"Urgh…" Ann couldn't help but lean back against the fine noble looking throne like chair behind her, spinning it to turn towards the lush garden outside, watching the water fountain spew out the bright blushes of geysers matching the similar shade of the sky above. She noticed the parasol poking out of her vision eyeing the blonde beauty below happily strolling across the garden without a care in the world, her handmaidens either side of her. To live like this…how dull of a world she must live in… Ann couldn't help but tut tiredly at the thought turning back to her desk drained.
How long had Ann been on this island now? In this kingdom? In this office? Ann couldn't help her headache at the thought of it all, a few days, a few weeks, a month or so and still nothing. Ann couldn't help but bite her thumb tense gnawing nibbling away at her nail towards the wanted posters pilled besides her on her desk. This was ridiculous…how could a killer be this allusive? She was better than this normally but this killer…this killer was something else…
"V-Vice Admiral Portgas?" A soldier enters the room.
"…Yes…?" The tired Ann looks up at the man.
"His majesty wishes to speak to you." He reports to her.
"…of course he bloody does." Ann couldn't help but tiredly tut following after the solider towards the throne room.
"Long live his majesty the emperor." Ann repeats brow furrowed it was partially ingrained in her now as she knelt before the king.
"You may rise vice Admiral Portgas." He allows her to do.
"...Thank you my king." She stands stoically.
"Now tell me…why are the people of my kingdom dying?" He demands from her.
"…my king…" Ann sighs sadly, exhaustion etched into the aged old question.
"I have been told of your sharp mind, for great staff officer Tsuru herself to recommend you for this task assured me a great deal so imagine my disappointment to learn my people are still suffering such gruesome deaths!" Disgusted, the King continues berating her.
"…I am trying my…" Patiently, Ann tries to speak but…
"You're clearly not trying hard enough how are we to enjoy the autumn ball?" He curtly cuts her off.
"Sir…I…!" Irritated, Ann begins but…
"That's why…I requested back up." He leans back on his throne.
"Back up?" Astonished, Ann blinks befuddled by the news just as she hears the door open.
"…Ah you've arrived, I take you know Vice Admiral Aokiji. He volunteered I'm sure he'll be a great asset indeed." He warmly welcomes the man that makes Ann's heart drops.
"Sir I promise you I can-!" Agitated, Ann stands scowling about to intervene but…
"You are dismissed." He tells her.
"Sir-" Ann goes to persist but…
"You dare question me?!" The king barks back at her.
"I ju-" Ann continues on when…
"We'll be on our way your highness." She feels a hand set on her shoulder making her scowl sharply at the hand.
"What? No! H-Hold on!" Annoyed, Ann goes to argue but…
"Good, I take you both know what you have to do. You must catch this serial killer!" The king dismisses her as soon enough she is led out of the room, fury freely flowing through her at the man by her side.
"DAMMIT!" Angrily, Ann reels her furious fist back bashing it into a nearby pillar, cracks form from said singular strike alone as she seethes.
"Did the pillar really deserve that?" The cool calm voice of Aokiji asks her watching her.
"You're right you'll be wishing you were that pillar when I'm done with you!" Ann turns to snarl snatching him by the collar, throwing him against a wall pinning him.
"Kinky…" Aokiji couldn't help but smirk slightly at the flustered face of the angry Ann.
"URGH WHAT IS WITH YOU AND MAKING THINGS WEIRD!?" Agitated, Ann barks at him, blushing brightly steam spewing out of her heated face furious from the sheer nerve of him.
"What is with you and hitting things?" He cooly counters calmly prying her off him.
"Why are you here? I didn't ask for you to be here!" Sternly, she demands from him huffing.
"You were taking too long, Sengoku thought it wise I come here." He tells her.
"With your own work I take?" She gives him a dirty look.
"…I have someone else handling my paperwork." He admits.
"Why are you eyeing me!?" Mad, she glares at him.
"…" He continues doing so.
"Oh I get it you think if you solve this serial killing I'll just hop back into doing your dirty work! ICEHOLE!" She couldn't help but curse at him.
"…I just think maybe a fresh set of eyes could help you." He tells her.
"And I think you need to bugger off!" She gives him the middle finger.
"Will you stop being so frustrating!?" He snaps at her.
"Frustrating? Oh I'm frustrating? I'm not the ass who's just come in to take my work!" She snaps back both butting heads growling glaring at one another.
"Maybe if you didn't take so long we wouldn't be in this situation!" He accuses agitated.
"Oh you wanna go!?" Ann growls rolling up her sleeves ready to end her fellow vice admiral when…
"Vice Admiral Ann?" An innocent voice calls out.
"Hm?" The two turn to the blonde beauty before them.
"Oh Penelope." Ann perks up at the sight of the girl in gold with faint florals of ruby red.
"My, my…who's your friend?" The young blonde blushes brightly by the sight of Aokiji. Ann couldn't help but hum at the sight, eyeing the pair, she supposed yes that could work quite well…
"You're new bodyguard." Ann smirks shyly shoving Aokiji over to the princess.
"Bodyguard?" The princess perks up at the title oblivious to the dirty look Aokiji sends the smirking Ann's way.
"Oh yes with the axeman about and harming elegant ladies we need someone to keep an eye on someone of your blood purity." Pleased, Ann continues on internally taunting the glaring Aokiji.
"Really?" The pleased princess smiles.
"Don't I have a say in this?" Tense, he growls glaring at Ann however…Ann rushes over draping her arm around his shoulder, bringing her down to his height as stern sherry stare into his shades.
"You get to spend time with a pretty girl, enjoy it while you can." She whispers to him.
"Ann…!" Aokiji goes to glare but…
"Ciao!" She winks, pushing him back over to the princess pleased with an extra kick to her step smiling as soon enough…
"So sir Aokiji…tell me what brought you to my home…" Princess Penelope couldn't help but ask as the two sit around the table for dinner.
"…Your father." Frankly, he reminds her.
"Ah yes…you know you're not much older than my daughter vice admiral…" Amused, the older blonde points out.
"Mother!" Penelope couldn't help but blush when…
"Will Ann be joining us this evening?" Aokiji couldn't help but ask.
"Ann…?" The mother of Penelope asks astonished.
"Oh you must mean vice admiral Portgas. You must know her well to refer to her by her first name." Penelope points out.
"…We are colleagues…" Aokiji looks to the side.
"Oh yes I suppose so…" Penelope couldn't help but take note of the tone used.
"Will she be joining us or not?" Aokiji repeats the question.
"Oh she doesn't tend to I'm afraid much too busy with work." Penelope's mother admits.
"You telling me she hasn't been eating?" Aokiji couldn't help but frown.
"W-Well we've been sending her food." Penelope's mother begins stuttering scared almost when…
"Excuse me…" Aokiji takes his leave.
"O-Okay…" Dumbstruck, the woman watches Aokiji leave as Penelope couldn't help but hum noting the plate he had taken with him.
"Come on…I'm so close I just know it!" Irritated, Ann couldn't help but seethe shake scowl at the list of suspects before her, bags dangling down descending down her stern sherries scowling at the list of suspects on her desk when…
"You know if you keep putting in nights this late, I think his highness is gonna start charging you rent." Aokiji strolls in, plate in hand.
"Hilarious, what are you doing here?" Ann couldn't help but frown from the sight of Aokiji.
"What have you found out?" Aokiji asks as he sets the plate of food down.
"Why do you ask?" Ann warily eyes the dish with a fork and knife.
"Cause the king asked both of us to investigate not just you." Aokiji pushes the plate over to her.
"Look I've got this just keep an eye on the princess." Ann turns her focus back to her posters.
"And I've got to keep an eye on the workaholic working herself to an early grave." He takes a seat, picking up a poster.
"Why do you care so much?" Ann smoothly steals it out of his hand.
"Being happy, fortunately coincides with making you happy." He admits to her.
"Bullshit!" Ann couldn't help but scowl at the clear lie however…
"I'm not lying." He simply shrugs stating how it is baffling Ann. He had to be lying, no one could be this up front, no one…
"Honestly I have no idea how you can say such crap with such a straight face?" Ann rubs her fatigued face frowning from the heat in her cheeks, trying to hide it with her hand however he sees straight through it.
"Because I'm being honest." Aokiji leans over the desk, eyeing her smirking slightly at her reaction.
"Tch and while we're talking innocent lives are being sent to an early grave." Annoyed, Ann slams said papers down on the table.
"Ann that's not on you." Aokiji reminds her.
"Sure feels like it." Ann scoffs scowling, arms crossed over her chest.
"Ann…" Aokiji furrows his brow but…
"Look just go back to the princess…" Ann waves Aokiji off.
"And why should I when she's perfectly safe and I could be helping you with this." Aokiji gestures to the investigation.
"Uh she's a princess besides I'm doing you a favour. You should be thanking me." Ann couldn't help her smug smirk, hands happily on hips.
"Oh should I now?" Aokiji couldn't help but smirk bemused by her logic.
"Uh yeah princesses are pretty not to mention loaded you should be thanking me with giving you this chance to get close to her." Ann smirks smugly at Aokiji.
"And what if I don't want to?" Aokiji frowns.
"Why not she's pretty and like I said loaded." Ann stresses.
"Is that all you think matters in a relationship?" Aokiji couldn't help but ask.
"I mean…it can just be a one off thing that's up to you nothing to do with me." Ann aloofly looks over her nails, ignoring the brief pain in her chest.
"Oh really? Nothing." Aokiji challenges.
"Yep." Ann fiddles with her nails.
"Nothing?" Aokiji eyes her.
"That is what I said." Sternly, she states.
"Why are you doing this?" Tiredly, Aokiji questions her.
"Doing what?" Ann furrows her brow befuddled.
""You don't need to keep pushing yourself so hard, you know. We all know how hard you worked to get here - it's okay to let yourself breathe now." He tells her.
"While other innocent people lose their breaths?" Ann annoyed brings up.
"…You can't save everyone…" Aokiji repeats his words to her.
"With each passing day another innocent girl dies…don't you get that?" Angrily, Ann argues.
"Every day someone dies." Aokiji shrugs.
"…Didn't think I'd hear you be this morbid…" Ann furrows her brow at him.
"I'm just being honest. Now eat." Aokiji orders, pushing the plate back over to her.
"…Fine." Frowning, Ann does just that.
"So tell me what have you found?" Aokiji asks as he looks over the paperwork while Ann quietly eats her food.
"…Nothing much. All we know is that the killer prefers his victims along main roads arrogant bastard." Ann curses cross after eating some of her food.
"Ah…I'm sure he is." Aokiji frowns at one of the suspects as the two continue conversing in a world of their own…
Quietly, the sound of children giggling echoes erupts throughout a familiar island as Ann couldn't help but stare stunned at the familiar horizon she was met by, the familiar palm tree and bush of hibiscus laid before her. Why…why was she here? She couldn't help but wonder when…
"Mama! Mama!" Voices call out confusing Ann.
"Hm?" Ann turns her eyes expanding at the small figures rushing over to her. Her eyes expanding when they grab hold of her legs, wha…what was going on?! Alarmed, Ann gawks gapes at the children below, her eyes expanding when similar sherry stare back at her, curls of perky pink held up in the small buns of the young girl beaming brightly up at her.
"We're hungry!" The boy holding her other leg whines, the young boy makes Ann's eyes expand at the mini Ace she was seeing below, both boy and girl having similar freckles to her own but his nose…his features, something was different about the boy, the boy's hair was black, curly with hints of her waves wha…what was going on? A part of Ann couldn't help but swoon slightly at the cuteness of the two when they hear the sound of footsteps approaching…
"Dad's home!" Ann's eyes expand at the two children rushing over to their father, Ann slowly but surely looks up towards the children's father, her eyes expanding at the person before her…
"S-" Ann jolts up, her eyes expanding when finding herself in bed, no longer at her desk…wha…what happened? She was in her office, she was at her desk, she remembered…
"Sleeping beauty's finally up I see…" Ann perks up at the voice, a whole wave of ruby red hitting her hard, steam spewing out of her flustered face from the voice alone, from the dream before. Aokiji stretches slouched on the sofa, releasing a small yawn oblivious to the internal crisis Ann was hitting, how could she have imagined him!? How could…
"Don't tell me you drugged my food!" Ann accuses angrily.
"Do I look like scum to you?" Aokiji couldn't help but glare lightly at her.
"Well I…of course not." Ann falters frowning from the question, she had to give Aokiji that he did have some semblance of standards.
"You fell asleep…I thought it best to take you to bed." He admits as he goes over to her bedside.
"And you slept on the sofa?" She says surprised.
"Do I detect a hint of disappointment?" Teasingly, he asks amused almost at her glare.
"Piss off." She gives him the middle finger before plopping back down in the bed curling in under the sheets.
"There's the Ann I know. Come on we got breakfast." Aokiji amused pries the sheet off her making her grumble glaring up at the ass above.
"Urgh…!" Ann groans getting up, getting ready for the day ahead…
The soft sound of knives and forks scraping against the plates below beneath Ann echo as she sits by Aokiji's side. Her brow furrowed fatigued from it all as she notes Aokiji silently pushing something over to her perking her interest, she hums, quietly taking the drink, not even batting an eye to those watching while without hesitation she sips the drink, humming pleased before going back to her meal.
"Aokiji can we go to the marketplace today?" Perkily, Penelope couldn't help but ask Aokiji, the sun shining outside the palace.
"…Sure." Aokiji simply shrugs not particularly crying.
"Yay! It'll be like a date!" Penelope perks up at the thought unaware of the twitching brow of Ann…
"…So you're going on a date you certainly move fast…" Ann smirks strained, leant against the desk of her office back at her work once more.
"The princess moves fast. It's refreshing." Aokiji admits to her.
"Yeah she's the love at first sight kind of gal…" Ann couldn't help but glare lightly to the side.
"And you are?" Aokiji wonders.
"Me?" Astonished, Ann blinks befuddled.
"What do you believe?" Aokiji couldn't help but ask her.
"…I believe there are many types of love, familiar, romantic just as there are many types of love there are many types of people…some loveable, others not so much and this desire they feel for this so called love…can either save them or poison them." Ann explains to Aokiji brow furrowed.
"Poison them?" Aokiji frowns from the wording.
"Love is like a drug its nice at first but overtime it curdles, you could also call it a gamble whether its worth it or not is up for debate…" Ann explains as she looks over the posters below.
"You haven't answered my question." Aokiji frowns at her.
"Hm?" Ann blinks befuddled.
"You believe in love at first sight?" Aokiji questions her.
"No. No I do not." Ann admits smiling at the taken aback Aokiji…
"Oh look over there isn't that pretty? Wow look at that dress! Doesn't it look cute on me Aokiji!?" Perkily, Penelope asks Aokiji seemingly bringing him back to the present, to the marketplace as he couldn't help but eye the accessory in her hands, a part of him unable to not think how much lovelier it would look on a certain vice admiral.
"The seventh victim was found along the road near the market in the evening. The foot traffic during that time of day is typically high. Based on what we gathered she was a child of count Argonia, a blonde beauty amongst nobility only second to the princess…" The solider reports to Ann dutifully at her desk, ignoring the ache in her chest.
"…Is that so…?" Ann hums.
"Then again he does tend to go for prostitutes too, blondes at that." The solider adds.
"The last victim had eyes a similar shade o the princess too…" Ann hums eyeing the picture of picture of the deceased.
"Indeed and they all seem to be nobility…" Another of the soldiers spots.
"But found in a completely different area…any witnesses?" Ann questions.
"Seeing as the report hasn't come in yet…I don't think there will be any again this time." He admits to her.
"Damn…hm?" Ann couldn't help but hum when perking up at the faint movement outside in the garden, her chest constricting further from the sid of Aokiji conversing with the perky princess….
"…You must like her a lot…" Penelope spins her parasol smiling sadly.
"Pardon?" Perplexed, Aokiji frowns.
"Vice admiral Ann." She smiles.
"What makes you say that?" Aokiji wonders.
"You way you look at her…not to mention I noticed how bored you were when out shopping." Penelope giggles.
"…I…" Aokiji rubs the back of his head.
"It's alright…are you two…?" Penelope couldn't help but ask eyeing the woman above, quietly watching from afar out of the corner of her eye.
"No." He admits.
"…I see…" Penelope hums.
"Lady Penelope it is time for lesson." A woman calls out to her.
"Ah yes excuse me." Penelope bows her head excusing herself.
"There wasn't any sign of a struggle this time either." A guard reports to Ann.
"She must've been attacked from behind then." The door opens as Aokiji comes in; hands shoved into his pockets.
"Look who decided to show up." Ann cranes her head back brow furrowed at Aokiji giving him a playful glare.
"I knew you'd be bored without me here." Aokiji smirks as Ann couldn't help her shy smirk simply shaking her head at him, the two sharing a look as the soldiers spare looks, not quite sure what to make of the pair until…
"Mam if I may…?" A soldier shyly speaks up seemingly snapping Ann and Aokiji out of it.
"C-Continue…" Coughing, Ann calmly composes herself, hiding her brief stutter, her faint flush as Aokiji leans against the desk, arms crossed, a small smirk pleased by her reaction almost.
"The first victim is the only victim to have defensive wounds on her body…" The solider does just that.
"Irregular movements…moreover each murder occurs in time of high foot traffic and yet there are never any witnesses…this isn't going to be easy…" Aokiji takes note of.
"See my issue now…? The only thing we do know is the interval between each killing is getting shorter." Ann couldn't help but curse scowling.
"Have you looked into the information from the intelligence guild on this island?" Aokiji wonders.
"Yes they noted the fact that the murderer travels to many different locations." Ann answers.
"The culprit might be some kind of guide of some kind." Aokiji argues.
"I want all records pertaining to active guide activities then round up any guides without an alibi and report back to me." Ann orders her men.
"Yes mam!" They rush off to do just that.
"…What?" Ann takes note of Aokiji eyeing her.
"Nothing…" Aokiji shrugs.
"If you got something to say then say it." Irritated, she orders him.
"…I really don't I like it when you take charge." He admits astonishing her.
"…There's a murderer on the loose and you're making things weird!" Ann couldn't help but blush brightly by his honesty.
"You're the one saying I'm making things weird." Aokiji shrugs, setting something down on her desk.
"Cause you are! Urgh just go check on the princess! We've got a ball soon so you need to keep an eye on her!" Ann turns her back to him, waving him off.
"Aye aye captain…" Cheekily, he salutes her.
