Moy Mell, 14: Caged

"Moy Mell, 14: Caged"

orig. 12/00/2017

Zoro, Elly, Sanji, Chris Redfield, Shiro, Aizawa Shota, Knuckles - PG-13

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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Only Chris knew what had happened to Zoro the night of the spa incident. He'd gotten a text from the head of security, asking him to come help "with something". The message was curt, and didn't elaborate on what the "something" might be. Upon arriving at the complex's common area where he'd been told to meet, he spotted Zoro looking an absolute mess. His hair was ruffled and he was wearing a white shirt instead of the coat he normally wore. It was stained in sweat, evidence that he had been working out nonstop and hadn't even bothered to shower before coming here. He held up a hand when the other man would have spoken, silencing Chris before he even opened his mouth.

"Have to go back to the gym," he explained curtly. "Need someone else to take over. Will you?"

"Well, yes, but what -"

"Kitchen," he grunted shortly, and now Chris saw that his bluntness was a mask for other emotions he was trying to hide. His single eye was red, with a smudge of dark underneath that gave him an unhealthy appearance. He turned and walked as fast as he could out the doors, leaving Chris stunned at how shaken he appeared. When he arrived at the kitchen in the mansion he didn't know what had gotten the swordsman so upset, but as the night wore on his eyes were opened more and more. He kept silent and did his job, only interfering when he heard the terrible roar from inside the beach house. Once Elly had left, he'd turned to the blond man and warned him to be careful. The cook's mood was morose as he replied that he was trying.

"I messed up, I think," he admitted sheepishly. "Maybe too far, too fast. She's ... she's not like other women."

"She's not a woman." Chris reminded him gently. "Look, I know that you're in love and everything, but don't forget she has different rules than the rest of us. Like the tail thing."

"Yeah, she goes all to pieces. I didn't even touch it. I swear."

Chris sighed. "I have to follow. Just leave her alone for awhile, all right?"

They'd agreed, and everything went smoothly after that. Of course, he said nothing about it to Zoro the next day at the briefing. The others were all chatting and drinking coffee, not thinking much of his appearance as everyone was worried and many weren't looking their best. Their leader made sure to show his gratitude before addressing his team.

"Thanks," he said, coming up to clap him on the shoulder.

"Not a problem." Chris replied in as inoffensive a tone as possible.

The green-haired man sighed and ran a hand across his haggard features. "Jackson, you said you had something for us."

"I found out who the stalker is!"

He slammed his hands on the table, his eye lighting up. "Good work! Who?"

The nerdy young man slipped his phone out of his pocket and typed something in. "Here - it'll show up on the screen in the corner." He pointed, and they all blinked at the blown up photo of a young woman in a waitressing outfit from All Blue. 

"That's, uh, not someone I would think of," someone said quietly. 

"They aren't all gonna be creepy old weirdos," Knuckles grunted.

"Well put," Chris murmured. 

"It makes sense," Zoro added. "The last death threat, it mentioned the idiot cook and how their ... relationship was crap." No one seemed to notice the slight pause as he choked that word out, but Chris raised an eyebrow. 

"I sent the work to the local police chapter, but they said we get to detain her as she won't suspect anything if some of us go to the restaurant. Preferably with Sanji as well, since it would look weird otherwise. 'Cause it's his restaurant. You know."

Zoro nodded. "Her shift starts in...?"

"A few hours. She's breakfast run this morning."

"All right. Chris, Shiro, you're with me. We're going to talk to that moron so he knows what's going on first."  

When they got to the mansion, they found Sanji sitting in the living room looking for all the world like a little kid put in "time out". He was pale except for a hard blush across his cheeks that wouldn't seem to go away and there were wads of bloody tissue stuffed up his nose.

"What the hell, cook?" Zoro raised an eyebrow at his comical appearance.

"Angel has a friend over," he shrugged uncomfortably as if that explained everything.

Shiro also raised his eyebrows. "And she drained you of all your blood? Vampire?"

"Succubus," Chris surmised.

Sanji nodded grimly. "It hasn't been the best morning."

