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."

Just Because

oct 30 07




"Yikes!" It was unlike her to scream so loud but her tail had been unceremoniously grabbed. Elly whisked around, eyes narrow. "What're you doing?!"

"Get over here."

"What?!" Even louder. She snorted and pointed at the big man she faced. He was a good five inches taller than she was and bulked large in front of her. Zoro rolled his shoulders back. Elly's, in contrast, fell when he did this. Damned idiot. He was getting even more arrogant with her now. It didn't help that when he so much as looked at her she melted like some hormone-struck teenager. The swordsman had just rolled out of bed from where he had been napping moments before. His face still looked sleepy and she squashed her emotions down into a little bundle for later. He looked so cute. "Gah!"

"Said c'mere." He simply stood, naked to the waist with no haramaki, arms open and waiting. Elly was about to protest when she found she'd already walked right into his embrace. Zoro's chin settled comfortably on top of her hair. "Good," he grunted. His hand slid up the base of her tail and roughly squeezed.

Shit!

Elly's knees wobbled. "I can't stand up when you do that," she gasped weakly.

"I know." His palm stroked, running up the length of the striped fur and coming to the doubled, white-tipped end. His other arm was wrapped tightly around her, hand resting gently on her back. "Turn around."

"Oh Zoro, please don't..."

"What?"

"You know what being behind me does, fool! I'm a nekomata, remember? A 'stupid cat'?"

"I remember." He flipped her even though she was bracing herself to stop him. As he did he grasped her waist from behind and pulled, falling back on the bed. She landed softly on his lap with his hands warm against her.

"Damn tail," she heard him mutter.

"Exactly."

"Ha!" It had flicked across his face and he spluttered. But one hand slid under her rear and he pushed her to the floor. "Down."

"Zoro!"

"Damn it!" He snapped roughly. "I'm not kidding, cat! You wanted this, didn't you? Just get down!"

Wanted...? Her ears flicked up. Yes, she remembered. She'd been chatting with some of the girls when she thought he hadn't been around. About what it was like having sex as a cat. She had explained that she didn't know exactly and never would. But there were some things she knew that felines did and liked. They had been curious and she had told them everything she could.

For instance, the tail was a sensitive and proud spot. It was considered highly insulting to grab at or touch it - unless you were coupled with someone. When your partner stroked it, squeezing the bottom near the rear it was enough to bring tears to your eyes. When a female's tail went up it was an invitation to sex.

"All right," he murmured. Zoro was sitting comfortably on the low bed pulling her towards him. He brushed her tail aside with one hand as it waved around in front of his face and concentrated on helping her strip. As she pulled her shirt off and felt him unzipping her shorts she gulped. He was now standing over her, looming, lurking, his warmth and scent almost overpowering her. She felt his chest on hers and then Zoro was nipping at her neck, growling low under his breath.

Cats didn't kiss, really - they couldn't. She'd grinned when the girls had been shocked but reminded them they had fangs. It was a bit difficult to kiss with muzzles and sharp teeth in the way. Licking was affectionate, biting was sexual. A male with the act of love on his mind would often bite the sensitive neck of the female, brushing his fangs across the tender area in a show of possessiveness. The pheromones they secreted in their cheeks were used too...

"Mine," the big man husked. He was rubbing his cheek against hers from behind, making a sound that could only be described as a rumbling purr. Her purple side locks got in the way and he tucked them back like she usually did. Her ears laid completely back submissively, instinctively. Elly's fingernails dug into the wooden planks. Zoro marked her though he didn't have the glands she did. He accepted her scenting, too, even though it must have been odd for him to feel the slight dampness. She knew he probably couldn't smell it but it was her essence - a set of initials that any animal would smell and know they were together.

Cats made love differently than humans did - unless the humans were experimenting. The female in front and the male behind, always. This was their nature. The sex was usually rough and it was generally believed the more wild the male was the more he loved the female he was with. She trembled. Zoro was the strongest human male she had come into contact with. She didn't know if she could stand it.

