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echantedtoon · 2 months ago

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No Good Deed Goes Unpunished Ch3 Kindness Towards Cruelty

(Tagging @punks-never-die205 @feiatjjk

@karmadglory @babygurlenthusiast @swampstew @purplesoulsapphire

Remember if you want to be added to the taglist lemme know.

Warnings for yandere themes, mentioned entertainment district and spicy stuff but it will STAY sfw, Kid's in cannon killing streak and violence, maybe some cussing.

Should've mentioned it before but these first three chapters take place before the two year time skip. I know oirans knew tea ceremonies and I apologize if not everything is accurate. I got the info on tea ceremonies from the first video linked below. If Kid comes off as disrespectful during the ceremony it's because I'd imagine he's never been to a tea ceremony and he's a pirate.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=xD7qUfSOGOE&list=LL&index=2&pp=gAQBiAQB )

"Which house do you think has an oiran?"

Bright lights were everywhere.

It nearly blinded the men by the amount of lanterns and lightly that glowed warmly against the sky, giving just a small amount of light. People were everywhere. Tons of them. Walking around, shouting at one another, talking loudly, and sometimes carrying objects like bags or boxes. The murmuring of voices together was loud enough to be a buzz like that of a bee hive. It rattled their heads in a way that was unpleasant and not too familiar.

The buildings surrounding the people were bigger than any of the ones back where they hailed from. Two or three stories each. At the base of said houses were small stalls and wagons the tons of people warned but you couldn't see what they sold unless you got close to them. There was too many different faces. It was dizzying. Yet that didn't stop Heat from quickly stopping by one stall that it's vendor sold large warm meat packed dumplings, buying one and proceeding to eat it as they walked. The savory taste of soup boiled beef and spice mixing deliciously in his mouth as they walked.

Only now stopping to look at the maze of houses lining the streets and bedazzled in way too much money. The Flower Capital was known for too much flattery and painting everything in the metaphorical gold. It's supposedly a display of wealth but if you asked someone like Killer, it just meant they were egotistical and guady.

"Why don't we just pick the fanciest looking one and try in there? Rich idiots usually keep the good things on display."

That was true. In their experience, the rich weren't too bright and enjoyed showing off WAY too much. Made them easier targets for pirates like them. Eventually masked blue eyes blinked around before settling on one building in particular.

The entire thing was white. Shiny wood painted a pure white, meanwhile golden oak pillars decorated the outside like beams of heavenly light. A golden glow emitted from the front and a few girls in beautiful kimonos happily giggled and waved at passerbys who stopped to gawk in awe at their beauty. Surely a very successful house amongst the others. Seemed like a place only an oiran would reside.

After a moment, the blonde pointed out the rather stunning building. "If I had to guess, It'd be there."

"You think so?"

Killer shrugged his shoulders. "Let's take a look anf find out."

Wire and Heat looked at one another but followed him as Killer made his way towards the large building. Even now people stopped to look at them passing by in shock but most steer clear of the three of quickly scrambled out of their way as they walked past them. The girls even stopped their flirty smiles and stepped back from the entrance as they ascended the stairs and through the entrance. The inside looked as fancy as the outside but much more the large space was not surprisingly filled with more women dressed up in a similar style to all the others they've seen, all stopped and stared widely at the three large men that walked right in. Looking around the place of shiny polished floors, and lit candles, and velvet curtains hanging off the walls.

The murmuring of the ladies quieted down as the three looked around. Hm. Maybe they didn't come to the right place? A shuffling of quick footsteps got their attention and a second later the curtains moved, revealing another man on the other side. He was nothing to look at. Practically the stereotypical man who at first smiled probably expecting customers, however like everyone else was stunned into surprise by the sight of the three large pirates in the middle of the room. More silence passed before he let the curtains drop back into place behind him and gave a more nervous grin.

"Ah. Good evening, Gentlemen," he greeted somewhat nervously clasping his hands together. "Welcome to the Heavens House. How can I help you three tonight?"

"We're looking for a girl," Killer's blunt tone was unchanging despite the flinch it caused who must've been the house master.

"Ah! Well that can be arranged!" He gestured his hands around them. "We have many fine young ladies here for your entertainment tonight."

"Maybe I should've been more specific. You gotta oiran here?"

The man blinked. "Oiran? O-Oh. We-Well that is a very expensive choice. A very high class lady."

"Is that a yes or no?"

Again the nervous look. "We.. I'm afraid we do not house Kumorasaki. I get that very often."

"We don't want Kumorasaki. Just an oiran. Any ordinary oiran will be fine."

"Oh?...Oooooh. Well then yes! Heavens House does host an oira !" He was back to happy within seconds. "But of course..A high class lady such as herself isn't without it's costs-"

"We got the funds. Money is not a problem."

"Then do tell which of you fine gentlemen wishes to be in her company for the night. Or perhaps you were hoping to get a performance from our resident madam?"

"It's not for us. We're getting her as a gift for our Captain."

Again that silence persisted from the room before the man gulped. "O-Oh. I see you're sea fairing men. Wh-Who might be your captain might I ask?"

"Kid."

"Kid?" All at once the color drained from his face at the horrible realization. "As i-in Eustass 'Captain' Ki-Kid?"

"Yeah. That's right." Killer's head tilted at him. "When can she arrive?"

