Moy Mell 8: Is There Such a Thing as Bad Publicity?

"Moy Mell, 8: Is There Such a Thing as Bad Publicity?"

orig. 11/20/2017

Zoro, Elly, Sanji, Neuro - PG-13

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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So many different photographs had been taken and there were almost as many videos. One was exceptionally clear and showed everything that had happened in the restaurant perfectly; there was no confusion that she had grabbed Sanji and kissed him. The news featured this prominently, playing it over and over again. Social media showed millions of views and kept rising. Elly slept late into the next day. She was lethargic and had the headache Law had promised, but she remembered only part of what had happened.

"Honestly," she told the small group that had gathered on one end of the formal dining area. Elly had her head propped up in her hands with a steaming cup of coffee in front of her. Sanji had tried to get her to eat, but she'd pushed the plate aside in favor of the warm brew. "I remember doing some... things, to Sanji." They couldn't see her face but her voice wavered. "And then, Zoro st-stopping me." A hand crept out from her hanging hair and touched her forehead briefly. Her bodyguard flinched at this but remained silent.

Neuro was standing on the other end of the polished table, pacing back and forth. Sanji had given up trying to make him stop since it didn't look like he was scratching the wood under the tablecloth anyway. He sighed when the tall demon stomped a foot down, however.

"Please, Neuro."

"Oh, shut up." He steepled his long fingers and abruptly sat, crossing his legs tightly. "We have more important things to discuss." His eyes rolled over to stare at the green-haired man, who was trying his best to remain expressionless as possible. "I know what happened, by the way."

Zoro shot him a murderous look. "I had to."

"Tsk, tsk." He shook his head. "Well, at least she can move today. All right, we have to stifle the rumors and fix this as soon as possible. They will use this as proof our little shitstain harasser is right."

"But we have proof she was drugged!" Sanji slammed his fist down, causing the plate to rattle.

"That's only proof from our side," Zoro murmured.

"Yes. People can choose to ignore it anyway. Our main problem is even if they did believe she was drugged, the majority won't believe it was from catnip."

"She's not human," Sanji pointed out drily. "Her shit doesn't work the same way. People should know that. I mean... ears, fangs, tail. Right?"

"People believe what they want about demons," Neuro said. "You can trust me on this one," he added with a feral grin. "I do know what I'm talking about."

"Parrot-head," Zoro grunted shortly. He had gone from neutral to angry in only a few moments.

"Please," the demon waved a hand airily about. "I'm not a fan of that type of music at all. It's ghastly."

"You know what I'm talking about!"

Neuro tittered. "This is why you can't be around the media, green-hair. I can break you with the briefest of pokes." He leaned forward, his smile wider and showing a lot of razor-sharp teeth. One long finger pointed directly at the big man. "You snap too easily when it comes to her." Zoro thrust his lip out and turned away from them all.

"I have an idea," Sanji ventured quietly. He'd been watching Elly sink lower onto the table until she was now truly hiding her face in her arms, not only the plate but the coffee forgotten as well.

"Oh?"

He stood and walked to her side, draping an arm about her shoulders. "Angel," he cajoled softly. "It's me. I'm not judging you because of this. You know that." Elly groaned, and he bent forward to speak closer to one of her drooping lavender ears. "Please sit up. I have something to say and would like to look into your beautiful eyes while I say it."

"I fuh-feel so bad," she faltered, lifting her head a little. "I didn't mean to do anything wrong."

Sanji grasped one of her hands loosely in his. "You didn't do anything wrong," he told her stoutly. "And you know it wasn't your fault, so I won't just repeat that to you. I know you feel terrible. If we could just show the public that and tell them the truth, it'd be fine."

"Yeah," Zoro muttered.

"Unfortunately, a lot of people aren't going to believe the truth."

"Like I said." Neuro clasped his hands about his knees, extremely interested in what the chef was saying.

"Yeah. Well, how about we tell them what they saw is okay, because me and - I mean, we're -" Sanji took a deep breath and dug a finger in the thin black tie he was wearing. His suit was impeccable once more, every inch pressed and falling into place. But although his outfit was smart, he had started to stammer and his face burned a very dark red across the bridge of his nose.

"Oh, shit." Zoro knew what that look meant, and he half-raised out of his chair before the blond man started to talk again.

"We could tell them we're dating." Sanji blurted out all at once.

Zoro was on his feet this time. "What?!"

"What?" Elly's ears shot up from where they had been wilting close to the sides of her face. "Sanji!" She turned quickly in her chair, unsure if she wanted to escape him, the entire situation or just his touch.

"Oooooh!" Neuro fell over, howling with mirth at their combined reactions. "Perfect!"

"Listen, I'm sorry if I'm reading into what happened the other day too much." Sanji had jerked back at her response, removing his arm and his hand from hers but still standing close by her side. He placed a hand on his heart and knelt before her, staring deeply into her eyes. "But I think we could do this. I've never hidden the fact that I love you, baby -" He paused just long enough that Zoro started to growl under his breath. "And I know you feel something for me, too."

"It would work, you know," Neuro whispered in her ear.

Elly hissed, jumping forward and crashing into Sanji. They tumbled to the floor in a heap, his arms circling her protectively as she fell. "Damn it, Neuro!" She yelled, her tail frizzing out in irritation. "I'm already a bundle of nerves! Don't do that!" Then she noticed her situation and colored as deeply as the squirming man underneath her. "Um. Oops."

The only person standing still was Zoro. His face had paled slightly, locked in an awkward stasis that he couldn't break. The public relations demon was right - this would work. There was absolutely no reason for him to reject this plan. It would have the media circus licking their collective chops over a juicy topic they loved almost more than scandal: celebrity hookups. He couldn't say anything unless he told her he didn't want this to happen for personal reasons. And the minute he did she would know his biggest secret, and not only reject him, but maybe worse. Could she trust him if he was jealous over who she chose to date? Zoro thought not, and he thought that maybe, just maybe, he'd be the first guy to ever be let go from the compound. Not being by her side was something he couldn't live with. So he stood completely frozen in place, a muscle rippling in his jaw as he watched Sanji take from him what he'd wanted for so long.

Elly had extracted herself from the simpering man on the floor and was seated again with a thoughtful look on her face. Her tail had smoothed down but was lashing frantically about, a sign that she was highly agitated. She glanced sideways at Zoro, but seemed confused at his lack of argument.

"You really want to date me?" She asked Sanji dubiously. "I mean, after I went all crazy the other day and could have hurt you?"

"Yes!" He threw himself extravagantly on his face before her and she laughed in spite of herself.

Sanji beamed happily, his eyes lighting up when she smiled. "If I can make you laugh like that when you need to," he crooned, sidling close and laying his head on her lap, "that's all I need to be happy."

"You damn fool," she laughed again. "Okay..." She paused ever so slightly again. Neuro gleefully stared directly into the bodyguard's stoic features as she spoke. "Yes. Let's do it." Zoro didn't even acknowledge that anything had happened other than bringing out his phone. He began to type, letting his team in on the new information. Elly gently removed Sanji's head from her lap and picked up her plate and cup. "Now that's settled, I'll just reheat this."

Sanji moved to follow but Neuro caught his sleeve in one hand. "I'll set up so you two can do a statement about this, and then a few interviews and things," he told him. "We need to do them quickly, if you're okay with that."

"Yes, that's fine." Sanji obviously wanted to go follow his new girlfriend. Neuro cackled and left the room.

"Cook."

"Erk!" He whipped around, golden hair flying. "Shit, moss head, warn me before you -"

"What do you think you're doing?" Zoro grabbed the front of his shirt and yanked him close. His single eye burned with malevolence as he snarled at the younger man.

Sanji raised an eyebrow. "Finding a perfectly good solution to this shitty problem, and getting a bonus as well." He spoke calmly, knowing he had the upper hand. "You're jealous, aren't you? I can give her what she needs. You can't. It's as simple as that, idiot bodyguard."

"Shut up, you perverted cook, she needs -"

"She needs to be happy more than anything," Sanji snapped, ripping himself out of Zoro's hold and smoothing the wrinkles out of his shirt. "Look, I'm not trying to be insulting this time. But after yesterday, she's uncomfortable around you." Zoro's frown grew deeper, and Sanji held up a hand in a hear-me-out gesture. "Let her work it out on her own. Contrary to what you always call her, she's not stupid, and she should eventually realize you had her best interests at heart."

"Do you?"

"You are jealous," Sanji teased, his lips quirking in a sly smile.

"I'm not fucking jealous!"

"Then you'd better hold that shit in, because as of whatever conference or interviews the bird-demon's setting up, Elly officially has a boyfriend. Me." He whirled about and headed into the kitchen.

Moy Mell 7: False Heat

"Moy Mell, 7: False Heat"

orig. 11/19/2017

Zoro, Elly, Sanji, Trafalgar Law, Knuckles, James Morgan - adult*

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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Zoro yawned, ruffling his short green hair as he scratched his head in front of the bathroom mirror. He'd been getting spotty sleep ever since these series of slanderous attacks on Elly had started. It was getting difficult to get a full night's rest when all he did was worry if he was doing a good enough job. He sighed, splashed some cold water on his face and left, the air cooling him further as he walked out and waking him up a little more. The hallway was empty, but her voice broke through the usual mansion's sounds as she yelped indignantly.

