016

— it's called murder, baby! —

IT FELT LIKE SHE WAS STUCK, WATCHING ZORO WITH WIDE EYES AS ZEFF SPOKE, BUT IT ALL SOUNDED SO MUFFLED. Zeff had finished his work, cleaning up his knives and taking his whisky before he was gone. The others had taken Zoro to his room leaving Visenya to clean up the mess in the kitchen, which she really didn't mind. The distraction was good.

Visenya walked back to the kitchen, and she smiled slightly as she noticed Sanji was still standing in the kitchen. His sleeves were rolled up still and flipped his hair from his eyes every few moments, but it didn't seem to bother him. She walked over and stopped at his side, watching as prepared the fish alongside a handful of other ingredients like rice.

"Are you cooking?" Visenya asked, looking up at Sanji. He turned to her with a raised eyebrow, and she shook her head softly, "Thank you."

"You're welcome," Sanji said proudly. He continued to prepare whatever he was making, Visenya watching him closely as he did. She had seen him work before but it was just to fascinating to not watcher, every cut and slice from Sanji perfectly deliberate. But suddenly he paused for a moment and turned to Visenya. "How did you know about the fish skin? You don't exactly look like an old seaman."

Visenya laughed softly and shook her head. She drummed her fingers against the countertop and shrugged softly, "Someone I used to know. She taught me in case I ever needed it," Visenya glanced up at Sanji and shrugged nervously. "Our home wasn't always safe."

Sanji hummed in understanding and nodded, "What was her name?"

Visenya paused for a moment debating with herself but with a sweet smile from Sanji she spoke softly, "Quillian, but we called her Quill." Visenya smiled sadly and looked up at Sanji, "She died, but I still know what she did. So, it's okay. . ." her words were unsure, but she didn't want to linger on it. 

Sanji watched her with sad eyes, but Visenya refused to stay in the tension filled air and took a deep breath as she walked to stand on the other side of Sanji tossing her gloves away. She held her hand over the steamer, feeling the heat slowly warm her skin. "Can I help you at all?" she asked, looking up at Sanji. "I am no chef, but I am sure if you explained it, I could help somehow."

Sanji chuckled softly, his smile pulling his cheeks and showing off his dimples again. He met Visenya's eyes and nodded at her, "Well then, we'll just have to organise some. . . private lessons," Sanji dropped his voice into a soft whisper. But his voice was still low enough to make Visenya stammer even if she didn't entirely know what he meant. 

Visenya could feel her composure faltering, her words catching in her throat as she tried not to lose herself under the weight of his gaze.

Luffy walked through the kitchen doors, holding Zoro's white sheathed sword and a rag. He walked over to the table and set the sword down carefully without sparring the two a second glance. Visenya and Sanji turned to him, but he just sat down in silence and began to slowly clean the sword. Sanji looked back at Visenya with furrowed eyebrows, but Visenya just shook her head.

Luffy was still in shock, and he needed to process everything that had happened over the past couple of days, and Visenya had no intention of rushing him. She needed her captain, she needed Luffy. She didn't need him as a heartbroken mess.

"Alright then," Sanji said with a smile and Visenya smiled up at him. "Wash your hands and put the fish in the steamer, do not let them touch."

Visenya nodded, "Do not let them touch," She repeated.

Visenya washed her hands before carefully lifting the lid of the steamer. The clouds of mist lifting up and warming her face. As Sanji continued to ready everything else, he watched her from the corner of his eye with a playful smile. She followed Sanji's instructions and carefully placed the delicate pieces of fish into the steamer— ensuring they didn't touch.

Sanji leaned closer, towing over her to see over her shoulder and check her work. And once he had a satisfying look he smiled and grabbed the steamer lid, placing it on top. "At this rate I'll have to make you my sous chef," he teased and Visenya shook her head, laughing softly as she slid int the stool.

"Is there anything else I can do?" she asked.

"You just keep sitting there, Angel," Sanji instructed, nodding softly. "I'll handle this."

Visenya gladly sunk a little further into the seat, feeling her heart race at the sound of that one simple nickname. Angel.

