Ash was the last one to make it to the debriefing room. She was nearly out of breath as she burst into the room. Everyone looked up and stared at her, apart from Law. He was calmly going through his papers before setting them aside. "You're late," he said dryly. "We've got a schedule to keep, remember?" She glared at him. The nerve of that jerk! It was his fault, and he had the nerve to blame her? "So take a seat already," he scoffed as he stood up. She did so and folded her arms angrily across her chest. She briefly flashed him the middle finger as discreetly as she could. He smirked at that but turned his attention to the group as whole.
"Alright, we're coming up on Stathmore and should arrive within half an hour." He pulled out a large map which he placed in the center of the table. He leaned over to point out the following details. "We'll dock discreetly alongside the southside but its within walking distance to catch transports here." He tapped another spot. "I've been told that we have seven available options, but we'll take the first one available on our arrival. Ash, Shirazuki, and Oki will mingle with the guests on the top deck. Yurata and I will take our place below among the staff and ship crew." He pointed at Shirazuki directly. "You're Ash's escort, so you are personally responsible for her safety."
"Hey!" She protested. "I can play my part just like the rest of you. I didn't come all this way to be babysat, you know."
He fixed her with a pointed stare. "That wasn't what I meant. I do trust you to do your part, it's the other pompous perverts there that I don't." His tone dropped a bit darkly.
Shirazuki lowered his gaze uneasily, but Ash wasn't intimidated. "You think I didn't already know that? I've been dealing with sleezebags far longer than you have," she scoffed.
He chose to ignore that and continued on. He traced his finger along a coastal route. "The yacht excursion is only a forty-five minute trip. Once we arrive, and go through the Main Gates, you three will be announced by the following aliases." He handed out slips of paper.
Oki's face fell as he groaned. "There's no way I would ever answer to that!"
"Mine's pretty bad too. Lemme see yours, maybe we can switch?" Shirazuki said as he leaned in to read over his shoulder. He grimaced and gagged. "Nope, never mind, that's way worse!" He burst out with a laugh.
Oki grabbed hold of his friend's collar to throttle him. Law snapped his fingers to get their attention. "Gentlemen, behave yourselves," he growled deep in his throat.
They sprang apart and sat up straight in their seats. "Sorry, Captain!" They said in unison.
"Yurata will enter through the Main Gate but take a western position. The Estate's security is located there so it's the best place to follow their surveillance." Law continued on as he marked the locations on the map.
Yurata nodded in turn, content to remain silent.
"All staff reports to the Eastern Gate, that's where I'll be," he marked his own on the map. "Our target is Kure Korenaga, a nobleman with a mouth nearly as big as his ego." He tossed a photograph on the table. He was a stout, middle-aged man with a shock of white through his black hair. Law was quick to notice Ash's surprise and subsequent discouragement. She shot a glare at Shirazuki who smiled apologetically.
"So that's why you told me I'm perfect for this, huh? You jerk!" She hissed at him through her teeth.
"Hey, I've got your back, I promise," he immediately reassured her. "Have I ever let you down before?"
Her scowl lessened as she sighed with a shake of her head. "I just hope that-"
"Is there something I should be made aware of?" He directed the question to his crewman. His tone turned icy. He didn't like the idea of being left out of something important, new details were nothing but trouble if left unaccounted for.
"Let's say we have a past history," she grumbled with slight embarrassment.
"Elaborate on that," he pressed.
She grimaced. "Just a past suitor, that's all. He was one of many though, all interested in being associated with my family. Nothing personally happened between us."
Law swallowed hard, feeling a knot twist in his stomach. That detail could be especially tricky! How could they compensate for it? She squared her shoulders and met his worried gaze head-on. "He's right though. I can get close, get him talking. It'll be easy enough."
He shook his head. "That's too risky, I'd prefer if you kept your distance."
She looked exasperated. "Do you want the intel or not?"
"Not at your expense!" He snapped, surprising her. "Or anyone else's!" He quickly added. "No amount of information is ever worth endangering a comrade, don't forget that."
She frowned curiously at his declaration. It was a noble one, and from a pirate no less. She was used to looking out for only herself, because no one else could be bothered to. In this line of work, she knew that she was often considered expendable. But this was one reason why she liked working for Law, he was different. His goals and dreams were not valued above the lives of his comrades. To now be considered one, made her very happy. She hid a pleased smile behind her hand. "Yes, Captain, I won't," she giggled softly.
He found her reaction a bit strange but there wasn't time to dwell on it. "Remember, this mission is to gather intelligence on his dealings with Saint Tatsuzo. Verbal will do but I'd prefer something substantial in the way of paperwork, ledgers, things of that nature. Any questions?" Everyone shook their heads. "I've heard that there could be trouble from the disgruntled populace so let's be in and out in two hours' time, understood?" Heads bobbed in unison. "Alright then, let's do this." He gathered up the papers.