"Moron," Zoro snarled. When the other would have argued back, though, he held up a hand. "Shut up. Something important is going to happen, and you have to be a part of it."

The cook did not take the news well. When Zoro explained they'd caught the culprit he was happy, but upon hearing who it was his face fell. 

"It was my fault." He grasped the knot of his tie and cinched it tighter around his neck, perhaps unconsciously. Shiro scratched the back of his neck, staring off into the distance and mock-whistling. Chris elbowed him. 

"No time for that." Zoro shrugged. "You have to come with us when we detain her."

"She's - uh, you're not going to do it, are you? Personally?"

"No." Chris stepped up. "Shiro and I have the details of the job. We'll bring her into the center for the cops to pick up."

"I'm gonna have to talk to Aizawa." Zoro strode confidently to the kitchen door. 

Sanji squeaked comically. "W - wait! You ass! That other girl's still in there and she's - !"

Inside, Elly was sighing dismally to her friend. "I almost attacked him. And he didn't even touch it, you know - just got kind of close." She waved her tail around behind her as she spoke.

"You know I'm not gonna say much about relationships." The succubus was dressed as her kind normally were with a lot of heart cutouts and patterns on what little fabric the outfit contained. Her wings fluttered as she pondered what the other demoness said, tracing circles around her coffee cup. When Elly had called to ask to chat, she'd thought it would be because things were getting better. But now she wasn't sure what to say to comfort her friend. 

 "Yeah. But I am attracted to him, Bella!"

"Uh huh." She raised her cup and drank, peering at her over the rim. "The one that came in here and fainted when he saw me?"

"Um. Yeah." Her ears drooped a bit. She knew what a man's reaction to a succubus would be, knew they had very little control, but it still made her unhappy that he'd responded as much as he had. Bella said nothing again. She knew her power disturbed others sometimes, even her best friend. 

Oddly, though, the guard in the corner hadn't seemed affected. They didn't notice him because he was standing so silently and off to the side, but Shota Aizawa kept his gaze firmly on his surroundings and Elly. He tensed all over when the door opened, but nodded when he saw his boss.

"Hey." Zoro strode over, grunting at Elly. Bella raised her eyebrows. As she watched incredulously, the green-haired man walked over to the older, darker haired one and talked quietly for a time. Neither one had the reaction that Sanji had from looking at her. 

"I think we're missing something serious." Aizawa shook his head. "I know I've only been here a month, but this seems too easy. May we talk more about it?"

Zoro frowned. "Too easy? All right - Shiro, get in here!"

"Uh, what's up?" He stared right at the succubus and didn't blink. "Hi, Bella."

"Hey, kiddo." This one didn't surprise her at all; there were some men that simply didn't prefer succubi. She could smell it on them. 

"What do you need me for?" 

"Stay here. Aizawa wants to discuss something with me."

Moy Mell 13: The Night Spa, Part 2

"Moy Mell, 13: The Night Spa, Part 2"

orig. 3/06/2018

Elly, Sanji, Chris Redfield - adult

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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The cabana had been transformed. Not a single electric light was turned on. Instead, candles filled the tables and areas around a small but artfully placed pile of cushions in the corner. More flowers than she had ever seen filled the spaces that were left, and as she took everything in she spied an obligatory trail of rose petals leading to the pile of pillows. She chuckled to herself.

The smell was something she just couldn't get over. Elly had a sensitive nose and scents really meant a lot to her. The delicious smell of roses mixed into a heady musk with a touch of exotic cigarette smoke. Of course she knew who was behind this, and was not surprised when Sanji came strolling out of the back room to greet her. What surprised her was what he was wearing: a soft-looking blue robe with Asian deer embroidered on it, open at the front to display his pale, bare chest. His matching pants had the same fine embroidery work on them and looked, as always, impeccable and expensive. His cigarette was in a holder of sorts and she recognized it from her past. She flicked her ears, amused that he'd gone to so much trouble to look how people had so long ago. She also found it adorable that he was barefoot, but of course the cabana had smooth wooden floors and soft throw carpets in the back room.

