«'morning.» you yawned, pushing the door of the galley open.

The top ranks of the crew, captain included, were sat around the wooden table, having breakfast.

«Ya know what?» the Mohican said, spitting pieces of bread around «The other men don't dare to enter before we're finished. You should show some grade of concern, around us.»

You groggily dragged a stool to a free place beside him.

«Watch me.» you mumbled before jumping on it.

Kid let out an amused laugh, while Wire huffed.

«Difficult, difficult woman.»

It was the first time you actually got up early enough to have breakfast with them, or you weren't scared about it.

You grabbed what seemed a clean cup and poured some black coffee inside, bringing it on your lips.

You spat it out immediately after, coughing.

«What the hell is this thing?!»

Heat blinked at you.

«Coffee.»

«I made it.» Wire quietly said.

«With what, poison?»

You jumped down the stool.

«Where's the powder?»

Killer pointed at a bag beside the sink and you smelled it.

It was not the best quality, but you could work with that.

«Are you planning to kill us all, girl?» the Mohican grunted.

«Maybe.» you retorted, improvising a moka pot with some kitchen tools.

While working, you felt amber eyes following your movements.

Once done, you poured the dark liquid in different cups. The smell was something else already.

You placed the first one in front of Kid, proceeding then with the rest of the pirates.

«How considerate of you.» Killer taunted, pulling out a straw.

«Holy shit!» the Mohican exclaimed after the first sip.

Heat tilted his head at Wire.

«Let's say [Y/n] is in charge of the coffee from now on.»

Wire rolled his eyes.

«That's impressive, considering that you looked totally oblivious in the kitchen yesterday.» Killer added.

You glared at him.

«Marines have cooks, you know?»

«Then how come you can make coffee?» Kid asked.

You hesitated, eyes dropping on your cup.

«My... former boss used to sleep a lot. I learnt to give him coffee to keep him awake when I needed.»

The pirates observed you in silence.

You never spoke about your marine life before.

«You're an officer, aren't you?» Killer asked.

You rolled the cup between your fingers.

It couldn't hurt to give them some minor information, right?

«A commander.» you nodded «But I hardly command anyone. They gave me the rank just so I could act on my own, because "I'm terrible in following orders"» you mimicked the question marks.

«I'm not at all surprised.» Wire commented.

«Anyway,» Killer said, cutting it short «we decided that you'll rotate between lookout duty and helping the doctor, since you have some basic knowledge and strong Observation haki.»

«Fine.» you shrugged, standing up and moving some stuff to the sink.

«Today you're on the lookout.»

«Okay.»

Getting out of the room, you passed beside Kid, and your arm brushed his shoulder.

He didn't move or say anything, but he had a relaxed expression on his usually storming face.

After closing the door behind you, you headed towards the mast.

«It's not your fault if you don't fit in the Marines, but fit in this crew.»

It was hard to accept, but Killer was right. Every moment you spent among those pirates was the confirmation of it.

Never once you had been so comfortable around other marines.

At that point, it was also impossible to deny you had some sort of feelings for the redhead.

The only problem was: how much of that was true and how much was the product of the situation?

Falling for your captor was a pathological thing. Could you call those feelings real? How could you be sure it wasn't going to change once freed? After all, he was the one and only man who ever touched you.

With a sigh, you climbed the mast till the crow's nest.

A recruit shared the shift with you.

For the following few hours, your gaze wandered lost in the wide sea, while the young pirate occasionally peered at you, a nervous light in his clear eyes.

«I don't bite, ya know.»

«You kinda bit captain Kid.»

Oh yeah, I did.

«He deserved it. Don't give me a reason and you don't have to worry.»

«Yessir.»

You scoffed.

«Don't. I'm a prisoner, not your superior.»

«Maybe officially. But you mess with my bosses, dine with the top ranks, insult the first mate, bite the captain...» he grimaced «I mean, if anyone else did that, I don't wanna know what would happen to them.»

Your mouth twitched.

«True. What can I say, I'm awesome.»

«No, you're scary.» he mumbled, earning a chuckle from you.

Your haki tingled.

«Hey, pass me that telescope.»

He obeyed and you inspected the horizon.