"Tch…hm? What the…?" Ann blinks befuddled by the box before her, she picks it up, noting the note attached…
Thought of you…x…
"…stupid icehole…" Shyly, Ann opens the box blushing brightly by the small hibiscus hair piece inside.
"Did she like it?" Penelope couldn't help but ask Aokiji.
"Like what?" Aokiji frowns sat down across from her.
"I think you know what I'm referring to…" Penelope giggles gleefully.
"Who knows…" Aokiji shrugs.
"Right this should do…" Ann looks herself over in the mirror smirking smugly.
"Are you certain about this vice admiral?" The soldiers couldn't help but eye her prostitute attire as the soldiers couldn't help but squirm blushing brightly by the sight of Ann.
"This has gone on long enough besides I can handle this guy, he goes for prostitutes so I know what to do." Ann smirks smugly.
"And what of vice admiral Aokiji?" One of the soldier ask unable to look her in the eye.
"What about him?" Ann arches a bemused brow.
"Does he know about this?" One of the soldiers couldn't help but ask.
"He doesn't need to all he needs to do is keep an eye on the pretty princess." Ann dismisses waving the soldier off.
"Vice admiral…" The others couldn't help but worry.
"Now let's end this." Ann smirks sliding the dagger into the sheath attached to her bare thigh, taking off ready to end it…
"Vice Admiral Aokiji?" The soldiers perk up at the sight of the man making his way over to the desk.
"Give me the list of coachmen across the island." Aokiji commands.
"Coachmen?" The soldiers couldn't help but wonder.
"Now!" Aokiji commands cross.
"Y-Yes sir!" They do that terrified.
"Of the list of coachmen who own multiple carriages and therefore have the ability to commit the crime about twenty of them own two or three carriages and after eliminating those coachmen who were too old we've narrowed it down to ten different men among those we selected those whose movements were traced to places where their horses were placed, watered or fed…" The soldiers report to Aokiji.
"In the end this is our prime suspect…" Aokiji frowns at the last remaining poster.
"Yes sir." The soldiers nod.
"Hm…where is this person right now?" Aokiji questions the soldiers.
"We are currently trying to locate him. We heard that he stopped to water his horse in a stable to the southeast around noon." They report.
"And where's vice admiral Ann?" Aokiji frowns from the lack of Ann as a immediate wave of silence hit the uneasy soldiers.
"A-About that sir…" Shyly, the soldiers begin but…
"WHAT!?" Ice coats the whole room from the news many soldiers frozen solid from Ann's plan.
"S-Sir!" One of the frozen soldiers shake scared ice coated all over him, being one of the lucky few not fully coated however…
"THAT IDIOT!" Angrily, Aokiji heads towards the door.
"V-Vice admiral sir!" The soldier pleads hopeful for aid however…
"I'm gonna kill her!" Aokiji seethes snarls as the frozen over soldiers are left to it…
The loud laughter echoes erupts from the bar many men and women coming out, drunk plastered having the time of their lives. The moon shines down upon the people below, stars shining besides the meek moon as Ann resides in the shadows.
Quietly, Ann leans against the brick wall, the ice-cold roughness brushing against her bare back, brow furrowed from the sickly stench of perfume. Perfume…so they tried to cover the stench with perfume… Ann couldn't help but be bemused by the foolish tactic, as if that would work on her, the stench of copper of iron of blooded was rooted in her, it's a smell she could never forget…Ann closes her eyes briefly brow furrowed from the thought of a laughing man about to be executed, the stench hanging heavily as his head fell…still she was fine, she was ready for this, she could do this. Her hand slides down over to her thigh towards her blade brow furrowed at the splatter of iron below.
She could do this she could…
"Found you!" Ann's eyes expand at the voice, at the familiar ice cold hands grabbing her wrist, holding her pinning her to the wall.
"Shit!" She goes to ready her blade but falters frowning the familiar rough icy child hands on hers.
"The hell are you playing at?" Angrily, Aokiji glares glowers down at Ann pinning her to the wall while Ann herself couldn't help but blush from the close proximity, what was he doing here? What was he…?
"I could ask you the same, what are you doing!?" Ann hisses harshly back getting close to him, her nose briefly brushing against his own.
"Saving you!" He snarls back, teeth gritted grinding together at her.
"I don't need to be saved!" She snarls back up at him.
"You went behind my back to take on a killer!" His grip tightens on her, earning a shy chill coursing down her spine.
"A killer I could handle I had this case first anyway!" Agitated, she snippily snaps back brow furrowed.
"It doesn't matter who had the case first you shut me out of the case." He blames brow furrowed.
"Because I had it handled." She snippily snaps back, both butting heads.
"Clearly…what are you even wearing?" Aokiji couldn't help but look her up and down.
"What do you think?" Defensively, she sneers snippily scowling.
"…I mean I'm not complaining…" Candidly, Aokiji admits admiring her attire as a wave of ruby red hits her.
"You perv!" The flustered form of Ann hisses harshly at Aokiji.
"This coming from the woman acting as a prostitute." Aokiji's grip loosens, his hand now entwined with her own, drawing patterns into her hand.
"Oh please you couldn't afford me even if you tried…" Blushing, Ann looks away unable to look him in the eye.
"That right? Then let me ask you again do you believe in love at first sight?" Aokiji leans in.
"This again?" Bashfully, Ann keeps her head away from him, trying to hide her bright blush.
"I'm curious…" Cheekily, he gently holds her chin gently guiding her head back over to him.
"Urgh…my answer is the same no. I think it's more like infatuation at first sight. Love takes time." Tiredly, Ann dismisses brushing his hand off her chin.
"Really? Because I'm pretty sure I fell in love with that adorable smile of yours the moment I saw it." He admits astonishing Ann.
"Smooth talker, huh? Well, you've got a way with words, but love? That's a bit much." Ann smirks, trying to dismiss the blush on her freckled facial features.
"Call it what you want, but you're stuck with me now." Aokiji smirks slightly at the sight of the pouting Ann.
"You really are just bad ideas, wrapped inside a pretty body." Ann grumbles glaring to the side.
So you think I'm pretty…" Pleased, he gently holds her chin once more.
"Ugh, wipe that smug look off your face! I said you're pretty annoying is what I meant," Ann once again brushes his hand away.
"So you're thinking about me then." Aokiji continues teasing the flustered form of Ann.
"I swear you make me want to scream." Ann huffs trying to keep a lookout despite her heated face.
"In what way?" He leans in his temple touching her own smirking smugly at her face practically ignited by his words alone.
T-Crap!" Flustered, Ann begins but falters from noting the man getting off the carriage, quickly wrapping his arms around Aokiji.
"What are you…?" Aokiji blinks befuddled when she suddenly pounces on him.
"Just follow my lead!" She whispers as Aokiji's eyes expand when her lips met his own as next the two knew…they were kissing like crazy, like their lives depend on it. Ann couldn't help but be surprised when Aokiji easily takes control Ann surprisingly not being against it as next she knew she's kissing him harder, deeper, with a fervent urgent need she's never known before.
His tongue slips inside her mouth, gentle but demanding, and it's nothing like she's ever experienced, and she suddenly understands why people describe kissing as melting because every square inch of her body dissolves into his. Ann couldn't help but blush when he needs a moment to breath as does she when he removes his lps from hers but instead of stopping, the two seemingly share a look, heaving huffing, no words needing to be shed for the silent conversation between the two as he leans down. He places his lips to her neck, gentle gnawing, nibbling, pecking away at her neck as she couldn't help the small noise she emits out from the pleasurable sensation of his teeth teasingly touching her neck, her fingers grip his hair, pulling him closer before his lips meet her own once again.
Ann's veins throb and her heart explodes. This was not her first and she highly doubted this to be his first but even then she had never wanted anyone like this before. Ever. He pushes Ann backward, her back hitting the wall and yet the rough jaded jagged edges of the brick weren't so bad they were cool to the touch, a sensation she warmly welcomed with her heated back. She couldn't help but eye his hand on her thigh not minding it one bit as for a brief moment she had lost all senses, she didn't care about the king, she didn't care about wandering passerby's, she really didn't care, she didn't care about any of that. All she wanted was him and he her.
The weight of his body on top of Ann's was extraordinary, his height easily towering over her and yet thanks to that she felt safe, secure protected, a feeling she happily accepted. She felt him—all of him—pressed against her, and she inhaled his shaving cream, his shampoo, and that extra scent that's just … him. The most delicious smell she could ever imagine. She wanted to breathe him, lick him, eat him, drink him. His lips taste like honey. His face has the slightest bit of stubble and it rubs my skin but I don't care, I don't care at all. He feels wonderful. His hands are everywhere, and it doesn't matter that his mouth is already on top of hers, she wanted him closer closer closer…
The sound of the carriage taking off stops the pair perturbed as they turn to see the carriageway leave.
"Crap…! He got away!" Agitated, Ann curses cross, heaving huffing, her lips bruised.
"It's fine." Aokiji comes out of the alley.
"Huh?" She turns just then…
"What the…!? My wheel!" The man in the carriageway cries out.
"It's been…frozen…! Internally, Ann takes note of, brow furrowed unable to not give a dirty look to the man by her side as the soldiers rush in ready to apprehend the killer.
"Come on…" Aokiji makes his way over unaware of the furious flush form of Ann, anger freely flowing through her shame hitting her hard, she…she had this under control, she was…she was going to handle it and yet he…he just…!
"Please spare me! Please forgive me! I-I was wrong I beg you it was my family you see they needed the money ah it hurts…" The man chained cried out armed men surrounding him as she and Aokiji approached.
Hm? Ann couldn't help but blink befuddled by the sudden warmth on her, she eyes the familiar dark blue jacket over her. Why did he…? She soon spots the soldiers staring at her, scarlet seeping out of their noses only to flinch freeze fearful of who though? She notes the sudden ice chill in the air eyeing Aokiji stoically standing by her side when…
"Just tell us who put you up to this?" Aokiji demands from the man.
"I…" The man meekly begins but next they knew…
"GET DOWN!" Ann calls out taking them all aback at the shot fired, the man falls to the ground, scarlet seeping out of the man long gone from the world, taking his answers with him…
How many days had it been since then…? Ann did not know…all she knew now was that she was tired, frustrated but most of all drained. She and Aokiji…Ann's fingertips gently brush against her lips brow furrowed from the thought of it all as she sat in her seat at her desk dutifully trying to complete the report to Sengoku, sure Aokiji had send in the verbal confirmation of the killer's demise but they would still want paperwork not to mention with the lack of information they couldn't leave, not yet not right away. The man they were aiming for was killed after all meaning this whole business was not done, not yet until they could firmly nib the bud in they were not allowed to leave and so they stayed, Ann hating every single second of it all…
How could she be so unprofessional? She had a plan if Aokiji hadn't arrived, if he hadn't blown her cover, if he hadn't distracted her…a bright blush crosses the angry Ann slamming her hand over her flustered fatigued face from the rush of emotions of it all…if she had been alone she could have integrated him, gotten the answers they needed but no she was too emotional, too tired, to fatigued, she got swept away, swept up in it all. She was a vice admiral, she couldn't afford to do that sort of thing…but she had to make a distraction or else her cover would have been blow…Ann couldn't help the strained sound she lets out having no clue how to process it all, hating the fact that she enjoyed it, she couldn't she wasn't allowed to…what was wrong with her!? He had not only undermined her but had…had…Ann couldn't help but frown fatigued from flipping from one emotion to the next. She needed some air, she needed something to distract her, she needed…
He pushes Ann backward, her back hitting the wall and yet the rough jaded jagged edges of the brick weren't so bad they were cool to the touch, a sensation she warmly welcomed with her heated back. She couldn't help but eye his hand on her thigh not minding it one bit as for a brief moment she had lost all senses, she didn't care about the king, she didn't care about wandering passerby's, she really didn't care, she didn't care about any of that. All she wanted was him and he her.
Ann stops flinching flushing from the murky memory resurfacing, hating every single second of itself and herself as she left her office, steam spewing out from her heated form, needing an escape.
"Aokiji this is my fiancée Andrew…" Pleased, Penelope introduces her fiancée.
"Thank you for protecting my fiancée." The man bows his head to the stoic Aokiji.
"Andrew had been away on some business during this whole affair." Penelope reveals to Aokiji.
"…That so…" Aokiji exclaims.
"Indeed. We hope to announce our engagement out the ball." Penelope revels.
"I also plan to find the most daring beast for my beloved." Andrew adds.
"Andrew you needn't go so far for me." Penelope assures him.
"Penelope." Andrew swoons.
"I mean it whatever you hunt for me I'll cherish it always!" She smiles oblivious to the twitching brow of Aokiji, his shades subtly hiding his annoyed expression when…
"Argh!" The three perk up at the sharp cry below.
"Hm?" Penelope and co look down from the window, their eyes expanding at the training ground below. Aokiji's brow furrows at the pink ponytailed woman, blade in hand, the armed soldiers crying out as she deals with each and every one of them…
"What is she doing now?" Aokiji tuts tiredly taking off to find out what Ann was doing.
"Are you an idiot? I told you, you can't use all your strength to strike without knowing exactly where the target is. How do you expect to defend yourself as you try to pick your blade back up?" Ann places a hand to her hip, eyeing the sniffling man below beneath her.
"I'm sorry it was my mistake!" The man whimpers weakly while she holds the practice blade.
"Why are you apologizing to me? If this is the best you can do as a knight to this kingdom…you won't be able to protect the king let alone the princess. And you yourself will only end up getting killed in vain. It's crucial you improve your skill." Sternly, she scolds the sniffling man.
"Ara, ara what's going on here?" Ann's eye twitches tense at the voice alone, the air turning cold.
"Nothing you need concern yourself with." Ann sneers snippily scowling at Aokiji, her back to him.
"Say that to the group of disgruntled men over there." Aokiji eyes the group of bloodied bruised beaten men on the floor.
"Not my fault they wanted to fight." Flippantly, Ann shrugs Aokiji off.
"I'm sorry for letting you down master Portgas…" The man beneath her apologises.
"I don't remember taking on a student like you." Stoically, she points out.
"Ann…it's not a good idea to take out your frustration on them." Truthfully, Aokiji tells her.
"Shouldn't you be with the princess?" Pointedly, she dismisses him.
"Shouldn't you stop harming soldiers, Sengoku won't be pleased by the medical fee he may get." Aokiji warns her.
"Not my fault these guys are weak." Ann scoffs smirking smugly.
"You still shouldn't take your frustrations out on them." Aokiji tells her.
"I haven't broken any bones have I?" Ann argues.
"Not yet…" Aokiji frowns at the sight of the men below.
"Just state your purpose or leave." Agitated, Ann coldly commands.
"If you want to let off some steam why not have a round with me?" Aokiji offers seemingly summoning an ice blade in his grasp.
"You…PISS ME OFF!" Ann angrily snarls lunging at Aokiji, her blade bashing into his ice blade.
"M-Master Portgas!" The soldiers gawk gape at the sight however…
"BASSSTARRRRD!" She releasing a flurry of rage as Aokiji with ease blocks each of those hits.
"H-He's dodging master Portgas with ease!" Another soldier spots Aokiji easily avoiding her hits blocking some at that as well, further frustrating Ann.
"Don't forget they both are vice admirals…!" Another soldier points out.
"Not to mention Aokiji-san has been in the marines longer than Vice Admiral Portgas…" A nearby marine adds.
"Look at how fiercely she attacks she's a demon!" They couldn't help but compare terrified at the frenzy frantic flurry of hits she sends his way however…
"Are you done?" Calmly, Aokiji deals with them all unfazed.
"ARE YOU!? YOU ICEHOLE!" Incensed, Ann angrily yells, getting in his face, her blade clashing with his own.
"S-Scary…" Those watching on couldn't help but shake scared.
"Care to explain why you're mad…" Aokiji calmly asks her.
"Why I'm mad? Why do you think?!" Tense, she barks back at him.
"…Need I remind you, you kissed me." Aokiji sternly says to her, Ann's eye twitching tense from his words.
"…Kissed? The vice admirals…kissed!?" The marines couldn't help but murmur amongst themselves taken aback.
"GET OVER YOURSELF YOU ICEHOLE!" Irritated, Ann yells tripping him.
"Oh? Is there something else?" He goes with the fall unfazed by her towering over him, her blade impaled to the ground by his face, teasingly touching his cheek.
"You're undermined me!" Scowling stern sherry scowl down at him.
"Undermined?" He raises a befuddled brow as she crouches down before him.
"Yes! I had that killer sorted if you had just trusted me. I would have gotten all of our answers we wouldn't still be on this island it would have been sorted!" Seething, she accuses agitated.
"And you think rushing to the root is the source?" Smoothly, he asks her.
"Better than losing our chance to getting to the root!" She argues agitated.
"Ann…" Aokiji's brow furrows at the girl above.
"I had it handled but you had to just stpe in and be the hero didn't you?" Ann sneers snippily scowling down at him.
"I was protecting you!" He scowls sharply up at her.
"Protecting me? Who the hell said I needed your protection!?" Ann angrily yells back.
"I did!" He grabs her arm.
"Oh and you can decide this!?" She scowls at his hand.
"You're reckless!" He goes to throw her however…
"And you're a asshole!" She flips him back pinning him down once more.
"The king said we would both work on the case you froze me out did you honestly expect me to trust you after freezing me out like that!?" Aokiji snaps at her Irritated.
"I expect you to keep out of my business and stop babying me! I can make my own decisions my own choices I don't need you saving me I'm not weak!" Ann angrily snaps at him.
"When did I say you were weak?!" Aokiji barks back at her.
"Oh please you all think it, its thanks to you undermining me that I can't be taken seriously!" Ann accuses agitated.
"Ann you and I both know I wouldn't have let you kiss me if I didn't let you…" Aokiji gets in Ann's face flustering frustrating her.
"T-That…" Ann stutters shocked oblivious to the hand reaching for the ice blade until…
"I win." She feels the ice cold blade teasingly touch her neck.
"Cheater." She glares glowers down at him.
"I still win." He remains resolved.
"Like always right…? Tch you logia users are arrogant bastards." Ann stands scowling.
"Ann where are you going?" Aokiji stands sternly demanding that from her.
"None of your damn business!" Bitterly, Ann barks back storming off just done as Aokiji simply sighs shaking his head at the angry Ann going on her way…
"AAAHHHH!" The sharp scream bellows throughout the manor making Ann stop startled in her steps towards the bloodcurdling screams.