"Welcome to my night spa," he said in a thrilling voice, depositing his cigarette in a specially-made ashtray. The flame went out at once and the smoke was sucked discreetly away by a tiny fan. "I heard that cats like to get their backs rubbed," he went on slyly, "and I give excellent massages."

Elly swallowed past a sudden blockage in her throat. "Oh," was all she could say.

"You can take off as much or as little as you want," he offered as he handed her a soft robe. "Don't feel obligated for anything... this is your night. I'm just your humble servant." He bowed slightly and turned his back. She peered closely at him. He was, in fact, a true gentleman despite what his pervy nature might indicate. As she was fully convinced he wouldn't turn around until she said so, she stripped her top off, setting it aside. She thought for a moment, and then unhooked her bra as well, placing it underneath so as to hide it. The robe opened at both the front and back, and she carefully laced the front while keeping the back loose with only one tie done. After a moment or two she cleared her throat. 

"All right."

"Lay down on the cushions and I'll join you in a moment, okay?"

"Yes." She patted a few here and there, testing their plumpness, and found them to be more than satisfactory. A special head pillow for massages was at the top of the stack, and she pulled it up and fidgeted around until she was comfortable. She sighed.
   
"There we are." She heard his voice close to her and jumped slightly. "Poor baby, are we nervous?"

"No, it's all right," she laughed. "You just started me."

He placed a hand on the slight curve of her back. "I'm going to unwrap this now, okay?"

"Mmm."

"Here we go." Sanji parted the back of the robe and pursed his lips. Her back was barren of any cloth and he pressed a hand to his mouth, his heart beating with excitement. He nodded, noticing she'd left everything on below her waist. It's what he had expected and he was thrilled just to have an open invitation to her full back, devoid of the bathing suit he had to work around when she was at the pool. He dipped his hands into a warm bowl of oil nearby and began. He felt the tension in her shoulders and worked especially hard to remove that for her, smiling when she began to purr. That was a very good sign, but an even better one was when she sighed his name ever so softly as he ran a finger down her spine. He finished up with patting her dry in a few spots where the oil had accumulated and looked proudly down at his handiwork.

"Was that good?"

"So good," the breath whistled out of her.

"I'm glad. You deserve it, darling, and so much more." His voice was closer now, and her right ear flicked towards the sound.

"Mmm, more?"

"More. Please let me please you," he breathed softly beside her. "I promise I won't take things too far, and besides, you've already shown me what you desire." 

"Wh - what do you mean, I've already shown you?"

"I meant this." He reached around and cupped her breasts, squeezing gently. "You're nude from the waist up, my dear." He stroked one and she quivered underneath him. "Ah," he breathed reverently, "is that why? Does my lady have sensitive nipples?"

"Wait," she choked nervously before he could touch anywhere closer to where he'd suggested.

"Remember, this is all for you," Sanji murmured reassuringly. "I want nothing in return ... except, maybe, for a couple breathy cries of my name." He kissed her neck, ever so lightly rolling a pert nipple between his fingers.

Elly gasped. "Ah, Sanji!"

"Like that," he sighed in bliss. "Now, more, sweetheart, here..." He bent further forward, his warm breath on her cheek. Both hands teased the small nubs of flesh, bringing her to a state of arousal she hadn't felt in a long time. The massage had loosened her up; his gentle play was causing her body to tense again but in a very different way this time. And still he stroked and tempted her with feathery touches that were starting to heat up in intensity. She turned her face around to meet him and he moaned, allowing himself one shivering, passion-filled kiss. Then he pulled back with a soft intake of air.

"Sanji?"

"I have to stop," he husked. "I'm... too excited." His chest was heaving and he placed a hand over his heart. "Oh. Oh, my angel, my precious angel." His hand clutched at his robe desperately, his eyes widening.

"Don't stop," she whispered. She had turned around, letting the robe fall open to reveal herself to him. He stared helplessly at the swell of her breasts, unable to look away.

"Baby..."

"You promised," she said with a little tremor in her voice, "not too far." Her hands lifted what he was fixated on with a little shrug. "But your hands aren't enough now. Your mouth felt so good on my neck..."

