As the signal came for the service to start you sat a little straighter, telling yourself that all you had to do was sit through this and you could then go home and leave the vultures to themselves until the next wedding, event, or funeral required your attendance. That had been the plan at least. It seemed your great-uncle had other wishes entirely as when the funeral was concluded his lawyer stood and announced that those he called for were to remain behind. Everyone else was to leave. Sadly for you, your name was in the list. When the final family member not needed left with a resounding, petulant slamming of the door, you and the rest of your relatives listened silently as the lawyer read out your great-uncle’s final wishes. As expected his shares in businesses were evenly split between his surviving siblings. Adequate sums of money were given to close friends and chosen charities to ensure the family name continued to be seen in a positive light. But then came the reason you were still sitting here. “It is my wish for my wealth to be distributed out equally among you, my youngest and unwed relatives. However there will be rules. The first rule is that the inheritance will only be granted one year after my death. Secondly, should any of you marry in that time, your share will be forfeit and added to the other’s inheritances. Third, although you are all young and healthy death can come to anyone. Should any of you pass from now until the deadline, your share will also be forfeit and shared amongst the others.”

At the time you only nodded, showing you understood and stood with the others. You spent no further time in the room and promptly returned to your ship and headed home, thinking no more about the will or the inheritance that would come your way in a year’s time. Unless you got married or died that was. At that stipulation in the will you had held back the urge to laugh. Of course he would have snuck something like that in, he wasn’t the first to pull something like that. Your father had once told you about his great-great aunt forbidding anyone listed in her will from wearing the colour green for six months before they received their inheritance simply because she hated the colour. You reasoned part of the rules came from a place of boredom, if you have so much money you may as well have some sort of fun with it once your gone. As your ship pulled away from the island you finally let your body relax and truly felt like you could breathe properly again. With that over with you could finally get on with your life. 

———

Ordinarily for mission assignments they were given to the agents that would be going out together, never in large groups like the one Lucci was stood with now. He wasn’t the only one confused it seemed. His gaze looked to the door as it opened and more agents came in and looked around in bewilderment. An answer for this mass of agents would be explained soon so he remained silently in his seat, lifting a curled finger to lightly stroke Hattori’s chest at the same time Kaku pulled up a chair beside him as Cipher Pol’s main liaison officer and multiple administrators entered carrying stacks of files. Lucci silently calculated there’d be a file for each agent. Wordlessly the administrators spread out around the room, handing out files as the liaison officer cleared his throat. “I’m keeping this brief. In the last month and a half twelve members of the same, prominent family have been killed.” Lucci took the file offered to him and flipped it open. His gaze zeroed in on the family name and felt a frown pull at his lips as some murmurs broke out, all of the agents understanding in unison how serious a family of your standing was to the balance and power of the world. It was also worth mentioning your family were huge supporters of the Marines for centuries. “While some managed to look like tragic accidents it’s clear these deaths have been intentional. We need to act before more are targeted.”

“Sir, this copy of the will…” One agent spoke up, his gaze on the legal document included in everyone’s file. “Are we to lead with the belief that these deaths are at the says of someone in the family itself?”

“Yes. The less members to share the inheritance, the bigger the survivors receive.” The liaison nodded. “This isn’t the first time such a thing has happened however the bigger picture is what each of these deaths do to the world state. This family has dealings in many industries and is large enough to cause havoc if this situation worsens. The newspapers are already circulating stories on this and we need to get it under control. Each of you have been given a specific family member on the inheritance list. You are to investigate thoroughly to discover if they are the person or persons responsible for the current deaths, stop them from causing anymore, and prevent them from being targets. Most importantly of all, keep a low profile and do not attract any attention about your true intentions. There will be no more public news about this situation. You all have your assigned target, leave as soon as possible.”

With that Lucci rose from his seat and left with the other agents, everyone set on their tasks with no room for idle conversation. As he boarded his ship, he gave a small cursory nod to Kaku and the others. Stepping into his quarters, Lucci sat down and began to meticulously read over his file. Silently he examined your photos and personal information, looking for anything of use to aid him in his investigation. If there was just under a year until the inheritance was paid, it was safe to assume that would be the duration of his mission. If he wanted to be as prepared and efficient as possible he needed to craft a persona for himself to explain his presence with as little questions as possible. Your family weren’t to know they were being observed and he could hide himself with little effort but if you were one of the targets, instead of the perpetrator he doubted those responsible would stop after a single failed attempt. A family as rich and influential as yours could hire multiple assassins and mercenaries as they liked without batting an eye to the price and that was before they received the added boost from your late relative. 