"Crap," he groaned, rushing to the door on the end and cutting through the formal dining area as fast as he could. "What now?" Sanji looked up at him from where he was consoling Elly on her favorite spot on the couch. He pointed at the flatscreen on the wall, which was showing stills of photographs - the demon cat with a lot of different guys from the compound.

"He doesn't even have sex organs!" She hissed when they came back to one with her and Piccolo. They'd just come down one of the slides and she was in front nestled between his legs, his arms around her to hold her carefully in place on the raft they were seated on. "How are they making that some sort of lecherous field day for me?! We were at the water park!"

"Idiot cook," Zoro sighed. He grabbed the remote laying nearby and the show cut out. "I told you not to let her watch those."

"She's a grown lady," Sanji huffed. "I can't make her do anything." He sniffed angrily and squeezed her close to his side, stroking her hair and glaring defiantly at the bodyguard. "There, there, baby. He doesn't get it, does he?" Zoro bared his teeth at him and Sanji tossed his golden hair away from his face in return, a gesture he knew pissed the other man off.

"Damn it, she needs to go news blind until we get this shit settled." He pointed at the television. "That's it - I'm ordering it now. We'll have everything programmed for after lunch."

"Aw, even my phone?" She peered around Sanji to stare at the big man.

"Yes, stupid cat. Even your phone."

"Bleah." She snuggled deeper into the couch. "I know it's probably better, but this sucks."

"It won't be so bad," Sanji cooed softly, delicately slipping one of her side locks of hair behind a furry ear. When he caught Zoro's murderous glare he smirked at him and outrageously kissed her cheek. The green-haired young man thrust his jaw out pugnaciously and all but ripped his phone out of his haramaki. Sanji snickered.

"Sanji!" She flinched in surprise. "You're extra naughty today."

"You need a distraction." He pondered this, his eyes distant for a few seconds. "I have the best idea," he announced triumphantly. "It's..." he checked his watch, "almost lunch time. Why don't you come to All Blue and we can have a fantastic meal inside the restaurant, like we hardly ever do."

"Hey - that's not a bad idea."

"Told you. I know just the table for us, angel - it's on the screened-in patio and you can hear the waves crashing outside on the beach. I have it set aside all the time just in case." He took her hand in his and kissed the fingers softly. "It's a double seater, designed so we can cuddle if you get too chilly." Zoro made a strangled noise in his throat and continued to tap the news blind orders into his phone. "Something wrong, moss head?"

More strangled sounds emerged from Zoro, sounding more and more like gargled swearing. He thrust his phone back, then pointed at the two. "All right, if it's just for two where the hell am I supposed to sit?"

"Let her have a tiny bit of privacy today, maybe?" Sanji suggested mildly. "I'll be right there by her side, and you can send your extra today instead of you." His eyes slid over to the wall behind the big man, where a spiky potted plant was wiggling in a faint breeze. The red, spiky leaves shook harder and a pissed-off, four foot tall echidna wearing sneakers popped out, shaking himself all over.

"That's it! I ain't gonna sit around inside a pot ever again."

"That was your choice, not mine," Zoro grunted.

"Yeah, well, I'm not really inconspicuous."

"Nobody sees you as a threat," he patiently explained. "We went over this. I wouldn't have picked you if you weren't capable."

"Huh."

"Well, that's settled then, right? The spiney thing can help." Sanji beamed at everyone and, taking Elly's hand again, led her out of the room to the foyer beyond.

"Spiney thing?!"

"Fuck," Zoro ground out. "All right, go with them, Knuckles."

"You got it. I don't trust that smarmy shit."

"Me neither," he agreed, "but don't let him distract you. Be alert."

"Yeah, yeah." He ran out the door leading to the front. Sanji and Elly's voices could be heard calling out to him.

"Cocky little bastard," Zoro muttered to himself.

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The meal was, as could be expected, fabulous. While it was true that it wasn't his cooking since he stayed with her in what turned out to be a very comfortable wicker loveseat, it was very good. He had trained all the chefs inside personally, after all. Towards the end of the meal a calming tea was sent out for Elly, and she sipped it with a long, drawn-out sigh.

"This was exactly what I needed, Sanji," she smiled. He grinned back and drank some of the espresso he'd ordered. He was pleased with himself, since everything had gone smoothly and was quite looking forward to rubbing it in Zoro's face when they got back. A few minutes after they had been served their dessert and drinks, however, Knuckles popped up from where he'd been hiding under their table, mostly hidden by the cloth covering it.

"Hey, slimeball," he whistled softly. "Is she alright?"

Sanji scowled at him. "Of course she is." He was about to tell him off, but a hand abruptly grasped his slacks, squeezing gently. His face instantly flushed such a dark red that their server noticed and came back.

"Is everything okay?"

"Yes, fine, go. Thanks." Sanji waved the man impatiently off, nodding vigorously. When he left he cleared his throat and whispered, "Angel dear, was there something you wanted?"

Knuckles sniffed the air. "Get her out of here quick!" He rasped at Sanji. "She smells wrong!"

"Smells wr-" Sanji was caught off guard by her hand sliding further up his thigh. When he faced her he saw her cheeks were rosy and her eyes were glazed over as if she were drunk. All of this was not something he ever expected to happen, especially in public. Knuckles was right; she was not herself. "Emergency exit," he told the echidna. "I'm taking her home, call a doctor."

"Yes." He jumped out from hiding and scooped up her plate and teacup to save for inspection later. People on the patio were gawking as Sanji found she was unable to walk and was forced to carry her. Not a few had their phones in their hands and he knew at least some were recording this. Unfortunately, in full view of their audience, she responded to being picked up by kissing him full on the mouth! Sanji's eyes went impossibly wide and he kissed her back, at first. Then he broke away with a gasp. "Getting carried away, aren't we, love?" He ran off to the side, out the emergency exit as he'd told Knuckles and straight to the waiting car outside on the rail. He bundled her inside and crept in after, slamming the door amidst people that were waiting in front and others cruising the boardwalk that had been startled by the commotion inside the restaurant.

"Sanji?" Her voice had a syrupy quality to it.

"Moment," he told her and barked, "Mansion! Fast," to the driver. Coincidentally it was James again today, and he did a double take when he saw how Elly was groping the lean chef. He punched in the destination and the car sped off.

"C'mere," she whispered, and it was all Sanji could do to not cry out as she dragged him down by the necktie he was wearing. He struggled to hold her quietly on the seat but she purred and mouthed the scruff on his chin, kissing it and moving upwards.

"Baby, no, wait..." He whined softly when she didn't stop. "Something's wrong," he told her as sternly as possible. "You shouldn't be doing this."

"Spoilsport," she stuck her tongue out at him. He moved his face back so she couldn't reach so she ducked down and started to nibble on his wrists instead.

"Ahh, damn it," Sanji breathed. He was, however, saved by the car stopping at the mansion. With a tremulous sigh he grabbed her up and rushed for the front door. It was open, and for once he was glad to see that green-haired idiot standing there. Zoro stepped aside as he ran in and the doors slammed shut behind them.

"What the hell happened?" He snapped angrily at the panting cook. Elly was clinging to him, nuzzling his cheek and trying to steal as many kisses as possible.

"Drugged," Sanji wheezed as he carefully set her down on the floor. "Or something. Don't know. Did the spiney thing call a doctor?" Elly struggled for a moment when he put her down but then her head snapped up, her nose delicately testing the air.

"Yeah. Watch out!" Her pale eyes focused on Zoro and she suddenly leapt with a catlike roar that startled them both. Zoro snatched her out of midair, whirling and pinning her to the ground. He felt one of her hands sliding under his haramaki and repressed an urge to jerk away. Instead he held on, keeping her mostly at bay with one hand restrained and her other groping him unmercifully. "Ungh!" He threw his head back, sweat flying. Sanji was frozen by the door, watching the tableau in front of him in horror. Her voice was even more slurred now, and when she spoke the guard's name it was in such a rolling purr it was more beastlike than human.

"Zorrrro."

"Cat! Snap out of it!" He leaned closer to try and reason with her and she responded by lunging at him. He moved fast, but she caught one of the dangling gold earrings in his left ear in her mouth. She tugged at it, growling playfully while her hidden hand slid even lower. Zoro gulped, knowing that in her aroused state she was going to do something inappropriate that she would regret later. He reached inside his belly band on the opposite side, his fingers finding the strip of paper he always carried with him. He had to let go of her other hand to do this, and she miaowed happily and wrapped her arm around his neck.

Zoro got the paper out and showed it to her.

"Stop," he told her firmly. "You know what this is." She hissed at him, and he saw she was simply too far gone. Her pupils had completely dissolved, creating two frightening, glowing white slits that burned with an intensity that caused him to shudder. Her hand continued to grope him and his lower stomach jerked with grim pleasure. "I'm sorry," he choked. Bracing himself, he slapped the prayer slip to her forehead.

Her scream was more than loud. It reverberated inside their heads as well as in their ears, and later all the guys on the compound would swear they heard it, too. Small birds burst out of trees in huge flocks in front of the mansion, squawking in fright. It also broke Sanji free of the paralysis that had held him up until that point and he rushed over.

"The hell? What did you do to her?!" He stopped, his eyes widening as he read the Japanese writing on the paper stuck to her head.

