ᴋᴜᴢᴜʀɪ クズリ

"My name is Roronoa Zoro, and I am a mercenary. I am one of the best at what I do, but many people may think that what I do is not very nice. They call me 'The Demon', they think that I am heartless, and they think money can buy everything. And money can definitely pay for my skills to murder,  but my soul is not for sale"

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[the-wandering-foreigner-deactiv]

      The swordsman seemed to have run with his idea; which was good. They needed to go as soon as possible and Sanji needed to get his shit together now. He threw on the coat the swordsman lent him and grabbed the rest of the bags. The weight stung like wildfire but he just grit his teeth and bore the pain. He couldn’t afford to be found out now and obviously neither could this guy.

     He dashed ahead of Zoro down the stairwell rather swiftly with someone with a couple of broken ribs, and making his way down to the pavement below. He motion with his arm that the other was too far behind, but he was lucky that he had the lighter load, the adrenaline was blocking most of his pain at the moment. His feat continued to beat the pavement in the direction of the port.

     Another block he noticed the other made a wrong turn, did someone attack him? He didn’t even think of that potiential, how foolish, he might not have been alone. A moderate sense of panic entered his body as he turned toward the direction he went.

"Oi–" he called out to see the swordsman was fine, but then he noticed something down the alley. He tried to focus on the figure in the dark but couldn’t get his focus straight and he was rewarded with a sharp pain behind his eyes. "Tch–" he reflexively wanted to grab for his head but he could at the moment. He still will need to keep a better eye out, they could risk being caught by anyone.

" Let get going, or we are going to be late –” masking his voice a bit, he put more emphasis on his words hoping the swordsman caught on that someone else was there. Sanji was sure it was just another hobo, but he knows on a personal level how nosy they can be. Especially at this hour and everyone looks for their next meal no matter the cost.

     He dashed down the alley occasionally glancing to see if the swordsman was still behind him and also to insure they weren’t being followed; hobo or assassin. He had been running so long his lungs began to burn and more than ever oddly at this moment, he craved for a long needed cigarette. He could see his breath with each breath he took reminding him about his sweet smoke that he so dearly missed.

     Before too long, they had managed to make it to the port. He knew that this wasn’t the end of their troubles, hell only the beginning. He had brought them on the secluded lesser known dock.  He realized something shortly right as he was about to throw the bag into the water, it was still filled with air and could potentially float.

"I think it is best if we stab a few holes in each of these now since we aren’t running with them in our hands anymore. That way the water can assist the body in rotting and they won’t be found easily. "

[tartarosdaemonium]

    That didn't look like a dumb idea, so Zoro didn't say a word when he used his katana again to make a few holes in all the plastic bags, to threw them into the water seconds after, silently waiting for Sanji to threw them into the water too.

It wasn't long until the bags began to sunk into the water and Zoro stared at them with blank eyes. It was late and cold and as soon as the last bag disappeared in the water the show would be over and they could go back to his apartment, were there was a blood mess still to clean.  

       They were quite far from being done with that stupid assasin that tried to kill his hobo. His yellow hue stared at the last bag sinking and, when the last air bubbles left it's insides he turned, heading towards the flat again. His senses told him that it was safe. Despite Sanji and him there wasn't anyone near. A bit of luck, finally.

— ❝ Let's go.❞ 

                   He muttered. They still had to do stuff once they were at his flat and it was so freaking cold that he couldn't wait to be home. He also was aching for a drink and to try to fix the hobo from his wounds, but Zoro also knew that they would have to talk after what happened.

  After all, he needed answers and he was damn sure that Sanji also had questions.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[the-wandering-foreigner-deactiv]

     Sanji was moderately irritated that he was brushed off so casually. Not that Zoro’s idea was a bad one; actually Sanji shouldn’t question the man as he seemed like he may be a pro at what he was doing. The look in the man’s eye, was one of experience and knowledge of great pain.

     Sanji had seen death many times but with the added visuals of seizures and foaming at the mouth invoked by heroin injections forcing people into strong unbreakable addictions. It acted like an invisible chain making escape next to impossible in those–horrible “recruitment” camps.

     “The plastic bags Sanji.”

     He held the page open as he ushered the swordsman to depart with the remains. He wasn’t feeling anything at the moment but he was certain as soon as this was over, he was going to be a mess. He watched as he discarded piece by piece into the plastic bags until there wasn’t anything left.

     “Where to now the docks, or do you have something closer in mind that isn’t as cliche as a dumpster in the alley?” he looked carefully as he tied the bags for easy carry. “If we get it out to port, the water will take care of it, granted the right dumpster it will never be seen again as long as now curious hobo finds it.”

[tartarosdaemonium]

    He wasn't used to care that much in getting rid of a corpse, but of course, he never had a corpse in his own flat, where he could be that easily discovered. He thought about the docks idea and, indeed, it wasn't a bad one.

  They would go as far as possible of the flat to drop the remains of the corpse. Putting on a coat and grabbing the heavier bags, Zoro gestured the hobo with the head.

— ❝ Let's go. We'll leave it as far as we can.❞ 

                 He uttered, heading towards the service staircase, opening the windows to leave the flat. He got his keys and his katana, just in case things went wrong, be he really hoped he didn't have to use it again. That was enough killing for one night.

 He didn't know if Sanji was physically good enough to endure that walking, but Zoro needed him, at least to make sure he didn't get lost, the morning came and he was still carrying a chopped to pieces corpse in trash bags.

He wanted to be done with that as soon as possible and be back home to forget about that day, but he knew that when he got home he would probably have to give some explanation to the cook.

