Once I'd turned eleven, I'd given up hope of ever being adopted. So, it stood to reason how shocked I was when a family of World Nobles wanted to bring me home when I was thirteen. World Nobles were the best road to the easy life. That was for sure.. Unfortunately, they stressed that I dress nicely, meaning they had elegant gowns aplenty waiting for me. With some persuading, however, I convinced them to get me dress shirts and various pants.

They were very aloof, my adopted parents were. I didn't mind, though. My life was easy.

Then, he came along.

I was fifteen when they brought him into our home. He was my age, I was certain. He had blonde hair that covered his left eye, and above his right was an eyebrow that curled up at the end. The eye I could see was a deep blue, and his chin was prickly with the beginnings of awkward adolescent facial hair.

I was used to slaves in our house. My adopted parents had many of them. They were their favourite purchase to make.

However, this one wouldn't quit staring at me. I hated him.

I had to keep an eye on him, though, when they were away. In fact, when they weren't using him to entertain themselves, he was my charge.

He always seemed relieved when I took him off their hands. He always had new bruises or cuts. He always wanted to start a conversation.

"I'm Sanji."

I glanced at him briefly, but didn't respond.

"How come you aren't dressed like them?"

I tensed. I knew why. Their blood didn't run through my veins.

"That'th none of your buthineth, blondie," I lisped defensively.

Sanji smiled a little.

"So you can speak."

I rolled my eyes at him and marched away. He was following closely. But, of course. That's what he was told to do. I stopped and sighed, turning to look at him.

"That'th a lot of bruitheth," I sneered in the hopes of silencing him. "You mutht be pretty poorly behaved, huh?"

"Were you adopted?"

I froze, my eyes wise.

"W-what the hell maketh you think you can make thothe kind of athumptionth about me?" I demanded angrily.

He gave me a soft, sad smile.

"Did your parents die?"

I narrowed my eyes.

"You be careful what you thay to me," I growled, hoping to intimidate him even though he was far taller than me.

Sanji placed a hand on my shoulder, sending a jolt through my body.

"I'm here if you need someone to talk to," he offered.

I violently shrugged his arm off my shoulder.

"No. One. Toucheth. Me," I hissed into his ear after yanking him down to my level by his shirt.

Releasing him, I walked away seething.