"Don't mention this to anyone," Zoro snapped. She fell back in a faint, her face even paler than usual and mouth twisted in agony. Her ears were so flat they were folded into her hair, creating a strange, almost perfectly human look. When she opened her eyes again they were lavender, lighter than the purple they normally were, but much better than that demonic glow.

"Hurts," she whimpered. Zoro grit his teeth, looking as if he were in pain himself as he continued to hold her. His throat convulsed and he suddenly couldn't meet her eyes anymore. They were filled with an intense sorrow, tears spilling down her cheeks. He'd never seen her cry before and it was gut-wrenching. "Why?" She sounded baffled at what was a betrayal of the worst kind among demons and their companions.

"Hang in there for a little while," he told her in a rough voice, gently removing her hand out from under him. Sanji glanced at the big man and saw that he was as close to tears as he'd ever seen him. "Doctor's coming."

"I'll go make some coffee," he said quietly. "We're gonna need some, I think." And with that he excused himself out of the room.

A man-shaped bubble suddenly appeared, a small sculpture in the front room disappearing as it was replaced by a lanky man wearing a yellow and black shirt with faded jeans. "Shit," was the first thing he said as he took in the situation.

"Dammit, Law, what took you so long?"

"Communication," he said shortly. Then, "She was drugged?"

"The cook said she was drugged. S'gotta be catnip. Only thing that could make her act the way she did."

Law reached between her lips with one long finger, careful of her fangs. The binding of the talisman allowed them to do whatever they liked as she was completely immobile. He drew it out and placed it in his own mouth. He nodded as he tasted a faint trace of the herb. "Damn. The reactions from catnip are the same as the estrus behavior of female cats, but it isn't an aphrodisiac. She simply derives pleasure from it. Why this always causes her to go into false heat I'll probably never know." He sighed as he reached into a bag he held by his side. "And believe me, I've tried. Demons are very different entities from normal living creatures."

"Just give her something to help her get over it."

"I am, fool." He took out a needle and carefully let some liquid out. "She's not going to like this."

"She doesn't like anything right now."

Law puffed out a gust of air and carefully injected her while she mewled pathetically. "Shh, it's okay. That will help." He turned to Zoro as he stood. "She'll sleep it off, several hours at the most. When she wakes she'll have a hell of a headache, though."

"All right," Zoro said glumly.

"It was bad enough that you had to take her down, huh?" The doctors in the compound were among the ones that knew about her weakness. Law looked pointedly at the paper on her forehead.

"Yeah." His reply was curt and he ignored the doctor as he left. He waited until her eyes slipped shut and her breathing was slow and even before taking it off, however. The writing had left angry red welts that would fade quickly, but the physical pain wasn't what he was worried about. Zoro carefully lifted her in his arms, cradling her limp form to his strong chest. Her sleeping face wasn't peaceful and she clutched at his coat, whispering the same thing she'd asked him before.

"Why, Zoro, why?"

"I had to," he sighed disconsolately, stepping into the elevator. His face burned when he thought of the thrill he'd felt as her hand had grazed his navel. He'd been slow to stop her, hoping that he wouldn't need to use his weapon of last resort, but he admitted to himself one more thing. He would have enjoyed passionately wrestling with her right there on the floor of the entrance room. Zoro had wanted to let her go all out, to test her full strength at last and enjoy the climactic release of both fighting and pleasure. The problem was keeping those feelings a secret from everyone else, including her. And while he would have loved it, it wasn't the right time or place. He wanted her to want him on her own, not while she was strung out on a common herb that acted like a narcotic in her system. The elevator opened and he entered her dimly-glowing world of fish and soft things, making his way to the bedroom to tuck her in so she could sleep it off.

He hoped she didn't hate him when she woke.

Moy Mell 6: Art Critic

"Moy Mell, 6: Art Critic"

orig. 11/18/2017

Zoro, Elly, Tracey Sketchit, Shota Aizawa, Sanji - PG-13

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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He was always close to her, round the clock, every day and she wondered just how he did it. The others had time off, but he didn't like leaving her alone. Elly watched Zoro as she lazily sipped some coffee in the kitchen. They'd finished breakfast and Zoro and the newest member, Aizawa, were together in the sunny room. Shota was as inconspicuous as possible, on ghost security today. Sanji was sitting outside on the deck, smoking and blowing trails that drifted across the pool. But it was Zoro she was focused on as the big man cleaned the dishes in the sink. He swore as he almost dropped a soapy cup but caught it in midair. She chuckled softly.

The light, almost diffident tapping on the kitchen door startled Elly out of her reverie.

"Elly?" It was the young artist from the other day. He seemed upset, like he wasn't sure if he wanted to come in or not.

"Tracey, what's up? Yesterday was a lot of fun. I always love seeing all the sketches you come up with." And it had been more interesting because Zoro had sat with her, something that hadn't happened before. Tracey had, in fact, hid some of them that he was certain the bodyguard wouldn't want her to see. He'd managed to catch the exact moment Zoro had glanced over at her, and his expression had softened considerably, changing his harsh features for a moment. It was a split second, but the artist had keen eyes and had sketched it. It was a reason he felt he had to come directly to the mansion the next morning. He was nervous, shaking a little as he walked over to the patio doors near her.

"Um. About that."

The dishes rattled as Zoro finished up quickly. "Something's wrong." He strode over, wiping his hands on a towel. He tossed the cloth indifferently aside when they were dry and sat down on an empty stool.

Tracey sighed and ran a hand through his lanky black hair. "Yes..."

"Uh oh. That's not good." Elly set her mug carefully down. "Tell us what happened."

"I posted all the sketches -" stammering as he realized he hadn't, he took a breath and corrected himself. "Most of the sketches online, like I usually do. I got some bad messages." He brought out his phone from his red cargo shorts and held it up. "Look, I sent every single thing to your phone right before I walked in."

Zoro's own phone chimed and he swore, digging deep inside his haramaki. "You didn't have to come here, then." He swiped it open and began reading.

"Well, uh, that's the thing. I feel like this is my fault, and careful, some of those are images and..!"

"Holy shit!" Zoro almost fell off his seat. He held the phone in the air, away from Elly, when she tried to peek. "No, no way, little cat - trust me. You don't want to see."

"All that makes me do is wonder more!"

"They're -" The big man paused, his eye narrowing thoughtfully. "You didn't paint those, did you?"

"Gosh, no!" Tracey stumbled a little, his face burning in embarrassment. "N-no, there's no way, they're all different styles, it's not my work at all. Really. I wouldn't have sent them if I did them - someone sent them to me and, and." He froze, seeing Zoro's face had become deadly serious as he watched him flounder about. "Honest, Zoro! They're not mine. The person just says they are, and they sent them out to everywhere like the letter and stuff." He blurted this last out.

"Oh my crap," Elly husked, her eyes wide. "I just realized what they could be."

"Yep." Shota had crept closer to look at Zoro's phone when he held it away from Elly. "Nudes." He pursed his lips thoughtfully. "That one's pretty good," he murmured.

"Quit looking at it!" Zoro snatched the phone close to his body.

"I'm sorry," Tracey whimpered.

"S'not your fault, kid," Shota shrugged.

"Hey, I'm twenty one," Tracey grumbled. "I'm not that young. But yeah, I mean I guess not. If we hadn't done that sketching session though, it might not have happened."

"It's not your fault," Elly groaned. "Zoro? Are they really..?"

He blushed bright red. "How do I know?"

"No, silly," she sighed patiently. "I didn't mean are they real, because they can't be. I've never posed nude for anyone. Or been fully nude around anyone, for that matter. Unless doctors count... or my full cat form."

"These are definitely not you in cat form." Shota whistled softly through his teeth.

"Aizawa!" Zoro's face was mottled with anger. The man prudently shut up and stepped away from him. The raging man's hand was on the hilts of his swords, flexing as if he'd come seconds away from unsheathing them.

"Zoro," Elly soothed quietly, "Calm down. Sanji just heard and now we have to explain things to him."

"Great!" Zoro snarled so loudly they all jumped. "How can today get any worse?!"

"The hell's going on in here?" Sanji stepped forward and naturally edged closer to Elly than the other men. "Anyone bothering you, angel?"

"No," she said as serenely as she could manage. "The - what do we call them, harasser? Made some terrible accusations again."

"I'd call them stupid," Tracey ventured in awe, his eyes large and focused on the seething aura of rage that surrounded her main bodyguard. "Zoro's gonna kill them when he finds out who they are."

"You haven't caught them yet?" Sanji affected a tone of surprise as he turned to face him. Needling Zoro was his favorite pastime, and even in a serious situation he did what he could to infuriate the other man. He raised a curly eyebrow when Zoro completely ignored him, however. That usually didn't happen; a comeback was required. He was instead feverishly tapping on his phone, sending a message out to the other members of his team. "Anyone want to fill me in?"

"Someone sent nude drawings of Elly to the media," Shota said into the stillness of the room. Sanji blinked. A small trickle of blood ran down one of his nostrils, and he abruptly passed out.

"It's only Tuesday," Elly mourned.

Apologies

"Apologies"

orig. 9/24/2011 - finished 11/18/2017

One Piece - Elly x Zoro, adult / rape

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Her legs felt like dead hunks of meat. She could only shuffle slowly, bent over but not yet crawling along the narrow path to the shoreline. Funny thing was she hardly felt the physical pain anymore. Bruises circled her wrists, brutal finger marks squeezed into the pale skin and there were other things wrong - she knew that. But nothing like that mattered. Nothing mattered except getting to the water's edge and to safety.

