Sanji was originally supposed to be in his cage. The cage he was put in after people thought he was dead. In reality he wasn't dead - as anyone could tell. He was taken out of his cage and told to accompany his siblings. It was said he was taken out, because there were some special guests.

He was confused at first. Why would he have to see these guests? His father risked a chance of keeping Sanji out of his life. He just figured that those people were just really important.

Well, clearly he was wrong. His father just wanted to get one of his son's married. The only reason why he was taken out led to him being the only one to have emotions. He was the only one who seemed human.

As much as he preferred one of his acknowledged sons to marry into such a powerful family, he had no choice to bring Sanji out too.

Then again, his father didn't expect much from him anyway. Maybe he was just there for advice? When would those boys listen to him anyway?

They only see this as a competition at this point. They wouldn't ask for help.

➵

Lucy sat idly on the couch. Her hands tightly gripping onto her dress. The man send her to a room saying that the other kids would keep her company soon. It wasn't as big as their lounge, but the size of her room. She never liked her room or the mansion in general.

Frowning was the usual expression that she was doing even now. Lucy's thoughts and actions only showcased the downcast mood she developed.

The blonde child looked up when she heard muffled chatter outside. They were getting closer and more clear.

"Just watch me! I'll be able to win, no problem!" a boy exclaimed.

Win? They must be playing a game.

When last had she been able to play a game? When last has she spent time being a normal kid instead of the heir of the Heartfilia family? It's been a long time, but she could vividly remember when she played games with her 'oath brothers'. She had such fun with them: Luffy, Sabo and Ace.

Now, she was here, meeting children that didn't seem all too keen on knowing her. They were mean, but her dad said that she had to behave. She shouldn't make scenes. They could help mommy!

I just have to be really well behaved. Lucy nodded to herself with a determined look. Her negative emotions replaced by that fire known as determination.

Dad said I was supposed to get along, but...

She thought back to before when they first arrived here. Her dad explained the situation to that nice boy's father. Then the man asked what he could get in return. He looked cautious and even scared when asking that, but her father was quick to respond.

"You have kids the age of my daughter, right?"

"Yes. I suppose so."

"Then I'll give one of your children Lucy's hand in marriage."

Hand in marriage? Did that mean she had to get married to one of those boys when she got older?

If that's true then 'getting along' is an understatement.

She honestly wasn't surprised. It was new of her dad to say that and it wasn't new at the same time. They kept visiting doctors and places to help her mom. He would offer things like money and deals to get her mom treated.

It was the first time she heard him say that.

He explained to her before letting her meet these boys everything. That she would have to marry one. She knew why.

She understood the reasoning and told herself there wasn't any room for her rejection. She wanted her mother to get better, so she needed to make sacrifices.

The door opened and Lucy immediately lifted her head. She straightened her back, which was slumped.

The group of children walked in with unreadable expressions.

Dad said to be friendly. She thought trying to give a friendly smile. The problem was she couldn't, but afterwards appeared the nice boy. They made eye contact for that brief moment and Sanji hesitantly smiled at her.

Her eyebrows lifted, almost surprised by the action. Her lips curved up slightly giving a small yet wholehearted smile.

He's nice.

Next to the boy there was his older sister. She approached with a friendly smile. "Hello. I am Reiju. It is nice to meet you." The pink-haired girl extended her hand. Lucy shook her hand with the same friendly smile; she stood up from her seat for good manners. She'd learned this from her father on business trips.

"I am Lucy Heartfilia. Nice to meet you too." She glanced at the others and when looking at the blond he smiled shyly at her. She returned the smile before both averted eye contact too shy to hold it.

This constant yet brief interaction wasn't unnoticed by Sanji's brothers.

It irritated them even more when Lucy didn't give them a glance. Sanji flinched noticing the glares of his siblings. He made a mental note to avoid his brothers later.

He feared meeting Lucy's gaze as he knew it was their interaction that infuriated his brothers.

"So..." There was an awkward atmosphere. "Did you eat?" Reiju asked the blonde girl. She hummed. "Oh. I have not." Lucy looked as if she had just realized this. In truth, she had just realized how empty her stomach felt.

"Oh, shall we arrange for a few snacks." Reiju smiled as she done just that. She was the only one who would be able to keep this friendly act. Shame, that behavior wasn't as natural for her little brothers.

It would've been much easier that way.

After Reiju send off the servant Lucy thanked her.

Niji gritted his teeth. This is so annoying. It was the thought the three brothers shared. They'd made a bet on who would be able to 'win Lucy's heart', but things weren't going too well for any of them.

"What would you like to do in the meantime?" Reiju asked. Lucy glanced around seeing that the others were looking at her intently.

Sanji wasn't though, which made her feel a tad bit sad.

She accidentally made eye contact with Niji - the blue haired one, which looked very irritated.

"I didn't ask for your name."

Lucy frowned at the memory. "I would like to know your names before anything else. Please."

"I already know Reiju-san and Sanji-san. I don't know the rest of your names," she explained. Again, Sanji was terrified. "Sanji... san?" Repeated the green haired one. Lucy observed that he might be the youngest of the four boys. Him or Sanji.

They shared a look. "Fine," the red haired one said making Lucy mentally relax, "I'm Ichiji. The eldest."

"Niji." The blue haired one introduced stubbornly.

The green haired one grinned. "Yonji, the youngest!"

"So all of your names end with 'ji' and relate to your age. That means Reiju is the oldest," Lucy concluded leaving the three dumbfounded. "Yeah... I guess."

"That means Sanji-san isn't the youngest but the second youngest? I thought he was the youngest."

The three shot Sanji a look once Lucy started conversation with Reiji again.

Sanji gulped.

Oh, boy. I'm in for it now.

Why can't she just ignore me!?

Please!