"You sure you want to...?" She felt his breath on her neck and heard the soft thump of fabric behind. He'd kicked his pants off or something. Yes, pants. She could smell his arousal now, stronger that his penis was exposed to the air. The musky scent caused her to toss her head up, sniffing quickly. Zoro's voice was the lowest she'd ever heard it and when he spoke it was directly into her twitching ear.

"Ch', cat, quiet." Stern, so stern. She shuddered again. Demanding. It aroused certain feelings in her she wasn't able to suppress. "I'm your mate and I want to mount you. Do as I say." Her jaw dropped and all the blood rushed into her face. She froze, which was exactly what he wanted her to do. He dropped to his knees behind her, his face as bright red as hers. It helped that she was already in front of him. Zoro wanted to do this for her but he still had a problem with talking out loud during sex. His arms bunched as he gripped her sides, angling towards her. This was awkward and she couldn't help since she was stunned into immobility. He had to do it all himself. Muscles rippled as he twisted around. He finally gave up and used his hands to guide his member inside her body. When he entered her it was perfect - she fit him like one of his sheathes fit his katana. Except she was hot, so much hotter. Zoro groaned deeply. His head rolled backwards, eyes closed, and he listened to the grating sound of her claws curling up splinters of wood.

Yes.

He remembered what he had to do and tensed himself, trying to bring as much of his strength to bear that wouldn't harm her. But he stopped right before thrusting forward to stare at her. Her head was down, her ears loose and flopping to either side. She couldn't even hold them back anymore. She was without clothes, her pale skin seeming to glow in the pale light of the aquarium surrounding the room. The purple fur of her tail felt like silk under his palms as he palmed it one last time.

"Be ready," he husked. He thrust forward eagerly, bringing his hips and lower belly into contact with the softness. He could never admit it openly, but the light tickling of her tail against his chest was something he dreamed of at night. Zoro panted hoarsely.

He had to do this right.

He had to do it hard.

He fell over her body like an avalanche of lust and desire. If she didn't feel mauled she wasn't going to feel loved. Wasn't that the point? Sweat flew from his tanned body as he rose and fell in the steady rhythm of his lovemaking. His hands were braced on the bed now and he was leaning completely over her, covering all of her body with his and panting on her neck. Body fluid dripped; moist sounds accompanied his smacking thrusts. Elly had begun to utter soft little mewling sounds with every jerk forward he gave. His skin slid deliciously along his engorged member and Zoro snapped out of the haze he was in when he heard a man's voice crying out. His lips were parted, his throat dry. A man's voice - had to be his. What had he been shouting? Had he been saying something? All was a blur. He just needed more. More of his cat.

She was quiet because she had begun listening to the muscular man behind her. Maybe he didn't know he was talking, she thought, gasping when he began speaking things she had never heard him say before. Strange things... un-Zoro-like things. His gruff voice told her intimate things about his body she didn't know. He moaned how perfect it felt inside her, all tight and wet and warm. She shook her head, amazed. More of her. That's what he wanted.

"Ah, kitten, all the way inside of you." Zoro licked his lips and moved faster, rocking into her body. His fists were clenched, eyes squeezed shut. His breathing was ragged and when he did open his eyes he saw spots dancing in front of them. He shut them quickly and kissed her neck. "More," he grated. "You want more of me? All of it?"

"Yes," was the weak reply that drifted up to his ears.

"You sure?" He panted, slowing slightly. "I didn't use any protection, kit." He caught her ear tip in his mouth and bit gently, teasingly.

"Oh my god..." She should have realized that. He felt more slick, the sex smoother. And he was pulling out a lot farther than he normally would when he reared backwards. She clawed frantically at the sheets below her. Mating. They were really mating. He would actually come inside of her, spill his essence and leave her satisfied in a whole new way.

"Ah!" A wild thrill ran down his belly. Oh, she was squirming under him, his love, calling his name and crying out, no - she was screaming. Screaming his name in rapture every time he thrust back in. He was stroking her to orgasm and he felt his building as her body tightened around him. His abdomen contracted and he let out a great breath of air. "I'm naked inside you," he goaded further, growling. Little bangs of green hair fell over his forehead and sweat trickled down his neck, his back, his buttocks.

"Yes, Zoro!"

"Gonna come inside you." Amazingly, he was slowing down. His movements had become concentrated, thrusting upwards and deeper. He buried himself in blissful sexual heat.