«There's a ship right ahead of us.» you stated, throwing the telescope back at him.

He observed in the pointed direction, frowning.

«I can't see shit.»

«Because it's far. A black dot over the line of the sea.»

«How can you say it's a ship? Could be an atoll, it's too far away.»

«Trust me.»

You climbed over the hatch that leaded to the lookout post, outside, above the crow's nest.

Looking down on the deck, you noticed Kid and Killer talking by the railing.

«EUSTASS!» you yelled, cupping your hands around your mouth.

Both the men turned up to you and you pointed at the sea.

«SHIP!»

They said something to each other, then Killer pulled out a telescope and checked. After a few seconds, he shook his head.

Kid looked back at you with a frown and stretched his hand in your direction.

Oh, you fucking won't!

But he did.

You frantically tried to free yourself from the belt, but his power was just too immediate.

The magnetic force dragged you over the post, till you had no solid ground under your feet.

Shit!

You shut your eyes as your gut clenched in the long fall. Your body slowed down at the last moment, your belt ending up in Kid's grip.

He effortlessly lifted your whole body from it with just his flesh arm.

You deadpanned him.

An amused light shined in his amber eyes.

«So, where's this ship?»

«Right ahead of us, same route.»

«Is your haki telling you?» Killer asked «I can't really sense anything yet.»

Kid let you down.

«We're faster, it should be visible in a few minutes.» you stuck your head out of the railing «I think it's a pirate ship and...» you hesitated «I think they're running from us.»

A cruel smirk spread on Kid's purple lips. It gave you the creeps.

«I spotted them.» Killer confirmed, still looking trough the telescope «They're far, but we should catch them in a couple of hours if the wind doesn't change.»

He turned to Kid.

«Are we engaging them?»

The captain scoffed.

«Obviously.»

He moved to the centre of the deck, the sadistic excitement evident on his curled features.

«MEN, PREPARE TO FIGHT!»

He roared.

The whole crew responded immediately by shouting back in frenzy.

Right. Sometimes, I forget where I am.

«Does it bother you?» Killer asked.

You realized you were staring at Kid and moved your eyes on his first mate.

«Not really.» you admitted «Marines chase pirates all the time, and I would be a hypocrite if I said that a lot of us don't enjoy it. This is not different.»

He nodded.

«I have to warn you, though: if this is an easy fight, it's highly probable Kid will take prisoners. And when he does...» Killer tilted his head «let's just say it doesn't usually end up like it did for you.»

You swallowed.

He was a sadist, you knew that.

«You're a monster, Eustass Kid.»

«...and I don't care.»

«I know, but thanks for your concern.»

«Birdie!»

You turned to the captain, who gestured you to come over.

«Get your rifle and go back to the lookout post.» he said when you reached him «Cover the recruits, but don't mess with our fun.»

You rolled your eyes.

«Sure. But don't make me come and save you, Eustass Kid.»

When you were about to walk away, he grabbed your arm, tugging your back against his torso. His flesh hand ran on your jaw to tilt your head, allowing his lips to brush against your ear, hot breath fanning your neck.

«Don't make me come and save you, birdie, or you'll be punished afterwards.» he blew on your sensitive skin.

You gasped, feeling a sweet squeeze in your lower abdomen.

Kid quickly let you go and headed away, the sadistic grin still plastered on his face.

You trailed his steps.

«[Y/n]?»

«Y-Yeah.»

Pushing your hair away from your red cheeks, you turned to Wire, who was offering you your rifle.

«Thanks.»

He just hummed in response.

The battle was brief.

That ship was really trying to get away from the infamous Kid Pirates, without succeeding.

You hardly had to do any work from your post. A few shots were fired to cover the younger members of the crew, but nothing more.

After sinking the enemy ship, the few survivors were dragged on your deck and shackled in a line.

Terror deformed their features while Eustass Kid marched in front of them, twisted joy all over his face.

And so it begins.

You and leaned on the border of the lookout post to witness the scene.

«Well well, so... who's the captain of this pathetic crew?» Kid asked, amber eyes scanning the chained pirates.

They looked down without answering.

Kid waited a few moments, then he suddenly grabbed the closest man and tore his leg apart.