Chopper was the first one to find her.

"What happened?!" The little reindeer gasped as he shifted form to catch the wounded woman.

"Got hurt," she coughed weakly. She tensed as he sniffed the air and of course caught the scent on her. "Don't tell anyone," she pleaded before passing out. He quickly carried her to the infirmary where a careful examination told him the grim facts of what he'd already known from scent. Now he had a serious moral dilemma. On one hoof, he knew who had done this to her. On the other, she'd begged him not to say. The others had come back as well, drifting in small groups. They had known the island was small and considered safe. Besides, everyone in the crew could usually take care of themselves.

The danger hadn't come from the island, though.

Chopper sighed as he spotted Zoro yawning by his favorite tree on the main deck. "Come with me," he said in a grim voice. Zoro glanced at him curiously but said nothing. The big man followed him to the infirmary and paused while he closed the door quite firmly closed behind them.

"Well?"

"You need to sit." He shoved a stool at the big man.

"What's going on?"

"Elly came back from her walk," the reindeer said quietly. He lifted a lamp close by the cot they were sitting beside. The pale girl was wrapped in bandages across her lower midsection and right arm. The bruises on her flesh were livid and seemed to glow malevolently in the soft light. They were everywhere: her neck, arms, even an odd couple on her legs. The color on Zoro's face paled, tan draining off to be replaced by a sweaty sheen of pale milk. He looked sick as he stared wordlessly at her injuries.

"That's not the worst," Chopper told him.

"Not..?"

"There's more to her than physical injuries." He looked up sadly. "Much worse than some bruises."

"What do you mean?" Someone would have to spell it out for the green-haired man, he saw that. And he really didn't want to be the one to do it. The longer he sat there and fidgeted, though, the more Zoro understood. "Her - her mind. She's really upset."

The green-haired man gargled in the back of his throat. "What?"

"She didn't want me to say what happened," Chopper fussed, staring down at his bottom hooves as they dangled from the stool he was sitting on. "But I need to ask you."

"Ask me what?"

"What did you do to her?"

"Wait..." Zoro didn't know what to say. Chopper was serious; he could see it in his face. The little guy's eyes were full of tears and he sniffed loudly. "I don't know what you're talking about," he confessed weakly. On his part, the doctor saw the swordsman was speaking the truth - he clearly was baffled.

"She was attacked," he said quietly. "I smell your scent on her, and from her bruises, it looks like you held her down a-and," he swallowed hard, his eyes tearing up, "held her legs apart."

Zoro went completely white. His mouth opened but no sound came out. The big man was never at such a loss for words. Something very strange was going on here. Unfortunately, Zoro quickly regained his composure in the form of - what else -- indignant anger.

"What the hell are you talking about?!" He yelled at the top of his lungs, jerking upright off the stool. His breathing was harsh and ragged and he kept clenching and unclenching his massive fists.

"Shh!"

"There's no way I did that! I'd never..." He trailed off as a frightened squeak and a thud came from the bed area. Elly had scrambled backwards until she fell, completely unaware of the edge in her haste to get away from him. Chopper reared up into his giant form and stepped between him and the groggily awake woman with his arms spread out.

"I told you to be quiet!" He roared angrily. Nothing upset him more than someone disturbing his patients. It made him unusually brave in the face of the larger man's rage. "Now get out!"

Zoro slammed the door.

He spent the rest of the day in a daze, not even bothering to lift his weights. The haunting idea of "worse than physical injuries" and Chopper crying "why'd you do it?" tormented him. Could the little doctor have been wrong? He was always excellent in diagnosing patients and he did have that superior sense of smell (like she did, he thought wildly). Could he really have done something so hideous and not know it? It all came down to the fact that Zoro knew Chopper wouldn't make such a serious accusation without proof of some kind. The only logical assumption was that he had somehow done this terrible thing. Zoro grimaced and banged a fist on the wall of his special room below the crow's nest. "I don't remember!" he snarled.

A knock at his door startled him out of his rage. He opened it to find the last person he expected to see. She was shaking and pale, but he was oddly proud of her for being so strong as to search him out after such a horrific ordeal.

"All right," Elly said in a rush. "Let's get this over with. You didn't rape me. You were too, ah, excited for that. But you intended to."

He clenched his jaw. "Shit." Visions blurred in his head of what might have happened: him clumsily trying to do something he'd never attempted before and failing. Her afraid of his actions and then disgusted as he came all over her. Any scenario he came up with made his stomach churn. He didn't know exactly, but it had to be bad.

"Yes."

"I can't, uh. Don't know what to do. I didn't mean to do that! I don't remember doing anything!" He paused, then fought back any further outburst. "I would never hurt you," he insisted.

"Not if you knew what was happening," she agreed.

"What the hell happened then?!"

"I have no idea," she sighed wearily. "You ate something, drank something, goodness only knows. Chopper said your ah, fluids, had something odd mixed with it."

"How did he get..." He trailed off as she coughed nervously. "Oh."

"Hey, you two," a new voice called out. Robin's head poked up from the ladder top.

Zoro swore. "There isn't enough fucking room here, what the hell do you want?"

"I think you two should spend some time together," the dark-haired woman suggested mildly. "Off the ship... on the beach, maybe."

"You said what?" Elly gasped.

"Are you nuts?!" Zoro snapped out, eyes bulging.

Robin shrugged. "We're not going anywhere until this is settled, so feel free to do whatever you like." She turned and walked slowly off, her book still tucked under one arm.

Zoro swore. "Great."

"No." Elly was breathing erratically, eyes darting wildly about. "I - I can't..."

"You little idiot!" He shouted at her, knowing what she was thinking: what if he tries it again? And of course the minute he'd opened his mouth he knew it was a mistake. He grit his teeth and swore as she slid down the ladder in a hurry, following Robin. He pelted off after her, barely touching the rungs to try and catch up. When he reached the deck he looked around, baffled.

"She took off down the gangplank to the beach," Robin offered in a mild tone, fashioning a string of arms with hands attached into a large arrow with her ability. He frowned but didn't speak, choosing instead to use all his energy to run as fast as he could.

"Cat?" Zoro had to stop when he reached the sandy beach, however. It was dark, and her trail stopped at the dune grasses that led up to the main island. The place seemed deserted, as it was night and he couldn't see any lights from neighboring towns or anything. There was only a dim flicker a little ways away, and he headed towards it. It turned out to be Elly sitting in front of a fire she'd made. "You're not running anymore?"

"No," she called softly over the crackling of the flames. "I guess we need to talk a little more." He grunted, folding his arms across his chest in a show of defiance but the cheerily burning warmth soon won him over. The big man crept closer and finally sat next to her on the log she had pulled up, holding his hands out to the flames.

"I'm sorry," he said finally, thrusting his lower lip out in a pout.

"I know," she murmured. "I know you didn't mean it." Her ears folded slowly back as she spoke and she sat very still, not knowing where to put her hands. She settled on grasping her legs lightly, trying not to dig her nails into the soft flesh.

"That's not exactly right," he said shortly.

"What?"

He groaned, rubbing the side of his face with a rough palm. "Look. It's not your fault, all right? I'm mad at me, not you. I don't know."

Elly nodded though her eyes were filled with confusion. She took a deep breath and raised her chin slightly. "If you say so." They sat in silence for several minutes watching the crackling flames. He suddenly reached over and placed a hand on her shoulder. Elly flinched and he frowned, then hastily tried to smooth the lines on his forehead when he saw how her eyes widened. He took a deep breath and tried a smile but she wouldn't look at him.

"Damn it, cat," he groaned.

"You don't have to stop being you," she ventured quietly. "Grumpy, strong Zoro. It's all right." She curled her tail around her. "I'm not really afraid."

"You are," he insisted. "You jump if I so much as move," he huffed. "That's why I got pissed. I didn't mean to do what I did."

"Well..." she hedged. "I'm not really afraid of you, anyway. More, um, what you think."

"I don't think."

"Obviously," she snapped. Zoro's grin was much more natural this time. He slouched down a little on the log and folded his arms in front of his chest.

"All right, what would I think?"

"Oh, honestly," she sighed in a weary voice. "I suppose it doesn't matter now. You know what happened, and that you didn't actually... well, succeed entirely. What you don't know is that I didn't fight the whole time. I want you to know that."

"What?" He seemed to be saying that a lot today. He blinked, stunned. There was no way he'd heard that right.

"I wanted it," she said simply. "I wanted you, Zoro." Her face remained expressionless, her eyes dull. She wasn't even embarrassed.

He placed his hands on her shoulders without thinking, but this time she didn't jump away. "What the hell do you mean? How'd you get all those injuries if you didn't fight back?"

She laughed softly and looked up to stare deeply into his dark eye. "I only fought back when I realized you didn't know what you were doing. I didn't want you if you didn't want me. You know, I might be stupid now and then, but you're completely blind about things like this. Everyone else knows how I feel about you."

His hands grew limp in shock, but only momentarily. "You - wanted...?"

"The feel of your hands all over me, your lips, your tongue," she said dreamily, "Yes, okay? I want you. I thought in the beginning that you wanted me back, but then I saw you were drugged or something, and..."

