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Chapter Text

Perched on his personal windowsill on the second storey of the grandeur palace in Dressrosa, the King gazed down to a shipment incoming from Punk Hazard. Usually he wouldn’t bother himself with such a low priority task, but this was a special day. He took a sip from a glass loosely strung between his fingertips, his amused peer tracing the outline of his expected guest.

“Mi Corazón...”

These words left his lips in a whisper. Of course he was far away enough that they didn’t reach the ears of the intended recipient, but he was more than happy to repeat himself at a more appropriate time. Perhaps a visit from yours truly would cheer him up from all this doom and gloom, even by just a little bit.

+

Shifting to the shores of Dressrosa, the incoming Law was uncomfortable - eyes permanently glued to his own two feet. He knew the pink-feathered bastard was out there somewhere looking down on him, but he wasn’t in the right headspace to confirm it for himself. Right now, the only thing he could process was kicking the rocks out of the way, making his path forwards a little more bearable towards his ornamental prison.

Months ago, he expected his introduction to its port would be more strategic; one that would leave Doflamingo on his knees at the mercy of his blade. But now, that couldn’t be further from the truth. He wasn’t strong enough to keep up his mental fortitude in Punk Hazard, and the only thing keeping him afloat was a few bottles of wine to drown out any room he had for second thoughts.

“Aren’t you going to come in? The food’s getting awfully cold.”

He didn’t know how long he had spaced out for, but the incoming voice was more than enough to snap him back to reality. His half-hearted gaze wandered up the ten-foot tall offender before locking in on his signature red glare. Law couldn’t be any less surprised that his sleep paralysis demon was the first to greet him, but he had no energy in him to react. He simply looked up, then back down, and continued his walk through the palace gates.

As soon as the Doctor was by his side, Doflamingo turned towards the hallway. His rough hand was perched on Law’s shoulder, guiding the flightless bird inside. 

+

The first room he was brought to was the dining hall, a room he didn’t quite care enough to digest.

“Pick a seat. I don’t suppose you’re in the mood for socializing, so for now it will just be the two of us.” Doflamingo passively hummed, gesturing his hand forwards towards the pre-set table. “We have quite a bit to catch up on.” 

The similarities to the lunch-in back at Punk Hazard were uncanny, at least in layout and course-selection. The only difference that mattered was the room itself - suffocatingly gaudy. He almost preferred the cold hard steel. But then again, he didn’t quite remember how the lunch even ended all those weeks back. So he’ll treat this like a do-over. 

He took the seat closest to the wine, a gesture that didn’t go unnoticed in Doflamingo’s delighted glare. 

“First and foremost, I am glad to finally welcome you.” Doflamingo hummed about, dancing around the table before taking his rightful seat at the head. They weren’t too far apart from each other, a vacant seat away at most. But it was still enough of a gap to be parted by a sea of appetizers between them. “You’ve never been to Dressrosa, have you? By the time you left, we hadn’t gotten to executing any of our plans. Either way, you are free to treat this as your home.”

Law was generally unresponsive, eyes focused on the napkin he placed on his lap moments prior.

Doflamingo rested his chin over his crossed fingers as he hunched over his empty plate. “But if I recall, the last time we shared a meal you said something along the lines of ‘ quit pretending like you know anything about me.’ So, I’d love to learn more. Especially now that you’re no longer a guest under my roof.”

The lackluster mood Law was showing off was still overwhelming, but at the very least, now he had his attention. Law looked up towards the Warlord in all his eye-bagged glory, meeting the crimson gaze he knew all too well. “All you want is the perpetual youth surgery, right? Quit the small talk. Let’s just get it over with.”

Doflamingo’s brow lowered cautiously, lips pulling into a sharp frown. “No.” He dismissed. “That’s not what I asked. Tell me about yourself.”

This was enough to pull out the off-duty Doctor’s real reaction, brows furrowing in disbelief.

“What, do you really think I would’ve gone through all this effort if I wanted you gone?” Doflamingo mused, gently gesturing to the presentation of the room. “I didn’t lie when I said you’re like a brother to me. And what kind of brother would I be if I sacrifice you after a reunion far too long in the making? Not to say the perpetual youth surgery will never happen, but for the time being let me be content in having you back.”

Law’s eyes slowly returned back to normal as his head tilted back down to his lap. His lip conflictingly wavered before grumbling in defeat. “Then what do you want to know?”

“For starters, what’s your favourite food?” Doflamingo piqued. “Favourite colour, find any books you’ve been attuned to recently; are you still reading as diligently as you used to? I’d love to show you around the library, I’ve had a few good finds over the years I know you’ll enjoy.”

Law silently processed the Captain’s words. But after some time, he found his answers.

“Onigiri. Yellow. I don’t have too much time to read, but when I can I’ve been enjoying research-based literature.”

Law was anxiously waiting for a response - any response, but he was left with nothing. The stale air felt drawn out to an eternity. 

“Anything else you want to know?” Law finally muttered in a downwards glare.

“Whatever you’re willing to say, I’m all ears.” Doflamingo hummed. “If you want to talk about your life at sea, any remarkable adventures you’ve gone on, friends you’ve made, partners you’ve had, or anything else that may have come to mind.”

Law’s lips pressed together. That may have been his limit talking about himself, but with how he left his crew he wasn’t fit to speak on their behalf. Relationships? He’s been too preoccupied with his lifelong goal that the thought never crossed his mind.

“No?” Doflamingo hummed, as if reading his mind. “Well, there will be plenty of opportunities for new stories in the future. There’s never a dull day in the land of passion .”

He poured a cup of wine for himself before taking a sip. 

“Of which, I guess I should explain to you how things work here. You remember my system of executives, right?” 

How could he forget? He grumbled to himself before answering in a slight nod.

“Good.” Doflamingo grinned. “The Diamonds, led by Diamanté. The Spades led by Pica. The Clubs led by Trebol. And then… the Hearts. That seat has been waiting an awfully long time to be filled, but better late than never.”

Law braced for impact. It was a question months, maybe even years in the making. But even now it was something he wasn't prepared for; something he’d never be prepared for.

“Are you ready?”

Law awkwardly darted his eyes down. “I…”

“I expect you’ll need some time to adjust.” Doflamingo interrupted. His shadow cascaded across the table as he rose to his feet, feathers swaying to the rhythm of his looming walk to the Doctor’s side. “The Heart comes with a lot of responsibilities, but it’s nothing you can’t handle. My right-hand, stationed by my side unless told otherwise. Heart… mind… body and soul…”

Reaching the side of his prize, he rested a hand over the Doctor’s heart. It slowly crept to his shoulder.

“…All mine.”

Then, it found itself in a perfectly-carved out nook under his chin. The King's fingers followed his jaw, guiding his Heart to meet his gaze. His lips pulled into a grin, simmering in the predatory heat of the moment. And like a deer in headlights, there was nothing Law could do to stop his Captain from taking the first bite.

Chapter Text

Doflamingo took him to bed. Time after time, night after night, the King explored his body mercilessly. He wasn’t kidding when he said he’d be stationed at his side, but it came in more positions than he’d originally imagined. 

It started the day he arrived on Dressrosa. To think Doflamingo had the gall to complain that the food was going cold when the meal went completely untouched, all because he couldn't keep his tongue in his own mouth. And though the first advance was a shock to the young Doctor, it was something he warmed up to pretty quickly. If raw pleasure was enough to silence the thoughts in his head, he’d welcome the distraction any day. 

But the distraction wasn’t always enjoyable. Over the past two weeks, he’s become acquainted with his Captain’s mood swings. The lowest typically came from frustrating calls or vein-inducing underlings, dragging his trusty second to his quarters as his only remedy. And today seemed like one of those days. 

“What is it this time?” Law asked, trying to hide the smirk from his lips. He didn’t have much success.

Doflamingo responded in a sneer, not even looking at his second as he dragged him away. “Delinger’s taking care of it.” When the King gets like this, most of his subjects know to avoid him like the plague. But Law was different. He’s come to realize riling him up led to him being a lot more explosive in bed - a mutually beneficial outcome. Doflamingo gets everything and then some out of his system, and Law is pushed to the brink of unconsciousness.

They made it to the Captain’s quarters in record time, Law unceremoniously tossed on the bed. He didn’t have time to readjust before his body was strung up by strings, pants pried off to reveal his bare legs. As quick as they appeared, the strings vanished to leave the off-duty Doctor plummeting down to his stomach. A distinct zip filled the air behind him. “Not gonna-?”

Without giving Law the luxury of a full breath, the Captain’s rough hand forcibly wrapped around his mouth. Oh, so it was one of those. 

…Well, that’s no fun.

It was an in-and-out, no questions asked type operation. And with little prep work, this was going to leave the young Corazón with stiff pains and awkward glances for the next few days.

+

The longest fifteen minutes of his life came to a close, and by god was he glad it was over. The vein that had  bubbled on Doflamingo’s forehead gradually contracted down to irritation, focus, and eventually was completely gone. He wore himself down to a similar exhaustive state to the Doctor on his bed, plummeting to his side before letting out his pent up frustrations in a long, steady sigh.

“Some of the cargo on a shipment went missing,” Doflamingo grumbled, flipping himself over on his back. He pinched his forehead, taking in some air to replace what he’d lost. “It was so miniscule that it went unnoticed before delivery, but now the client’s pissed off. I’m stuck playing damage control to appease some worthless scum to save my reputation.”

Ah, customer service. No wonder it’s gotten his feathers in a twist.

“Delinger’s taking care of it, no?” Law asked, using this opportunity to slink his way into the Warlord’s arms and cozy up on his chest. Even though the bird was stressed, he was still oddly comforting. “And even if he can’t, I’ve been shadowing you enough over these past few weeks. I can handle it.”

“Little bird… what would I do without you?” Doflamingo was distant in a thought of his own, which soon came to a close as his focus returned to his Heart nestled so sweetly against him. 

“I don’t know,” Law grumbled, burying his head further in the chest of the Donquixote Captain. “All I’ve been doing is following you around, and doing… well, this.”

Doflamingo laughed, the bubbly sensation reverberating on the young Doctor. “Maybe we really should discuss your responsibilities.”

The Donquixote Captain rolled to his side. Though Law fell out of his hold, the two met eye-to-eye. This wasn’t the end of the King’s reign, hands delicately trailing down his second in arms. His fingers plucked below his black buttoned-up shirt. “It seems every time we come to this topic, we get a little distracted.”

Law rolled his eyes, his smirk unphased. He played into Doflamingo’s touch with the buck of his hips. “Blaming it on me, are you? You’re not the one with his back blown out every Tuesday.”

A laugh bubbled up in Doflamingo’s chest again, gaze softening towards the boy. “And here I thought your blushing virgin phase was going to last a bit longer.”

He knew his second well. So, when Law was obviously about to snark back, Doflamingo took the executive decision to muzzle his all-bark Heart. If given the airspace, they could banter all day. But in an effort to keep this time semi-productive, there were some things he had to sacrifice.

“Responsibilities.” Doflamingo reintroduced. “There’s a few pieces I’d like you to pick up. Some of them you’ll like, some of them you’ll hate. Which do you want to hear first?”