"…The hell?" Ann's eyes dilate, her nose twitching tense towards the sickly stench of copper coating the air as she follows the sickening smell of iron making it to a room of snow white. Her eyes expanding at the scene she is met by…
"Please…please spare me…please show mercy! I made a mistake forgive me your highness!" The maid wails with long locks of black, wearing her maid attire as she is held by the guards grimacing looking uncomfortable as they hold her by the arms as she wails. She sits on her knees, crying, sobbing waterfalls of tears descending down her voice cracking breaking before the uncomfortable guards as small shards of porcelain lay littered on the floor, some small beads of white amongst the dusty carpet of ruby red.
What was going on? Ann couldn't help but stare stunned at the man smiling above the whimpering wailing woman. Ann couldn't help but notice the woman's torn back, blood oozing out of the slick slash marks, blue bruises littered all over, some tinged to purple even pitch-black disgusting Ann.
"This lowly person dared to break a bowl in front of me how could you have been so careless? We must punish her right away." Andrew grins greedily at the thought tightening tensing the whip in his hand, a bloodthirsty glint gleaming in her eyes, looming over the wailing woman.
"Y-Your highness…P-Please spare me…!" Miserably, she pleads to him however he simply raises the jagged whip, Ann's eyes expanding noting the faint tinge of dried blood on the ends as it goes to strike the maid down when…
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Angrily, Ann yells, her hand grabbing hold of Andrew's arm.
"Oh Portgas nothing much just a little piece of entertainment is all." Aloofly, he brushes his hand off her.
"I think you've had enough." Sternly, she stands protectively in front of the woman going limp in the guard's arms. The guards tense up alarmed alert almost frightened from the sheer sight of Ann as she glares glowers at the nobleman.
"Oh and a lowly marine trash like you can tell me overwise…? Seems someone needs to be punished…" Andrew couldn't help but licks his lips, tightening the whip.
"If you don't want your wrist broken I suggest you do as I say." Seriously, she advices as she glares glowers at Andrew, flinching fearfully back from the intensity of said glare.
"…You dare…!" Astonished, Andrew takes a shaky step back baffled by the sheer nerve of the woman before him, the guards too look just as astonished if not alarmed anxious for the woman before them.
"What's all that damn noise?" Grumbling, the door then opens as Aokiji comes in, rubbing the side of his head, Ann frowning at the man before her.
"Ah vice admiral it would be wise for you to tell your subordinate her place compared to someone like me…!" Andrew eagerly perks up at the sight of the man pushing past Ann blanking her out almost as he turns to warmly welcome the grumbling man, no doubt having woken up from a nap.
"Excuse you…?" Groggily, Aokiji couldn't help but glare lightly at the man that had caused him to wake up, being surprisingly patient Ann couldn't help but take note of, recalling him often shouting at those that tried to wake him up.
"You see that look in her eye! A lowly mutt like her should be put down!" Andrew angrily points to Ann.
"…mutt?" Ann simply glares at Andrew.
"Take the maid to the doctor Ann." Aokiji tells her, the two sharing a look as the furious fierce flames of Ann seemingly cool from the silent conversation both have with their eyes alone.
"…Right." Ann grunts, picking the young girl up.
"Hmph. Lowly women should really know their place!" Arrogantly, Andrew smirks smugly unaware of Ann's eye twitching.
"…!" Ann turns on her heel, blood burning boiling blaring when the crisp cool ahnd around her wrist stops her, her heated sherry staring into stern shades before grumbling, the fierce flames cooling as she leaves with the girl…
"Poor girl…" The doctor couldn't help but tut tiredly eyeing the girl, Ann had delivered to the doctor.
"Does this always happen?" Ann couldn't help but eye her scarred back being banaged up.
"To her yes." He admits.
"Why her?" Ann frowns.
"…It is not my…" The doctor dutifully begins but…
"Yeah patient doctor confidentiality right…does he do this often?" Ann curtly cuts him off, aloofly annoyed as she brushes him off.
"Not as severe as with her but yes he often does it to the female maids, harassing them and the like." He admits that to her.
"…Course he bloody does…" Ann couldn't help but tut tiredly recalling some of the raven haired maids having lately dyed their hair blonde…
"…Guh…" The low groan from the woman below piques the interest of the doctor and Ann.
"Samantha are you alright?" The doctor rushes over to the wounded woman's side.
"D-Doctor Grayson…" The woman whispers weakly tearful.
"Thank the heavens…" Happily, he smiles at her just then the door opens…
"…Ann…" A frowning, Aokiji waits for her.
"I'll leave you to it." Ann excuses herself.
"Thank you for this…" The doctor thanks her as Ann leaves.
"How is she?" Aokiji asks leant against the wall while Ann quietly closes the door.
"She's awake…the back didn't look like it was infected." Ann admits as they linger in the hall, Ann eyeing the potted plants on the windowsill, her brow furrowed at the potted plants specifically.
"…good." Aokiji grunts.
"Huh…" Ann couldn't help but eye the potted plants below.
"Enjoying the flowers are we?" Aokiji shoves his hands into his jacket joining her side eyeing the potted plant.
"Questioning them more like…" Ann mutters.
"Questioning them?" Aokiji questions.
"Having an assortment of such poisons out in the open, she either has no sense of self preservation or she's arrogant…" Ann furrows her brow by the side plucking some of the herbs.
"How so?" Softly, Aokiji wonders.
"Well for one that herb there can make a man infertile for the rest of his life and that one over there can paralyse a sea king if used with the right dosage." Ann admits to Aokiji.
"…mind telling me how you know this?" Aokiji frowns at Ann.
"Who knows…? I've been told I'm a rather vindictive person particularly to my ex lovers." Ann gives him a teasing look.
"So you have exes." Aokiji hums.
"That's what you got from that? As do you…need I point out?" Ann gives him a look.
"…I take it you got that from that witch." Aokiji crosses his arms over his chest.
"Indeed. Still for her to have this out in the open like this…is very interesting…" Ann hums eyeing the herbs in her hand.
"Ann…" Aokiji furrows his brow at her.
"Hm?" Ann takes note of the change in tone.
"You need to reign it in." Aokiji warns her.
"Explain?" Ann challenges chuckling amused almost at the warning.
"That maid…" Aokiji begins but…
"Oh I'm sorry did you expect me to stand by as someone was screaming bloody murder?" Ann curtly cuts him off.
"You know what I mean." Tiredly, Aokiji sighs.
"No I don't." Disgusted, Ann glares lightly at Aokiji.
"I like it as much as you." Aokiji tells her.
"If you supposedly like it as much as me then why are you telling me to turn a blind eye to this bullcrap?" Ann demands from him.
"…You know why. I may not be able to-" Aokiji begins but…
"I told you I don't need your protection." Annoyed, Ann reminds Aokiji.
"You do realize what these people could do to you? They could make you a slave Ann! They could…" Aokiji couldn't help but feel his blood boil by the thought of them taking her a wife only to toss her aside a few years later for death…he himself had seen what those nobles could do, the bruises, the pain, the injuries inflicted on their many wives…
"…So I should just turn a blind eye as so many others suffer?" Sternly, Ann argues angry at the thought.
"…" Aokiji goes silent from her words.
"I'm sorry but unlike you I can't just do nothing when I know I can do something to help someone." Ann admits to Aokiji staring straight at him unfazed as she then turns her back to him, heading off.
"Ann…" Aokiji grits his teeth together, fist firmly formed shaking as he watches her leave.
"One two three one two three princess if you look too light on your toes it will look frivolous be more grounded again one two three one two…there we go…!" Approvingly, the tutor smiles at the sight of Penelope practicing, Ann however sits seated on the windmill calmly turning the page of her book bemused by the ridiculous lesson before her, grounded? Why does it matter? You're just moving some limbs about the place…
"Is something funny vice admiral?" The old woman glares at Ann.
"Just how much pressure you're putting on some silly dance." Ann admits amused.
"Silly dance? You forget your…!" The woman wearing black glares glowers at Ann.
"What? Just saying…" Aloofly, Ann brushes the old woman off, the old woman wore oval lenses and had her hair held up in a gray bun.
"I had heard marines did not know much of formal events but to see someone as high of a rank as you like this…disturbs me…" The old woman couldn't help but sneer snippily at the unfazed Ann.
"Sounds like more of a you problem." Ann turns the page of her book.
"It's alright Ann it's rather fun…" Penelope admits to Ann as Ann couldn't help but eye Penelope…
"This lowly person dared to break a bowl in front of me how could you have been so careless? We must punish her right away." Andrew grins greedily at the thought tightening tensing the whip in his hand, a bloodthirsty glint gleaming in her eyes, looming over the wailing woman.
"Y-Your highness…P-Please spare me…!" Miserably, she pleads to him however he simply raises the jagged whip, Ann's eyes expanding noting the faint tinge of dried blood on the ends as it goes to strike the maid down when…
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Angrily, Ann yells, her hand grabbing hold of Andrew's arm.
"Oh Portgas nothing much just a little piece of entertainment is all." Aloofly, he brushes his hand off her.
Did she know…? Did she know the true nature of the man she would wed…? Surely not. Ann closes her book brow furrowed, surely she should tell her, warn her of the freak she would marry…? But then that could be messy, cancelling a wedding a noblemen's wedding at that would lead to undesirable results…besides she was a visitor it was not her place to ruin such things…the two were clearly fond of one another that was obvious and yet…Ann couldn't help but think to that maid…why…? Why her? Why specifically was she being injured in such a manner? It nagged at Ann…Ann knew she couldn't involve herself with noble affairs it wasn't a marine matter despite how happy they are to bend to the will of the celestial dragons…
"Ann? Are you alright?" Ann perks up at the call of her name noting Penelope staring at her, concern clear on her furrowed features for the marine, a still silence ensues between the two till…
"I just find it difficult to understand why Penelope needs to know how to hold her skirt properly or why she can't speak plainly to people, shouldn't people just say what they want?" Ann aloofly dismisses changing the topic, taking note of the older woman warily watching them, she couldn't talk to Penelope not with her there, for all she knew she could be a spy of Andrew's…
"What are you…?!" The insulted maid gasps at the sheer nerve of Ann.
"Hehehe…" Penelope herself however couldn't help but chuckle.
"Your highness…?!" The maid couldn't help but gasp at Penelope's reaction.
"How refreshing to hear someone speak so plainly…I take you haven't been to many balls Ann…" Penelope couldn't help but giggle at Ann.
"Not my style." Ann dismisses aloofly going back to her book.
"Clearly. As a person of noble birth of course it matters rift raft such as yourself could never understand." The old woman sneers snippily adjusting her oval lenses.
"Rather be riffraff than be fake." Aloofly, Ann shrugs staring out at the window.
"Why I…!?" The old woman couldn't help but seethe snarl at Ann.
"It's alright grandmother." Penelope assures her.
"Penelope…" The old woman couldn't help but worry.
"Ann just does not know what she means…" Penelope points out to her.
"I just mean I've never seen a guy who cared about such things…why is it the noblewoman have to behave as such! It's unfair… " Ann rubs the back of her neck.
"I take it you keep the company of men often." The old woman sneers.
"…Excuse you?" Ann blinks befuddled.
"Men and women are not the same young lady these rules of etiquette show intent. Is it the way that nobles show that they have wealth and status unlike commoners who have to suffer through life. Additionally the education of noble women is not a vanity strictly learned etiquette symbolises the dignity and prestige of a noble family." The old woman explains to the annoyed Ann.
"Shouldn't that be true for the men of a noble family then?" Ann argues.
"No." The woman states.
"No!?" Ann couldn't help but scowl.
"Men have many different ways in which they can demonstrate their prestige apart from etiquette as lady Penelope knows there are scholarly pursuits as well as swordsmanship in comparison women have less opportunities to do so. Therefore, it must try to show it in other ways like through the pleats on their skirt or through their manner of speech just to name a few." The old woman explains to Ann.
"So in the end it's a double standard, a woman must live as a prop for her family while the man can do as he likes…" Frowning, Ann couldn't help but scowl.
"Vice Admiral! How dare you… riffraff like you will never understand the fine art of the world of politics!" The old woman begins but…
"Grandmother…how about you go get some tea?" Penelope politely suggests to her.
"But…" The old woman begins brow furrowed.
"I'll be fine grandmother." Penlope promises her.
"…Alright." The old woman leaves.
"Practicing for the ball…sounds stressful." Ann frowns at Penelope.
"That's the duty of a princess." Penelope proudly proclaims.
"…Princess…do you…how long have you known your husband?" Ann changes the phrasing of her question.
"Oh well…a year or so now." Penelope smiles.
"A year? You're marrying a man you've only known for a year!?" Astonished, Ann gawks gapes at Penelope.
"He's from a wealthy family." She smiles.
"So?" Ann frowns.
"So…?" Penelope quirks her head to the side smiling innocently.
"You'll be spending the rest of your life with this man are you really alright with that?" Tense, Ann couldn't help but ask anxious at the thought alone.
"I understand your worry but in my world it's just the way it is." Penelope smiles at Ann.
"…Right…" Ann frowns furrowing her brow at Penelope.
"He also comes from very noble blood, the purest second only to the celestial dragons his hopes to take me to Marejois." She boasts beaming brightly.
"…That so…" Ann frowns.
"Indeed!" She smiles.
"I'll…just take my leave." Ann sighs getting up once Penelope's grandmother returns to the room, giving her quite the dirt look.
"Indeed I shall see you at the ball tonight." Penelope bows before Ann.
"Very well then." Ann grunts going on her way leaving the two to it.
"Right well I'm reee-what's with the dress?" Ann stands in her room, straight ready for the guard duty ahead when she then takes note of the dress on her bed befuddling baffling her. Her brow furrows from the sight of the dress below, taking note of the maids making their way over.
"Lady Penelope wanted to give it to you tonight my lady." The maid bows before the astonished Ann. Ann eyes the head maid, a girl with short orange hir braided into buns of sorts she seemed fairly short compared to the rest of the maids.
"…That right? Surely I should be wearing my marine clothes.." Ann couldn't help but take a step back brow furrowed from the numerous maids soon filing in alarming her.
"I'm afraid she insisted mam, an order from her nobleness." The maid bows before Ann.
"…Greeeat…just…great." Ann couldn't help her strained smile.
"You'll be fine are you ready mam?" The maid asks Ann.
"Let's just get this over with." Ann grunts grumpily.
"Very well…" The maids smile happy to help as soon enough…
"THE HELL IS WITH THIS THING!?" Ann yells struggling squirming clinging to the dressing screen, nails digging deep scraping against the wood while feeling the firm foot dig deep into her back pulling tugging at the corset coiled around the struggling Ann, legs shaking, buckling briefly before the group of maids acting as if it were part of the norm.
"Just a little more! Hang on my lady!" The head maid cheers the struggling Ann on, practically planning a death wish for each and every one of the maids.
"Can't…breath…" Ann heaves wheezes blue in the face frightened for her life almost at the torture she was undergoing.
"You did so well my lady we'll just go get your makeup now." The maids clap for her, were they being sarcastic? She couldn't tell, she didn't have the energy to as she had to hold herself, cling to the dressing wall so she wouldn't fall as next she knew…they had gone to get makeup, much to her relief.
"Makeup? Hold on…tch dammit…least I can regain some semblance of control." Ann heaves huffs weakly reaching for her pen knife of sorts, swiftly slashing at the back of the corset, tearing the strings off, loosening it, freeing her briefly before they had come back as she slotted it back into her thigh vestment of sorts as soon enough…
"You look lovely Ann doesn't she look lovely Andrew?" Pleased, Penelope perkily greets the grimacing glaring Ann, hating every single second of this nightmare of a ball. She had planned it all, how she would take out each and every one of them before they could take her out…just talking with one made her feel as if a part of her brain had begun to melt away, erode away even at the sheer stupidity of these people, every single second she spent sharing air with these people she felt the oxygen in her brain be taken out of her, sapping away at her energy at her patience almost.
"…Quite." Andrew grunts, glancing down towards…
"My eyes are up here." Ann quickly cuts him off in a low tone warningly glaring at the man.
"Hmph only good asset on you." Andrew grumbles going back to his dream.
"What was that?" Tense, Ann growls glaring at the creep when…
"I know being nobility may be hard for you to understand Ann but that's why I thought tonight I'd treat you to a one in a lifetime opportunity of being noble for the night enjoy yourself." Penelope smoothly steps in, had she heard her husband, or had she feigned ignorance? Ann did not know and at this point frankly she did not care, all she cared about was leaving this place.
"…sure will…" Ann smiles strained while internally cursing the pair, so she was just some Guinea pig for them then that was it? Some commodity for the rest of the nobles to laugh at and mock…she spotted Andrew's smug smirk making her blood boil by his look alone confirming it as next she knew…she was leant against a pillar, downing her glass just as she spotted some brave soul about to approach…
"Come near me and see what happens." Ann growls glaring at the brave soul.
"EE-EEp…" Siad soul swiftly slithers away.
"I see you're making friends…" Ann perks up at the cool chill in the air, craning her head back against the podium she had leant upon to eye the man by her side seeking sanctuary in the safe shelter she called the podium, watching the rest of the nobles converse amongst themselves.
"And I see you didn't have to become a guinea pig for the night, lucky you…" Bitterly, Ann couldn't help but sneer snippily at the sight.
"Glad to see that you decided to show up." Aokiji admits to him.
"Tch…are you here to make fun of me?" Ann accuses, she knew a fair few back at base would be paying all sorts to see this…to laugh at her, mock her or worse…
"No, I'm actually just here to make sure you're okay." Aokiji admits to her.
"I'm fine." Snippily, she snaps swigging her wine.
"You don't look it…" Aokiji takes note of her furrowed frown.
"I just…don't like this sort of thing." Tense, Ann admits exhaustion etched into her tense tired tone, she just wanted to go home, was that so hard to ask?
"Strange you seem the sort to be the life of the party…" Aokiji hums.
"You're kidding right?" Ann couldn't help but frown at Aokiji.
"Hm?" He hums raising a brow by the look sent his way.
"My form of fun would probably be drinking with some close mates maybe then go to bed and relax on some sofa…" Ann admits, she wasn't that much of a party animal not unless she had some drinks in her…
"…didn't pin you as that sort of person…" Aokiji couldn't help but admit.
"Yeah well even I have my limits at parties, my brothers don't boy they don't." Ann admits amazed, her brothers were something else when it came to parties. Ann couldn't help her sad smile at the thought of her brothers, swirling the glass in her hand she eyes the liquor within the fine glass. That is until she feels a hand softly on her cheek bringing her head upwards.