Absently Lucci drummed his fingers against the armrest of his chair as he looked over the twelve deaths. One died from falling over the balcony of their mansion in the middle of a party, that had originally been classed as a drunken accident. One had fallen down the stairs and broken their neck. Another drowned after ‘falling asleep in the tub.’ One death had been at the hands of a seemingly random pirate raid hitting the island they lived on. Two had been stabbed in previously thought to be safe locations, one had been shot by a sniper, three had suffered poisonings, and two had perished in fires. Lucci felt himself growing annoyed already. If the assassins were as good to be able to kill from a distance with a sniper as well as get into the homes and even manage to plant poison without detection then he couldn’t just merely stick to the shadows for the duration of the mission. If he had to prevent any possible chance of death befalling you then he would have to get close. Close without his presence being suspicious, preferably in a way that granted him access to your home. 

His sharp gaze poured over the included images of your home and its full blueprints of the layout, already searching for possible weak spots and good vantage points for nighttime surveillance. By the time the sun had set and he was turning in for the night he had everything memorised, already devising the fastest routes and running through any and all possible methods for breaking in, hiding, escaping for nearly any scenario or attack.

The next morning the ship docked at the island neighbouring yours and Lucci disembarked, ready dressed in simple and plain clothing and planning to get a merchant ship to take him the rest of the way. His plan was to appear as though he was just a simple civilian moving to your island in search of work. For the next nine and half months he was no longer an agent, an instrument to kill. He was an ordinary man, just like he had been back on Water 7. Skilled, hardworking, unassuming. He’d be just another person going about their life until his mission was classed a success and he could discard the persona and return to Cipher Pol Headquarters, just as he did for his other missions. It was no effort at all to get passage onto the ship, especially after some money was offered in gratitude for the journey. Lucci leaned against the mast of the modest little ship that drew closer to the island already visible in the distance. Just another short distance to go. 

———

You were exhausted but knew there would be no benefit to going to sleep so early in the day, as tempting as it would be. You braced your hands against the counter of your kitchen and glared out at the bright, sunny day that was irritating your stinging, tired eyes. You’d arrived home just as the sun rose after yet another trip to yet another funeral and had no urge to do anything. Not that you had anything pressing to do anyway. Any necessary correspondences and minimal duties were seen to before you’d left for the most recent funeral. Rubbing your neck you sighed and looked around the kitchen, remembering why you came here in the first place. In spite of your exhaustion and all that had happened you knew you needed to eat. Even if it was a little at a time, you needed to maintain your energy in some capacity because you knew this was far from over.

You ate slowly, forcing yourself to just focus on one bite at a time. It didn’t matter if your meal took longer than usual, if anything it meant it would kill time until you could actually lie down and sleep. Now that your stomach was full you felt a little bit more alert and with that came the agitation of having energy but having nothing to do. After you washed up and cleaned away your plate you stepped outside into your garden just as you caught a muffled but familiar voice in the distance, drawing closer to the front gate of your home. The island mayor if you weren’t mistaken. “Now remember, I’m only showing you the house because you helped me out. Don’t be disturbing them, until tomo- oh!”

The mayor jumped in surprise from behind the gate to see you approach. The old man bowed respectfully at you, regardless of how many times over the years you’s told him he didn’t need to. Sharply he jabbed the man beside him in the ribs, coaxing him to bow too. Curiously you looked at the newcomer who peculiarly had a white pigeon perched on his shoulder. He wasn’t someone you recognised and given how the mayor mentioned showing him your house it was clear he was a stranger to the island completely. Now you had to wonder why he wanted to see it. “Who’s your friend?”

“Oh him? He appeared late this morning. Wants to make the island his home apparently, been asking about jobs and lodging.”

“I see.” You smiled, looking to the stranger politely. “Any luck?”

The man opened his mouth but the mayor cut in immediately. “He’s got a room in the tavern for tonight at least and managed a few odd jobs in town.” The mayor lightly clapped the younger man on the shoulder. “Then I remembered you mentioning you were considering looking for someone to do work on the grounds. Perfect timing huh? I’ll leave you two to discuss things, oh and sorry again for your loss.”

You nodded stiffly and watched the mayor turn and disappear down the path that lead him back to town, leaving you and the stranger alone. You jumped slightly when the pigeon on his shoulder ruffled his feathers and extended a wing. “Hoo, hoo I’m Hattori. This guy’s name is Rob Lucci and the mayor’s right he is looking for work.” An amused curve of your lips appeared as your eyes darted back to Lucci’s face. “So you got anything for us like the old man said?”

“That depends.” You mused watching Lucci’s head tilt slightly, showing he was listening. “Show me your hands.”

“Huh? What kinda interview is this?” Hattori’s high pitched tone sounded out and you grinned playfully, offering him a light shrug. 

“Humour me?” You requested innocently. “Put your hands between the bars, palms up please. Promise I don’t bite.”

Lucci stared at you for a second, keeping his expression calm and slowly lifted his hands from his sides and did as you asked, passing them between the spaces of the bars in the locked gate. You leaned forward and examined his palms with a critical stare before you gently reached out, your fingers running over his palms and fingertips while your thumbs traced against the back of his hands. You took in the coarseness of his warm skin, feeling every little nick, callous, faint scars, and especially taking note of how strong his hands felt even in their relaxed position. Satisfied you pulled your hands away and smiled at him. “Okay. Interview’s over.” You smiled, turning on your heel and began to head back towards the house. “Come back tomorrow, I’ll get you started on some work then.”

