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mamamittens · 2 months

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For all Your Troubles

Commissioned by @raptures-finest

Warnings: Murder, off screen violence, blood, and implied yandere behavior.

Featuring Andy (OC)/Koala/Kaku very lightly.

Word count: 7,002

There was a chill that hung heavy over Andy’s blankets despite how close he tucked the thick fabric to his chin. The bunk house creaking ominously as leaves rattled over the roof tiles. Soft snores and sleepy shuffles absently registering to his muffled senses.

Something woke him up.

The shuffle of feet on carpet and wood. Blankets shifting as a hand pressed over his shoulder. Shaking him gently.

A breathy call of his name.

“Andy! Psst! Andy, wake up!” Blearily, he cracked open his eyes, squinting against the darkness surrounding his bed. Faint moonlight cutting past curtains on the far wall. Casting soft beams of light up the rows of bunk beds. Catching on soft, golden hair and piercing blue eyes. “Andy, the heat is out but it smells funny. Something is wrong!”

He--who was he? He knew this boy, but what was his name?—was right. There was a gross, rotten egg smell filling the room. But it was hard to think. Maybe a prank? Wouldn’t be the first. But—what was his name? He has a name and Andy knew it by heart—thought it was important so he reluctantly shuffled out of bed. Socked feet hitting the cold floor as he was led by a cold, soft hand through the dark to the radiator. Metal pipes silent save for a soft hissing sound.

Huffing, Andy shuffled over the area rug and went to poke at the dial that the camp counselors warned them not to mess with—

IT WAS SO SUDDEN.

IT WAS BURNING.

HE WAS BURNING AND SCREAMING AND WHERE WAS SA—

Andy gasped, his lungs curling into a sob. His hands fisted into the bedding, dragging it close as he sought comfort. His skin itching and burning at the nightmare.

At the memory.

Andy shivered despite the warm room, crying softly as he rode out the shock and phantom pains. Drenched in cold sweat.

It was… a very long time ago. He didn’t have many memories of that summer or anything before it. Flashes of playing in a creek. Laughter as they chased minnows through the mud, catching frogs and letting them leap from their hands. Campfire songs drifting on the wind. Burnt marshmallows on sticks oozing between a broken chocolate bar and graham crackers.

He spent a long time in the hospital after that. The old radiator had a leak and, to the best of the investigation’s findings, it was only a matter of time before it blew. Andy just had the misfortune of carrying a static charge when he tried to look at it. The other boys were also hurt, but luckily no one died. The entire campground had to be renovated after that, closed for two whole years as they worked.

When it reopened, Andy was the first to show up.

Despite not remembering well, he had the sense that they changed a lot. Gone were the old metal radiators for centralized heat and air conditioning. Though most of the nice amenities were in the main house, the segregated bunks for the kids weren’t left wanting for much. They still had a building with bathrooms and showers, separated by gender of course. Close by the bunk houses, in fact, so it was now less of a walk. Though it did go past the counselor’s cabins.

There were even a few small cabins for housing special guests or certain occasions. Someone got married out by the lake one year, catered by the camp and every camper helped out. Receiving a piece of cake for their efforts. But usually the cabins were for inspectors, repairmen, and officials who had business over multiple days. It was easier than driving the two hours from the nearest city or camping in the woods.

The main house was a massive building, built to accommodate the campers for meal times and special events with a stage out back for any performances. A large fire pit ready to warm them up during cold, windy nights. Head office and med bay for official business and emergencies. Room and board for staff also provided so they could have peace from noisy children at all hours.

Safety devices outfitted to every building. Lights, sign postage, emergency phones, intercoms connected to the head office, and detectors for smoke and gas. And all of it was carefully reviewed by state inspectors every year before camp opened for the summer.

So, with all that, Andy knew his ‘accident’ was unlikely to happen again. But that didn’t change the hard time he had sleeping the first few nights. His parents had assured him he didn’t need to go back—but he wanted to. First as a junior camper, then a counselor, and now a head camp leader.

He loved this place. All the memories. Even with the pain, he was always drawn back to this place. If he could, he’d live here year-round. But he can’t so almost year-round would have to do.

Andy was first to volunteer when the owners of Camp Crescent asked for help keeping the place in check until first snowfall. Teens and homeless folks alike tended to leave a hell of a mess during the off season. Break things, graffiti buildings, and just generally leave more cleanup for the spring team to handle. The owners didn’t want anyone here during winter—too much risk for insurance purposes—but for the month and a half between the last campers leaving and average first snow was prime time.

