024

— a sweet kiss from death —

WHEN GARP LEFT THEM, IT WASN'T A DULL MOOD IN FACT THERE WAS MORE REASON TO CELEBRATE. They were pirates, they had saved the day, Visenya had friends, hell she had a family. And they weren't actively being chased by Marines. Visenya stood at the edge of the gathering, watching the others with a faint smile. She clutched a cup of tangerine wine, her grip a little tighter than it needed to be. The celebratory atmosphere was infectious, but she couldn't quite bring herself to join in.

Nami and Okalyn swung wildly around each other, laughing and holding onto one another. Zoro had roped Usopp and Luffy into a game of cards with the villagers and it was very clear Zoro was manipulating Usopp into losing; they somehow couldn't beat Luffy.

And Visenya stayed put, content with vicariously living through them.

That was until Sanji approached, his confident stride unmistakable as he made his way through the crowd. His tailored suit seemed to gleam in the firelight, and the easy grin on his face was enough to make Visenya's stomach flip. He stopped in front of her, offering a dramatic bow that drew a few amused glances from the onlookers.

"May I have this dance, m'lady?" he asked, his tone playful but his gaze warm and inviting. Before she could respond, he extended a hand and offered her his charming grin. Visenya swallowed the lump in her throat and set her drink aside but she didn't take his hand just yet.

"I told you, I do not dance," she muttered. But Sanji never wavered, keeping his hand outstretched until she finally slipped her hand into his. Sanji gripped her hand and Visenya could feel her cheeks already flushing as he led her toward the centre of the square.

"Nonsense," Sanji said smoothly, spinning her lightly as the music picked up pace. "Everyone can dance; they just need the right partner."

His words made her heart skip a beat, and she cursed at herself for the way her nerves buzzed under his watchful gaze. Sanji's hand settled at her waist, firm yet gentle, and he guided her movements effortlessly. Visenya tried to focus on the rhythm of the music, and make sure she didn't step on Sanji's feet, but her attention kept slipping back to him— his hand resting on her waist, the way he seemed completely at ease, and the mischievous glint in his eye every time she stumbled slightly.

"You're nervous," he remarked, his voice low enough that only she could hear it. There was no judgment in his tone, just curiosity, and perhaps a hint of teasing. He spun her under his arm and when she stumbled he pulled her in close, his arms secured around her waist. "Am I making you uncomfortable?"

Visenya hesitated, her face heating even more as she looked away. "It is not a bad thing," she admitted finally, her voice quieter than she intended. "Just. . . different."

Sanji's grin softened into something gentler, and he leaned in just enough to catch her gaze again. "Different can be good," he said, his tone reassuring. "It means I'm doing something right, Angel."

Visenya managed a small laugh, the tension in her shoulders easing just a little. "I suppose so," she said, letting her shoulders relax and let Sanji lead the dance. Despite her initial discomfort, she began to move more fluidly, matching Sanji's steps and even smiling as he spun her again.

As the music began to slow, Sanji guided Visenya toward the edge of the square, away from the dancing crowd. The laughter and lively chatter of the villagers faded into the background as they stepped into the cool, quiet night. The stars hung low in the sky, glittering like jewels scattered across black velvet.

They found a few unbroken crates and sat together, Sanji standing beside her as she took a seat. Sanji reached into his jacket and pulled out the small golden tin, retrieving a cigarette and lighting it with the lighter Visenya had fixed. He took a slow drag, exhaling a thin stream of smoke that curled lazily upward before dissipating. Then, with a slight tilt of his hand, he offered her the tin.

Visenya raised an eyebrow but took one anyway, allowing him to light it for her. She inhaled slowly, the taste bitter but oddly grounding. She tipped her head back to the sky and watched the smoke rise above her as she breathed it out.

Sanji leaned against a low wall, his gaze fixed on her as she held the cigarette between her fingers. The firelight from the square caught in her hair, and her cheeks still held the faintest hint of pink from earlier. She didn't meet his eyes at first, focusing instead on the glowing ember at the end of the cigarette.

"I never thought a girl like you would smoke," Sanji said, breaking the silence. His voice was low, almost contemplative. "But then again you cut through men like carving a cake."

Visenya frowned slightly, standing and turning to face him fully. "Is that supposed to be a compliment?" she asked, her tone guarded but not unkind.