"You want me?"

She cleared her throat, a dark red blush staining her cheeks at last, yet still answered defiantly. "Are you deaf?"

"No," he murmured slowly. "No, I'm not."

"Yeah, well, that's that. We never have to speak of it again."

"Right," he agreed very softly, and she jerked to the side as his breath tickled her ear. He was leaning close to her, his lips an inch or so away from the lavender fur. She flicked it, and he wrinkled his nose as the tip brushed him.

"What are you doing?"

He carefully reached out and turned her face to meet his, so he could stare into her eyes with the single one he had left. "I'm not drugged now," he told her seriously.

"N - no, you're not," she stammered nervously. She tried to drop her gaze but he tapped her lips with one finger, startling her enough so their eyes met again.

"Are you sore? Does it hurt?" He gently touched one of the bruises on her arm and winced when he saw how neatly his fingerpads fit into the dark circles.

"It's not that bad."

"Are you still afraid?"

"Of you? No." She fidgeted on the log, her eyes never leaving his. The one that was open was such a dark color, and it burned with an intensity that mesmerized her. His hand slipped around behind and stroked her short hair. She blinked several times, trying to process what was happening.

"Do you still want me?" This was delivered in such a low tone she barely heard him.

She swallowed hard, barely able to catch her breath but determined to rattle him as much as he had her. "I want you to do to me what you didn't, before," she answered in a quavering voice.

He pulled her even closer and leaned in so their noses were touching. "You sure?" His tongue flicked out and lightly traced her lips.

"Mnn... very sure." She shivered and closed her eyes.

"I can be gentle, you know." He kissed her softly on her closed mouth and then murmured against it, "Is that how you imagined me?"

"Zoro!" She choked.

"Now I wanna know." He laughed a low, raspy sounding sort of laugh and kissed her again. "Was I slow, soft and sweet? Or," he nipped her neck, "did I grind you into the ground until you screamed my name?"

"Zoro!"

"Like that, sort of. The screaming."

"Whew! Have you ever practised talking like this?"

"Why? I'm just talking." He slipped his hand down until he could caress the base of her tail. "I'm not like that asshole cook. I just say what I think." He stopped, frowned a little. "You went limp, cat... did I find an even better spot to tease?" Since Elly was utterly and completely speechless, he went on. "Good. Maybe you'll answer me, then." He chuckled when she miaowed softly. "Now, kitten, you're almost there. S'not so big a deal, just tell your crush how you fantasized him having you."

At last she found her tongue. "Crush?!" She yelped indignantly. "I love you, moron! And I didn't just have one fantasy, it was all sorts of things." She clapped a hand to her mouth as she finished speaking, aghast. "Er..."

"Ha! Got you." He let go of her tail to concentrate on her rear, pulling her up further on his lap so she could straddle him. "I wasn't sure, you know."

"Wh - what?"

"You really are stupid." He brought his other hand around, clasping her fully to him in an almost crushing embrace. "Why'd you think I did, uh... that, before?"

"Now look who's not saying."

He blew out air in an annoyed rush, his dark eye glaring at her. "I love you too, okay? Idiot." The soft insult finishing his sentence somehow made everything more real and she dug her nails into his shoulders, gasping. This was actually happening!

"What are you waiting for, then?"

"Fuck, kit..."

"Yes!"

He started laughing so hard he had to turn his face away. She whapped him lightly on the back and he stifled himself, though his eye still sparkled with mirth. "How d'you want me?"

"Oh..."

"Yeah, so? It'll be difficult to hold back now, but I can if you want gentle." His lips quirked, a small smile still hinting at the corners of his mouth. "I know you're still bruised up. And s'my fault." The mirth faded briefly. "Not this time, though."

"I know."

"I'll give you whatever you want, kitten." His hands began to move again, cautious, tender touches. "I sort of want the slow, soft route, though. It's our first time. Let's make love."

"Oh my god. Yes."

"Just tell me."

"Like that..."

"This?" Lighter on her than she would have thought possible, his calloused hands pulled her down to the warm sand where he had at some point spread his coat out for her to lay on. She'd been so mystified she hadn't even noticed. He propped himself up, resting only some of his bodyweight on her but covering her completely.

"Oh, Zoro, yes."

"Be ready for me, kitten." His mouth pressed against hers, and for Elly there was just one man and nothing else in the world: Zoro moving slowly, efficiently and lovingly on her and eventually in her.

11/11/2017

"11/11/2017"

orig. 11/16/2017

Elly x Zoro *adult

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"Oh, hey - this is where you are."

Zoro squinted at her, yawning as the door closed and the crack of sunlight slipped away from his face. "Uh. Cat?"

"Yeah, I wanted to see where you'd went. Everyone's decorating and there's going to be a hell of a lot of food later." She stepped closer. The upper room was lit by a few portholes, but he was lounging against the wall in the darkest, furthest corner. She wouldn't have seen him if she didn't have a keen sense of smell.

He stretched, grimacing when a few of his joints cracked. "Just wanted some privacy."

"Uh huh. And what do you want now?"

"My birthday present." His head tilted to one side, the open eye fixing on her standing in front of him. She wore a white summer dress, very silky, with lacework on the bodice and below so nothing inappropriate showed through.  He grinned viciously in approval and before she knew what was happening he'd reached out and grasped her about the waist. She was spun deftly about and pulled into his lap, his strong arms curling around her to prevent her escape.

"Yeek!" Elly winced the moment the shriek escaped her. Not only was it unbecoming, it had burst out of her loudly and she definitely didn't want anyone to come running. Zoro chuckled under his breath and she elbowed him in the gut. "What're you doing, you big oaf?"

"Thought that was obvious." He nuzzled close to her neck, inhaling the scent of lavender and vanilla. "Hnn."

"What!"

"Quiet," he admonished her as he slowly licked up the side of her cheek. "Or they'll hear you."

"They'll be looking for you anyway, it's your damned birthday..."

"Ha," he snorted, blowing one of her side locks away from her face. "No, they won't. They think I'm napping." And no one bothered him during a nap if they could possibly help it. He was right; especially on a day like today they'd let him sleep. He always woke when he was hungry, and they'd just wait until later to throw a huge dinner.  Elly squirmed around, ears jerking comically upright when she felt a rough hand slide up her leg.

"What do you want?!" She choked, simultaneously trying to yank her dress down to cover herself and control her harsh breathing.

"Stupid cat," he sighed wearily. "I already told you."

"You teased me about never wearing a dress yesterday," she hissed, crossing her ankles as his hand crept further up her trembling thigh. "You tricked me!"

"Too much gift wrap pisses me off." He pushed her tail to one side and trailed a finger under the hem of her panties. He'd managed to flare the bottom of the dress so that nothing was visible except a light movement under the fabric.

"W- wait!"

"I thought you knew," he breathed in her furry ear, "I'm one of those people that tear into their gifts right away." Elly's throat dried up and her eyes grew even wider. He couldn't possibly mean what he was saying. But she heard the soft whisper of a zipper and knew what was happening underneath her even as part of her brain insisted this was all a mistake - a dream, maybe. Zoro nipped her neck and she turned to that side to be met with a very enthusiastic kiss. This distracted her enough that she didn't feel her underwear pulled neatly off and tossed behind them. In her haze of confused passion she simply let the big man maneuver her about until she felt a warm, slightly sticky heat pressing into her soft thigh. That snapped her back to reality and she almost jumped off his lap in shock.

"Zoro!"

"Ch', little cat, be quiet," he groaned. "They'll find us." Light chatter could be heard outside the door as members of the crew dispersed before the dinner party. She hadn't locked the door, and he knew it - but hadn't said anything.

"Oh my god," she gasped in a low voice. "Zoro, what if they -"

"Shh," he murmured, hands reaching around to lightly grasp her breasts.

"Oh, that's nice," she moaned in an odd mixture of lust and sarcasm. "Tell me to be quiet, then do that."

"How about this, then?" She felt his muscles bunching under her, and clapped a hand to her mouth right before he thrust. Zoro wasted absolutely no time, holding her more or less in place as he moved. She could barely do anything but try and keep balance, bouncing around frantically during their coupling. The position caused him to enter her quite deeply, and she soon felt the effects of being loved so earnestly in full force. Elly clamped her hand even tighter over her mouth, sweating, straining as that electric tension built to an unbelievable amount and then burst without warning. Zoro felt her release and growled passionately. He heaved her up on one long thrust as he kissed anywhere he could reach on her body, didn't matter where. He'd apparently come with her, because he let her fall back onto his chest, both of them breathing hard.

"Happy... fucking ... birthday," she whimpered when she could get her breath back.

"Be nice," he chided her, snickering under his breath.

The Morning After

"The Morning After"

orig. 2/06/2009

Elly x Mr. Burke *adult

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Elly yawned and stretched luxuriously, the glow from her pip-boy catching the metal locker beside her and reflecting a soft blue light. She looked at herself in the semi-rusty metal, smoothing her purple hair back and pulling the side locks in front of her ears.

"It's but a poor mirror for your beauty, my love," a purring voice beside her told her quietly.

"Burke," she smiled. Turning back she opened her arms and they embraced passionately. She remembered last night well, right down to the shivering climax they'd both experienced and although she wasn't a morning person by any means she was awake enough to start wanting him again. His kiss was proof enough that he felt the same way.