With his metallic hand.

The screams he let out drilled your brain, as blood and piss wetted the deck.

The Kid Pirates coarsely laughed and cheered all around.

Oh god.

You crouched down, stretched arms still on the border. You took a deep breath, then stood again.

A few of the prisoners were openly crying now, but this just seemed to excite Kid more.

The screams of the man grew weaker as more blood poured on the wooden beams. He bled out soon enough.

«The next one won't be so lucky.» Kid hissed, licking his lips «So, who's the captain?»

«I am.»

A big pirate grit his teeth.

«Nice.»

Kid happily approached him.

At that moment, though, another massive prisoner managed to break free from his restrains and dashed towards him, yelling like a mad man.

«FUCK YOU, EUSTASS KID!»

He covered just a few feet before your bullet blew his brain up.

He hit the floor with a loud "thud".

His mates gasped, looking up at you.

The Kid Pirates laughed again.

Kid tilted his head, delighted.

«I should have mentioned there's a birdie watching from above.»

You relaxed the grip around your rifle.

The action was automatic, before you could even think about it.

Kid wasn't really in danger, he was waiting for the attack to come almost lazily, and no man showed concern for it.

You knew what you had just done: you sent a message to them.

No one threatens the crew.

Although they were the victims, and the Kid Pirates the butchers.

«Since you're the captain, you're gonna pay the consequences for your inadequacy. So you come with me.» he turned to his crew «You guys can have the rest.»

The pirates cheered loudly.

«LET'S CURCIFY THEM!»

«YEAH, CRUCIFY THEM!»

Okay, that's enough for me.

You climbed down the mast.

Meanwhile, Kid broke the enemy captain's chains and dragged him below deck.

When your feet touched the ground, Killer turned to you.

He wasn't actively taking part to the massacre.

«Are you okay?» he asked quietly.

You nodded.

«I'll just be in Kid's cabin, playing some music. Loudly.»

You knew there was nothing you could do to stop the crew from having their fun. Yet it messed you up that those pirates who were crying for you in the infirmary were the same bloodthirsty slaughterers eager to torture other men.

Killer nodded as well, turning back to the others.

You hurried in the cabin, quickly looking for some recording dials and playing it.

For three more hours, you laid on the floor, dial beside your ear, trying to ignore the inhuman screams coming from outside.

You knew everything was over when you heard the splashes of the bodies being thrown in the sea.

After a while, someone knocked softly.

You got up and opened to find Heat waiting on the threshold.

He wore his usual sad expression, but blood stained his forearms till his elbows.

«We're not having a proper lunch, since it's so late. We decided to have the banquet tonight. If you want, some of us are eating something quick now.»

At the sole idea of food, you felt nauseated.

«I'll pass, thanks.»

He briefly observed you.

«Meet me in the basement when the sun goes down.» he finally said «I have something for you.»

You lifted an eyebrow at him, but he didn't add anything else, turning his back to you and returning on the deck.

The captain was gone with the prisoner for the whole afternoon.

You joined the doctor in the infirmary to fix some minor injuries a few pirates had from the battle, then helped arranging the long tables all over the deck.

«Please, don't pull any more shit and let us celebrate.» Booka rumbled at you.

You stuck your tongue at him.

Very mature.

Still excited from the bloodshed, the crew was already in the party mood.

Not sure how you were feeling, you retired in the cabin for a quick shower.

Kid was in the room when you came out.

He looked like he dived his arms in blood up to his bicep. Dark red spurts were adorning his slacks, chest and even his face.

He had a strange look, like he was lost in contemplation.

«Maybe you need a shower too.» you flatly commented, moving aside to clear the way to the bathroom.

He absently glanced at your figure, wrapped in the long towel.

«You said you didn't care.»

«I know what I said.» you retorted «Just... give me some time to adjust.»

Without replying, he passed you and entered the bathroom, running the water from the sink to rinse his hands.

You quietly stared at his back for a while before speaking again.

«Kid?»

«Hm?»

«Do you want to hurt me?»

He stopped the water, leaning on the now red sink.

«It's... complicated.»

You sat on the bed, slowly rubbing the towel against your skin.