"…why did you cover your freckles?" Frowning, Aokiji gently places his thumb across her cheek brushing the makeup aside smearing it to see some semblance of freckles peering through.
"Hm?" Ann blinks befuddled by his question.
"They're gone." Aokiji takes note of disappointment drenched in his tone.
"Ah that…the maids did it." Ann admits surprised by Aokiji's reaction.
"…" Aokiji couldn't help but frown from the sight.
"You look disappointed." Bemused, Ann takes note of surprised.
"…I like your freckles." Frankly, he admits to her.
"You're kidding." Amused, Ann couldn't help but chuckle.
"Why would I kid about that?" Aokiji couldn't help but ask astonishing Ann as a familiar heat hits her cheeks once more.
"I don't know…when I was a kid people thought I was sick due to them." Timidly, Ann admits as she shyly shakes the glass in her hand, swirling it gently, bowing her head watching the liquor move unable to look the man in the eye unable to let him see her bright blush.
"You serious?" Surprised, Aokiji says stunned.
"Yep that led to a few choice fists." Ann couldn't help her strained smile staring down at her glass once more as her fingertips fidget around the neck of the glass at the murky memories…
The young Ann makes her way about Batrielle bored out of her mind when rocks are suddenly thrown her way.
"Run the sicko's here!" The children cackle running away.
"Wait I'm not sick!" Ann calls out to those her age but…
"She'll infect us all!" They continue running cackling.
"I'm not-argh!" Ann cries when a stray rock manages to nick her eye making her hiss, scarlet stemming down the side of her head from the jagged rock at her feet.
"Hide or else you'll die!" Another of the kids holler as they hide. The young Ann's lip stifles, tears beginning to form from the soft sting of her wound to their words as next she knew…
"I'm…I'm…I'm not sick…" Ann couldn't help but sniffle sadly, tears in her eyes as they silently fell while the laughing kids ran away.
"You're sick!" The children of Batrielle call out to the young Ann glaring at them.
"I'm not sick!" The young Ann tells the kids.
"Yeah you are no wonder you're dad left you!" Another of the group of kids call out smirking as the girl silently glares at them, her fists clenched.
"I bet you got it from him pirates carry all sorts of sickness!" Another of the kids call out.
"SHUT UP!" The young Ann angrily lunges towards the boy, a firm fist to the face making the boy cry out, a tooth shooting out, scarlet stemming the floor below, scaring the girls amongst the group.
"Why you…!?" The older boy rushes at Ann as Ann angrily yells back, the two rush at one another as they begin to fight as next she knew the sniffling, bruised bloodied black eyed Ann had returned home, her mother simply silently staring down at the sniffling wreck before sighing, taking her ripped clothes to fix with food ready.
"Don't you mean words?" Aokiji's words bring Ann out of her thoughts. Ann couldn't help her small shy smile, a faint tinge of pride blooming within her.
"I meant what I said." Smirking, she sips her drink, her tone teasing Aokiji almost as he couldn't help his small smile from her words.
"You're mental." Aokiji bows his head bemused by her phrasing.
"I prefer unique." Ann smiles silently sipping her drink.
"You're special alright…" Aokiji couldn't help the look he gave her as Ann bashfully bows her head blushing, not used to such a look of warm sent her way, sending shives down her spine, her heart racing baffling her. She was normally the flirter and those that flirted…it was never like this, it was never this…real.
"Oh no praise on the dress then?" Teasingly, Ann changes tone arching a brow bemused challenging Aokiji almost as she smirks looking up at him.
"Would you be offended if I said I liked you without the makeup?" Aokiji asks.
"I'd call bullshit." Ann scoffs smirking.
"I mean it with that amount of makeup you got on I can't see you blush." Aokiji admits.
"So…?" Ann raises a befuddled brow.
"When you blush it's the cutest thing ever." He confesses as steam spews out of Ann from the one shot.
"…H-How…?" Ann stammers stunned shocked scarlet staining her facial features, smoke spewing out of her once more.
"Hm?" Aokiji couldn't help his small smile at the flustered mess that is Ann.
"How do you say this crap without even an inch of embarrassment?" Ann whines, slumping her shoulders unable to look anyone in the eye.
"I have nothing to be embarrassed about." Aokiji tells Ann unfazed.
"I…I'll never get you." Ann whispers weakly.
"And I'll never get what these people…" Aokiji frowns at the nobles.
"I don't think anyone can…" Candidly, Ann admits arms crossed. A still silence occurs between the pair but neither of them bat an eye to it, Ann unconsciously seemingly leans into Aokiji's side, his hand around her waist, giving a few men eyeing Ann looks as they quickly back away, Ann none the wiser to it. She herself spots some noble daughter giving her dirty looks glaring at her at the man by her side. She however simply sighs, not even batting an eye to them, simply seeking solace and companionship in a room full of strangers to them both as she watches people beginning to dance.
"…Wanna dance?" Aokiji offers surprising Ann.
"Say what now?" Ann jolts up alarmed.
"You don't have to if you don't want to." Aokiji assures.
"Aren't you meant to be on guard duty?" Amused, Ann couldn't help but point out.
"Aren't you?" Aokiji cooly counters, offering his hand to her.
"…I…look I can't dance…" Apprehensive, Ann eyes his hand offered to her.
"Why not? You must have danced before." Aokiji assumes.
"Sure but not formal." Ann anxiously admits.
"You'll be fine just trust me." Aokiji tells her.
"Hmm…fine." Ann shyly slides her hand into his as he leads her to the dancefloor.
"Here we go." Aokiji exclaims following the beat as Ann anxiously follows…
"…dance, dance…dance dance…" Ann whispers weakly, chanting it under her breath brow furrowed firmly focused on her feet.
"You don't have to say dance every time you make a step." Smirking, Aokiji looks down at Ann amused almost at her face firmly focused on their feet.
"…Sorry formal dancing isn't my sort of thing." Tense, Ann admits.
"That right?" Aokiji picks her up spinning her with ease with the crowd.
"Yeah the closest I ever did to dancing was dancing around some fire…or dancing when drunk…does sword fighting count as dancing?" Unsure, Ann couldn't help but wonder making Aokiji smile softly at Ann.
"Do you actually want me to show you how to do this? So you don't hurt yourself and others." Aokiji offers.
"…please." Pleadingly, Ann whispers weakly making Aokiji's smile soften at Ann.
"Ready?" He asks her.
"…yeah." Shyly, she nods as soon enough she follows his lead, her eyes expanding as she gets into it.
"Th-This is kinda fun." Shyly, she smiles.
"Yeah…" Aokiji couldn't help but agree as he laces his hand through hers, the pair sharing a smile.
"Didn't picture you as much of a dancer…" Ann admits a part of her impressed as he spins her with ease.
"You never asked." Aokiji simply shrugs.
"Pff…you're so ridiculous." Ann couldn't help her small smile.
"You're smiling I'm taking that as a win." Aokiji tells her, arm around her.
"Dumbass…hm?" Ann giggles but falters frowning when noting a familiar maid skulking about, staring straight at Andrew happily conversing with the crowd, an arm around Penelope.
"What is it?" Aokiji notes her furrowed frown.
"It's that maid again…" Ann whispers.
"The one who was whipped?" Aokiji frowns following her gaze.
"She…she doesn't look well…" Ann whispers concern clear in her tone.
"…you wanna check in on her?" Aokiji sighs.
"Yeah you don't mind?" Ann asks hopeful.
"Go for it…just don't do anything reckless." Aokiji requests stopping said spin as they remove themselves from the dance floor.
"Thanks besides if I saved you all for myself I think those noble birds would have killed me." Amused, Ann winks taking note of the girls still glaring trying to be playful towards him however…
"…Just be careful alright." Attentively, he reaches out brushing a stray stand of her hair behind her ear, bringing a fierce flush of ruby red to her facial features from the move alone.
"A-Aren't I always?" Shyly, she smiles up at him however…
"Do you want a list?" Aokiji gives her a look making her chuckle.
"I'll be careful I promise." Ann assures Aokiji as to her surprise, he leans down placing his lips to the top of her hand, her eyes expanding at the gesture feeling a number of heated glares on her brightly blushing form before heading away, leaving Aokiji to his admirers…
Quietly, Ann makes her way up the stairs silently staring at the maid, her head down still staring at Andrew, the look in her eye was a look Ann knew all to well. However, Ann's heart dropped when the maid suddenly looks over, baby blue meeting Ann's sherry red as she ran away similar to a scared bunny almost as Ann couldn't help but curse trying to chase after her however…
"Urgh I'm not going to get anywhere with this thing." Ann couldn't help but curse cross, taking out the knife from her holster, swiftly slashing at some strands of the dress. Now she could move properly…all she had to do was find that maid.
Quietly, Ann follows the maid into a room, an empress sized room making her furrow her brow by the sight. This could fit a whole family and it's all for one person? Ann shakes her head now was not the time for that, what mattered now was…the brisk breeze brushes through Ann's long locks of pink perplexing, perturbing her. She turned to spot the brisk breeze brushing the curtain a bit, revealing a small slither of a view, it was almost taunting her like a hand telling her to come over. Slowly, she follows calmly, carefully until the brisk breeze blew open the curtains where she found the maid crying her heart out. Now…what?
Ann didn't really know what to say to the wailing woman holding her stomach, the tears freely falling from her till she steps forward onto the railing.
"WHOA! STOP!" Ann calls out to the young woman.
"H-Huh?" Samantha eyes expand at the sight of Ann.
"Uh…hi." Awkwardly, Ann smiles strained at the unstable woman.
"You…!" Samantha glares glowers at Ann.
"L-Let's not get too hasty here okay?" Ann anxiously eyes the railing the woman was perched upon.
"…Didn't someone tell you to mind your own business…?" Samantha hints.
"Sure but when someone is about to do something real stupid it sort of becomes my business." Ann tells Samantha.
"You…you don't know anything! Anything about what he did…!" Distressed, Samantha sobs.
"…Did…did he hurt you?" Ann anxiously couldn't help but ask.
"I loved him…I loved him more than anyone but…he chose her…he said he would give me the world…" The tears freely fall from the sobbing Samantha.
"You mean Andrew right?" Ann assumes.
"H-How…?" Samantha stutters shocked.
"I saw how you stared at him…" Ann tells her.
"He…he said he loved me you know? More than that wife of his…and now…I just have to prove I love him just as much…we…love him just as much!" Samantha smiles her hand sliding down to her stomach.
"We…don't tell me…" Dread hits Ann hard.
"He…he had to treat me coldly if his parents knew his pure blood mixed with my dirty blood…they could never approve of you he…he said he'd get rid of her so we could…" Her fingertips dig deep into the fabric of her torso.
"…The shooter…" Ann whispers brow furrowed from it all clicking.
"We…we're meant to be together we're…all those beatings, those slashing, those pushes he was doing it out of love for us, protecting us from his parent's scorn and now I have to repay him, prove to him my devotion…" Distressed, Samantha smiles at Ann, the tears freely falling.
"Don't please!" Pleadingly, Ann begs but…
"Now with this act…you'll officially recognise our relationship right?" Smiling, Samantha leaps down.
"Oh for…!" Ann curses cross, diving down after her into the lake below.
Aokiji calmly leant against the wall, blanking out the girls clinging to him below, eyeing the glass in his hand when…
"AHHHHH! SOMEONE FELL IN!" Someone screams startling Aokiji, his eyes expanding at the voice alone watching as everyone rushes over eager to see.
"What!?" Aokiji scowls towering over most managing to peer through, his eyes expanding, his heart dropping at the woman falling into the water below.
"Vice admiral do something!" Scowling, Penelope snaps at him.
"He can't he's a devil fruit user!" One of the girls who had cling to him argues.
"Guards!" Andrew calls out.
"Wait someone's gone in after him!" Someone spots.
"Ann…!" Aokiji's eyes expand at the sight of the pink haired blue diving in after her.
"LET ME GO! LET ME DIE!" The woman wails in Ann's arms.
"Like hell I'm doing that!" Ann growls glaring struggling in the water.
"Just do it I don't deserve to live I don't…!" Samantha sobs.
"Just shut up!" Ann snaps shouting startling the woman when they make it to shore.
"H-He loves me…" Samantha sniffles softly.
"No he doesn't." Ann deadpans.
"Yes he does he promised a life together for us both for-!" Firmly, Samantha begins but…
"That isn't love! Stop deluding yourself and be honest with yourself…! It's okay to be angry, it's okay to be vengeful, its okay to want revenge!" Ann tells Samantha holding her arms.
"His blood he's…" Samantha begins but…
"Who gives a singular shit what that monster is!?" Incensed, Ann argues.
"…" Samantha's eyes expand when hearing her words.
"You want revenge don't you?" Ann assumes, noting the dark look in Samantha's eyes.
"…It…it's impossible." Samantha's shoulders slump saddened.
"What if I could offer you something? Safety for both you and your child…" Ann offers.
"You…you would do that?" Samantha perks up hopeful.
"If you would just trust me on this…" Ann stares straight at Samantha.
"Why…why are you helping me?" She couldn't help but ask Ann.
"Because if I see someone in pain when I know I can help I will especially if its against two dirtbags I want to see get their just desserts." Ann admits to Samantha.
"You…you would help me…?" Samantha sniffles sadly.
"Yes but you have to follow what I say very carefully can you do that?" Sternly, Ann asks Samantha.
"Y-Yes" Samantha nods.
"Ann…!" She hears Aokiji call out to her.
"Right pretend to be unconscious." Ann orders.
"O-Okay…!" Samatha goes limp in Ann's arms.
"Are you alright?" Aokiji rushes over to Ann.
"We're fine can someone bring the doctor over?" Ann asks.
"A maid…?" Penelope gasps, a group of nobles behind them.
"…Typical." Andrew glares glowers down at her.
"We'll handle this everyone else go back and enjoy the party." Penelope announces to the crowd.
"Indeed don't let the riffraff ruin the mood!" Andrew adds.
"…ruin the mood?" Ann couldn't help but scowl.
"Oh indeed come alone." Penelope focuses on the nobles.
"Typical maid…" Andrew glares glowers down at Samantha.
"Typical…?" Ann could feel her blood boil as Aokiji took Samantha out of her hands, taking her inside.
"…It would have been better if she had died…" Penelope mutters making Ann's eyes expand when hearing her words.
"I beg your pardon?" Ann turns to frown at Penelope, fan in hand hiding her facial features but Ann could see the ice cold glare on the woman.
"Thank so much for taking care of the maid Ann, who knew how much trouble we could have gotten into if she had died…" Penelope bows before Ann.
"Hmm…" Ann hums before following after Aokiji.
"You alright?" Aokiji couldn't help but ask as they approach the medical bay.
"I'm fine Kuzu." She smiles at him.
"The hell were you thinking jumping in there?" Aokiji couldn't help but demand from her.
"I couldn't just leave her to drown." Ann argues as Aokiji sets her down on the bed.
"You could have tripped you idiot you could have…!" Aokiji stresses.
"Kuzu I'm fine promise." Ann sets her hand on his arm.
"…Don't scare me like that." He sighs hugging her taking her aback.
"Sorry…" Softly, she whispers placing her head on his upper arm as he leans down to hug her.
"I'm going to check on the guards…" Aokiji tells her.
"Alright…" She smiles shyly at him her eyes expanding when he leans in, gently brushing his lips to her temple taking her aback as ruby red hits her cheeks but before she could call out to him, he's long gone.
"Is…is it okay now?" Shyly, Samantha asks from the bed.
"Yeah it's alright." Ann takes a seat by her side.
"Is he…?" Samantha shyly begins but…
"He doesn't matter right now. What matters is, your future. Does he know?" Ann gets straight to the point.
"Who?" Samantha ponders perplexed.
"Andrew." Ann frowns.
"…Yes." Samantha nods.
"He does huh…" Ann furrows her brow by the news.
"He…he and his wife both know I thought…we had it all planned out Edward would marry and then I'd become a mistress I…I was okay with that but…" Samantha explains.
"Penelope wasn't." Ann exclaims.
"…No. She was not." Samantha answers.
"…That would explain the whippings…" Ann mutters.
"…" Samantha goes quiet pained.
"The best thing you can do is leave." Ann admits to Samantha.
"…Leave?" Samantha says softly surprised.
"I know someone they can give you a safe place you can start a new life." Ann assures.
"You…you'd really do this for me…?" Samantha whispers.
"So long as you keep the kid we'll be fine. That kid could be your key to freedom." Ann takes out a familiar herb smirking smugly, a dark glint gleaming in her eyes.
"Keep them…? You…you really think so?" Samatha whispers.
"It's a possible avenue in which to take." Truthfully, Ann admits.
"He's my child." Samatha defensively disputes.
"And he has a purpose as does everyone in the world…all I ask for you to do is build connections, stand on your own too feet your time will come for your child…" She tells Samantha.
"You…you really think so?" Samatha repeats still shocked.
"I know so. Just follow my lead." Ann tells the young Samantha shyly bowing her head doing just that as soon enough…
"It's a shame you're leaving so soon…" Penelope sighs sadly as she and her husband sit before Ann standing stoically.
"Yes on behalf of the marines we thought to give you a farewell present." Ann hands out a small wine bottle.
"Some wine…" Andrew scowls at the bottle.
"From Marejois?" Penelope perks up at the label.
"My, my thank you." Andrew smirks.
"Splendid simply splendid. We must try it at once shall we my love?" Penelope reasons.
"Yes lets." Andrew agrees as the two pour their respective glass.
"Cheers…" The two clink glasses downing them oblivious to Ann's sly smirk at the sight as Ann bows before the two then leaves them to their booze.
"You look happy…" Aokiji takes note of the smirking Ann leaning over the railing of the marine ship, watching marines ready for the trip ahead.
"You could say that." Ann smirks spotting Samanatha shyly holding a suitcase, the doctor guiding her to the small boat.
"Isn't that…?" Aokiji frowns at the solemn Samantha.
"Seems she was fired…I'm sure she'll find work elsewhere." Ann stretches smirking.
"You sound confident." Aokiji takes note of leaning over the railing by Ann's side.
"Call it a gut feeling." Ann smiles at Aokiji as the two head back to HQ.