It echoed in her mind, and no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't keep the smile from creeping onto her lips. For so long people had called her Death but he had called her Angel. She looked down at her hands in her lap, hoping to hide the blush spreading across her cheeks. But the warmth in her chest was far too distracting and it left a giddy feeling that let her hear her pulse pounding in her ears. It was ridiculous how just a single word from Sanji could send her spiralling, but God, she loved it. The way he said it, so casually, as if it had always been her name—it made her feel weightless.

Visenya rested her elbow on the counter and put her head in her hand, closely watching Sanji work. She asked him simple questions about what he was doing and he gladly answered, smiling wide and showing off his dimples.

Sanji rolled the steamed fish and rice together in a seaweed wrap and sesame seeds, cutting it into 8 pieces. He set them on a plate and drizzled them with a sauce before holding it out and offering a piece to Visenya. "Here, sushi. You helped cook, it seems only fair you get the first bite," Sanji insisted.

Visenya took one but she shook her head softly, "I put the fish in a steamer," Visenya argued.

Sanji nodded, "A very vital step."

Visenya chuckled softly and bit into the sushi, the flavours exploding with such a delicious taste, but she didn't know what else to expect. Sanji raised an eyebrow, waiting for her feedback but all Visenya did was shrug. "If I said it was anything less than perfect, you must call me a liar."

Sanji grinned with pure joy and had to turn his head to try and hide it. "You truly flatter me," Sanji laughed and set the plate aside as he started on making the second roll.

Usopp whistled through his teeth as he and Oaklyn stepped out of the hall and walked over to stand on the other side of the counter. "Mmm. Something smells delicious!" Usopp exclaimed in excitement, pressing his hands to the counter as he leaned closer to get a better look.

Sanji grinned but continued to work, "I just thought everyone'd be hungry, man. Plenty we didn't use. Never waste food." While Sanji kept his voice light-hearted it was obvious his statement was serious.

Oaklyn reached for the plate, but Usopp was quicker as he pushed her out of the way and snatched a piece. He hummed in delight as he savoured the flavours but that didn't stop Oaklyn from slapping him across the back of the head. Oaklyn took the plate, taking a piece before spinning around to Luffy to offer him a piece. But Luffy didn't even look up at her, completely consumed by Zoro's sword and making it spotless.

Sanji looked up and offered him a soft smile, "What's the matter? Don't like fish?" Sanji questioned, his voice actually making Luffy turn to look at him.

Luffy smiled softly and shook his head, "I love fish. I just need to get Zoro's sword ready for him. You know. . . for when he wakes up," Luffy's voice grew shallow and faded out as focussed on cleaning the sword again.

The others shared the same concerned look, but Sanji looked away. Usopp toyed with the sushi in his hands and stammered slightly over his words. "He's, uh, pretty badly hurt, man. There's an itty-bitty chance he might not wake up," Usopp tried to keep his words as soft as possible, but it still made Luffy lift his head in shock.

Luffy quickly shook his head, and his smile returned. "Zoro's the strongest fighter that I know. No way he's gonna let some. . . warlord guy beat him," Luffy scoffed softly as he spoke, but his words were still mostly monotone.

"Well, you've gotta eat," Sanji insisted and Luffy lifted his head again. "Come on. If you don't want the fish, I got two-inch T-bones in the kitchen," he offered. "Or, uh, maybe you're in the mood for saffron risotto?"

Luffy smiled at him, but it quickly faltered as his hands continued to work. "I normally would get both, but I really gotta get the Waddy Itchy Monkey ready for him."

"The what?" Sanji furrowed his eyebrows and shot a confused glance at Visenya.

"The sword," she whispered, "He names them."

"Oh." Was Sanji's simple answer, then came a quick "Why?"

"I don't know. He said it was kind of special," Luffy said with a shrug.

"You named the boat, but you don't know why he named his sword?" Visenya mumbled.

Oaklyn looked up at Visenya and scoffed, "It's our home."

"It is his sword," Visenya said in defence.

"Did you name your sword?" Usopp asked.

Visenya looked up at him, "No, it is an idiotic thing to do."

"Hey, Sanji," Luffy called out, looking up at the chef, "can you cook Zoro's favourite food?"

Sanji hummed softly, "Sure. What does he like?"

Luffy thought for a moment before smiling, "He really likes rice balls. And beer." Sanji hummed and nodded which only made Luffy smile wider. "What about rice balls soaked in beer? Can you make that?"