“What was that about?” Hattori called after you. Instead of stopping or looking back you lifted your hand to lazily wave at them. 

“Tomorrow morning, Lucci.” Lucci watched you disappear, completely unsure of what to make of you so far. You seemed like any other rich person, ordering people based on their random whims but at the same time your careful scrutiny of his hands and the fact that you kept a safe distance from the gate that you never once moved to open told him something else entirely. Still he couldn’t complain, this introduction went far smoother than he’d thought possible. Already he had an in with you and if you were going to allow him to work for you on your grounds, he already had access to your home during the day for his investigations and to keep you from being assassinated. He turned and headed back to the town, making sure to be seen to return to the tavern he’d gotten lodging in for the night then he’d make his way back here to start his hidden surveillance of you. 

———

You hadn’t done anything of note throughout the day, stayed inside your home only really going to your study and the kitchen. Lucci observed you didn’t have any servants in your home. You didn’t even have a cook when he watched you prepare dinner for yourself. Perhaps this was their day off? He’d look into that more over the coming days. You cleaned up and when night fell Lucci remained in the shadows as you moved up the staircase and into your bedroom. Even living in seclusion and away from the rest of the town you still moved to the large windows and began to close the curtains only to stop suddenly and stare out. Lucci narrowed his eyes. No, there was no way you could see him. Not this far back and with this cover. Then you leaned forward and used your sleeve to wipe a mark off of the glass before pulling the curtains closed and hiding you from sight. 

When the lights switched off, Lucci moved swiftly and silently to clear the high fences and crossed the grounds. As expected picking the lock of your door took little effort and he made his way inside. Starting in the kitchen he meticulously inspected your food and raw ingredients looking for any sign of possible tampering or poisoning. When that was cleared he moved through your home like a ghost, anything he moved and investigated was put back with precision as if he wasn’t there. There were no suspicious lists of your relatives or signs of being in contact with an assassin but this was his initial search. His more in-depth scrutiny into your home, secrets, and personal life would come later. The rich always knew how to cover their tracks efficiently but if there was anything to find, it was inevitable he would root it out and succeed in his mission. 

Finally he moved to your room. Staying close to the door he peered inside your room and saw you lying in your bed. The sound of your deep, relaxed breathing telling him you were definitely fast asleep. Lucci stepped inside and did a sweep of your room, keeping an ear out for any sign of change in your breathing or for any possible intruder coming to make their move so swiftly after the last death to hit your family. For the rest of the night Lucci stayed hidden in the hallway, guarding you until the sun began to rise. Quickly he left, locking up behind him and made his way back to the tavern to change and ready himself for his first full day of working for you. 

———

After a full night’s rest of deep, uninterrupted sleep you felt more yourself and woke feeling refreshed. As you rose you remembered Lucci would be returning and sighed, working on preparing yourself for that. You were happy to play the fool if it meant people kept their guards down and underestimated you. The laidback member of an important family who got everything they wanted without a care and with no real view of the world beyond the fact it was there to cater to your every wish was an easy role to play. But you weren’t an idiot. You never were. And it certainly didn’t take a genius to spot how twelve less family members meant someone in the family wasn’t satisfied with their already enormous share and weren’t going to be happy until there was only them left. You would be a target. If not today then definitely within the next nine and a half months. 

As you looked outside you spotted Lucci casually appear on the pathway towards your home you stepped outside and headed towards the gate to unlock it and let it inside. You didn’t believe in coincidence so you weren’t going to just believe some mysterious stranger looking for work happened to appear in the midst of all this was by chance. He was hiding something and you were going to keep him occupied with work until you got to the truth of the matter regardless of what it took and how long.

———————

Being married to a killing machine formed by the World Government wasn’t the easiest thing in the world, especially when your heart was ten times bigger than his would ever be. Lucci was a husband that was just… There. Well, barely even there.

On a mission? Don’t even bother contacting him. He would never give you the time of day.

When he wasn’t on a mission? It wasn’t better. He was stuck in his room, yes, his room. You both didn’t even sleep together. He never acknowledged you, never drank the coffee you made him every morning, never entertained your attempts at small talk. Hattori made more conversation with you than he ever did, and that wasn’t including the snacks you’d bribe the pigeon with to have some type of company.

His undercover mission in Water 7 was your turning point. Packed all of your things, even wrote a letter for him to read when he came back. Your mistake was giving him a call that night, the Den Den Mushi rang for a good while before he answered with his usual stoic “what.”

“I’m leaving, Lucci.” Your voice was tired, so sure of itself. It was quiet for a few seconds, you would pay to know what he was thinking in that exact moment.

“…Okay.” Was all he said.

Okay. Okay? To your wife leaving? Really?

Stunned, you couldn’t help but completely snap, “Okay? That’s all you can say? Are you serious, Lucci?” Your footsteps rang in the house, pacing around like a madman, “Okay? Really?”