*Happy Easter...I really hope you like this chapter, what do you think of Ann x Aokiji now? As always would love to know!*
"Urgh…" Ann couldn't help but lean back against the fine noble looking throne like chair behind her, spinning it to turn towards the lush garden outside, watching the water fountain spew out the bright blushes of geysers matching the similar shade of the sky above. She noticed the parasol poking out of her vision eyeing the blonde beauty below happily strolling across the garden without a care in the world, her handmaidens either side of her. To live like this…how dull of a world she must live in… Ann couldn't help but tut tiredly at the thought turning back to her desk drained.
How long had Ann been on this island now? In this kingdom? In this office? Ann couldn't help her headache at the thought of it all, a few days, a few weeks, a month or so and still nothing. Ann couldn't help but bite her thumb tense gnawing nibbling away at her nail towards the wanted posters pilled besides her on her desk. This was ridiculous…how could a killer be this allusive? She was better than this normally but this killer…this killer was something else…
"V-Vice Admiral Portgas?" A soldier enters the room.
"…Yes…?" The tired Ann looks up at the man.
"His majesty wishes to speak to you." He reports to her.
"…of course he bloody does." Ann couldn't help but tiredly tut following after the solider towards the throne room.
"Long live his majesty the emperor." Ann repeats brow furrowed it was partially ingrained in her now as she knelt before the king.
"You may rise vice Admiral Portgas." He allows her to do.
"...Thank you my king." She stands stoically.
"Now tell me…why are the people of my kingdom dying?" He demands from her.
"…my king…" Ann sighs sadly, exhaustion etched into the aged old question.
"I have been told of your sharp mind, for great staff officer Tsuru herself to recommend you for this task assured me a great deal so imagine my disappointment to learn my people are still suffering such gruesome deaths!" Disgusted, the King continues berating her.
"…I am trying my…" Patiently, Ann tries to speak but…
"You're clearly not trying hard enough how are we to enjoy the autumn ball?" He curtly cuts her off.
"Sir…I…!" Irritated, Ann begins but…
"That's why…I requested back up." He leans back on his throne.
"Back up?" Astonished, Ann blinks befuddled by the news just as she hears the door open.
"…Ah you've arrived, I take you know Vice Admiral Aokiji. He volunteered I'm sure he'll be a great asset indeed." He warmly welcomes the man that makes Ann's heart drops.
"Sir I promise you I can-!" Agitated, Ann stands scowling about to intervene but…
"You are dismissed." He tells her.
"Sir-" Ann goes to persist but…
"You dare question me?!" The king barks back at her.
"I ju-" Ann continues on when…
"We'll be on our way your highness." She feels a hand set on her shoulder making her scowl sharply at the hand.
"What? No! H-Hold on!" Annoyed, Ann goes to argue but…
"Good, I take you both know what you have to do. You must catch this serial killer!" The king dismisses her as soon enough she is led out of the room, fury freely flowing through her at the man by her side.
"DAMMIT!" Angrily, Ann reels her furious fist back bashing it into a nearby pillar, cracks form from said singular strike alone as she seethes.
"Did the pillar really deserve that?" The cool calm voice of Aokiji asks her watching her.
"You're right you'll be wishing you were that pillar when I'm done with you!" Ann turns to snarl snatching him by the collar, throwing him against a wall pinning him.
"Kinky…" Aokiji couldn't help but smirk slightly at the flustered face of the angry Ann.
"URGH WHAT IS WITH YOU AND MAKING THINGS WEIRD!?" Agitated, Ann barks at him, blushing brightly steam spewing out of her heated face furious from the sheer nerve of him.
"What is with you and hitting things?" He cooly counters calmly prying her off him.
"Why are you here? I didn't ask for you to be here!" Sternly, she demands from him huffing.
"You were taking too long, Sengoku thought it wise I come here." He tells her.
"With your own work I take?" She gives him a dirty look.
"…I have someone else handling my paperwork." He admits.
"Why are you eyeing me!?" Mad, she glares at him.
"…" He continues doing so.
"Oh I get it you think if you solve this serial killing I'll just hop back into doing your dirty work! ICEHOLE!" She couldn't help but curse at him.
"…I just think maybe a fresh set of eyes could help you." He tells her.
"And I think you need to bugger off!" She gives him the middle finger.
"Will you stop being so frustrating!?" He snaps at her.
"Frustrating? Oh I'm frustrating? I'm not the ass who's just come in to take my work!" She snaps back both butting heads growling glaring at one another.
"Maybe if you didn't take so long we wouldn't be in this situation!" He accuses agitated.
"Oh you wanna go!?" Ann growls rolling up her sleeves ready to end her fellow vice admiral when…
"Vice Admiral Ann?" An innocent voice calls out.
"Hm?" The two turn to the blonde beauty before them.
"Oh Penelope." Ann perks up at the sight of the girl in gold with faint florals of ruby red.
"My, my…who's your friend?" The young blonde blushes brightly by the sight of Aokiji. Ann couldn't help but hum at the sight, eyeing the pair, she supposed yes that could work quite well…
"You're new bodyguard." Ann smirks shyly shoving Aokiji over to the princess.
"Bodyguard?" The princess perks up at the title oblivious to the dirty look Aokiji sends the smirking Ann's way.
"Oh yes with the axeman about and harming elegant ladies we need someone to keep an eye on someone of your blood purity." Pleased, Ann continues on internally taunting the glaring Aokiji.
"Really?" The pleased princess smiles.
"Don't I have a say in this?" Tense, he growls glaring at Ann however…Ann rushes over draping her arm around his shoulder, bringing her down to his height as stern sherry stare into his shades.
"You get to spend time with a pretty girl, enjoy it while you can." She whispers to him.
"Ann…!" Aokiji goes to glare but…
"Ciao!" She winks, pushing him back over to the princess pleased with an extra kick to her step smiling as soon enough…
"So sir Aokiji…tell me what brought you to my home…" Princess Penelope couldn't help but ask as the two sit around the table for dinner.
"…Your father." Frankly, he reminds her.
"Ah yes…you know you're not much older than my daughter vice admiral…" Amused, the older blonde points out.
"Mother!" Penelope couldn't help but blush when…
"Will Ann be joining us this evening?" Aokiji couldn't help but ask.
"Ann…?" The mother of Penelope asks astonished.
"Oh you must mean vice admiral Portgas. You must know her well to refer to her by her first name." Penelope points out.
"…We are colleagues…" Aokiji looks to the side.
"Oh yes I suppose so…" Penelope couldn't help but take note of the tone used.
"Will she be joining us or not?" Aokiji repeats the question.
"Oh she doesn't tend to I'm afraid much too busy with work." Penelope's mother admits.
"You telling me she hasn't been eating?" Aokiji couldn't help but frown.
"W-Well we've been sending her food." Penelope's mother begins stuttering scared almost when…
"Excuse me…" Aokiji takes his leave.
"O-Okay…" Dumbstruck, the woman watches Aokiji leave as Penelope couldn't help but hum noting the plate he had taken with him.
"Come on…I'm so close I just know it!" Irritated, Ann couldn't help but seethe shake scowl at the list of suspects before her, bags dangling down descending down her stern sherries scowling at the list of suspects on her desk when…
"You know if you keep putting in nights this late, I think his highness is gonna start charging you rent." Aokiji strolls in, plate in hand.
"Hilarious, what are you doing here?" Ann couldn't help but frown from the sight of Aokiji.
"What have you found out?" Aokiji asks as he sets the plate of food down.
"Why do you ask?" Ann warily eyes the dish with a fork and knife.
"Cause the king asked both of us to investigate not just you." Aokiji pushes the plate over to her.
"Look I've got this just keep an eye on the princess." Ann turns her focus back to her posters.
"And I've got to keep an eye on the workaholic working herself to an early grave." He takes a seat, picking up a poster.
"Why do you care so much?" Ann smoothly steals it out of his hand.
"Being happy, fortunately coincides with making you happy." He admits to her.
"Bullshit!" Ann couldn't help but scowl at the clear lie however…
"I'm not lying." He simply shrugs stating how it is baffling Ann. He had to be lying, no one could be this up front, no one…
"Honestly I have no idea how you can say such crap with such a straight face?" Ann rubs her fatigued face frowning from the heat in her cheeks, trying to hide it with her hand however he sees straight through it.
"Because I'm being honest." Aokiji leans over the desk, eyeing her smirking slightly at her reaction.
"Tch and while we're talking innocent lives are being sent to an early grave." Annoyed, Ann slams said papers down on the table.
"Ann that's not on you." Aokiji reminds her.
"Sure feels like it." Ann scoffs scowling, arms crossed over her chest.
"Ann…" Aokiji furrows his brow but…
"Look just go back to the princess…" Ann waves Aokiji off.
"And why should I when she's perfectly safe and I could be helping you with this." Aokiji gestures to the investigation.
"Uh she's a princess besides I'm doing you a favour. You should be thanking me." Ann couldn't help her smug smirk, hands happily on hips.
"Oh should I now?" Aokiji couldn't help but smirk bemused by her logic.
"Uh yeah princesses are pretty not to mention loaded you should be thanking me with giving you this chance to get close to her." Ann smirks smugly at Aokiji.
"And what if I don't want to?" Aokiji frowns.
"Why not she's pretty and like I said loaded." Ann stresses.
"Is that all you think matters in a relationship?" Aokiji couldn't help but ask.
"I mean…it can just be a one off thing that's up to you nothing to do with me." Ann aloofly looks over her nails, ignoring the brief pain in her chest.
"Oh really? Nothing." Aokiji challenges.
"Yep." Ann fiddles with her nails.
"Nothing?" Aokiji eyes her.
"That is what I said." Sternly, she states.
"Why are you doing this?" Tiredly, Aokiji questions her.
"Doing what?" Ann furrows her brow befuddled.
""You don't need to keep pushing yourself so hard, you know. We all know how hard you worked to get here - it's okay to let yourself breathe now." He tells her.
"While other innocent people lose their breaths?" Ann annoyed brings up.
"…You can't save everyone…" Aokiji repeats his words to her.
"With each passing day another innocent girl dies…don't you get that?" Angrily, Ann argues.
"Every day someone dies." Aokiji shrugs.
"…Didn't think I'd hear you be this morbid…" Ann furrows her brow at him.
"I'm just being honest. Now eat." Aokiji orders, pushing the plate back over to her.
"…Fine." Frowning, Ann does just that.
"So tell me what have you found?" Aokiji asks as he looks over the paperwork while Ann quietly eats her food.
"…Nothing much. All we know is that the killer prefers his victims along main roads arrogant bastard." Ann curses cross after eating some of her food.
"Ah…I'm sure he is." Aokiji frowns at one of the suspects as the two continue conversing in a world of their own…
Quietly, the sound of children giggling echoes erupts throughout a familiar island as Ann couldn't help but stare stunned at the familiar horizon she was met by, the familiar palm tree and bush of hibiscus laid before her. Why…why was she here? She couldn't help but wonder when…
"Mama! Mama!" Voices call out confusing Ann.
"Hm?" Ann turns her eyes expanding at the small figures rushing over to her. Her eyes expanding when they grab hold of her legs, wha…what was going on?! Alarmed, Ann gawks gapes at the children below, her eyes expanding when similar sherry stare back at her, curls of perky pink held up in the small buns of the young girl beaming brightly up at her.
"We're hungry!" The boy holding her other leg whines, the young boy makes Ann's eyes expand at the mini Ace she was seeing below, both boy and girl having similar freckles to her own but his nose…his features, something was different about the boy, the boy's hair was black, curly with hints of her waves wha…what was going on? A part of Ann couldn't help but swoon slightly at the cuteness of the two when they hear the sound of footsteps approaching…
"Dad's home!" Ann's eyes expand at the two children rushing over to their father, Ann slowly but surely looks up towards the children's father, her eyes expanding at the person before her…
"S-" Ann jolts up, her eyes expanding when finding herself in bed, no longer at her desk…wha…what happened? She was in her office, she was at her desk, she remembered…
"Sleeping beauty's finally up I see…" Ann perks up at the voice, a whole wave of ruby red hitting her hard, steam spewing out of her flustered face from the voice alone, from the dream before. Aokiji stretches slouched on the sofa, releasing a small yawn oblivious to the internal crisis Ann was hitting, how could she have imagined him!? How could…
"Don't tell me you drugged my food!" Ann accuses angrily.
"Do I look like scum to you?" Aokiji couldn't help but glare lightly at her.
"Well I…of course not." Ann falters frowning from the question, she had to give Aokiji that he did have some semblance of standards.
"You fell asleep…I thought it best to take you to bed." He admits as he goes over to her bedside.
"And you slept on the sofa?" She says surprised.
"Do I detect a hint of disappointment?" Teasingly, he asks amused almost at her glare.
"Piss off." She gives him the middle finger before plopping back down in the bed curling in under the sheets.
"There's the Ann I know. Come on we got breakfast." Aokiji amused pries the sheet off her making her grumble glaring up at the ass above.
"Urgh…!" Ann groans getting up, getting ready for the day ahead…
The soft sound of knives and forks scraping against the plates below beneath Ann echo as she sits by Aokiji's side. Her brow furrowed fatigued from it all as she notes Aokiji silently pushing something over to her perking her interest, she hums, quietly taking the drink, not even batting an eye to those watching while without hesitation she sips the drink, humming pleased before going back to her meal.
"Aokiji can we go to the marketplace today?" Perkily, Penelope couldn't help but ask Aokiji, the sun shining outside the palace.
"…Sure." Aokiji simply shrugs not particularly crying.
"Yay! It'll be like a date!" Penelope perks up at the thought unaware of the twitching brow of Ann…
"…So you're going on a date you certainly move fast…" Ann smirks strained, leant against the desk of her office back at her work once more.
"The princess moves fast. It's refreshing." Aokiji admits to her.
"Yeah she's the love at first sight kind of gal…" Ann couldn't help but glare lightly to the side.
"And you are?" Aokiji wonders.
"Me?" Astonished, Ann blinks befuddled.
"What do you believe?" Aokiji couldn't help but ask her.
"…I believe there are many types of love, familiar, romantic just as there are many types of love there are many types of people…some loveable, others not so much and this desire they feel for this so called love…can either save them or poison them." Ann explains to Aokiji brow furrowed.
"Poison them?" Aokiji frowns from the wording.
"Love is like a drug its nice at first but overtime it curdles, you could also call it a gamble whether its worth it or not is up for debate…" Ann explains as she looks over the posters below.
"You haven't answered my question." Aokiji frowns at her.
"Hm?" Ann blinks befuddled.
"You believe in love at first sight?" Aokiji questions her.
"No. No I do not." Ann admits smiling at the taken aback Aokiji…
"Oh look over there isn't that pretty? Wow look at that dress! Doesn't it look cute on me Aokiji!?" Perkily, Penelope asks Aokiji seemingly bringing him back to the present, to the marketplace as he couldn't help but eye the accessory in her hands, a part of him unable to not think how much lovelier it would look on a certain vice admiral.
"The seventh victim was found along the road near the market in the evening. The foot traffic during that time of day is typically high. Based on what we gathered she was a child of count Argonia, a blonde beauty amongst nobility only second to the princess…" The solider reports to Ann dutifully at her desk, ignoring the ache in her chest.
"…Is that so…?" Ann hums.
"Then again he does tend to go for prostitutes too, blondes at that." The solider adds.
"The last victim had eyes a similar shade o the princess too…" Ann hums eyeing the picture of picture of the deceased.
"Indeed and they all seem to be nobility…" Another of the soldiers spots.
"But found in a completely different area…any witnesses?" Ann questions.
"Seeing as the report hasn't come in yet…I don't think there will be any again this time." He admits to her.
"Damn…hm?" Ann couldn't help but hum when perking up at the faint movement outside in the garden, her chest constricting further from the sid of Aokiji conversing with the perky princess….
"…You must like her a lot…" Penelope spins her parasol smiling sadly.
"Pardon?" Perplexed, Aokiji frowns.
"Vice admiral Ann." She smiles.
"What makes you say that?" Aokiji wonders.
"You way you look at her…not to mention I noticed how bored you were when out shopping." Penelope giggles.
"…I…" Aokiji rubs the back of his head.
"It's alright…are you two…?" Penelope couldn't help but ask eyeing the woman above, quietly watching from afar out of the corner of her eye.
"No." He admits.
"…I see…" Penelope hums.
"Lady Penelope it is time for lesson." A woman calls out to her.
"Ah yes excuse me." Penelope bows her head excusing herself.
"There wasn't any sign of a struggle this time either." A guard reports to Ann.
"She must've been attacked from behind then." The door opens as Aokiji comes in; hands shoved into his pockets.
"Look who decided to show up." Ann cranes her head back brow furrowed at Aokiji giving him a playful glare.
"I knew you'd be bored without me here." Aokiji smirks as Ann couldn't help her shy smirk simply shaking her head at him, the two sharing a look as the soldiers spare looks, not quite sure what to make of the pair until…
"Mam if I may…?" A soldier shyly speaks up seemingly snapping Ann and Aokiji out of it.
"C-Continue…" Coughing, Ann calmly composes herself, hiding her brief stutter, her faint flush as Aokiji leans against the desk, arms crossed, a small smirk pleased by her reaction almost.
"The first victim is the only victim to have defensive wounds on her body…" The solider does just that.
"Irregular movements…moreover each murder occurs in time of high foot traffic and yet there are never any witnesses…this isn't going to be easy…" Aokiji takes note of.
"See my issue now…? The only thing we do know is the interval between each killing is getting shorter." Ann couldn't help but curse scowling.
"Have you looked into the information from the intelligence guild on this island?" Aokiji wonders.
"Yes they noted the fact that the murderer travels to many different locations." Ann answers.
"The culprit might be some kind of guide of some kind." Aokiji argues.
"I want all records pertaining to active guide activities then round up any guides without an alibi and report back to me." Ann orders her men.
"Yes mam!" They rush off to do just that.
"…What?" Ann takes note of Aokiji eyeing her.
"Nothing…" Aokiji shrugs.
"If you got something to say then say it." Irritated, she orders him.
"…I really don't I like it when you take charge." He admits astonishing her.
"…There's a murderer on the loose and you're making things weird!" Ann couldn't help but blush brightly by his honesty.
"You're the one saying I'm making things weird." Aokiji shrugs, setting something down on her desk.
"Cause you are! Urgh just go check on the princess! We've got a ball soon so you need to keep an eye on her!" Ann turns her back to him, waving him off.
"Aye aye captain…" Cheekily, he salutes her.