"Mmnn, I can't get enough," he husked, tonguing her lips and sighing when she moaned. "I thought I'd be partially sated from last night my dear, but I don't think a man can have his fill of you in one session."

"Good for me," she murmured into his mouth. "I didn't get to see much last night," she continued, rubbing the back of his shaved head. There was some scruff low on his neck, what she'd toyed with last night.

"I don't see much at all without these," he sighed regretfully, reaching across her to pick up his tortoiseshell glasses. "Unless of course, I'm close up against something." Burke regarded her with half-lidded eyes. She wasn't paying that much attention to his words but was toying with his nude body in the golden sunlight coming in through the rust-rimmed window. He sighed blissfully and rolled over on his back, allowing her complete access to his naked front. His shoulders were freckled. Elly didn't know why this amused her so much but it did and she wriggled closer to kiss the batch nearest her, nuzzling close to his side as she explored. He jerked once only, when her fingertips brushed his ribcage. The pale young vault dweller raised an eyebrow.

"Ticklish?" He scowled playfully, rubbed a hand over his stubbled cheek.

"Maybe."

"Just here?" Her palm flattened and she ran a rougher hand over his hip. "Or lower, too?"

"I've never had the occasion to find out, my dear..." he began, then choked back laughter as she caressed his open thigh. "All right, I surrender myself to your whims! Just stop. I didn't even know I was ticklish there..." He trailed off, shaking his head ruefully.

"I was just curious." Grinning, she went back to gazing at his body. His legs were sparsely covered in dark hair but his inner thighs were creamy and oddly spotless. He didn't even have any birthmarks or freckles there. When she got closer and gently encircled his growing erection with one hand she did notice a dot or two underneath the bristly mat of pubic hair. He was neither thick nor long there but his sex had an endearing little quirk to one side. He was circumcised and this amazed her, for she hadn't thought they still would bother to do that out in the wastes. It seemed rougher and more primitive to be uncut - and Burke was neither rough nor uncivilized. It suited him well.

By now Burke's breathing had sped up and he bit back a groan, trying not to move. It felt marvelous. She was not so much stroking now as she was fondling his member, feeling the skin slide over the base and rubbing the droplets that welled up from the tip. What was worse was he had his glasses on and could see her doing it, soft lips open in lustful concentration as she unwittingly brought him closer and closer to climax. He swallowed hard, watching those soft lips and wondering what it would feel like to have her lick him, suck him... the terms caused the proper man to blush but he couldn't stop. This spun off into such a heated fantasy that he began to pant hard, his slightly concave stomach heaving with effort.

And of course she was still rubbing him, her fingertips encircling the plump tip of his tortured penis and tugging lightly. He finally wheezed and managed to cry out.

"Finish me! I can't bear it any longer." His voice cracked on the last word and he fell back on the bed in a daze, his arm across his face to hide his embarrassment. But Elly sat up and pried it away with her free hand.

"I didn't realize you were so close, Burke," she whispered. "Here, wait." She leaned forward and kissed him as her hand sped up, squeezing gently now and then. She slowly slipped her tongue out from between his swollen lips and lapped at his stubbled upper lip, traced down his jawline - equally rough with hair -- and nipped his the pulse in his neck.

"Ah," he gasped. "Ah, ah, yes. Oh yes." He grasped the back of her head and pulled her towards him for a deep kiss as his body spasmed, member convulsing in her palm before shooting several thick lines up into the air. Most landed back on himself but he didn't notice at first. He pressed her close, kissing her hotly, wetly, lingering in his afterglow and trying to convey at least a fraction of the emotions he felt.

"We need to get you cleaned up," she noted.

"Nothing much," he muttered, reaching around under the mattress and bringing up an old cloth. "There, I can wash up later. I have something else to attend to now."

"More pressing matters, Mister Burke?"

"Indeed, my dear. Very pressing." And he rolled over on top of her with a smile.

What a delightful morning this was turning out to be!

His Little Songbird

"His Little Songbird"

orig. 2/03/2009

Elly x Mr. Burke *adult

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He was just a regular-looking guy, she noticed. Nothing out of the ordinary - and that's why he caught her eye. This is what men used to look like before the wars, the bombs and the festering puddles of acid rain took their toll (among other things like the mutants and irradiated food they all had to eat).

It's a wonder they'd managed to survive outside the Vaults at all. But some had. And this man had done better than others. He was of medium build and had a "dandy" feel to him, although Elly reasoned the business attire he was wearing was the cause of that. When all the others were dressed in leather and brahmin hide (not a few decorated with spikes and bits of scrap metal) a man in an only slightly dirty striped suit and fedora stood out quite a bit. He pushed his glasses up carefully on the bridge of his nose and spoke quietly.

Her eyebrows raised as his voice rose and fell. He had a soft voice, very enchanting somehow.

"I'm very happy to make your acquaintance," he murmured. "I'm Mister Burke." He added something she wasn't quite sure of, then, mentioning she was special since she wasn't a member of the community.

"Really," Elly drawled, staring down at him as he leaned forward suggestively. "Please, do go on. This is all very fascinating." Burke didn't seem to be fazed by her sarcasm and smiled an oily little smile.

"Finally," he all but purred. "Someone with a sense of ...civility." What came next she was completely unprepared for.

He asked her to blow up the town.

She blinked at him for a moment, uncomprehending, unable to believe he could ask such a terrible thing, that anyone could. She wanted to refuse right away but she saw he was not the type of person to be threatened or put off by a do-gooder. And, of course, there was this other matter...

Oh, that would work.

"I have a 'proposition' of my own, Mister Burke," Elly husked with a smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. "Would you like to hear it?" She bent and placed a hand on his stubbled cheek. Burke seemed startled and his eyes widened behind those lightly smoked lenses.

"Color me intrigued," he said quietly. "Go on..."

"You said I don't belong to this town, but I live here, lover," she said as she flashed him a coy smile. The hint of a blush touched her cheeks as she willingly tried to seduce the man. Although she'd never tried it before she somehow instinctively knew how; the proper caress, the smoldering stare. If she'd seen another try it she'd have snickered and said it was too blatant but the man actually seemed to quiver when she touched his other cheek. "And you wouldn't want to hurt me, right?"

"I mean, well...of course not!" Burke stammered. "I could never..." He ground to a halt and shook his head, still trembling. "I've never met any woman quite like you before," he admitted somewhat ruefully. "This changes everything."

"It does?"

"I'm not sure what I'll tell my employer, but I'll think of something," he said firmly.

"Wonderful, handsome," Elly breathed. She was starting to feel awkward leaning over with all the blood rushing to her face both from the position and the dark blush she was now sporting. But her heart was beating very quickly. Not only had she succeeded in helping the town, but...

"I'm tired of this place, my dear," Burke sighed, looking around somewhat theatrically. "Would you like to come back to my place here? It's small, but I've done what I could to make it comfortable." He placed a hand over hers and nodded when she did.

"Great."

The residents of the town gave the oddly-matched pair a wide berth as they wandered down the rusted metal "streets", now above, then below and finally coming to a halt in front of the smallest of the metal shacks she had noticed when she first walked into Megaton.

Burke produced a key and unlocked the door, then stepped back with an arm outstretched to let her enter first. The room was small and was littered with empty milk bottles. She raised an eyebrow and looked at him after he'd carefully relocked the door behind them.

"Brahmin milk is good for you."

"You haven't even turned them in for caps yet," she murmured.

"I don't need to." He reached out and slipped an arm around her shoulders. As he did so his eyes widened.

"What's wrong?"

"Marvelous, darling," he gasped, his hands gliding over her arm. "Your skin...so pale, so smooth!" He seemed in awe. "How...?"

"I lived in a Vault all my life until now," Elly admitted, her body arching gracefully along with his gentle stroking. "I don't have any scars or burns like the people outside do."

"I've never met another woman like you at all. Even those that are careful still bear the marks of some rad poisoning or influence." He gravely dropped his suit jacket to the floor, loosened his tie and the first few buttons of his shirt. "I myself have burns on my chest from when I was a foolish child and wandered too close to an irradiated site." The shirt fell limply open and she slipped a cool hand in a fold and pulled one side back. There was an angry, rash like scar above one of his unassuming pectoral muscles. She touched it lightly and he shrugged.

"It's not unattractive, lover."

"Hmm. Well, you're the first I've been with that is so pure. So perfect." He laid his glasses carefully aside on the table next to the mattress. "I don't think I need ask, but ...may I?" He placed a warm hand under her chin, tilting her head up to meet him.

"I'm not perfect," she laughed. "Otherwise I wouldn't be here right now. But you're different than the others, too. So yes." She wrapped her arms around his neck and stepped lightly against him. "Please."

"Oh thank you," he gasped softly, bending and meeting her mouth with his own. His mouth brushed hers lightly in a chaste kiss that caused her to shiver expectantly. The next was lingering, though his lips remained together on her own. She began to breathe faster. It seemed the excellent Mister Burke was master of the tease, whether he knew it or not. His teeth caught her lower lip and she hummed pleasantly at the sensation.

Elly sighed and pressed against him, one of her hands sliding up the back of his neck to pop his hat off and twine in his sandy hair. There wasn't much but he hadn't had a haircut in awhile so there was enough for a playful tousling.

