014

— aren't we all sinners —

YOU WILL EAT LESS THAN YOU DESIRE, AND MORE THAN YOU DESERVE.

Visenya scrubbed her shirt as hard as she could but the leaky tap and the already watered down soap refused to remove the stains of blood. She had been training with Orion but when he had refused to hurt Visenya, Niles hurt her instead. She dropped the shirt on the ground before falling back to sit on the grass, watching the tap leak.

She could feel the pain pulsing through her face, some small bone in her cheek or jaw was definitely fractured. The pain that had burned her face had dulled to a soft ache which she learned to ignore. While Niles had enjoyed inflicting pain and more than relished in his work, he was less than impressed to see any of them show their pain.

With a sigh, Visenya pushed herself forward and turned the tap off while she began to find whatever was wrong and fix it. Footsteps crept up behind her, but she didn't move, keeping herself busy. Even when they sat next to her. If it were Niles and he was in one of his pitiful moods, he would sit there and judge her in silence. If it were one of the others, they could make their presence known.

"Hey, Vis," they poked her arm and Visenya turned to Kaelis, watching her face fall as she saw the fresh bruises and cuts scattered across her face.

Kaelis was a few years older than Visenya, a girl with golden brown skin and such dark brown eyes they were almost black. But like Visenya, Kaelis had ghostly white hair. Kaelis squeezed Visenya's arm softly, a soft, sad smile on her face but Visenya quickly turned back to the leaky tap.

Kaelis let out a small breath, "When was the last time you ate?"

Visenya turned the tap on, watching it run like normal. "A few days," Visenya whispered, grabbing the stained shirt again. But it was a Wednesday, when Niles would finally feed them. She could feel her stomach rumbling for food, even if it was only half cooked bread, days old chicken and Niles's leftovers. "But there is food inside—"

"He gave us less."

Visenya dropped the shirt again, her arms falling to her sides. She quickly switched the tap off before moving to sit beside Kaelis, her knees curling to her chest as she closed her eyes. She tried to distract herself from her hunger and disappointment, thinking of the stained shirt, the burning pain in her face. But then Kaelis quickly nudged her. Visenya turned to Kaelis and looked down at the torn piece of bread wrapped in napkins.

Visenya's eyes widened in fear, and she looked around frantically, trying to see if anyone else was standing in the tall, fenced yard. "You cannot do that," Visenya hissed in a quiet voice, pushing the bread back towards her. "The trouble you will get yourself in!"

"Visenya, you're barely 10," Kaelis scolded, taking Visenya's hand and shoving the food into her palm. "If you don't eat, you're going to die."

Visenya glanced around once more before quickly biting into the bread, trying to devour it as fast as she could. Parts of the bread were so cooked it felt like swallowing stones and the parts that were uncooked stuck to her teeth and tasted of flour. But God it was good to have something filling her stomach.

Kaelis kept an eye out as Visenya ate, but as soon as she was done, she took the napkins back ensuring when Niles found the napkins missing, she would take the fall. It was a rather ridiculous thing to get punished for, but Niles had broken Rhiara's arm once for having her hair down.

"I'm going to leave soon," Kaelis whispered, shuffling closer to Visenya. "And once I'm out I'll find a way to get you out too."

Visenya smiled at Kaelis but she quickly turned away. Her parents had promised to raise her, Draven and Cassian had promised to come back for the others, to get them out but they were never seen again, and Quillian barely made it out the front yard before he was killed. There had been hundreds of promises by dozens of people and not one had been followed through with. She had her hopes lifted and squashed; she didn't need it anymore.

Kaelis noticed her weary eyes and took her hand, "I promise you Visenya, and once we're free—" Kaelis turned Visenya so she would look up at her. "We will eat the greatest foods from the greatest chefs."

◈

Visenya watched Sanji work, her eyes never leaving until he placed a plate of the most delicious smelling food she had even known, right in front of her. The fresh flavours lifting from the dish and consuming the kitchen in the same delicious smell. But then the thoughts crept up, filling her head with doubts that she deserved something that good, especially when she hadn't even paid for it

Sanji's soft laugh shook her from her thoughts, and she quickly turned to look up at him. "I've never seen someone come to a restaurant and feel guilty about being served," he chuckled, wiping his hands down.