"I-...I-Im afraid I'll have to decline you business." The puny man stuttered out after a gulp. "That man's worth three hundred fifteen million berries! He's a dangerous man. That's ba-bad for business and I can't risk the only oiran here! I'd be a fool to subject the odds to that."

Killer didn't answer at first. Only humming before tilting his head. "Alright then. You're a business man I get it. So-..." The way he slowly crossed his arms had the paler man's eyes widening. "Let's talk business."

"Captain Eustass Kid." The voice so calming and sweet carried with it and aura of grace as those lashes fluttered shut as she bowed. It struck his veins like an icy ghost's hand dipping into his body and seizing his throat. "I'm so honored to have the pleasure of meeting you."

"PPFFFTT-?!"

The metaphorical ghost hand entrapping his throat clogged up the alcohol going down forcing him to choke it out of him. Back into the mug of all over the table, whichever one was closest. A loud series of coughs and hacks left his throat disrupting the serenic scene and finally bursting that seed filled bubble.

"Surprise, Captain!", someone shouted from the crowd, "WE GOT YA AN OIRAN!!"

A series of laughs, cheers, whoops, and a few wolf whistles filled the air. Amber eyes widened as his face snapped in shock towards the crowd of cheerers. The mug dropping to the ground with whatever was left inside spilling out all over the ground. He sat there in stunned shock only stiffly looking over when Killer reached out to pat his shoulder grinning under that mask he wore.

He couldn't speak. Not registering whatever words the killer next to him said in jest. The rounds of clapping and cheers echoed around him blurring into one at last. Nothing really getting to him through the muffled faraway voices becoming nothing but a hum. A buzz.to his mind for nothing but the mind. Instead the shining lights on the strings above, the golden glow catching onto the heavenly image before amber eyes. The image of a smile on her face as her graceful body bent back up from the bow and smiled at him. The image of beauty shining upon his face.

"Would you like to come back with me? Or perhaps you would prefer to have me come and join where you sit?"

His mouth opened wide- The dryness of the ghost clenching around the wind pipe prevented him from saying a word. The only guiding thing preventing him from choking on a sound was the fact he found nothing to say. But then the serene moment was gone. Replaced and cut through by the sound of a very loud wolf whistle that pierced the air. In an instant the mouth snapped shut and a redness not unlike his red hair spread across his face.

"SHUT UP!!," his voice echoed out but all it got in return was a bout of laughs from the crew. "What the hell is this, Killer?!" He demanded turning to the blonde man for answers.

"We just wanted to get you something after everything you've done. Take a load off and relax, Kid," Killer spoke the same words he used from before giving his friend a couple more pats to his back before retreating his arm. Ice cubes clinked in a glass when his hand grabbed onto his drink once more. "We just wanted to get you something you never had before."

"Huh?! You assholes think I l've never got a girl before?!"

"Have you ever had an oiran before?"

"I DIDN'T ASK ANYONE FOR HELP!! I COULD'VE GOTTEN ANY MAN OR WOMAN I WANTED IN THE ENTIRE CAPITAL AND YOU KNOW IT!!"

"Oh.." Killer pondered something for a moment. "Then you don't want the oiran?"

"If he doesn't want her can I have her?"

A red haired man bristled. Stiffly snapping his head around to the point Killer was expecting a snap sound to go off from his neck. The face of beauty turned to the right. A dirty stray. A rat. Filthy cockroach of a man. Scuttling about like a filthy tag along whom followed the vision of beauty like a wolf hunting sheep. Skulking closer and closer to the dancer's stage, to take her from the lanterns spotlight into the gastly shadows. The expression on her face was anything but smiling once the threat was slotted within sight. The beady eyes shown in perversion and greed.

It made an unspoken challenge to the Red Devil's whims and like hellfire he burnt out one hell of an annoyance. Many heads turned as with a rattling of a table and stomp down of boots, the Red Devil stood at his full height and many heads turned to the new annoyed fury.

"LIKE FUCK YOU ARE!!," the angry voice shot out and everyone else seemed to freeze up within sights of the anger emitting off the amber eyes. "PUT ONE FUCKING HAND ON MY WOMAN AND I'LL GUT YOU LIKE A FISH!!"

"So you do want her?"

The way Kid's teeth clenched and grinded against one another could practically be heard as his fists clenched.. before he deflated with a grunt. "Fine. I'll fucking take her. BUT ONLY BECAUSE YOU USED OUR MONEY TO GET HER NOT BECAUSE I CAN'T GET A GIRL MYSELF!!"

A round of cheers were set off as he grunted with an eye roll. Idiots. All of them. He'd show them. It wasn't anything he needed! It'd just be a waste of money otherwise! So cheers ignored he took his first steps towards the woman who was called to the scene and presented to him like a glittering trophy for his disastrous deeds. The beautiful doll all dressed up and looking at him silently as he approached her. Each heavy thud of his steps coming up to her until he stood right in front of her. In silence she regarded him as amber eyes looked over her, up and down but without the lust of the usual audience. Instead it was more studying rather than anything else really. As if a curious fox was circling the hen house.