"Burke," she whispered when his hands began lightly rubbing her back.

"Mmnn?"

"I certainly hope you know what you're doing," she said a little guiltily. "Because I sure as hell don't." The man in front of her actually seemed to quiver with delight after a few seconds of complete and total silence.

"Not only pure on the outside ... but the inside as well," he stammered. He lifted her partway and set her down on the dirty mattress beside them. "Sit, darling. Let me think for a moment."

"Is everything okay?"

"Nothing is wrong," Burke assured her. "I have to calm down, that's all." He placed a hand over his wildly beating heart, watching as she lay carefully back on the dirty mattress. He cursed himself for not being able to have a decent bed here. Now, if they'd gone to Tenpenny Towers... but no. Not now. He couldn't wait. And speaking of not being able to wait, he thought ruefully, he needed to hold her right now.

"Oh, my." All the breath rushed out of the pale young woman as he knelt before her on the bed and clasped her gently in his arms. She squirmed delightfully under his body as he began raining kisses on her neck, nibbling softly now and then.

"I'll try to go slow," he promised. "Stop me if I do anything you don't like." He caught the side of her face in his palm and gently kissed her lips. "Promise?"

"Mmm. I promise." Her purple eyes were darker now, almost black. He found they were hard to look away from so he didn't but kept his eyes open when they kissed again. He felt her body twitch; it was a very different experience to watch the play of emotion cross your partner's face instead of closing your eyes like everyone always seemed to do. He drew back and gravely slipped his shirt off where it fell to the floor in a messy little pile of cloth. His bare chest was pale except for the light radiation burn scars on the one side, his flat male nipples a startling pink in contrast to his skin. She touched one curiously with a fingertip and he shivered.

"Please keep your hands on me," he gasped, taking her wrist in one hand and placing the flat of her hand on his belly. "Anywhere, I don't care." He bent over her, laying the full of his body against her for the first time. The firm heat that was now pressing insistently into her thigh made her feel very anxious. She didn't understand what she wanted - not all of it -- but took a deep breath and trusted to he would know. Her fingertips ghosted along his ribcage and quickly across to the older man's back where she traced his spine, wondering that he wasn't ticklish. But Burke was too busy unzipping her top and unhooking her bra to notice. He tugged on her shoulders and she got up partway, letting him undress her and toss the clothing on the growing pile.

His mouth settled on one of her nipples as his hand moved confidently on the rest of her clothes, running down the flat of her belly. Her pants were tugged down and she kicked them off impatiently. Now Burke was the only one not in his underwear and Elly was very curious. She'd never seen a man entirely nude before that wasn't in some sort of scientific text. Not for real. Burke whispered something incoherent and switched breasts to lap at the other for awhile.

"Mmm?"

"I already forgot what I said, swee-" The man froze when her wandering hands smoothed down his behind and past to trace the lump she found. His stomach jerked in response and he laid his head between her breasts, gasping. "Oh my, yes. That's what I've wanted..." He wheezed when she unzipped the slacks and reached inside.

"Oh."

"Help me," he whispered, kicking like she had but unable to get the rest of his business attire off. She smiled a little and grasped the legs, pulling down as he moved. They slid free at last, revealing his lightly-haired legs and a dark pair of boxers straining at the front with his erection. Neither heard the soft whump of fabric as they fell off the mattress, too enthralled at the others' semi nudity. Burke ran a finger along her pantyline and then down, boldly cupping her sex in a warm palm, dragging the underwear down and off slowly.

"Oh." She felt too full there, plump and very sensitive. She let out a tiny cry of pleasure when his finger tickled at her and then dipped partially inside. He bent and kissed her neck.

"It's been so long, and it's never felt this way." He sighed lustily and licked her earlobe, blowing into the pink shell and causing her to shiver. "I hope I can make you sing, beautiful." His words had a devastating impact on the pale young woman from Vault 101. She'd never been spoken to so prettily before and she knew he was causing her to fall into a kind of dreamy stupor. Before she lost all control she licked her lips and gently clasped his firm member in a careful palm. All the air whispered out of Burke in a soft moan. He whipped his hands down to his boxers and wriggled out of them with his dark eyes on hers, smiling eagerly when she met his gaze. Elly's body below felt even more sensitive now. If she moved her legs a trickle of pleasure ran up her belly and she was getting almost annoyed at the tight, needy feeling. She wondered if it would hurt when he...

"No, don't think about that," he told her seriously. "You'll tense up. Look at me..." He reached up and held her cheeks in both hands. "I won't hurt you," he promised and before she realized it he'd pressed forward, the plump head of his member breaking cleanly through with only minimal discomfort. There was some burning but it was offset by the sudden electric thrill that ran up her belly from her groin. Shocked, she grasped his shoulder blades and cried out.

"Burke!"

"Not hurting?" He panted. She shook her head 'no' and he smiled. "Wonderful. Let's see how sweet I can make this, then." He sighed and dropped his head to her chest, breathing slowly and steadily as he began to move. He was having trouble pacing himself and that wasn't like him. But her arms were wrapped around him and below she held a dearer part of him almost as tightly. He choked back an inarticulate cry, not wanting to sound foolish but soon not caring as she began to move with him.

"Oh my god." Her face was flaming and she couldn't tell if it was from exertion or wanton desires. She craved things she'd never dreamed of and the pleasure built up and up, growing wilder as the minutes sped by. The older man's back grew slick with a sheen of sweat as he smoothly thrust, gasping hoarsely. The in-charge attitude had finally dropped and the low, provocative voice was still sexy but he had started to whimper.

"Darling," he stammered, flustered at last. He choked, stuttered and attacked her mouth with a barrage of fierce kisses, moaning all the while. "Oh lover, I can't hold back!" This didn't matter for her inner muscles clenched as a rubbery spasm burst within her low belly. She couldn't help herself; she screamed his name - not once, but again and again, panting it slower as she dropped down from that orgasmic peak. For a few white-hot moments neither heard the other, then Burke's eyes widened when he heard her.

"Ah, my little songbird," he whispered, shivering in aftermath.


~



Two Megaton men happened to be striding past the metal huut at exactly the right moment.

"I guess the fancy man finally got himself enough caps to pay Nova," one settler snickered. The other man frowned.

"That's not Nova's voice."

"Really? You know what she sounds like when she's working?"

"Shut the fuck up," the man growled, rubbing a hand over his stubbled chin. "The hell, I just know that's not her. I just left Moriarty's and she was still there. Plus he doesn't like when she freelances, you know that. He gets every scrap of money from her ass that he can the other way."

"Why else was he always hangin' around there, then?"

"Look, I don't know, but it ain't her. That's all I'm saying." They set up quite an argument that was soon settled when they reached the bar. Moriarity burst into fits of laughter when he heard what the two were saying.

"Ah - Vault baby's not a baby anymore, is she?" His brogue grew thicker as he laughed. "I canna' believe she chose th' man she did, though. Little weasel, he is, aye."

"She hasn't been in the world long enough to know," Nova murmured. "I almost feel sorry for her..."

"Ah, shut up." The white-haired tavern keeper sneered and waved a hand at her face. "Just get back to work and don't you mind other's business. She'll find out on her own."

Moy Mell 5: Not Everyone Loves Cats

"Moy Mell, 5: Not Everyone Loves Cats"

orig. 11/14/2017

Zoro, Elly, Chris Redfield, Sanji - PG

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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"Top news today in the world of entertainment - the eastern part of the world is all talking about the thinly-veiled threat and accusations in a letter to popular demon Eruri Fang, known locally as Elly Sketchit. Ms. Sketchit is ..."

Zoro tossed his phone down and groaned, banging his head on the wall of his office in the middle of the park. It was early - around five am as usual -- because Elly woke at seven and he liked to stay ahead of her as much as possible. He sighed, knowing that beating himself up wasn't going to do any good, and fell down with a loud thump into his desk chair instead.

"Fuck." It was bad. Still just accusations, but that combined with a threat was bad enough. If they had been able to keep the letter a secret, things may have worked out fine without the press getting hold of it. But the harasser had mailed copies to all the news programs and journalism they could. It was on every media already, with no chance of shielding Elly from it. They would have to respond, as well as be extra careful with her person because of the threat of physical harm. If anyone sympathised with the aggressor, it might even get worse. He swore vociferously for a few moments, ending with slamming his fist on a button on his desk and yelling, "Wake up, crack team, we've got a code orange!"

Back in the dorm, guys were jolting awake as their security panels chimed off and Zoro's furious voice cut into their morning routines or sleep schedules. They huddled together in groups in the somewhat chilly morning air, racing for the cars that would transport them to the security building.

"Shit, did he say orange?"

"Orange is one level away from red, right?"

"Yeah, asshole. It's bad."

"Not the worst!"

"No, but bad."

They poured into his office and stood at attention, worried looks on their faces. The uppermost tier of the security force had been hand-picked by the big guy himself. Every single one of them was tough, fit, and had an ability that could be used to their advantage in a situation like this. Not a single one of them liked it when Elly was in danger of any sort, and all had worried looks on their faces as they waited for Zoro to calm down enough to speak.

"There's been threats and slander. I'm not worried about the slander." He stood and slapped his hands down on the desk hard enough to cause it to creak under the weight applied. "I sent the shitty letter we received to your mail - read it. Now." Hands dug into pockets to grab phones. Heads bent as they clicked, then scrolled... and not a few swore softly under their breath with rage.