Andy squeezed his eyes shut and took in a deep breath.

They were all in the main house. The other cabins shut down to keep the cost of heating and electricity to a minimum. It was also just safer in case wildlife migrated through the camp at night to their usual homes in the national park a few miles away. That and, to be frank, no one wanted to walk in the frigid autumn air from the showers at any time of day.

After a long moment, Andy squinted at the bedside table where an alarm clock sat. The time stung his eyes.

4:38 AM.

Gross.

But he wasn’t going back to sleep now. So, with great reluctance, Andy got out of bed. Mindful of his roommate, Koby. Koby continued to sleep as Andy stripped his bedding and retreated to the adjoined bathroom. The water took a minute to heat up but in short order, Andy was clean of any residual sweat and his nightmare mostly behind him.

He threw on a loose sweatshirt and joggers, camp logo blazoned on the front and down the side of his pants in bright yellow and an earthy green. His bare feet chilled slightly as he crept out of his shared room. But he didn’t mind it, finding the contrast comforting while he made his way down the thick, wooden staircase to the kitchens.

Andy perused the pantry, taking his time to plan a meal. Most wouldn’t be up for another few hours, so he wasn’t in any rush. And any hunger he felt was assuaged by a comfort snack of peanut butter and sugar on saltine crackers.

The kitchens were renovated last year on the advice of an inspector. Stainless steel appliances now ready to serve upwards of three hundred people on short notice with a full staff. Fridges stocked with the leftovers of the last campers and some fresh groceries for the next few weeks. Anything left behind after that will be given to the park rangers ‘nearby’.

Parentheses on ‘nearby’ because even by road it would take almost an hour to get to the nearest station. Hiking would be over two if you knew your way and didn’t mind the rough terrain.

But there were only six people present, so Andy didn’t foresee any trouble keeping them all fed until it was time to leave.

Looking out at the dark, almost foreboding cafeteria beyond the pony wall, Andy considered turning on the radio. It would lessen the spookiness of his early morning breakfast chore, at least. Though the radio stations available were few and only because of a special receiver on the roof to ensure the staff could know the weather report and nay major incidents.

Supposedly, next year, they were adding a satellite connection or something like it to afford internet and phone access to privileged individuals.

But for now, their only communication was a few radio stations and the transceiver to the park rangers nearby. If anything happens, they’re to call them first and they will organize help from more official channels depending on the need. With no cell service this far out, it was the best they could do. Truthfully, Andy could only recall a few times over the years that It’s been needed.

A few near-drownings that needed to be checked by medical professionals. That one time a rowdy kid found an old barbwire fence and needed a tetanus shot. There was, of course, the kids that cried and had to be sent home but didn’t really count. In those cases, staff would pack them up and drive to a signal spot and call the parents. Sometimes a phone call was enough and they’d come back but other times parents would meet halfway with a partial refund for their troubles.

It happens and Andy was usually more than happy to talk to the poor kids. Homesickness was a bitch.

Decided, Andy turned towards the pony wall and the hidden cabinet underneath where the sound equipment was hidden. It could be used to announce things or just play soft mood music. After some messing around with the buttons and ensuring the volume was turned way down, he had early morning radio filling the kitchen space. Just soft enough that he could still hear it over his cooking but not disturb the rest of the house. Hidden speakers carrying top hit radio as he rolled out dough for cinnamon rolls.

“—and that’s it for our ad break. In today’s news, local Roronoa Zoro has been missing for three days. Last seen at the visitors center in Crescent Moon National Park with his friends. Five ten, tan, green hair, and a scar over one eye. If found call the hotline for missing adults or local authorities. This is the eighth disappearance in the area over the last three months, though based on personal accounts, it’s doubtful that this one is connected to the prior missing cases. Close friend, Monkey D. Luffy seemed unsurprised and cheerful about his friend disappearing. Other friends corroborate this with anecdotes of getting lost in other such places. Here’s to hoping the young man is found safe and sound with another humorous story for those that love and miss him.” The radio host regaled with a light, humored tone as Andy put the tray of cinnamon rolls in the oven to bake.

Smiling, Andy snorted. Having personally met Zoro and agreed that he was likely fine. The man could get lost in a hallway with one exit. How none of his friends hadn’t put a backpack leash on him to prevent this sort of thing was a mystery. Andy made a mental note to purchase one when Zoro was found and gift it to the man. He’d likely get punched for it, but it would be worth it to stop stressing out the energetic group.