Amber eyes took great care in studying the wrapping of fabric adorned her body. The way those ridiculous shoes made her taller when is reality she couldn't have been taller than half his upper torso. The beautiful hair pins adorned by fake bedazzled roses and tansels that swayed with each tiny tilt of her head, keeping that glossy silky hair nearly tied up in that hairstyle expertly done. The way her face wasn't surprisingly caked in a million layers of make up like the other women here. Instead it was just enough to make her features pop without taking away from the natural beauty of herself. Especially those reddened lips.

He stood there. Amber eyes looked left. Then to the right. "So ..How does this work?"

"Work?" Her head innocently tilted as pretty orbs blinked.

"Do we get a hotel room or do I take you to dinner? Or-..."

Shit.

What the HELL was he supposed to do in this situation?! It's usually so easy. Pick up a girl, give her a drink or decent meal, flirt a bit, have their fun, and then leave. How the hell was he supposed to know what to do with an oiran? Should he just..pick her up and carry her off? That.. didn't seem like the right thing to do with an oiran but why should he care?! It's HIS woman HIS crew bought HIM for the night and with HIS loot so he could do whatever the hell HE pleased!! And yet-..He couldn't fathom just tossing her over his shoulder and heading to the closest inn for some strange reason.

That's when he heard a sound. A sound so innocent it made him flinch.

A giggle.

A beautiful giggle that chimed like beautiful little bells as she smiled and held a hand to her pretty face. "You may escort me back to my house if you wish? After all I did come all the way out here to collect my customer. That is if you'd want to."

Hmm. Being paraded through town with a beautiful woman was tempting..but he'd look ridiculous just walking next to her dancing back to whatever house she worked. So he decided on the latter.

"You start. I'll follow behind you."

No arguments. No complaints. No other suggestions. Just a cute little smile and respectful bow of her head. "If that's what you wish, Mr. Kid."

Mister? Who the hell called him Mister like an old man?

He didn't say anything about it then though, but watched as she simply turned to no doubt start her procession back up and back towards her home. He gave one last look at his crew who all have him either sounds of approval, smiles, or in Killer's case a thumbs up. Idiots. He'd have to have a word about surprises in the future when this entire fiasco was over with. But for now, he'll indulge them.

The walk there was anything but pleasant really. Rather slow and awkward as she gracefully danced her way back into the spotlight and into the awed eyes of many spectators. Smiling in appreciation at them all which made a shift move in his chest in whatever reason. Wasn't she supposed to be his for the night? Pretty sure that smile was only supposed to be his, but he didn't voice any complaints.

He just stiffly and awkwardly walked behind her like an out of place tag along until they reached the beautiful (tacky) house and followed her inside. The fearful and wary stares followed his form up the steps after her as her dance ended at the door. Pausing her dance in exchange for walking normally but still not loosing that graceful movement. Not when she had to duck to fit within the door front and lift her expensive silks to walk inside as he followed closely behind. Inside women cowered in his wake. One look from him was enough for them to turn their eyes away in fear of Eustass 'Captain' Kid. Heh. Guess his reputation really proceeds him even all the way out here. Made a tiny smirk turn on his face.

"He-Hello, S-S-Sir." An absolute wimp of a man stood before him. Cowardly shaking behind a girl thinner and punier than even he was if that was even possible. Ha! Like that'd help him if he decided to crush his ugly head or tear this dam place apart. "We've been e-e-expecting you. Yo-Yo-You're room has a-already been accom-m-modate." Amber eyes narrowed down to him. "A-A-All on the house!" He shouted ducking down behind the trembling girl. "No-No extra charge! Pl-Please enjoy!"

All the answer the pirate gave was a grunt before his attention was quickly taken back to the beauty. Like a beacon of hope she stood before him, but what had amber eyes widening slightly was the smile on her face still. Not an once of fear. Only a politeness as she stood upright gracefully in a room of cowards. He supposed that should annoy him or make him impressed or both, but all he could say was one thing.

"How the fuck are you able to walk around in those dam things?" His head directed down to those ridiculously high block shoes she still wore.

Despite the rudeness she only smiled. "Years of practice. Would you like me to escort you to your room?"

"Uh...Yeah. Sure. Whatever."

Again she bowed. "Please follow me, Mr. Kid-"

"And don't call me mister. It makes me sound like an old fuck."

"As you wish, Captain Kid." Her politeness kept up with her switch in a formal name for him.

Again it made that weird shift in his chest move but he made no comment as she turned and walked away from the main room allowing him to follow her through the halls of polished floors and doors. Women were there as well. Pressing themselves into the walls or quickly shuffling themselves into one of the many rooms. A few men were there too, no doubt customers, but they also paused as they saw the image of the Red Devil himself walking down the halls after the beautiful oirans. His heavy footfalls echoing throughout the entire halls from the first floor to the second and then the third where a single hall awaited him and one large door. A scrawny servant girl was the only other person there besides them and she trembled while holding some kind of tray in her hands. She smiled at him opening the large sliding door with a bow.

Amber eyes looked at her, then at the room for a few seconds calculating the minor possibility of this night being a trap, before slowly walking inside. The floor was covered in tatami mats other than a small square space in the middle of the room beholding an already boiling black tea kettle. On the far left side was a large cushion presumably for him to sit on and a small table beholding a large gourd he assumed was filled with water or sake. And plates of food were already waiting for him. The expensive stuff too.