"It's an observation, Angel," he said with a smirk, his free hand tucking into his pocket. "But if it bothers you, then yes, it's a compliment."

She chuckled softly, taking another drag from the cigarette. "You talk too much."

"Maybe you don't talk enough." Sanji shrugged, stepping closer. The space between them felt smaller now, his presence warm and disarming. "But sometimes, the right words are worth hearing."

Visenya met his gaze this time, her heart inexplicably racing as his expression shifted from playful to something softer, more serious. He reached out, brushing a strand of hair from her face, his fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary.

"Sanji. . ." she began, but her voice faltered as he leaned in. "I've never—"

"That's okay Angel," He mumbled, his eyes jumping between her eyes and lips.

He paused, giving her just enough time to pull away if she wanted to, but she didn't. Instead, her breath caught as his lips met hers, gentle at first, then firmer as he deepened the kiss. The cigarette fell from her fingers, forgotten as she placed a tentative hand on his chest, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm.

When they finally pulled apart, her face was flushed, and her chest felt tight with emotions she couldn't quite name. Sanji smiled, that familiar teasing edge returning to his expression.

"Was that. . . different?" he asked, his voice tinged with amusement.

Visenya blinked, then let out a breathy laugh, shaking her head. "Yes," she admitted, her voice steadier now. "But... not a bad thing."

He raised his hand to her cheek and traced her skin with his fingers. Sanji placed his hand under her jaw and tilted her head up towards him again, her nose brushing his. Every touch of his skin against hers was like a spark, a chill, a fire, everything. And she never wanted it to stop.

Sanji leaned in again and her hands moved on their own; one gripping his collar and the other winding around his neck. Visenya pressed her lips to his and Sanji around wound his arm around her and pulled her flush against his chest.

◈

VISENYA SAT AT THE KITCHEN COUNTER BESIDE SANJI, HER FINGERS TINKERING AWAY AT THE NEW CREATION SHE WAS WORKING ON. A faint metallic clink filled the air every so often as she adjusted its tiny gears, the sound blending with the rhythmic chop of Sanji's knife on the cutting board. Beside her lay a small leather-bound notebook, its pages filled with sketches, diagrams, and notes written in her neat handwriting. Occasionally, she paused her work to jot something down or refine a drawing, her pencil gliding across the page with a satisfying scratch.

Everyone could tell Sanji was cooking, the rich aroma of spices, simmering vegetables, and roasting meat wafting through the air. But no one would make a sound a Sanji moved with effortless grace as he worked, the sleeves of his shirt rolled up to his elbows, revealing forearms that flexed with each precise movement. His attention was split between the bubbling stovetop and the chopping board, yet he never missed a beat, tossing ingredients into the pan without a second thought.

"It smells good," Visenya said absentmindedly, her eyes still fixed on the device in her hands. She twisted a small screw into place, her eyebrows furrowing slightly in concentration.

"You sound surprised," Sanji teased, glancing at her with a crooked smile. "You've eaten my cooking before, haven't you Angel?"

She smirked but didn't look up. "I would not say I am surprised. Just. . . impressed every time."

Sanji chuckled, a low, warm sound that made her stomach flip slightly—not that she'd ever admit it. He added a pinch of seasoning to the pan, the sizzle punctuating their comfortable silence.

"What are you working on?" He asked, pausing for a moment to study her workspace of scrap metal and papers.

"It is called a Loupe," Visenya said simply. Sanji's eyebrows furrowed in confusion and Visenya quickly explained, "It is glasses, with multiple lenses." Visenya held up the small circle glass pieces with a bronze rim encasing each one. "It makes it easier for me to see what I am working on."

"I thought you just. . ." Sanji trailed off and vaguely gestured with his hands, "Made it,"

Visenya laughed softly, "I can," She confirmed. "But I like to create."

Sanji nodded and they fell into a comfortable silence once again, each focussed on their next step in their work.

"So," he began after a moment, his tone casual but probing, "are we just going to pretend last night didn't happen, or. . ?"

Visenya paused, the screw falling from place and her hand froze hovering in mid-air as her shoulders stiffened for just a second. But then she exhaled, setting the pieces down and sitting straighter in her chair. "I figured you would bring it up eventually," she said, picking up her notebook and flipping to a blank page. She didn't sound annoyed, just resigned, like she had been expecting this.