Prepping a skillet for sausage and bacon, Andy bobbed his head as the regularly scheduled music started playing again.

The kitchen filled with the scent of cinnamon rolls, bacon, sausage, and eggs by the time the first person stumbled into the kitchen. Paulie yawned widely, waving blearily to Andy as he started a pot of coffee. Stained shirt hanging loosely over his broad shoulders.

“Mmm, smells good, Andy. Thought it was Koala’s turn to make breakfast?” Paulie asked as the pot filled slowly.

“I co—”

“It was!” Koala protested, coming around the corner with a sleepy scowl, fluffy pink robe tied around her waist. Andy grinned sheepishly, waving a spatula at the oven.

“They’re almost done if you want to ice them. I just… couldn’t sleep is all.” Andy explained softly. Koala’s scowl softened as she huffed.

“Fine. But next time you cut into my cooking, I’ll serve you for breakfast, ya hear!” Koala threatened, searching for oven mitts. “Showing me up—honestly!” Andy grinned to himself as he turned his attention to the bacon. Removing them to a plate with a paper towel on it when they were done.

Koala was a decent cook, really, but when you have hours of prep time and a home recipe for cinnamon rolls… well, the competition can have a hard time measuring up by such standards.

Koby finally stumbled into the kitchen, much more awake than the others, Valentine and Bonney behind him.

“Ooo~!” Valentine cooed with interest. “A man that cooks, what a sight!” she playfully winked, pouring herself some orange juice. The early morning light pouring into the cafeteria from behind the trees. Just beyond them was the lake, only visibly by the flashes atop gentle waves in the distance.

Koala slammed down the trays of cinnamon rolls with a huff.

“Jeez, did you really need to make this many? There’s only six of us here and these things are almost as big as my face!” Koala complained, though her tone was light. The rolls perfectly baked and pipping hot. Andy… may have gone overboard. But, in his defense, he could eat three of those face-sized rolls by himself. It was a bit of a weakness of his, really.

There was a light chime of the front door and Koby perked up.

“I’ll get it!” He volunteered and took off, Paulie frowning at his retreating back.

“Who the hell is all the way out here at this hour?” He asked softly. Andy shrugged but the question was answered soon enough. Boots clicking over hardwood and carpet.

“My! That smells delicious! Oh—should have known it was your cinnamon rolls, Andy! Mind if I join?” Kaku asked, his uniform lightly rumpled from the trek outdoors.

“Uh, sure thing, ranger Kaku. Plenty for everyone!” Andy stammered, a bit surprised to see the ranger at the camp. Usually, rangers didn’t come out here. Their main interest the park as opposed to the privately owned campgrounds. Kaku beamed, eagerly washing his hands and retrieving a plate, his eyes lingering on the cinnamon rolls despite grabbing plenty of bacon and eggs.

Seemed that Andy wasn’t the only one with a soft spot for cinnamon rolls!

They all set their plates down around the island table, barstools already set up for the small group. Milk and juice passed around for whoever preferred it. Andy served himself a hearty amount of bacon and eggs with a plate dedicated to a single cinnamon roll, though he fully intended to have at least one more. The soft dough falling apart on his fork as it unravelled, generous icing dripping over the crisp skin and thick cinnamon insides.

It was hot, naturally, but that didn’t deter anyone. Conversation broken into pleased compliments and inquiries about sleep.

The radio music paused for another break, but instead of an ad for car dealerships or lawyers, it was the host.

“Good morning, folks! Looks like we’ve got a line of storms rolling in just before sunset with wind gusts of up to fifty miles per hour. We’re going to have a downpour until tomorrow afternoon with plenty of lighting and a chance of hail after midnight! Well, that’s what the weather report tells me, at least. Looks like I’ll have to postpone mowing—again! Missus won’t be happy but them’s the breaks, honey!”

Kaku cleared his throat, licking a smear of cinnamon and icing from his lips.

“Mm! That’s actually what I came out here to tell you guys about!” Kaku cheerfully replied. “You probably won’t be able to call until the storm passes and I wanted to check in. Let you guys know to close the shutters and all that.” Kaku scooped up some eggs and ate it with a smile.

“Well, looks like you came all this way for nothing!” Kaola teased, Kaku glaring at her playfully. Andy knew they had met but never had the impression they got on quite this well before.

“I got delicious cinnamon rolls out of it, didn’t I?” Kaku challenged, reaching for another one. Koala smacked his hand with a glare and Andy snorted, quickly scooping up one to give to the man before dropping another on his own plate.

