House Trained 24 (Werewolf!Zoro x Reader)

"Have you talked to your father lately?"

"No, he's still on his cross country trip."  You pushed the button for the top floor then leaned against the wall as the elevator doors closed.

Your mother's upper lip twitched, "Probably jumping off cliffs or climbing a damn mountain."

You laughed, finding it funny that she still disapproved of your dad's hobbies even after the divorce.  You knew they would never get near enough to poke each other with a ten foot pole, much less get back together; but it was still amusing that they worried about one another.  "I wouldn't be surprised if he was walking a tightrope between skyscrapers."

She huffed and started texting on her phone, "He better watch it.  He can't be doing that stuff any longer, he's too old."

You shrugged, "It makes him happy."

"Yes, until he breaks his neck.  You wait, he'll come home in a body cast just like last time."

"Well, he won't have to buy any new equipment if he does..."

Just as you said this, the elevator dinged before its' doors opened and the sounds of clinking silverware and dining room chatter met your ears.  Spices and wafts of cooking food quickly took over your senses, making your mouth water and your stomach growl eagerly.  You hadn't realized you were this hungry, all that sexy teasing much have stirred up your appetite.

But, you'd still prefer to be at home eating with Zoro, maybe a pizza, while the two of you watched a movie.  You would have some kind of dessert ready, something that required a lot of whipped cream.  Just as you thought of this your mind flashed you images of you and Zoro eating from each other's forks.  You'd grin as you take a bite of his food, dragging your lips slowly as you took every morsel from the utensil.  He'd watch closely while you'd licked your lips and swallow, then you'd reach down and dip a finger in the cream before smearing it across his bare chest-

Blushing, you quickly stopped your daydream when what felt like a splash of emotions wash over you, angry lust and impatience roaring inside your abdomen, making your eye twitch and your legs inadvertently rub together.  The heat quickly coiled then spread up your chest, your heart starting to beat uncontrollably as images of a man's hands gripping your kitchen table flashed before your eyes.  You could see the sharp claws dig deep into the wood, chipping at the table and looking ready to crack under the firm grip.  You were confused a moment, unsure what you were seeing until you were suddenly back in the restaurant and staring at your mom's back as she stepped off the elevator.

What the hell was that?!  Was that your kitchen table?!  Had...Had you been looking through Zoro's eyes?!  Did you two just have some weird psychic thing happen???  You reached up and rubbed your head, wondering if it had something to do with the bond.  Maybe emotions really were running high between you two if you could start seeing what the other was doing.  You quickly pulled out your phone and dialed home, listening to it ring while you walked over to the podium with your mom. 

It rang a few times but no one answered.  A scowl formed on your face as you glared at the screen, wondering if Zoro was okay.

"Ladies~!"  

You looked up, expecting to see Sanji dancing behind the podium (because who else would greet guests in such a way?), but was met with a taller blonde who smiled and practically sparkled.  It was kind of...plastic like?  His hair was slicked back a bit from his face, he had tiny curls at the end of his eyebrows that looked to have been plucked recently and his lips seemed to be sculpted, like some weird fashion model.  He was pretty tall too, probably having to slouch a little whenever he walked through doorways.  

Your mother took off her big sunglasses to look up at the large male while you pocketed your phone.

"Welcome to Baratie!!  Do you have a reservation?"

"Yes, for two-"

"What???  I'm handsome?!"  He grinned widely at you both, white teeth blindingly bright.

Your mother put her sunglasses back on.  "We'd like a seat by the window."

"Of course~!"  The man laughed heartily, grabbing two menus and leading you both through the dining room and towards the clear glass walls.  Once seated, he placed the menu's down in front of you both, then he...posed?  He kneeled right beside your table, arm resting on one knee as he gave you a 'charming' grin.

"My name's Duval, just call on me if you need anything."  You watched in horrified fascination as his face started to screw up, mouth opening wide, tongue hanging out and veins pulsing on his forehead.  He looked like he was pain, one eye trying to close while the other seemed to roll in the back of his head as he...Holy shit, was he trying to wink!?!