“What else am I supposed to say. Want me to beg?” He sighed on the other side, obviously tired of whatever this was. Completely frustrated, you hung up. You left the house, completely hot from the anger boiling inside of you.

He never called.

He never did.

And that hurt you the most.

To your disappointment, you still had connections to him. Working for the World Government meant you knew a few things that the average citizen wouldn’t. Such as the events that took place in Enies Lobby, as well as CP9’s entire defeat.

Lucci was a prideful man. He knew he was the best in his respective field, but to be defeated by a rubbery teenager struck something inside him that he couldn’t quite handle.

All of the strained assassins of CP9 were practically forced to leave the government for a time due to Spandam’s complete idiocy. To say everyone was pissed was an understatement. Everyone wanted to be better, to be more skilled, to never lose again.

And that’s what everyone did. They trained. Hardened their mindsets. Got stronger, faster, better.

Then he remembers.

He remembers he has a wife.

It started with a conversation he was having with Kaku. Kaku was always known for his small talk, Lucci always entertained it.

He never entertained his wife’s small talk… Why?

“You’re a lucky guy, Lucci,” Kaku smiled ever so brightly, swaying his drink in his hand gently, “Bet you’re excited to see your wife.” Lucci stiffened ever so slightly. He completely forgot he had a wife.

He had a wife.

“Mm… Yeah,” Lucci took a long sip of his brandy, the liquor burning his throat, “Can’t wait.” Kaku bursts out laughing, patting Lucci’s back, “Man! Even when you’re excited you’re always so straight faced! It’s hilarious!”

As Kaku left, Lucci’s thoughts swarmed in his head. He had a wife. A wife who had the purest heart. How did he get blessed with such a pure soul?

She made him coffee in the morning, the way he’d always made it ever since he started drinking coffee. He never drank it… Why?

She attempted small talk with him, trying to hear how his day was or how his missions went. He never said anything to her… Why?

She cared so sweetly for Hattori, the pigeon never failing to also rest on her shoulder, cooing at her as if he were actually conversing with her… Why didn’t he ever cherish those moments?

When he entered his house, your words replayed in his mind constantly.

“I’m leaving, Lucci.” Was a constant echo in his mind. Each step closer to his home, the words grew louder and louder. Unlocking the front door, he wasn’t hit with loneliness. He was hit with the familiar smell of dinner being made.

Hattori flew off of his shoulder, perching on his bird house that she had made him years ago. The pigeon happily pecked at the fresh beans in his bowl, she always made sure Hattori was well fed.

Placing his coat on the rack, he slowly made his way to the kitchen. There she was, preparing dinner. Why…?

“Why are you here.” Lucci spoke firmly, arms crossed, slightly suspicious.

You didn’t look up at him, only focusing on the sizzling food on the pan, “Because I live here, Lucci.”

“You know that’s now what I meant. You said you were leaving.” Lucci took a step forward, voice growing more confused by the second. “I did leave. Then I came back.”

It was quiet for a moment. Lucci could only stare at her. Why was she like this. Why did she stay. Why.

“I don’t understand you,” Lucci mumbled, eyes narrowing slightly, “I neglect you. I’m never here for you. Yet you still stay.”

“Because I love you.” You answered back, like it’s the only answer in the world.

Lucci stills. Love. Because she loves him. That’s why she stays. A noise escapes him, not a sigh, not a huff either, almost like bewildered amusement, “You’re a damn fool for loving me then.” He whispers, his words being heard by only her.

“Then a fool I’ll be. I’ll never give up on us, Lucci.” Turning to him, you grab his hands, holding them in yours.

“I’m glad you acknowledge you weren’t a great husband,” For once, Lucci cringes slightly at your words. Knowing he wasn’t good at something, something that seemed so simple… It wounded his pride. “But I hope… We can take the steps forward to be better. Together.”

Together… Even though he was the one not pulling his weight throughout the marriage… You still wanted to do this together.

why i ship it: honestly i love this ship because i love a good betrayal lol + seducing people for the mission!!!!! + lucci is a coldhearted bastard <3 + the betrayal!!!

shoutout to @99kahoy's amazing icelucci art!!

fic rec: go read @hawksbrood's fic Leopard Taming!! so good

Lucci glanced out of the corner of his eye, watching you carefully as you kept your back to him to close and lock the gate with a firm click. Your reaction to him hadn’t gone unnoticed to his sharp awareness. When you turned to face him again you smiled. It would have been convincing to anyone else but Lucci knew the truth in your expression. A smile to reassure him, to make him drop his guard but he could sense your distrust and that was going to be an issue. If he was to keep close to prevent any possible attempts on your life things would be so much easier if you were amicable with him. If you grew even more guarded and untrusting of him, you could easily change your mind about allowing him on the grounds during the day. 

For now though you were keeping your distance, staying out of arm’s reach of him as you walked over the grounds. You climbed the steps leading to your front door and stepped inside, pausing in the doorway when Lucci remained on the pathway. “Something wrong?”