"Tch…hm? What the…?" Ann blinks befuddled by the box before her, she picks it up, noting the note attached…
Thought of you…x…
"…stupid icehole…" Shyly, Ann opens the box blushing brightly by the small hibiscus hair piece inside.
"Did she like it?" Penelope couldn't help but ask Aokiji.
"Like what?" Aokiji frowns sat down across from her.
"I think you know what I'm referring to…" Penelope giggles gleefully.
"Who knows…" Aokiji shrugs.
"Right this should do…" Ann looks herself over in the mirror smirking smugly.
"Are you certain about this vice admiral?" The soldiers couldn't help but eye her prostitute attire as the soldiers couldn't help but squirm blushing brightly by the sight of Ann.
"This has gone on long enough besides I can handle this guy, he goes for prostitutes so I know what to do." Ann smirks smugly.
"And what of vice admiral Aokiji?" One of the soldier ask unable to look her in the eye.
"What about him?" Ann arches a bemused brow.
"Does he know about this?" One of the soldiers couldn't help but ask.
"He doesn't need to all he needs to do is keep an eye on the pretty princess." Ann dismisses waving the soldier off.
"Vice admiral…" The others couldn't help but worry.
"Now let's end this." Ann smirks sliding the dagger into the sheath attached to her bare thigh, taking off ready to end it…
"Vice Admiral Aokiji?" The soldiers perk up at the sight of the man making his way over to the desk.
"Give me the list of coachmen across the island." Aokiji commands.
"Coachmen?" The soldiers couldn't help but wonder.
"Now!" Aokiji commands cross.
"Y-Yes sir!" They do that terrified.
"Of the list of coachmen who own multiple carriages and therefore have the ability to commit the crime about twenty of them own two or three carriages and after eliminating those coachmen who were too old we've narrowed it down to ten different men among those we selected those whose movements were traced to places where their horses were placed, watered or fed…" The soldiers report to Aokiji.
"In the end this is our prime suspect…" Aokiji frowns at the last remaining poster.
"Yes sir." The soldiers nod.
"Hm…where is this person right now?" Aokiji questions the soldiers.
"We are currently trying to locate him. We heard that he stopped to water his horse in a stable to the southeast around noon." They report.
"And where's vice admiral Ann?" Aokiji frowns from the lack of Ann as a immediate wave of silence hit the uneasy soldiers.
"A-About that sir…" Shyly, the soldiers begin but…
"WHAT!?" Ice coats the whole room from the news many soldiers frozen solid from Ann's plan.
"S-Sir!" One of the frozen soldiers shake scared ice coated all over him, being one of the lucky few not fully coated however…
"THAT IDIOT!" Angrily, Aokiji heads towards the door.
"V-Vice admiral sir!" The soldier pleads hopeful for aid however…
"I'm gonna kill her!" Aokiji seethes snarls as the frozen over soldiers are left to it…
The loud laughter echoes erupts from the bar many men and women coming out, drunk plastered having the time of their lives. The moon shines down upon the people below, stars shining besides the meek moon as Ann resides in the shadows.
Quietly, Ann leans against the brick wall, the ice-cold roughness brushing against her bare back, brow furrowed from the sickly stench of perfume. Perfume…so they tried to cover the stench with perfume… Ann couldn't help but be bemused by the foolish tactic, as if that would work on her, the stench of copper of iron of blooded was rooted in her, it's a smell she could never forget…Ann closes her eyes briefly brow furrowed from the thought of a laughing man about to be executed, the stench hanging heavily as his head fell…still she was fine, she was ready for this, she could do this. Her hand slides down over to her thigh towards her blade brow furrowed at the splatter of iron below.
She could do this she could…
"Found you!" Ann's eyes expand at the voice, at the familiar ice cold hands grabbing her wrist, holding her pinning her to the wall.
"Shit!" She goes to ready her blade but falters frowning the familiar rough icy child hands on hers.
"The hell are you playing at?" Angrily, Aokiji glares glowers down at Ann pinning her to the wall while Ann herself couldn't help but blush from the close proximity, what was he doing here? What was he…?
"I could ask you the same, what are you doing!?" Ann hisses harshly back getting close to him, her nose briefly brushing against his own.
"Saving you!" He snarls back, teeth gritted grinding together at her.
"I don't need to be saved!" She snarls back up at him.
"You went behind my back to take on a killer!" His grip tightens on her, earning a shy chill coursing down her spine.
"A killer I could handle I had this case first anyway!" Agitated, she snippily snaps back brow furrowed.
"It doesn't matter who had the case first you shut me out of the case." He blames brow furrowed.
"Because I had it handled." She snippily snaps back, both butting heads.
"Clearly…what are you even wearing?" Aokiji couldn't help but look her up and down.
"What do you think?" Defensively, she sneers snippily scowling.
"…I mean I'm not complaining…" Candidly, Aokiji admits admiring her attire as a wave of ruby red hits her.
"You perv!" The flustered form of Ann hisses harshly at Aokiji.
"This coming from the woman acting as a prostitute." Aokiji's grip loosens, his hand now entwined with her own, drawing patterns into her hand.
"Oh please you couldn't afford me even if you tried…" Blushing, Ann looks away unable to look him in the eye.
"That right? Then let me ask you again do you believe in love at first sight?" Aokiji leans in.
"This again?" Bashfully, Ann keeps her head away from him, trying to hide her bright blush.
"I'm curious…" Cheekily, he gently holds her chin gently guiding her head back over to him.
"Urgh…my answer is the same no. I think it's more like infatuation at first sight. Love takes time." Tiredly, Ann dismisses brushing his hand off her chin.
"Really? Because I'm pretty sure I fell in love with that adorable smile of yours the moment I saw it." He admits astonishing Ann.
"Smooth talker, huh? Well, you've got a way with words, but love? That's a bit much." Ann smirks, trying to dismiss the blush on her freckled facial features.
"Call it what you want, but you're stuck with me now." Aokiji smirks slightly at the sight of the pouting Ann.
"You really are just bad ideas, wrapped inside a pretty body." Ann grumbles glaring to the side.
So you think I'm pretty…" Pleased, he gently holds her chin once more.
"Ugh, wipe that smug look off your face! I said you're pretty annoying is what I meant," Ann once again brushes his hand away.
"So you're thinking about me then." Aokiji continues teasing the flustered form of Ann.
"I swear you make me want to scream." Ann huffs trying to keep a lookout despite her heated face.
"In what way?" He leans in his temple touching her own smirking smugly at her face practically ignited by his words alone.
T-Crap!" Flustered, Ann begins but falters from noting the man getting off the carriage, quickly wrapping his arms around Aokiji.
"What are you…?" Aokiji blinks befuddled when she suddenly pounces on him.
"Just follow my lead!" She whispers as Aokiji's eyes expand when her lips met his own as next the two knew…they were kissing like crazy, like their lives depend on it. Ann couldn't help but be surprised when Aokiji easily takes control Ann surprisingly not being against it as next she knew she's kissing him harder, deeper, with a fervent urgent need she's never known before.
His tongue slips inside her mouth, gentle but demanding, and it's nothing like she's ever experienced, and she suddenly understands why people describe kissing as melting because every square inch of her body dissolves into his. Ann couldn't help but blush when he needs a moment to breath as does she when he removes his lps from hers but instead of stopping, the two seemingly share a look, heaving huffing, no words needing to be shed for the silent conversation between the two as he leans down. He places his lips to her neck, gentle gnawing, nibbling, pecking away at her neck as she couldn't help the small noise she emits out from the pleasurable sensation of his teeth teasingly touching her neck, her fingers grip his hair, pulling him closer before his lips meet her own once again.
Ann's veins throb and her heart explodes. This was not her first and she highly doubted this to be his first but even then she had never wanted anyone like this before. Ever. He pushes Ann backward, her back hitting the wall and yet the rough jaded jagged edges of the brick weren't so bad they were cool to the touch, a sensation she warmly welcomed with her heated back. She couldn't help but eye his hand on her thigh not minding it one bit as for a brief moment she had lost all senses, she didn't care about the king, she didn't care about wandering passerby's, she really didn't care, she didn't care about any of that. All she wanted was him and he her.
The weight of his body on top of Ann's was extraordinary, his height easily towering over her and yet thanks to that she felt safe, secure protected, a feeling she happily accepted. She felt him—all of him—pressed against her, and she inhaled his shaving cream, his shampoo, and that extra scent that's just … him. The most delicious smell she could ever imagine. She wanted to breathe him, lick him, eat him, drink him. His lips taste like honey. His face has the slightest bit of stubble and it rubs my skin but I don't care, I don't care at all. He feels wonderful. His hands are everywhere, and it doesn't matter that his mouth is already on top of hers, she wanted him closer closer closer…
The sound of the carriage taking off stops the pair perturbed as they turn to see the carriageway leave.
"Crap…! He got away!" Agitated, Ann curses cross, heaving huffing, her lips bruised.
"It's fine." Aokiji comes out of the alley.
"Huh?" She turns just then…
"What the…!? My wheel!" The man in the carriageway cries out.
"It's been…frozen…! Internally, Ann takes note of, brow furrowed unable to not give a dirty look to the man by her side as the soldiers rush in ready to apprehend the killer.
"Come on…" Aokiji makes his way over unaware of the furious flush form of Ann, anger freely flowing through her shame hitting her hard, she…she had this under control, she was…she was going to handle it and yet he…he just…!
"Please spare me! Please forgive me! I-I was wrong I beg you it was my family you see they needed the money ah it hurts…" The man chained cried out armed men surrounding him as she and Aokiji approached.
Hm? Ann couldn't help but blink befuddled by the sudden warmth on her, she eyes the familiar dark blue jacket over her. Why did he…? She soon spots the soldiers staring at her, scarlet seeping out of their noses only to flinch freeze fearful of who though? She notes the sudden ice chill in the air eyeing Aokiji stoically standing by her side when…
"Just tell us who put you up to this?" Aokiji demands from the man.
"I…" The man meekly begins but next they knew…
"GET DOWN!" Ann calls out taking them all aback at the shot fired, the man falls to the ground, scarlet seeping out of the man long gone from the world, taking his answers with him…
How many days had it been since then…? Ann did not know…all she knew now was that she was tired, frustrated but most of all drained. She and Aokiji…Ann's fingertips gently brush against her lips brow furrowed from the thought of it all as she sat in her seat at her desk dutifully trying to complete the report to Sengoku, sure Aokiji had send in the verbal confirmation of the killer's demise but they would still want paperwork not to mention with the lack of information they couldn't leave, not yet not right away. The man they were aiming for was killed after all meaning this whole business was not done, not yet until they could firmly nib the bud in they were not allowed to leave and so they stayed, Ann hating every single second of it all…
How could she be so unprofessional? She had a plan if Aokiji hadn't arrived, if he hadn't blown her cover, if he hadn't distracted her…a bright blush crosses the angry Ann slamming her hand over her flustered fatigued face from the rush of emotions of it all…if she had been alone she could have integrated him, gotten the answers they needed but no she was too emotional, too tired, to fatigued, she got swept away, swept up in it all. She was a vice admiral, she couldn't afford to do that sort of thing…but she had to make a distraction or else her cover would have been blow…Ann couldn't help the strained sound she lets out having no clue how to process it all, hating the fact that she enjoyed it, she couldn't she wasn't allowed to…what was wrong with her!? He had not only undermined her but had…had…Ann couldn't help but frown fatigued from flipping from one emotion to the next. She needed some air, she needed something to distract her, she needed…
He pushes Ann backward, her back hitting the wall and yet the rough jaded jagged edges of the brick weren't so bad they were cool to the touch, a sensation she warmly welcomed with her heated back. She couldn't help but eye his hand on her thigh not minding it one bit as for a brief moment she had lost all senses, she didn't care about the king, she didn't care about wandering passerby's, she really didn't care, she didn't care about any of that. All she wanted was him and he her.
Ann stops flinching flushing from the murky memory resurfacing, hating every single second of itself and herself as she left her office, steam spewing out from her heated form, needing an escape.
"Aokiji this is my fiancée Andrew…" Pleased, Penelope introduces her fiancée.
"Thank you for protecting my fiancée." The man bows his head to the stoic Aokiji.
"Andrew had been away on some business during this whole affair." Penelope reveals to Aokiji.
"…That so…" Aokiji exclaims.
"Indeed. We hope to announce our engagement out the ball." Penelope revels.
"I also plan to find the most daring beast for my beloved." Andrew adds.
"Andrew you needn't go so far for me." Penelope assures him.
"Penelope." Andrew swoons.
"I mean it whatever you hunt for me I'll cherish it always!" She smiles oblivious to the twitching brow of Aokiji, his shades subtly hiding his annoyed expression when…
"Argh!" The three perk up at the sharp cry below.
"Hm?" Penelope and co look down from the window, their eyes expanding at the training ground below. Aokiji's brow furrows at the pink ponytailed woman, blade in hand, the armed soldiers crying out as she deals with each and every one of them…
"What is she doing now?" Aokiji tuts tiredly taking off to find out what Ann was doing.
"Are you an idiot? I told you, you can't use all your strength to strike without knowing exactly where the target is. How do you expect to defend yourself as you try to pick your blade back up?" Ann places a hand to her hip, eyeing the sniffling man below beneath her.
"I'm sorry it was my mistake!" The man whimpers weakly while she holds the practice blade.
"Why are you apologizing to me? If this is the best you can do as a knight to this kingdom…you won't be able to protect the king let alone the princess. And you yourself will only end up getting killed in vain. It's crucial you improve your skill." Sternly, she scolds the sniffling man.
"Ara, ara what's going on here?" Ann's eye twitches tense at the voice alone, the air turning cold.
"Nothing you need concern yourself with." Ann sneers snippily scowling at Aokiji, her back to him.
"Say that to the group of disgruntled men over there." Aokiji eyes the group of bloodied bruised beaten men on the floor.
"Not my fault they wanted to fight." Flippantly, Ann shrugs Aokiji off.
"I'm sorry for letting you down master Portgas…" The man beneath her apologises.
"I don't remember taking on a student like you." Stoically, she points out.
"Ann…it's not a good idea to take out your frustration on them." Truthfully, Aokiji tells her.
"Shouldn't you be with the princess?" Pointedly, she dismisses him.
"Shouldn't you stop harming soldiers, Sengoku won't be pleased by the medical fee he may get." Aokiji warns her.
"Not my fault these guys are weak." Ann scoffs smirking smugly.
"You still shouldn't take your frustrations out on them." Aokiji tells her.
"I haven't broken any bones have I?" Ann argues.
"Not yet…" Aokiji frowns at the sight of the men below.
"Just state your purpose or leave." Agitated, Ann coldly commands.
"If you want to let off some steam why not have a round with me?" Aokiji offers seemingly summoning an ice blade in his grasp.
"You…PISS ME OFF!" Ann angrily snarls lunging at Aokiji, her blade bashing into his ice blade.
"M-Master Portgas!" The soldiers gawk gape at the sight however…
"BASSSTARRRRD!" She releasing a flurry of rage as Aokiji with ease blocks each of those hits.
"H-He's dodging master Portgas with ease!" Another soldier spots Aokiji easily avoiding her hits blocking some at that as well, further frustrating Ann.
"Don't forget they both are vice admirals…!" Another soldier points out.
"Not to mention Aokiji-san has been in the marines longer than Vice Admiral Portgas…" A nearby marine adds.
"Look at how fiercely she attacks she's a demon!" They couldn't help but compare terrified at the frenzy frantic flurry of hits she sends his way however…
"Are you done?" Calmly, Aokiji deals with them all unfazed.
"ARE YOU!? YOU ICEHOLE!" Incensed, Ann angrily yells, getting in his face, her blade clashing with his own.
"S-Scary…" Those watching on couldn't help but shake scared.
"Care to explain why you're mad…" Aokiji calmly asks her.
"Why I'm mad? Why do you think?!" Tense, she barks back at him.
"…Need I remind you, you kissed me." Aokiji sternly says to her, Ann's eye twitching tense from his words.
"…Kissed? The vice admirals…kissed!?" The marines couldn't help but murmur amongst themselves taken aback.
"GET OVER YOURSELF YOU ICEHOLE!" Irritated, Ann yells tripping him.
"Oh? Is there something else?" He goes with the fall unfazed by her towering over him, her blade impaled to the ground by his face, teasingly touching his cheek.
"You're undermined me!" Scowling stern sherry scowl down at him.
"Undermined?" He raises a befuddled brow as she crouches down before him.
"Yes! I had that killer sorted if you had just trusted me. I would have gotten all of our answers we wouldn't still be on this island it would have been sorted!" Seething, she accuses agitated.
"And you think rushing to the root is the source?" Smoothly, he asks her.
"Better than losing our chance to getting to the root!" She argues agitated.
"Ann…" Aokiji's brow furrows at the girl above.
"I had it handled but you had to just stpe in and be the hero didn't you?" Ann sneers snippily scowling down at him.
"I was protecting you!" He scowls sharply up at her.
"Protecting me? Who the hell said I needed your protection!?" Ann angrily yells back.
"I did!" He grabs her arm.
"Oh and you can decide this!?" She scowls at his hand.
"You're reckless!" He goes to throw her however…
"And you're a asshole!" She flips him back pinning him down once more.
"The king said we would both work on the case you froze me out did you honestly expect me to trust you after freezing me out like that!?" Aokiji snaps at her Irritated.
"I expect you to keep out of my business and stop babying me! I can make my own decisions my own choices I don't need you saving me I'm not weak!" Ann angrily snaps at him.
"When did I say you were weak?!" Aokiji barks back at her.
"Oh please you all think it, its thanks to you undermining me that I can't be taken seriously!" Ann accuses agitated.
"Ann you and I both know I wouldn't have let you kiss me if I didn't let you…" Aokiji gets in Ann's face flustering frustrating her.
"T-That…" Ann stutters shocked oblivious to the hand reaching for the ice blade until…
"I win." She feels the ice cold blade teasingly touch her neck.
"Cheater." She glares glowers down at him.
"I still win." He remains resolved.
"Like always right…? Tch you logia users are arrogant bastards." Ann stands scowling.
"Ann where are you going?" Aokiji stands sternly demanding that from her.
"None of your damn business!" Bitterly, Ann barks back storming off just done as Aokiji simply sighs shaking his head at the angry Ann going on her way…
"AAAHHHH!" The sharp scream bellows throughout the manor making Ann stop startled in her steps towards the bloodcurdling screams.