Everyone stood and made their way out of the room. Ash paused when she felt a hand grab hold of her upper arm. "Thanks," Law whispered. "Back there, for not-"
"For what?" She asked coolly as she looked at him over her shoulder. "I didn't see anything." He blinked at that and she gently smirked as she pulled free. She joined Shirazuki's side as the group made their way up to the bridge. She felt a little silly having to gather up her wide skirts as they walked down the metal corridor.
"You look like a vision," he grinned with a wink. "Your old man would be so proud."
She smiled at that. "Appearance yes, lifestyle not so much."
"We're all disappointments, such is life," he said with dramatic flair. "Heartbreakers through and through."
"And this coming from a Heart Pirate!" She teased in turn.
Law observed this silently as he followed behind. He frowned uneasily at the prospect of this new variable. Curse Shirazuki! He should have mentioned this before he'd made his final selection for this group. He'd have a word with him afterwards, to be sure, but nothing could be done about it now. She was needed, as much as the others were. He tried to distract from his worries by admiring her outfit. The skirt was far too poofy and ruffled for his taste. But her top was lowcut in the back, tastefully, but alluring all the same. Unlacing that while savoring the taste of her neck would make for a delicious treat. Yurata was looking at him funny, was it obvious? He reddened at the direction his thoughts were taking and shook his head to clear it.
Once on the bridge, he saw that Bepo had cornered Ash. "You look so beauteously gorgeous, Ash! A right princess!" She was blushing terribly, but she couldn't help but smile all the same. She was quite fond of the bear, who wasn't? "I picked that dress out too, I'll have you know," he informed her.
She blinked in surprise. "R-really?" She looked down at it in a whole new light. Now she felt bad for cussing it out as she struggled to put it on.
"I bet you love it just as much as I do!" He continued to gush as he clapped his great paws together. Her hesitation didn't go unnoticed, and his face began to fall. She quickly reassured him that she did, she couldn't break his heart like that! Especially when he went to so much trouble on her behalf. "C'mon, give us a twirl, oh please!" He insisted.
She held out her gloved hand, "Will you me do the honors then?" She asked with a sweet smile.
He gently took hold of her hand and slowly spun her about. She lifted up one end to really make the great skirt swirl. He felt equally grand as he strutted down the walkway, his other paw on his hip.
A few of the crew members clapped and whistled good-naturedly at the scene. "Give him a kiss, princess!" One teased. "Maybe then he'll turn into a prince! He can't stay an ugly bear forever!"
Bepo stopped short to stare in horror. "You're rotten, Masato! How could you be so mean?!" Despite his temper, tears collected in his eyes all the same. He gasped as Ash threw her arms around his neck and hugged him tightly.
"You've always been a prince, Bepo," she whispered into his soft fur. "Don't let the haters tell you otherwise."
He hugged her tightly in turn, sniffling slightly. She gasped at the pressure but endured it as best she could. Thankfully Shirazuki came to her rescue and pulled her free. "Hey, there's work to be done still Bepo."
"That's right! Sorry, so sorry!" He turned back to his post.
Law came up behind her. "Must you always be such a distraction?" He whispered close to her ear. There was a slight tempting tease to his tone that she picked up on.
"Hmm, you might be on to something there, Captain," she mused as she tapped her lips thoughtfully with one finger. "Perhaps I should add part-time temptress to my resume."
He chuckled softly as he walked past her. He went on to assume command of Polar Tang's ascension. It rose to the surface on the shadows of the southside of Stathmore. Within minutes, it was safely secured and anchored. The group made to depart the sub, stepping out into the brisk night air. Ash paused for a moment. She shivered slightly at the chill, but she took in a great lungful of fresh air. It felt so refreshing! Shirazuki gently pressed a hand against her back to push her forward. "C'mon, don't forget the precious schedule," he winked at Law as he led the way towards the main harbor.
They easily meshed with the gathering crowd waiting for transport, in their respective groups. The trio kept close together but struck up casual conversations with those around them. Ash now held a fan in her hand, fluttering it coyly as she smiled so sweetly. She looked every inch a proper lady, a princess indeed. Law kept a general eye on them from his group and Yurata was next to him. He gently elbowed him. "Is uh, something going on…you know, between you and Ash?"
He fixed him with a blank stare. "No." He flatly denied.
"Oh, that's good, good to know." He looked relieved. "Because I was thinking that afterwards-"
"Don't," Law cut him off.
"Huh? What?" He looked really confused. "But-"
"Just don't," he said firmly and thankfully that was the end of that conversation as the first transport began to board. They went below deck but the trio enjoyed the view from the top. Ash smiled up at the stars which sparkled in the darkness. It was a beautiful sight, surely even diamonds don't shine as bright.