Law’s expression soured. Looks like there’s no way out of this one. As Doflamingo’s hand loosened around his mouth, he gave a short reply. “Hate.”

Doflamingo acknowledged Law’s bitterness, but continued anyway. “Administratively, you’ll need some men under your command.” He initiated. “Given most are accounted for, you’re not spoiled for choice. But, there are a few that are still under the first Corazόn’s command. I’ve been meaning to keep Vergo’s involvement with family matters minimal, so Punk Hazard will be added to your portfolio. Caesar and Monet will be reporting directly to you.”

Oh, he absolutely hated this. And from the way Law’s body tensed at the mention of Caesar Clown, Doflamingo wasn’t exactly guessing how his Heart was feeling on the matter.

“And why can’t Vergo keep it up?” The boy protested. “He’s been doing a good job so far.”

“He has,” Doflamingo confirmed. “But, the bad news ties in well with the good news. Want to hear?”

Law’s lips quivered into a pout. No amount of good news would be enough to combat dealing with Caesar fucking Clown for the rest of his life. “Fine.”

“From now on, you will be the head of Medical and Research.”

It took a moment for Law to digest, but the moment it did his eyes went wide. 

“What?”

“Nobody on Dressrosa has been as academically inclined as you, so I’ve always kept research off-shores.” Doflamingo explained. “But I’ve been pulling some strings behind the scenes to get a full research lab installed near the factory for your academic pleasure. Consider it my investment in you, mi Corazόn .”

Law was at a complete loss of words.

Doflamingo continued with amused ease. “All research and development will be channeled through you, which is why Caesar and Monet will be under your wing. You will update me on their findings on an as-need-basis. I will also be expecting you to conduct independent research. Anything you need or wish for through your academic pursuits, consider it supplied.”

Law’s eyes softened as they glistened with something new; foreign to anything the King has seen in Law before. For the past two weeks, and even back when he was a kid. “Are you serious?”

“Now why would I joke about that?” Doflamingo smiled back, recognizing his genuinity. “Even though we’re similar, we have our fair share of differences. You enjoy the process, where I am more fond of results. I’m certain this arrangement will be a perfect use of your strengths.”

“I-I don't know what to say,” Law stuttered out. The conflict in his gaze was not lost.

“You don’t need to say anything.” Doflamingo hummed. “Just think of me. Every waking thought, every breath you take, every discovery you make. These are all my gifts to you. All I ask in return is that you stay by my side.”

Doflamingo’s veiny hands were submerged under Law’s shirt. His rough fingertips traced each nook and cranny, until finding its way back to his heart.

“Can you do that for me, Corazón?” 

The question came out in a breathy whisper.

“Yes…” Whatever thoughts were racing through his head died down as the Doctor took a deep breath to recompose himself. Burying himself in the arms of his Captain once again, his gaze wandered up to meet the crimson peer permanently etched in the back of his mind. 

“Yes, Young Master.”

+

Paraparapara…. Paraparapara….

Doflamingo seemed to have dozed off. With his little Corazόn pulled into his arms once more, how could he not? This had been a productive detour, but the Young Master figured it was time to get back to work. Mindful to not disturb his sleeping beauty, he slid out of bed and perched himself on the windowsill.

Cuh-lick.

“Young Master.” 

A deep voice filled the other side of the line, emotionless yet stiff.  As soon as it came through, a small smirk etched on the King’s face. He adjusted his gaze to admire the small sleeping Law on his bed filling the room with his soft snores, but eventually turned his attention back to the snail. “Vergo. And what gives me the pleasure to be speaking to you this afternoon?”

“It seems you’ve been quite pre-occupied this morning.” The Marine Vice Admiral stated. It wasn’t accusatory, but it felt close enough. “Rumour has it at Marine HQ, Warlord Donquixote Doflamingo and rookie Warlord Trafalgar Law have teamed up.”

There was a small air of silence before the senior Warlord simply responded “Your reconnaissance has never disappointed me.” 

“So your plan worked?” Vergo was blunt.

“It was going to work no matter what,” Doflamingo mused, kicking his feet up on the sill. “But the degree to which it did, I can not be happier. We have to work on that stamina of course, but he’s shaping up to be exactly what he was supposed to be. It’s as if everything with Rosinante never happened. Actually, it may have even sparked a flame in him; a kindling of his hatred of the world. Hatred for everything but me.”

As he went on and on, the grin on Doflamingo’s face grew wilder and wilder. It was almost manic until a swift interruption was made by his first Corazón.

“I see.” 

It was a cold response.

“You don’t sound convinced.” Doflamingo observed, smirk slightly falling.

“Even if it was a product of your second Corazón, he’s betrayed you before.” Vergo stated. “He could do it again.”

“He was nothing more than a child, Vergo.” Doflamingo clicked his tongue. “And besides, he didn’t betray me of his own volition. Rosinante orchestrated everything. Law was just an unfortunate piece who got caught in the crossfire.”

“He was still gone for thirteen years.” Vergo added. “And don’t forget his reasoning for coming to Punk Hazard. He wanted to take you down.”

“That’s history.” Doflamingo assured. “He’s been practically glued to my hip since. Hell, he’s even been smiling as of late.”

Vergo raised his brow. And though Doflamingo couldn’t see it, he knew his first second still wasn’t sold. 

“I gave him a bone to chew on,” Doflamingo continued. “A research lab to his tastes. I’ll be having him take over your operation in Punk Hazard to centralize the research department for a bit. He was only swayed all those years ago because he had nothing to lose. Now, why would he betray a life stocked with everything he’s ever wanted? All he has to do is sit and wag his tail like the good little dog he is.”

“Young Master.” Vergo frowned. “Did you forget about the perpetual youth surgery?”

“The expectation is still there.” Doflamingo dismissed as he readjusted himself on the sill. “But as of now, he can be a significant asset. You can’t deny his talents are exceptional. A bounty of 200,000, a recent Warlord, he’s almost on track with me when I was his age. With a little more guidance, he’ll bloom brilliantly.

Another non-answer.

“I understand your… attachment to the boy.” Vergo questionably continued. “Is this something you’re willing to risk everything for?”

“He is a worthy investment.” Was the only answer he got.

“I see.” 

The response was still cold, but this time it was met with a deep sigh.

“Let me know if there’s anything you need.” Vergo was blunt. “If possible, I would like a meeting with Corazόn to ensure the transition of power for Punk Hazard goes smoothly.”

“Of course.” Doflamingo smiled. “I’ll see to that being arranged once he’s awake.”

The call finally concluded in a more stressful way than Doflamingo intended. He has a lot of respect for his first Corazόn, but there were a few occasions where they didn't see eye-to-eye. It seems Trafalgar Law was going to be one of those points for minimally a year, maximally… god knows. He pressed his thumb to his temple. But eventually, he has faith his little Law will produce good enough results to quash any doubt of his loyalty. With how nicely the boy has been wrapped around his thumb so far, it won't be long.

He stood up with his arms stretched above his head. That was enough for the day, he supposed. All he wanted to do now was to take the rest of the day off to spend time in the comfort of his second. But before he could see to granting his own wish, he was rudely interrupted.

Paraparapara…. Paraparapara….

A vein bulged on his forehead.

Cuh-lick.

“What is it now?” Doflamingo didn’t even give a second to spare to the poor soul on the other side of the line. But this time, the caller wasn’t Vergo. It was a girl.

“I’m sorry for the sudden call, Young Master.” The woman acknowledged, but continued on. “I wasn’t able to see it with my clairvoyance until it was too late. A group of pirates have arrived on the island. We’re having trouble identifying them. It doesn’t seem like they have a Captain with a notable bounty. For now, all we know is that they traveled underwater to get here with a yellow submarine.” 

“Is that so?” Doflamingo’s teeth clenched.

“Yes.” The woman duly answered.

Doflamingo grumbled, pinching his temple in the wake of a migraine. “Send out some of Diamante’s men to greet them. I’ll be down in the cells shortly.”

And then he hung up.

“Cockroaches,” Doflamingo spat under his breath, throwing the snail to the side. “I’ve been dealing with cockroaches all day.” 

As he continued to pinch his forehead to release some of the pressure upstairs, it seemed a glance over to his sleeping second was enough to compose himself with. He draped his feathered coat over the boy before softly brushing his hand under his jaw. “Don’t worry, little bird. I’ll be good.”

Locking the door behind him, the King left his sleepy second to rest.

Chapter Text

Doflamingo’s heels clacked through the cold stone cellar; a section in the basement of his palace reserved for what you could call special interests. And this seemed to fit that definition quite well. He had to admit this was poor timing, but anything would have been he supposed. At the very least, they had the decency to turn ashore when his trusty second was fast asleep. And with this trek down to the cellar, he could hit two birds with one stone. He could deal with the remnants of the Heart Pirates, and make sure his sweet little Corazón was rewarded with some sweet dreams.

It wasn’t long before he wound up in the area in question, one of the larger cells under his arsenal designed to contain larger groups that strove to wreak havoc on the shores of his kingdom. This particular problematic group didn’t pose any real threat to him per se, but their presence alone could skew the results of this little experiment. And that was far from ideal.

The second largest of the bunch was a polar-bear dawned in orange, who was the first to snarl in his direction. It was hard to get any intel on the Heart Pirates since Law seemed to hog most of the media’s attention. But, Doflamingo was familiar enough with more of the notable entries from his own snooping over the years. That Polar Bear had to be Bepo; Laws previous second-in-command. 

“Now, what gives me the pleasure to welcome the Heart Pirates to my paradise in Dressrosa?” The name left the King’s lips in a forced smirk, before his hands delicately slipped behind his back. “Or I guess, former Heart Pirates.”

He wasn’t here to make friends, and boy did that show it. His words sparked immediate tension in the crew.

“Quit playing dumb.” One of the men snapped back, a redhead dawning an orca-shaped hat. That must be Shachi. He took up one of the back corners of the cell, back hunched against the wall as his hands were weighted down in cuffs. But his voice carried as if he was front-of-the-line. “Those glasses. You’re Doflamingo, right? You’re the bastard Captain hates more than bread?”

“Ouch,” Doflamingo mocked in a pretend sort of hurt. What a sharp mouth on that one. “I wouldn’t say that. We’re quite amicable actually. Dare I say, he may even enjoy my presence.”

No one looked convinced. So Doflamingo brushed it off in an awkward shrug. “Whatever. You still haven't answered my question. Why are you here?”

“Do you even have to ask?” Shachi snapped back. “We just want to talk to our Cap-”

He bit his tongue. 

“Law. We want to talk to Law.”

“Law. You want to talk to Law, you say.” Doflamingo hummed, tapping his foot in thought. For a moment it seemed like he was considering it, but the opportunity washed away the moment Doflamingo opened his mouth. “Unfortunately, no-can-do. I wish I knew the details myself, but my second-in-command doesn’t like talking about his former pirate life. It stresses him out. So I’d rather not burden him after he’s been adjusting back into our family so well. Perhaps another time, say, in about a year and some change?”

“You’re lying!” This time, Bepo yelled. “I know Law would never join you! He would never abandon us like this. What did you do to him?!?”