"T-Thanks," You smiled, albeit nervously.  You just wished he'd stop making that face, it made your cheeks ache.

"Hahaha!"  He gave you a thumbs up before he jumped up and strolled off, still laughing as he bumped his head against a low beam near the entrance.

Your mother looked at the back of the menu, glancing over the alcohol section before she stood.  "Order me a Corona, I'm going to freshen up in the bathroom."

You nodded and watched her go before pulling out your phone to call home again, disappointed when the call went unanswered for the second time.  

"Damn it," You resisted the urge to slam the phone on the table as you looked out the window.  You had to take a few moments to settle your racing thoughts, still confused and upset from that vision.  Zoro had told you that there was no way to read minds over the bond...but did seeing through the person's eyes count as mind reading?  Just how did you even do that?!  Had he seen the restaurant just as you saw your kitchen?  The wolf had been gripping the table as if he was really frustrated...maybe angry?  Shit, you wished he would just answer the phone!

It's okay.  Just settle down.  You decided to focus on the scenery outside, the afternoon sun shining over the city and it's handful of skyscrapers that were scattered around.  It looked pretty nice today, though you can tell a bit off in the distance that a storm was coming.  The dark grey hues seemed to clash against the bright blue sky, little hints of light flashing through the clouds as electricity seemed to build up.  It was getting to be around spring time, so the temperatures would be dropping and rising without warning.  This always caused some questionable weather so you wouldn't be surprised if there was going to be a tornado in the coming months.

Despite the approaching storm, your mind still strayed to Zoro.  You frowned at your reflection and wondered if you should call him again.  Did you accidentally push him over the edge with your teasing and that perverted daydream?  Was he mad at you?  You tried to reach out through the bond, hesitant, but concerned.  

Nothing.

You tried again, but was met with silence, like Zoro had built up a mental wall to block you out.  Shit, had you messed up!?

You blinked, eyes focusing on the background of your reflection, seeing rows of tables and people eating their meals.  The booth just behind your reflection was occupied, a large man sitting in it's plush seat with his arms draped over the back and holding a small glass in one hand; gently tilting it back and forth to keep his alcohol from settling.  He seemed to be...staring at you?  That was creepy.

Then you finally noticed his face, your eyes widening when you saw the long scar across his nose.  You turned around quickly to look at the booth, it's location just beside your table a few feet away.  It was pushed against a small wall that sectioned off parts of the dining room, a few potted plants sitting on the wall and shading Crocodile in his comfortable position.

He grinned at you widely, cigar rolling between his teeth as he tilted the small glass filled with ice and amber liquid again.  He then sipped his drink, eyeing you in amusement as he crossed his leg over his knee.  

"Why the sad face, Little Alpha?"

You gripped the edge of your seat stiffly, staring at the man with narrowed eyes and rising anxiety.  He was wearing a different suit today, a dark, charcoal brown with a snakeskin tie tucked beneath his black vest.  The man still had his dark coat draped over his shoulders, white fur fanned out around his ears and looking stark and wild against his slick, black hair.  The ice in his drink shifted, the many rings adorning his fingers clinking against the glass as he took another sip of alcohol.

Even if you weren't close to him, you could feel the sleazy aura radiate off of him, coating your skin like smog in the most nauseating way.  You licked your lips, feeling they were drier then normal.  But you knew why, something brushing roughly against your legs while specks of sand slipped past the hem of your jeans and rubbing your skin raw.

"Stop it," You hissed, wondering how bad your luck was if you could simply run into the enemy in the same place, twice.  Did he come here everyday?  Didn't he have anything better to do then picking on a cute, little thing like you?

He smirked, "Why don't you tell me all about it?  I'm sure we have a lot to talk about."

Ugh, just his voice made your skin crawl.  It was too damn deep and intimidating, making you wonder just how much more scarier it was when he was angry.  It seemed like his tone had a flirting lilt to it too, but more so to make you uncomfortable then actual interest...You hoped, anyways.

