The Silent Week
11:15
Zoro had returned to Kuina not long ago, Giving Law a chance to escape to the restroom. A reason and excuse. And as he finished washing his hands he stared into the mirror. Death stared back through his eyes. She had said his monster was just a mask. Gingerly he touched his lips, Kuina's fire still on them. Kissing he knew well. When and how to use the tongue, when to press, when to bite. He prided himself on the fact that the longest it took him to figure out the right combination of movements and small noises to drive his prey crazy was less than five minutes. He had mastered the art of lust and had no shame of it. It was logical, the better you were, the better it felt, and sex was all about how it felt.
He took his fingers away, shaking his head, and looked around, confirming that he was still alone. Her lips, chapped, and cold, and weak, and soft. They hadn't had any technique, no skill, not that it was bad, just… pure. Her kiss, unlike every kiss he had ever given or gotten had not been fueled by an immediate desire to sate the carnal beast. It had been drunkenly entrusted to carry a message, a feeling, a complex menagerie of hopes and wants of things other than the beast.
The thought brought on something, a tightness in his chest, the straining of a muscle he didnt recognize, a hollowness. On some level he knew it was in his head and yet he still checked, feeling his skin with his own hand, confirming indeed he was fine, his heart was beating fast, but that was explained, his arm wasn't going numb, so it was not a heart attack, but the feeling did not dissipate, and his worry rose.
He removed his mask, checking his facial reflexes to see if he was having a stroke, but no. Everything was fine physically. Mentally though… he laughed to himself quietly, moving a hand through his hair, and staring at himself while shaking his head. She really had him freaking out over a kiss. He never got flustered, never lost composure whether he was flirting way out of his league, or delivering horrid news to a patient, so why the hell was he losing it now! He turned the sink back on, aggressively splashing his face with ice cold water. He looked up again, seeing the man in the mirror. But he wasn't sure who that was. Maybe it was just a mask. A monster, shapeshifting to belong anywhere, too above vulnerability, immune to insecurity.
The door opened with a slight whine, and behind him came someone donning a mask modeled after a Mandril.
"Oh, Law." Trafalgar watched as the owner and CEO of Sunny Publishing removed his mask, beaming him a flawless smile. "Hot out there aint it." he wiped his forehead of sweat, setting his mask on the sink, and washing his own face.
"Suffocatingly so." Law moved to the paper towels.
"You should get some night air, it's really nice out there." Luffy commented and Law flinched, Kuina's stolen kiss flashing to his mind, and his lips burned.
"Maybe" he muttered, knowing full well he planned to do nothing of the sort, although another drink sounded great. More importantly he wanted to be alone. He had to leave.
"Your mask!" Luffy shouted, and Law stopped, turning to see Luffy quickly drying a hand, and handing Law his mask. "Not much of a masquerade without it."
"Of course." Law grabbed it, but Luffy didnt let it go.
"I never got a chance to thank you."
"For?" Law cocked a brow, looking from where Luffy still held the mask to the shorter man's eyes.
"Saving Kuina." Luffy released the mask, Law didn't put it on.
"Just my job." Why did he have to bring her up? Did he know something? He had heard rumors that Luffy was tricky, even if he had never observed him being more than a fool.
"Maybe." Luffy took a step forward, his eyes unwavering, outputting an overwhelming kindness, and just a hint of attraction. "But i've known her and Zoro for a long time. I count them among my friends, so," Luffy took another step forward, the attraction rising to lust, and a hand snaking up, gripping the back of Law's neck, gently pulling him down while Luffy rose, passing his lips and whispering in Law's ear. "I'd like to thank you, personally" his tone was sultry, his breath hot, and he gave the slightest nibble on Law's ear, a practiced and expertly executed move, that awoke the beast in Law. Luffy retreated to gauge his success and Law hesitated, something he never did. But then he moved on instinct, stepping forward where Luffy had retreated, grabbing the man's hair with one hand while the other swept around Luffy, pulling him in. Law pressed into the kiss, breaking and returning, he tugged Luffy's hair and the man complied revealing his slender neck, and Law kissed, and then brought his teeth to bear, gentle, then hard when he heard the moans.
This was right. This was his element, he released the hair and brought both his hands to Luffy's hips, gripping his ass before hefting him onto the sink. He growled and Luffy growled back, flashing a toothy dare, excited and willing. Law palmed the man's tented pants drawing out delicious moans, and Law bit the man's neck on the other side. Then he pulled away, examining the messed man before him who was already greedily gripping the lapels of Laws' suit, urging to close the distance. Law caught himself in the mirror. He looked from himself back to Luffy's hungry eyes.
