Temptations

When the meeting ended it was quite late at night. Victor and Robin returned to the Sanchez's guesthouse on their carriage it was 11 PM on the clock. 

"When will we be returning home?" Robin asked as she removed Victor's overcoat. It was cold outside and and there was no electricity in homes. Victor lit the fireplace with a flick of his finger, "Loading the ship with the loot will take a day, we'll reach home in another 4-5 days."

"You've earned quite a bit of riches, what will you do with it?" Robin asked curiously, she was a little surprised when Victor told her the numbers while returning.

"Make more money of course!" Victor pulled out a bottle of wine from the private lounge. "Want a sip? It'd be a waste to let go of free drinks, Sofia's sponsoring us anyway." 

"You really are a shameless capitalist! Even with all this money you...." Robin sighed, "Pour me a glass." 

Victor worked like a pro bartender and elegantly prepared the drinks. The flames danced in the fireplace, casting a warm and inviting glow in the room. Victor handed a glass of wine to Robin, who accepted it with a playful smirk. They settled into the plush armchairs, the soft hum of the fire and the gentle crackling of the logs providing comforting background noise.

Victor raised his glass in a mock salute before taking a sip of the rich, red wine. "To new opportunities, my dear Robin," he said with a mischievous glint in his eye.

The room was bathed in the warm, flickering light of the fireplace, creating a cosy and intimate atmosphere. As Victor and Robin sat in their armchairs, their conversation soon turned more personal. The wine seemed to loosen their tongues and allow them to speak more freely.

Robin looked into Victor's eyes, her curiosity giving way to something deeper. "You know, Victor," she began, her voice softer now, "I have a dream that I must accomplish at any cost. But why do I feel like I'll have to make a tough choice to either sacrifice my dreams or my happiness if you keep being so nice to me?"

"You don't have to choose you know, you can be more greedy and choose both," Victor replied as he looked at Robin.

"You and I belong to different worlds, you are the head of the Moriarty Family while I am just a wanted criminal."

"You are more than that Robin, even if you try to hide yourself in a cocoon you will still shine brightly." Victor meant it genuinely. His admiration for such a strong woman who bears the will of Ohara was immense even before he arrived in this world. And after personally interacting with her he couldn't help but feel the urge to share her burdens. 

"It's all sweet talk Victor, you're lying to me," Robin said jokingly as she took a sip of her wine.

"I have never lied to Robin!" Victor became serious and looked into her eyes.

Robin couldn't help but feel butterflies in her stomach as their eyes met, she is a woman and she can intuitively tell when someone looks at her differently. She knows that Victor has changed after coming out of the coma and she doesn't dislike the change. He has become more mature and manly, even though he acts cold outside to others, he genuinely cares about her. 

*Peru Peru Peru* Suddenly Victor's personal den den mushi started ringing on the table. At these moments he misses the conveniences of the modern world. It'd be so handy to have a smartphone in this world.

"It might take a moment!" Victor said before leaving to pick up the call.

'Who's calling so late?' Robin wondered but didn't enquire more, everyone has their secrets.

***

"Who's calling?"

"It's me, Fisher Tiger."

"So you survived!" Victor was a little surprised. He didn't think that the proud fishman would listen to his words and managed to change his fate. This meant that the future could be changed, but will there be consequences?

"You were right! The humans betrayed us and called the Marines. Thankfully my men were cautious and helped me in time."

"Congratulations on a new chance at life!"

"Tell me, is there a place in this world for the sea folks where we can live peacefully?"

"Hahahaha! You fishmen are naive, do you think your kind will be ever welcomed on the surface peacefully? Once you are out of your natural habitat it'll be more easy to capture and persecute your kind only to be sold as slaves to the ones above the red line. You know this better than me."

"Then tell me how to avoid the bleak future!"

"Fisher, I believe in equal exchanges, I can indeed help you change the future but what will I get in return?"

"Huh!"

"I am not your subordinate Fisher Tiger, I work for a larger cause. You didn't believe my words at first and asked for proof that I know about the future, I gave you one. What have I done for you to to treat me disrespectfully when you came to me asking for guidance?"

"Thank you for saving my life, it was rash of me speaking out thoughtlessly. Please tell me what you want in return?" Fisher Tiger calmed down, when he thought back about it it was indded true. He didn't have any obligation to help him without something in return.

"Fisher Tiger, I'll make you an offer you can't refuse!"

Fisher listened carefully with rapt attention and a little worry. He understood one thing properly, the other party was not a selfless person who helped him with pure goodwill.

Victor, leaning against the table where the den den mushi sat, took a moment before speaking. "Fisher, I know your kind seeks peace and a place in this world, but the surface isn't as forgiving as we wish it to be. However, I might have a proposition that could benefit us both."

Fisher's tone remained cautious yet interested. "What do you propose, benefactor?"

"I work for an organization that works in the shadows, dealing with matters that aren't openly discussed in this world. Joining hands with us might provide your people with protection, resources, and a voice in places you'd never dream of reaching otherwise."

There was a moment of silence from Fisher Tiger's end, the Den Den Mushi crackling with anticipation. A shadow organization? He is not working with a group but what's their goal? "And in return?"

Victor's voice took on a confident edge. "Your strength and influence. We are not interested in your small island, our goal is more...Global. All new members are only invited after a recommendation and strict background check, everyone must keep their real identity a secret from each other so we will only contact you through calls. You can act freely and follow your own interest but when we assign you a mission you have to do your best to accomplish it. In return, we will provide you with intelligence, network and backing when required."

"What test do I have to perform and can I refuse to do it if it's against my moral code?"

"If it doesn't interest you then you can definitely decline, it's not like you are that important in our plans currently." Victor didn't shy away from painting Akatsuki as a hidden powerhouse, it's called a shadow organization for a reason. 'I'll have to find a better means for secret and secure communication among the members.'

"So what's my first test?"

"Your first task is a rescue mission: Save shipwright Fishman Tom. He is a genius shipbuilder but the WG's hunting dogs, CP9 members are after him for building Gold D. Roger's ship, the Oro Jackson. Difficulty: Extremely Dangerous. You'll get further details about your mission when you reach the site. Also, you know the rules, don't speak to anyone about your identity, not even to your closest ones. You'll be assigned a code name on becoming a full-time member after you successfully finish the first task. So will you accept or refuse the offer?" Victor said with a knowing smile. When it comes to fishmen, a hero like Fisher Tiger will never sit still and refuse to help. He will run the most powerful pyramid scheme in this world with the world's strongest men working under him by making them owe him favours.

"I accept!!! How should I address you, benefactor?" As expected, when he heard that the evil World government wanted to harm another genius of his race just for building the Pirate King's ship, he felt the same old devilish anger boil inside of him that enabled him to climb over the red line and set Marijois on fire to free the slaves. But he quickly calmed down and answered the call, he didn't want to show this side to the one person who gave him a second chance in life.

"Agent Harbour!" Victor ended the call and left Fisher Tiger wondering if it had any deeper meaning or not. He was deeply convinced that Harbour knew about the future and had a large hidden organization backing him. They worked in the shadows and amassed strength and influence using the knowledge about the future. He felt like he was just a pawn in a dangerous game, but he was not afraid. He will play his role even at the cost of his life if he can give a better life to his kind, a dream of a better future.

***

A/N: Guys Vote please: 

1. Make Victor & Robin stay like this

2. Pace up the Romance