"I'm not guilty," Visenya insisted but all it did was make Sanji raise his eyebrows sceptically. Visenya took a breath and shrugged, "I didn't get a lot of food when I was growing up. . . so taking it now seems rude. It is rude."

Sanji laughed softly again and grabbed a fork, holding it out to Visenya which she reluctantly took. "Well in that case, it was rude of me not to make you more food." Visenya shook her head, but she couldn't stop the smile that made its way onto her face. Or her red cheeks as she felt Sanji watching her. She scooped the pasta and beef onto her fork and took a bite, and she swore she would explode.

"Sanji, this is delicious," Visenya said, her mouth still half full but she couldn't help it. She looked up at Sanji, hiding her sheepish smile as best she could. "Zeff is a fool." Sanji laughed softly and kept his eyes on her as she grabbed the plate and spun to Luffy, insisting he try it, which didn't take that much convincing. He raced over to Visenya and took a large bite, which she slapped his hand for.

Sanji watched them with a smile before his face hardened with seriousness as he turned to clean up his space, "If you need more food, just ask."

Luffy turned to Sanji and smiled, "You're not only a good cook. You're a good guy." Sanji glanced at Luffy, who now sat on the counter and smiled at him, almost embarrassed but Visenya couldn't help but notice the two small indents—dimples —on his checks. "If Zeff doesn't appreciate you, you should join my crew."

Sanji laughed softly but Visenya walked over to him, setting the near empty dish down as she looked up at him, her eyes searching his. "I thought he was crazy the first time he asked, I refused," Visenya whispered, taking a step closer to Sanji. He set aside whatever tools he held and turned to Visenya, watching her talk. "But the second time he asked it was after I saved his life."

"So. . ." Sanji cut himself off with a chuckle and leaned closer to Visenya. "You want me to join?"

Sanji eyes flickered over Visenya, his eyes wandering her as he waited for an answer. But Visenya's throat had dried, and it took her far longer than it should have to find her words. "You should," Visenya insisted, but her words were shaky. Sanji shook his head, but she kept his gaze on his near bashful smile, watching as he rolled the piece of metal on his teeth. Why did he have to make her heart race so fast? Oh God, was she still staring? Why was she this distracted?

"I'm serious. For real." Luffy's voice drew Sanji's attention away and Visenya let out a small breath. How had she become so breathless?

Sanji smiled between them but soon it was gone, and he was trying to keep his eyes on what was in front of him. "Sorry, chore boy. I've already got a job," Sanji apologised, trying to keep focussed on the knives he was cleaning. Visenya could see it in his face, the sadness, the twisted truth he was making, all of quickly snuffing out the shine in his eyes.

"But are you not. . . unhappy here?" Visenya dared to ask.

"And we're gonna need a great cook if we're gonna find the One Piece," Luffy quickly added, his smile wide and bright.

Sanji glanced at him; shock plastered on his face "You're really going to go after it?"

"Yeah!" Luffy cheered. "I'm gonna find it and become King of the Pirates."

Sanji glanced at Visenya but all she did was nod. She had heard stories, hundreds of thousands of pirates dying, losing themselves to the stories of Gold Rodgers treasure. But she was confident that if anyone could do it was Luffy, and Sanji could see the clear confidence in her face.

Sanji went to say more but the sound of footsteps and a peg leg made his attention turn. "Zeff. . . You should go," Sanji urged, nodding her towards the side door.

Visenya nodded, "Consider it," she said before she walked to the small table, picking up her coat and glass before slipping out the door.

◈

Nami's eyes were glued to the dance floor, watching Oaklyn twirl and dance around under the bar's neon lights. The shine of her golden jewels and sheer coat reflected the light in her eyes like stars. Zoro glanced up at Nami and her eyes quickly moved to Usopp, who was less than impressive. "He does have a certain grace about him," she mumbled. "Like a frantic, uncoordinated—"

"Sea slug."

Visenya's voice made them jump, and Nami cursed even louder when she realised Visenya was sitting right beside her. Visenya glanced between Zoro and Nami, their shock amusing her, but she tried to hide her smile behind her new glass of whisky.

Once Nami caught her breath she nodded softly, laughing as she realised what Visenya said, "That's it." Nami smiled as she watched Usopp wave his arms wildly to the music. "That's what he's like. Look at him. Like he doesn't have a care in the world."

