After quite some time of trudging along behind Dominique as they made their way from the sandy beach and into the mangrove thicket that seemed to stretch on endlessly a small shack became visible. Jeanne had no clue how Dominique had located it, the trees all looked the same to her and the shack blended in so well Jeanne hadn't spotted it until they were right on the doorstep. It looked run down and dirty, the walls warped and uneven with age and decay.

"It looks better on the inside," Dominique reassured her, probably seeing a hint of trepidation on her face.

"Even if it isn't I'll be fine. I've slept outside plenty of times, anything with a roof is perfectly fine with me."

"I keep forgetting you're not some pampered lady."

"As it turns out that title belongs to you," Jeanne said light-heartedly, though she regretted saying it immediately as Dominique's expression turned sour. It seemed teasing her about her de Sade lineage wasn't wise.

Dominique tried the door to the shack, but it didn't budge, locked tight. Dominique clicked her tongue and reached into her coat, only to turn up with nothing and begin frantically patting down her pockets.

"I don't have the key!" She hissed. "It's either still on the ship or at the bottom of the ocean! We really will have to sleep outside!"

Jeanne pondered for a second before gently grabbing Dominique by the shoulder and moving her aside. Then she lifted her leg and kicked the door down. Jeanne gestured for Dominique to enter first and found the other woman staring at her with wide eyes.

"That's certainly one way to do it. I'll have to apologise to Luna for breaking the lock when I next see them though."

"Luna?"

"The owner of this shack. Vanitas's parent. They have a lot of homes like this scattered around, it's really useful."

"You know Vanitas's parent? I assumed all of you would be estranged from your families, being pirates and all."

"For the most part we are," Dominique confirmed. "Never mind that for now, let's get inside and I'll get a fire going."

The interior was much more homely than Jeanne had been expecting. It was filled with pillows and blankets and comfortable furniture that dominated every inch of available space. Dominique crouched by the fireplace and coaxed out some tiny flames while Jeanne nosed around the place, looking at the eclectic belongings of Vanitas's supposed parent. Things were strewn around haphazardly as though the owner of the house had left in a hurry or simply didn't care to organise their possessions. The layer of dust on the shelves indicated that no one had been around for some time.

"Let's get changed, Jeanne," Dominique said, standing up and slipping her shoes off and starting to dig through a chest of drawers Jeanne hadn't noticed because it had been covered by a blanket. "Even after the walk my clothes are still wet from the seawater."

"I am sorry for diving off the ship," Jeanne murmured.

Dominique paused for a moment before sighing. "I can't say I'm not still mad but there's no use apologising anymore. We're here now and there's no changing that. Here."

Dominique tossed a large white dress at her and pulled a similar looking one out for herself as well. They both changed and set their wet clothes by the fire to dry.

"Ah, it looks like somewhere along the way I tore a hole in the back of this." Jeanne held up the dark jacket she'd been wearing since Chloé had given it to her. "It's too bad. I rather liked it, even if it is too big."

"I'll mend that for you, it's probably better for the journey ahead than any of the clothes Luna has lying around. I can hem the sleeves as well if you like." Dominique began rifling through one of the cupboards in order to find supplies.

"You can sew?" Jeanne asked, surprised.

Dominique shrugged. "When it was just me, Louis and Noé I had to learn for all of our sakes. Noé tried but he was hopeless and Louis... I'm sure he could have gotten the hang of it if he wanted to, but he was so preoccupied with taking care of us in other ways he didn't have the time to learn. Now, among the whole crew, there's plenty of us who can sew for those who can't, so Louis still hasn't picked up a needle."

"Just the three of you?"

"As children we ran away from home together."

"What kind of a life have you lived?"

"A colourful one," Dominique sighed, settling down by the fire with Jeanne's jacket. "We came here to rest for the moment, and I think that tale would take far too much out of me. You can go to sleep, I'll follow after I'm done fixing this."

Jeanne settled on the cushions in front of the fire, beside Dominique. "I think I'll stay awake with you for a little longer."

Dominique glanced at her from the corner of her eye. Jeanne wasn't looking at her, instead she was staring into the fire, the light reflected in her eyes. She was so beautiful it was difficult for Dominique to tear her gaze away and refocus on her sewing. Jeanne was truly going to be the death of her. All the little things she did, the kindness she always showed Dominique, were far too overwhelming.

They sat in silence until Dominique finished her work and placed it aside with a yawn. "I really am exhausted now."

Jeanne reached forward to cup Dominique's face and then she was kissing Dominique softly. Dominique relaxed into it for a moment – but only a moment – before she pushed Jeanne away with a hand on her chest.

"Wait, Jeanne."

