Unique

Cage

*Sanji*

I lean on the stone railing of my balcony and inhale a deep breath from my cigarette.

I held the smoke in lungs for a moment letting the nicotine saturate my blood stream.

A thick cloud of white smoke drifts away free when I exhale.

I didn't know how I got into this mess.

That's a lie. I knew why I was in this mess. I was born a Vinsmoke and no matter how hard I tired I apparently couldn't run from that.

Reiju risked her cover to let me follow my dreams of being a chief. She convinced Judge I was worthless, to strip me of the family name, and let me be a nuisance somewhere else.

That was 13 years ago.

13 years of freedom just to be trapped back in this hellish cage.

I rest my hand on the balcony causing the sliver bracelet around my wrist to clink.

It was a gift from Judge as soon as he dragged me back home. An inconspicuous tracking bracelet.

Judge let me roam around town freely as to feign my independence. He even oh so generously let me work at the Baratie on weekends just to remind me what he could take from me if I disobeyed him.

The burden of this bracelet was a heavy one. Every time I saw or felt it, I knew I was owned.

I take another long, frustrated drag from my cigarette.

I look out onto the ocean and let the salty breeze blow my bangs away from my face.

My friends were out there trying to brainstorm a safe way to get me home.

I hoped it wasn't much longer but right now I was just grateful I was able to trade my freedom for their safety.

A knocking at my door brought me back to this dismal reality.

I stubbed out my cigarette and drug myself to the door knowing it could reveal nothing but misery.

I swing the door open and am met with a vision that should have brought me nothing but joy but now only brought me deep seated feelings of betrayal, "Good evening Pudding. What can I do for you?" My voice was flat.

The young woman still puts on her chipper facade, "We are supposed to choose flower arrangements today," she practically sings.

The brunette's smile beamed with a fake radiance.

I learned to tell the difference now. I was misled for a nearly whole year just get my heart shattered.

I loved you once you know?

With a couple long strides, I brush past her, "I am sure whatever your choice will be exquisite my dear Pudding." My words were more emotionless than I intended so I gave her a smile that didn't quite reach my eyes to ensure her the best I could under the circumstances.

Pudding's voice turns dark in a matter of seconds, "I miss you pretending to actually be excited about me and this marriage."

I put my hands on her shoulders, giving her a stern look, "This person you have pretending to be for the past year isn't who you are. You're not cruel person Pudding; you are kind, beautiful, and ambitious. You are just becoming the woman your mother wants you to be, but that still doesn't justify the twisted things that you have done to me."

My brazen attitude didn't shake the cruel look that crept up onto her face.

As always, an outstanding actress.