“Ack! Andy! Don’t encourage this mooch!” Kaola protested with an exaggerated pout.

“C’mon Koala, it’s not like we’ll be able to eat it all ourselves!” Valentine giggled, batting her eyes at Kaku who winked in response.

“Well, I just might!” Paulie declared, retrieving more sausages and eggs, leaving Koby to scramble to claim more of his own.

They all laughed as Andy unraveled another cinnamon roll for his own enjoyment, his chest tight with happiness.

It felt good to have everyone enjoying a meal together like this.

Kaku didn’t hang around long after that.

“Don’t forget to call and let us know you guys made it out of the storm alright! No power loss or anything! Oh, and if you happen to see Zoro stumble into camp, his folks are worried sick!” Kaku bid them goodbye, snagging one more cinnamon roll for the journey back to his station.

“Jeez, if Zoro wandered all this way, I’d be more impressed than anything. That’s like, what? Five hours hike through dense bush and assorted forest bullshit? Straight?” Valentine mused to herself.

“Something like that!” Koby affirmed. “The start of the park is quite a ways off with no trail straight to here.”

Paulie volunteered to do the washing up so everyone else could get a head start on preparing for the storm. No one wanted to be running around when the rain started, and it easily fit into their usual walk around anyway.

Koby paired up with Andy as they headed to the boat house to make sure everything was still stored properly and the boat was tied up. The canoes were still neatly stacked away, along with the life preservers, oars, med kit, and the speed boat tied to the dock inside the boat house. One last check to make sure the old wooden doors were locked shut and they made their way to the boys cabins.

The cabins were still as they left them, tidy but growing a light layer of dust. Windows closed and shutters locked. A stray sock was stuck under a bed but neither of them bothered to retrieve it, disinterested in the dirty fabric or touching it with their bare hands. They locked the doors behind them as they went, rattling the handle to ensure it stayed that way. They even checked the further cabins that are meant to house guests.

Still locked and uninhabited as intended. The mini houses quite cute—if he ever won the lottery, he’d want to buy one. Assuming the owners would let him.

“Well, that’s this side taken care of. Ready to head back?” Koby asked brightly, pushing up his glasses. Andy nodded.

“Yep. I doubt anyone will try and break in tonight but I guess we’ll still have to check in case of damage.” Andy shrugged as they made the leisurely trek back to the main house. It was nearly noon and clouds were already rolling in. Koala and Valentine still out checking the girls’ side.

“Hey, slowpokes!” Koala waved from the amphitheater, poking at a low fire in the fire pit. The heat was welcome as Koby and himself took a seat. There was a pack of hot togs and an open cooler set out. “Figured we’d have a simple lunch and make a big dinner later tonight.” Koala winked, handing him a thin rod. Andy looked over and saw more hot dog supplies, including snack packs of chips, and laughed.

“Sounds like a plan to me!” Andy speared the unfortunate wiener and held it over the fire. “Where’s Paulie and Bonney?” he asked. Koala shrugged.

“Dunno. They should be back by now.” Andy narrowed his eyes and waved his hot dog at her with a smile.

“You don’t think they’re up to something, do you? You know we’re not supposed to be doing that~!” Andy chided with a grin, aware of the lewd joke he was unintentionally making by pointing his food at her. Koala rolled her eyes.

“Those two? Doubt it! They’re probably eating snacks like the black holes they are!” Koala denied.

“Someone say snack!?” They yelped as Bonney jumped down to join them, snapping up Andy’s hot dog.

“Bonney!” Valentine snapped, glaring at the young woman. “You scared the shit out of us!”

“C’mon, Bonney, what are you doing snagging a man’s meat like that?” Paulie chuckled, handing Andy another rod as he slipped in beside Andy. “For shame~!”

Bonney rolled her eyes, grabbing another hot dog to warm over the fire as a cold breeze whipped by, leaved rattling over the wooden stands and concrete stage.

“Big deal! It’s not like he was eating it yet!” Bonney protested, lowering hers till the skin bubbled, almost charring it. Andy sighed but restarted his own hot dog.

“What took you guys so long?” He asked. Bonney’s nose wrinkled.

“Ugh! Something got into the bathrooms and dragged toilet paper everywhere. Might have been a racoon or something. Thought the door was locked but it looks like the lock’s broken. Won’t lock. I put a big rock in front of it but we’ll have to check after the storm.” Bonney supplied helpfully.