He could take this man. He wanted to. Break him down to nothing more than unintelligible erotic mewling mess and enjoy himself the entire time. Law wiped his lips, and kissed Luffy again. Familiar lust and skill, Luffy had it, both of it. So much that for a second Law thought he would be rendered to nothing but a desperate mewling mess. He pulled back again.
"More" Luffy's voice was dripping sex, his hands pulling, tugging, careless of Law's clothes. But he eased when Law didn't sink back into it. "What's wrong?" The man's eyes sobered somewhat, still holding lust, but also concern, control.
"Is it…" Law stopped, there is no way he would ask this. But the feeling in his chest flared again, begging him. His fingers moved to his lips again, feeling the absence of the fire, and wondering if that meant he missed it. "Is it different, when you love someone, and kiss them?"
Luffy's eyes softened further.
"Entirely." he answered, his voice losing its edge.
"How?" Law asked, his hands resting on the sink, his body still between Luffy's legs.
"Plenty of ways." Luffy started. "Total vulnerability for one thing. But it's also like coming up for a breath of air after holding it longer than you ever have. A relief, a rush of life. A reassurance of every promise ever made, a physical 'i love you'. When I kiss Ace or Sabo, I know I can set down every expectation of the world, I can reveal any secret-" Luffy said, his eyes glancing to his left, and he pointed. "-take off any mask."
Law looked at his own mask as Luffy pointed to it. Law felt the air about them change, it became softer, and Luffy weaseled off the sink. Law backed up giving him room. Luffy grabbed his arm, squeezing it comfortingly, and raised up, kissing Law on his cheek.
"I'll leave you be." Luffy redawned his mask and made to leave.
"Wait." Law said, and looked at the man's eyes. "If you want to repay that favor, then this didn't happen." Luffy didn't reply verbally, instead covering his mouth in a speak no evil gesture, and flipped him a thumbs up. Then he was gone.
Law waited a few moments, slowly dawning his mask once more. He gave a final look to his reflection, the feeling in his chest was still there. He needed a smoke.
…
11:30PM:
Perona looked out at the crowd from the staircase leading to the roof. The party was wrapping to a close, all of the real work had been done hours ago, Moria and his posse of untapped authors had been introduced to the new writers of the upcoming year, and to the new editors in romance. She saw Robin dancing with a burly man with chicken legs, no doubt the mechanic Sanji had mentioned before. They were adorable. The man with electric blue hair and phantom of the opera mask held a smile so gentle and pure as his arms engulfed Robin's slim figure.
Not far from them Nami held her new author in a slow sway apparently ignoring the company policy on dating clients. To Vivi's, had Perona liked women she would have bent or broken that rule as well. Vivi rested her head in Nami's chest to the envious discord of one Boa Hancock, who eyed them from the bar. A majority of the remaining guests were old hand clients, some kindly cleaning up while chatting with their editors, or other authors, some were still sipping the last of their drinks, or dancing.
Zoro was attempting to wrangle a very tired Kuina to go home, but the stubborn tired warrior was anxiously looking around, no doubt with eyes for her plus one. Now Perona didn't think of herself as a snoop, or eavesdropper, but she had caught a glimpse of a kiss outside some hours ago. And when the duo returned they found seats at the bar, and Law had had to cut Kuina off from drinking, and they had sat in mostly awkward silence, until Kuina had fallen asleep. Even now Kuina still sported Law's jacket on her shoulders.
Perona knew that that would not have a happy ending. She didn't know if Zoro had told Kuina that he'd slept with her doctor, or if Law had. But Perona would be sure to give Zoro hell for it now.
Marco and Gin had had to leave a bit ago, a curfew in place from their parole agreement, which was so fucking dumb in her opinion. They were out, and working, just let them live. But now she turned from the waning party and continued up the stairs, hunting for the one party socialite that had been absent for most of the night.
The door creaked open, and the bracing night wind hit her coldly, as did the sweet stench of tobacco. Sanji was there, lit cigarette dangling from his mouth, the white sleeves of his suit rolled up, leaving bare forearms to rest on the wet and dirty railing. She caught a moment of him just staring out into the night. Then he turned, a mask slipping over his lips, replaced with a warm false smile she was all too familiar with.
"A beauty fit for any realm my dear." he said, putting the cigarette out in the ashtray Kalifa had procured. "What brings you to the night watch?" the flattering line had been ripped right from a novel he'd worked on last fall.
"The party missed its flamboyant flirtatious editor. Came to make sure you are doing okay." she replied, joining him at the railing, staring out at the deep purple night, not a star visible in the sky, and a city cozy under its white blanket.