Zoro glanced over his shoulder before looking at his swords. "What are you carrying around that's so heavy?" Zoro asked, but his eyes didn't meet hers.

Nami shook her head softly, "You have no idea."

"I bet I do," Zoro said quickly. "I bet I know more about the both of you than you do about me."

Visenya's eyes narrowed at Zoro, and he looked up at her. "Me?" Visenya scoffed and glanced at Nami who looked just as annoyed. They were playing right into the game he was starting but the alcohol coursing through Visenya's veins was clouding her judgement quite well.

"Yeah, right. You're an open book." And by Nami's words, she had drunk enough to play.

"Care to prove it?" Zoro dared, and when neither answered him, he leaned forward and set up a round of shots, filling one with a honey golden liquor. "I guess something about you, you drink. You guessed something about me, I drink." Zoro's eyes moved between them.

Nami nodded and leaned forward, "Go ahead. Tell me all about myself."

Zoro hung his head back, taking a deep breath, "I bet you grew up in a big city, running schemes, hanging out in swanky bars like this one."

"You must be thirsty," Nami teased with a smile.

"You're saying I'm wrong?" Zoro asked, eyebrows rising in surprise.

Nami stared at Zoro for a moment, considering her words before she let out a soft sigh. "I grew up in a small village. Barely a village," Nami corrected, her eyes holding a deep sadness. "Just a handful of houses in the centre of a tangerine grove." Nami took a breath and glanced at the shots. "Drink." Zoro took the shot, downing it one and let out a small hiss at the taste.

Nami laughed slightly and leaned back in the booth chairs, looking up at Visenya in excitement. Zoro crossed his arms over his chest and stared at Visenya. "You're the feared killer known as Death—"

"And they call you Demon," Visenya argued. "Tell me something about me."

Zoro glanced up at Nami and she shrugged, "Doesn't count."

Zoro took a deep breath and shook his head. He stared up at the lights above them as he thought. "You grew up in a big house on a lonely island," He started, his eyes finding Visenya's eyes again. "I bet your father was an engineer for the Marines, but you were always your mother's favourite, she was a pirate."

Visenya let out a breathy laugh through her nose and shook her head. "You are not very good at this," Visenya scoffed, reaching for the golden alcohol. Zoro huffed at rolled his eyes as Visenya set up his shot. "I grew up in a small house on a busy island, when I was 6, I was abandoned." Visenya poured the shot and slid it closer to Zoro, before filling her own glass. "Drink Demon."

Zoro snatched the shot and downed it as easily as the other. He shook his head softly and motioned to Nami, "Your turn."

"Okay," Nami hummed. "But I had you read all the way back in Orange Town." Zoro rolled his eyes softly and looked away. Nmai's eyes narrowed at Zoro, "I'll bet you didn't have any friends as a kid."

"I had friends," Zoro argued.

"Swords don't count," Nami said, her words so quick it made Visenya laugh.

Zoro took a deep breath, considering whether or not to tell her the truth. "I had one friend," Zoro corrected, his eyes sullen and full of sadness. He looked up at them again, and Visenya tried to distract herself with her glass of alcohol. "You too?"

Visenya poured herself a quick shot and nodded, "Orion." Visenya cheered softly before downing the shot with a grimace.

Nami smiled softly, her eyes moving between the pair and shrugged, "Hell, one more than I had." Her eyes were quick to dart away after, however. She grabbed the bottle and filled up the three shot glasses, "Drink."

"Drink," Zoro repeated.

"Drink," Visenya agreed.

The three grabbed their shot glasses and downed them quickly.

After a few rounds, Oaklyn was rushing over to their booth, sitting underneath the purple lights. He knees practically resting on Nami's as she used her jacket to keep herself modest. Oaklyn shifted slightly but Nami but her hand on her leg and greeted her with a bright smile. Oaklyn sipped away on another sort or fruity fizzy drink but instead of pink fruits, it was a deep purple.

Oaklyn propped her arm on the couch and rested her head in her hand as she leaned closer to smile, a drunk smile plastered on her lips. "Are you enjoying your night?" Nami teased, but it sounded more genuine and sweeter than she intended.

Oaklyn quickly nodded, but it was soon followed with a frown. "I wish you danced longer," she mumbled, keeping her voice low as if it were a secret.