Sanji laughed at him and grinned. "I can make anything. Just tell me what you want," Sanji said and Luffy's eyes darted off as he thought.

"I want him to eat so that he gets back his strength," Luffy stated firmly, but then his gaze faltered, and his eyes darted over the others. "But I also want him to sleep so that his wounds can heal. Or maybe. . . maybe he just needs some water. Right?" Luffy paused as he waited for the others to answer but no one had the stomach to do it. He was so far in denial and shock, maybe Visenya should have pushed Luffy a little.

"After all of that fighting, he must be awfully thirsty. But, you know, he's probably also tired, so. . ." Luffy stammered and began cleaning the sword again even if his hands were beginning to shake again. "So yeah, we should just let him rest."

Visenya turned her head, nervously toying her fingers as they sat in silence. She had no clue what to say to him, she wanted to reassure him, but Zoro was hurt quite badly, and she didn't even know if he was going to survive.

But it really surprised her when Sanji spoke up. "Being a captain, it's the toughest job in the world, okay?" Sanji said softly, his voice steady as he spoke to Luffy. "Zeff once told me that making decisions is what separates a captain from the rest of his crew. . . And he was one of the best pirate captains that ever sailed the seas."

"Zeff was a pirate?!" Luffy asked excitedly, his eyes widening in wonder.

"Yeah. Captain of the dreaded Cook Pirates," Sanji confirmed with a nod. "They used to call him Red Leg Zeff, 'cause his boots were always stained with the blood of his enemies." Sanji looked down at Visenya, maybe trying to scare her with the story but when she didn't react, he just smiled.

"How did you meet him?" Visenya asked.

"Were you on his crew or something?" Luffy added with excited curiosity.

Sanji hesitated for a moment before he smiled at them, "Not exactly."

◈

"Have any idea what that's like?" Sanji asked. "Having someone lose a limb to save your life?" Sanji's voice was as distant as his eyes, losing himself deeper into the memory with each word.

A ship he was working on when he was barely 10 years old was attacked by Zeff's crew. And what little crew survived were destroyed along with their ships in a terrible storm. Like some cruel twist of fate, Zeff and Sanji were the only ones left alive, stranded on a jagged rock island that stood isolated and inaccessible, even at higher tides. Zeff forced Sanji to the other side of the island with a bag of food each. But what Sanji didn't know was the bag in Zef's possession held no food— juts useless jewels and gold. 

Zeff had to make the ultimate sacrifice, resorting to eating his own leg to stay alive, all to keep Sanji's hope alive. When Sanji later discovered the truth, it shattered him. Zeff hadn't just saved his life; he had thrown away his own future, enduring unthinkable pain and suffering so Sanji could have a chance at living.

She didn't know how to react. Visenya had seen people lose life and limb to protect her when she was younger, but what could she say to him? Nothing anyone had said had ever comforted her.

"Actually, I kind of do," Luffy said with a gentle voice, looking up at Sanji with soft eyes.

Sanji looked over at Luffy and nodded, "Look, all I'm saying is, we were out there for 85 days. He could've let me die on that rock." Sanji bit his lips as he said the word softly. "Instead, he acted like a captain. He made the tough call." Sanji smiled at Luffy, but Visenya could see the sadness he was hiding in his eyes.

"I'd eat both arms and legs to save Zoro's life," Luffy confessed, his voice bleak and eyes staring off at nothing.

Sanji let out a deep sigh as he looked at Luffy.

Luffy turned his head to Usopp and Oaklyn, smiling at them both before he abruptly stood and wandered off.

Quillian's feet pounded against the hard ground as she ran across the yard and out of the property line. There was a small lake running around the house that connected back into the main sea, and there was a single emergency lifeboat tied to the rotting pier. If Quillian could get on the boat and ride out the current, she could be on the ocean and free of Niles by the time the sun came up.

Her old boots kicked up mud with every step, the rain pelting hard against her face like hail, but she couldn't stop running.

She nearly slid on the mud as she made it to the rotting pier, the surrounding mountings cutting off the view of the ocean, but the lake would lead her around and out. She started to untie the boat when a fierce, pounding pain raced through her bones.