"You are too kind, too sweet. I thank you for your consideration, but I assure you i'm stellar, simply wanted one more smoke before I began corralling our guests home." Sanji's voice was flawless, perfectly inflected to fool anyone into thinking that he was indeed fine, better than fine, stellar indeed and ready to be a beacon of chivalry and beauty. It pissed her off.
"Could you perhaps treat me like a human for a moment?" her voice carried more zest than intended, but she rode its power when she saw his eyes go wide, uncertain. "I dont need you mask, i dont need 'everything is fine' Sanji. I want to speak to my friend. I want to know if they are doing okay. If I can be of help, and not be helped."
Sanji's mouth worked a couple of times, looking for words, before he failed, looking to the street below.
"Heartbreak isn't easy." She said, a hand taking his. "I know you will survive this. But that doesn't mean you are not hurting. And as much as you might think you are, you're not alone." that got his eyes to meet hers again. This time no mask, no facade, just pure, wounded blue.
"You're right." he said, wiping his eyes. "I'm sorry Perona. I am doing alright though. Gin has been walking me through this. Surprisingly helpful that one. Though most of his advice tends to start with 'my old cellmate Marco told me'" he smirked as did Perona.
"Oh yeah? Potential there?" she nudged gently.
"Maybe. He's nice, a little out of date fashion wise though."
"Oh my god, i'm so glad I'm not the only one! Where did he even find those pants? Like i thought all gay guys knew how to dress! Like did he not install the new fashion update?" She stopped when she heard him laughing.
"Go easy on him." Sanji said in between laughs, a hand desperately and fruitlessy attempting to hide his mirth.
"I have been!" Perona asserted "I havent even made any comment about it to him, but like really boy, come on, you can't try to pick up the baddest babe in the office while wearing jorts!"
"Aww, bitch, you think i'm the baddest babe?" Sanji asked, holding a hand under his chin. Perona's smile softened, and she gingerly patted his face.
"Of course, after me obviously though, I mean look at this." She gestured to herself broadly, delighting as Sanji's face dropped from glee to a scoff and look of expected trickery.
"Speaking of this." Sanji started, "Where is this gentleman that turns you into a blushing virgin? I didnt see him tonight." Sanji's hands went to his smokes, likely subconsciously, and when he noticed it, with one halfway to his mouth he paused, lookin at her. She nodded, feeling her blush rise at the mention of Usopp. A flame sparked and she looked towards where Usopp's house lay.
"I broke him." her smile was sultry and the blush burned. She knew full well that he was currently laid up in his bed with a sprained hip. Turns out he was not as flexible as he thought he was.
"You what?"
"Well you know how I'm a rigger right? So we were doing a roleplay session, stretching torture, and while i was on top, he kept begging me to pull it tighter, and-"
"You know what, i'm good." Sanji interrupted with a hand on his face, looking at the floor. "But general gist, things are good?"
"So good." she purred. "I'm going to his place after this to take care of him. We are gonna have a sleepover, and since neither of us work tomorrow we are gonna do a horror movie marathon!" She was beaming now. She had a small list on her phone of things she had to pick up from the all night convenience store. She saw Sanji smirk at her, saw a little bit of envy in the back of his eyes, and she felt bad. Reeled herself in. this was the last thing he needed.
"Im happy for you." he reached out a hand and rustled her hair. Her jaw dropped.
"You did not just do that to my hair… do you know how long it took to get it like this, you asshole, you bastard!" she started to hit him lighting on the shoulder, all the while he laughed. It was a fair payback for shoving her goodluck in his face. But still. "That's it, I'm done cheering you up, finish your gross smoke and come clean up! So uncute!" she stomped off.
"Be right down dear." He called as she went down the stairs.
…
The morning after the party was generally a mixed bag. Everyone was given time off until the new year had passed, which usually emboldened many to make somewhat riskier moves at the party. Often some worked out and others didn't. But this morning for Nami was not a mixed bag. It was a nightmare.
She had had nothing but sex dreams when she'd fallen asleep, erotic, senusal, lucid. Some where of Boa, mixed memories and fantasy, and others with Vivi, heart wrenching and filled with a sense of longing. But there was no escaping the outcome. Nami was horny. Biting her pillow and screaming horny. She desperately tried to not touch herself, curling her fists into balls clawing at her duvet. It was a bad idea. She had no obligations for a week, nothing would stop her from sliding all the way back down to where she was if she started this right now. She released the pillow, flipping over in bed, feeling the heat between her legs, feeling the beast want to be let out.