"Oh Zoro, yes."

"You want it all? Hot, warm... me?" Her answer was a long, quavering whine. "Shh," he whispered soothingly. "S'okay." He paused.

"Zoro, I..."

"Mnn, wait," he gasped. He convulsed behind her, thighs flexing. "Nnnn, nngh - rrgh!" Oh, to hear him losing control so clearly! Her body shook with the force of her release. And while she shivered through her orgasm he was starting his. Zoro made the sexiest sounds when he came, almost like he was fighting. As she wound down she listened in a dreamy state of utter contentment. She loved it when he finished inside her.

For his part, her body clamped down on his and urged him to finish. Zoro grit his teeth together and dropped a hand to the base of his penis, circling it with a fist. He held himself still while he came. It felt like boiling fire, a relief as much as release when it shot out of him and inside her body. The big man's face was flushed and his eyes hooded as he gently squeezed and encouraged his body to expel every last bit he could possibly give her.

"Zoro?"

"Milking myself," and he did manage to urge a few trickles more. Then he choked and winced sharply. Shit! Too much. Damn it, that hurt. He hoped it was enough to make her remember this for a long time. When he pulled away from her she stayed in the position she'd been in for a long moment. Her tail was drooping off to the side where he had shoved it out of his way but it slowly began to lash her flanks.

"Why?" She gasped, turning her head to the side to look back at him. But he just shrugged.

"Because," was all he said.

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, 11: Escalated Threats

"Moy Mell, 11: Escalated Threats"

orig. 12/15/2017

Zoro, Elly, Sanji, - PG-13

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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"Do you know how fucking early it is?" Sanji snarled, rubbing a hand at his eyes. His usually perfect hair was sticking up on the top in a single wisp and his clothing appeared to have been thrown on. He hated appearing slovenly, but a rumpled t-shirt and sweatpants was all he could manage when the security screen had awoken him.

"Yes."

"Dammit, moss head." It didn't help his fury that Zoro was, in all aspects, completely put together. He was not only awake, he was fully dressed and ready for the day - at 4 am! Sanji grumbled and dropped tiredly into a chair at the security office. No one else was there yet so they had complete privacy.

"Wake up, asshole." He shoved a cup of coffee at the other man. Sanji drank, grimaced at the taste and thought about complaining. Zoro's serious expression stopped him from whatever he might have been about to say, however. "She's had a death threat."

"What?!"

"Calm down, asshole," the big man hissed urgently. "The person won't know how to actually do it. But just in case, she's gonna have to bite it - I'm coming back to be with her all day."

"But - but she'll be upset, oh, fuck, yeah, either way." He paused, almost fully awake now. "Crap."
   
"Yeah. Too bad." Zoro huffed. "You'd better let her know I'll be around again. But don't say anything about the threat. She doesn't need more stress."

"Tell me about it." He moved the chair back as if to get up but Zoro stopped him quickly, catching the back of the seat in one hand.

"I will. Stay."

Sanji bristled. "I'm not a dog, you idiot!"

"No, but you're going to listen or I'll beat the crap out of you." He bent down to glare ominously at the smaller man. "This time the mail directly involved you."

"Wh - what?"

"The person said that your relationship's fake. Either they know this shit was contrived -"

"We really are dating," Sanji spoke through clenched teeth. "I love her."

Zoro grunted. "Or," he went on, ignoring him, "they're pissed because it's you. The drugging happened in your restaurant, now this. Somebody's jealous."

"Ah, something you know about."

"I'll cut you." The comeback came out automatically. "Any bitch act interested in you there? You flirted with them all, didn't you?"

"Bitch?"

"Well?"

"You're a fucking neanderthal," Sanji snarled. "'Bitch'. How dare you call the beautiful ladies that work for me such a name."

"See," Zoro sighed, "That's what I'm fucking talking about. You act like this, maybe one thought you were interested and now she wants to hurt my cat."

The blond man was shocked at first by what he had said, then slowly realized Zoro had only slipped up because he was deep in thought. He didn't know what he had said. It confirmed Sanji's suspicions but he wisely chose to say nothing. He swallowed back a few choice retorts as well. "Um. I may have acted that way with them all."
 
