Killer x Reader His profession AU

XIX

The date came closer faster than expected, the newspapers suddenly buzzing with the announcements of the criminal that had murdered and chopped up his victims without regret nor clear reason. You read the words on your laptop carefully, a cup of steaming hot coffee in your hand. The news had leaked from one of the guards who wanted to remain anonymous and other sources of news had picked it up to build up the story even more. People seemed to suck every detail up like a sponge, even if it were lies. Talkshows did not shut up about it, everyone seemingly have a background with Killer or someone they knew had. Suddenly everyone knew the so called murderer and what he had done in his past, whether as a small child or when he pursued his career as a mechanic with a friend. Deep within you, you were aware of stuff being twisted for amusement, but there was also some facts that weren't spoken about, facts you had known without a clear reason as to why, your memories still blurred from those.

There had been times you had heard your name being mentioned as well, as well as a picture posted, but so far your phone had been quiet. You were actually glad Smoker had done such a great job in keeping your personal info from the press and your friends had remained silent regarding those things as well. But as you had been recognized in the café for your coffee, you had to consider to not going back there, much to your own regrets. The questions people had asked and the subtle glances of pity thrown at you were simply annoying if not frustrating to you.

Sanji handed you a cup of tea, his hands warmed by the contends of the cup as they touched yours shortly. His brows were furrowed as you barely reacted, almost like you were a shell of your former self. It wasn't played, if you had to be honest. You truly felt like it as well.

Slumped forward over the counter of his kitchen, you hummed softly when Sanji did touch your hand with his, the cup placed nearby. "They should stop putting that killer in the news so much. Now he's receiving the image of a martyr or hero to some if this goes on." Sanji's voice was low, almost like he had to whisper a secret to you even if no one else was in the same room. "(y/n)-chan, are you sure we shouldn't put work into it so at least your name doesn't get mentioned anymore? What if people will get the wrong idea?" You didn't react, the words mulling over in your mind, while Sanji sighed and let his hand pass through your hair, caressing your head softly. "I know it's a lot lately, but can you let us help in any way?"

"You're already helping me, Sanji." You murmured in your arms, your eyes watching the granite of the counter, the peppered specks of dark and white spots changing irregularly. "Everyone is already doing all they can in this situation and I can't ask for more." With a deep intake of air you moved up and back from the counter, your fingers curling around the mug to move it with you, now sitting in the chair like a normal person would. The movement was fluent, like a cat uncurling from a nap before it would stretch. Your gaze flickered to the ero-cook, the mocking from Zoro making a sudden appearance in your head as you watched the man. His dark grey-blue eyes watched you intently, his brows furrowed in worry. Throwing a soft smile his way, you now focused on the cooling drink in your possession. "There truly is nothing more you all can do, Sanji. Luffy had tried to convince his gramps to keep it even more under the rug, but people want something to focus on. Something to keep their attention away from their own miserable life. This time, the entertainment is me."

Sanji bowed his head, his chin touching his shoulder as he peeped outside, knowing there had been some reporters lurking around. Thus he had it taken upon himself to keep you away from windows and potentially covered up when you came and left. You, however, had known about an actor who walked around in the same clothes for days to weeks, making it seem that ever picture was taken on the same day and thus 'old news'. So, you did just that. Not even changing your hairdo or shoes. Your friends had seemed concerned at first, but when they realised what exactly you were doing, they started to do the same if you would visit. "When do you think this will disappear?"