A foggy memory of ample cleavage came to mind, of Boa's hand creeping up her leg, soft fingers promising so much. Nami shuttered a breath, another memory, she'd just seen off Vivi, turning to find Boa there, leaving the party, coming towards her. A gentle hand on Nami's shoulder, a whispered invitation. A name a trigger; Kitten, pet. The mere thought of it now made Nami's eyes roll back. Last night she very nearly sauntered off drunkenly after Boa. but she'd steeled herself, catching the lights of Vivi's new million dollar car taking a turn out of the lot.
But it was an open invitation, and its allure was growing. Nami's hands gripped her inner thighs and she bit her lip trying to stay in control. The sensations on her skin felt enhanced, sending warm pulses into her stomach, she ached for it. She moaned in frustration and delight. Each touch was great, and better as her fingers danced closer to the meeting of her legs, yet they were not enough, it wasnt enough. Just a teasing that drove her mad.
Boa had loved Nami's condition. Encouraged it, demanded it, fed it. It had consumed Nami's life, her work, her friendships, until the very idea of a responsible, adult Nami had grown foggy and vauge in her memories and she had been reduced, willingly, to nothing more than a-
Her phone buzzed. Her hands snapped free of herself and she reached for it. A text from 'Do Not Respond'. Boa. It was an image. Nami debated looking at it, curiosity and horniess ultimately winning out against her better judgment. She slid the notification down just enough to get a preview. Sharpies and collars on a fluffy warm blanket. Nami's legs shook. Audible ecstasy escaped her lips. That did it. She threw the blankets off, ravaged her dresser for a pants, a shirt, a coat, she threw on socks in a mad dash, grabbing her keys, and slipped on her out of season flats just so she didn't have to bother with laces. She passed her pictures, facing them down so they wouldnt see.
Her door was locked, her bug was heating up, and she mentally mapped her way to Boa. she pulled the phone free, opening the message, and readied a reply. But it buzzed in her hand, her impulse alarm. She groaned, swiping it aside, Vivi's words echoing in her head that it cost her joy, and Nami was just gone enough to agree. She wanted this, why shouldn't she go for it?
Memories hammered her, freed from the abyss of drunken forgetfulness. Hugging Vivi, dancing with her, half confessing, and the realization that this wasn't just a crush. She lowered the phone. Looked back to her door.
No, it wouldn't work out anyways, it was foolish, Vivi was Rich, Nami was poor. Vivi was used to thousand dollar dresses, million dollar cars, fine cuisine, topline penthouses, and potential partners whose means far outdid Namis. Nami was used to this. Shitty apartments, cheap convenience food, and cars as old as her. And Nami knew Vivi's writing would be grand, too great for a community college editor to work on.
And then there was this. Her ugly truth. Vivi was right, everyone had them. Vivi was a blushing virgin, Nami had little doubt. But herself, sitting here barely able to hold herself back from pleasing herself right here in the car… she was a debased, dirty woman, and she'd ravage the poor woman. It'd be traumatizing. Nami didn't, couldn't hurt Vivi like that.
So she should go, surrender herself to Boa again. Her and Vivi wouldnt work, the proof was right here. They woukdnt be anything more than editor and writer, any relationship was against policy anyways, she could get fired… This was the responsible, adult, choice! And it fuckingng sucked!
"Fuck!" she screamed in her bug, throwing her phone into the passenger seat and hit her steering wheel with both hands angrily. She was playing herself and she knew it. She knew there was no coming back from Boa's den a second time. She would be enthralled, lost, a sex puppet, a toy. And she'd love every minute of it, wet just thinking about it.
Her feet slid to the pedals, her mind wasn't in control, something else was. A more powerful, overgrown instinct. Nymphomania. The car reversed from the spot, and started on the road.
Every memory of Vivi slid in like ocean waves at high tide. Cute dates and hand written letters, snowballs and spinning on ice. She wanted to hold her again, to be hers, to capture those supple lips with her own. But this shadow was close to being free. Nami's lust, desire, perverted and debased urges. People thought Boa was bad. Nami showed Boa what potential there was. Took that beautifully naive girl and turned her into what she was now. Nami didnt want that for Vivi. Nami didn't want that for herself anymore. But it was her. She was her shadow as much as she was her light.
She white knuckled the steering wheel taking panting breaths, foggy in the cold car. Her desire was unbearable, and worse she had no distraction, nothing to ease the ache without feeding the beast. She bit her lip, tasting blood and felt tears well up in her eyes. Her lip trembled, pain a distant note.
She struggled for a minute longer, the last scraps of sanity fighting for amy alternative to her ausered self destruction. Finally, she pried her fingers from the wheel. She picked up her phone, thanking the gods that the message hadnt sent accidentally. She backed out and moved to another contact.