“I’m a complete stranger. You sure you want me inside your home?” Your polite smile froze in place at the question, spoken through the bird on his shoulder. That same guarded flicker in your eyes appeared when Lucci met your gaze. On the surface he kept his usual blank stare but underneath his own quiet assessment began to stir. Were you trying to decipher if he had an ulterior motive in appearing respectful to your boundaries or were you trying to hide the fact you weren’t as naive and laidback as you liked to appear?

“Well if you’re here to work for me you’ll have to come in otherwise this is just pointless. So is this were we part ways already?” You asked simply, keeping your voice casual but with a challenge hidden in the silence that Lucci heard all too clearly. Giving up so soon? 

Lucci stared at you hard and shook his head, deciding to offer you a look that conveyed he was desperate for the work. After all he was a newcomer to this island, odd jobs from random townsfolk wouldn’t pay him enough or offer proper security compared to what someone of your standing could give him. Finally he climbed the steps and followed you inside, looking around the home with open appreciation as though he was seeing such a grand mansion for the first time. Truthfully it was impressive, the decor was classy and tasteful and not garish or blindingly hideous like some he’d seen over the years. He stepped into your study and stopped on one side of the desk while you walked around to open a drawer and pulled out a roll of paper.

Untying it you let it unfurl on the desk and turned it for Lucci to see. “These are initial plans for the grounds. I’m sure you noticed for yourself they’re bare looking. This’ll be a complete renovation; flowerbeds, pond, gazebo, the works.” You explained while Lucci’s eyes scanned the different concepts drawn out. As he looked over things you’d kept your eyes firmly on him, assessing, waiting. “Think you’re up to it?”

“It’s all easy enough, it’ll just take a while to do if it’s just one guy working on it.” Your lips twitched at Hattori’s input and lightly scoffed when Lucci gave a slight shrug and nod, the continued image of the impassive stranger. He lifted the designs and began to roll up the paper carefully and secure it as it had been.

“There’s one thing I need though before you start.” You spoke up carefully, catching Lucci’s attention immediately. “I need you to speak.”

You spotted Lucci’s jaw clench slightly and his intent stare already fixed on your face seemed to become sharper. It was just for a fleeting second but it seemed dangerous and it took everything in you not to instinctively reach for the gun hidden on the underside of the desk. “The ventriloquism thing is cute and if you want to keep that up around the rest of the town, fine. But when it’s just us I want to hear your voice. You said so yourself, you’re a complete stranger so consider this a sign of goodwill. Prove I can trust you.”

Lucci had hoped you would have been someone like Iceberg, who didn’t ask questions and passed off his silence as a quirk but no, you were sharper than that. Still, he wanted to test the waters and see if he could get something out of this too. Hattori ruffled his feathers and spoke the request on his behalf, still not giving in just yet. “Will you answer a question as a sign of goodwill too?”

“Of course.” You promised so easily and quickly that Lucci readied himself to speak through Hattori, believing he’d get his end of the bargain first but then you smirked and held up a finger. “But I need to hear the question from you, not the bird.” 

Lucci clicked his tongue and his momentary annoyance only seemed to amuse you further. “Why was it so important to see my hands yesterday?”

By contrast to what he’d been using as Hattori’s voice to his actual voice was a surprise but not an unpleasant one. It was deep, steady, and strong. Even his question was direct, which was refreshing. The people of the town always hid what they wanted to ask in amongst unnecessary compliments and apologies for being an imposition to you. At his question you looked at his hands, still remembering how they felt the day before. “I wanted to know if I was wasting my time or not.” You explained with a tired smile. “I’ve had countless people coming with the pretence of looking for work for me and not be suited for the job just in the hopes I’m stupid and not ask questions.They’ll lie and forge their eligibility on paper but their hands? Those can’t lie.”

“And what did my hands tell you?” Lucci asked, a small smirk of his own pulling at his lips.

“You’re strong, no stranger to hard work, and have definitely worked with your hands.” You explained while setting the key for the gate on the desk. “That’s yours. If you want to get started, head down to the docks and tell the foreman to let you into the warehouse. You’ll find the necessary supplies there to begin work on the garden. There’ll be workers about to help you bring the heavier materials here.”

———

It had been a long time since Lucci had gotten to do physical labour. As much as he tried to disregard it but the memories of his time on Water 7 did bubble to the surface as he measured the lengths of wood and marked where to make certain cuts to match your proposed designs. As much as this was simply a cover, he was still putting his all into the work. You’d correctly observed that he was hardworking, that much was true and if he was to be here for nearly a year, he may as well make the most of it. 

Outwardly he appeared solely focussed on his task but all of his senses were keenly set on you. Where you were at any moment, he was aware of it completely. With his sharpened skills he could hear any soft shifting of the fabric of your clothes when you pushed open the window in your study before sitting down at your desk with a resigned sigh. When he’d investigated during the night and entered the study that morning he’d noted the small bundle of letters sitting waiting to be read. He’d assessed that they’d gathered during your time away for the most recent funerals of your family members. As much as he would have preferred to have read them during the night he knew not to touch them just yet. Now that you were opening them he would get his chance to peruse them tonight when you’d gone to sleep.