O-toro sashimi. Wagyu steak cuts. And the rest he wasn't sure what it was. Some kind of noodles in broth. That was onigiri. Some kind of sushi he thinks?? He only knew the names of some of them because Killer either tried making them once or had spoken about wanting to try out their recipe. Sure went out of their way to accommodate him. Probably out of fear.

To the fair right of the room was a low standing vanity with a pillow sat in front of it and a wide variety of make up, brushes, and other items were nearly placed upon it. A second door..Closet maybe? Or lead to a bathroom. And a large luxurious futon nearly made. Obviously her accomodations for living. A koto instrument and shamisen was leaned against the side wall on her side, tuned and ready for use at any moment.

All in all, what he expected and oirans room to look like but he was surprised at how less fancy looking it was considering the district and her high position.

"Please." He turned to her. Her gentle smile and graceful hand gestured to the large sitting pillow and table of food. "Make yourself comfortable."

Amber eyes still stared at her but slowly did as she asked. Slowly walking to the seat and (after lifting the pillow to make sure nothing was placed under it and feeling a quick hand under the table) slowly sat himself down . His heavy body sinking right into the fluffy weight under him.

"Tch. Too soft," he grunted.

"I can arrange a different one to be brought to you if you'd like."

"Nah. M' fine."

"As you wish, Captain Kid-san. With your permission I'd be honored to perform a tea ceremony for you."

His gaze looked back up to where she still half bowed, eyes closed, and smiling as is pleasantly dreaming away. "A...what?"

"A tea ceremony. It is but only one of the duties I can perform. With your permission, I'd like to perform it for you as a welcome start to your stay here."

He wasn't sure what to think at first watching the still woman. Before he grunted just reaching out to start helping himself to the food. He barely got to eat all night having to help babysit his crew's drunk shenanigans so far, plus he felt too awkward just sitting there doing nothing.

"Sure. Knock yourself out."

"As you wish."

He just mindlessly stuffed one of those rice balls into his mouth and placed his head in his hands as he watched her. The trembling servant girl quickly handed her the tray before scrambling away, leaving the oiran alone with him. With a smile she turned to him and bowed tray in hand before stepping inside. He noticed that she didn't wear those shoes anymore so her height was where he estimated it to be. She barely reached the middle of his torso. Door sliding behind her she made her way silently to the teapot before him and sat down on her knees in silence.

He just watched as she silently began to place the objects in front of him which included two clothes, a ladle, and a few other things. The silence around them continued on other than the light noises coming from her moving around the objects. Starting with her wiping down the already dry tools, and then pouring water into the decorated.. Cup? Bowl? Before it was quickly discarded. What was the point of pouring water in there if she wasn't going to use it for tea?

A few other motions were performed as he watched her closely until she opened the small container filled with green powder. Immediately his brows shot up and his eyes narrowed.

"What's that?"

"Matcha tea powder." She calmly explained continuing to scoop two spoonfuls into the water inside the bowl. "It's the tea used in the tea ceremonies I perform."

"...Sure that ain't poison?"

"If it was, I'd have less guests."

She still continued to work as she spoke never once breaking her motion as he glanced suspiciously between her and the drink she began to whisk up. Call him suspicious but he couldn't help himself. His body was naturally on guard in unknown environments. She continued until the cup was lifted into her hands before gently presented to him with a small pattern of Sakura blooms painting the cup's front. Amber eyes stared at it for ten seconds before holding out his hand. She placed it in his palm gently and he flinched at how soft her skin was.

He remained sitting there holding this cup as she returned to her objects. Gently placing them back onto the tray again without another look at him. He blinked looking at the green liquid within the cup, and raising a brow at brow at the butter smell wafting out of it. She did not look back up until she heard him suddenly make a loud questioning grunt in distaste. His eyes scrunched shut, mouth in a grimace as his arm held it away from his mouth.

"What's wrong?"

"Tastes bitter!"

She giggled."That's how it's supposed to be served. I suppose it's not everyone's taste."

"And rich fucks actually pay for this?" She continued to silence giggles as he placed the cup on the table, pushing it away from him whilst simultaneously grabbing the gourd and downing the burning sake inside.

"I do hope you're not too displeased with the ceremony." He brought the gourd down to give a deadpanned look at her. To which she only smiled at him and gestured to the instruments along the wall. "If you prefer, I can play something for you instead."

"Play?"

She nodded. "Yes. I can play both the koto and shamisen. I can also perform traditional dances and sing for you if you'd like."

"Uh...No."

"Then perhaps Captain Kid-san would prefer a more strategical challenge. I can play many board games including go and shogi."

"No."

"Then perhaps you would like to hear a story? I can recite many old stories or poetry for your amusement."

"Do I look like a guy who listens to poetry and stories?!"

Her head tilted once more, smile going a bit smaller but never waning. "Then what shall you prefer me to do?"

"I mean...I was expecting a little more-... Somethin' different from this."

Something a LOT different from this actually. He really didn't come prepared to be sang to or be recited poetry like a romantic. There was silence as she continued to stare at him with that pretty face. The one that made his chest churn with something. Something that he forced himself to distract from by turning to the table and shoving a large sushi into his mouth.

Her eyes followed his hands eating the food before slowly turning back to his face in a studious manner. "Captain Kid-san, I wonder if you would grant me permission to say something bold?"