Nami's eyes darted away but she placed her hand on Oaklyn's knee, rubbing her skin with her thumb. "I can dance again in a bit," Nami bargained, smiling up at Oaklyn whose giddy smile only intensified and made her nod quickly. Nami relaxed against the couch, and Oaklyn did the same, nearly draping herslf over Nami. 

"Their lovesick," Zoro mumbled, his words not even reaching them.

Visenya hummed in agreement. "I never see her smile like this," Visenya pointed out, and Zoro's eyes wandered over to the girls again, Nami giggling and smiling as if that weight from before was gone. Visenya nervously toyed with her glass, "Have you ever felt that?" Visenya dared to ask, looking at Zoro once again.

He took a breath and turned his head away and quickly responded, "Have you?"

Visenya grabbed her drink and leaned back in her seat, falling into silence. She didn't even notice Usopp rushing over to sit with them until he called out. "Guys, meet my new best friend," His words were beyond slurred but somehow, she managed to understand him. "What did you say your name was again?"

"Which one of you is Monkey D. Luffy?" Visenya's head turned at the sound of a new voice and eyes widened as she stared at the man.

"Who wants to know?" Oaklyn laughed, trying to stand but Visenya quickly jumped up and pushed her back down.

"Stay there," Visenya ordered, and the man turned his head towards her.

"You're Dracule Mihawk," Zoro recognised. But it was a shock Nami didn't.

Dracule Mihawk was a War Lord of The Seven Season, a tall golden eyed man with one of the most dangerous swords ever created. He could cut through pirate ships like carving cake and took out pirates even easier. His bounty had been enormous, far more ridiculous than any she had seen but it had been struck and now he could nearly do entirely as he pleased. She had only ever met a War Lord once, when her only name was Death, and it had been Dracule Mihawk.

He didn't seem to recognise her, or care very much for Zoro words as he moved on without a second thought. "I have business with your captain," his voice was almost monotone as he spoke. But she suspected it was just him growing tired of drunken people bustling around. "If you know what's good for you, you'll hand him over."

"We don't know anyone named Luffy. Right, Zoro?" Nami argued but Zoro couldn't tear his eyes from Mihawk. "Zoro?" Zoro pushed himself to stand and Nami leaned forward, "Vis—"

"Do not say my name," Visenya whispered, and she watched as Nami's face pale in fear.

"I've been following your career since I was a child," Zoro said, his hands resting on his swords as he stared up at Mihawk. "It's an honour to finally meet you, sir."

Mihawk rolled his eyes softly, "Thank you."

Zoro walked past Mihawk, his head held high as he spoke, "Which is why it pains me to inform you that tomorrow you're going to die."

"Wait, what?" Nami snapped.

Visenya took a step closer him, "Zoro do not—"

"I, Roronoa Zoro, challenge you to a duel," Zoro turned, facing Mihawk who barely looked over his shoulder, "to the death."

Mihawk slowly turned to him, studying him with curious eyes. "I've never heard of you," Mihawk said slowly.

"They call me the Demon Pirate Hunter," Zoro answered, his eyes not leaving the War Lord for even a second. "But my lifelong dream is to best you in single combat and become the greatest swordsman in the world."

"You're serious," he wasn't questioning him, just blatantly confused at his offer.

Visenya stepped closer to Zoro and his eyes darted to her for a moment, "Think this through, please."

Zoro turned to Mihawk again, ignoring her words, "Accept my challenge. You'll see how serious I am."

Visenya turned to Mihawk, feeling her heart rise in her throat as she waited for his answer. "Very well. Tomorrow at dawn," Mihawk stepped closer to Zoro and Visenya. "And when I'm done with you, pirate hunter. . . I'll take your captain." Mihawk turned and walked away, leaving Visenya with a pounding heart and a growing sense of dread.

Nami's voice cut through the tension, "What the hell did you just do?"

◈

Visenya watched Zoro work silently, the only true sound being the grinding of the grit against the blades of his swords. Nami stood beside her, still partially frozen in shock and confusion. Zoro glanced at Visenya and shook his head. "I know you have a laser as a sword, but true swordsmen must sharpen their blades," Zoro spoke up but they both still kept their eyes on the blade grinding against the stone.