"Extra security." A thick-bodied man nodded grimly at Zoro. He was one of the few that was wearing garb that resembled anything professional. The dark outfit resembled a military uniform with many pockets and even a patch on one shoulder.

"Yeah," he agreed. "You'll have to pull from the main body to get more guys. Most will be more than happy. Pick those."

"Two guards on her at all times?"

"Yeah, Chris," he growled impatiently. "You wanna be the first to team up with me?"

"Yeah, okay." His muscles bunched under the outfit he wore as he held his hands out, palms up. "Just don't take it out on me, big fella."

"Fuck you," Zoro spat, and they all laughed, releasing some of the tension in the room. "All right, go - just go. Get everyone that can be put on this, on it." Everyone filed out of the room except Chris, who remained behind to leave with Zoro for the mansion.

"Anything specific?" He asked as they got into the bullet car.

Zoro grumbled under his breath for a moment, input the coordinates and then shrugged as they started to speed along. "Just be the shadow," he said confidently. Chris approved. That meant Zoro would be in front and he could skulk around, the second person that might be an element of surprise if they needed it. "Oh, crap." The green-haired man scrubbed at the side of his face, looking displeased for a moment. "And ...be more alert in the mansion. I might get a little distracted there." He admitted this last grudgingly. Chris raised an eyebrow but said nothing, knowing he was sensitive about his relationship with Elly.

--

The hardest part was dealing with the cat woman when she found out it was all over the news. She was not a morning person, and then she had to be briefed on how her freedom was going to be curtailed for an unspecified amount of time. She sulked on her breakfast stool, lashing her tail behind her in frustration. Zoro sat right next to her and Chris stood some distance apart, watching the doorways. Sanji was frying eggs and brewing coffee, smells that filled the room and would have created a cheery morning atmosphere had it not been for Elly's sour disposition.

"You're not gonna let me do a whole lot, are you?"

Chris kept silent. He'd learned early the benefit of being quiet, and their mistress was a demon, after all. They had notoriously bad tempers. Zoro, however, took chances that he was amazed at.

"No," he agreed flatly, adding as an afterthought, "eat your eggs."

"Damn it. All this shit's made me lose my appetite."

Sanji called over his shoulder from one of the ovens, where he was making plates for himself and the two guards. "You know how I feel about wasting food, angel."

"Ugh."

"Eat," Zoro stressed. "You don't want to faint today."

"Yeah, I know," she sighed to Sanji while sticking her tongue out at the man sitting beside her. Chris stifled a smile when Zoro thrust his lip out in a stubborn pout. Every guy that lived in the compound was shown a video and given free access to old scrolls and books, information about her capabilities. He'd fought monsters before but nothing had prepared him for the wrath of an actual demon. Yet they all stayed, and it was apparent that the only thing the head of security was afraid of was showing that he felt the same way the others did. He looked aside as Chris glanced over at them again, breathing out a big puff of air and allowing himself a quick blush. When he turned around again his expression was severe once more.

"Do you need to go anywhere other than the art studio today?"

"Nope. I only promised I'd pose for Tracey." She set her fork down and wiped her mouth neatly on a napkin, hiding her own blush. "It's just sitting there for awhile, you know, while he sketches. The painting is done later, at his own pace."

"I know." Zoro wolfed down his own food when Sanji set his plate in front of him. The cook rolled his eyes and handed one to Chris, who smiled in appreciation. "It's been set up like usual, in the secure room people can see but not reach. I'll sit by your side this time, too."

"I'm going to be ghosting today," Chris offered when she looked curiously over at him.

"Ah. Just in case, huh?"

"Gotta be safe."

"Yeah." She wiggled her ears abashedly. "I really don't think I'm in danger. It's probably just, you know, some jealous person that took things too far."

"Could be." Zoro stood, walked over to the sink and dumped his empty plate in the soapy water bubbling on one side. "Or not. I'd rather be careful."

"I know," she sighed again.

Moy Mell 4: On Thin Ice

"Moy Mell, 4: On Thin Ice"

orig. 11/14/2017

Zoro, Elly, Otabek Altin, Neuro  - PG

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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His short, dark hair ruffled in a breeze of his own making as he sliced fiercely left, cutting across the arena and showering people on the lowest tier of the seating with a light coat of sparkling ice. Otabek Altin was the best ice skater in this region, and fans flocked to the ice-skating rink here not only to try their own skills but to see his shows. He spun about, ending the choreographed sequence by staring directly at his special visitor in the judge's box on the side. His cheeks were flushed though he was sweating, and his breath came out in short puffs that could be seen in the cold air.

"That was great!" Elly waved enthusiastically at him and he dropped his head in a sort of bow. Fans were showering the ice with plushies and flowers, and he avoided them as he made his way off to the locker room in the back. "Let's meet up with him," she suggested to her bodyguard beside her, getting hurriedly up. "Before he starts to change, I mean - that'll take forever." Zoro sighed but said nothing, following close behind her.

"Huh?" Otabek jerked around when they entered the small room before the lockers. Only people from the compound had access, and it was rare any of them visited. He raised an eyebrow when he saw it was her, nodding briefly at the big man, who slid diffidently to one side. "Elly."

"I just wanted to let you know I thought your new routine is awesome." She grinned, showing her sharp fangs. "Everyone - including me -- loved it!"

"Thanks." He wiped some of the sweat off his neck with a towel he held in one hand. "I've been practicing."

"It shows." She tried not to gush, but she was terrible at ice skating and thought it impressive that he had such poise.

He laughed shortly and waved a hand in the direction of the showers. "I have to get dressed. Thanks for coming."

"No problem." She wagged her tail back and forth once, happily.

"Where we going now, cat?" Zoro placed a hand on her elbow to get her attention before she walked out the door in a rush.

"Oh. Home, really, it's late. I thought maybe we could relax for the rest of the night."


- -

"Gah, I hate this show. Change the channel."

"You hate everything," Elly grumbled, but she clicked the remote again anyway. Zoro and Elly were sprawled in the living room couch on opposite ends. He had his long legs up on a footstool in front of him and was absently scratching his chest when the door banged open.

"Oh, now this is a splendid surprise!" The newcomer squealed happily.

"Neuro!?" She jerked upright, concern furrowing her brow and laying her ears back. The male standing before them was tall, imposing, and the only other demon on the premises besides herself. He had multi-colored hair and wore a dark blue suit. More importantly, he never came into the main house unless something was serious.

Zoro was also frowning. "What, bird brain?"

Neuro rolled one eye in Zoro's direction while the other kept staring right at his mistress. "Shush, boy. You'll want to hear this."

"What." He folded his arms and waited.

"There's been multiple lovely interactions of a less-than-flattering nature on social media. Someone," and here he rotated his eye so that both faced Elly, "absolutely hates our little demon cat."

Zoro let out a gust of air. "Idiot," he said in a pained voice, "That happens a lot. S'nothing serious."

"Oh, but this time it's a concentrated attack with threats," Neuro went on with glee, actually rubbing his hands together. Elly dragged a hand across her face with a groan. "And so fast! The latest one was hand-delivered to the mansion's mail service. I've taken the liberty of copying it, since we may need the original..."

"Wait." Zoro reached up and snatched the copy out of his hands before he could give it to Elly. He put his other hand flat before her, warning her back. "I'll read it first."

Elly sat up on her knees, tail flicking lightly with anxiety as she watched his face grow darker and darker. "Is it bad? That bad, Zoro?"

"Damn it," he hissed at last, his lips thin in irritation. He jumped back as she reached for it. "No, damn it! It's only going to piss you off. It's all lies and a warning to stop doing what you're not doing already."

"Whaaat?"

"Best show her, eh?" Neuro wiggled his eyebrows. "She's going to find out if it escalates, anyway."

Zoro grit his teeth before handing it over. "Bastard," he snarled at the man. "But you're right." He got up as she started to read and moved closer to her on the couch, watching her intently as the color drained from her face.

"I - I never..."

"I know."

"Has anyone ever said anything like this before?"

"Oh, there have been a few whines here and there, but never anything so... eloquent." Neuro's grin split far further than any human could manage. "I mean, they straight up call you a whore and suggest the mansion's a sex den! Such slander!"

"Don't forget the threat that they're gonna hurt her if she keeps it up." A vein in Zoro's neck pulsed with rage. "Fucking shit."

"You're enjoying this, demon," she noted curtly as Neuro clapped his hands together again. Zoro edged further over and slowly draped an arm around her shoulders. She snuggled automatically against his side and he blushed a deep red across the bridge of his nose and cheeks, though his face carefully remained neutral.

Neuro rolled his eyes again. "Of course I am. It will be absolutely delicious when we uncover who the shit-stain is. I'm looking forward to it!"

"D'you give the letter to security yet?" Zoro sighed with relief when the other nodded. "Good. Then we might be able to get some prints off it or something. Plus they should have immediately contacted the authorities when they got it."

"They have, yes yes."

 He grunted and patted her awkwardly on the shoulder. "You'll be safe."

"But will my reputation be?"

"Should be." He shrugged. "You're not what they suggest, and this house isn't, either. Enough people should know that."

"I don't know." Elly still looked worried.