[deathfallsinspades-deactivated2]

City of Blinding Lights || tartarosdaemonium & deathfallsinspades

[tartarosdaemonium]

Brows quirked at the name, stormy eyes swooping to take another look at the man before him. Ah, so that’s what was going on here. The mercenary people had taken to calling The Demon, known for -one of Ace’s personal favorites to hear about - beheading. 

Interesting.

He had to give the Demon props for style.

The two of them together in one place… could bring some pretty satisfying results, if they were to be on the same side. Not that Ace was considering teaming up, that wasn’t really something he did. Perhaps ‘helped out a bit’ or ‘observed’ would be better terms.

Ace took a few steps down the street in the right direction, turning to half face Zoro, a smile playing across his lips. “I can get you to that pub, if that’s really where you want to go,” he said lightly, taking a random shot in the dark. At least he hoped there wasn’t just a bar at the end of this tunnel, that would make this a whole lot less entertaining for everyone.

Maybe if he was lucky he’d get to see this demon behead someone. Now that would be a totally-worth-it evening.

    Even if Zoro wanted to relax around that guy, he just couldn't. Of course, there was no way in hell that an assasin tried to do something stupid as... who knows? Call the police? Since he got into that town he made sure to know about the different gangs and  everyone that worked in the underworld and, of course, he knew about Ace of Spades.

And certainly things could get really interesting that night, but Zoro could be really greedy sometimes when it came to the killing, but if that guy would only stay as an spectator, he would allow it. 

— ❝ Where I go is near that bar.❞ 

               He muttered. If Ace wanted to accompany him there, he would be okay with it. They said that the more the merrier, and Zoro would definitely appreciate if someone versed in murder joined the party.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Riot ||ScoutingTheFeast & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

Lights out.

Thatch tensed up and reached for the knife on the table in front of him. He looked around hoping his eyes would adjust quickly and he could see what was happening.

He knew the man that he was talking to was gone. Where he went, he didn’t know. He heard a few people gasp and chatter quietly, asking what happened.

When the lights came up, the green haired man was standing in front of him smiling. Thatch raised an eyebrow as the man started to talk.

“He’s dead!”

The screams reached him and Thatch whipped his head around to look in the direction of the voice. There was the host. Dead. A knife sticking out of his chest. “Oh my god,” He muttered. What the hell?

   Of course, if Zoro never didn't react in the slighlest, it would be quite suspicious, so he decided to pretend that he was shocked by the view of a dead body in a pool of blood, in the middle of the room. 'Call the police' some men shouted, while some women simply had a panick attack.

   Everyone was screaming, and they were giving Zoro a headache and also, he was still hungry. But, of course it would be suspicious too if the view of a corpse didn't give him any nausea, so he restrained himself to eat, at least until he was home.

— ❝ Do you have a phone? We need an ambulance.❞ 

                               Not for the dead boy, obviously, but there were a few women that might need it as soon as possible.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

      Sanji wasn’t unfamiliar with death; but for him it was always a last resort in defense. He never personally took a life but he certainly has brought many to the brink. Sanji has seen death many deaths however; the faces of the women–the men–it haunted him. The first time being on the day he discovered that “camp” he saw enough for a lifetime. This was hitting him hard and it shouldn’t be, this man just tried to kill him but the thought of dismantling the body perturbed him greatly.

     “Chop him–into–” he trailed but got up toward his kitchen and grabbed the plastic bags as he was told. His hands were shaking. He was in no condition to fight and didn’t want to be consider a nuisance by his host seeing as he is now the only other witness, despite being the intended victim. He didn’t want to face retaliation, he remembered why he left in the first place. He rushed back and looked over at the swordsman. The seriousness in his face helped him change his mindset nearly mirroring Zoro. His mind temporarily shut down and began to move in a robotic like response his eyes now cold; his pain a dull roar.

    “Shouldn’t we drain the blood into the sink or the shower? It would be less blood on your floor and easier to clean of evidence.” he noted that his heart must have still a faint pump going on seeing as the blood was still trying to escape onto the once pristine floor. “I know the appropriate cuts to allow maximum blood floor so it wouldn’t take a vast amount of time.”

    Zoro shook his head slowly. It wasn't a bright idea to drain the blood into his own sink, because it would be really easy to accuse him if things turned out wrong and the police searched for evidence in his flat. Without any prior word the swordsman got closer to the stove and pressed the button, opening the gas and lighting up a match, just to place his sword over the flames, waiting patiently until it was red hot.

— ❝ This will cauterize the cuts.❞ 

                              Was all the explanation given before he started to apply precise cuts over the corpse, starting with the torso and arms and finishing on the legs, were the blood had already started to pool. He stared at the skin of the death man, that alredy looked slighly puple and waxy before leaning to pick up the head of the dead man, watching how the eyes were already sunk into the skull. It was, indeed, a grotesque scenery, and Zoro was acting like if that was utterly normal.

— ❝ The plastic bags, Sanji.❞ 

                He demanded, still holding the head by the hair, waiting for the cook to open the bags to put the remains of that unlucky human being inside. They would have to rush it to make sure that no one saw them. Luckily for them, it was such a freaking cold night that there wouldn't be anyone in the streets.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[the-wandering-foreigner-deactiv]

     He looked at Zoro who was being calm and collective, and he almost was embarrassed by his own behavior and how erratic he was being. Then again, there was a body on the floor next to him bleeding out, and that body almost could have been him. Just who is this guy? I’m really lucky he is on my side.

     “Of course I can stand up.” he wasn’t a defenseless infant. His pride, even though he let it take many hits this week, was at it’s limit of abuse. He didn’t want to grab the wall to assist himself. He forced himself up and then wiped the blood of his face.

      “What do we need to do with the body?” he was hoping since the man happened to have swords and an apparent trained killer that he would have some disposal method available promptly. If he was a trained killer, why did he make such a bloody mess? Couldn’t they have captured the fucker? Sanji didn’t really know what to think anymore. Question can wait until later.