"Hm?" He hummed in question chewing on another overpriced steak otherwise.

"You are tense." Her kind tone but blunt words made him stop entirely. "Your posture, it is stiff and excuse my words but you seem uncomfortable sitting here with me. Is it perhaps you find it unpleasant?"

This unpleasant?

..Maybe. He's not exactly used to this type of treatment. He's a pirate. Whatever he wants he takes dam everyone else. Being served wasn't anything too unusual for him being served by barmaids and waiters of all kinds in bars and sometimes Killer will bring him food when he was extremely busy in his workshop. But this kind of treatment?

There's an air of elegance and art and it feels far too formal for a pirate. Especially one like him. The one with the highest bounty on his head. His bounty and reputation aside, even if he wasn't a pirate his intimidating appearance alone should've warranted some kind of fear in her. But yet he saw nothing like that in her movements or eyes. She's been nothing but sweet, and the whole thing had been so foreign that he felt off about it..Yeah. That's what he was feeling.

Not unpleasant but out of place. And being out of place unsure of what to do naturally put him on edge.

He exhaled through his nose swallowing down the food in his throat and looked at her. "....Not really. I was expecting more..'action' is all."

That made her give a small huff. "Well that's certainly not out of the question for me to do, but usually I am not summoned for something as simple as that."

"Oh yeah? Then what the hell do you usually do here? Sit around and look pretty?"

"I'm usually asked to perform at galas where I sing and dance or perform ceremonies for important high ranked people who visit the Flower Capital..But that's doesn't happen very often either. You see most people especially men want the company of Kumorasaki above anyone else here." Her pretty face looked off in a small sad smile. "I suppose I shouldn't be worried about the lack of attention but it leaves me just sitting here with nothing to do but perform music outside of the House."

Parties and gigs? So in other words she was a glorified performer. Sounded like a sucky life for someone whom was supposed to be a high ranked noble essentially. Is that why she was so happy to see him? Was she so bored that she completely disregarded any fear of him in order to have something to do? Maybe but even if she wasn't scared she should've been at least weary. Was it possible for her to not know who he was?

"I see...When did you last uh..'perform'?" He decided to keep the conversation light to avoid any awkwardness again.

"You are my first customer in almost an entire year. My last performance was performing a tea ceremony for the House Master's visiting brother," she confessed openly. "Otherwise I have not really done anything for quite some time."

"Is this Kumorasaki really that fuckin' important for business to be that slow?" A small twinge of anger for the woman's behalf bubbled up from his chest although he didn't know why.

She chuckled. "I have seen Kumorasaki in person before. She's actually quite beautiful and her skills as a professional oiran far outdo my own. I don't blame others for wanting her to be in their presence. For that I cannot be mad at anyone. To be jealous would accomplish nothing."

"Huh. Never heard it be out that way before." He leaned closer brows raising and smirk spreading across his face. "But I do wonder about you. You don't seem to be scared of me. Do ya not know who I am?"

Those beautiful orbs did not look away from him despite his towering demeanor. "You are Captain Eustass Kid of the Victoria Punk. They say you're the worst out of the worst generation."

"See my reputation proceeds me. And that doesn't intimidate you a lil bit, Peacock?"

"Of course but as with jealousy towards another, to fear would accomplish nothing."

...His smirk slowly shifted. "Huh. You're either really brave or really fuckin' stupid. I don't know if you've noticed but I can crush you like a big "

"I have noticed that but you have not done anything for me to warrant any fear. If you had wanted to kill me, a man like you would've done so already." The small smile widened. "To fear you would show disrespect to actions you had not done. If you had threatened me or otherwise then fear would be warranted, however you have done nothing to me like that. So to give you fear of something you hadn't done would be like to hate you for breaking my table." Her hand gestured to the fancy table of food. "You have not broken the table therefore it'd make no sense to hate you for it. So why would I fear you if nothing had been done to give me fear?"

He was ... speechless. Very much taken aback by her words. So simply stated yet- Yet it hit him like a good slap across the face. What was this? Lack of fear? He didn't get that from anyone else other than his own crew, powerful enemies, and for some reason Strawhat who seemed to think they were somehow friends. But from a random girl who he could easily destroy without even his devil fruit abilities? THAT was something he never found before.

Interesting.

"Hm. Interesting...How is it a working girl has a thinking process like that yet still ends up in a house like this?"

"I wasn't always an oiran. Believe it or not I used to be a servant of a noble lady in a neighbouring district." Those beautiful orbs closed again and she bowed her head. "She was a rare kind woman in these parts but unfortunately she died and I had to find alternative employment unless I wanted to be banished from the Capital."

"And becoming a working girl in a brothel was a better option?"

"It's a living. It's not all bad. I have food, shelter, and a nice title even if it's not quite suitable for me. We all have to scrape by in life, and I'm sure it's not always easy for a pirate on the seas as well yet we have to learn to live with those hardships."

Wise words spoken by someone who shouldn't have been so wise at least in his eyes. She was as somber as a sloth yet as clever as an owl with the allure of a fox and grace of a swan. A strange but beautiful combination.

"....Have you eaten anything today?"

"Not a thing. I'm not allowed to indulge myself in front of guests until they're satisfied or leaves. I discipline myself to hold my hunger."