Doflamingo raised a brow in this direction before a small “sorry” left the Bear’s lips.

“What have I done?” Doflamingo bemused. “Well, all I’ve been is hospitable. His decisions are all a product of his own mind. Even the most stubborn people have to come to their senses, eventually.” 

Shachi still wasn’t buying it. And though he didn’t get up from his corner seat, he rolled his shoulders back to straighten his posture. “Bepo’s right.” His amber eyes locked onto the King in question. “Cap’ is stubborn, but he’s kind. He’d never leave us like this. And even if he did, he would never betray the person who saved his life.”

“You’re talking about Rosinante?” The King muttered with a roll of his eyes. At this point, the grin was long gone. He pulled out one of the chairs at the side of the cell for on-duty guards, and sat on it backwards. His legs leisurely hugged the back frame. “My, how his ghost has been traveling around these days. I’d love to tell you everything, but there’s some nuances you may not understand.”

“Nuances?” The Penguin hatted boy chirped in. “The Captain was sick, Cora save-”

“ I saved Law.” Doflamingo was sharp. The air fell stale. Bepo was about to butt in, but Doflamingo raised his hand in dismissal. “So quick to doubt. You may call me a manipulator. And hey, that may be true. But you can’t deny the possibility that perhaps manipulation runs in the family. I’m not the only one who’s lived a checkered life, after all.”

He continued on with complete disregard of the twisted expressions on the Heart Pirate’s faces.

“But I’m the one with a knack for discovery.” He crossed his fingers over the head of the backboard, delicately resting his chin on top. “And it was I who discovered that fruit, all those years back. It was my idea to reach out to Rosinante so he could use that fruit to heal Law’s ailments. And what do I get in return? Some made up story about Rosinante’s sacrifice, and a dear family member - a brother - lost to the tides of some false tale of justice .”

He stressed that last word, like venom on his lips. But, he was able to soon compose himself in a deep breath.

“You can believe who you want.” Doflamingo rolled his eyes. “You can believe the tales of a small, sick, manipulated boy; or you can believe the words of someone who was old enough to know better. But if there was no truth to what I’ve said, would Law have come back?”

No Heart pirate dared to respond to the Warlord, a tense silence washing over the crew. They’ve heard one side of the story for so long, the other seemed foreign; almost too good to be true. But eventually, one of the pirates came to their senses. Traversing towards the front of the cast, Penguin stood eye-to-eye with the pink feathered Warlord.

“First and foremost, is Law safe?” He asked.

“Safe and well.” Doflamingo easily responded.

That seemed to ease some more of the Hearts behind him.

“That’s good to hear.” Penguin sighed out in relief, shoulders rolling back to straighten his position. “If that’s the case… Donquixote Doflamingo. What if we make you a deal?”

The Warlord's brow piqued curiously, head cocked to the side. “You know who you’re dealing with, don’t you?”

Penguin nodded. In a breath, he raised his head to view the Warlord in all his glory. “The former Heart Pirates will fly under the Donquixote banner, at no cost. All we ask is to be around when Law needs us.”

“That…” Doflamingo trailed off, before a smirk pulled at his lips. “Is something I unfortunately can’t do.”

The Orca-hatted boy sat up instantly. “Why the hell not?!” he snapped.

“Law.” The answer was simple. “It was his only condition for becoming my second-in-command. That the individuals formerly known as the Heart Pirates can not, under any circumstance, become a part of the Donquixote pirates.”

That came as a shock to the crew. “That’s it?” Bepo asked, finding it hard to wrap his head around it. “That was his condition?”

“You have my word.” Doflamingo grinned. “Trust me, I would be happy to have a seasoned addition to the Donquixote Pirates. But that was a personal request made by my dear right hand. What kind of Captain would I be if I went back on a promise?”

+

It was a late afternoon in the kingdom of Dressrosa, toys and people alike dancing in the cobbled streets to the rhythm of their day-to-day life. This time, these regulars were accompanied by a colourful cast, set free from their recent imprisonment and led back to the harbor from where they came.

“So. There’s no way we’re believing any of that, right?” Shachi was blunt. After everything Law’s mentioned over the years, how could they trust him now? There was even something odd about Doflamingo’s decision to let the Hearts leave Dressrosa scott-free, but they couldn’t quite put a finger on it.

“We’re not strong enough to pick a fight even if we don’t trust him.” Penguin responded half-passionately. Much like the rest of the crew, he was deep in his own thoughts. “Law hated this guy for as long as we knew him. How the hell does he go from that to becoming his first mate? Something’s not adding up.”

Bepo had been walking in a thought of his own. He accidentally bumped into Penguin before a rushed apology left his lips.

“Something must have happened in Punk Hazard.” Shachi concluded, tucking his hands into his pockets. “There’s still the possibility that Doflamingo’s lying to us, but Law was acting weird that last call. If he wasn’t locked up somewhere in that prison, there’s a good chance he may actually be willfully sailing under the Donquixote flag.”

Penguin’s lips bunched unceremoniously. It wasn’t like the thought hadn’t crossed his mind. Rather, he didn’t want to acknowledge it. “Do you think we should go to Punk Hazard?” 

“It’s our only choice.” Shachi concluded, looking back to the clumsy bear behind the both of them. “Do you think you can find an eternal pose?”

“Actually…” Bepo trailed off. “I think I have one.”

The crew’s eyes widened in unison.

“Where the hell did you wind up with that, Bepo?” Shachi asked, staring in amazement as Bepo pulled up the pose in his hand

“A woman gave it to me.” Bepo muttered in thought. “I don’t know why. Before I even knew what it was, she was gone.”

“Well whatever it is, we've got it.” Penguin nodded. “Let’s get the hell out of Dressrosa as quickly as we can. If we stay any longer, we may overstay our welcome.”

+

“You’re just letting them go?” Diamante questioned, sitting on his diamond-shaped pedestal in the hall of suits. They both had a clear line of sight on the wandering Heart Pirates to the Dressrosan shores. “You’re kidding. We could have-”

“Diamante.” Doflamingo shut him up instantly, a hand in the air to signal his deafen. “Thank you for acting quickly on this matter. Without you, this fiasco with the Heart Pirates could have been a lot messier.”

“Well, it’s the least I can do,” The brown-haired man blushed, tucking his brown hair behind his ear. “I’m glad I could do a good job.”

“Not just good,” Doflamingo interrupted. “The best job.”

Diamante continued with his flushed cheeks. “Oh stop it, really? The best?”

“The best.” Doflamingo bounced back in a grin.

The back-and-forth went on for a little while, before Doflamingo crooked his head back to the door. “Violet. Did you hand them the eternal pose?”

In the midst of it all, a black haired girl joined them in a white and violet polka-dotted dress. In a small bow, she subtly nodded to the Young Master’s question.

“Good.” Doflamingo hummed. “I’ll give Vergo the heads-up. The sea is a large place, and accidents are bound to happen .”

Chapter Text

Law's dream was comforting. It was cozy enough he wanted to go back to sleep - nestled up away from the world in the pink feathered coat left by his side. But unfortunately reality hit like a truck, or rather, from the unlubed fury of his Captain when he bedded him yesterday.

God, did it hurt.

But it was partially his fault for egging him on. Maybe if he focused his efforts to damage control from the get-go, he could’ve been spared from the consequences of his own actions. At the end of the day, that’s all this was. Every waking moment he spends in this bed was a decision he made of his own volition, the consequences of which he’ll have to wear for the rest of his shortened life.

“Corazón?” A young woman called, draped in rich olive skin and long, black curly hair. She wasn’t a familiar face, that’s for sure. But she looked a bit too distinct to be a mere servant. “The Young Master requests your presence.”

As if he hasn’t had enough of Doflamingo yet. But he stretched up his arms and kicked his legs off the bed. Shit, yeah, those are sore too .

To save himself from another awkward encounter, he plucked the pink feathered coat that he was previously nesting in and wrapped it around his body. That’s one way to not show your legs to the world. Besides, Doflamingo was probably banking on having it back soon, so why not save him the hassle with a hand-delivery? Soon enough he was ready. Maybe not entirely presentable, but clothed enough not to draw any suspicion - as if he was going to be fooling anyone sloppily wrapped in their Captain’s signature coat.

He joined the girl in the hallway. She gave off a subtle nod before she led the way, Law trotting a few steps behind. The halls were busier than what he expected for a Donquixote morning, given the poor sleep schedules of most of the crew. Though right now, it seemed like the hallways were mostly occupied with servants rushing about to the accustomed morning needs of the executive they’ve been assigned. Law was sure that one day he’d likely have one of his own, but for now he was stuck with the girl he was tasked to follow. She was her own brand of odd. He couldn’t quite put a finger on it, but it was almost like she was… watching him.

They walked down the hallway through the corridor of the palace, a route unfamiliar to the new Donquixote addition. From what he could piece together they had long passed the living quarters and the medical ward; the only two areas Law could be bothered to go to on his own. Now, they were traversing down the stairs to the main level. 

“Can I help you?” Law finally asked, outpacing her as he turned to face the girl on the bottom step. 

She paused a step behind, seemingly unphased. “Perhaps we should introduce ourselves.”

Law frowned. 

“I’m Violet,” she smiled back, ignoring his discontent. “I’ve been a part of the family for 10 years.”

That answered none of his questions. He was just about to open his mouth again before she continued.

“Clairvoyance.” She answered, wordlessly. “I can read into people’s minds, as well as use my ability to survey the streets around Dressrosa.”

“So, you’re reading my thoughts.” Law rolled his eyes. There’s that. “How pleasant.”

Her lips pulled into a smile as she hummed back. “Now, you introduce yourself.”

Law deadpanned. “Can’t you just figure that out on your own?”

“Where’s the fun in that?” She chuckled, taking the final step before skipping forwards. “Come on, introduce yourself.”

“Fine.” Law grumbled, falling behind. He followed her as they continued through the Great Hall, towards the east side of the Palace. “The name’s La-… Corazón. I was officially enlisted thirteen years ago, but some circumstances happened and now I’m back. Happy?”

He couldn’t see her expression, but her posture remained unchanged. “I guess that was satisfactory.”

Law rolled his eyes again, hands retreating inside the feathery prison on his shoulders. Satisfactory, my ass.

“If you’re gonna talk back to me, at least say it out loud.” 

Right. Clairvoyance.

“What a painfully annoying devil fruit ability.” Law grumbled under his breath. 

“It has its uses,” she sang, glancing back at the heap of bubblegum-pink feathers who didn’t seem too enthusiastic about keeping the conversation going. “The Young Master requested your presence in the private bath. We’re almost there.”

A bath wasn’t the end of the world, and besides he probably needed one after everything. But he found it hard to believe this was a request made out of consideration of his needs, and was more likely a part of Doflamingo’s plan to satisfy his own. Soon enough, they both approached the bathhouse tucked away to a secluded side of the Palace’s ground floor. The crisp morning air filled the Doctor’s lungs as they took a step outdoors, the soft speckle of the morning sun casting a reflective hazy glow over the area. It was oddly serene, away from the hustle and bustle of the morning crowd. Before he could digest any more of it, his thoughts were promptly interrupted.

“Corazón.” 