"What'cha thinking about?" Shirazuki whispered beside her.
She considered his question thoughtfully as she looked about them. The scene was merry as they were surrounded by smiles and jovial laughter. But suddenly in the moment, she felt a brief chill run up her spine that had nothing to do with the weather. Their enthusiasm suddenly seemed so fake, so empty. Or was it just her imagination? She shook her head to clear it. "Did Bepo really pick out this dress?" She changed the subject.
"Of course he did, he absolutely insisted on it," he chuckled softly. "He's not the most assertive, you know that, but he really took charge on that one. He just had to have his way and there was no talking him out of it." She smiled at the thought and sighed as she rested her head on his shoulder. He considered his next thoughts carefully before speaking again. "Ash…has something changed? Between you and the Captain, I mean."
"Like what?" She gently challenged as she reddened slightly. He shouldn't notice from this angle though.
"Something feels different," he confessed. "I get the feeling that he's gonna ask you to join our crew officially, no more side jobs."
She stiffened at that and straightened up awkwardly. "Did he actually-?"
He shook his head. "No, but I've seen him invite enough over the years that I've picked up a bit of second sense about it."
"Sixth," she corrected. "That's considered a sixth sense."
"Well, whatever number it's supposed to be, I'm feelin' it." He insisted in a serious tone. That worried her a little, but she rolled her eyes to shake off his inquisitive gaze.
"You already know what my answer would be, Shira," she said flatly as she swallowed down emotion that threatened to crack her voice. She narrowed her eyes towards the horizon line. "You should tell him so he can save face."
He sighed in exasperation, but he recognized that stubborn look and there would be no changing her mind. "I don't see what the big deal would be, you're already friends. You know, in your weird, antisocial ways. I swear it only works between you two."
She smirked at that. "Yeah. It does, doesn't it?" She mused aloud.
Nothing further was said as Oki signaled for them to join him. He gestured for them to lean in closer. "Hey, have you guys noticed the change in atmosphere?" The pair glanced about discreetly, but it seemed about the same.
"Fake smiles, empty laughs, and blank looks," she said dryly. "That's to be expected really."
Shirazuki frowned a bit suspiciously. "But it does seem like some are trying just a bit too hard to play the part," he murmured thoughtfully. "Maybe they're undercover too but just less convincing. Should we tell-?"
He shook his head. "No, we have nothing definitive to go on. Besides, it makes sense that other groups would be looking into this lead as well. Hopefully there will be enough intel to go around," he grinned at his joke.
Ash shrugged casually. "Whatever, let's just get this over with already." She couldn't wait to get out of this stuffy, poofy, ruffly dress, even if Bepo did pick it out.
"Yeah, before this princess turns back into an asshole at midnight," Shirazuki grinned from ear to ear.
She glared fiercely at him; her fan clenched tightly in her trembling fist. She wanted to deck him for that but knew that she couldn't. "I'll get you for that later," she seethed.
He threw back his head in laughter which Oki freely joined.
Before long, the yacht arrived at the Estate. It was large and grand, but much like many she'd seen over the years. They all start to look the same after a while. She took Shirazuki's arm as he escorted her off the yacht and towards the Main Gate. Oki saw fit to escort another and struck up a charming conversation. Ash was tempted to look over her shoulder to see if Law and Yurata made it off safely but kept looking straight ahead. They'd be fine, she knew that, so why worry about them? But still…the memory of Law's tears left her feeling uneasily. That emotional slip, right before a tricky mission, was hardly reassuring.
Yurata and Law disembarked long after the main guests, so the crowd was much thinner now. They exchanged knowing glances before they parted way. Law slipped in among the other staff, not engaging in the general conversation but kept his ears open. Once inside, they were divided into their various tasks. He made sure to join the active wait staff who serviced the party. He collected his first tray of champagne and carefully followed his group into the ballroom. It was a massive room, decorated in the old style. Was it really that old or was it done intentionally to invoke nostalgia? There was a slightly smoky haze as guests were free to smoke indoors. He carefully maneuvered his way around the room, and most guests just snatched drinks straight from the tray. He fought the urge to glare at their rudeness. He was to exhibit restraint, but they were free to behave like greedy children. He briefly rolled his eyes in annoyance. But what did he expect really? The rich and the wealthy were in a class of their own, so what did they care about the opinions of those beneath them?
Whatever, it didn't matter. He just needed to find Kure Korenaga in this crowd. Thankfully that wasn't too hard. As the benefactor of the party, people were drawn towards him. All wanting a chance to catch his eye and make a good impression. Law could hear his deep, booming voice long before he could see him. "Ah, you're as angelic as ever, my dear," he gushed with exaggerated charm.