'Get you ass up, I need to hit the gym.'
She sent it, and turned off her car. She'd shower and then go pick him up. If she couldnt fuck, she'd fight.
…
The silent week. Robin loved the silent week. She was able to put off all of her anxieties and stresses from work, catch up on her reading, maybe even be wild and write some of her own work. And more often than not, she took an adventure, try a new chocolate, wine, or whisky. She yawned, adjusting herself under her entrancingly warm duvet. She could if she wanted, do absolutely nothing, not even get out of bed. An alluring thought indeed. Her feet were sore from the dancing, and she smiled, eyes closed and pulled the blanket back over her shoulders, butterflies dancing about her stomach as she thought of last night.
Then her phone pinged at an unholy volume. She opened her eyes, her vision blurry without her contacts and she reached out a hand, pulling the phone from the nightstand and charger. She held it an arms length away, rubbing her eyes. An email.
One thing she regretted already about this phone was how reachable it made her. But then her mind cleared off more of the fog of sleep. No one would be at work to email her. Unless a writer was in crisis they wouldn't email her either. Perplexed, she opened it.
Kalifa… ah, Sunny Media then.
Indeed she was right. Kalifa wanted to meet later in the day, five actually, at her Partner's bar. Robin noted the current time with some surprise. She never slept till noon. Technically that remained true, but it was eleven-fifty-five.
Well, she did want to try a new whisky.
Robin eyed the whisky menu. Five o clock at Enies Lobby was not slow. The ceiling was high, with one large, antique fan spinning slow, whisking the smoke of a dozen cigars away from the patrons. The booths were well spaced, allowing ample privacy, yet maintaining a lively atmosphere.
She'd had money once to frequent places like this. She had witnessed the deals happen over gently coded conversations. Some of it was above board, most of it wasn't. She heard boyish laughter and she slid an eye to the table. Some barely out of college kid with a fresh, tame hair cut in dirty blonde and a brand new Inazuma suit was showing off to what looked like his college friends. They all wore some cheaper suits, one obviously left over from highschool and inexcusably out of place. Looks like he'd ordered a bottle.
She felt a tug from an old habit, wanting to analyze the situation, see how much she could put together. She glanced back at the menu, Kalifa had offered to get her a glass of her choice. She turned to her tender for the evening.
He'd introduced himself as Kaku, and barring a remarkable resemblance to a tattoo artist she knew, he was quite refined.
"I'd love the Ohara twenty-five, please, and a Black Maria." She handed him back the menu.
He gave a polite, impressed smile, and bowed.
"A divine choice." and went to retrieve it. She gave herself until the snifter was in her hand. She placed a hand on the table, resting her chin, turning just enough to bring the table into an easier view.
The showoff pounded a shot like he was in some slop bar. Obviously a novice, but that was telling. He wasn't born and bred in this world. His friends cemented that fact. The tall lad to his left was at least familiar with this world. And he wore a silver ring on his pinky finger. An engineer. He was also the most relaxed. He kept looking around, gauging tables. He was here to network, and the ass of an old friend was a convenient way in here. The other two seemed to just be along for the free drinks, but were nervous, keeping their eyes low as they looked around. Whether or not they did Robin had no opinion, but they obviously thought they didn't belong here.
So one over cocky graduate, a couple of mediocre shortfalls, and someone who believed they were sitting on gold and looking for bidders. She'd circle back to that last one. First, where did Showoff work. She looked to the bar, seeing Kaku placing the glass on a serving tray, next to her prepared cigar.
The Showoff poured another shot and she got a look at the bottle. Shakuyaku, twenty-one year. An eleven hundred dollar bottle. She flinched as he slammed another shot. He wore a silver Rolex, standard issue, not doing a lot of direct contact then, ruled out sales and most finance. Kaku was on the move, she was running out of time. His hand went for the bottle again, and his cuffling gleamed. G F. She knew them. Once the enemy. Gan Fall Legal. A formidable and highly moral assembly of lawyers. Or, it was once. If this was their stock now, she would be disappointed.
"Ohara twenty-five, and your Black Maria." He set the glass to her left, and the cigar to her right, closer to him, he also set down a crystal ashtray. "May I?" He offered a zippo, flawlessly withdrawing it and lighting it in one motion. It was real gold, emblazoned with the five star cross of the bar.
"After I taste the whisky." she responded politely. Again he gave an impressed smile.
"Of course." And he gently closed and set the light on the table. "At your leisure then. I understand Misses Lucci will be out shortly. I will be around if you shall require anything else." and with that he withdrew.