It was unbearable, the constant feeling of her nerves burning and twisting only growing with each second that passed. When she tried to move her arms to pull the rope free, the painful power burst through her, pulling and burning her muscles, the pain racing through her and making her collapse onto the muddy floor, whimpering in pain.

The heavy sound of Niles's footsteps in the mud made Quillian panic. She tried to crawl away, but Niles was already there to kick her back into the muddy ground.

His face held no emotion, no hint as to what he was thinking, except for his eyes that burned bright with rage. Quillian's struggles, and pleas for mercy fell upon deaf ears, her energy wasted in vain as Niles crouched beside her.

Niles gently brushed the mess of shaggy brown hair that fell in Quillian's eyes and cooed softly at her as he ran hand down her face.

"You should have listened," Niles said softly, his voice calm and almost soothing, as if it were a lesson rather than a punishment.

Without any sign of emotion or remorse, Niles grabbed Quillian by her arms and dragged her across the muddy floor. Her body was frozen, eyes wide in fear until she felt the cold waves liking at her feet. Quillian kicked and screamed as Niles lifted her high and hurled her into the freezing lake, the water so dark it seemed to consume her.

There was a moment of struggle as Quillian tried to keep herself above water, but it was too late.

Quillian's flailing arms disappeared beneath the waves, her body sinking deep into the lonely lake, her screams silenced by the water engulfing her. The sound of her splashes echoed across the silence of the night, followed by the eerie silence as the ripples spread outwards and vanished, lost to the rain

Niles watched the rainwater hit the lake, not a single expression on his face.

He reached into his jacket and pulled out a cigarette, lighting it quickly with a match that he tossed into the water. He would always treat himself to a cigarette after victory, something just as rotten to match his win.

Niles straightened his jacket and turned, walking up the muddy path they created. However, he stopped just a metre from the gate where Visenya sat in the rain.

She had her knees curled to her chest; her eyes wide in terror. Her small body was drenched by the rain, her clothes soaked through and making her shake in the wind. His fearful eyes met his and her arms wrapped tighter around herself.

Niles crouched in front of her, placing a hand on her shoulder. He softly shushed her, his voice lulling her into a gentle safety. "It's alright. You don' need to worry." He gently held out the lit cigarette, and she took it with a shaky hand. She coughed as she inhaled the smoke and Niles chuckled softly. "It's good, the burn. It's a small reminder of the pain that's out there," His voice was soft, his words as genuine as his eyes.

Visenya's eyes softened as she looked up at him and he pulled her into a hug and up into his arm, holding her tight. He breathed in the smoke, the cigarette still in his other hand. "Come now, let's go inside. It's cold out here."

Visenya stayed silent, unsure of what to do but she wrapped her arms around his shoulders and held on tightly.

Visenya took a deep breath and watched Zoro's face, but it didn't change, staying the same the entire time she told her story. Visenya could feel the tears building in the corners of her eyes and her leather gaze falter and fall to her lap. She nervously spun the die and chain in her palm, trying her hardest to stay calm.

"You are still alive Zoro," Visenya whispered. "This is a small pain. You will get better."

The wood creaked and Visenya looked up, meeting Luffy's sad eyes. She had asked for a moment alone, but she really didn't expect him to go that far so she wasn't that surprised to see him. Visenya nodded beside her and Luffy silently made his way over, sitting beside her without a word.

Luffy watched Zoro for a few moments but when he didn't move his eyes moved to Visenya. "I'm sorry, that happened to your friend," Luffy apologised, his voice soft.

Visenya shrugged softly, "I did not know her for that long." It was true, she only knew Quillian for a year. But somehow it still felt like forever.

Luffy and Visenya sat together in silence for a few moments, watching Zoro take the smallest of breaths. Luffy looked up at Visneya again before his eyes wandered back to Zoro's bandaged chest. "Small pains."

Visenya took a breath and nodded, "Small pains."

Usopp stepped carefully into the room, trying not to disturb either of them. He walked around Zoro's bed, too scared to look at his unconscious body again. He stopped by Luffy, holding onto the rope that supported the bed.

He took a deep breath and looked at Zoro's face. "How's he doing?" He asked, looking down at the two.

"He hasn't said a word," Luffy whispered but he still found it in him to smile.