The invisible creature tightened itself around one of your legs, squeezing it until it felt like you were going to lose some circulation.  You shifted in your seat, trying to push whatever was on your leg off, but you couldn't grab on to anything; just felt bits of sand swirl around your fingers.

Crocodile smirked wider, tapping ash off his cigar in one of the plants behind him.  "Are you comfortable?"

You gasped as the grip grew tighter, wrapping high up on your thigh and suddenly making you fear that he was going to rip your whole leg off.  Without thinking, you tried to reach out to Zoro but was blocked by the wall again which only made you panic.  You struggled in your seat, hoping someone would just come help you!!  You hadn't realized you said Zoro's name under your breath, tone pathetic and scared while you continued to try and push the creature off your leg.

The man brought his cigar to his lips and took a long hit, looking a little disappointed.  "Calling for help?  Can't you handle yourself?"

You glared, anger now boiling inside you.  "Leave me alone!"

His grin was suddenly back in full force, laughing heartedly while you writhed in the chair.  "Much better.  I like it when they fight back."

How dare he!!  You wanted to rip that smug look off his stupid face!!

Crocodile leaned forward to watch more closely, taking pleasure in your pain while it felt like the sand was now digging into your skin.  "Where is the beser-"

A hand slammed on Crocodile's table, stopping him mid sentence as Sanji stood there and glared angrily.  He had appeared out of nowhere, like your pain had summoned him to your rescue once more.  Even Crocodile looked a bit annoyed that he hadn't noticed the cook, digging his teeth a little in his cigar as he scowled up at the blonde.

"What are you doing?"  Sanji asked in a low tone, eyes narrowed as he looked down at the guest.  It didn't even seem like he had to ask, he just knew you were in trouble and needed to help in any way he could.

Crocodile frowned, face looking darker as he leaned back in his seat.  "My job."

Sanji glared even harder, fingers digging into the white table cloth and wrinkling it's pristine look.  Something seemed to flash between their eyes, like a silent conversation that you had no hope in understanding.  You weren't sure what was happening until Crocodile's shoulders stiffened and his glare hardened while Sanji continued to stare him down.  You hadn't realized the pain your leg had stopped at this point, too busy watching this silent battle that seemed to make the air cold and tense.

"Crocodile," A new voice came in as a tall, dark skinned man walked next to the booth.  He wore crisp looking tuxedo that was loose at the top, his shirt fanning open a bit while a tip of a tattoo on his chest peeked over the collar.  He scowled at Sanji and stepped forward to help his boss but stopped when Crocodile held up a hand.

Though Sanji continued to glare, Crocodile merely took another hit of his cigar and chuckled.  The larger male smirked and relaxed his shoulders, appearing in control once more as he stood up.  His height overwhelmed Sanji's, but the cook didn't look the least bit perturbed by this, just continued to protect you.

"I can tell when I'm not wanted," Crocodile rumbled in amusement, placing down some cash on the table.  

Sanji hissed something to him so quietly that it actually made the taller man freeze and start sneering again.  You strained to hear what Crocodile said next, but the dining room noise seemed to be louder and all you could catch was the end of Sanji's sentence.

"-don't come back."

Crocodile stared down at the blonde hatefully before moving out of the booth and next to his subordinate, he fixed his sleeve while his gaze flickered to you then back to Sanji.  Then he looked smug again, as if he knew a secret as he said the next few words that seemed to have been carefully worded.  "I hope you take good care of her.  Who knows what might just eat her up?"

It was a slight shift in the air, like it was suddenly boiling hot in the dining area and it was all coming from the cook.  The blonde glowered at Crocodile, hands now in his pockets and body rigid like he was ready to pounce.  But nothing happened, Crocodile just bowed his head to the blonde mockingly before he turned to leave with his friend, not even bothering to acknowledge you and what he'd done as he left the restaurant.

You hadn't realized you'd been holding your breath for so long, feeling nervous anxiety build in your chest while Sanji continued to glare at Crocodile's wake as if he expected him to come back.  Then the blonde let out a long sigh and turned to you, face full of worry.