She lifted the snifter, and took in the aroma, wood fire and brine, like a beach. She took a taste, letting the burn linger for several masochistic seconds, taking the full body of the Ohara, tasting the very fire that had scorched the barrels. Kalifa emerged from the rear of the bar, uncharacteristically touching another person, a comforting hand to the shoulder of the woman behind the bar who was glaring at the Showoff. He would not be welcome back.
From there she spoke with Kaku, who went about preparing a drink for her. She joined Robin a second later, a small stack of papers held within an old leather tie binder.
"Miss Nico, thank you for meeting me. I trust the service has been to your liking?"
"Exceeded expectations." Robin flashed a genuine smile. Kalifa was focused, her emotions were suppressed, only showing what she wanted seen. Robin admired that. Recognized it too.
"And the whisky?" Kalifa lifted a brow.
"Mastercraft, the best I've had yet of the Ohara."
"Perfect." Kalifa gave a tight, perfect smile, and Kaku delivered her whiskey and cigar, setting her lighter on the table.
"Your choice?" Robin asked, giving a glance to her snifter.
"The same. Mrs. Lucci has a house policy of trust. The table drinks one drink. That being said, im not sure what we have here." she took a sip, admiring the flavor for a moment before swallowing.
"And?" Robin prompted. This was a bold move, if true. Kalifa was willing to bet that she could nail Robin's choice. It was no secret that Kalifa was the only one in the office that could match her eclectic tastes. But Kalifa had assured a rivalry with her over whisky in particular over the years.
"At least two decades." she sniffed it now. "Wheat, grown on the coast." She took another small sip and set the glass down, working the flavor again. She swallowed. "And a complexity left over from the barrel firing. Ah, Ohara. Twenty year. No, twenty-five. This isn't their second run of barrels."
"Well done." Robin said, impressed. Kalifa had nailed it. Not a lot of people could tell the change in flavor from when the brewery lost its barrels and had to start again. The second run had not included saffron in their spices.
"And for our cigar." Kalifa lifted it, examining the label, "A Black Maria. An Exquisite pairing." Robin gave a polite nod of acceptance at the compliment.
Into the silence Robin leaned back, watching Kalifa light the cigar. Robing followed suit, gently stroking the lighter back and forth while puffing a cherry to life.
"So I understand you wish to discuss details of Sunny Media?"
"Yes, i fear you were right, Mr. Laboon is possibly more chaotic than Mr Monkey." Kalifa puffed the cigar, finding an intense interest in a random spot on the wall. Robin did the same thing when she had to chew on a thought in buissness meetings. "But before we get to this," Kalifa's had moved to rest on the binder. "I'd like to discuss another matter."
Robin cocked an eyebrow. Another matter?
"And what would that be?"
"I should rephrase that, it is a question." Kalifa took a subtle, steadying breath then met Robin's eyes again. "I'm wondering why you chose me to be your representative in Sunny Media."
"You're not doubting yourself are you?" Robin asked.
"Not my capability. No. Be sure of that." Kalifa said without mirth.
"Then are you questioning my judgment?" Robin jested. Kalifa paused. Covering her thinking with the Black Maria, but kept eye contact.
"I know I'm not the easiest to work with. I'm rather proud of being outspoken. And not to cut it to fine, but we have not had the most peaceful relationship at work. I can't help but to question your motives. Ten million is no small sum to entrust to me."
Robin nodded. She had expected Kalifa to think like this. But truth be told she had not expected her to admit it aloud, much less to Robin herself. But she had the answer.
"I had not known Luffy long when he won the lottery. Sunny publishing had been an off-handed joke. But he took it to heart. He found a way to give back to his community. To enrich our culture, to give our artists voices. I was just like you for the first few years. Absolutely panicked over the margins. Terrified at the rate we burned through cash. It seemed to go towards a thinly gilded front. Like we were just playing at being a 'real' publishing house." Robin took another puff, and lifted her snifter, gazing at it. She took a sip.
"Logically." Robin continued "I thought that taking a slower approach, being more selective, and building up a reputable body of work to form the foundation of our reputation and revenue would be the best move. But what I failed to see was exactly what Luffy accomplished. Do you know how many books Sunny has published?"
"Five-hundred and sixty-two." Kalifa responded instantly.
"Across all the genres. You are right, we have flooded the market with niche work. Hundreds of different avenues to be found. And we have our heavy weights, smut, romance. Luffy wasn't trying to create a long term, profitable business. He was trying to find and unite a community. Three large parties every year, socializing events, networking. He mingles us among each other, fertilizing the ground, and watching as roots grow. Isolated authors now have circles of friends, Like Moria, and people like Chopper, can discover themself by stumbling upon our work. People like you and me can throw aside our ivy degrees and fulfill passion." Robin noted the chord she struck with Kalifa. By far she was the most overqualified financial strategist in the world. "If we close down tomorrow, all of that wont be undone. Our books will still be out there, to be found and cherished. He didn't invest in a publishing company. He invested in our lives, our stories, here, and tomorrow."
