as you felt your cheeks getting warmer. As you remained silent, he continued
‘Will you care for an aperitif to start? Or maybe a beverage. We have several rare Micqueot vintages in stock…’
‘Actually, I would love to have a glass of Umeshu.’
‘I should’ve figured. Y’know, something sweet for.. someone sweet.’ He winked as he said the last part. He was shamelessly flirting with you. You turned your head sideways to avoid staring at his eyes for a second.
Normally, it would give you the ick but when he did it, you surprisingly enjoyed it. Say whatever you want; whether it’s his amazing kicking abilities, how he looks in his suit or his flirtatious personality, you can’t stop yourself from having butterflies in your stomach.
‘Anything else, madam?’
‘I also would like to order every one of your special dishes, could you do that for me?’
‘...Anything for you. Coming right away.’ He flashed you a smile before returning to the kitchen.
***
When he came back with the plates, you were starving. All of them looked amazing as he put them in front of you in a professional manner.
The waiter who greeted you didn’t lie when it came to the restaurant being busy. There were new customers coming in and out every other minute and it looked like they were short on staff tonight.
Just as he was going to strike up a conversation with you, one of the customers from a nearby table called him up. Sanji told you to enjoy your meal, excused himself and cursed to himself under his breath, hating that the precious time you could’ve spent together was going to be wasted.
When Sanji left, you started with one of the most appealing dishes: It was a buttery seafood sauté with complimentary herbs, garlic and spices. The way the flavors danced on your tongue left you speechless.
In order to note it all down in your notebook, your eyes searched for the restroom. While you were looking around, you locked eyes with Sanji.
He immediately flashed you a genuine, warm smile. You returned his smile by squinting your eyes slightly and smiling back at him, before mouthing the words ‘Where’s the restroom?’
He couldn’t (or maybe wanted to make it seem like he couldn’t) understand what you just said as he put the plates on one of the tables he was attending and made his way up to you.
When you saw him coming, you stood up and went up to him with your small bag in hand. You met in the middle and as he saw you standing, he couldn’t help but check you out from head to toe, taking his sweet time. His warm smile turned into an arrogant grin which meant he enjoyed the sight.
‘Yes madam?’ he asked, leaning slightly towards you.
‘Where can I find the restroom?’
‘Oh it’s right this way… Can I?’ He swiftly gestured to your arm. You nodded, eyes wider than usual, as he took your arm with one of his hands, lightly touched your shoulder with his other hand and turned you around.
Your breath hitched in your throat, his intoxicating smell filling up your nose as he stood right behind you. He was being careful, not to step on any boundaries.
‘So, you go straight ahead. Then turn to your left, first door to the right.’ He pointed out.
You turned your head towards him, only to realize there are a few inches between your faces. Looking up at him, you stared at his gorgeous features. At that moment, everything around you seemed to slow down. When his gaze finally met yours, you were mesmerized.
His blue eyes were shining, the way his lips curled upwards to form his pretty smile was stunning. Feeling the heat his body radiated was enough to drive you over the edge… But you were here to pursue your goal.
In order to continue the task at hand, you whispered him a thank you and went flying to the restroom. Luckily there was a table with decorations in between the sinks, giving you a place to write your notes down on.
***
Time seemed to pass by quickly as you were going back and forth between your table and the restroom. You were trying to be smooth with it but you weren't exactly acting like a professional.
Not that you were being clumsy or carefree, you were a bit amateur. Considering your age, it was understandable.
Plus, the blonde who was gazing at you all night didn't help at all. It was fun though, catching his glances every now and then, seeing his little smirk form up every time you made eye contact (occasionally with a wink), made you feel things.
You couldn't help but to think that you didn't want the night to end here. You wanted more than secret glances and formal discussions…
Just as you finished taking notes about the last dish and made your way back to your table, Sanji stopped you in your tracks, pulling you flush against his chest and moving you both to a near dark corner, trapping your body against his and the wall behind you.
Taking a step back, he looked you in the eyes, searching for a sign of distress or unwillingness.
Upon seeing the pure shock on your face turn into a more relieved look, he leaned towards you, a hand pressed against the wall over your shoulder, right next to your head.
'You a food critic?' He questioned, leaning over.
'Why do you care, waiter boy?' He put his hand on his heart, grimacing his face upon hearing your words.
'I am the sous chef of this restaurant.'‘
‘It didn't seem like it.’
‘Don't try to change the subject now, love.’ He looked deeply in your eyes, it was evident that he was growing impatient.
‘Fine, I am… but you can't tell anyone about it.’
‘Why not? You don't seem to care as you made it pretty obvious.’
‘I want to remain anonymous to be respected. Also, I don't think anyone other than you’ve noticed.’
‘Told you that I wasn't going to be able to take my eyes off of you tonight… I am a man of my word.’
And with that, both of you were laughing. It was a moment of pure sweetness. After a few seconds of the sound of your laughter filling up the empty corner, you continued with a serious tone:
‘Just… promise not to tell anyone.’
‘How about we make a deal, eh? I’ll keep your secret and we’ll have dinner tomorrow.’
‘...It’s not like I have another choice. Right?’
‘C’mon, we both know you want it as bad as I do.’
‘Keep dreaming.’ You said, making your way back to your table.
He didn’t expect you to react this way, when he saw you leaving his side he turned around, looking at you like a lost puppy. You wanted to shock him for a little bit, make him chase after you.
As you sat down, you drank your last sip of wine and took your sweet time before calling Sanji to pay the bill. He immediately went to get the bill and put it in front of you, still shaken. You checked it out, put the money in and thanked him for his service.
He was standing still in front of you as you gathered your things and got up off of the booth. Then, he hesitantly offered you his hand to give your hand a quick goodbye kiss.
You put your hand in his and said:
‘Meet me up at 7?’
He changed his posture, he was more confident now than heartbroken and gave your hand a swift kiss before telling:
‘It’ll be my pleasure.’