     “Never mind if he is after me or not, I think that it is rather obvious isn’t it? ” well it was obvious before Zoro killed the guy. Maybe someone would want to kill his host, but today wasn’t the day. “We will talk about it after we get rid of this guy. Does he have anything on him?” he was worried about how much he knew. So attempt number 4 on his life and they are getting more showy each time. Are they getting more confident that it is him; or did the reward money increase making every bounty hunter in San Anderson jumpy at a blonde man?

[tartarosdaemonium]

Zoro examined the body, finding a smartphone that he put over the table of the kitchen. He would examine that one later, but they also had to get rid of it. There was little they could do with the body. They could not grab it like if it was a potato back and take it on the elevator to leave the building.  He sighed, putting a hand over Wadou's sheath.

— ❝ Grab some plastic bags. I am going to chop him into pieces.❞ 

                                         His voice was calm still. Scary calmed for being talking about slicing a human being  like if it was nothing but a piece of meat. 

— ❝ We will use the service staircaise and we will leave it in one of the alleys of the other side of town.❞ 

                                        The police will know that it was something that 'The Demon' did because he used to decapitate his victims, but Zoro couldn't care less. At the moment, his smokescreen was perfect.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Shoot To Thrill ||HypoplasiaCordis & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

Law pats the other on the back- a gesture that might be interpreted as reassuring, but he actually only wants him to get off the damn table and out of the flat. It was late, he still hasn’t eaten anything and he was tired as fuck— honestly not the best mood to make small talk about swordsmanship and the likes. Under different circumstances he might’ve tried to participate in a conversation about swords, but not this late in the night when he was stressed and frustrated and ugh.

It goes without saying that neither of them will rat the other out (no matter how bad his mood might be), of course- he’s learned that it can be smarter to not mention this, though. It attracts suspicion among patients if he brings it up again and again. With an exhausted sigh, he goes to wipe the table around the stranger’s still sitting form.

"No. I think it’s okay like this. Thanks for treating me.”

About. Fucking. Time.

>Don’t mention it<, Law says in the nicest tone he can muster, before his growling stomach and the leftover sandwich still lying on one of the counters get the best of him after all.

He grabs the food he’s prepared earlier, plops on a chair and starts eating, not even bothering to offer the stranger anything. He’s already shared his booze and treated him for free, that had to be enough— but Oda, he hasn’t even realized just how hungry he was until just now.

At least he’s getting something edible in his stomach, and that alone brightened his mood considerably. If only the scarface would leave him alone, too…

Zoro frowned when the other patted his back. Something he only would be okay with if they were friends or something, which they obviously were not. That was, for him, a gesture of friendship, and Roronoa Zoro didn't have any friend. And he thought that he really needed one.

Of course, he didn't say anything. That guy treated him for free, so he wasn't going to be a brat and complain about it, yet, he could feel that the dark haired male was aching to be left alone, and the fact that he started eating a sandwich, not paying to him any attention anymore certified it.

Maybe if Zoro was other kind of guy he would be angry because what Law was doing wasn't very polite, but Zoro could understand him perfectly, because the mercenary also enjoyed and craved for time alone, when he didn't have to deal with human stupidity.

He stood up, nodding at the other male and headed towards the door. "Thanks" he said once more, opening the door and closing it softly behind him. Still, even if the other insisted that he didn't want any money in exchange for treating him, Zoro felt that he still was in debt with that man. And he knew exactly what to do to be even with the other.

With a smirk tugging the corner of his lips, the mercenary finally left the building.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

    Sanji was in tremendous pain, his ribs acting up from his injuries from a few nights before. Sanji attempted to kick himself forward but was stuck on the ground blood now dripping from his forehead into his eye. He stared at his assailant who was ready to leap at him again bracing himself for impact knowing full well he couldn’t defend himself this time.

     The next few seconds happened in slow motion as the man got closer Sanji didn’t notice Zoro right away coming from behind the assassin. The movement was so fast he couldn’t lay his eyes on what took off the man’s arm. His eyes widened in shock as he caught a glimpse of the sheen of the blade as it came down upon the head leaving it to roll across the floor. The man didn’t even have a chance to cry out from the initial cut before his body feel limp on the floor right next to him.

     He sat there in shock as he looked at the large amount of blood on the floor now pooling next to him and that look in Zoro’s eye.

     “Are you okay?”

     Sanji snapped out of his trance looking back at the–swordsman. It took a bit before he could muster some words. This had all taken him by surprise.  “I–I’m fine.” he grabbed at his ribs unconsciously He stumbled to his feet. “b-but what–” he looked at the body on the ground. “There is a dead body in the apartment where are we going to put it? I can’t be under the record of public authority and judging from what just happen neither can you!” Sanji knew he was no ordinary trainer, but now wasn’t the time to be asking about it.

Zoro frowned, now realizing the one hell of a problem they had. There was a corpse on his kitchen, over a puddle of blood. The kitchen furniture was stained in crimson, and his own skin was dirty too. And, aside from the situation he was invovled in at the moment, Zoro couldn't help but feel a little angry with himself, because it had been a long time since he did such a shoody work. 

Zoro pinched the bridge of his nose in frustration, sighing. "Calm down" he grunted, because freaking out wasn't going to make the corpse disappear. He knew that they were in deep shit, but, at least at the moment, he could mantain a certain calm, even if there was a corpse in his kitchen. 

He got closer to the body and started to search in the clothes. He wanted to know who sent that guy, because blinded by his anger he forgot to ask. Of course, maybe the guy would not cooperate that easily, but Zoro had his own methods to make someone talk. 