"Oh my god," Sanji choked. "Yes. I'll do anything for you." He crawled forward again, this time straddling her in the glowing light of the candles. His golden hair fell onto her like a soft wave and she giggled faintly. He smiled, lips pressed against her neck again. "Ticklish, too? You are my absolute delight." He kissed her sensitive throat and sighed, trailing downward and sparing not a single strip of flesh until he reached her breasts. Elly whimpered when he circled around the edges of a nipple, so precise in his licking that he stayed away from the crinkled flesh by millimeters. Tears sprang forth from the corners of her tightly shut eyes and she flung one arm up to cover them as he drew back again.

"Please."

"Shh," he soothed, reaching out to stroke her hand with a lover's touch. "All in good time. I want to savor my meal before I feast on the main course." The sexy declaration was more than enough to send her over the edge. Elly reached out and at last clung to him like he'd wanted for so long. Her eyes were deep and dark with emotion, her fingers digging into the soft cloth of his robe. 

Their lips met and held in a very long kiss before she broke to breathe, "You're the one that's delicious." He stared incredulously as she slipped her tongue out of her mouth just a little. "All smoky and sweet."

"I can't believe how hard I've fallen for you," he whispered in a hoarse voice that may have been close to tears. Her response was a soft miaow as he bumped into her below and she felt what might have been a pun on his part. But that silken hair was ghosting across her chest now and she lost all thought completely as his lips finally went to where she needed them to go, licking and then suckling tenderly. Sanji raised his hips as he continued to please her, aware what her shivering cries were doing to him below. He didn't want to frighten her with his body's very prominent reaction but he couldn't help it. His beloved's hands were threading through his hair, caressing and pulling him against her. He went on for some time, fully goading each nipple until they were swollen and even more sensitive than before he'd started. He moved a little, and that was his mistake.

Sanji truly regretted what happened next, for he would never know what would have happened if they continued. In his passionate daze he'd dropped one hand a bit lower than he intended and brushed her outer thigh, close to her striped tail. He didn't even see her move she was so fast, only heard a frightening shriek of rage and she was in front of him on all fours, back high in the air with her tail lashing wildly about. He ducked as she struck at him with a guttural hiss, then cried out. "Wait! I didn't mean to..!"

Her eyes cleared when she heard how shaky he sounded. "Too close," was all she panted. "You almost touched my tail."

"Sorry," he gasped. Then, louder, in response to the pounding on the door, "It's all right, Chris!"

"Elly?" Chris didn't sound reassured. Sanji swore darkly and stood up, stepping back from the upset demon cat.

"Yeah. It's okay. I'm okay, so's Sanji."

"I'll be right out here then."

"So will I," she announced, leaning over to grab her clothing.

Sanji bit his lip. "Angel, I'm so sorry. I didn't know I was that close to your tail."

She smiled at him, though he shuddered when he saw how much she bared her fangs. That was never a good sign. "I understand. Mistakes happen." She slipped her shirt on quickly and left.

"I hope she doesn't think I'm the mistake," Sanji groaned as he sank down onto the cushions.

Moy Mell 12: The Night Spa, Part 1

"Moy Mell, 12: The Night Spa, Part 1"

orig. 12/15/2017

Zoro, Elly, Sanji, Komatsu, Chris Redfield - PG

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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"Mail!" Sanji bounced onto the couch next to Elly, who was grinning at him. She liked getting the mail. It took awhile, since security had to leaf through everything, but happy fan mail and invites to galas and events were fun to peruse. She opened and read a few things, made notes to answer some and decline others. Sanji waited until she was done to hold up a fairly ornate envelope.

"You also got this." He handed it over. 

Elly read the card, nodding slowly. "Ooh, Hands of Gold," she murmured.

"That popular new spa?" Sanji's eyes widened. 

"Yeah, they sent a free day pass for me."

"Cat..." Zoro stepped forward slightly from where he had been hovering as unobtrusively as possible behind the couch. He was frowning. The men that combed through the mail should have seen that and declined for her, but now he'd have to tell her it was too dangerous. 

"Yeah, I know. I'll have to turn it down." She sounded disappointed but resigned.