"Well, someone has to," Sanji said lightly, adding a splash of wine to the pan before turning to face her fully. "It's not like I can just kiss you and go back to acting like nothing happened."

Her pencil hovered over the page as she hesitated, glancing at him from the corner of her eye. She could feel her nerves growing with the heavy beating of her heart. "And what do you want to say about it?"

He leaned against the counter, crossing his arms in front of him. "For starters, I don't regret it, Angel," he said, his voice softer now, tinged with sincerity. "So stop thinking like that. I'm not an asshole. But I also don't want to make things weird between us."

Visenya let out a soft laugh, shaking her head. "Weird?" she repeated, arching an eyebrow as she finally met his gaze. "Stop thinking so seriously. You kissed me, Sanji. It is not like you declared your undying love."

"Not yet," he quipped, earning an eye-roll from her, though the corners of her mouth twitched upward.

"I am serious," she said, tapping her pencil lightly against the counter. "It is fine. Last night was. . . nice. Different, but nice."

Sanji watched her for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You keep saying different like it's a bad thing."

"It is not," she replied quickly, setting the notebook aside. "I am just not used to. . . this. People being close, I mean." She paused for a moment and took a breath. "Luffy was the first person to be kind to me with no reason too. I say different because I do not know what it is you make me feel."

"Lust." Sanji's word was quick and his thoughts seemed to be elsewhere, but as soon as he realised he said it his eyes quickly snapped to Visenya. "Don't ask Nami what that means."

Visenya raised her eyebrow at him but she didn't say anything. "Well," Sanji said, his grin returning as he pushed off the counter to check the pan. "Guess I'll just have to get you used to the attention Angel."

Visenya chuckled, picking up the pieces again. "Good luck with that."

"Guys! Guys!" Luffy's voice echoed through the halls of the boat and slowly the others emerged from the hall just as Luffy burst into the kitchen. Visenya glanced up at Sanji but she quickly turned back to Luffy. "Check it out."

He slammed the piece of rolled paper he held onto the kitchen counter, and unrolled it as fast as he could to show the others. The others crowded around and Luffy's grin grew wider than they had ever seen. His face was planted on a wanted poster for 30 00 00 berri, dead or alive.

"That is a lot of Berri," Oaklyn muttered with wide eyes.

"Hey, look. I'm famous!" Usopp shouted in excitement.

"What are you on about? That's Luffy's wanted poster," Sanji said, rolling his eyes softly.

"Not just Luffy," Usopp argued, and he pointed to a very small drawing of the back of Usopp's head in the bottom left corner. Usopp chuckled and did a small dance in his spot. "Sorry, guys. Maybe if you work a little harder, you'll get a bounty too."

"That doesn't count," Sanji argued back, leaning forward and pressing his hands to the counter.

"It only has Luffy's name," Visenya added.

"It's okay to be jealous. Feel what you need to feel," Usopp teased, patting his chest softly to mock them both. Visenya furrowed her eyebrows and shook her head at Usopp.

"I— mmm. . ." Sanji trailed off and shook his head. "This is stupid."

"Usopp stop, you're being an idiot.," Oaklyn said, taking a step forward to pat his shoulder.

"This is gonna make things much harder," Zoro mumbled, his eyes still stuck to the amount of Berri. Sanji looked up at Zoro and furrowed his eyebrows. "With that price on your head, every bounty hunter in the East Blue will be gunning for you."

"Not just Luffy. They're gonna be gunning for all of us," Nami added. Usopp nervously scratched the back of his head.

"Then it's a good thing we're not staying in the East Blue," Luffy said with a smile, his eyes moving back to his wanted poster. "We're going to the Grand Line."

◈

Oaklyn held Nami's hand tightly in hers and led her down the stairs of the ship onto the main deck. Luffy was following closely his hands over Nami's eyes so she couldn't see the surprise early. Oaklyn stopped Nami and made her stand in the right direction, "Ready?"

Nami hummed softly and Luffy quickly removed his hands. She blinked to adjust to the sunlight again but then she smiled. With a little bit of hard work, and Oaklyn keeping distracted for a while, they brought 3 ripe tangerines trees abord.

Luffy set his hands on his hips and grinned. "So, what do you think?" he asked. Nami took a step forward to one on the trees and gently ran her hand along the leaves. "It's a little piece of home to take with you on our journey."

"And I can whip up tangerine tarts anytime you want," Sanji added with a smile.