"Are you okay?  Did he do anything?"

You shook your head, not sure how you could explain that your leg was throbbing from being squeezed by some magic-sand alligator that no one could see.  "I-I'm fine."

Sanji didn't look the least bit convinced, walking over quickly to grab your hands and rub them.  This was when you noticed they had been shaking in your lap and you watched blankly as the cook's gentle fingers knead and rub your knuckles.  It seemed to calm you down a little and you tried to give him a small smile.

"T-Thanks..."

He smiled back, "I'm just glad you're okay."

You nodded, slowly starting to feel safe while Sanji held your hands in his own.  "I-I think I just need to go home."

"What?  What's wrong?  Who's this?"  

You both looked up to see your mother standing there, having come back from the bathroom in time to see Sanji take your hands.  You blinked, having forgotten you had even come with her in the first place.  She looked a bit concerned, wondering why this stranger was holding her daughter's hands who also seemed to look pretty pale.

"Oh, um, Mom this is Sanji.  He's my-"  Acquaintance?  Knight in shining armor?

"-Friend."  Sanji finished for you, grinning widely when you didn't seem to object to this term.

"It's nice to meet you..."  She looked a bit unsure, like she was missing the punchline to a joke.

You stood, pulling your hands from Sanji's then smoothed down your shirt.  "I'm going home...I'm feeling a bit sick."

You wanted to get to Zoro and just snuggle into him until you felt completely safe.  Just bury yourself in his arms and kiss his neck until he rumbled like an old bear and hugged you tight...if he wasn't mad at you, that is.

A look of disappointment briefly flash across your mother's face, but she quickly pulled it back as worry took over.  "That's okay, we can eat lunch next time."

She picked up her purse and keys to take you home but you stepped back, seeing her become confused.  "I-I think I'll take the bus.  I'm sure you have a lot of things to do then driving me around."

Honestly, you just needed space from her right now.  She'd try to zero in on your problem and it'd only make it worse.

"..."  Your mother stared hard at you, as if trying to read between the lines for your true intentions but finding nothing to pin point.  Then she turned to Sanji in a huff and pointed her keys at him.  "Then you take her home."

"What?!"

"It's too dangerous for her to be riding some bus and since you're her friend-"

"Mom!"  You hissed, shocked she was being so demanding of someone she'd just met.  It took at least two or three more meetings before she started doing such a thing!!  "I'll be fine."

"I don't mind driving you," Sanji cut in.

"No, you don't have to."  But then you saw it, the hearts forming in his eyes and his smile eager to please.  He was definitely set on taking you home now.

"If he doesn't mind, then it's fine."  Your mother patted you on the back with a smile.

You sighed, resigned to your fate and nodding to the both of them.  Better to just get back as quickly as possible anyways, buses took forever.

Saying your farewells to your mother, you watched as Sanji held out his arm to you, feeling a bit hesitant before giving in and hooking your arm around his.  He grinned happily down at you, amazed that you were willingly touching him and looking like he was walking on clouds as you started out of the restaurant.  You felt a bit gawky as you passed by certain tables, seeing women call out Sanji's name like preteens squealing over their favorite boy band.  The cook would stop each time and compliment these women, noting they changed their hair or were exceptionally beautiful today, even asking about their day and if they needed anything.  He seemed really genuine.  It was so strange to see a guy so devoted to...well, to women.  He must have come right out of someone's fan fiction.

You were thankful when the both of you made it to the elevator, glad you didn't have to feel the jealous glares of each woman Sanji stopped to talk to.  But this feeling soon passed as the elevator doors closed and you were left alone with the cook. 

Everything felt very awkward now.  Sanji didn't say anything, so you didn't say anything and vice versa.  You both just stood silently while the elevator proceeded downwards while trying to avoid staring at one another.  You had expected the cook to be complimenting you or try to converse, but it seemed he knew how weird you felt about getting a ride from a total stranger and thought it best to leave you alone.