«Can you tell me?»

«Why?»

He turned to you, a dark shadow in his eyes.

«Because I need to know what's in your head.»

«You need to know?»

A cruel smirk bent his lips. You swallowed.

«I need to know what kind of man you are.»

«You know it already. Look at me: I just tortured the shit out of that man because I enjoy it. I'm a monster.»

You tilted your head, looking at him.

What he just said was terrifying. Nevertheless, a soft feeling was spreading in your chest.

"A shitty orphan from a shitty island"

An image started to form in your mind. A skinny little kid with a shock of red hair, covered in cut and bruises, wandering in a landfill. And no marines coming to save him.

«You're not just a monster, Eustass Kid.»

The smile disappeared from his face.

He quickly turned his head away, fists clenching.

«Don't.»

«Don't what?»

«Don't try to look beyond the façade and crap like that.» he growled.

You groaned, passing a hand over your eyes.

«The problem is I'm really not trying.»

It's just so obvious, you big idiot.

And I have the feeling I'm exactly the same.

He grunted, heading back in the bathroom.

«I'm showering.»

You put some clothes on and headed to the basement.

The sun was almost gone already, the first bottles of booze appeared on the tables.

Heat was waiting for you in the half-dark, sitting over a box that looked less old than all the other chests around.

«So, what do you have for me?» you asked.

By now, you completely trusted the blue-haired pirate. Just a few days before, if some of your captors invited you in the basement alone, you would have gone overly armed.

Thinking about it, you'd have gone overly armed even if another marine had given you a similar invite.

With Heat, though, you felt 100% safe.

«Remember when we docked last time? Around a week ago.» he started, standing up.

You remembered.

It was the day after Kid tortured you.

The pirate scratched his cheek, averting his eyes. He looked slightly embarrassed.

Funny, for someone who just crucified a few men.

«The captain asked me a... favour, since I'm among the one who talk the least. He could have asked Wire, I suppose, but well... he has no experience. I dunno why he didn't ask Killer...»

Your mouth twitched.

«Heat, what's the point?»

«The point is, I got a few of these for you.»

He grabbed the box and simply turned it upside down, dropping the content on the humid floor.

They were... clothes.

You squinted in the dark, getting closer.

No, not clothes... dresses.

«Then things happened and uh, I guess boss Kid wouldn't force you to wear anything now, or to do anything else actually.» he quickly added.

You kneeled down, collecting some from the floor and studying them better.

They were a lot. Black and red were the predominant colours.

Most of the dresses were utterly indecent, some were less than babydolls, but others looked actually quite nice.

«You choose them all?»

«Hum, yeah... trying to guess the captain's tastes, your sizes and everything.» he grumbled «I took a lot, to be sure. I wasn't paying for them anyway.»

You chuckled.

Of course he wasn't.

You couldn't speak for Kid's tastes, but the size seemed quite accurate.

Raising an eyebrow, you lifted a dress that was basically a red veil, completely transparent, with black straps around the thighs and chest area.

«Seriously, Heat?»

He looked away, blushing profusely.

«As I said, I took a lot.»

«Did you also choose the bras?»

«No, that was the rest of the crew.»

You whined.

«Next time we dock, please, please let me shop for myself.»

He rubbed his head.

«Are they all that bad?»

«There are a few acceptable ones.» you admitted «By the way, why are you giving them to me now?»

He hesitated.

«Because, despite all the shit that happened, you and the captain seem to be okay now.»

«So...?»

«So maybe you could use one of them tonight.» he rumbled «I think he'd like it.»

You sighed.

It had been a while since the last time you wore a dress.

«I'll think about it.»

Aokiji sighed in front of the crumpled fifteen-year old you.

«You beat the other girls during dance class? Again?»

«They deserved it.» you muttered, gaze trailing away.

«[Y/n], I know you hate it, but if you don't learn it will be even worse. Every officer is expected to dance at the yearly ball.»

«I don't even have grades!» you spat «It doesn't concern me.»

«You will have them, it's just a matter of time.»

«How do you know that?»

«Because we don't have another sniper with your talent.» he simply said «You'll progress quickly. Despite your personality.»