"He came for you, right?" he wasn't even expecting an answer, because obviously, if someone sent a guy to kill Zoro..well, that someone would have sent a guy that had a chance against the mercenary. And the man that stormed into his house wasn't a good assasin. In fact, Zoro had the feeling that if Sanji wasn't as injured as he was, he could have take care of the intruder.

Sanji's voice was still in his head. And he knew that he was right. He couldn't afford that someone found out that he had just killed a guy in his own flat... and Sanji said that he couldn't either.

"We need to get rid of the body.       Can you stand up?" he asked, staring at him. 

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

        He didn’t hear Zoro entirely when he spoke about leaving for his room. Sanji was too busy cursing at his phone and all he caught was that he was leaving until dinner was done. 

     He continued to work on the meal silently after Zoro left. He sat down at the table while he let some of the pots simmer taking another glance at his phone. “Hmm? Why is the GPS light on?” he started to mess around in settings to see what had been changed. This seemed really off. The last phone call he had was from Zeff 2 months ago, so already having a phone call was strange. Who messed with my settings and who knows where I am at? Somebody wanted to know judging from my settings. 

     He was beginning to worry, He needed to leave as soon as he could. He couldn’t put Zoro in danger and he couldn’t be found. Those weren’t options, but maybe he was over thinking this too much? He had notorious bad luck but maybe this wasn’t the case.  ”Hisss–" he turned his head quickly to see the pot was boiling over. He let out a sigh of relief and nearly chuckled that the pot startled him. He should consider calling Zoro soon, but he should put out the dishes first.

     He didn’t hear the apartment door open and an unknown assailant came in. He continued to grab the plates and silverware from their respective cupboards and turned off the stove. He then heard someone approach quietly. “Zoro?” he asked quietly but he soon realized It wasn’t the same steps as his host. That is when his demeanor dropped from cook to fighter; even if he was injured.

     The assailant approached him from behind with a knife ready to try to cut his throat but Sanji dropped to the ground and extended his leg in a spin hook kick knocking him over.

     This man was armed, and he wasn’t saying anything. Meaning he wasn’t here to steal anything. He was after a life; most likely his. The damn phone caused him trouble again. Sanji didn’t have too much time to think as he was now on the  defensive hoping to not involve his host. He couldn’t forgive himself if Zoro got hurt because of him.

     Unfortunately for Sanji, the other man grabbed his arm and threw him into one of many japanese vases causing a rather large crash to be heard. “Bastard!” he was bleeding a bit from the forehead. He got back up and threw another kick knocking the guy down the hall way a bit before he came at Sanji again.

     . 

     He felt a little disturbance before hearing any noise. His brows furrowed, his body tensed, and then he felt the door closing. He was still hearing noise in the kitchen, so he knew that Sanji was still there, and that could only mean one thing. Someone was in his flat. Some unrequested guest. He highly doubted that Sanji had invited someone without asking him, so when he heard the noise, noise of someone breaking and Sanji barking' bastard' he grabbed Wadou Ichimonji and stood up. 

He left silently, but quickly, more like a ninja than like a mercenary. Unseathing Wadou Ichimonji while he walked through the corridor. His senses were sharpening, his breath calmed, even if the adrenaline started to rush in his system, and not only the adrenaline. Someone entered into his home without his permission. And that someone was hurting his hobo and destroying furniture of his kitchen, so his blood was boiling in anger too.

The intruder, all dressed in black, was about to attack Sanji, that was bleeding from the forehead. His eye analyzed quickly the situation, his grip tightening in the sword and, before the guy could hit Sanji again -and also before Zoro thought properly about it- he cut the intruder's arm and, before the other was able to cry in pain at the amputated extremity, Zoro decapitated him. 

He would have prefered to kill that guy slowly,because he had been inactive for too long.. but it was his flat after all, and he didn't want to break anything else, or make another bloody mess.... and maybe it was late for the last thing.

The body went limp instantly, falling to the bloody floor, the head rolling over the marble. Any emotion could be read in the mercenary's face except certain anger, but aside from that, he was rather cold, still pissed because someone entered in his home.

He lifted his gaze to look at the hobo, while he cleaned Wadou in his shirt. "Are you okay?" was all that he asked. He didn't want to bother the cook with his questions just yet. Not when there was a corpse in his kitchen's floor.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

     Sanji wanted to pick up that call and to figure out who it was but if he did that could be trouble on it’s own. He couldn’t risk it being someone looking for him. He set the phone back down and tried to disregard it to the best of his ability.

     “If it is important they should leave a message right?” he asked himself out loud before heading to the door to almost walk into Zoro. “Oh–hey!” he looked at him straight on. “Why are you standing right there? Weren’t you working on your computer?” his heart was beating a little fast due to almost walking into him. Before he could answer Sanji’s phone started to ring again. “Putain! Who the ‘ell could keep calling me?” he looked down at the phone again. It was the same unknown caller he let out a sigh and picked it up. “‘ello? ” no answer. ” ‘ello?” he heard a click on the other side. They hung on him. What was going on? He set his phone back on the counter and began to mumble under his breath.

     He leaned against the counter and glared at his phone. He wasn’t sure what to think. When he turned his attention else where it went off again. “Connard!” he yelled at his phone and turned it to silent completely. This time it was something else; he just didn’t realize someone started to track his phone.

     He continued to work on supper. Grumbling for a bit no longer interested in why Zoro was in there the first place.

His eye narrowed when he heard Sanji cursing.. and then answering the call to not receive any reponse. From his experience, he couldn't help but feel even more suspicious, but maybe, again, he was seeing ghosts where there weren't, so, at the moment, he just let it be.