“I hope you washed your hands before coming back.” Koala asked, mildly disgusted.

“Hey, it wasn’t used! It was literally like someone grabbed the roll and pulled, stringing it up everywhere! You know they empty the trash cans before they leave.” Bonney huffed, tossing her long pink hair back. Every let out a relieved sigh.

“Thank fuck for that!” Paulie barked, smirking as he drowned his hot dog in mustard and ketchup.

Those preparations done, they all enjoyed what little sunshine was left. And, exactly as was foretold by the radio host, the rain came in just barely an hour before sunset. A light sprinkle of cold rain that quickly turned into a downpour as they shrieked and ran for the main house.

Bonney pressed her face to the glass as the rain fell in sheets, rapidly darkening the skies and obscuring anything mere feet from the building.

“Wow… really coming down, huh?” Bonney mused over the muffled roar of rain.

“Yeah. Really is.” Andy mused, frowning as he realized the rain sounded louder than it should have. There was the rapid beating of water all around them, but notably even louder somewhere behind. Andy investigated curiously, walking quickly through the cafeteria, pausing every so often to determine where the sound was coming from. Totally ignoring the voices calling after him.

“What are you looking for?”

“Pft, he looks like a dog. Yo, Andy! What is it? Timmy stuck in a well?” Paulie teased, following Andy to the front entrance.

Andy paused, his eyes fixed on the open doorway.

“Huh… did Kaku not close it?” Andy asked out loud, the others coming up behind him.

“Uh… I don’t think that’s it, Andy. Look.” Koby pointed out, gesturing to the floor. The welcome mat was damp—something Andy was ready to dismiss as rain blowing in. But that didn’t explain the damp, muddy footsteps leading into the house. Andy walked over and closed the door, their group following the footsteps to the stairs where they disappeared completely on the carpet runner.

“Who the hell could that be?” Valentine asked. Koala stooped down low.

“They look like men’s boots. Wide too.” She looked down at everyone else’s shoes. “Not any of ours, we just came in from the kitchen… HEY! WHO’S IN HERE?!” She yelled suddenly, startling everyone.

Obviously, no one spoke up from upstairs.

“We’re not mad! Is that you, Zoro?” Andy called out, but didn’t receive a response either. He looked to his friends in confusion. “Split up into groups and check it out?” Andy suggested cautiously, receiving worried nods as thunder cracked above.

No one found anything.

No doors were open. Nothing had been moved.

Nobody answered their calls.

They ended up reconvening in the kitchen.

“…so… what now?” Valentine asked nervously. “I mean, obviously, someone’s here. They couldn’t have gone back out!” She gestured to the far windows in the cafeteria, a hazy world of shadows and rain so thick it was like watching static. Lighting ripped through the skies and cast sharp cuts of light across the landscape every so often.

“Well, maybe they’re scared?” Koby asked, voice small and uncertain. When this was met with clear skepticism, he shrugged. “I guess there’s nothing left to do but wait until the storm clears and call Kaku. And don’t go anywhere alone until then. Either this is a big misunderstanding or… Just, don’t be alone, okay?” He asked, squaring his shoulders like anyone would challenge the suggestion.

“Alright. Sounds good to me. Let’s just… make dinner and go to bed. Lock your doors. We’ll figure this out in the morning.” Andy affirmed, giving Koby a small smile which was returned with relief.

Paulie huffed but nodded.

“… how does pizza sound? Maybe it’ll smell so good our new friend will stop hiding!” Bonney suggested brightly with a wide grin. Andy snorted and Koala rolled her eyes.

“Pizza sounds good. Let’s do it.” Koala agreed despite her exasperation with Bonney.

It was a messy but cheerful affair. Flour may or may not have been dumped onto Andy’s head at one point, though Paulie claimed it was an honest mistake. His own hair hardly changed by the liberal addition of flour due to it’s blond hue. Sauce was spilled onto the floor. Toppings scattered across their personal pizza’s like it was a crime scene.

Clean up was horrendous, but for a while, Andy forgot about the storm outside and the possible intruder inside.

But they all remembered as they turned off the lights behind them and made their way up the stairs to their rooms. Andy watched as Bonney peered from outside the door into their rooms anxiously. Paulie and Valentine acting nonchalant but there was no mistaking the tense way they looked back at Andy after glancing into their own rooms.

Koby and Andy were no exception. Leaving the door open as they looked everywhere for an intruder. Andy even kneeled down and looked under their beds, noting that it would not be a comfortable fit for any grown adult. Even the dust bunnies looked a little cramped. In the end, they closed their door and locked it. Preparing for bed in relative silence. Showering away the remnants of the pizza war as rain poured overhead.