"…The hell?" Ann's eyes dilate, her nose twitching tense towards the sickly stench of copper coating the air as she follows the sickening smell of iron making it to a room of snow white. Her eyes expanding at the scene she is met by…
"Please…please spare me…please show mercy! I made a mistake forgive me your highness!" The maid wails with long locks of black, wearing her maid attire as she is held by the guards grimacing looking uncomfortable as they hold her by the arms as she wails. She sits on her knees, crying, sobbing waterfalls of tears descending down her voice cracking breaking before the uncomfortable guards as small shards of porcelain lay littered on the floor, some small beads of white amongst the dusty carpet of ruby red.
What was going on? Ann couldn't help but stare stunned at the man smiling above the whimpering wailing woman. Ann couldn't help but notice the woman's torn back, blood oozing out of the slick slash marks, blue bruises littered all over, some tinged to purple even pitch-black disgusting Ann.
"This lowly person dared to break a bowl in front of me how could you have been so careless? We must punish her right away." Andrew grins greedily at the thought tightening tensing the whip in his hand, a bloodthirsty glint gleaming in her eyes, looming over the wailing woman.
"Y-Your highness…P-Please spare me…!" Miserably, she pleads to him however he simply raises the jagged whip, Ann's eyes expanding noting the faint tinge of dried blood on the ends as it goes to strike the maid down when…
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Angrily, Ann yells, her hand grabbing hold of Andrew's arm.
"Oh Portgas nothing much just a little piece of entertainment is all." Aloofly, he brushes his hand off her.
"I think you've had enough." Sternly, she stands protectively in front of the woman going limp in the guard's arms. The guards tense up alarmed alert almost frightened from the sheer sight of Ann as she glares glowers at the nobleman.
"Oh and a lowly marine trash like you can tell me overwise…? Seems someone needs to be punished…" Andrew couldn't help but licks his lips, tightening the whip.
"If you don't want your wrist broken I suggest you do as I say." Seriously, she advices as she glares glowers at Andrew, flinching fearfully back from the intensity of said glare.
"…You dare…!" Astonished, Andrew takes a shaky step back baffled by the sheer nerve of the woman before him, the guards too look just as astonished if not alarmed anxious for the woman before them.
"What's all that damn noise?" Grumbling, the door then opens as Aokiji comes in, rubbing the side of his head, Ann frowning at the man before her.
"Ah vice admiral it would be wise for you to tell your subordinate her place compared to someone like me…!" Andrew eagerly perks up at the sight of the man pushing past Ann blanking her out almost as he turns to warmly welcome the grumbling man, no doubt having woken up from a nap.
"Excuse you…?" Groggily, Aokiji couldn't help but glare lightly at the man that had caused him to wake up, being surprisingly patient Ann couldn't help but take note of, recalling him often shouting at those that tried to wake him up.
"You see that look in her eye! A lowly mutt like her should be put down!" Andrew angrily points to Ann.
"…mutt?" Ann simply glares at Andrew.
"Take the maid to the doctor Ann." Aokiji tells her, the two sharing a look as the furious fierce flames of Ann seemingly cool from the silent conversation both have with their eyes alone.
"…Right." Ann grunts, picking the young girl up.
"Hmph. Lowly women should really know their place!" Arrogantly, Andrew smirks smugly unaware of Ann's eye twitching.
"…!" Ann turns on her heel, blood burning boiling blaring when the crisp cool ahnd around her wrist stops her, her heated sherry staring into stern shades before grumbling, the fierce flames cooling as she leaves with the girl…
"Poor girl…" The doctor couldn't help but tut tiredly eyeing the girl, Ann had delivered to the doctor.
"Does this always happen?" Ann couldn't help but eye her scarred back being banaged up.
"To her yes." He admits.
"Why her?" Ann frowns.
"…It is not my…" The doctor dutifully begins but…
"Yeah patient doctor confidentiality right…does he do this often?" Ann curtly cuts him off, aloofly annoyed as she brushes him off.
"Not as severe as with her but yes he often does it to the female maids, harassing them and the like." He admits that to her.
"…Course he bloody does…" Ann couldn't help but tut tiredly recalling some of the raven haired maids having lately dyed their hair blonde…
"…Guh…" The low groan from the woman below piques the interest of the doctor and Ann.
"Samantha are you alright?" The doctor rushes over to the wounded woman's side.
"D-Doctor Grayson…" The woman whispers weakly tearful.
"Thank the heavens…" Happily, he smiles at her just then the door opens…
"…Ann…" A frowning, Aokiji waits for her.
"I'll leave you to it." Ann excuses herself.
"Thank you for this…" The doctor thanks her as Ann leaves.
"How is she?" Aokiji asks leant against the wall while Ann quietly closes the door.
"She's awake…the back didn't look like it was infected." Ann admits as they linger in the hall, Ann eyeing the potted plants on the windowsill, her brow furrowed at the potted plants specifically.
"…good." Aokiji grunts.
"Huh…" Ann couldn't help but eye the potted plants below.
"Enjoying the flowers are we?" Aokiji shoves his hands into his jacket joining her side eyeing the potted plant.
"Questioning them more like…" Ann mutters.
"Questioning them?" Aokiji questions.
"Having an assortment of such poisons out in the open, she either has no sense of self preservation or she's arrogant…" Ann furrows her brow by the side plucking some of the herbs.
"How so?" Softly, Aokiji wonders.
"Well for one that herb there can make a man infertile for the rest of his life and that one over there can paralyse a sea king if used with the right dosage." Ann admits to Aokiji.
"…mind telling me how you know this?" Aokiji frowns at Ann.
"Who knows…? I've been told I'm a rather vindictive person particularly to my ex lovers." Ann gives him a teasing look.
"So you have exes." Aokiji hums.
"That's what you got from that? As do you…need I point out?" Ann gives him a look.
"…I take it you got that from that witch." Aokiji crosses his arms over his chest.
"Indeed. Still for her to have this out in the open like this…is very interesting…" Ann hums eyeing the herbs in her hand.
"Ann…" Aokiji furrows his brow at her.
"Hm?" Ann takes note of the change in tone.
"You need to reign it in." Aokiji warns her.
"Explain?" Ann challenges chuckling amused almost at the warning.
"That maid…" Aokiji begins but…
"Oh I'm sorry did you expect me to stand by as someone was screaming bloody murder?" Ann curtly cuts him off.
"You know what I mean." Tiredly, Aokiji sighs.
"No I don't." Disgusted, Ann glares lightly at Aokiji.
"I like it as much as you." Aokiji tells her.
"If you supposedly like it as much as me then why are you telling me to turn a blind eye to this bullcrap?" Ann demands from him.
"…You know why. I may not be able to-" Aokiji begins but…
"I told you I don't need your protection." Annoyed, Ann reminds Aokiji.
"You do realize what these people could do to you? They could make you a slave Ann! They could…" Aokiji couldn't help but feel his blood boil by the thought of them taking her a wife only to toss her aside a few years later for death…he himself had seen what those nobles could do, the bruises, the pain, the injuries inflicted on their many wives…
"…So I should just turn a blind eye as so many others suffer?" Sternly, Ann argues angry at the thought.
"…" Aokiji goes silent from her words.
"I'm sorry but unlike you I can't just do nothing when I know I can do something to help someone." Ann admits to Aokiji staring straight at him unfazed as she then turns her back to him, heading off.
"Ann…" Aokiji grits his teeth together, fist firmly formed shaking as he watches her leave.
"One two three one two three princess if you look too light on your toes it will look frivolous be more grounded again one two three one two…there we go…!" Approvingly, the tutor smiles at the sight of Penelope practicing, Ann however sits seated on the windmill calmly turning the page of her book bemused by the ridiculous lesson before her, grounded? Why does it matter? You're just moving some limbs about the place…
"Is something funny vice admiral?" The old woman glares at Ann.
"Just how much pressure you're putting on some silly dance." Ann admits amused.
"Silly dance? You forget your…!" The woman wearing black glares glowers at Ann.
"What? Just saying…" Aloofly, Ann brushes the old woman off, the old woman wore oval lenses and had her hair held up in a gray bun.
"I had heard marines did not know much of formal events but to see someone as high of a rank as you like this…disturbs me…" The old woman couldn't help but sneer snippily at the unfazed Ann.
"Sounds like more of a you problem." Ann turns the page of her book.
"It's alright Ann it's rather fun…" Penelope admits to Ann as Ann couldn't help but eye Penelope…
"This lowly person dared to break a bowl in front of me how could you have been so careless? We must punish her right away." Andrew grins greedily at the thought tightening tensing the whip in his hand, a bloodthirsty glint gleaming in her eyes, looming over the wailing woman.
"Y-Your highness…P-Please spare me…!" Miserably, she pleads to him however he simply raises the jagged whip, Ann's eyes expanding noting the faint tinge of dried blood on the ends as it goes to strike the maid down when…
"WHAT THE HELL DO YOU THINK YOU'RE DOING?" Angrily, Ann yells, her hand grabbing hold of Andrew's arm.
"Oh Portgas nothing much just a little piece of entertainment is all." Aloofly, he brushes his hand off her.
Did she know…? Did she know the true nature of the man she would wed…? Surely not. Ann closes her book brow furrowed, surely she should tell her, warn her of the freak she would marry…? But then that could be messy, cancelling a wedding a noblemen's wedding at that would lead to undesirable results…besides she was a visitor it was not her place to ruin such things…the two were clearly fond of one another that was obvious and yet…Ann couldn't help but think to that maid…why…? Why her? Why specifically was she being injured in such a manner? It nagged at Ann…Ann knew she couldn't involve herself with noble affairs it wasn't a marine matter despite how happy they are to bend to the will of the celestial dragons…
"Ann? Are you alright?" Ann perks up at the call of her name noting Penelope staring at her, concern clear on her furrowed features for the marine, a still silence ensues between the two till…
"I just find it difficult to understand why Penelope needs to know how to hold her skirt properly or why she can't speak plainly to people, shouldn't people just say what they want?" Ann aloofly dismisses changing the topic, taking note of the older woman warily watching them, she couldn't talk to Penelope not with her there, for all she knew she could be a spy of Andrew's…
"What are you…?!" The insulted maid gasps at the sheer nerve of Ann.
"Hehehe…" Penelope herself however couldn't help but chuckle.
"Your highness…?!" The maid couldn't help but gasp at Penelope's reaction.
"How refreshing to hear someone speak so plainly…I take you haven't been to many balls Ann…" Penelope couldn't help but giggle at Ann.
"Not my style." Ann dismisses aloofly going back to her book.
"Clearly. As a person of noble birth of course it matters rift raft such as yourself could never understand." The old woman sneers snippily adjusting her oval lenses.
"Rather be riffraff than be fake." Aloofly, Ann shrugs staring out at the window.
"Why I…!?" The old woman couldn't help but seethe snarl at Ann.
"It's alright grandmother." Penelope assures her.
"Penelope…" The old woman couldn't help but worry.
"Ann just does not know what she means…" Penelope points out to her.
"I just mean I've never seen a guy who cared about such things…why is it the noblewoman have to behave as such! It's unfair… " Ann rubs the back of her neck.
"I take it you keep the company of men often." The old woman sneers.
"…Excuse you?" Ann blinks befuddled.
"Men and women are not the same young lady these rules of etiquette show intent. Is it the way that nobles show that they have wealth and status unlike commoners who have to suffer through life. Additionally the education of noble women is not a vanity strictly learned etiquette symbolises the dignity and prestige of a noble family." The old woman explains to the annoyed Ann.
"Shouldn't that be true for the men of a noble family then?" Ann argues.
"No." The woman states.
"No!?" Ann couldn't help but scowl.
"Men have many different ways in which they can demonstrate their prestige apart from etiquette as lady Penelope knows there are scholarly pursuits as well as swordsmanship in comparison women have less opportunities to do so. Therefore, it must try to show it in other ways like through the pleats on their skirt or through their manner of speech just to name a few." The old woman explains to Ann.
"So in the end it's a double standard, a woman must live as a prop for her family while the man can do as he likes…" Frowning, Ann couldn't help but scowl.
"Vice Admiral! How dare you… riffraff like you will never understand the fine art of the world of politics!" The old woman begins but…
"Grandmother…how about you go get some tea?" Penelope politely suggests to her.
"But…" The old woman begins brow furrowed.
"I'll be fine grandmother." Penlope promises her.
"…Alright." The old woman leaves.
"Practicing for the ball…sounds stressful." Ann frowns at Penelope.
"That's the duty of a princess." Penelope proudly proclaims.
"…Princess…do you…how long have you known your husband?" Ann changes the phrasing of her question.
"Oh well…a year or so now." Penelope smiles.
"A year? You're marrying a man you've only known for a year!?" Astonished, Ann gawks gapes at Penelope.
"He's from a wealthy family." She smiles.
"So?" Ann frowns.
"So…?" Penelope quirks her head to the side smiling innocently.
"You'll be spending the rest of your life with this man are you really alright with that?" Tense, Ann couldn't help but ask anxious at the thought alone.
"I understand your worry but in my world it's just the way it is." Penelope smiles at Ann.
"…Right…" Ann frowns furrowing her brow at Penelope.
"He also comes from very noble blood, the purest second only to the celestial dragons his hopes to take me to Marejois." She boasts beaming brightly.
"…That so…" Ann frowns.
"Indeed!" She smiles.
"I'll…just take my leave." Ann sighs getting up once Penelope's grandmother returns to the room, giving her quite the dirt look.
"Indeed I shall see you at the ball tonight." Penelope bows before Ann.
"Very well then." Ann grunts going on her way leaving the two to it.
"Right well I'm reee-what's with the dress?" Ann stands in her room, straight ready for the guard duty ahead when she then takes note of the dress on her bed befuddling baffling her. Her brow furrows from the sight of the dress below, taking note of the maids making their way over.
"Lady Penelope wanted to give it to you tonight my lady." The maid bows before the astonished Ann. Ann eyes the head maid, a girl with short orange hir braided into buns of sorts she seemed fairly short compared to the rest of the maids.
"…That right? Surely I should be wearing my marine clothes.." Ann couldn't help but take a step back brow furrowed from the numerous maids soon filing in alarming her.
"I'm afraid she insisted mam, an order from her nobleness." The maid bows before Ann.
"…Greeeat…just…great." Ann couldn't help her strained smile.
"You'll be fine are you ready mam?" The maid asks Ann.
"Let's just get this over with." Ann grunts grumpily.
"Very well…" The maids smile happy to help as soon enough…
"THE HELL IS WITH THIS THING!?" Ann yells struggling squirming clinging to the dressing screen, nails digging deep scraping against the wood while feeling the firm foot dig deep into her back pulling tugging at the corset coiled around the struggling Ann, legs shaking, buckling briefly before the group of maids acting as if it were part of the norm.
"Just a little more! Hang on my lady!" The head maid cheers the struggling Ann on, practically planning a death wish for each and every one of the maids.
"Can't…breath…" Ann heaves wheezes blue in the face frightened for her life almost at the torture she was undergoing.
"You did so well my lady we'll just go get your makeup now." The maids clap for her, were they being sarcastic? She couldn't tell, she didn't have the energy to as she had to hold herself, cling to the dressing wall so she wouldn't fall as next she knew…they had gone to get makeup, much to her relief.
"Makeup? Hold on…tch dammit…least I can regain some semblance of control." Ann heaves huffs weakly reaching for her pen knife of sorts, swiftly slashing at the back of the corset, tearing the strings off, loosening it, freeing her briefly before they had come back as she slotted it back into her thigh vestment of sorts as soon enough…
"You look lovely Ann doesn't she look lovely Andrew?" Pleased, Penelope perkily greets the grimacing glaring Ann, hating every single second of this nightmare of a ball. She had planned it all, how she would take out each and every one of them before they could take her out…just talking with one made her feel as if a part of her brain had begun to melt away, erode away even at the sheer stupidity of these people, every single second she spent sharing air with these people she felt the oxygen in her brain be taken out of her, sapping away at her energy at her patience almost.
"…Quite." Andrew grunts, glancing down towards…
"My eyes are up here." Ann quickly cuts him off in a low tone warningly glaring at the man.
"Hmph only good asset on you." Andrew grumbles going back to his dream.
"What was that?" Tense, Ann growls glaring at the creep when…
"I know being nobility may be hard for you to understand Ann but that's why I thought tonight I'd treat you to a one in a lifetime opportunity of being noble for the night enjoy yourself." Penelope smoothly steps in, had she heard her husband, or had she feigned ignorance? Ann did not know and at this point frankly she did not care, all she cared about was leaving this place.
"…sure will…" Ann smiles strained while internally cursing the pair, so she was just some Guinea pig for them then that was it? Some commodity for the rest of the nobles to laugh at and mock…she spotted Andrew's smug smirk making her blood boil by his look alone confirming it as next she knew…she was leant against a pillar, downing her glass just as she spotted some brave soul about to approach…
"Come near me and see what happens." Ann growls glaring at the brave soul.
"EE-EEp…" Siad soul swiftly slithers away.
"I see you're making friends…" Ann perks up at the cool chill in the air, craning her head back against the podium she had leant upon to eye the man by her side seeking sanctuary in the safe shelter she called the podium, watching the rest of the nobles converse amongst themselves.
"And I see you didn't have to become a guinea pig for the night, lucky you…" Bitterly, Ann couldn't help but sneer snippily at the sight.
"Glad to see that you decided to show up." Aokiji admits to him.
"Tch…are you here to make fun of me?" Ann accuses, she knew a fair few back at base would be paying all sorts to see this…to laugh at her, mock her or worse…
"No, I'm actually just here to make sure you're okay." Aokiji admits to her.
"I'm fine." Snippily, she snaps swigging her wine.
"You don't look it…" Aokiji takes note of her furrowed frown.
"I just…don't like this sort of thing." Tense, Ann admits exhaustion etched into her tense tired tone, she just wanted to go home, was that so hard to ask?
"Strange you seem the sort to be the life of the party…" Aokiji hums.
"You're kidding right?" Ann couldn't help but frown at Aokiji.
"Hm?" He hums raising a brow by the look sent his way.
"My form of fun would probably be drinking with some close mates maybe then go to bed and relax on some sofa…" Ann admits, she wasn't that much of a party animal not unless she had some drinks in her…
"…didn't pin you as that sort of person…" Aokiji couldn't help but admit.