"I'll be in my room until you are done with the dinner.." he merely informed. He didn't feel like napping really, he just wanted to be alone in the privacy of his room for a while. He doubted that Sanji did something suspicious. He had been behaving all the time after all. He left the kitchen without saying anything else, still thinking about the call... and about a thousand of other things. His body was growing tense, and he didn't know the reason yet. His hunting incstincs were already guessing what was about to happen, even if he thought that he was just being paranoid again. That was what the war could do to anyone.. it could make you a mistrustful and cold man, always thinking that there was something bad about to happen.. like if the misfortune followed you everwhere.

He entered in his room and lied on the bed, his hand absently going under the pillow to touch Wadou Ichimonji. He was just that weird, he needed to feel his swords close when he slept, he needed to have them as close as possible because he wasn't able to sleep if they weren't there, and Wadou Ichimonji was the one that always slept with him in his bed. The other two swords were in the little gym he had at home. He closed his eye, resting his head on the pillow, waitiing for Sanji to call him.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

     So he doesn’t want me to explain myself now? How kind of him…Sanji thought to himself. He noticed the other become more tense; like something had ignited inside. He had his own internal struggle he was fighting and Sanji could see that in his eye. Something this man could never forget.

     “You don’t have to explain nothing to me. I don’t want to know.”

     That isn’t entirely true; maybe just not now– he began to answer to himself once more. He wasn’t going to exactly stir up trouble after now being patched up by the man and carried back. His mind began to wonder back into the events of the evening. About the visit with the old lady; how she was at the brink of death, and running into Butch which caused him to get pretty banged up.

     Sanji rested his head in his hands trying to think clearly; his head felt fuzzy. “Hnn–” he began to grumble vocally about his head discomfort as well as taking note that his facial hair was become insanely wild. He really needed to shave.

“      I am not saving you.”

     Those words cut through him like a sharp edge. They were familiar to him, as he thought he may know the meaning from a person stand point. His eye went from shock to understand, and finally to a blank indifference.

     “Well, I can’t say that it makes me happy that I am alive due to your passing whim guided by guilt however; I do not wish to tell you my background either and I certainly cannot judge you.” he mentioned quietly to the side. “Regardless, I want to thank you again for taking care of me, a worthless man, and giving me a place to stay for the moment.

     A couple days later; Sanji became well enough to move without an obvious limp and managed to get to a shower again. It was heavenly; this time there was no rush. He also found an opportunity to shave. While occupied in the mirror he noticed  the heavy discoloration he had on his rib cage and solar plexus.

     It was turning several different shades of blue, yellow and green. It was still extremely tender to the touch and he couldn’t defend himself if he had too. Damn–Butch did a number on him. He turned his head to the clothes that Zoro had lent him once again.

     “I really need to get some new clothes.” he threw them on in a hurry and walked out after cleaning up to start on dinner. It had been really uneventful since the night Zoro carried him home and quiet. Until his cell phone began to vibrate on the table. “Unknown number?” he looked at the ID. “I haven’t given my number to anyone.”

     Those days started to be boring and annoying for the mercenary. He was pleased with the silence, and with the food. He didn't mind sharing his clothes with the hobo, but the lack of activity in his life, for someone that usually spent all day long training at the gym, and usually the nights 'hunting' being at home without anything to do was starting to be tedious. 

He usually spent all day long surfing the internet, reading japanese books or just napping, always keeping an eye on the cook. Still, he didn't trust him. He was happy because he could eat properly... but he was upset because with Sanji there, he couldn't train in the gym he had at home. Where he trained his bushido skills for the killing.       but also he knew that he should be somewhat thankful because if Sanji was there and he didn't train, the wound would heal properly for once.

He had been pretending to be paying attention to the laptop when he heard a soft 'buzz' coming from the kitchen, after Sanji entered and he couldn't help himself. He had to enter in the kitchen and leaning against the doorframe... he heard Sanji's words.

He was tempted to ask for an explanation, but he remembered that he said that he didn't care, so he shouldn't care, as suspicious as that could be. So he just stood there, waiting for Sanji to answer.. or to do something.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

     He looked at the soup that was placed before him. He just was stunned at the actions of the strange he had just met days before. I didn’t ask for this kindness. I don’t deserve this kindness. After everything they did, I could never make up for it.

    He grabbed the spoon that was provided to him. He wasn’t going to waste it, but he really didn’t want it.

     “You treat me like I am worth saving.” he broke the uncomfortable awkward silence. “You tell me I am no ordinary hobo; what defines ‘ordinary’?” he continued to look at the ground. “Is ‘ordinary’ define by a lack of history or money?” He head faced the wall.

     “Every single one of them out there has a unique story, a place or something they came from. I even met a famous musician from Austria once. It is amazing to see what you can find in the streets. I don’t just dumpster dive, I am observing this country from it’s most humble people.” he took another bite of his soup. “They are all ordinary and extraordinary at the same time.”

     “I on the other hand, don’t come from such humble roots. I don’t know what all you saw on my phone. I was told I needed it if I wanted to get a job here. I am however screwed since some of my things were stolen six months ago. There is a lot to me, that I cannot get a person involved with. However, I am finding it harder to keep doing this and still don’t know why I am telling you this. ” Why do I feel compelled to tell him anything? Maybe, I am hoping he tells me something? Why do I even care?

“Why are you compelled to take care of me, a strange hobo you found on the street? I am not used to someone being so kind to me. I’d hate to admit it, but you saved me this week.” his hand clenched and shook. His knuckles turning white.  He was so mad at his own weakness. 

     “I am not worth your trouble. I am more trouble than anyone can handle.”

     Why was he so angry? Was it because of the potential of someone actually giving a shit about his worthless existence besides Zeff? Why else would someone save him. Yeah, the idea of a friend scared him.