"If he had a regular blade you would win," Visenya said, her words certain. Zoro paused and looked up at her but all it did was make Visenya sigh, "but he does not." Zoro turned back to his swords and Visenya slammed her hand against the kitchen counter where he worked. "I do not wish to see you die."

"Maybe you can convince him to call it off," Nami finally spoke up, her words still shaky and unsure but she tried her hardest to convince Zoro.

"I won't do that," Zoro argued plainly.

Nami scoffed and threw her hands up slightly, "Did you see the size of that guy's sword?"

"The Black Blade, Yoru," Visenya said quickly.

"He will slice you into sashimi," Nami argued, her stress only rising at Visenya's words.

"What's going on?" Luffy's voice cut through their argument and Nami let out a sigh of relief as he walked to the counter. Usopp and Oaklyn weren't too far behind, but their drunken steps made them lag slightly.

"I'll tell you what's going on," Nami scoffed. "Your big, bad Marine grandpa sent a Warlord of the Sea to bring you in, and instead of getting the hell out of here when we had the chance, Zoro challenged him to a duel."

"Which he accepted," Zoro added quickly.

"You are a fly to him. Something to be swatted and forgotten," Nami hissed, her voice laced with venom, but it was clearly fuelled by fear.

"Not if I win."

"You're not going to."

"You don't know that—"

"Guys, guys, maybe we need more drinks," Usopp called out, trying to smile and diffuse the tension but with one look from Visenya he quickly shut his mouth and hung his head.

Nami turned to Luffy and tilted her head up, "Tell your first mate he'll get himself killed."

"Tell your navigator to butt out," Zoro argued.

Visenya looked up at Luffy with pleading eyes, hoping she could see the fear and doubt in her and Nami's faces. Luffy stammered slightly as he looked at them, but he soon found his words and turned to his first mate. "Maybe this isn't such a great idea, Zoro," his voice was hollow and afraid, but he tried to keep steady as he looked at Zoro.

Zoro could see the hesitation in face, but it wouldn't change his mind. "When you met me tied up on that cross, what did I say?"

Luffy furrowed his eyebrows, "What makes you think I wanna play pirates?"

"No, the other thing," Zoro huffed.

"I kill your kind for a living?"

"No. Come. . ." Zoro shook his head, cutting himself off with a tired groan.

Luffy stared at Zoro when something clicked. "Oh." Luffy began to smile, and it only grew as he remembered what Zoro had told him, "That you made a promise to someone a long time ago to be the world's greatest swordsman."

"The only way to do that is to beat Mihawk in a duel and take his title," Zoro hissed, his voice strong as he kept Luffy's gaze. "I intend to do just that."

"Zoro," Visenya called, and Zoro turned to her, "a promise is not worth your life." Zoro turned his head, and for a moment Visenya thought she saw doubt in his face.

"Will you please do something?" Nami pleaded, looking up at Luffy but all he did was smile at Zoro.

Luffy looked at Nami and Visenya, his face with hope and belief in Zorro. "It's his dream, Nami," Luffy said plainly, but his voice was filled with wonder. "I can't get in the way of somebody's dream."

Visenya couldn't help but let her frustration show, dropping her head into her hands and rubbing at her temples. Nami shared the same anger, her hands gripping the countertop as she pleaded with Zoro. "What's it gonna take, huh? You want me to say you're the best? You're the best. Okay? You're the best I've ever seen, but you are not better than him." Zoro didn't even stop to hear her warnings falling on deaf ears as Zoro returned his sword to his belt. He didn't even spare Nami a glance. 

"Zoro!"

They froze and the kitchen went silent. Visenya had never raised her voice with them, not like that. But she just couldn't bear it. Visenya took a deep breath and clenched her jaw as she tried to steady herself, "You will die if you go through with this."

"Why do you give a shit?" Zoro's voice was quiet, and his mind remained unchanged.

"Because you're my friend, you idiot," Nami tried to keep her anger in her voice, but her eyes were filled with tears and her voice shook as if it would break.

"You said it yourself," Zoro huffed, "You don't have any friends."

The room was silent again, but this time no one had anything to say. Nami had let her eyes turn away, in a swift sentence Zoro had alienated her and dismissed her as a friend. Visenya turned to Nami, but she slipped away without a word. Luffy watched her leave without protest, still watching the doorway she slipped through until the sound of her footsteps had faded. 

— lethal lust —