"I thought-"

"Jeanne, we have other things to focus on right now. I don't think it's appropriate to be getting distracted like this anymore. We've had our fun. Besides, what about your loyalty to your master? You wish to return to him, do you not?"

"Of course I do! Master Luca is very precious to me."

"And how much have you been thinking of him lately?" Dominique leaned back and stared at the ceiling. "I think we've both been so caught up in one another we've forgotten the other people in our lives we need to prioritise, the responsibilities we have to those we wish to protect. Your master and I... we cannot coexist. One or both of us would have to give something dear up if we wanted to remain together and it isn't fair but that's the way things are. It might be best for us to part ways after we rescue my crew. So... What do you want to do, Jeanne?"

"I want..." Jeanne paused. "I want to return to Master Luca."

"Understood," Dominique exhaled. "Thank you for deciding."

"But I don't wish to marry him, though I had previously intended to honour that agreement. I want to be with you."

"Jeanne-"

"Dominique, I won't break ties with you no matter what. I know it's ridiculous and stupid. It isn't going to be easy; I don't even have a plan! I just..." Jeanne's eyes widened a fraction and her face flushed.

"You just...?"

"Never mind! What I'm trying to say is that I have no intention of giving you up. I still haven't learned nearly as much about you as I'd like to. I'm intrigued by you, Dominique."

"What?" Dominique choked. "I just reminded you we're practically strangers! How long have you known me? Nine days? And you hated me for half of them!"

"So what?"

"Jeanne! You can't be this dedicated to me!" Dominique buried her face in her hands. "From what little I know about you, you seem inexperienced. You've mistaken the degree of your affection because you aren't used to – to this."

"So my feelings are unreliable because I'm inexperienced?"

"Jeanne," Dominique pleaded, "Stop and think about what you're saying."

"Do you dislike me?"

"No! That's not what I meant!" Dominique lifted her head again.

"Then it's fine, isn't it?"

"You-!" Dominique groaned. "Jeanne, you understand I won't be held responsible if this doesn't turn out the way you want? I'll give you another chance to consider the madness of getting involved with me. Our lives aren't compatible."

"I've already made my decision." Jeanne said it with such conviction Dominique couldn't help but gawk. Jeanne really was nothing but trouble.

"Then," Dominique leaned forward, into her space, "I'd like to pre-emptively apologise for how selfish I'm going to be if you persist with this foolishness."

"I'll take full responsibility."

Jeanne closed the gap between them, using a hand at the back of Dominique's neck to pull her even closer. Dominique responded carefully, still displaying a level of hesitance. Jeanne was unexpectedly enthusiastic, and Dominique pulled away slightly as Jeanne attempted to deepen the kiss. She chose instead to press their foreheads together.

"I'm afraid I'm too tired to take this much further tonight, Jeanne. I know we were moving quite fast last time when Lou- when we got interrupted. I'm sorry but I can't."

Jeanne brushed her hand through Dominique's hair. "It's nothing to apologise for. I'm tired too. We should probably rest; we don't have time to waste anyway."

"I could fall asleep right here." Dominique flopped down onto the pillows beneath her with a huff.

"Then why don't we?" Jeanne grabbed a blanket from a nearby chair. "It's warmer by the fire anyway."

Dominique hummed in assent and Jeanne pulled the blanket over top of them. The two of them lay down in front of the hearth, Jeanne holding onto Dominique from behind and burying her face into her back as their legs lay entangled. Jeanne's breathing evened out remarkably quickly while Dominique continued to lay awake for some time in spite of her fatigue. She couldn't tell if the heat in her cheeks was because of Jeanne or the proximity to the fire.

***

Dominique was the first to wake. Sometime during the night Jeanne had rolled over and released her from her embrace. It was a relief because it meant she didn't have to wake Jeanne just yet and she didn't have to acknowledge whatever their relationship was turning into. Still, disappointment curled in her gut seeing Jeanne so peaceful after separating from her.

Dominique raided the cupboards and found all the supplies she could for the journey ahead – they were fairly scarce, indicating Luna hadn't visited this particular home in a while. After finishing her search of the house Dominique reluctantly crouched down to shake Jeanne awake. It was unfortunate that she couldn't rest as much as her body clearly needed to but any moment wasted was a moment closer to Dominique losing everything.

"Jeanne," Dominique murmured, brushing a few stray hairs from Jeanne's face. "It's time we get going."

Jeanne slowly blinked awake, uncomprehending for a moment before her eyes softened. "Dominique."

Dominique suppressed a tiny laugh, letting a more serious expression fall over her feature instead before standing again and stretching. "Come on. We have a long day ahead."

"Right," Jeanne said after a minute, extracting herself from the blankets and beginning to efficiently prepare to leave.