...The clinking of chopsticks against dishes didn't disturb her until she heard him speak once more. "Eat this."

Glowing eyes and pretty lashes fluttered towards him in surprise that made him feel that tightness in his chest. In front of her was a pair of chopsticks holding up a piece of that wagyu steak towards her. Her gentle gently blinked before gazing to him in question.

"No sense in starvin' yourself."

She hummed. "This is unusual for someone to request of me."

"I'm not requesting. I'm fucking ordering you!" He nudged it towards her frowning. "EAT!"

Her expression did not change when looking in surprise from his hand to him before that sweet smile came back and she bowed her head. "If that is what Captain Kid-san requests of me."

He said nothing but flinched as two soft tiny hands reached out to cup his in them. They were so soft, yet a bit calloused probably from her previous life as a servant but her nails her perfectly manicured in a similar way to his painted ones. However amber eyes didn't notice that. But watched as she simply took the food away from him and ate silently. Gazing at him with that grateful smile. A panging tightness went off in chest that spearheaded warmth to his face and slapped a coat of pink paint onto his cheeks.

"T-Take what you need from the dam plates!" He eyes turned and hand wrenched his hand away trying not to look at the red lipstick now lining his chopsticks. "Just don't fucking starve yourself in front of me!"

"Of course. You have my gratitude for your mercy."

He grunted but said nothing as she gently slid one of the many plates towards herself. He noticed that it was some dish of meat and rice but said nothing as she proceeded to start eating it. Gods...Even the way she ate was graceful. Skilled in such a way he wasn't entirely sure if he was secretly watching a runaway princess eat by the way she politely ate big by bit. He forced himself to turn away from her with a grunt. Distracting himself by chugging down the sake and popping those tiny annoying little cake deserts into his mouth. Not bothering to look back up. It was a tense ten or so minutes before she bothered to speak again.

"Is there anything else Captain Kid-san would like of me?"

He jolted. Eyes blinking back up to make contact with hers for what must've been the millionth time that night. Nothing but a quaint little smile waiting for him to say anything. To speak a desire of her. Desire...He didn't really desire anything here. Singing and dancing wasn't what he came here for certainly. He was looking for a good time. Drinking, chowing down, and eventually meeting a cute gal to maybe get aquatinted with for his time there. Instead what he got was a surprise he didn't ask for...but a beautiful one he was unsure what to do with. If he wasn't distracted by her beauty, he would've just called it a night there. Thanked her maybe before just leaving and finding his night elsewhere yet-

"Ever get requests for kissing?"

"Yes believe it or not."

"Can-"

Can I kiss you?

It was on the top of his tongue but that ghost hand was back clenching his throat as she smiled. Silently standing up to her full height and suddenly he felt tiny, intimidated. He didn't like that. Not one but as she slowly walked up to where he was sitting down and nearly choked on his own tongue. Then before he knew it she was before him leaning down and smiling.

From his place, he could see the lantern light reflecting distantly off her eyes making it look almost heavenly. It was beautiful. Her smile widened and eyes lit up immediately reflecting all the pretty lights like stars in a mirror. It made him mesmerized just looking at that beautiful scene in her beautiful eyes- Before he flinched as gently hands cupped his cheeks.

"Is this alright? You can tell me to stop."

He only nodded yes. She stood in front of the lights shining on her just the right way to give him the impression she was an angel. A sight he was hesitant to leave when she bent down. Then they were both closer than he remembered. Just a few inches from one another twinkling under the single lantern's lights. Face going a dim pink and a few chuckles from the moment escaping her. They chimed like pretty bells, sounding heavenly. No one was here too. So it was just them two. Alone here with nothing but each other for company. His mind felt completely blank and numb but in a good way, compelling him to reach his hands up and cup a cheek of hers in return something his rational brain wouldn't allow himself to do. Inches away now. She didn't move away.

He stared at the woman in front of him, this strange, strange woman with the beautifully flowing hair and the cute smile. If he was watching this as an outsider, he would've laughed at how they were literally just strangers less than a while ago, but right now it didn't seem any of that or anything else mattered. Not even the topic they had been discussing just a few seconds ago. Maybe it really was a mutual madness they both shared or some form of chaos in their lives, but right now....With them being so close...And so vulnerable. It was only natural of course-.. It's what soulmates do-.. Of course they would since-...

Their lips just pressed for a few wonderful seconds before he suddenly pulled himself away looking at her and breathing heavily. His grip on her tightening and untightening in waves as if restraining himself. His warm breath ghost over her lips and face warming them as he stared half lidded.

"Captain Kid-san?"

"Kid," his voice deep from the moment said. "No formal shit. Just call me Kid."

Another giggle as a thumb gently rubbed his cheek. "Will there be anymore of me you want tonight?"

WANT.

His body screaming at him WANT, NEED, HIS!! But ..it wasn't out of lust. It was some foreign thing in his chest that he was unsure of what it was, but it wasn't unpleasant this time.

"....Yeah. Your name." He smiled at her. "What's your name, Dove?"

"Y/n. My name is Y/n."

Y/n. Beautiful name that sent his nerves on fire.

"Shall we continue?"