Andy let Koby go first, watching out the window anxiously as the occasional roll of thunder followed a flicker of lighting. The shower barely audible as he fixated on the faint tree line bordering the main camp area. The trees swaying with the turbulent wind gusts that howled loudly.

“Your turn.” Koby’s voice cut like a knife and Andy almost yelped. Jerking his attention to his friend.

“Oh. Yeah. Sure.” Andy stammered nervously, grabbing his clothes and heading into the shower. The water didn’t need time to warm up but Andy found himself constantly distracted. Ears pricking at every foreign sound he could barely hear over the water pounding the shower curtain.

It was a very brisk, short shower.

Andy shared a tense look with Koby as he checked the bedroom door again to ensure it was locked.

It was. And all there was to do was wait until morning. Wait until the storm passed and they could call for help.

Hopefully it was nothing. And they could have a spooky story for the kids next summer. Or maybe it was Zoro and the man found an unlikely place to sleep off his exhaustion. But regardless, it was time to sleep.

“D-Do you think… we could share a bed? I-It’s just—I’m right next to the door a-and—“ Koby asked nervously and Andy smiled, secretly relieved Koby brought it up.

“Sure!” Andy agreed readily, throwing back his blanket and scooting to the side. The bed wasn’t exactly made for two, but with how tense they were, neither was going to turn down cuddles. Koby glanced at the door and quickly grabbed a chair, shoving the back rest under the doorknob. Nodding affirmatively to himself before flicking off the light and quickly sliding in next to Andy.

Andy noticed Koby was shaking but said nothing, throwing the blanket over Koby and pulling him closer.

Sleep came a lot easier with someone next to him. Even the howling winds and booming thunder seemed just a little further away than before. Just after ten, they had about twelve hours before the storm was gone.

The scream was piercing though, hounded by a roll of thunder so vicious the windows rattled. Incredibly loud and practically right in his ear.

Instantly, Koby and Andy were up. Scrambling to investigate, the alarm clock showing it was just past three AM.

The chair was tossed aside and the door thrown open. Paulie and Valentine already out of their rooms as Koala stumbled from hers, tugging on her shirt. Her eyes wide as she looked out at them.

“Where’s Bonney?!” She gasped, their eyes cast downstairs where a faint light slipped into the front from the kitchen.

They all ran, nearly tumbling down the stairs. As the only one barefoot, Andy managed to not slide on the hardwood floors when he rounded the corner. Stumbling back with a strangled scream.

Bonney lay prone on the floor in a pool of blood in her pajamas. Butcher knife in her stomach as she gasped for air, the makings of a sandwich spilled onto the floor. Her eyes locked with Andy’s, tears slipping free. Lips curling around faltering words as she jerked to life.

“K-K-kkk…” Bonney gasped wetly, choking on blood. Andy stumbled over, falling to his knees as he tried to do… something? Anything?! His hands shaking as he pressed around the knife, barely aware enough to know better than to remove it. “—oooooo…” Her lungs rattled wetly as she collapsed, chest falling still. Her hot blood still gushing around Andy’s fingers. Slipping under his toes and knees.

“B-Bonney! BONNEY!” Andy screamed, vision blurring in a smear of blood and pink. Hands pulled him away from her body as he found it hard to breathe. None of his sobbing gasps deep enough to satisfy his lungs, eyes fixed on her lifeless ones. Bloodstained hands reaching out to save what was already gone.

“—dy! Andy! Andy, listen, she’s gone!” Koala cried out into his ears, barely audible over the ringing. His gaze torn away by Koala turning his head into her shoulder. “Someone get something to clean his hands!”

“O-On it!” Koby stammered, crying as he stepped past Bonney to get a wet rag. Gentle as he crouched in front of Andy, blocking the bloody scene from view with a soft, wet smile. “H-Hey, Andy. C’mon, l-let’s get you cleaned up, huh?”

Andy felt numb, the wet rag feeling hot on his cold hands as Koby wiped the blood away.

“S-She… B-Bonney…” Andy cried softly. Koby’s eyes softened.

“I know. I know…” Koby responded, his voice a little dull. “…W-We should hunker down in the same room—the head office. Block the door and call first thing when the storm breaks.”

The head office had the transceiver. It was the best course of action now that they knew their uninvited guest had bad plans.