A familiar voice sung a sing-song tune as his sprightful call filled the air between. Of course it was Doflamingo, who had already taken the liberty to submerge himself in the bath up to his shoulders. “How nice of you to join me. Did you sleep well?”

“Young Master,” Law acknowledged him in a nod, as Violet took this as a sign to dismiss herself. “I did.”

“I know,” Doflamingo grinned, almost too widely. “By the time I joined, you were tuckered away. Quite the adorable sight seeing you so entangled in my feather coat. Maybe it was selfish of me to think you’d still be cozied up by the time I finished up here?”

Law’s face flushed, burning his head lower in the pink feathers. He sneezed.

The King’s brows turned up in a small chuckle. “You’re swimming in it. Come, at least join me in the water for a bit.”

He gestured the boy forwards, to which he followed. He shed the feathered skin to the side before stripping bare, the warm morning light reflecting off his inked out body. They’ve gotten familiar with each other enough where he’s generally unphased, but maybe it was the light or the context that made him a bit more self-conscious than usual. Doflamingo didn’t seem to mind or care, simply waiting patiently for his heart to come in and take his seat.

Law dipped a toe, and after deeming it warm enough slowly made his way in. Since the bath was built for the behemoth that was Donquixote Doflamingo in the flesh, he had no choice but to perch himself on the King’s lap to stay afloat.

“Mmmm…” In a purr, Doflamingo rested his chin on the crook of Law’s neck, inhaling the simultaneous steam and scent of his first mate. His own arms found themselves resting around Law’s waist.

“You seem to be in a good mood.” Law noted, awkwardly putting his own hands on his lap. It was even more strange given how they left off yesterday. “Did something happen?”

“Nothing particularly,” Doflamingo cooed. “Just enjoying your company.”

“I see…” The Doctor awkwardly swallowed, trying his best to loosen up. He was still waking up from the morning haze, but even he had his limits, closing his eyes for a second too long before he felt his strength leave him.

As if he was expecting it, Doflamingo took the Doctor in his arms as he pulled him towards his chest. Curled up against the King, Law wrapped his arms around his neck.

“Sorry…” Law muttered, trying to keep his head up above the water. “My body’s still adjusting. Not sure if I have enough strength to keep a level head in the water right now.”

“You don’t have to apologize,” Doflamingo chuckled, running his fingers delicately through his second’s hair. He rested his arm in a position kind enough to keep Law’s head up. “I expected as much.”

The bath went a lot quieter than Law had anticipated. It seems both of them were exhausted in their own, separate ways. But that's not to say they were isolated. It was the complete opposite of that, as a matter of fact. Though Doflamingo didn’t run his mouth, he did spend his time tracing his fingers all around his second’s side as if cherishing the touch for even being within his grasp to begin with. Law didn’t mind, and actually found it oddly comforting.

“The research lab.” 

It came out as an afterthought as it finally surfaced from the previous night. “That wasn’t a dream, was it?”

“It's as real as you wish it to be,” Doflamingo simply replied in a smile. 

“But why?” Law weakly asked, brushing his cheek against his chest.

“Why?” Doflamingo repeated, smile unfaltering. “Why what?”

“Why are you building a lab?” Law continued under his breath. “It’s temporary, isn’t it?” 

There was a slight pause, Doflamingo looking distant. “Define temporary.” His expression was unreadable.

Law’s gaze uncomfortably shifted away. Doflamingo wasn’t stupid - he knew  what he was referring to. But finding the words to say it out loud was difficult. “The…” he shifted on Doflamingo’s lap. “The surgery.”

A pause filled the air; nothing more but the sounds of birds chirping off in the distance as accompaniment. For a moment, Law thought he was wrong to even bring it up to begin with. He was bracing himself for a rushed apology before he was promptly interrupted.

“You’re so much more valuable than a surgery.”

Law’s eyes opened ever so slightly. The Young Master’s face slowly focused into view, his lips pulled into a stoic, pensive state. And though his eyes were still hidden behind his crimson lenses, Law could feel his dulled glance. 

“It would be lonely to watch the world burn on your own.” Doflamingo blankly continued. “Don’t you think?”

Law shrugged his shoulders under the water. “Yeah…” He gazed down to the ripples below.

“I guess it would be.”

Chapter Text

“Ne, ne, Law!”

Trebol’s voice was as grotesque as always. It seems some things never change.

“Or should I call you Corazón now.” The snot-ridden monster continued on in a cackle, the fluid dripping all over his plate filled to the brim with shellfish and other delicacies.

It’s been a while since the two birds got out of the bath. They were mostly dry, joining the family for what is traditionally their lunch time. As Doflamingo explained, whoever was available was invited for lunch and dinner prepared by the Donquixote in-house chefs. This wasn’t exactly new for Law, but it was the first he’s joined for a very, very long time.

And since his last lunch, there were a few new changes. What was once a run-down tower on Spider Miles was now the grandeur hall of Dressrosa, enriched by crystal chandeliers, velvet curtains, and rows of custom tailored chairs. This beat anything he's ever experienced, both in-and-out of Family matters. But this wasn’t his first time here. Recalling correctly, he came with the Young Master on his first day on the island. If only he had been in the right headspace, maybe he could have appreciated the details at a time where he wasn’t seated directly across from Trebol. Back in the day, the children were secluded to the end of the table - Law included, nestled in between Baby 5 and Delinger. They haven’t moved much, but Law was now to the direct right of the Young Master. It had its pros, like being closest to the best alcohol in-house. But how was he supposed to find an appetite with his unfortunate snot-filled view ahead?

“It’s not official but it’s close enough, eh?” His eyes cooly glanced down to the Doctor, who was very noticeably keeping his gaze to his own empty plate. “Will we be seeing you this evening for the executives meeting?”

Law’s focus remained unchanged, not really knowing what to say. Doflamingo hasn’t exactly been transparent with his scheduling, that is, if he even had a schedule at all. For the past few weeks he’s felt like a decoration under the Young Master’s sleeve.

“You will,” the King swooped in, responding on Law’s behalf. This was at least enough to snap Law’s gaze away from the porcelain plate, up to the Young Master. “We’ll be passing on the old baton from his predecessors. I think you all will be excited to hear the breadth of his responsibilities.”

There was a murmured acknowledgement from the other three executives.

“We’ve run a tight ship with just the three executives for a while now,” Pica chirped in, who was seated to the left of Trebol. “You better pull your weight, Corazón.”

“You became a Warlord, same tier as Doffy.” Diamante added, to the Doctor’s right. “I’ll be expecting a lot from you.”

“Ne ne, Corazón,” Trebol giggled. “I’ll admit I’m gonna miss calling you Law. Corazón doesn’t roll off the tongue as nicely. How about this? Ne ne, Cora!”

Law’s shoulders tensed. 

“You will only be addressing him by his full name from now on,” Doflamingo cooly intervened at the displeasure of the snot pile to his left. “But it seems like we have everyone’s attention, and the chatter has gone on for long enough. Perhaps we should get started.”

The King’s hand brushed the white skirt of the table before delicately wrapping around his glass of wine. Tapping the glass with his spoon, the conversations came to a close as the air stilled. The rest of the family followed suit with the Young Master, each member grabbing hold of their respective beverages. Law quickly took note, and though he lacked behind, he was able to raise his glass in time.

“A toast,” Doflamingo initiated, the rich red liquid clinging to the sides of his glass as it rose above the rest. “To Corazón!”

“To Corazón!” The family promptly responded, the sounds of several glasses dinging against each other. The shadow of the words clung under the Doctor’s breath.

“For returning to us.” Doflamingo’s lips pulled up, framing his teeth in a large predatory grin. 

“For returning home to our family.”

+

Law found it difficult to chat with anyone but the other elite officers when he was to the right of the Young Master. But once the food was cleared, and most dismissed themselves to get back to business, Law found himself in the unprompted accompaniment of some familiar faces.

Baby 5’s lips wavered as she stared at the boy, frustrated.

“Baby 5.” Law simply acknowledged, hands tucked in his pockets.

Before she said a single word, she slapped the Doctor right across his cheek. “You’ve been in Dressrosa for almost two weeks and you haven’t bothered to stop by and say hi?!”

Law frowned, glaring at Baby 5. It was enough to ward Baby 5 away, leeching onto Buffalo for support as she sobbed in his arms.

“It’s the same old, same old with you two.” Buffalo chuckled, arms wrapped around the girl like it was second nature. He glanced down before looking up to face the man of the hour. “Doffy keeping you busy?”

“Yeah.” Law muttered out, finally brushing his reddening cheek with his hand. “It’s been an adjustment.”

“Figured as much. We haven't seen Doffy around the Palace since you came back.” Buffalo noted. “I guess this is a different circumstance than with any other new recruit, you being added as a new elite officer and all. We haven’t had one of those in the family since… well, since the previous Corazón.”

“I don't know what that would’ve looked like.” Law muttered, rolling his eyes. “Wasn’t there.”

“We weren’t either,” the buck-toothed boy added. “But from what I heard, it was something similar. Since they were blood siblings, there was a lot to catch up on. And I guess since you’ve been gone for thirteen years, there’s a lot to catch you up on, too. Hey, wasn’t the second Corazón also gone for thirteen years before returning to Doffy? Well, I mean before he betrayed the family.”

Law couldn’t look less amused. “I don’t know where you’re getting with this.” 

“Point being, at least Corazón came around and waved to us every two weeks!” Baby 5 yelled out, pushing herself off of Buffalo before staring directly at the Doctor with her typical fire. It seems like she finally got over her slump.

“Fine, point proven.” Law grumbled out, slouched. “I’ll say good morning from now on. Is that good enough?”

“It’s a start.” Baby 5 huffed, crossing her arms. “But you better do more! I… I missed hanging out at the docks with you, ya know?! You don't know how happy I was to see your name in the paper, and that you were still alive. I knew you’d come back, but you sure took your sweet time. Did you even think of me at all in these past 13 years?!”

Law pressed his lips together. “Not at all.”

That was the wrong answer.

The first wound Trafalgar Law had to treat as the Chief Medical Officer of the Donquixote Pirates was, in fact, his own bloody nose.

+

“She’s gotten a lot more feisty,” Doflamingo chuckled, taking a peek at the white wad of cotton up the Doctor’s nose. Law merely grumbled, crossing his arms.

So much for the blood law.

“But, she'll do nothing that’ll kill you.” Doflamingo continued in a smirk. The two of them were the last to remain in the dining hall, the servants brushing through to swiftly clean up before setting up the dinner preparations. There was a distinct rhythm to their movements, and though he knew Doflamingo hadn’t lifted a finger, it almost seemed puppeteered. “Though the executives meeting isn't until after dinner, I would like to show you the Executives Hall in advance. You have another meeting scheduled shortly.”

“Another meeting?” Law quirked his brow. This was the first he’s had notice for anything, albeit short.

Doflamingo hummed a satisfactory tune, brushing his hand behind the Doctor’s waist to guide him out to the hall. The two birds walked in unison, the Captain slightly ahead. “You’ve met Vergo, correct?”

Doflamingo chuckled as Law’s face paled.