     He listened to his words carefully, in silence, looking at the laptop's screen, but not even paying attention to what the laptop was showing. Since he had brought Sanji back to his flat he knew that, at some point, the would have to talk about that, but yet he couldn't talk that easily of his thoughts. Zoro just didn't want to find the words either, because for him it would be even more troublesome if he was able to name the demons he had inside him. And that scared him and horrified him at the same time. 

"Maybe you think you are not worth my trouble..." he started, his voice serious, low, and somewhat cold."...but I want to do this." But he wasn't going to tell the other the reason. That would imply to reveal a part of his dark past, and it wasn't easy for him. And Sanji was, after all, a stranger, and even if he seemed to be a good guy, Zoro didn't trust him yetl.

He turned his head to look at the cook, his face expressionless, but in his eye there was fire. A fire that consumed him in guilt and in pain, like if it could see still the images of what he did in the past, the same ones that chased him in dreams. The ones that reminded him that he was nothing but a monster.

"You don't have to explain nothing to me. I don't want to know." He continued. Because knowing would imply some reciprocity at some point, and Zoro simply couldn't, so he would try to avoid, as much as he could, anything personal. It was easy for him to figth anyone... except his own demons, the ones he created all those years ago.

Zoro sighed, closing his eye briefly to open it again, the fire extingued. "      I am not saving you." he said after a while. He wasn't doing that game of the good Samaritan because he was just like that. All he was doing had a purpose. Zoro was saving himself.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

    “Nhnn…” he protested being placed on Zoro’s shoulder. His chest burned a bit and he couldn’t really protest even him he wanted to. He didn’t struggle as Zoro carried him to the flat. Why is he going out of his way to help me? I am hardly worth anything.

     The walk was silent and awkward, him stifling his coughs and his muffled pained sounds. The air was cold and he could see his breath against Zoro’ back. The crunching of the fresh blanket of snow. It was humbling for him. Lulling him to rest.

     “Food is common ground for everyone Sanji. No matter what class, what past, food will always bring people together from all walks of life.”

     “C’est vrai papy…” he muttered before passing out quietly. It’s true gramps. It is very true.

     He felt something constricting his breathing a bit. He was really warm.

     “Hm?” he awoke to seeing he was back in the flat under some wool blankets. That wasn’t all, he was bandaged up. He shot up from under the blankets to looked around to see if he could find Zoro.

He had been wondering what did Sanji's words meant, but his knowledge of french was barely existent, so in the end he let it be. He bandaged the hobo silently, being glad that he had fainted, because taking care of the ribs was painful. He had deal with that kind of wounds several times before, so he knew how to treat them. 

He could treat also bullet wounds, but not when they were in such a difficult place, but treating Sanji's wounds was pretty easy that time. He saw some scarring in his body, and that only made him hold the idea of Sanji not only being a hobo and a cook stronger. Also, he saw the state of the two other hobos... so he knew what he was talking about.

After heating up the soup Sanji made the day before, he returned towards the hall, finding the cook already awake.

Zoro didn't say a word when he placed the bowl of hot soup in front of him. He really didn't know what to say either. All that stuff was strange for him. Really strange. 

Sighing, he sat on the chair and opened his laptop. He really didn't feel like watching the TV, or starting any conversation that he didn't know how to start.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

     He was almost asleep when he felt someone nudge him. Someone come to finish the job and didn’t have the courtesy to let me sleep while they kill me? He looked up to see his phone being handed to him.

     “Hmm?” his eyes widened at the sight to see the person on the other side of the phone. He took it from him with a shaky hand. “Zoro?”

"… how about if we go back at my place and you prepare hot cocoa?"

     He came all this way to retrieve me? Why does he care about me? He looked him the eye as he didn’t make any movement to stand up.

     “Are you sure about having a hobo with a cell phone into your flat? He could be a killer and a thief. He could be a man for hire. He could be a lot of things, are you sure you want him to come back with you and prepare hot cocoa?” he paused a moment. “I can’t keep running back and forth at the moment. I kinda cracked a rib or two.”

     He started to stand up using the wall for support coughing a bit of blood. He spat it on the ground still looking Zoro dead in the eye.

He really wasn't in the mood to start a stupid argument. He was cold and hungry, so he just rolled his eyes when Sanji said about the hobbo and the smartphone. But then he cook said about his ribs, and his eye narrowed dangerously. Zoro wasn't amused, and he was going to make those other hobos pay for that at some point. 

"I don't really care about what you are. It has been pretty obvious from the beginning that you weren't just a hobo that knew how to cook. And even if you were a killer or a thief, I couldn't care. You are harmless to me. " He was the killer there, the mercenary, the dangerous guy, The Demon. So, in any casy, Sanji should be the one worried there. 

Zoro was going to ask if he could walk, but when he saw the other coughing blood, that was the last thing he needed to see. It was going to be humilliating for them both, but making Sanji walk until his flat in that state could take forever. So, sighing deeply, the mercenary picked Sanji up and placed him, as gently as he could, over his left shoulder.

"Don't say a thing." he warned, starting to walk towards his flat. A idea came to Zoro's mind while he left the alley. Will all this compensate for what I've done in the past? But, as much as he wished that the answer was yes, he knew that it was, and it would forever be a no.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

       So he wasn’t going to let it slide; he should have known. “I could have asked you ‘Why does a physical trainer have a fresh bullet wound and numerous scars.’ but I didn’t now did I?” his calm demeanor disappearing slowly. His eyes shifted from a civilian’s to that of an experienced fighter’s.  Zoro was acting like he lied to him. Which wasn’t the case, he just never provided him the details of his life.

     That damn phone was more trouble than it was worth. He didn’t even remember why he has it in the first place anymore. Now it just compromised him. Either he tells this stranger his story and perhaps be thrown out or simply deny him an explanation and leave.