YES!! HE DESPERATELY WANTED TOO-

But yet he stopped himself and frowned. "Is that something YOU want?" Her mouth opened- "I'm not talkin' about your duties. Fuck them. No obligations. Is it what YOU want with me? I ain't gonna do anything if it's done out of 'obligations' or cuz you think you have to. I don't do that bullshit."

Her look changed. Genuinely..shocked. Staring at the pirate she just kissed and was still within his grip. The silence went on for a long moment before her face turned somber.

"I'm not against the idea. You are a very beautiful man, Eustass Kid."

"Yes or no? I hate beating around the dam bush!"

"...If you say it that way, then to be honest yes. But not right now. I like to get to know someone first. How long will you be docked in the Flower Capital?"

"A week. We're gathering supplies, and looking over the ship for damages. The week break is more for my crew to give 'em a well deserved break, then we're leaving."

Her smile was back. "Then I yes, but not tonight."

"Then that's a no." He sat there for a moment letting her continue holding his face. "...You..said you play?"

"Koto and shamisen. I also sing along with certain numbers."

"... What's your favorite song?"

"Apple Blossoms."

"Play it for me?"

"Gladly, Kid."

His heart rate increased by the use of a friendly tone given.

#one piece eustass #one piece kid #one piece #one piece eustass kid #no good deed goes unpunished #eustasscaptainkid #eustass captain kidd #eustass kid #eustass captain kid #eustass kid x reader #eustass kidd #op eustass kid #eustass x reader #yandere eustass kid #eustass kid x y/n #eustass kid x you

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moreespressoformydepresso · 11 months ago

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I’m working on a thing where all the tributes of the 10th Hunger Games won separate games, ultimately leading to president Snow getting his shit rocked because he sucked from the beginning and TBOSAS proved that, and I was thinking about how all the tributes would have won their games. The way you play the game and what led to your victory will probably have impact on how you cope and what exactly triggers PTSD. I’ve been mostly focused on Lamina and Treech because I love the district 7 tributes they’re built different, but I’ll try to come up with as many as possible for this list:

Velvereen was a career, and scored multiple kills while working with them, but ultimately the alliance broke apart as their members died off in their attempts to hunt down others. Velvereen, being less murder-happy, didn’t get revenge killed, nor did she get overwhelmed by a tribute she attacked, which left her as the last of the pack standing. She won because her last opponent used a melee weapon and she used throwing knives. Thanks to the advantage she had by not only having a long range weapon, but also a lifetime of training to hone her accuracy, she ended their would-be-battle swiftly and took the win.

Facet was also a part of the career pack, not necessarily hunting people down but going out of his way to kill whoever he came across that wasn’t a career. His weapon of choice was a spear, and he won by leaving the career pack when the water got a bit too hot under the team’s feet, and spearing the last tribute like a cannibal-style meat skewer.

Sabyn made full use of her superior health and knowledge of building structures in an urban arena. Aside from using her skill with the mace to bludgeon people to death, she also used it to hit all the weak points in the structures and collapsed walls on top of people. She took out the last remaining tributes by collapsing a building on top of them and killing off the survivors with her mace.

Marcus spent most of his games using his vastly superior physical strength and more well-fed state to his advantage, knowing most of his allies were waiting for the moment they thought they no longer needed him to get rid of him. His solution was to run awa- just kidding he killed them all in their sleep and used the intellect everyone thought he lacked for the rest of the games until the final fight, where he bashed the other tribute’s head into the rocks and then choked them to death.

Teslee wins her games by using her knowledge of electronics to reactivate the mines around the starting platforms and hiding in the cornucopia when there’s only four people left. When the mutts drive everyone to the middle of the arena, they’re subsequently blown up.

Circ wins his games in similar fashion to Teslee, except he gets forced to help the careers with his intellect and knowledge of technology. In response, Circ uses his intellect and knowledge of technology to trick the careers into protecting him and handing him weapons until he no longer needs them, then having the plan they made him execute literally blow up in their face and electrocuting several of them in the process. The last career is killed when Circ evades their attacks until they hit an electrical line with their fully metal weapon.

Coral probably won the same way she almost did in the movie. She was part of the career pack and made sure to be the one to backstab their allies first. There is no little brother figure for her to be worried about, nor are there snakes designed to kill every last person in the arena, so she has all the room and time she needs to handily shish kebab the last tribute and claim victory.

Mizzen doesn’t have as much brutal efficiency, nor the physique that Coral did even though I’m aging him up. He instead wins by mixing her strategy with the tried and true method of staying away from the things that could turn you into a pincushion. It’s like Marcus’ approach in reverse, starting with intellect and finishing with brute strength. He joins the careers, but as soon as things go slightly south he takes out the biggest threat when they aren’t paying attention and runs for the hills (or ocean, because district 4). He lures the last tribute to a body of water by pretending to run away and using the dark so they don’t see the cliff coming, and once they’re in his territory he uses his net to catch them and his trident or knife to finish them off.

Lamina cries so much in the lead up to the games that everyone, including her mentors, have given up on her. Once the games actually begin she surprises everyone with her strategy and skill with an ax, climbing a mountain high enough that people can’t kill her without going up themself and only coming down when she has to. When she does, she stockpiles water and food so she can stay up as long as possible while waiting for the others to whittle down the numbers. On one of her runs she finds a tribute who had a run in with the careers and was tortured almost to death. At their request, she puts them out of their misery. At the end of the games she’s barely got a scratch on her and is still at peak health for the circumstances. She’s forced to come down by the gamemakers, and all but one tribute is killed by the mutts. However, they’re so badly hurt that they beg her to just finish it and end their torment, at which point she hands out a second mercy kill.