“He should be here soon,” the Young Master continued in a smirk. “Your first meeting will be with him to go over the transition of power; a heart-to-heart as you will. I have some pressing business with Kaido to sort out, so I won't be sitting in on this one. I trust you two can behave?”

Law grumbled under his breath. “I guess.”

Chapter Text

Law was brought to the Executives Hall. Well, more like he was dropped off. Though he wasn’t given a grand tour, there wasn’t much to explore. Stone carved walls framed an expansive window looking down on the streets of Dressrosa, and before it sat four solitary chairs - each carved into shapes he knew all too well. A diamond, a spade, a club, and a heart. The heart in particular looked just as new as the day it was made. 

He had no trouble figuring out where he was meant to go, taking a grumbled seat on the heart-shaped chair. This was an interaction he wouldn’t wish on his worst enemy, and out of all the times Doflamingo had to leave him alone this had to be it? Law was starting to warm up to the Young Master, but this was cruel. Knowing Doflamingo, he’s probably grinning his ass off wherever the hell he ran off to. All while Law was waiting on a new nightmare to walk through that door to remind him how unworthy he was of this new title through words, brute force, or likely both.

As the thoughts speckled in his mind, a new silhouette joined him in the room. With his hands tucked behind his back, Vergo walked in - lunch clearly plastered on his face.  

Fuck.

“Law.” Vergo’s introduction was swift and brief. He made his way to the head of the room to stand in front of the boy, noticeably leaving the window sill vacant. “You’ve grown. Maybe not much since the last time I saw you, but quite a bit from back then.”

“Yeah,” Law responded in a nervous grumble, eyes darting to his lap. They didn’t chat at all on Punk Hazard, but that was more of Law’s choice than anything inherently circumstantial. If he had it his way, he wouldn’t have even entertained a conversation with Doflamingo. But things don't always work out as planned.

“So. You’ll be taking on the mantle of Corazón?” Vergo shot straight to the point. He glued himself to a stoic, straight-laced position before the prospective second. Though the Doctor was hoping the conversation was going to be short and sweet, he didn’t have much hope.

“Yeah.” Law repeated, heart beating out of his chest. “I guess I am.”

“Do you even know what that means?” Vergo plainly asked.

“I have an idea.” Was his only response to the Vice Admiral.

“But do you know what it means?” Vergo repeated.

The Doctor didn't have a concrete answer. He sat on the heart seat in quiet tension, eyes shut with his fists curled to his side. If there was any time for him to live out his childhood trauma, now would be it. But nothing came. After letting the silence play out for a moment longer, the Vice Admiral sighed. His once stoic position relaxed into a hunch, placing a hand to his temple as the next words escaped his lips. “You know, I don’t exactly trust you.”

“I… figured as much.” Law solemnly acknowledged. Though his eyes crept open, his posture didn’t loosen by much. “I wouldn’t exactly trust me either.”

“But, Doffy does.” Vergo inserted. “Which is why I’m here.”

Law’s lips pressed together awkwardly.

“It’s been thirteen years since that seat has been filled. But that shouldn’t be news to you.” Vergo continued, focusing on the Heart-carved chair Law was pressed against. And then he turned to glance out the window. “That is what I believe is my greatest failure to date.”

The Doctor gradually loosened, tilting his head up to catch the back of Vergo’s silhouette. It seems like he was free from the physical repercussions, for now. Could he trust this?

“The previous Corazón was also gone thirteen years before he came back.” Vergo muttered, lost in thought. “I guess I didn’t do enough digging on where he’d been. Thirteen years is a long time - certainly long enough to carry its own baggage. Who knew he had become a Marine. Who knew his Marine duties were the reason he came back? I certainly didn’t.”

“...That was my mistake.” The Vice Admiral continued. “I had my reservations about him, even then. But I didn’t do enough. Because of my error - not doing a good enough job to vet the next Corazón, I put our family in a vulnerable position. And because of it, we lost a lot.”

Vergo turned back around, meeting the Doctor eye-to-eye. “We lost an elite officer, an executive of the family. We lost the only blood brother Doffy’’s ever had. We lost the Ope Ope no Mi. And, we lost you.”

Law froze.

“I blame myself for your defection.” Vergo stated. “So I will admit, it’s an awkward spot to be in now. I don’t trust you because I know I am not immune to the consequences of my inactions. But, there’s a larger part of me that trusts Doffy with my life. And I can say with utmost certainty, Doffy has his undying faith in you.” In a sigh Vergo’s hand departed from his temple, instinctively wiping his face. The remnants of breakfast seemed to surprise him, but he got over it pretty quick.

“What I’m getting at is this.” Vergo deliberated. His eyes hardened on Law. “Do you trust him?”

There was a flash of hesitance in Law’s demeanor. “Do I trust him?” 

“Do you trust Doffy?” Vergo repeated. “Yes or no.”

Law uncomfortably shifted in his chair, eyes awkwardly hovering over his lap. “I mean, I’ll do what he wants.”

“But, do you trust his decisions?” Vergo probed. “Do you have confidence that everything he does will be for the good of the Family?”

“I guess…?” Law muttered half-confidently, trying to piece it together for himself.

Vergo’s brows furrowed, pensively. “Would you follow through with an order, even if you don’t like it?”

“Well, it depends on what it is.” Law frowned back, shifting in his chair. For the first time, his response was decisive.

“Then, the answer is no.” Vergo concluded. “If you can’t commit to his will, you’ll be a repeat of the second Corazón.”

This seemed to strike a nerve in the young Doctor. “I’m not like him.” The words left his lips venomously, back straightening in the heart-shaped upholstery.

“Then you need to rethink your position.” Vice Admiral was blunt. “Would you follow Doflamingo’s orders without question?”

Law pressed his lips together, before letting his answer slip through. “Yes.”

“No matter what it is?” Vergo pressed.

Law bounced back. “I’ve already given him my life.”

Vergo didn’t seem too receptive. “Then, answer this. If Doffy gave the order… would you kill your former crew?”

This seemed to shut him up. As quickly as the question came, he felt his head start to spin again. His former crew. He tried not to give them much thought since he’s arrived, so the reminder, here of all places, was all the more bitter. They deserve a better Captain than one who’d abandon them like this. Someone who could hurt them like he could. Like he has.

“Well?”

“I…” Law was finally able to make a noise in a stutter, losing the words he wanted to say before they could leave his lips. “We made a deal when I got here. He’s not supposed to harm them. The family isn’t supposed to touch them.”

“But,” Vergo interjected. “If you trust him, you’d know his decision would be for the good of the family. Any deal you make should never undermine your loyalty to the Young Master. So if he gave the order, would you do it?”

Law was defeated.

“I… I’m sorry.” He rasped. “I can’t.” 

He knew he didn’t deserve the title, but maybe this was the end of the line for him. If that’s what it took to be Doflamingo’s Corazón, he’d never be able to do it. They were his Hearts, his crew; and being separated from them long enough had already done irreparable damage. Hell, being here was evidence enough. So the possibility of seeing them, and then being ordered to stain his hands with their blood…

He acknowledged that the deal with Doflamingo was a benefit to the Donquixote Captain more than it was to himself. Keeping the Heart Pirates away was the only way he could continue this game of false charades, relaxing himself into the perfect puppet to play house with. If the Hearts came back, he knew they’d cut him down from his strings. After all, they were his only connection to the world beyond the shores of Dressrosa. They were his lifeline, his heart-beat. So, lying was out of the question. Any interaction with them was out of the question. Because deep down he knew the moment they crossed paths, Corazón wasn’t coming back.

Vergo let out a muttered sigh, fingers grazing his buzz-cut hair. “At the very least, you're honest.”

Despite the conversation topic at hand, he noticed Law wasn’t as tense as he was to begin with.

“Where it stands, your loyalty is still divided.” The Vice Admiral acknowledged. “But, that may change. I misjudged you. I thought you’d be vengeful to the bitter end, but Doffy saw a spark and here you are. You don’t hate him anymore, do you?”

Law pressed his lips together, glancing off to the side. “It’s complicated.”

Leaving him alone with the man who beat him as a kid wasn’t doing him any favours. But being around the Captain wasn’t awful. Not anymore.

“It sure is.” Vergo chuckled, recognizing that Law’s words were as good as it’ll get for now. “It’s hard to hate someone who cares so much about you. He’s giving you a lab, he’s investing in your growth. He’s always seen your future, clear as day.”

“I know that,” Law grumbled, fiddling with his thumbs. That has been the most surprising part of his time back. Now that he’s here and progressively getting more sober, he came to understand how accommodating Doflamingo’s been. And in a way, he always was. It wasn’t like he had to be so heavily involved with the young boy. Their relationship felt like an indulgent addiction, Law reaping more rewards than what he was owed. The research facility was a great example. A crueler man could have used these “gifts” as bargaining chips, some sort of carrot-on-a-stick to wave over the boy’s head for his forced loyalty, but Doflamingo’s given him everything he’s ever wanted with no strings attached. He did a lot of that as of late; Heart seat included.

“You know, I told him to get the Perpetual Youth Surgery over with,” Vergo stated, snapping Law out of his thoughts. He looked up at Vergo like a deer in headlights, taking a moment to process what he said. “But, he avoids the topic like the plague. It’s funny. Back in the day he would never stop talking about the Ope Ope no Mi, and his plans for what he’d do when he’d got his hands on it. But do you want to know what’s funnier?”

In a pause, Vergo clicked his heels together before turning around. “The only thing that would ever pull his attention away from it was you.”

Law’s gaze softened as Vergo’s shoulders relaxed in a sigh, staring out into the streets of Dressrosa from the window.

“He was always pulling you out of trouble. Always humming around what book to give you next, or bragging about how quick of a learner you were under his wing. That being said, the day we lost you on Minion Island was devastating.” The Vice Admiral closed his eyes. “At first I thought it was because you felt like a soured investment. But over time, I finally understood.”

Opening his eyes again, the faint speckles of the pedestrians below reflected in his pensive vision. His hands were delicately wrapped behind his back, as he continued on. “He buried his head in his work, making it possible for us to take over Dressrosa three years earlier than what we originally planned. It was odd, but I could never put a finger on it. That is, not until the day your first bounty poster came ashore. Do you want to know what he did?”

Vergo turned  before Law could even open his mouth.

“He bragged about it.”

This left Law speechless.

“That was the first time I heard him talk about anything non-work related for a very, very, long time.” Vergo sighed. “And it continued. The higher your bounty got, the more decorated your name became in the paper, the more he’d chatter. Learning about your crew, the Heart Pirates, was an especially joyous day. It almost felt like confirmation that after all this time you hadn’t forgotten about us; about him.”

Vergo took a few steady steps forward towards the Heart seat as Law struggled to keep it together.

“You were his more than you ever were the family’s.” the Marine concluded. “I truly don’t know what to do about it. But, I know that you mean a lot more to him than you may realize. You are his heart. More than I ever was, more than anything the previous Corazón could have ever been. So I would hate to see what would happen if you became a repeat of the second all those years ago. But as long as you don’t betray him, the Young Master will forgive you.” 

The Vice Admiral smiled. 

“He always has, and he always will.”