"Of course."

He bit his lip. "I always say that I'm only appreciating their beauty, because..." His eyes widened. "Oh. Oh, no."

"Eh?"

"This is my fault."

Zoro blinked. The usually suave man was trembling in his chair, tears slipping down his cheeks. "The fuck -"

"I tell them I'm committed to her if they push. Some do, you know, I - I don't really want to catch anybody, I just like to fool around, and..." He gulped. "Holy shit, this is all my fault, isn't it?"

"You're jumping to conclusions, idiot!" He shook him a little. "Even if that's true you didn't want it to happen."

"Still, you'd better ask the waitresses some questions."

Zoro raised an eyebrow. "No girls in the back?"

"No, actually, we've never had any apply for cooking. Is that weird?"

"I don't know. Just... don't let her see you like this. You're supposed to make her feel better. Distract her today, remember?"

"Yeah." He grabbed a paper towel from a roll sitting on Zoro's desk and cleaned himself up. "Crap. If anything happens to her because of something I did, though ... you know?"

"I get it."

"Uh huh."

"All right." He took a deep breath. "I'll fix a big breakfast. If she asks what's up, I'll act like it's because you're coming back for her safety and I wanted to distract her from that. She can't really argue, you know."

- -

Sanji was definitely wrong about that.

Several hours later there was a commotion in the kitchen like none other. Elly was standing in one corner, the chef in another, trying to desperately defuse the situation before it got any more out of control. A guard was already in place, but he was in hiding, a silent companion that shadowed her every move. Zoro knew his team member was there, however much the nekomata acted like he wasn't. Her tail frizzed out and shaking angrily behind her, she shook her head and pointed at the door leading to the main entrance.

"Oh, no! I'm not ready to be around him all day again!" Zoro winced from behind that very door. He should have known she'd smell him.

"Angel, honestly, all he wants to do is make sure you're safe. You know he does a good job."

"Ugh!" She slammed her palms down on the counter in frustration and called out in a voice obviously intended for the waiting man to hear. "All right, get in here so I can talk to you."

He strode in confidently, his face expressionless. "Good morning."

"Bullshit. Come here."

The big man squinted at her standing in the morning sunlight shining through the patio doors. "If you want to talk, can't we do it in private?" He glanced pointedly at Sanji, who was trying to figure out when and if he needed to interrupt.

"No."

Zoro sighed a long-suffering sigh. "Every single thing I do is to protect you. Everything." He made eye contact with her as he walked forward. When he got close she looked uneasy but didn't move from where she had sat down in her usual spot by the counter. "Got it?"

"I do. Okay? But I'm still really pissed at you."

"Yeah," he shrugged. "I know."

"I'm not even sure why," she admitted with a little frown on her face. "I'm just... I don't know."

"Good enough for now."

"Is it?" She blinked up at him.

"Yeah." He looked away quickly before she could see his expression.

"Angel," Sanji called out in a singsong voice, "Bacon's ready!" Thankfully that concluded the discussion since she stopped everything to race over at the mention of crispy pork fat. Zoro thought for a moment, then slowly backed into a darker corner of the room and stood still, watching silently. This would be his place for at least a few days, until she forgave him.

He hoped it wouldn't be too long.

Moy Mell, 10: Furensics

"Moy Mell, 10: Furensics*"
*(sic; pun intended, sorry)

orig. 12/13/2017

Zoro, Elly, Sanji, Jackson Jekyll - PG-13

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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It was a fairly warm afternoon and Elly was resting in the mansion after some morning work. She had decided to relax in the living room and Sanji had followed after he'd finished his prep work for lunch. They were lounging in the sunlight streaming in from the huge window on the far side of the room, not really talking about anything. Elly was half-dozing as cats will when she suddenly flinched. She touched her forehead briefly and growled deep in her throat, an angry sound that caused Sanji to glance down at her.

"Are you going to be mad at that big ass forever, love?" Sanji brushed her hair back from her cheek, speaking softly in a soothing voice. "I mean, I personally don't care, but..."

Elly frowned and pulled away a little. "Maybe a while longer. And he can do his job without being with me all day and night."