"You flatter me, Commander Korenaga," a woman giggled softly in turn.
Now he came within view. He was seated on a loveseat as he towered over his guest, grinning broadly. "Ah, so you've not heard of my recent promotion to Commodore then."
"Congratulations are in order then, to be sure," she smoothly recovered from her mistake. "Let's drink to it then."
"Here, here!" He cried out jovially. He then noticed Law nearby and gestured for him to approach. Thankfully there was something left on his tray to offer the pair. As he got closer, his heart sank into his stomach. Ash was seated beside the Commodore, looking as lovely as ever though her calm expression seemed a bit forced. He'd found her so soon, and recognized her even? This was bad! She took the glass without looking at him, as did the Commodore. Wait staff was never so openly acknowledged. She raised her glass. "A toast!" She called out. "To our charming Commodore."
Others raised their glasses and shouted their own. He laughed as he raised his in turn. "To celebrate with such friends is indeed an honor!" He tapped his glass against Ash's before drinking. There was a lustful look in his eye that began to worry Law. He quickly glanced around to see where Shirazuki was. Surely, he hadn't just abandoned her to this lecherous man! He made eye contact with his crewmen about three meters away and glared fiercely at him with a quick jerk of his head.
Shirazuki flinched but acknowledged the directive with a sheepish nod. He made his way back towards the pair. With a bow, he held out his hand towards her. "May I have this dance, my lady?"
She smiled gratefully at him and went to take his hand. Korenaga swiftly interrupted by taking hold first and pulled her up to her feet. "Not before me, surely, the guest of honor," He said as he frowned down disapprovingly at him.
Shirazuki hid his anxiety well as he took a step back. "No, sir, my sincere apologies." He murmured.
Law's blood began to boil as he watched them take position on the dance floor. Ash kept her gaze neutral, but Korenaga was openly staring at her cleavage. It was up to him to intervene now. He had to survey the movements of the dance first to know where best to recreate a room. It was risky but thankfully unnoticed through the haze and swirl of skirts and dress coats spinning about. He withdrew to the shadows and took hold of the hand of the first unattended lady that passed him. "Shambles," he muttered under his breath, and she switched places instantaneously. Startled, Ash opened her mouth to gasp, and Law clamped a hand over her mouth to silence her. He jerked his head off to the side, drawing her attention to a nearby corridor. Taking firm hold of her elbow now, he quickly led the way. He had meticulously studied the layout of this estate during the long hours' insomnia intruded upon his rest period. There should be a broom closet nearby that should give them some privacy. In his temper, he nearly pushed her in, shoving her wide skirts aside so he could close the door behind them.
"What were you thinking?" They both hissed at each other in the near darkness. The only light came through the crack under the door.
"I told you to keep your distance!" He growled deep in the back of his throat. "What part of that was unclear?"
"I tried to, believe me," she insisted. "But one dance is no big deal, I would have given him the slip afterwards." He grunted as he felt her jab a finger against his chest. "What the hell were you thinking using Shambles here? In broad sight of him? That's even more attention-getting than my mistake!"
"Blame it on the alcohol," he said dismissively as he pushed her hand aside.
"I blame it on your temper!" She snapped. "You said that you trusted me, Captain. You meant that, didn't you?"
He sighed as he lowered his head. "I did," he conceded softly. "And I do."
She sighed in turn. "Good. Then let me do my job." He didn't make a move to leave which made her worry. He wasn't crying again, was he? She reached out with her hand, cautiously trying to find his face to check but it was rather hard to see. It bumped against his cheek, and he pressed a hand against it, keeping it in place. She was relieved to discover that it was dry. "Be careful out there," he whispered.
"You too, Captain."
He chuckled softly. "After all these years, don't you think it's about time you called me by name?"
"Which one?" She gently teased in turn, feeling free to smile since she knew that he couldn't see it.
That wasn't entirely true, even the faint shadow of it made him smile in turn. He leaned forward to rest his mouth against her forehead. It wasn't a kiss, but it held the magic of one. "Whichever one, I don't care," he said flippantly.
They froze as footsteps approached. Law reached behind him to grab hold of the knob just as it twisted. He held it tightly, preventing them from opening it. "Huh, that's weird," someone muttered outside. "That shouldn't be locked. I'ma go find a key for it."
Once their shadow passed by, he turned to press an ear against the door. Once he was confident that the footsteps had retreated, he cracked it open to double-check. He gestured for her to follow, and they crept out. They made eye contact and she felt reassured by his gentle smirk. He pointed the direction he thought she should go and then turned opposite. Only when her back was to him did she smile shyly in reflection of what had just happened. A first name basis with the Captain, about damn time.