Nami grabbed one of the tangerines and even if they weren't open, the sweet fresh smell filled the ocean air. A sweet smile grew on her face. "Do. . . " Oaklyn took a small step toward Nami and smiled. "Do you like it?"

Nami looked back at her crew, her eyes darting around with a smile. "It's perfect," she said. Luffy's grin widened and he looked between Sanji and Zoro who had smiles of their own. "We actually have something for you too," Nami added, catching Luffy's attention.

Nami quickly ran up the stairs across to the other railings. "Usopp, Visenya, set the main!" She shouted with a smile.

"Setting the main!" Usopp echoed, loosening the ropes. Visenya grabbed the rope from the mast and jumped down, the weight tugging the sail loose. Visenya landed beside Usopp with a smile and then watched as the sail unravelled revealing the skull and bones with a wide smile in a straw hat.

Luffy's eyes widened and he grabbed onto Nami and Zoro as he stepped back, nearly stumbling. He turned and sprinted from the deck, rushing to the front of the ship to stand in front of the sheeps mast. His jaw had dropped open as his eyes were blown wide in shock, watching as the straw hat sail caught the wind.

And then, "Whoo-hoo!"

Luffy screeched in excitement and threw his arms up, his smile so wide he could barely contain himself. "Whoa!" Visenya couldn't help it when she began to laugh, Luffy's joy was infectious.

Luffy climbed into the sheep's head, whooping and shouting in excitement, waving his hat around with a smile. Oaklyn had taken the wheel, trying to teach Usopp to steer while they were in calm enough water. Visenya leaned against the railing, watching the waves of crystal water crashing against each other in the distant.  

Nami ran her fingers along the old map, tracing the path they would take. She paused and her eyebrows furrowed as she looked at the map closer. "The entrance to the Grand Line isn't too far off, but I think there's a mistake on the map," Nami called out, looking up at Luffy and Visenya.

"What do you mean?" Luffy questioned, spinning in his spot to face her.

"Well, it looks like a river or a canal or something, but it doesn't make any sense," Nami tried to explain but she wasn't too sure herself. Luffy slid down the sheep's head and Visenya walked to Nami's side, both taking a look at the map. "These elevations show a mountain. I mean, how can a river go up a mountain?"

"My friend Kaelis, she said she came from flying islands," Visenya remembered, taking a closer look. "Perhaps it is a waterfall from the island above."

"Flying islands aren't anywhere near this entrance," Nami explained.

Luffy shrugged softly, "You're our navigator. You'll figure it out," Luffy said with confidence and a nod.

"Hey, Luffy!" Sanji shouted, rushing up the stairs. "Come here. I've got an idea." He rushed back down the stairs again and Luffy looked back at the others. Nami set her magnifying glass down and she and Visneya followed Luffy to the top of the stairs. Sanji had pulled a barrel out and into the centre of the deck.

Visenya furrowed her eyebrows in confusion, and she and Nami looked up at Luffy. "Straw Hats!" He shouted in excitement. "All hands on deck for a cast-off ceremony.' He glanced back at them once more before rushing down to meet Sanji.

They all met around the barrel standing close together. Sanji had his hands in his pocket and with a smile he kicked his foot up to rest on top of the barrel. "I'm gonna find the All Blue," He announced.

Luffy smiled at him before copying his actions. "I'm gonna be King of the Pirates,"

"I will become the seas' greatest protector," Oaklyn siad with her head high, kicking her foot up beside Luffys.

Zoro kept his hand in his pockets but he did the same, "I'm gonna be the world's greatest swordsman."

Nami slammed her foot onto the barrel but she had the sweetest smile, "I'm gonna draw a map of the world."

"I am going to become the most brilliant inventor on all of the seas," Visenya promised, raising her foot to rest on the barrel.

They turned to Usopp and he stammered slightly. "And I—" he paused for a moment and swallowed the lump in his throat. He slammed his foot onto the barrel and grinned. "Am gonna become a brave warrior of the sea!"

Sanji couldn't help but laugh, and they all shared the same smile. "This is it, crew. The Grand Line." Luffy threw his arm into the air and cheered, "Nothing's gonna stand in our way! Yeah!" Usopp and Sanji joined in, shouting at the top of their lungs. Visenya took a breath and whistled through her teeth, joining their cheers.

She couldn't ask for a better crew.

— lethal lust —