"Hush, angel." He hugged her lightly, urging her to come back and cuddle. Reluctantly, she let him completely wrap her in his wiry arms, enveloping her in his smoky scent. She rested her head on his chest, curling up on her side with her striped tail flicking slowly back and forth across the end of the couch. "I know that's some serious stuff he did. But he protects you, and the more people we have doing that, the better. That's why I care."

"Serious stuff," she sniffed.

"Yes."

"I couldn't move for half a day and all night! And... and it hurts." She knew she was behaving badly, but it stung deeply that the big man had used the prayer slip. She'd been bound before in her early days and it hadn't felt so terrible. She clutched at his arm and sniffled a little. "He could have just held me down. He didn't need to do that."

"Eh." Sanji squirmed a little. On one hand, he had witnessed what happened and knew Zoro had been forced to use the blessed paper. On the other, if he told her, she would know that she'd left his side for the other man as soon as she'd seen him. Not only that, but she'd attacked him fiercely, suggesting to Sanji that she had wanted Zoro more. He swallowed hard past the sudden lump in his throat. He hoped when she gave him this chance he could make her see how much he cared for her. He'd been lucky, and he was going to make her happy so they could be together. Why ruin things the second day of the relationship? As he was struggling with these thoughts she suddenly sighed, and he realized she had fallen asleep. He blew out air softly from between his teeth in a low whistle. "That's right, it's okay." He stroked her hair gently with his free arm, staring out the windows where James was trimming some of the rose bushes outside. He wondered how the investigation was going, and if they'd have news soon.

- -

Zoro had been busy assigning guards for the entire week since she didn't want him around. His team were on edge since the big man's mood was horrible, but they were happy enough to get a chance to be placed on duty more often. He'd also spent the morning coordinating events with the public relations manager, Neuro. He hated that smarmy demon sometimes, especially since the bird bastard was the only one who actually knew how he felt about Elly. He only kept silent because it meant more opportunities for chaos. Zoro's mood was even bleaker after their exchange, but he pressed on anyway and headed into a special room to check on the investigation of her stalker.

There was a building in the security offices that no one really knew about. It was deep down in the basement, built well enough so it wasn't damp or anything like basements usually were but quite dark and cool on its own, even in the summer. Zoro opened the door after knocking perfunctorily, not bothering to wait for an answer before heading inside. The faint smell of chemicals accosted him at once and he wrinkled his nose but said nothing as he approached a lean figure bending over a table filled with beakers and tubes. Something under a microscope completely held the person's attention, so much that he walked directly up and tapped him on the shoulder before he got a reaction.

"Yeek!"

"Jackson!" Zoro snapped. "It's me. Relax."

"Uh. Yeah." The young man seated in the simple desk chair gasped as he fought to regain his breath. He was wearing a button-down laboratory coat and black slacks with loafers on his feet. His hair was brown but fell across the side of his face in a shock of yellow. The dyed part was not enough to obscure his thick black glasses or the huge brown eyes behind them, however. He stared at the head of security, startled but instantly understanding why he was here. "Wait a minute, okay." He leaned forward and accidentally bumped into the lens of the microscope.

"Damn it, kid..."

"Oops." Jackson laughed sheepishly while Zoro palmed a hand over his face. "Ah... ha ha, sorry." He cleared his throat and went on, "So I've got two sets of partials from the cup Knuckles sent over and the original letter. I should be able to eventually match enough to create a print we can go on. It's delicate work, though, and will take awhile."

"Great." Zoro scratched his chest inside the big green coat he wore, one hand disappearing momentarily. "No bad news, then?"

"Nope." The thin man pushed his glasses further up the bridge of his nose. "Except that my - ah, other half comes out at night and he's not adept at anything scientific. So we'll be slowed down a bit."

Zoro shrugged this off. "You need breaks."

"Technically, it's not a break..." Jackson groaned when he turned around and saw he was talking to thin air. "Darn it! He always does that." A chameleon suddenly whisked into view on his lab table, blushing a bright yellow shade when he saw his friend was alone again. "He's not that scary, Crossfade." The lizard slowly licked an eyeball, his gaze unwavering. "Okay, okay," he hedged, "You're right. He's terrifying. And I went to school with monsters, for goodness' sake."