     ” I don’t owe you an explanation per our agreement sir. I came here under the agreement I would cook for you for a full week in exchange for a place to stay during this shitty weather. ” his stare became full matching the volatility of Zoro’s. 

     He then turned around after grabbing his phone stashing it into his coat pocket and grabbed his things. “I understand enough that I am not welcome here just because I won’t tell you a thing. Thanks any way, I’d rather freeze outside than put up with your arrogance. I told you, ask as much as you want to tell. ” he paused now getting angrier. ” Don’t die putting on bandages now.” he then ran out the door without giving him any chance to say anything and inquire more. He didn’t owe him anything.

     He ran back down they alley thoughtlessly not knowing were he was going for sure leaving heavy track marks in the snow. It was really cold out but the heat from him running kept him pretty warm. He was so upset he didn’t realize he was running back into Butch’s territory and he brought some friends.

     They jumped him and landed a blow knocking him to a ground. Damn it I was distracted. He spat a bit of blood from his mouth.

     ” Hey look he has a cellphone.” one of the guys found his phone knocked to the side. ” He isn’t really broke is he?” another remark.

     “You’re going to give that back to me.” they laughed at him.

     Several gashes and bruised ribs later Sanji made his way back into a deep alley near the older lady, and sank away and curled up next to the wall. It was freezing out and he could feel the warmth of his blood trickle down the side of his face.

     “I am going to just sleep here. If I wake I wake up.” he chuckled and shut his eyes. He thought the lady was crazy earlier when she said she wanted to pass in her sleep from this shitty city, now it didn’t seem like a horrible idea with all the shit he goes through. He’d spent the afternoon trying to convince her to eat something.

     Zoro didn't even move when the other said about his bullet wound and his scars. He didn't say anything while the other said about their agreement, he already knew that he was asking too much, but he couldn't help it. That was something he wanted to know, but it wasn't that easy for him to tell anything.. specially to a complete stranger. 

So, when the other started to pick up his belongings he was thinking about telling him something.. but then that guy called him arrowand, and Zoro scowled. He wasn't arrogant. And then he added the bandages thing... and Zoro had to restrain the need to snarl. 

But then.. Sanji left. And Zoro grunted, locking the door after that ungrateful guy. He dragged his feet until his couch, the couch in which Sanji had been sleeping the past days, and switched on the TV.

     And tonight in San Anderson we are expecting extreme cold weather and snow that will     

He switched off the TV inmediately. That was the last he needed to hear at that moment. Crossing his arms over his chest, the mercenary pouted stubbornly.

"That idiot..." he grunted. "....." He called me ARROGANT..."...." He had a fucking SMARTPHONE..."...." And now he's going to die down a fucking bridge tonight...".... fuck" he grunted, standing up and grabbing a jacket, putting a hoodie on, a scarf, boots, gloves and grabbing the keys. He unlocked the door and, closing it after, he left his flat. 

It wasn't that difficult to follow trail in the snow covered floor, because it wasn't snowing yet as hard as it was supposed to be, but outside it was cold as fuck, no one could deny it. And, if you were wondering, Zoro could easily follow a trail, but not directions, at all. He kept on following the steps until he found that, with Sanji's footprints appeared several others.. and then.. he saw the blood.

His eye narrowed slighly, he wasn't going to freak out, but he could feel the anger building inside him, making his own blood boil.  He followed the blood trail, getting into some alley he wasn't familiarized with, but that was a normal feeling for the mercenary, so he didn't pay further attention until the footsteps took him to were some other hobbos seemed to be boasting about something, even if they looked like shit. He was going to ignore them when something got his attention. One of them had in his hand the fucking smartphone. 

"Where is he?" he asked, his tone colder than the current weather, and the others gave him questioning looks. "Where. is. he" he repeated, his hands clenching into a fist. 

The others seemed to advert something in the way Zoro was looking at them, because soon their confident aura was decimated by Zoro's presence.

"I don't know who you are talking about dud-" the tallest one couldn't even finish the sentence when Zoro's fist crashed against his jaw, not breaking it by little. The guy fell on the floor, knocked out in just one blow. He could already feel his wound complaining for that, but he couldn't care less at the moment. He had to find that idiot. 

After that, he only needed a death glare to make the hobos talk, and they pointed in the direction Sanji was supposed to be. So, picking up the troublesome smartphone and hoping not to get lost, he followed that direction.

He walked for a while until he found a deep alley, and he recognized the form of someone. A hobo. His hobo. And a relieved sigh left him while he got closer. He poked the other with the tip of his boot and cleared his throat.

"Oiii.. hm.. how about..." he started, not even knowing how to continue. But then he remembered. The smartphone, and he looked for it in his pocket, handing it after to the cook"... how about if we go back at my place and you prepare hot cocoa?" That was the only way he could think of saying 'sorry' and 'come back to my flat and don't die in the cold, idiot'.

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

     Sanji briefly went to the kitchen and grabbed one of his portions of food before walking out the front door. He ascended the staircase and left outside. He walked a bit of a distance in a brisk pace. It was amazing though how much a couple nights of consistent meals and sleep on a warm couch could energize you. He hadn’t felt this good in a long time. He walked by a couple of alley’s he wasn’t as familiar with but wanted to move quickly.

     He wasn’t as careful as he should have been; he drew the attention of a fellow hobo known to be violent to get what he wanted. Sanji was carrying a small bag, and he wanted it.

     “Hey, you kid. Come o’er here a minute will yah?” Butch motioned for Sanji to approach. He didn’t look over him at all. Instead he hopped over the rather tall fence to put as much distance between him and the other hobo as possible. 

     He approached a humble box in the crevice between and old bank and a closed down bakery that was condemned to be destroyed due to the asbestos inside making it unsuitable for residing in. There was a weak fire burning near by.