Honestly, you should just call a cab.  It was stupid to agree to riding with this man, what if he was some kind of serial killer?!  What if it'd been his whole plan to trick you into a false sense of security before he offed you and threw your body in the river?!

No, that's stupid.  You could tell Sanji would never do that.  He practically wore his emotions on his sleeve so you could tell if he was really dangerous...right?

You jerked slightly when the elevator dinged, pulling you out of your thoughts as the doors opened.  Sanji smiled and took the lead, hands in his pockets and shoulder's relaxed.  Following after him, you tried to say multiple times not for him to worry about you and that you would go catch a cab or the next bus, heck, even walk!  But each time it seemed like your voice got caught in your throat and you couldn't force out any noise.  You did this over and over until you found yourself already sitting in his car as he started the engine.

Sanji grinned at you after he checked his mirror, looking carefree and relaxed which only served to make you feel even more awkward.  He backed out of his parking spot and changed gears on the stick shift before leaving the parking garage, adjusting his seat a little and leaning back.

You twiddled your fingers a bit, wondering if you should be the one to give directions or just pull out your phone to use the maps function so you wouldn't have to talk.  You could practically feel the beads of nervous sweat form on your back when Sanji suddenly turned to you and held up a cigarette pack.

"Do you mind?"

"Ah!  Oh, no!  Go ahead!"  You forced out a grin, hoping it didn't look too robotic as he pulled a cigarette out with his mouth.  He waited until he came to the first light before lighting it with a match then opened the window to blow out smoke.

"So, which direction am I going?"

You shifted in your seat, stiffly looking out the window as you tried to think of the best way home.  "Um, j-just take the highway south and get off at exit 115."

He nodded and proceeded down the street, one hand on the wheel while he took another drag.  You took the time to try and calm yourself by looking around the car, noting it was very clean and well taken care of.  It might have been new for all you knew, but you felt like it would smell more like new car then used matches and old smoke.  You were sure if you opened some of the compartments that the items inside would be well organized and tidy; he probably even had an envelope with his registration and everything for whenever he was pulled over.  Though, you doubted he would ever go over the speed limit since he seemed to be driving responsibly.

A rumble of thunder sounded above you as you both stopped at the light before the on-ramp, drops of water hitting the windshield sporadically before coming down in full force.  Sanji leaned forward and turned on his windshield wipers before rolling up his window a bit more.

"Well, this stinks."

You turned to him, distressed that he knew how out of place you felt.  "S-Sorry?"

He looked at you, pout on his lips as he pointed at the windshield.  "The rain.  I thought for sure it'd go around us."

"Oh, yeah..."  You looked out your window again, trying hard not to make a face since you knew he'd probably see it in the reflection.  Damn, you sucked at small talk, why couldn't you just be normal?!!  "I kind of like the rain...it's soothing."

Sanji chuckled, "That's a good thing.  You look pretty tense."

You blushed, groaning and resting your head in your hands.  "I'm sorry.  This is just-"

"-Weird."  He didn't seem the least bit put out, just happy that you were talking to him.

"I don't normally get into cars with strangers, really."  You couldn't stress this enough, but Sanji just laughed.

"It's okay," He actually seemed to be enjoying all this which in turn made you feel a bit more at ease.  You even slouched a little in your seat as he pulled onto the highway.

You rubbed your arms then saw Sanji glance at you sideways.  "Cold?"

"N-No, I'm fine."

The blonde reached forward and turned on the heat before winking at you.  "Don't hesitate to ask anything, I won't bite."

You smiled, feeling like he was trying to tell you some bad joke and knew he was failing miserably.  "Anything?"

"Anything."  He chuckled, his whole aura feeling like a warm sun. 

Humming in thought, you decided that the only way you were going to loosen up was to just pretend this was a middle school party and that a game of twenty questions was in order.  "What's your...favorite food?"

He raised an eyebrow at you, wondering why you were asking such a thing and you shrugged.  "You said anything."

"...Spicy seafood pasta."

"Oh, sounds fun."  You wondered what that tasted like.

"I'll make it for you sometime," Sanji chuckled as he passed a few cars. 