"What? Oh." Sanji realized how hazardous going to a place where your guard was down might be at this time. It was most certainly a recipe for disaster.

Zoro raised an eyebrow. "You're okay with it?"

"It's too risky. I'm not that stupid, just a little spoiled... and cranky. Definitely cranky. I don't want to be cramped up here unable to do anything fun anymore. Especially because some ass decides they want to 'punish' me for some reason. Believe me, I got enough of that in ancient Japan." She rolled her eyes.

Sanji watched her carefully as she laid the invite aside. He got up and kissed her on the cheek. "If it's okay, love, I'm going to head out for the day. I've got some shopping to do."

"Aw. All right."

"I'll be back later!" He waved at her cheerfully as he headed outside. Once he was in his designated bullet car, he frowned and punched in the coordinates for a certain park locale. It took a few minutes, but he was soon dusting himself off in front of an Asian-looking building. People were clustered about the front and inside the shop, but he knew to walk around the back, unlocking the side gate with a key that was a benefit to certain guys in the compound. A few people saw him and snapped photos, but thankfully no one bothered him for a selfie or an autograph this time.

He crushed out his cigarette before he went in, remembering that the owner didn't like smoking in his studio and his dog took certain offense to it, as well. As soon as he walked in and the bell tinkled, a fuzzy head popped up. There was a faint chuffing sound and a shiba inu came around the corner to greet him.

"Hi, Muco." He grinned. "Where's your owner?" She barked excitedly, wagging her tail, and a tall man wearing a heavy apron strode out of the back where a lot of heat was emanating. "Komatsu," he greeted him. "There you are - I thought you might be too busy."

"Sanji?" Komatsu gripped his hand in a friendly shake. "Never too busy for another member of the crew. What're you doing here?"

"Just came over because I thought I wanted something special for Angel."

"Ah," the other man smiled knowingly. Muco sneezed again.

"Sorry," Sanji apologized. "I know your nose is sensitive, girl." He bent to pat her as she nudged his legs. "Uh, so I wanted to see if you had anything that would hold small candles for the cabana. A few of them so it would look really nice at night."

"Maybe two inches, three inches high?" 

"Yep." Sanji nodded as he scratched Muco's ears. "Those little, chubby ones." The dog rolled over, happily waving all her paws in the air. 

"Those'd be votive holders," Komatsu pointed with his free hand at a table near the workshop. New pieces got placed in the back before he set them outside for park fans to purchase. "I made these so gentle ocean breezes shouldn't blow the wick out. See, the tops are slightly concave." He handed one to the chef, who stood up to hold it up to the light, his eyes taking in the intricate detail. Muco whined, sad the sneezy man wasn't petting her anymore.

"It's her favorite color," he said softly. "All blue, just like the ocean."

"Of course." The glassblower shrugged.

"How many do you have of these?"

"Enough for what you're planning, I think." 

- -

When Elly got a handwritten invitation on her dinner plate that evening, she was a little surprised. It invited her to the "grand opening" of a spa nearby and told her all she had to do was follow the lights outside near the pool when she was ready.

The food had all been set out and Sanji was nowhere to be seen. Zoro had already eaten and was no doubt someplace nearby. Elly ate as slowly as she could, nervous excitement causing her to want to rush and scarf down the meal as hastily as possible to see what he was up to. It had to be Sanji - who else would do something like this? When she had finished and cleaned her setting up, she waved to Chris, who was standing in as her more obvious security of the evening. 

He nodded to her. "I'm going to stand right here, if you don't mind," he told her quietly. He motioned to the side of the patio door. "I'll be out here if you need me, but not too close to the cabana. For, uh, privacy's sake." He blushed a bit.

"Chris Redfield blushing?" Elly blinked. "Oh dear, now I know this is one of Sanji's tricks." As the evening had grown darker, she saw someone had set a trail of candles leading to the cabana house on the side of the pool. The flickering lights were beautiful, and as she walked up to the little beach house a lovely white musk scent wafted out on the light breeze. "Oh, my," she gasped as she opened the door. 

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.