Chapter Text

Law aggressively dug into the lips of his Captain as the two crashed into the king mattress. Though this originally caught Doflamingo off-guard, he was able to ease into Law’s advance, joining his lips as they eventually melted together. Satisfied, the Captain’s fingers danced up his second’s torso before resting in the crook of his neck.

“Special occasion?” Doflamingo chuckled, the bulk of it rumbling in his chest as his lips slightly broke away. “You’ve never taken the lead before.”

“Just shut up,” Law grumbled back, lips pursed as he tried adjusting to the frustratingly awkward height-induced angle. 

Doflamingo held onto the smirk as Law continued pushing in, losing his breath in the vast sea of his Captain’s mouth. But he eventually needed a break, pulling his lips away in defeat as his rugged breaths filled the air between them.

“I assume everything with Vergo went well.” Doflamingo passively continued in his signature smile. Law’s hand trickled down to untie Doflamingo’s belt, hand slipping under his half-buttoned shirt. “So, what happened in there?”

“I said shut up,” Law forced some of the buttons open in a scowl.

Doflamingo pulled the Doctor down by the collar of his shirt, grin still stretched across his teeth. This time, they flashed a predatory warning as they rested against his ear.

“Corazón. You answer to me.” 

His whisper was deceptively sweet, but the undertones were clear. It made the Doctor stiff enough to be caught off-guard, the King easily flipping him on the bed. With the Captain on top, the Doctor could clearly see the leering hunger bleeding out from behind the crimson glass.

“I won’t repeat myself again.” Doflamingo growled, pulling the Doctor’s wrists above his head to lock them in place. “What happened?”

Organizing his flustered thoughts wasn’t a task Law was confident in, especially not when the subject matter was pinning him down. “Doffy…”

“Well?”

Even as flustered as he was, the heart could tell his patience was running thin. It would be a losing battle either way, so may as well bite the bullet. “We talked about my new responsibilities.” As the Captain began to raise his brow, the Doctor quickly added “a-and he also talked about the Second Corazón. Then me, and then you.”

“And which one of those conversation topics was enough to make you jump face first at me as soon as you came around?” Doflamingo curiously cooed.

Law gulped. 

“Y-you…” he sheepishly responded.

At this point, Doflamingo wasn’t trying to hide his amusement. It seems like he was enjoying the game a little too much to let his heart go that easily. “And why’s that?”

“I just didn’t realize how much you cared.” Law muttered, desperately trying to look anywhere but up as his cheeks darkened. “That’s all.”

An explosive laugh left Doflamingo’s lips. Law, for as flustered as he was, sat in silence as he tried to distance himself. But despite his best efforts, he was still there. And so, utterly, embarrassed. Maybe the most merciful thing Doflamingo could do for him now was let him perform the perpetual youth surgery to put him out of his misery. 

“And why wouldn’t I care about you?” Doflamingo purred. “We’re family.”

“Don’t pretend like you don’t see it.” Law snarked, sharper than intended. But Doflamingo didn’t even flinch at the sight of his kitten’s claws. 

“See what?” The King piqued.

Law grumbled under his breath in a frown. “I know you treat me differently than the others.”

The Captain cocked his head to the side.

“If anyone else ran away and tried to do what I did, you would never have entertained it.” the Doctor continued. “But you did with me. Hell, you came out to Punk Hazard on some half-assed excuse for what? I hated you. And you knew that.” 

The admission barely lifted a feather of guilt off the boy’s shoulders. 

“But you’ve never reciprocated it.” Law’s lips quivered, before he darted his gaze to the other side of the room. “I ran away with the Ope Ope no mi - everything that happened on Minion Island was because of me. And yet the worst you’ve ever been was disappointed.” The young Doctor looked back up to the Captain, tears collecting on the surface of his eyes. “So why are you giving me a life I never deserved, when all I’ve ever done was disappoint you? When I can still disappoint you?”

And then they fell. Tears trickled out in a polyrhythmic pitter-patter, leaving trails down his cheeks that pooled in the duvet beneath him. They were soon accompanied by sniffles. He didn’t want to cry, but maybe he can be selfish just this once. Besides, was there any more of  a fitting space to be drowning in tears than pressed under the feathered nest of his Captain?

In a sigh, the Young Master dropped his head to view the sight of his second. Whether it be out of careful restraint on Doflamingo’s part, or the tears that clouded the young Doctor’s vision, Doflamingo’s expression was unreadable. But his expression didn’t matter as much as the words that followed.

“You know, I hate this world.” 

With that, the King’s lips dropped to a frown. “Just like you, I want to see it all burn to the ground.” Gently loosening his grip on the Doctor’s wrists, his hands slid down to caress his cheeks. The tears that pooled at his fingertips were feathered away. “But you give me something I’ve never been able to find anywhere else on these cursed seas.” His rough fingers continued down his cheekbone until they met his chin. He pawed his thumb at the Doctor’s lips, parting them ever-so-slightly. “Something to look forward to.”

Law’s features relaxed in the Young Master’s touch, closing his eyes to blink away the rest of the tears. As Doflamingo’s hands traveled across the Doctor’s body up to his lips, he gave himself up - malleable to the Young Master’s whims. Just as he’s been this whole time.

“But this, certainly was not what I expected.” Doflamingo continued, this time to a more playful tune. Law cautiously opened one of his eyes, still puffy from the tears. “Really? You hear a crumb of my feelings and the first thing you want to do is fuck?”

It was at this moment Law’s face started to heat up again. “S-shut up,” he huffed in a sniffle, glancing to the side. “What else was I supposed to do?”

“I don’t know, talk it out?” Doflamingo continued in a sly chuckle, body still hovering over the Doctor. He looked pleased. “Though, I’m not complaining.”

From hot to remorseful, innocuous to embarrassed, the Donquixote Captain seemed to have gotten quite the feast of emotions from his little second today.

“Even so, I’m glad you’re able to speak so freely with me.” The senior Warlord smirked, gently wiping away the ghost of his tears. “No matter what it is, I’ll listen. I will never be disappointed in you for being honest.”

Law was still trying to sort through his emotions, but at least he was a little more relaxed than what he was before.

“Now let’s make ourselves presentable, shall we?” Doflamingo hummed. “I have a feeling the executives may probe if we’re late to dinner.”

Law was in no position to argue, rubbing his eyes in a soft “Alright.”

+

Unlike at lunch, Law found himself with an appetite.

Though avoiding the bread like the plague (to the prompt teases of the other executives), he found his fill with tonight’s main course. As the most common protein on the Grand Line, Dressrosa had no shortage of fish. But they also had a fair share of game, and some local land-locked delicacies courtesy of their connection to Greenbit. Very few were able to cross over the steel bridge to Greenbit safely, and as such, most of the native meats, leafy vegetables, and mushrooms were gathered and prepared for the exclusivity of the Donquixote Family. Today’s dish was a stunning display of these family exclusives - a freshly prepared beef steak, with wild rice and a sautéed mushroom garnish. 

Law devoured his plate within 10 minutes.

“The food’s not gonna walk away from you,” Diamante chuckled, taunting the boy to his right as a trail of the mushroom gravy slipped down his lip. “Slow down, kid.”

Though whether or not Law heard him wasn’t clear, grumbling to himself while raising his napkin to his lips.

“There’s nothing wrong with an efficient eater, but we’re in no rush.” Doflamingo chimed in, glancing Law’s way. “Are you still hungry, Corazón? How about a drink. Why don’t we crack open a new bottle?”

He didn’t give the Doctor time to respond before calling over one of the servants with a fresh bottle in hand. The beverage was promptly poured into the King’s cup, before making its rounds to the other executives. By the time it got to Law, the drink was welcomed as he pressed his glass comfortably against his lips.

“What, am I not allowed to appreciate good food?” Law slyly remarked before taking a small sip. This batch was earthy, a note he’s come to enjoy more and more. “Anything beats Punk Hazard.”

Diamante groaned in acknowledgement, while the other two elite officers laughed. “Punk Hazard. I don’t ever want to go to that hellhole ever again. I don’t know how Vergo does it.”

“Hehe,” Trebol added in a snot-filled chuckle, “Maybe you don’t have to. Say Doffy, is Corazón picking up the slack on Punk Hazard or what? Poor Diamante may not be able to handle filling in for another visit.”

Doflamingo smiled, finishing off his food at his own leisure pace. He lightly tapped his napkin on his lips, before laying it across his lap. Swirling the fresh glass of wine, he took a delicate sip. “Now now, Trebol. No need to get hasty. His responsibilities will be discussed at our meeting. Besides, Diamante’s being dramatic. Corazón, you were in Punk Hazard for how long - one month? Two months? You thinned out for sure, but you survived.”

“I’d say the food was the most tolerable thing there.” 

Law’s grumble was met by the howling laughter of his peers.

+

Dinner eventually came to an end, most of the family scattering about to get back to their stations. The Elite Officers, however, all made their way to the Hall of Executives. It was mostly unchanged from Law’s earlier meeting with Vergo, the only major difference being the accompaniment. The top officers took their seats. And perched on the windowsill like his own little nest, Doflamingo took the helm. The first to his left was Pica, in the spade seat. Next was Diamante, in the diamond seat. Then came the newly-added Trafalgar Law, taking on the mantle of Corazόn in the heart seat. Lastly was his chief of staff, Trebol, seated at the clubs. 

“Full house.” 

The words came out of the King’s lips in a grin he couldn’t wipe from his face. “We haven’t had one of these for far too long.” His gaze traveled across the room, gradually taking in the view.

“Yeah!” After a moment of processing it himself, Diamante exploded out in a laugh. “We really haven’t! Feels weird, Doffy. It’s never been this full here before.”

It wasn’t long before Trebol joined in. “Ne ne, bet our new little Corazón wouldn’t be able to tell the difference!” He laughed. “Did you run him through the ropes, or do we gotta explain how things work around here?”

“It’s pretty straight forward,” Doflamingo smirked, hunching over as he rested his chin on his hand. “I have faith that my Corazón will be able to pick up on things quickly. We start at one end, and make our way around. That being said, Pica. Care to start us off?”

“Not gonna have the little runt introduce himself?” Diamanté chirped, resting his head back on the headboard. “We still don’t know what he does. What if we got a job for him?”

“Patience is a virtue, Diamante.” Doflamingo grinned, gaze wandering over to the boy in question before snapping back to the diamond. “But, he doesn’t exactly know what you guys do, either. Be courteous to my Heart, won’t you?”

Diamanté grumbled out a muffled “alright” before slouching down in his chair. 

This time, Law interrupted.

“Doffy, I’m not some helpless kid.” Law spat, hunched over in his seat. His posture was a one-to-one depiction of the Young Master in the front, his elbow propped on the armchair as it held his chin up. “If they want to hear what I do, I don’t mind going first. Besides, I remember enough.”

“You want to go first?” Doflamingo asked, grinning unchanged.

“Yeah,” Law coolly responded. “If you don’t mind, I’m fine with it.”

“Alright,” the King hummed, gesturing over to his second. The words seemed to glide off the King’s lips like butter. “Corazόn. Start us off, won't you?”

With a nod, the heart stood from his seat.