"I'm holding you to that."

Then the air felt normal, you felt normal.  Everything was good.  In fact, the two of you asked each other questions all the way back home, finding out each other's favorite color, day of the week, season, whatever you could think of.  You would laugh at one another's answers or agree whole-heartedly on certain things.  It was nice and strange at how much you two had in common but were still so different.  Sanji seemed much more outgoing then you, probably having a ton of friends and contacts in his phone while you only had a handful of people you barely texted.  There were even a few times where he seemed a lot like Zoro, his blunt attitude, the things they disliked and enjoyed.

You felt like they would get along very well.  

Thinking this as Sanji pulled into the parking lot, you laughed when he asked you the next question.  "King for a day?  Oh, I'd totally outlaw socks with sandals."

Sanji snorted, "That's it?  No ending world hunger or achieving peace?"

"What makes you think socks with sandals isn't the cause of all that?"

He laughed, pulling into a parking spot.  "I can't really disprove that."

You smiled knowingly, "Of course.  No one can, which means it must be true."

He pulled out another cigarette while you unbuckled yourself.  You looked up at your door on the third floor and wondered if Zoro was there, waiting or possibly upset with you.  What if he didn't want to look at you?  What if he felt you had pulled a dirty trick by thinking of perverted things when he was already so on edge?  What if he...he hated you?  Hesitant, you weren't sure you wanted to get out of the car and Sanji seemed to notice.

"Are you okay?"  He frowned, looking concerned as he turned to see what you were staring at then back at you.  His eyes turned hard and body tense, "If you don't want to go up there-"

You turned to him, cutting him off with another question before he could assume the worst.  "If you could have any superpower in the world, what would it be?"

The blonde looked startled, "_______, if you need to talk-"

You smiled and held up a finger.  "C'mon, just one more question before I go inside."

Sanji stared, cigarette hanging from his lips as he tried to figure out your motive.  But you kept smiling at him, waiting for his answer and finally received it as his shoulders slumped.

"I don't know, I guess I'd like to conceal myself and sneak into places."

You tilted your head, curious.  "Why?"

He looked thoughtful then a grin slowly formed on his lips, nostrils flaring a little as hearts practically radiated off him.  "Oh~!  Well!!  I guess I would s-s-spy on-"

Blood gushed from his nose, making him jump forward and try to cover it up while his face turned a bright red.  You watched with wide eyes as the male quickly tried to clean it up, immediately guessing what he was going to say.

"Spy on...girls?"

He laughed nervously and held up his hands, "N-No!!  I mean!!  I just...w-what else would it be used for?!"

You stared, trying to picture Sanji blending in with his surroundings as he snuck into a girl's bedroom or bathroom to peek on them.  It was a pretty perverted motive to have for a super power and it didn't seem to...to fit Sanji at all.  This was a man who stopped by every table who called his name, complimented every woman who spoke to him with a honest smile and true love for them in his heart.

Someone who acted like that, who respected women, would never go so far to peek on them in private.  It wasn't right at all and you felt Sanji wasn't being truthful with you.  You tilted your head and stared, watching him stop laughing and freeze under your gaze.  He looked like he was waiting for you to yell at him and call him a huge pervert, maybe hit him, but you didn't.

Instead, words seem to tumble out of your mouth without you meaning them to, startling you both.

"Sanji, do you really want to spy on girls or... do you just wish you were invisible?"

You knew as soon as you said it that there was no way of taking it back.  You could only stare horrified as his eyes widened and his unlit cigarette fell into his lap.  He looked shocked, even hurt and you quickly felt like the worst person in the entire universe.

"I'm sorry!  Shit, I'm so sorry!!"  You were out of the car in an instant, fumbling with the latch as you pushed the door open and stumbling out.  You quickly slammed the door behind you and didn't even try to look back at him as you ran towards the stairs and up to the third floor.  You didn't remember running into your apartment or locking the door behind you, only dwell on the horrible thing you just said to Sanji without even thinking about it.

Fuck, you sucked so hard at small talk.