From the way he could hear you sigh sharply with an even balance of boredom and annoyance, Lucci didn’t expect to find anything of great importance in the documents but it was better to confirm it completely for himself with no room for mere speculation. 

“Thirsty? Hungry?” Lucci glanced over his shoulder when you approached him. He shook his head and returned to his work of planing the cuts of wood. Behind him he heard you sigh, similar to when you’d been in the study. Annoyance. “Not only is this your first day but it’s warm and you haven’t stopped since you started. Take a break Lucci.”

“I’m fine.”

“You ‘being fine’ or not wasn’t part of the conversation.” You remarked with narrowing eyes. “You’re entitled to breaks. Either take one now or go back to your lodgings for the day. Your choice.” 

With his back to you, Lucci’s eyes narrowed fiercely and his jaw clenched hard. This was the part he hated about the undercover aspect of these missions. He was an elite agent, his body, stamina, and mental fortitude was honed expertly to allow him to work as long as he needed on very little sleep and food. This version of him had to be fragile, by comparison. Weak. He loathed to be seen as that. If you truly knew what he was capable of you wouldn’t be concerned for his state after a few measly hours of work in the sun. Still he had to bear it. For the mission. Didn’t mean he had to pretend he liked it, especially when you were threatening to send him home like a child. With a click of his tongue he slammed his hand against the wood, turning to frown at you. “Fine. How long do I get?”

“Thirty minutes.” You instructed before grabbing his arm and turning to go back inside. Instinct at being grabbed had made Lucci tense but he relaxed quickly, killing his initial instinct and training to disengage your loose hold and instead followed you into the kitchen. “Sit.”

“Don’t tell me you’re going to insist on feeding me next.” He muttered, looking over at you when you laughed dryly. 

“Yeah because the rich person cooking would be just torture, right?” You asked sarcastically as you grabbed a small box from the cabinet. “What disastrous concoctions would I make you choke down? Let’s hope I don’t poison you.”

Sitting opposite him at the table you set the box down hard and opened it, pulling out a set of tweezers and grabbed Lucci’s wrist, turning his hand around to see his palm. Lucci only now noticed the fairly substantial splinter imbedded in his skin. “Somehow I think you’d only poison me if it was intentional, not because of your cooking skills.” He noted, remaining still and watching you intently as you began to remove the splinter. Again if it weren’t for this role he was playing, he would have just told you to just rip it out as there was no need to be gentle. He’d suffered worse injuries than a tiny shard of wood.

“Skills might be too kind of a word.” You noted as you managed to get a good enough grip on the splinter. Quickly you glanced up from his hand to meet his gaze, surprised at how focussed he was on you. Not exactly judging or untrusting, just calmly observing and waiting. Clearing your throat you looked back down. With one firm, clean pull the splinter lifted from his hand and reached into the box to grab the disinfectant and gauze. “Almost done.”

“It’s fine.” Lucci reassured, the strong clinical smell making his nose wrinkle slightly. His Devil Fruit may have granted him an abundance of skills and heightened instincts and senses but in times like this it had a definite draw back. You fixed the gauze securely over the puncture the splinter made to prevent any infection setting in and lightly tapped his hand before rising from your seat. “Thanks.”

“Don’t mention it, although that should teach you a valuable lesson.” You grinned, watching him stand and flex his hand to adjust to the gauze before giving you a questioning look. “Next time I tell you to do something, don’t throw a tantrum.”

“I didn’t throw a tantrum.” Lucci scowled at you only making your grin spread at his firm denial.

“Oh, you most definitely threw a tantrum.” You laughed before heading for the door. “Enjoy your break, help yourself to anything in the kitchen.”  

———

When night came, Lucci repeated his same actions as the previous night, sneaking into your home after you’d gone to bed and made his way through the darkened rooms he’d just been in hours previous. For his enforced breaks during the day you were surprisingly laidback about him being in your home. Obviously to maintain the image of respect and being aware of his ‘station’ he kept mainly to the kitchen and living room. Now though, he could go where he pleased. 

After doing his rounds and listening for any intruders, Lucci made his way to your study and looked for the letters you’d read that morning. Many were mere from vaguely familiar names, their letters filled with platitudes expressing their ‘most heartfelt condolences’ over the deaths of your relatives before swiftly making a not so subtle comment about hoping to see you and the next big party or hope to be able to do business with your esteemed family in some capacity. Lucci memorised their names for future reference, carefully returning their letters to their previous resting place before moving on to the others. 