The table was quiet for a long while. And Robin enjoyed her Black Maria as Kalifa sorted her thoughts and sipped her whisky.
"That doesn't answer my question." Kalifa spoke softly. She wasn't being disrespectful, and Robin saw clearly that she was still processing. Robin smiled.
"You have me there. Alright. Did anyone ever tell you that when you were first interviewing for us, the hiring board was actually split at a two to two stalemate?" Kalifa's eyes widened, the only response Robin needed. "I couldn't believe it either. I took a look at your resume and thought you were a show in. but, the opposition had weight." Robin didn't want to go into detail, and Kalifa suddenly seemed more self conscious, her wrists crossed, her eyes drifting to Robin's forehead. "And I found myself with a difficult decision to make."
"You?" Kalifa asked, her icy composure slipping for a moment. But then it received, she lifted her back straight again. "I mean, you were the hold out?" Robin only nodded. "Then, what made you…?" She let the words trail off.
"I asked myself a very serious question. Why would this person give up a potential salary larger than the annual profit of our company, and work here for peanuts?"
"And?" Kalifa asked.
"Because you had a cause. An overachiever focused on results, not distracted by personal wealth. You didn't come to us in need. You came to help. I thought it best to let you." Robin maintained her gentle smile.
Kalifa broke perfect posture, reclining into the plush booth.
"Not that i was able to do much." Kalifa's tone was an astounding mix of passive aggression and self disappointment.
"No. you were up against a lot. And we are set in our ways. It may be a house of cards, but its still our house. But have you taken a realistic look at what it will be like in the new company?" Robin asked, chin gesturing to the binder. "Short term and long?" Kalifa focused, nodded.
Robin could trust her to have come to the same conclusions. Luffy would likely maintain an aloof interest, always there for the big moves, but relatively absent for the busy work. And Brook would be a pure resource, a mentor. More a creative director than a paper pusher. Kalifa would be the company. Everything it did would go through her and her staff. And she would have equal authority on how the money was used.
"I picked you because you came to Sunny Publishing too late, trying to change entrenched resistance, without the authority to do anything, and still reduced annual costs by twelve percent. More than I ever did. You came to help. But you need to lead."
…
Zoro was tired. His free week of vacation never seemed to be his own to use. Last year Sanji had taken him on a trip, the year before that Saga had surprised him with a week-long stay. And this year he was the errand boy for his friends. Nami had needed a gym session, multiple actually yesterday, and his muscles ached from it. Right now he was with Kuina on a doctor's visit. Tomorrow he was helping Marco and Gin move. He sunk further into the chair. What he wanted was to sit about and drink a little, relax, maybe catch up on his reading list. Catch a play, or hunt down another sword he could add to his collection. But the universe seemingly had little care for his wants.
"Roronoa?" A nurse called, and Both of the Roronoa's rose, following the nurse back to the exam room. Zoro noted another shift in Kuina. She had been acting strange the past two days. Nothing she gave up under easy prodding. But now the tension she had carried ratcheted up. Step by step reaching new levels and Zoro gave a silent sigh. It had not gone well at the party then. She had been stubbornly tightlipped on the details. He leaned over closer as they followed the nurse and whispered;
"We can always find a different doctor." her face took on fire and she glared at him. "What, you haven't told me anything, for all i know he took you somewhere in those hours and-"
"Good morning. Kuina, Zoro." Law said from the doorway to the room. Zoro subconsciously flinched, wondering if Law had heard him, and Kuina was absolutely on fire. Law stepped aside, allowing them to enter, and Zoro took his seat at the side of the room. He settled in, and with him settled an awkward air. He tuned out the medical talk and questionnaire, instead noting how they couldn't look at eachother, and neither would look at him. It was stilted questions, and shy, quiet answers. No gentle banter and coy exterior. No ease of familiarity. He wanted to stay, for his sister, to be here and support her. But he might just be making it worse.
He waited until Law had turned to his supply cabinet and Zoro tapped his sister's knee. Caught her eyes and gestured out the question of if he should leave. He could make up a good excuse. It wasn't so rare for him to go grab a snack, or hit the bathroom. She looked from him to the doctor. Then gave a gentle nod.