You huffed, not sure if feeling flattered or offended.

«You never dance anyway.» you whispered, resentful.

«My position is high enough to grant me to do whatever I want.»

You scoffed.

He observed you for a while, then he stood up.

«Fine. Come here, I'll teach you the basics.»

Your widen eyes flicked on him.

«What? Do you even know how to dance?»

«I had to go through the same agony when I was young. Though I spent most of the lessons sleeping. Now come.»

He motioned you to come closer.

Rigid as a little soldier, you reached him.

«Don't worry, I will just show you the steps.»

After the first few minutes of extreme embarrassment, both for the situation and the fact that you really had zero skills, the afternoon turned out to be quite fun.

Despite you being a bit old for that, Aokiji allowed you to get your feet on his to teach you a couple of movements. He was so freaking tall anyway.

At that moment, you couldn't avoid to think that must had been what a father would do with his daughter.

A warm feeling blossomed in your chest.

Even if you learnt the basics, the yearly ball was always a torture for you.

An old maid would pick up a dress for you, squeeze you in it and shower you with a shitload of comments on how your figure wasn't delicate enough for it and you didn't have a lady-like posture.

Tashigi was usually the one who bared the process with you, except she always looked gorgeous and all the young marines wanted to dance with her.

With you, it was a different story.

Every year, at the party, you ended up sat in a corner, drinking too much booze. Not that it had any effect on you.

You felt the men's slick gazes lingering on your figure, and you saw the lust in their eyes whenever someone talked to you.

But they wouldn't invite you, preferring to whisper among them when you passed a group.

You were Aokiji's sniper, Surprise D., the weird girl who hated everyone.

Partly, it was a relief. You didn't want to show around your poor dancing skills pressed against some sweaty maniac.

Nevertheless, you always had the terrible feeling of shaming Aokiji with your attitude.

You simply didn't know how to fix it.

There were exceptions, though. Koby would always invite you at least once, sometimes Helmeppo would too.

In the end, though, you ended up hating that time of the year, along with the complicate dancing and the stupid dresses.

It was already dark when the party started, but the moon was full in the sky, and myriads of candles illuminated the ship.

As always, meat was the main dish. Killer went all out with it, preparing tons of different plates. River of alcohol were flowing under the tables and down the men's throat.

In the cabin, you took a deep breath, studying your blurred reflection on the glass of a bottle.

Not having a real mirror, you weren't sure about the result. You just felt that dress underlined your body in a satisficing way.

It was short, black and simple, but it embraced your cleavage nicely.

The rough laughter and yells resounded from the deck.

I have to go, before someone comes looking for me.

You forced yourself to get up and walk outside the cabin.

It took merely a couple of seconds since you stepped on the deck for a rain of coarse appreciation to pour on you.

You dropped your head, letting the hair cover your face.

I knew this wasn't a good idea.

«Look at the marine girl!»

«Hey! Did you suddenly remember you're a woman?»

«You're fucking hot, girl!»

«She made herself pretty for the party!»

«For the captain, you mean.»

« SHUT THE FUCK UP, OR I'LL SHOVE THOSE BOTTLES WHERE THE SUN DOESN'T SHINE!» you barked.

Your snap was greeted with more laughter, but at least they stopped yelling their compliments.

As always, the top ranks were gathered on the best table near the sea, while the other men were all over the place.

You glanced at them.

Wire seemed uninterested as always, while it was impossible to say if Killer was looking your way. Despite his still face, Heat appeared satisfied, while the Mohican was laughing.

Finally, your gaze met Kid's.

He was emptying a huge tankard, but his eyes were fixed on you and, god, the expression he had.

You felt your cheeks and neck heating up under that look.

Someone shove a beer stein under your nose.

«Here, girl! You down for another challenge?»

Booka pounded his glass on the nearest table, sitting.

«I wasn't prepared last time, but now you'll be crushed!»

Other men gathered around, starting to cheer.

You took the tankard with a crooked smile.

«Why do you want to be humiliated again, Booka?»

«Just sit!» he grunted.

You complied, sending a quick glance to Kid's table.

His eyes were still glued on you.

This is gonna be an interesting night.