Jeanne and Dominique left the shack, closing the broken door as best they could now that the lock was broken, though it was unlikely anyone would find it to begin with let alone rob the place. Dominique started to lead the way and Jeanne followed after her. Rather than stay and eat before leaving they each had some hard tack biscuits from the house while they walked, Dominique insisting they had no time for a proper meal and Jeanne feeling too guilty for potentially oversleeping to argue with her.

They walked for hours, leaving the mangrove forest and eventually finding their way to a worn dirt track. There was no canopy cover to keep the sun off like there had been earlier so the heat was beating down painfully on them. Dominique had long since lost her hat and it was clearly bothering her as she squinted into the sun, meanwhile Jeanne felt her clothes sticking uncomfortably to her and she removed her jacket to sling it over her shoulder instead. Dominique was keeping tight control on their water, only allowing them to drink it very rarely and though this was irritating to Jeanne she understood the reasoning for it. She just wished she could control her own share of the water, she was experienced enough with survival not to waste it.

The two weren't talking much, mostly to conserve energy but partially because any time Jeanne tried to strike up a conversation Dominique's replies were short and curt. It seemed like the last night hadn't happened at all with how cold she was being. Jeanne decided she didn't want to push her however, it was obvious why she might be feeling stressed and in a bad mood.

It was late afternoon when a town finally came into view at the end of the road. It was a reasonable size and looked fairly wealthy too. A river flowed through the edge of the town and out to the sea, making it a profitable stop for merchants on their way to and from bigger cities.

"We'll gather supplies here for the days ahead," Dominique said as they walked from the dirt path to the cobbled streets of the town.

"How are we supposed to pay for anything?"

"My jewellery should cover most of it." Dominique was already taking her earrings out. "We shouldn't need that much anyway. I'm only planning to get non-perishable foods and nothing that needs to be cooked. We don't need to be weighed down by pots and pans. Water is the most valuable thing we need to obtain. And horses."

"I'm not sure we'll be able to get two horses even if your jewellery is very fine."

"Don't worry. I have a plan for that."

Dominique led them around the town, bartering with merchants she had clearly met before and buying everything she said she would. The food she bought didn't look particularly appetising, but Jeanne had eaten far worse, so she wasn't about to complain. They split the goods evenly between them so neither would be carrying undue burden. Then there was the issue of the horses.

Dominique confidently led them to the stables that sat behind the town's small cathedral. Once inside she immediately began assessing the mounts and when she had found one, she liked – a big black mare with white socks – she began to tack it up.

"What are you doing?" Jeanne hissed.

"Stealing a horse," Dominique answered, matter of fact. "You should pick one out too. Or do you need my help putting the equipment on?"

"I've plenty of experience with horses! I'm saying you can't steal from the church!"

"Are you a religious woman, Jeanne?"

"Huh? No, but-!"

"Then don't trouble yourself over it. They have the best horses and they have enough to spare. It's not like I'm stealing from some poor farmer who needs their steed to till their fields."

"I suppose that's true..."

"We're doing this to save lives. Moral purity isn't my biggest concern right now."

"All right, I'll-"

"What's this?" A cheery voice boomed, and the two women turned to see a man entering the stables.

Dominique pursed her lips. "Hello, Roland."

"I'm sure there's a perfectly good explanation for what you're doing here, right, Dominique?"

"There most certainly is," Dominique agreed before turning away from him and hoisting herself onto the horse. "Let's go, Jeanne."

Roland laughed. "Dominique, you're as prickly as ever! I can't let you take that horse though. And your companion, Jeanne you said, I've never seen her before. A new member of your group?"

"I'll ask you not to pry into my business."

Roland slung an arm over Jeanne casually and grinned. "Will you tell me the story? I might help you if you just explained. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll have to stand in your way and I don't want to do that. What do you have to say, Jeanne?"

Jeanne narrowed her eyes at him, sensing something dangerous about him that she wasn't sure she liked. "Dominique and I must leave at once for the capital and without horses we won't make it in time. As a man of God, I'm asking you to have compassion and let us use your horses."

Roland removed his arm from her. "Well, if you are both in desperate need then I couldn't possibly turn my back on you. On one condition. In the morning one of my subordinates is going to be heading in that direction as well. Accompany her and I'll let you borrow some horses."

"It's a deal then," Dominique scowled.

"Perfect."

Dominique dismounted and they both followed Roland out of the stable. He took them to a small barracks where they slept for the night before waking at dawn. Before they left there was a brief, terse, introduction to Roland's subordinate, Maria, then they were heading out, the time ticking down a constant pressure in the back of Dominique and Jeanne's minds.