"Yeah well even I have my limits at parties, my brothers don't boy they don't." Ann admits amazed, her brothers were something else when it came to parties. Ann couldn't help her sad smile at the thought of her brothers, swirling the glass in her hand she eyes the liquor within the fine glass. That is until she feels a hand softly on her cheek bringing her head upwards.
"…why did you cover your freckles?" Frowning, Aokiji gently places his thumb across her cheek brushing the makeup aside smearing it to see some semblance of freckles peering through.
"Hm?" Ann blinks befuddled by his question.
"They're gone." Aokiji takes note of disappointment drenched in his tone.
"Ah that…the maids did it." Ann admits surprised by Aokiji's reaction.
"…" Aokiji couldn't help but frown from the sight.
"You look disappointed." Bemused, Ann takes note of surprised.
"…I like your freckles." Frankly, he admits to her.
"You're kidding." Amused, Ann couldn't help but chuckle.
"Why would I kid about that?" Aokiji couldn't help but ask astonishing Ann as a familiar heat hits her cheeks once more.
"I don't know…when I was a kid people thought I was sick due to them." Timidly, Ann admits as she shyly shakes the glass in her hand, swirling it gently, bowing her head watching the liquor move unable to look the man in the eye unable to let him see her bright blush.
"You serious?" Surprised, Aokiji says stunned.
"Yep that led to a few choice fists." Ann couldn't help her strained smile staring down at her glass once more as her fingertips fidget around the neck of the glass at the murky memories…
The young Ann makes her way about Batrielle bored out of her mind when rocks are suddenly thrown her way.
"Run the sicko's here!" The children cackle running away.
"Wait I'm not sick!" Ann calls out to those her age but…
"She'll infect us all!" They continue running cackling.
"I'm not-argh!" Ann cries when a stray rock manages to nick her eye making her hiss, scarlet stemming down the side of her head from the jagged rock at her feet.
"Hide or else you'll die!" Another of the kids holler as they hide. The young Ann's lip stifles, tears beginning to form from the soft sting of her wound to their words as next she knew…
"I'm…I'm…I'm not sick…" Ann couldn't help but sniffle sadly, tears in her eyes as they silently fell while the laughing kids ran away.
"You're sick!" The children of Batrielle call out to the young Ann glaring at them.
"I'm not sick!" The young Ann tells the kids.
"Yeah you are no wonder you're dad left you!" Another of the group of kids call out smirking as the girl silently glares at them, her fists clenched.
"I bet you got it from him pirates carry all sorts of sickness!" Another of the kids call out.
"SHUT UP!" The young Ann angrily lunges towards the boy, a firm fist to the face making the boy cry out, a tooth shooting out, scarlet stemming the floor below, scaring the girls amongst the group.
"Why you…!?" The older boy rushes at Ann as Ann angrily yells back, the two rush at one another as they begin to fight as next she knew the sniffling, bruised bloodied black eyed Ann had returned home, her mother simply silently staring down at the sniffling wreck before sighing, taking her ripped clothes to fix with food ready.
"Don't you mean words?" Aokiji's words bring Ann out of her thoughts. Ann couldn't help her small shy smile, a faint tinge of pride blooming within her.
"I meant what I said." Smirking, she sips her drink, her tone teasing Aokiji almost as he couldn't help his small smile from her words.
"You're mental." Aokiji bows his head bemused by her phrasing.
"I prefer unique." Ann smiles silently sipping her drink.
"You're special alright…" Aokiji couldn't help the look he gave her as Ann bashfully bows her head blushing, not used to such a look of warm sent her way, sending shives down her spine, her heart racing baffling her. She was normally the flirter and those that flirted…it was never like this, it was never this…real.
"Oh no praise on the dress then?" Teasingly, Ann changes tone arching a brow bemused challenging Aokiji almost as she smirks looking up at him.
"Would you be offended if I said I liked you without the makeup?" Aokiji asks.
"I'd call bullshit." Ann scoffs smirking.
"I mean it with that amount of makeup you got on I can't see you blush." Aokiji admits.
"So…?" Ann raises a befuddled brow.
"When you blush it's the cutest thing ever." He confesses as steam spews out of Ann from the one shot.
"…H-How…?" Ann stammers stunned shocked scarlet staining her facial features, smoke spewing out of her once more.
"Hm?" Aokiji couldn't help his small smile at the flustered mess that is Ann.
"How do you say this crap without even an inch of embarrassment?" Ann whines, slumping her shoulders unable to look anyone in the eye.
"I have nothing to be embarrassed about." Aokiji tells Ann unfazed.
"I…I'll never get you." Ann whispers weakly.
"And I'll never get what these people…" Aokiji frowns at the nobles.
"I don't think anyone can…" Candidly, Ann admits arms crossed. A still silence occurs between the pair but neither of them bat an eye to it, Ann unconsciously seemingly leans into Aokiji's side, his hand around her waist, giving a few men eyeing Ann looks as they quickly back away, Ann none the wiser to it. She herself spots some noble daughter giving her dirty looks glaring at her at the man by her side. She however simply sighs, not even batting an eye to them, simply seeking solace and companionship in a room full of strangers to them both as she watches people beginning to dance.
"…Wanna dance?" Aokiji offers surprising Ann.
"Say what now?" Ann jolts up alarmed.
"You don't have to if you don't want to." Aokiji assures.
"Aren't you meant to be on guard duty?" Amused, Ann couldn't help but point out.
"Aren't you?" Aokiji cooly counters, offering his hand to her.
"…I…look I can't dance…" Apprehensive, Ann eyes his hand offered to her.
"Why not? You must have danced before." Aokiji assumes.
"Sure but not formal." Ann anxiously admits.
"You'll be fine just trust me." Aokiji tells her.
"Hmm…fine." Ann shyly slides her hand into his as he leads her to the dancefloor.
"Here we go." Aokiji exclaims following the beat as Ann anxiously follows…
"…dance, dance…dance dance…" Ann whispers weakly, chanting it under her breath brow furrowed firmly focused on her feet.
"You don't have to say dance every time you make a step." Smirking, Aokiji looks down at Ann amused almost at her face firmly focused on their feet.
"…Sorry formal dancing isn't my sort of thing." Tense, Ann admits.
"That right?" Aokiji picks her up spinning her with ease with the crowd.
"Yeah the closest I ever did to dancing was dancing around some fire…or dancing when drunk…does sword fighting count as dancing?" Unsure, Ann couldn't help but wonder making Aokiji smile softly at Ann.
"Do you actually want me to show you how to do this? So you don't hurt yourself and others." Aokiji offers.
"…please." Pleadingly, Ann whispers weakly making Aokiji's smile soften at Ann.
"Ready?" He asks her.
"…yeah." Shyly, she nods as soon enough she follows his lead, her eyes expanding as she gets into it.
"Th-This is kinda fun." Shyly, she smiles.
"Yeah…" Aokiji couldn't help but agree as he laces his hand through hers, the pair sharing a smile.
"Didn't picture you as much of a dancer…" Ann admits a part of her impressed as he spins her with ease.
"You never asked." Aokiji simply shrugs.
"Pff…you're so ridiculous." Ann couldn't help her small smile.
"You're smiling I'm taking that as a win." Aokiji tells her, arm around her.
"Dumbass…hm?" Ann giggles but falters frowning when noting a familiar maid skulking about, staring straight at Andrew happily conversing with the crowd, an arm around Penelope.
"What is it?" Aokiji notes her furrowed frown.
"It's that maid again…" Ann whispers.
"The one who was whipped?" Aokiji frowns following her gaze.
"She…she doesn't look well…" Ann whispers concern clear in her tone.
"…you wanna check in on her?" Aokiji sighs.
"Yeah you don't mind?" Ann asks hopeful.
"Go for it…just don't do anything reckless." Aokiji requests stopping said spin as they remove themselves from the dance floor.
"Thanks besides if I saved you all for myself I think those noble birds would have killed me." Amused, Ann winks taking note of the girls still glaring trying to be playful towards him however…
"…Just be careful alright." Attentively, he reaches out brushing a stray stand of her hair behind her ear, bringing a fierce flush of ruby red to her facial features from the move alone.
"A-Aren't I always?" Shyly, she smiles up at him however…
"Do you want a list?" Aokiji gives her a look making her chuckle.
"I'll be careful I promise." Ann assures Aokiji as to her surprise, he leans down placing his lips to the top of her hand, her eyes expanding at the gesture feeling a number of heated glares on her brightly blushing form before heading away, leaving Aokiji to his admirers…
Quietly, Ann makes her way up the stairs silently staring at the maid, her head down still staring at Andrew, the look in her eye was a look Ann knew all to well. However, Ann's heart dropped when the maid suddenly looks over, baby blue meeting Ann's sherry red as she ran away similar to a scared bunny almost as Ann couldn't help but curse trying to chase after her however…
"Urgh I'm not going to get anywhere with this thing." Ann couldn't help but curse cross, taking out the knife from her holster, swiftly slashing at some strands of the dress. Now she could move properly…all she had to do was find that maid.
Quietly, Ann follows the maid into a room, an empress sized room making her furrow her brow by the sight. This could fit a whole family and it's all for one person? Ann shakes her head now was not the time for that, what mattered now was…the brisk breeze brushes through Ann's long locks of pink perplexing, perturbing her. She turned to spot the brisk breeze brushing the curtain a bit, revealing a small slither of a view, it was almost taunting her like a hand telling her to come over. Slowly, she follows calmly, carefully until the brisk breeze blew open the curtains where she found the maid crying her heart out. Now…what?
Ann didn't really know what to say to the wailing woman holding her stomach, the tears freely falling from her till she steps forward onto the railing.
"WHOA! STOP!" Ann calls out to the young woman.
"H-Huh?" Samantha eyes expand at the sight of Ann.
"Uh…hi." Awkwardly, Ann smiles strained at the unstable woman.
"You…!" Samantha glares glowers at Ann.
"L-Let's not get too hasty here okay?" Ann anxiously eyes the railing the woman was perched upon.
"…Didn't someone tell you to mind your own business…?" Samantha hints.
"Sure but when someone is about to do something real stupid it sort of becomes my business." Ann tells Samantha.
"You…you don't know anything! Anything about what he did…!" Distressed, Samantha sobs.
"…Did…did he hurt you?" Ann anxiously couldn't help but ask.
"I loved him…I loved him more than anyone but…he chose her…he said he would give me the world…" The tears freely fall from the sobbing Samantha.
"You mean Andrew right?" Ann assumes.
"H-How…?" Samantha stutters shocked.
"I saw how you stared at him…" Ann tells her.
"He…he said he loved me you know? More than that wife of his…and now…I just have to prove I love him just as much…we…love him just as much!" Samantha smiles her hand sliding down to her stomach.
"We…don't tell me…" Dread hits Ann hard.
"He…he had to treat me coldly if his parents knew his pure blood mixed with my dirty blood…they could never approve of you he…he said he'd get rid of her so we could…" Her fingertips dig deep into the fabric of her torso.
"…The shooter…" Ann whispers brow furrowed from it all clicking.
"We…we're meant to be together we're…all those beatings, those slashing, those pushes he was doing it out of love for us, protecting us from his parent's scorn and now I have to repay him, prove to him my devotion…" Distressed, Samantha smiles at Ann, the tears freely falling.
"Don't please!" Pleadingly, Ann begs but…
"Now with this act…you'll officially recognise our relationship right?" Smiling, Samantha leaps down.
"Oh for…!" Ann curses cross, diving down after her into the lake below.
Aokiji calmly leant against the wall, blanking out the girls clinging to him below, eyeing the glass in his hand when…
"AHHHHH! SOMEONE FELL IN!" Someone screams startling Aokiji, his eyes expanding at the voice alone watching as everyone rushes over eager to see.
"What!?" Aokiji scowls towering over most managing to peer through, his eyes expanding, his heart dropping at the woman falling into the water below.
"Vice admiral do something!" Scowling, Penelope snaps at him.
"He can't he's a devil fruit user!" One of the girls who had cling to him argues.
"Guards!" Andrew calls out.
"Wait someone's gone in after him!" Someone spots.
"Ann…!" Aokiji's eyes expand at the sight of the pink haired blue diving in after her.
"LET ME GO! LET ME DIE!" The woman wails in Ann's arms.
"Like hell I'm doing that!" Ann growls glaring struggling in the water.
"Just do it I don't deserve to live I don't…!" Samantha sobs.
"Just shut up!" Ann snaps shouting startling the woman when they make it to shore.
"H-He loves me…" Samantha sniffles softly.
"No he doesn't." Ann deadpans.
"Yes he does he promised a life together for us both for-!" Firmly, Samantha begins but…
"That isn't love! Stop deluding yourself and be honest with yourself…! It's okay to be angry, it's okay to be vengeful, its okay to want revenge!" Ann tells Samantha holding her arms.
"His blood he's…" Samantha begins but…
"Who gives a singular shit what that monster is!?" Incensed, Ann argues.
"…" Samantha's eyes expand when hearing her words.
"You want revenge don't you?" Ann assumes, noting the dark look in Samantha's eyes.
"…It…it's impossible." Samantha's shoulders slump saddened.
"What if I could offer you something? Safety for both you and your child…" Ann offers.
"You…you would do that?" Samantha perks up hopeful.
"If you would just trust me on this…" Ann stares straight at Samantha.
"Why…why are you helping me?" She couldn't help but ask Ann.
"Because if I see someone in pain when I know I can help I will especially if its against two dirtbags I want to see get their just desserts." Ann admits to Samantha.
"You…you would help me…?" Samantha sniffles sadly.
"Yes but you have to follow what I say very carefully can you do that?" Sternly, Ann asks Samantha.
"Y-Yes" Samantha nods.
"Ann…!" She hears Aokiji call out to her.
"Right pretend to be unconscious." Ann orders.
"O-Okay…!" Samatha goes limp in Ann's arms.
"Are you alright?" Aokiji rushes over to Ann.
"We're fine can someone bring the doctor over?" Ann asks.
"A maid…?" Penelope gasps, a group of nobles behind them.
"…Typical." Andrew glares glowers down at her.
"We'll handle this everyone else go back and enjoy the party." Penelope announces to the crowd.
"Indeed don't let the riffraff ruin the mood!" Andrew adds.
"…ruin the mood?" Ann couldn't help but scowl.
"Oh indeed come alone." Penelope focuses on the nobles.
"Typical maid…" Andrew glares glowers down at Samantha.
"Typical…?" Ann could feel her blood boil as Aokiji took Samantha out of her hands, taking her inside.
"…It would have been better if she had died…" Penelope mutters making Ann's eyes expand when hearing her words.
"I beg your pardon?" Ann turns to frown at Penelope, fan in hand hiding her facial features but Ann could see the ice cold glare on the woman.
"Thank so much for taking care of the maid Ann, who knew how much trouble we could have gotten into if she had died…" Penelope bows before Ann.
"Hmm…" Ann hums before following after Aokiji.
"You alright?" Aokiji couldn't help but ask as they approach the medical bay.
"I'm fine Kuzu." She smiles at him.
"The hell were you thinking jumping in there?" Aokiji couldn't help but demand from her.
"I couldn't just leave her to drown." Ann argues as Aokiji sets her down on the bed.
"You could have tripped you idiot you could have…!" Aokiji stresses.
"Kuzu I'm fine promise." Ann sets her hand on his arm.
"…Don't scare me like that." He sighs hugging her taking her aback.
"Sorry…" Softly, she whispers placing her head on his upper arm as he leans down to hug her.
"I'm going to check on the guards…" Aokiji tells her.
"Alright…" She smiles shyly at him her eyes expanding when he leans in, gently brushing his lips to her temple taking her aback as ruby red hits her cheeks but before she could call out to him, he's long gone.
"Is…is it okay now?" Shyly, Samantha asks from the bed.
"Yeah it's alright." Ann takes a seat by her side.
"Is he…?" Samantha shyly begins but…
"He doesn't matter right now. What matters is, your future. Does he know?" Ann gets straight to the point.
"Who?" Samantha ponders perplexed.
"Andrew." Ann frowns.
"…Yes." Samantha nods.
"He does huh…" Ann furrows her brow by the news.
"He…he and his wife both know I thought…we had it all planned out Edward would marry and then I'd become a mistress I…I was okay with that but…" Samantha explains.
"Penelope wasn't." Ann exclaims.
"…No. She was not." Samantha answers.
"…That would explain the whippings…" Ann mutters.
"…" Samantha goes quiet pained.
"The best thing you can do is leave." Ann admits to Samantha.
"…Leave?" Samantha says softly surprised.
"I know someone they can give you a safe place you can start a new life." Ann assures.
"You…you'd really do this for me…?" Samantha whispers.
"So long as you keep the kid we'll be fine. That kid could be your key to freedom." Ann takes out a familiar herb smirking smugly, a dark glint gleaming in her eyes.
"Keep them…? You…you really think so?" Samatha whispers.
"It's a possible avenue in which to take." Truthfully, Ann admits.
"He's my child." Samatha defensively disputes.
"And he has a purpose as does everyone in the world…all I ask for you to do is build connections, stand on your own too feet your time will come for your child…" She tells Samantha.
"You…you really think so?" Samatha repeats still shocked.
"I know so. Just follow my lead." Ann tells the young Samantha shyly bowing her head doing just that as soon enough…
"It's a shame you're leaving so soon…" Penelope sighs sadly as she and her husband sit before Ann standing stoically.
"Yes on behalf of the marines we thought to give you a farewell present." Ann hands out a small wine bottle.
"Some wine…" Andrew scowls at the bottle.
"From Marejois?" Penelope perks up at the label.
"My, my thank you." Andrew smirks.
"Splendid simply splendid. We must try it at once shall we my love?" Penelope reasons.
"Yes lets." Andrew agrees as the two pour their respective glass.
"Cheers…" The two clink glasses downing them oblivious to Ann's sly smirk at the sight as Ann bows before the two then leaves them to their booze.
"You look happy…" Aokiji takes note of the smirking Ann leaning over the railing of the marine ship, watching marines ready for the trip ahead.
"You could say that." Ann smirks spotting Samanatha shyly holding a suitcase, the doctor guiding her to the small boat.
"Isn't that…?" Aokiji frowns at the solemn Samantha.
"Seems she was fired…I'm sure she'll find work elsewhere." Ann stretches smirking.
"You sound confident." Aokiji takes note of leaning over the railing by Ann's side.
"Call it a gut feeling." Ann smiles at Aokiji as the two head back to HQ.
*..I really hope you like this chapter, what do you think of Ann x Aokiji now? As always would love to know!*