Outside the lab door, Zoro stood very still. His gaze was far away, lost in thoughts that were making him frown deeply. The skinny kid said he was more terrifying than a monster. He winced, a hand coming up to rub at his cheek. His past rushed at him before he could suppress it like he usually did: a female voice shrilly screaming that damned word, a slap, and the feeling of being alone for the last time before coming here. The door closed behind him and he jumped, jerking his hand away as he was brought violently back to the present. He didn't have time for that now. He had to do his job, whether his boss - he deliberately did not use the word "mistress" like the other men did, even though she was a demon -- wanted him around or not. Zoro's expression firmed and he strode out of the small building, heading to the bullet car that would take him back to the mansion.

Sanji had almost fallen asleep along with Elly when he heard the front door slam shut. He nearly fell off the couch when he heard the telltale clomp of the bodyguard's boots on the marble tiles. "Oh, shit."

The door to the living room opened. "Cat?"

"Shhh!" Sanji waved frantically about, trying to keep his voice low enough so she didn't wake. "She's sleeping, you moron." Zoro surveyed the scene in front of him as he came forward. The cook's long legs were stretched the full length of the couch with his back resting on the armrest on one side. A generous amount of pillows were plumping him partially upright. On his chest and part of his lap lay the demon lady, pale and worried-looking with her hand clinging to his right arm as she slept. Sanji raised a curly eyebrow at him. "Well?"

"Ugh," Zoro grunted shortly. He went and sat in the chair on the far side, closer to Elly.

"Honestly," the bond man sighed, closing his eyes momentarily in disgust. When he opened them he was calmer and didn't taunt the big guy like usual. "Anything new?"

"The nerdy kid -"

"Jackson?" He asked sourly.

"Yeah. Nerdy kid."

"He's not a kid, you know," he pointed out shortly. "He's what, 23 or something..."

"Whatever. He's got prints. Might be able to find out who they are."

"Good," he sighed in relief, absently snuggling Elly closer to him. "They should check the restaurant first. Someone in there obviously had the access to drug her cup." His expression hardened fiercely. "I want to know who out of my own staff would do something like that. And I want them gone."

"Could have been anyone, even a customer." Zoro shrugged, trying not to look directly at the couple and wishing he hadn't decided to sit down.

"I guess."

"I better go." He stood up slowly, obviously trying not to make a lot of noise. "Gym," he announced somewhat cryptically and left for the elevator.

Sanji breathed a lot easier after their exchange. At least they were on the right track to finding the person who had started all this drama. He might even end up wanting to thank them for how it turned out.

Moy Mell, 9: Don't You Want Me

"Moy Mell, 9: Don't You Want Me"

orig. 12/06/2017

Zoro, Elly, Sanji, Volkner - PG-13

Original Concept, mixed fandoms

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Neuro was fast - he'd told them it would only take a short while and he was right. Word spread, and reporters jumped at the chance to speak to them about what had happened. Sanji went into his room aside the kitchen to freshen up after Elly had eaten. Some time after this Zoro skulked by looking more pissed off than usual. She flicked her tail and turned away from him. For some reason she was angry at the big man, understandable since he had done the unthinkable to her as a demon. She didn't have any mark to show what had happened, but the skin on her forehead still hurt. Elly also didn't know what had possibly happened to force him to such extreme measures. In her mind, he could have just restrained her; she believed he was strong enough.

"It's in a quarter of an hour."

The big man sighed, shifting his words around on the sash he wore around his coat. "All right," he said shortly. "Grab the shitty cook and let's go."

"No," she stated flatly.

Zoro froze in his tracks. "You said what?"

"I said 'no'," Elly repeated firmly. Her ears laid down against her skull, a clear indication that she was upset yet she continued. "I don't want you. Pick someone else."

"But ..." He reached out, barely knowing what he was doing.