“Right. No more going off on your own. No one.” Paulie demanded. “Gather some bedding and we’ll make a pallet in the floor if we have to.” Paulie grabbed two knives from the kitchen block. Koby and Koala helped Andy stand up, careful to not let him see Bonney again as they led him out of the kitchen.

They moved as a tight group, Andy taking until halfway up the stairs to find his own footing. Every time he closed his eyes, he saw Bonney.

All that blood…

Hot between his fingers. Shuddering breaths under his hands…

His mouth watered and Andy wrenched away, running into an open room to the toilet. Bile ejecting into the bowl as footsteps followed. Gentle hands stroked his back.

“I-It’s okay, let it out, Andy.” Koby reassured him. “Y-You guys get the stuff ready.”

Andy gasped, gripping the cold porcelain in his hands.

“K-Key! I-In my room—b-bedside---ugghhh!” that was all Andy managed before a fresh wave of nausea overcame him. All his attention on what was left of a good meal. Utterly wasted.

Ruined like Bonney in the kitchen…

“I’ll get the key. You two grab bedding. Make sure to piss if you need to before we go in—I have no plans on leaving that office until the cops come.” Koala hissed, storming off as Paulie protested.

“—What did I just say, woman?!” he followed her out.

“…I’ll grab blankets.” Valentine sounded meek as she walked away, Koby barely acknowledging her.

“Just throw them in a pile and we can drag them down the hall.” Koby advised, rubbing Andy’s back anxiously. “You’ve stopped for a while… how are you feeling, Andy?” Koby asked softly.

“H-Horrible! B-Bonney… she’s dead!” Andy cried, blindly fumbling for the handle. The water swirling away with a loud rush under his face.

“… I know. C’mon. Let’s wash up and join the others.” Koby murmured, helping Andy stand up.

Reluctant to venture back to their room to brush his teeth, Andy settled for aggressively gargling mouthwash. The minty flavor burning away the taste of bile. He noticed the blood on his pants and shucked them off, leaving only his boxers. Koby had to stop him from scrubbing the bottom of his feet raw from the blood. This time, he was able to walk on his own. Koby hovering at his side anxiously as they made their way to the head office where Koala was arguing with Paulie.

“—get it, really, but we can’t fucking run off right now!” Paulie hissed, gripping the knives anxiously.

“The faster we get our shit, the faster—Andy!” Koala gasped, her attention instantly on him. “Are you alright?” she asked softly, Paulie huffing before looking at them with worry.

Paulie frowned.

“…Where’s Valentine?”

Andy felt his blood run cold and he whirled around. Valentine wasn’t anywhere to be seen. They all ran down the hall, turning to the corner to find a pile of blankets just outside of Koala and Bonney’s shared room.

“Oh!” Andy sighed in relief, Koby walking just ahead of him. But when Koby got to the doorway he froze, paling sharply.

Andy tried to look past him but was shoved away.

“DON’T!” Koby screamed, startling them. With trembling hands, Koby stepped back and closed the door, barely touching the knob. He then gripped the edge of the blanket pile and quickly started to drag it, hysterical sobs bubbling up.

Horrified but unwilling to see two of his dear friend’s corpses, Andy picked up the other side and helped Koby quickly carry it away. Paulie glanced at them as they passed and seemed to think better of something.

The head office was a generously sized room. A large oak desk with a map of the surrounding area just behind it. The transceiver and an intercom transmitter on the shelf under the map. The large bay windows flashing as the storm raged on. The door was locked firmly, the guest couch shoved firmly against it.

Andy and Koby fussed with the blankets, trying to decide where to best put them all. Near the couch, where they could brace closed the door in an emergency? Or behind the desk, where it felt safer? Koby was still crying and Andy hadn’t really stopped since finding Bonney.

“C’mere. We’ll move the desk in front of the couch and sleep where it used to be.” Koala suggested.

They liked that idea. All four of them moving the desk into position. It was a better plan anyway. The area rug the desk used to stand on thick and helped make up for the lack of bedding.

“… what happened?” Andy asked softly as they took pillows and leather couch cushions to make a head rest. Koby gave him a long, mournful look.

“… choked with a shirt.” He finally said after a long moment.

Andy didn’t know what he was expecting. The answer hardly made him feel better, after all.

Nothing Koby said would have.

They all curled up close under thick blankets, anxiety in every movement. Every shift for comfort on the barely cushioned floor making someone startle. Andy found himself furthest from the door, his back to the shelf with the equipment. Koala in his arms and Koby just behind her.