     “Granny, you ‘ere?” he asked quietly. He looked around to lay eyes on a pile of blankets mounded in her box. He quickly dashed over to check on her. She was really cold, but she was still alive.

     Sanji began his way back after spending some time helping her out; trying not to take the same route in hopes of avoiding Butch. He couldn’t afford a fight with him right now and he needed to get back and make supper. He dashed through the alleys and seeing his breathe becoming clearly visible. It was really cold.

     He finally arrived back at the apartment building and rang  Zoro’s number so he could be let in.”It’s Sanji.” he called into the microphone. After a few moments the door unlocked allowing him to come up to the apartment. To his surprise the door was unlocked already for him.

     He was panting slightly and his face red from the cold. His eyes fell onto the kitchen table where his phone lay. Shit he found it. Did I give it a password, I don’t remember.

     He turned to face Zoro who stood there folding his arms. This day couldn’t get any “better.” No use playing stupid, he was as good as caught.

     “It appears that I had misplaced my phone. Thank you for finding it for me.”

His calmed tone only irked more Zoro. He wasn't expecting much from that guy, but at least he would have been glad to hear an explanation. But, by the looks of it, the cook wasn't willing to give him any. So, in the end, Zoro had to ask.

"Why does a hobo have a smartphone?" his eye was piercing Sanji mercilessly, wanting him to be honest. He really didn't care about his life, but that guy was sleeping in his couch that week, and the least he could do was to give him an explanation. Zoro didn't like the lies, even if he was constantly lying to everyone, but that wasn't the point. Sanji's careless attitude, like if he wasn't worried at all about his finding was bothering him. If he had stolen it, Zoro would be even less worried, even if that meant that he had a thief at home. 

But that smartphone was his. It had his pictures, it was all in french, and Zoro knew that, if he had a little more knowlegdge about that language, maybe he would have been able to find something else. And now the curiosity, and a mixture of anger and stubborness was pushing him to ask the cook.

"Explain yourself" his voice was icy, and his body was slighly tense, ready for anything. 

[tartarosdaemonium]

Thoughtless || The-Wandering-Foreigner & TartarosDaemonium

[tartarosdaemonium]

     Before the blanket draped over his head; he caught it with quick reflexes. He was startled just a moment for he didn’t know what to expect when Zoro left the bathroom. Something being thrown over his head didn’t sound like a great idea.

"If you are gonna sleep in the couch, you’ll need it"

     He looked at him blankly for a moment before realizing he hadn’t been kicked out. “Thanks.” he pulled the wool blanket over himself and turned into the couch getting as close into it as possible. He was used to curling up for warmth anytime he slept. This blanket was really warm though. He needed to get up early and make breakfast.

     He couldn’t help but reflect back on all the scars he could see on Zoro. He couldn’t deny that he wanted to know, but he felt he already crossed the line enough for one night. He still had nearly a full week left.

     Sanji spent the next couple of days cooking and not really speaking a word to Zoro. He kept to himself due to the awkward tension in the room only occasionally glancing over at him while he watched the TV. Sanji focused on his journal.

     “–another cold night in San Anderson and it’s suburbs.” he heard the TV mention. It is great that I am in here but, it has been a few days, I should go check on before before it gets nasty again. 

     Most of the other people on the streets could take care of themselves, but there was this one older woman he met that he worried about. She was sick and recently evicted after her husband died. She was on death’s door and he knew that.

     He stood up abruptly. “I’m going to leave for a bit. ” he realized he had forgotten to unplug his phone the other night. He didn’t use it hardly at all and could easily forget about it but he couldn’t grab it now with Zoro right there, he was going to need to leave it behind.

He didn't say anything when the other commented that he was going to leave for a bit. Last days had been somewhat uncomfortable.. but also comfortable in a weird way. That guy was really talented for cooking, and Zoro got soon used to it. It had been a long time since he ate that well, and his stomach was thanking the hobo, but him, being the serious and stand-offish guy that he was, never said anything.

Yet, he liked the silence better than an uncomfortable conversation, so he really appreciated that Sanji barely spoke to him, because it would be quite weird for both of them.

"Good." he shrugged finally, thinking that maybe he should comment something. "See you later then" He really missed having some time alone, not that the cook was as annoying as he thought he would be, but hey, he wasn't used to have another human being at home.

He waited until the other left to stand up from the couch. There had been something that had been making him constantly suspicious, and it wasn't long until the mercenary found out.

A smartphone.

And obviously, his brows draw together. What kind of hobo had a freaking smartphone? He picked it up from the floor, right under his tv, hidden under the furniture. He examined it. Well, maybe gossip was a better word for it, but Zoro thought that he had the right to know who the fuck was sleeping in his couch.

"French, tsk" he obviously couldn't understand barely anything of french, so it was hard for him to find things on it, but he found pics of San Anderson, and also of a guy that seemed to be cook, with a huge blond mustache, and he wondered if that guy was Sanji's father or not.

Then he found another one, of the same guy and Sanji at the airport, and his frown grew. The clothes that he wore looked far more expensive than the ones he was currently wearing, and also the smartphone wasn't one of the cheap ones. And Zoro now was sure that the hobo wasn't a nobody. The clothing, the smartphone, the manners and everything told him that Sanji was far from being a poor guy. But then... what was a guy with money living in the streets?

It was obviously that, anyway, the cook would find out that he found the smartphone, so there was no point in leaving it there. So, still frowning and with his suspicions growing, Zoro left the phone over the table, and waited for the other to come back watching the TV, still thinking if he should or he shouldn't force the other to explain himself, when he wasn't willing to speak anything about him, and also, Sanji never asked about his wounds.