"Maybe it is your time to tell him a story," Visenya encouraged, nodding at Luffy.

Luffy's eyes widened slightly, and he looked up at Visenya, "What would I say?"

Usopp shrugged softly, "Whatever pops in your head. Just. . . speak from the gut."

"My gut hasn't been so great lately," Luffy said, making Visenya's frown deepen. Luffy had quickly become one of the greatest people she had ever known, Visenya hated seeing him so deeply upset.

"Well. . ." Usopp trailed off and by the look in his eyes and by the way he toyed nervously with the frayed pieces of rope, he felt the same. "At least he'll know it's you." Usopp looked at Luffy again and smiled. "What do you got to lose?"

Usopp took a step back, leaning against the wall beside the window. Visneya slid further down the seat and watched Luffy push himself forward.

Luffy looked at Zoro's face and smiled as much as he could muster. "Hey, Zoro. What's up?" Luffy nearly shouted, but his voice was oddly static. "I just wanted to tell you that. . ." his voice trailed off and swallowed the lump in his throat. "Let me start over. I'm just gonna—"

Luffy took a deep breath and let his voice settle. "Hi, Zoro. Hi." Luffy tapped his fingers against his knees nervously but he never moved his eyes. "You know, it's—"

"Luffy!" Nami's sudden shout made them freeze. "Luffy!"

Visenya quickly jumped to her feet, and the others weren't far behind, following her as she quickly made her way back to the kitchen. Oaklyn had grabbed on tightly to Nami's hand to stop her picking her skin, but she couldn't do anything to soothe the worry in her eyes.

As soon as Nami heard their footsteps, she spun to face Visenya and Luffy. "The Arlong Pirates are at Baratie. We have to leave now." Nami kept her words plain and simple, and while she hid most of her fear Visenya could see it in her eyes

Visenya swallowed hard. Niles had made a very long list of enemies and left damage to keep everyone fearful, but there were very few people in the world that Niles refused to cross. The Arlong Pirates were very high on that list. Niles refused to speak of them, Visenya didn't even know any stories other than to fear them.

"What? Why? Why should we leave?" Luffy's questions were quick and confused and Nami was quick to answer them.

"Because they're looking for you."

"Me?" Luffy squeaked, pointing at himself.

"And the map," Nami added. "Those fishmen will tear this place apart if Zeff doesn't turn him over." As soon as the chef's name left her mouth, Sanji pushed himself from the counter he was leaning on and walked around her in a rush.

"Where are you going?" Oaklyn questioned, her eyebrows furrowing deeper.

"If Baratie's in danger, I need to be there," Sanji said quickly, stepping carefully around Visneya toward the exit.

"Alright, I'm coming with you," Luffy said quickly, making Sanji pause.

"Did you not hear what I just said?" Nami snapped, her voice filled with urgency, anger and terror. "They are hunting you. We need to run."

"I'm with Nami on this one," Usopp said quickly, "I'm really not trying to ruffle any feathers or scales—"

"We are not running," Visenya said sternly. "They found us here, they will find us elsewhere. We must fight."

Her eyes wandered to Luffy, and he nodded in agreement, "We're going to protect this place."

"This isn't your fight. Why would you do that?" Sanji asked, his voice a mix of shock and confusion.

"You fed us," Luffy said with a simple grin. Sanji looked at him and began to smile.

Nami shook he head and tried to raise the gravity of the situation, "Look, I know this crew. Their captain, Arlong, has the highest bounty in all of the East Blue. You do not want to mess with him," Nami tried to argue, her voice growing more urgent, but Visenya and Luffy had made up their minds.

Luffy shrugged slightly, "It sounds like he messed with us first."

"Luffy, please," Nami begged, slipping from Oaklyn's grip and stepping closer. "Please."

Luffy's eyes darted away but his mind was made, "I can't let innocent people get hurt because of me. If those fishmen guys want a fight, we're gonna give them one." Luffy looked back at Visenya and Sanji who gave him a nod.

"You and Oaklyn stay with the ship and protect the map. Hmm?" Lufy ordered. He walked over to Nami, stopping in front of her while smiling, even if she looked less than displeased, "It's gonna be safe with you."

Luffy knocked her shoulder softly before he, Sanji, Visenya and Usopp set off for Baratie.

— lethal lust —