These ones were from different family members but held very little intel for him, nothing veiled as a sinister threat or hint they knew more about the deaths than they let on. Some were general updates about their lives, clear repeats that were being sent out to the entire family like a family made newspaper. Any excuse to brag or boast about their accomplishments but ultimately boring.  Some were from members not on the inheritance list and a lot more carefree and confident they won’t be targets while also expressing hopes you manage to survive the whole messy ordeal. Included in the family correspondences were a couple birthday party and wedding invitations. Lucci spotted one wedding was for one of your cousins he knew for certain was on the inheritance list. Were they bringing the wedding forward to prevent their death or were they just one of the small percentage unbothered by obtaining an inheritance that ultimately wouldn’t change their life? 

Before he could open another letter his head snapped up when he sensed movement from upstairs. Setting the letters down, he moved to swiftly and silently into the hallway and hid himself in the dark shadow as you sleepily and slowly descended the staircase. His eyes followed your slow movements as you yawned loudly, the back of your hand hovered over your mouth as the fingertips of your free hand gently skimmed the bannister. Even with your eyes slightly closed you navigated your home with practiced movements, relying on muscle memory see you safely down the staircase and into the kitchen. 

Staying in the dark Lucci repositioned himself and waited for you to finish getting your drink of water, planning to go back into your study as soon as you were tucked back into bed. However just as you set your glass in the sink, the deaden mushi on your desk began to ring and he bit his tongue harshly to stop himself from muttering a curse. Who would be calling at this hour? The sentiment was shared with you as you sleepily muttered under your breath and moved into the study. With a huff you flopped down into your seat and lifted the receiver. “Do you have any idea what time it is?”

“Woah, my bad!” A cheerful and completely unapologetic voice sounded from the snail, “I thought I was calling my favourite cousin. Clearly I mixed up a couple numbers, huh?”

“Yeah, must have. G’night.” You yawned, leaning forward to hang up only for your cousin to chime in again.

“Now, now, don’t give up that easy. C’mon just a quick chat and I’ll let you go back to your oh so exciting night of sleeping.”

“You could do with having a quiet night for once, might actually enjoy getting more than an hour of sleep and no hangover in the morning.”

“And you could do with having a fun night out and live for once.” Your cousin retorted with a laugh. “Y’know before the next funeral happens and brings the mood down.”

“You could take this a little seriously.” You chastised with a building yawn. “Some of us could be next.”

“Ohhh yeah, my bad cuz.” Your cousin laughed softly while you rolled your eyes. “Y’know I was a little hurt I wasn’t in great-uncle’s will in the beginning…”

“You’ve been married three times.”

“Yeah! But I was divorced by the time the old man wrote the will.” They protested and you could already envision their playful pout. “But then when the others started dropping at a rate that definitely wasn’t pure coincidence or bad luck it really put things into perspective, y’know? Literally dodged a bullet on that one.”

“Was there an actual reason you called?” You asked, shifting in your seat to get more comfortable. Lucci stole a glance into the room to see you throw your legs over one of the armrests and close your eyes softly. 

“Huh? Oh yeah! Listen…” You knew that tone and your eyes snapped open and your frown fixed firmly onto the snail on your desk. “I have a massive favour to ask.”

“I’m not liking this already…”

“No, please it’s nothing too big, not really.” Your cousin insisted. “So I’m going to be going on a romantic little cruise of the four Blues next month and I was hoping you’d let us stay at yours as a little stopping point for a couple days to resupply and rest up before setting sail again.”

“When you say ‘us’ you mean?”

“Well me, my latest flame, and a few personal staff. The captain and his crew can slum it in the tavern. So what do you say? Having someone else in your home won’t kill you, you could do with the company. Aren’t you bored being on your own all the time.”

“I’m fine. You don’t have to feign concern just to stay at mine.”

“I’m not feigning anything. Seriously, you doing okay?”

“I promise I’m fine, you’ll see for yourself next month. Happy?”

“Always.” Your cousin grinned and you fought a small smile as you now thought of having to prepare for the extra people coming. “Hey, do me a favour?”

“I’m already doing you a favour.”

“Apart from that. Maybe think about investing in a pet?” You pulled a face at that remark. Seriously did your cousin think you were a lonely old shut-in? “Nothing boring like a goldfish or hamster though. I think a dog would be too energetic for you.”

“So what like a cat or something then?” You asked with a small laugh. As you turned in your seat a sound from upstairs caused both you and Lucci to react. Sharply your gaze snapped to the open doorway of your study, your body on alert. Quickly you forced yourself to make a convincing yawn. “Tell you what. I’ll sleep on the pet thing. I’ll call you tomorrow.”

Hanging up you got to your feet and grabbed the letter opener from your desk. Gripping it tightly, you slowly padded your way to the partially open doorway and glanced out seeing nothing skulking in the dark. Taking a steadying breath you tightened your grip on the improvised weapon and carefully crept out, eyes never staying in one place. You searched around you multiple times as you, always scanning and always on alert, prepared to strike if needed. Swallowing hard you moved upstairs, licking your dry lips and trying to keep your breaths as silent as possible. You flinched when one of the floorboards under your feet creaked softly and your heart leapt into your throat at the sudden noise. 