Paulie settled with his back to Koby, eyes fixed in the door, knife under his pillow and one in his fist.

Andy was certain he’d never fall asleep. But somehow he drifted off, a warm hand rubbing over his back, his nose buried in Koala’s hair.

It seemed damp in places.

Andy woke with a jerk and a crackle of the radio. His arms still holding Koala as daylight poured in. The sudden absence of rain jarring to his senses.

“—this is Camp Crescent, can you read me?” Paulie asked urgently, his voice husky and rough with lack of sleep.

“This is Ranger Kaku—I see you guys made it alright! Heck of a storm, you know—”

“They’re dead. B-Bonney and Valentine were murdered last night. S-Someone came in a-and we d-don’t… fuck!” Paulie shook, Andy looking up at his friend with tears in his eyes. Paulie glanced down and they shared a wobbly smile. “J-Just get the cops here, Kaku. W-We don’t know if they’re still here.”

“Shit.” Kaku cursed softly. “I’ll call it in and head on over. Is… is everyone else safe?” he asked gently.

“Safe as we can be. Holed up in the head office. Barricaded the door.”

“Good. You guys just hang tight, alright? Don’t go nowhere. Boys in blue will want to investigate everything exactly as it is. That means no snack runs, ya hear?” Kaku joked but it did little to break the tension.

Kaku pulled up less than thirty minutes later, he looked high and low before turning up outside the office. It took a bit but they pushed the desk and couch out of the way, cracking open the door.

Kaku looked relieved to see them more or less alright, opening his arms for an embrace that they all accepted. He also looked like he barely slept.

“I’m sorry you had to see that—shit what a mess.” Kaku sighed, rubbing Andy’s back as they all waited for the cops. Andy buried his nose in Kaku’s jacket, noting that it was a bit damp and smelled like cleaner.

One of the officers shook his head, muttering as they were lead out to the ambulance for shock blankets. All of them drifting off under the reassuring weight, particularly Paulie, who definitely didn’t sleep at all.

“Place looks damn spotless. You’d think there’d be a blood trail from the kitchen at least.” Andy looked up in confusion.

There’d been footprints into the house. Hell, he’d definitely left bare footprints from the kitchen. No one had time to clean that before they bunkered down.

And… thinking about it now, Andy didn’t remember seeing any footprints when they found Bonney either.

Like it had been cleaned up before they got there.

Andy’s gaze fell to Koala’s pajama pants. It was definitely different from the ones she wore the day before, a pair she had professed dislike to since they were apparently itchy.

The gurneys rattled as they were pulled out of the house with black body bags and Andy squeezed his eyes shut. Taking in a deep breath before letting it out.

He didn’t want to think about it anymore.

Andy didn’t want to think about any of it anymore.

Kaku jogged up to them with a soft smile.

“Well… good news. Zoro was found just before the storm broke. Scared the shit out of a hunter and nearly got shot for his troubles. Maybe this will keep him from wandering off, huh?” Kaku chuckled weakly. Andy smiled, sharing a commiserating look with Koby.

It was doubtful but…

“I guess we can only hope… did they… find anything?” Koby asked faintly. Kaku frowned, shaking his head.

“No. ‘fraid not. No signs of forced entry or exit. It’s like they just… disappeared.” Kaku sighed.

Paulie swallowed hard.

“You showed up quick—thanks.” Paulie whispered tiredly. Kaku shook his head and smiled. “Called as soon as the storm broke.”

“Hey, what are friends for? I was on my way to check anyhow.”

Andy frowned, faintly sure he’d briefly woken up several times as Paulie tested the system, trying to get a call through. The storm stopping all at once suddenly being partly responsible for waking him up.

“Must have been hard to drive through.” Andy muttered with a weak smile.

“Worth it!” Kaku declared with pride.

The rain hadn’t let up once until Paulie managed to call.

Andy sighed, feeling a bit relieved he had such good friends willing to brave such weather.

Still… Andy would have thought at least Kaku would have left a trail into the house with how much mud was out here… His boots looked pretty dirty.

Koby yawned widely and leaned against him, Koala half asleep against his other side.

“M glad… been a long night.” Andy sighed, feeling the night’s events weigh heavily on him.

It’ll all make sense tomorrow, surely.

#one piece #one piece oc #sabo cameo #op kaku #op koala #jewelry bonney #paulie one piece #miss valentine #koby one piece #murder mystery #suspense #one piece yandere #tw: vomit #tw: blood

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