“Starting today, I will be the Chief Medical Officer and Director of Research of the Donquixote Family.” Law introduced. Glancing around the room, there was a mix of reactions. For one, Trebol didn’t seem all too surprised, and Pica remained as stone-cold as always. But Diamante seemed ecstatic, grin widening in pleasant surprise. 

“Before, you had to spread your manpower to cover the bases of the SMILE factory, while Vergo had to keep a distant eye on Punk Hazard.” Law explained. “Those responsibilities have all been transferred to me. I will be reporting on these matters from now on.”

“Looks like we were right,” Trebol chimed in, “Hey Dia, no more Punk Hazard babysitting for you! Hehehe…”

Law rolled his eyes before continuing. “The soldiers on Punk Hazard will be my subordinates. I built a good enough repertoire during my stay on Punk Hazard. There aren’t any foreseen issues with that transition.”

“Starting up strong with your own underlings too,” Pica noted. “Our Corazón isn’t a force to be reckoned with.”

“As for my medical responsibilities, you all know well that I have eaten the Ope Ope no Mi.” Law addressed. “That, mixed with my medical experience means I will be responsible for the health of the Elite Officers. Your medical records will be transferred to my hands, and I will be scheduling check-ups in the coming weeks to get a better understanding of your history. On this note, I will be acting as Doffy’s primary doctor. This is not news to him, but know that his health will be prioritized as needed.”

“Ne ne,” Trebol chimed in. “What about that little Tontatta girl? Are we still using her or what?”

“I’ve been informed of her powers,” Law clarified. “She’ll be used by the other doctors on an as-need basis for the lower subordinates. Anything serious will be reported to me.”

The rest of Law’s introduction went smoothly, with nothing but praises from the other executives. His unique skillset filled in the gaps of the family seamlessly, of which Doflamingo couldn’t be more pleased. He was made for this family, and the results were finally starting to pay off.

Eventually, it was Diamante’s turn as he rose from his seat. “Doffy, I’ve got some good news for you. Remember that one scuffed shipment?”

“How could I forget?” The mention of this ‘good news’ seemed to have dampened the Warlord’s mood. The Doctor could’ve sworn he saw a vein pop up on his head, something he should probably look into. “Kaido caught wind. He was chewing me out for it today.”

During his short time here, Law has learned that any mention of Kaido was rarely pleasant. The hall tensed even at the mere mention of the Yonko. 

“Well, you’ll be happy to know Delinger was able to weed out who was on duty at the time. We have a primary suspect, but he hasn’t confessed to shit. Seems like he’ll need a little… convincing.”

Though Doflamingo’s expression remained unchanged, it progressively relaxed. “Is that so?” There were some gears turning in his head as he propped his legs up on the sill, pressing his back against the wall. “Other than that, anything else to report?”

“Nothing important.” Diamante continued. “The new recruits are still too soft, so I doubt we’ll be getting anything good out of this batch. But will Corazón need training? Training an executive requires a lot more resources than an average recruit.”

“Corazón is technically above your stature,” Doflamingo stated. “So, for the most part, his training will be under my wing. Don’t you forget, our little Corazón is also a Warlord. He may be a bit more advanced than what you remember.”

“Yeah right,” Diamante chuffed, plopping back in his seat. He turned his head to look at the boy in question. “Runt may be a Warlord, but that doesn’t mean shit. You’ve got a shiny new blade, don’t you? Let’s put it to the test. Spar with me.”

Law rolled his eyes in a smirk. “As your primary doctor, I don’t feel like giving myself any more work.”

Diamante got red in the face as the other two executives broke out in laughter, Doflamingo staring longingly as a single thought surfaced in his mind.

For the first time, everything was as it should be.

Chapter Text

“I thought we were leaving Dressrosa.” 

The words left Shachi’s lips in disbelief as he rested his arm on the Tang’s control deck. The Hearts were submerged a few hundred feet below sea level, but they were still within reach of Dressrosa’s harbour. Bepo was the only other crew member at the helm, who had nested himself in front of the controls with a few of Law’s old books and the eternal pose set to Punk Hazard.

Bepo took a glance at one of the books before pushing it off to the side. “I have a bad feeling.”

“You and me both,” Shachi grumbled back, glancing down to the bear’s book of choice. It was a history book - one the orca-hatted boy remembered his Captain was glued to before they parted ways. The recent changes to the climatography of Punk Hazard. “It seems a little fishy that we were given an eternal pose, no strings attached.”

“So you think it’s a trap, too.” Bepo sighed, lips pulling into a slight frown. The words came off more as a statement than a question.

“Yeah,” Shachi replied, leaning more of his weight on the panel. “A pretty obvious one at that. How stupid does he think we are that we’d take the bait so easily?”

“Trap or not, he knew we’d still make our way over.” Bepo gloomed. “I think he threw us this bone so we’d get out of his fur as soon as possible. If that’s one thing we know for sure, he does not want us here.”

“Still.” Shachi added. “They had all of us locked up. He could have had us all killed, but there has to be a reason he held back.”

The two stood in silence, thoughts bubbling in the back of their minds. Shachi was biting the tip of his nail as Bepo was scratching his head, until a thought surfaced.

“Do you think Law still has my Vivre card?”

The words came out of Bepo’s mouth before he could give it proper thought. But as soon as it stuck to the air, everything seemed to snap in place.

“Huh?” Shachi perked up.

“That's the only thing that makes sense.” Bepo continued, connecting the loose threads into one coherent thought. “Sure Captain was acting weird on the phone. But if he still has my Vivre card, that changes things. It would be enough of a reason why Doflamingo would want us off the island as possible.”

“And why he didn’t finish us off.” Shachi added, posture straightening. “A Vivre card moving sporadically is one thing, but a Vivre card burning up? There’s no way Law wouldn’t notice.”

“Which means Captain still cares about us!” 

Bepo couldn't help but tear up, shakily holding the eternal pose up to his chest. That was his biggest fear in this whole mess; that Law had abandoned them. But if Law was truly holding on to his Vivre card, their Captain was still there; somewhere.

“Yeah,” Shachi easily agreed. “He cares. And maybe there’s a little more to that deal with the devil he made.” 

Bepo sniffled, eyes glossed over as the thoughts were still cycling through. He gazed down to the shaky needle of the Eternal Pose before opening his mouth. “Can we still go to Punk Hazard?”

“You’re the acting Captain, so it’s your call.” Shachi dipped his head in a shrug. “But what other choice do we have? I don’t think we’ll be welcome to stay long enough for our own logpose to set.”

Bepo nodded. “I have an idea.”

+

Law woke up in his own room for the first time since he’d been on the island. Hell, he hadn’t really had a room of his own since he left his Captain’s Quarters on the Tang. Doflamingo wasn’t too excited to show him off to his room last night, but he needed to get some sleep if a functional second-in-command was what Doflamingo really wanted.

His room wasn’t large by any means, but it was still leagues beyond what he was used to. Decorated to the Doflamingo’s foreign tastes, satin sheets lined the family-sized mattress propped up on an oak bed frame. The wardrobe and vanity were built to match and were tailored to his height (above average, but not gigantic), accompanied by a walk-in closet. Law barely had enough clothes to fill a luggage, let alone all of this. But it seems like the Captain took care of it with a pre-picked wardrobe fit for the King.

“Seriously?” he grumbled to himself, a vein pressing on the temple of his forehead as he pulled out one of the more risque pieces Doflamingo decided to keep aboard; a sheer black button-up a few sizes too small, leaving little to the imagination. What’s the point of clothing if not to be clothed? He threw it off to the side with the rest of Doflamingo’s experimental taste.

He kept digging around until he eventually found something wearable, settling for a half-done up black button-up detailed by small gold heart-shaped embroidered accents on the cuff and collar. If that was one thing, all of his new clothes were branded in hearts. He understood the sentiment, but for how much this must have cost was it really necessary? His spotted hat and jeans served him well enough to come this far, and there was no way in hell he was parting with them now.

The Doctor fluffed out his hair, trimmed his beard, and was finally ready to start the day. Though his previous mornings were spent as an accompaniment, he wouldn’t have time for unwarranted distractions with the setlist he had to get through. So he headed out towards the medical wing on the main floor of the Palace to get the most out of his morning. And well, it wasn’t a sight to behold. Where the Captains Quarters and even Law’s own bedroom were decked with pieces that could pass as family heirlooms, there was barely anything here. The technology was limited to the basics like a scale and sphygmomanometer, and was easily leagues below what the Polar Tang could offer in its limited space. Maybe the first order of business was checking on the medical budget to make some well-needed upgrades.

The Doctor found the office that was meant to be his, which had clearly seen some use before him. It seems like whatever doctor was here before left in a rush with some of the drawers and cabinets still propped open. But he paid it no mind, plummeting on his stool to roll towards the filing cabinet. Contrary to the rest of the room, the files were neatly alphabetized. He carefully took out the four files of interest - Pica, Diamante, Trebol and Doflamingo. Surprisingly, Doflamingo’s wasn’t too extensive. The largest of the four was easily Diamante.

“Bruises… infected cuts…” the words left his lips as he read Diamante’s file. Seems like most of his injuries were colosseum-related, which wasn’t much of a concern. But Trebol had a few health flare ups that’ll be worth investigating. He continued sifting through the files he had to get a scope of what he’ll be dealing with in future. And for the most part, it seemed like everything was in order. Despite not having a head doctor, the Donquixote pirates were well taken care of. That’s Doffy for you.

Law called one of the servants who was stationed by the office door.

“Do you need something, Corazón sir?” The servant timidly asked in a bow. She either wasn’t experienced, or perhaps too experienced. Law’s reputation beyond Dressrosa wasn’t something many could ignore. But Law didn’t pay it any mind, continuing as usual. 

“Find the next time that Diamante, Pica and Trebol are free.” He ordered. “Book them for a scheduled appointment.”

“Yes, sir.” The servant promptly responded, before turning to bolt out of the room before adding “but what about the Young Master?”

Law grumbled to himself, tucking the executives' files back into the cabinet. “Don’t worry about him.” He rolled back to his station, one lone file in his hands. “And be careful on your way out.”

The servant girl’s nose scrunched before acknowledging the Head Doctor in a nod. After she turned around, it wasn’t much longer before she realized what he meant. “Y-young Master!” she nearly jumped through the ceiling before adding a quick “excuse me!” and bolting out.

Doflamingo leaned his body on the doorframe in his ten foot glory. His hair was damp, beads of water collecting on the tips of his golden buzz cut before dripping down his forehead. “Didn’t feel like joining me for a bath today, Corazón?”

“Not today,” Law was quick to reply, not even sparing the King a glance as he put the file down on his desk. It read ‘Donquixote Doflamingo.’ “Too much catching up to do.”

“Such a hard worker,” Doflamingo cooed, looking down at his Corazón with a hungry glint in his crimson gaze. “But why the rush?”

Law barely reacted. “Here for a checkup?”

Doflamingo smirked. “Considering how you dismissed that poor servant, you already know my answer.” 

“Alright,” Law grumbled before pointing to the bed behind him. 