Muttering under your breath and shaking your head at your own foolish reaction you steadied yourself and continued. You shuddered lightly as a soft breeze fell over your skin. Normally on a warm night it would be a soothing comfort but now in this moment, it was prickling and unpleasant. You tensed when a noise came overhead and you ducked in time as a bat missed hitting your head. Immediately you let out a heavy sigh, with the windows that you’d let open enough to keep you cool during the night, the poor thing got in and scared itself. It wasn’t the first thing you’d had to deal with this kind of intruder and you were able to herd it to the closest open window and back outside. 

Firmly you shut the window and began to calm yourself. You knew you were valid in your paranoia to immediately assume someone could have broken in to kill you as they had with your other relative but still you felt silly for thinking you could have done any damage with a letter opener of all things. Maybe you would have caught them by surprise and managed a couple pokes but it would have probably been nothing, it would have been like the splinter Lucci had this morning; an annoyance but hardly a threat. Rubbing your head you went around the house, closing and locking your windows with firm clicks. 

When the last ones in your bedroom were secured you dragged yourself into bed and settled yourself against the pillows. All tiredness had left you long ago but still you had to try. Even though you knew there was no danger in your home tonight you still lay on your side, eyes trained on the door and your hand tightly gripping the letter opener under your pillow. 

From outside your room Lucci remained in the shadows, close and ready to strike. It had been a tiny little bat tonight but it was a close call. It could have been an attack just as easily. Even long after he heard your breathing finally even out as the adrenaline in your system left and the exhaustion took its place, Lucci stayed near. Protecting. 

———————

Training was brutal for Lucci. Humiliation was one thing he couldn’t handle, all the anger that boiled within him throughout the years hardened him into the CP0 agent he became now.

A thought from time to time lingered in his mind. His wife. Her last words to him. His last words to her. The more he let those thoughts consume him, the more humiliated he felt.

Losing his wife… How stupid.

Marriage should be easy, shouldn’t it? He provided all the necessary things she would’ve needed. A house over her head, food to cook and eat, clothes on her back. How could he lose his wife when he did everything right?

Arriving to his home, he expected to be greeted by the aroma of her cooking. Unlocking the door, cool air met him instead, sending a slight shiver down his back.

Hattori, cooing, flew off of Lucci’s shoulder to perch on his birdhouse that she had made. Lucci stared at it, clicking his tongue. You always spoiled his bird, even when he would tell you not to. But he never did anything to stop it.

Walking farther into his home, it settled onto him that he was truly alone. Everything that made this house a home was gone. The pictures that hung on the wall weren’t there, walls completely blank and lifeless. The decorative pieces that he thought were tacky and useless, now wiped out entirely. He never thought he’d miss those tacky things…

His eyes settled on a piece of paper on the kitchen counter. A huff left his throat as he picked it up, reading it’s content.

‘To my Husband, Lucci.

I don’t know when you’ll read this letter. Maybe you never will. But if you do, just know I didn’t lie. I’m gone. I’ve tried to be the perfect wife for you. I tried to engage with you. I tried to love you, make you feel something. I wanted to believe that deep down, everyone can have a soft spot. Even someone like you. This marriage has taught me differently. I am unable to love you, Lucci. I hope one day, you’ll change for the better. I hope one day, you’ll feel something for someone. It doesn’t have to be love. It could be as simple as a small ounce of care. But I hope one day you realize what it means to love someone. Maybe you’ll understand loss as well. Only time will tell.

Farewell. —Your Wife’

He stared down at the paper for God knows how long. Rereading each word on the page as if it were going to run off eventually. He didn’t know what to make of it.

She can’t love him? Was he unlovable? Why did that sting a bit? It shouldn’t hurt a single bit. Crumpling the letter, he tucked it into his breast pocket, not even thinking about it.

A few months passed, he quietly went through the plans in his mind, the only company on his way to Egghead was Stussy and Kaku. As they were approaching, once he had privacy he took the crumbled letter out of his pocket. He could never come up with a reason as to why he kept the letter, always rereading it, always taking in the words she had left him. That damn letter was either a blessing or a curse. The events that followed made Lucci’s stomach turn. Utterly beaten by Zoro and Jinbe, a dark presence made its appearance.

His eyes were wide with shock, staring up at the bird that he could only describe as being God like with power. Although his body trembled with fear, he still mustered up the courage to shout at it,

“Wait!” His voice was loud, loud enough for the bird like creature to look back, “My partner… He’s injured… Please, spare him!” Lucci begged. Begged. It was like the universe was laughing at him, humiliating him all over again. Life sure was funny, wasn’t it.

Lucci’s heart sank when his words fell flat, being told that it was impossible for Kaku to be spared almost the chaos. Was this what his wife meant? What it felt to lose someone? Is this what it felt like when you care for someone? That damn letter… He read it almost everyday for a reason. It wasn’t a farewell, it was a warning.

Lucci learned a lot of lessons during his mission on Egghead. But the most painful one?

Loss. He felt what he could’ve lost, a good friend. Someone he came to care for.