He didnt expect the hammer to his heart though. He'd been by her side through all of this, and now he realized that she wouldn't need him. She would recover, grow stronger, independent again, and the thoughts were joyous. But not without a selfish melancholy. Struck with a blindside realization that perhaps he needed her more than he let on. He made the quick excuse of grabbing a snack and left the room.
He was so caught up in that thought that he wasn't paying attention when he arrived at the vending machine. He waited patiently, lost in distant thought while the blurry figure in front of him made a selection.
Kuina was more his moral guide than himself. He may have been there for her physically, but she never slackened on her care, always confronting him on his emotional troubles. Talking him through things, comforting him when he cried, and sharing in his delight. Reflecting on her endless generosity made the guilt twist even more. He shouldn't have slept with Law. shouldn't have done a lot of things he had done this year. He had to change. And when he did he wanted to make himself a better brother to her. He withdrew his phone, pulling up the note that held his fourth draft of priorities. He added that to the second line. Then he was pulled out of his trance by a familiar gruff scoff that sent a chill to his spine. He looked up meeting the blazing blue orbs of Zeff, staring down at him, a zinger package in his hand.
"Ain't seen you around the restaurant lately. Take it you and eggplant broke up again?"
Zoro swallowed, words failing him and nodded. This was the last person he wanted to run into. Zoro knew that for the most part Sanji didn't divulge details to Zeff. but that only made the man hate Zoro all the more. Seeing the pain and not knowing the details did little to temper a protective fatherly rage.
"Well, for the best then." The words were like punches right to Zoro's heart. He respected Zeff, and to be in his disapproval was painful. As painful as Zoro's understanding. "Yet the idiot got himself another case of pneumonia." Zeff continued, a guarded flash of worry glancing upon his eyes.
"Bad enough he's here?" Zoro inquired.
"Yeah." Zeff raised an eyebrow. "Would you like to see him?"
Zoro's first reaction was to say yes, but the words died on his tongue. Would Sanji even want to see him? They had been cordial at work. If Zoro had to describe their relationship now, what would it be? Were they coworkers now? Acquaintances with a history? Were they friends? Was that an option for them? Would it be weird if Zoro checked in on him?
"Its a yes or no question." Zeff chided. "Don't overthink it."
Zoro bit his lip, then nodded. Zeff hooked a thumb.
"Right down the hall, second on the right."
Zoro forgot about his snack, and was walking. He glided past a nurse with a patient, and danced around a doctor, and rounded the corner just in time to see Gin entering the room, flowers in hand. His heart pinched, painful but brief. He crept closer, knowing full well that this would just be torture. And he leaned against the door, face neutral, staring at his feet with his arms crossed.
"They're beautiful." Sanji's voice was weak, clogged with illness.
"I'm glad. Finding flowers in the dead of winter is a challenge, there weren't many options." the was a moment of silence, then shuffling, then;
"Dont, im sick, i'll get you sick to."
"Worth the risk." then a kiss, Sanji sighed.
"You've done it now. Shouldn't you be packing?"
"Almost done. So I thought I'd come give you shit for bailing on us tomorrow." gin was jovial.
"Bastard." Sanji bit out, his tone jesting. "But, being honest this might be better. I don't know if Zoro and I are ready to be around eachother again."
"Oh? You know if you weren't ready for that, you could have just told me you were uncomfortable. You didn't have to go and get sick." Sanji gave an attempt at a laugh which ended in coughing.
"Do you think you'll want to be friends with him?"
Zoro's throat tightened. Silence lingered.
"I'm not sure… I'd say it depends on him."
Zoro couldn't take it anymore. He shouldn't be doing this in the first place. He knew it would hurt. He walked off, back towards his sister's room. He thanked the universe he didn't see Zeff on his way back. He approached her door, putting a hand on the handle and heard hushed voices on the other side. That's right. She wanted privacy right now. He released the door, looking around he spotted the elevator. He'd find a place in the lobby to wait for her, he could send her a text letting her know where to find him.
He found a table easily enough and sunk heavily into it. He fired off a text to his sister, and glanced out the window. It was snowing again, windy as well, sending flurries back and forth across the parking lot. His mind danced, from his sister to Sanji. He felt very alone. Isolated. He knew what this was. Dr. Hirilukhad talked to him about it. Naming it was power. Zoro took a deep breath. And then another. Circumstances changed. The were doing new things. With new people, they wouldnt abandon him. He took another deep breath. Repeating his mantra when his phone pinged. He flipped it over, seeing a text from Marco.
'Looks like you could use someone to talk to'
Zoro frowned, then looked around, spotting Marco at a table across the room from him. The man waved, and another text pinged his phone.
'Come sit?'