Treech won his games by focusing on survival during training and pretending to be very bad at wielding an ax, only showing enough skill to avoid suspicion since he’s from the lumber district. He used good looks and charm during the interview to gain sponsors and talked about home to set up a proper sob story to get sympathy. He used the confusion of the cornucopia to snatch some of the supplies further away from the cornucopia and stays hidden from other tributes for the entirety of his games. Thanks to his stealing from everyone, including the careers, without getting caught, he has enough screen time to maintain his sponsors without putting himself in too much danger, especially before he gets his hands on an ax. His only kills occur during the final minutes of the games, where he jumps the last three careers once he realizes they won’t fight each other until he’s dead and waiting for the capitol to send mutts is more dangerous. He uses the element of surprise to jump the careers, cleaving one in the head and throwing his ax at the career with a long range weapon, before using his knife to injure the last tribute while stopping them from fatally wounding him until he manages to pull the ax from the body of the second career, turning to avoid a swing and gain momentum before swinging down and planting his ax in the last kid’s neck, killing them instantly.

Bobbin lost his arm in the games (I cannot see him as someone that isn’t Knox Gibson), and killed someone with a needle since he knows five ways to do exactly that. After losing his arm, he stayed alive by sewing it and several dangerous gashes closed so he wouldn’t bleed to death. He tripped the second to last other tribute using thread from his clothing and they got ripped to shreds by mutts that had been released into the arena. The last person was killed with that same thread, a brick, and yet again a needle.

Wovey used her perceived disadvantage (again, I cannot see a Wovey that isn’t Sofia Sanchez) by making everyone believe she’s weak. The arena was an industrial terrain not unlike district eight, which meant hiding was a piece of cake for her. Also, she used her knowledge of these kinds of buildings to lead whatever tribute was chasing her around until they were in a prime place for her to strike or ran into another tribute to strike for her. The last tribute was pushed into a machine, which crunched them to death.

Sheaf used her agility to her advantage, and luckily there was a sickle in the arena for her so her strategy became to rush at people with melee weapons, who would then predictably prepare to block a head-on attack, only to duck past them and cleave them in the back. She won her games by tiring her opponent out and decapitating them.

Panlo picks up on skills easily, and in the three days he had at the training centre he learned to shoot pretty decently with a bow and arrow. He’s best with a sickle, but they didn’t have those in his arena and he’d rather stay long range so bow and arrow it was. Nobody expected him to become so proficient so quickly, and since none of the careers used bows Panlo waited until after the bloodbath to run to the cornucopia and grab the set, as well as some supplies. He spent his games scoping out good sniper posts and shooting anyone who got too close for comfort, winning the games by waiting for the last two to finish duking it out and shooting the winner in the stomach, then finishing it with a shot through the chest.

Tanner won his games by joining an alliance (not the careers) and relying on their numbers to keep others from attacking him for as long as possible. During the final fight he uses his strength to wrestle the other person to the ground and uses his knife and experience from working in the slaughterhouses to gut them.

Brandy wins her games by using everything she knows from the slaughterhouses to kill the other tributes. During her last battle, she wrestles the other tribute to the ground and snaps their neck.

Dill is also aged up, and used her fragile state to play innocent before dropping all sorts of deadly things on people’s heads from the trees and poisoning them with her knowledge of agriculture.

Reaper is basically Thresh if Thresh hadn’t died so the capitol could have their star-crossed lovers death battle (you cannot tell me the storm didn’t have that exact purpose, the mutts are more ambiguous). Physically intimidating and strong, but deciding to lay low for most of the games rather than going on a rampant murder spree. He refuses to play the game and doesn’t kill anyone until he and one of the careers are the last two standing. The skirmish ends with Reaper scoring a revenge kill for his district partner, who was killed by this tribute.

Jessup used his strength to to intimidate the other tributes into steering clear of him. He joins the careers right until they’ve got one more dangerous tribute to get rid of, at which point he knows it’s time to cut his losses and run away. He keeps the careers alive, because he needs them to get rid of the other tribute and he’s lower on the priority list, but he knows that once that kid’s gone he’s the next to go. So he subtly stalls them until a night where it’s his turn to watch and grabs as many supplies as he can quietly get his hands on and leaves them behind. Another tribute stumbles across them and gets rid of half the pack, but that’s not Jessup’s concern. He wins the games by smashing a bottle over another tribute’s head and stabbing them to death with the shards.

Lucy Gray Baird wins by becoming the capitol favorite for her games. Her “performance” leads to her getting more sponsors than even some of the careers, which allows her to stay alive without having to put herself into much danger to get supplies. She wins by singing to snake mutts until they recognize her scent and stop attacking her, at which point she has venomous sentient weapons in her arsenal which she makes full use of, taking out two tributes with snake bites and ultimately distracting the last other tribute with them, using the opening it gives her to kill them.

I genuinely cannot think of anything for Hy, Sol, Ginnee or Otto for now, sorry 😅.

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