"Pick someone else." She shrugged off his hand on her shoulder, walking quickly to the kitchen door and out to the main entrance. Zoro stared stupidly as the door shut in front of him, then swore softly under his breath. He chose two guards he trusted the most for the task and sent them a quick message to let them know. When he was certain they were on their way, he angrily crammed his phone back into his haramaki and stormed off to the gym. He was not alone but there weren't many that stayed when they saw his thunderous expression. In fact, only one was left, a spiky-haired man he'd rarely seen around and didn't pay attention to now.

He stripped to the waist and went through a few different routines before resorting to his favorite, weight lifting, when the conference began. Several large screens scattered throughout the gym were broadcasting and he watched grimly as he pulled two huge barbells slowly in each hand.

Neuro, Sanji and Elly with the two guards he'd picked had all gathered at the gardens in front of the main mansion. There were many that weren't available to the public and were perfect for events like this, safely keeping some distance from the compound while providing a buffer from the park fans. The couple announced their relationship and Sanji kissed her cheek, blushing and sliding an arm about her waist. Photos were taken in abundance, enough so that the blond cook snuck in a few more kisses. Elly started to giggle when he overdid the smooching, grabbing his tie in one hand and tugging to signify that they needed to talk to the press, not just pose. He looked forlorn and everyone laughed.

"Sorry, folks," he smiled. "I get carried away - you can see why, right?" His smile turned into a huge grin, clearly unfeigned. He stole yet another quick peck on her cheek and she groaned theatrically.

"Saaanjiii."

"Sorry, sorry." He held his hands up.

"It's okay." She absently kissed him this time and his eyes widened comically. More photos, more laughter and overall there seemed to be a feeling of goodwill. Things were working beautifully; no one mentioned the stalker in their haste to ask questions about their new relationship. He brought the recent incident up first.

"Again, it's my fault," he apologized meekly, looking down. He lifted his head, bringing the full impact of his blue eyes upon the cameras. "I asked her to be mine yesterday, and I was far too romantic. The poor dear fainted." He took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips. One of the female reporters actually fanned herself with the notecards she held in her hand and another cameraman caught this on tape. It went viral almost immediately after someone mixed the scenes, showing how it happened in sequence.

"I did," Elly admitted shyly - it was true, after all -- and there was some scattered applause. The questions came faster after this, but they had agreed to only so much time and it was soon over. The couple stood, the guards hovering discreetly in the background, and Sanji paused as he caught sight of them. He let go of her hand and made certain that he was facing everyone in the gathering.

"That said, know this," he stated in a deadly quiet voice. "I will personally kick the living shit out of anyone that tries to hurt my lady."

Back in the gym, Zoro ground his teeth together, setting the weights he held down with excessive force. "Little fucker," he spat. "Talking trash you can't back up."

The other guy heard him and walked over from where he'd been heading to the showers. "He's really protective of her, you know."

"Shut up, Volkner," Zoro grunted.

But the pokemon gym leader pressed on. "And he's strong. What makes you think he can't back it up?" When Zoro swore louder at him he stepped back a pace. "Wait, you know that. You guys've fought before." He gasped, a hand stealing to his mouth to conceal the hint of a smile. "Don't tell me you wanted -" Unable to sense the danger, he only got part of this last sentence out because the big man rolled off the weight bench in one fluid movement, grabbed his swords and unsheathed one with a steely rasp. "Crap!"

"Get out!" He glared at him across the shining blade, veins standing out in his neck. The dark pupil in his single eye looked tiny, the bulging white dwarfing it in his rage. The other man had never seen Zoro this way before, and he didn't want to stick around to see what would happen if he pushed him farther. He rushed for the elevator, thinking he'd be better off taking a shower in his own apartment than risking being anywhere near the swordsman right now. Zoro stood half-crouched, breathing hard as he slowly slid his sword back into the sheath. "Shit," he muttered shakily, running a hand through his hair and ruffling the bangs that had grown a little long over his forehead the last month or so. Better stay up here the rest of the night, he thought wearily. There was food enough in the kitchen area and bar in front of the arcade, and he'd told those two to guard her the rest of the day. He could also watch from the security screens if need be.

He sat with a thump onto the weight bench, still hunched over. Elly had told him she didn't want him. Not 'not today' or 'now'. She had said, 'I don't want you'.

Try as he might he couldn't stop hearing her say it over and over again in his mind.

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.