Doflamingo chuffed, raising a brow. But Law didn’t budge. Shrugging, Doflamingo followed his Doctor’s orders, squatting on the bed that was comically far too small for him. His knees were almost to his chest.

“I have a few questions, just to get a sense of your background.” Law started off, grabbing a pen before opening up his file “Most are recorded in your file, but I’d like to make sure everything is up to date. So to start it off, how old are you?”

“Forty-one.” Doflamingo cooly responded.

Law scribbled something down, before continuing to the next question. “Do you have any history of medical issues?”

“No.” He smirked.

“Any history of illness in your family?”

The smirk slightly faltered. “My mother died of the common cold.”

Law picked up his pen, and scribbled something again. “Have you been sick, or have taken any medication in the past 6 months?”

“No.”

“Any allergies?”

“No.”

“Are you sexually active?”

The room fell silent.

Law wrinkled his nose before looking up from the file. He turned in the direction of his Captain. “I said a-”

“I heard what you said.” Doflamingo grinned. “Repeat it. Slowly.”

Law’s brows furrowed as he buried his head back into the file. It wasn’t long before he realized.

“Well?” The King knowingly hummed.

“How often do you drink-“

“Corazón.” Doflamingo cut him off. “A Doctor shouldn’t skip questions, now should he?”

Law swallowed his pride, pressing his lips together in a straight line. He walked into this one, fair-and-square. “Fine.” He grumbled, barely audible to his Captain. “Are you sexually active?”

“My,” Doflamingo rolled his eyes in sweet innocence. “What does that mean?”

“Don’t play coy with me,” Law snapped. He should’ve expected this to turn into one of Doflamingo’s games. “Answer.”

“Doctor, how can I answer something I don’t know?” The name slid off Doflamingo’s lips as his grin widened. His hands trailed to the top of his knees as he pushed himself up from the bed, at a height that can only be described as towering. His shadow crept over his files as he crouched dangerously close to his Second’s ear. “You can tell me… or you can show me.”

Law was frozen, but Doflamingo didn’t seem to mind. He took the opportunity to slide the boy’s stethoscope up to his ears before guiding the chestpiece over the Doctor’s heart. 

“Do you hear that?” Doflamingo breathily whispered. “Your heart is racing.”

It wasn’t hard to miss. The pulse filled his ears in a quickening polyrhythmic pattern. But before long he was able to catch himself, calming down through a few steady breaths as the words thawed from his lips. “This better not be a daily thing.” He turned around to meet the King eye-to-eye.

“As long as you don’t skip out on our baths.” Doflamingo replied in his signature smirk. Law rolled his eyes as he tilted his chin to accept Doflamingo’s kiss. His tattooed hands crawled up his neck, finding a cozy enough nook to rest. 

The King’s tongue was the first to enter, exploring the Doctor’s mouth with practiced vigor. By this time, they’ve had enough experience to have their own song and dance. Doflamingo’s tongue was always the instigator, poking and prodding at Law’s until he gave into his taunts with an exploration of his own. But as soon as Law’s tongue tried to advance, Doflamingo was always two steps ahead - blocking any admirable effort with tactical skill and his sharpened teeth.

“Were you sexually active?” Law asked between exhausted breaths. “Before me, I mean…”

“Sexually active? Yes.” Doflamingo cooly responded, a string of saliva shared between the both of them. “But intimate? I can’t say I was. There’s something insatiable about you. A depth I explore with every plunge I take in one of your many choice holes.”

The King dove back in, attacking Law in a smirk before he pulled away.

“Next time you phrase it like that, I’ll bite your tongue off.” Law grumbled, cheeks reddening as he turned his head to the side. 

“What a strange way to say you like it,” Doflamingo chuffed, using a finger to turn his Second’s attention back on him. “One day, I’ll suck the venom off your lips.”

Law scoffed out a small “tsk,” but his cheeks weren’t leaving much for the imagination.

“Entertain me, won’t you.” Doflamingo purred, eating up all the colour he could string from his Heart. “Pretend that venom isn’t there. What words would you have for me? What feelings do you keep locked up in that little chest of yours?”

Law's lips quivered. 

“Tell me, truly.” Doflamingo continued to instigate in a purr. 

“I…” Law gulped.

Though Doflamingo was prepared to press some more, Law surprised him. 

“...Love, maybe.”

The boy’s face dropped as soon as the words left his lips. He almost looked regretful, but the King swooped in for another kiss.

“My heart,” his hand danced over his Second. “My mind. Mine. All mine.”

Law was still hesitant. On one hand, the words felt true. But on the other, he didn’t want it to be. Whether or not he still hates Doflamingo is a completely separate matter, but love? That’s…

“Don’t be embarrassed for loving me.” Doflamingo grinned. “Relish that you’ve given me what I want, mi Corazón.”

Part of him wanted to accept that this wasn’t wrong, but the feelings would never be mutual. Sure their relationship was physical, but love goes beyond that. It was a feeling he hasn’t experienced in a very long time, and something he knew Doflamingo was incapable of reciprocating. So he pushed the thought aside, wiping it away in a temporary grin.

“Didn’t know you were that desperate for a doctor, Doffy.”

Doflamingo laughed, before pressing another kiss to his second’s lips.

“More venom?” Law smirked, fingers wrapping around the jaw of the Young Master.

“Indulgence.” Doflamingo was quick to reply in a grin.

“Good.” Law held his smirk, “I was getting worried. Remind me to keep a note in your file to watch for venom intake.” 

“Oh, you’re being dramatic. A little venom doesn’t hurt every now and then,” Doflamingo hummed out, twirling his fingers in the raven locks of his Second. “My Heart has it all the time, but here he sits. Perfectly healthy. Which reminds me,” Doflamingo transitioned, unraveling his fingers before holding the Doctor’s head in place. “How is your health?”

Law rolled his eyes trying to look away, but the King wouldn’t allow it. So he let off a sigh before murmuring. “Nothing to be concerned about.”

“I assume you’re free of amber lead,” Doflamingo pressed. “Any side effects?”

“A benefit, at least from what I could tell.” Law answered. “My body was fighting for its life from the day I was born. Since there’s nothing to fight against anymore, my wounds heal abnormally fast.”

Doflamingo whistled, before looking his Second right in the eye. “And mentally?”

Law bit his tongue. But he was all too familiar with that pressing look in the King’s gaze. 

“Pretty shitty.” Law grumbled. “Worse a bit back, but… still not great. I try not to give it much thought. Easier to digest that way.”

“Why’s that?” Doflamingo asked. “You have the family, you have a purpose, and you have me. Are you unsatisfied?”

“No. It’s not that. It’s just…” The Doctor trailed off, holding his head in his hands. “...I betrayed him.”

Doflamingo raised his brows. “You betrayed who?”

“Cora.” The Doctor hesitantly pressed his lips together. Before his Captain could respond, he continued. “He threw his life away for me to be free but here I am, exactly where he didn’t want me. So it’s something I don’t really want to think about.”

“You betrayed him?” Doflamingo chuffed. “That’s nonsense. You chose to be here. If a choice you made betrays Rosinante’s will, were you ever free?”

Law blinked. 

“You are in charge of the health of the Elite Officers. Don’t neglect yourself.” Doflamingo poked a finger over his Heart. “Start your file. I would like to see your mental health accounted for as well.”

“God,” Law grumbled. “Could you be any more annoying?”

Doflamingo plucked another kiss from Law’s lips. “I love you, too.”

For a second, Law’s eyes widened. And then they relaxed as his lips pulled up in a laugh.

Chapter Text

“Hey, at least he said good morning to you today.” 

Buffalo’s laughs loudly echoed through the Palace lobby as he patted a pouting Baby 5 on the back.  Servants scurried around the two of them, who inconveniently decided to converse in the dead-centre of the main room. A glimpse outside would reveal a rosy-hued sky, a cue for evenings impending fall. This was typically the cue for the other executives to enjoy some off-duty time. Well at least, most executives. “You’re still sulking?”

“He hasn’t come out of his office all day.” Baby 5 huffed, stomping her foot, the clack of her heel echoing through the room. “Not for breakfast, not even for lunch! I thought now that he’s settled in, we could… you know. Walk around for old time’s sake?”

Buffalo matched her sulk as he added in a frown, “Well, you know Corazón.” He sighed. “He’s been with Doffy this whole time, and I guess it was the same back then too. Bribing him was the only way he’d come off the ship!”

Baby 5 continued to pout before she drawled. “Yeah… you’re right.” But not without adding, “but it’s been almost a month now, and we’ve barely seen him! Today was the first time no one's seen them together, so I thought…”

“... he’d be on his own.” Buffalo concluded.

“Exactly!” she perked. “I thought it would be a good time for him to get out, breathe, and explore Dressrosa with us! He hasn’t gotten out much.”

“Between learning the ropes and sleeping around with the Young Master, you’d imagine he’d need some fresh air.” Buffalo chuckled, earning an obvious fluster from Baby 5.

“He’s not-!” Baby 5 could barely get the words off her lips, her face burning a shade of red a few shades brighter than her velvet dress. She was barely able to string together the next words without cracking. “Doffy would never, he’s an executive. And besides, that’s La-... that’s Corazón we’re talking about!”

“Oh, come on.” Buffalo continued to tease, testing just how red her cheeks could go. “Being an executive didn’t stop Doffy with Viola. And we’ve been seeing her a lot more than usual.”

“But that’s different!“ Baby 5 squeaked. “Corazón is like a brother to us, Doffy’d never sleep with his-” 

Law came out of his office, hair disorderly and disheveled before he swept it back with his cap. He spotted the two instantly as a vein bulged on the center of his forehead. “You can still call me Law. Corazón sounds weird coming from the two of you.”

If Buffalo’s taunts weren’t enough to rile Baby 5, an unexpected entrance from the man of the hour would certainly be enough to break her. You could practically see the steam coming out of her ears as she turned around in a stutter. “La… La…”

“Finally done for the day?” Buffalo mused, ignoring the short-circuiting girl to his right. “Doffy calls you Corazón, and so does the rest of the Elite Officers. Does he call you Law in bed, then?”

“Corazón.” Another vein bubbled on his forehead. “He still calls me Corazón.”

“I knew it!” Buffalo exploded in a laugh while nudging a now out-of-service Baby 5. Anything more, and she might need some medical intervention. “Anyways, Baby and I were about to go for a walk through the Town. You haven’t gotten out much, have you? Why don’t you join us!”

“I’ll pass.” Law grumbled, slinking his hands in his pockets. “Doffy’s expecting me.”

“Aw, that’s too bad.” Buffalo frowned. “We were even going to go check out this new bookstore. I heard they carry a special edition of Sora, Warrior of the Sea that was only published in the South Blue.”

Law blinked. 

“Maybe a patrol around Dressrosa wouldn’t hurt.”

“Hook, line and sinker.” Buffalo snorted as he nudged Baby 5. She nearly toppled over.

+

The weather was comfortably warm, a cool breeze passing through every now and again. There weren’t many islands this nice; especially when compared to the climatized disaster known as Punk Hazard. Suffice to say, this was a welcome change. A mix of people and toys were buzzing through the cobbled streets, some fresh off-the-clock, and others leisurely paced to take advantage of the end of day sales. As restaurant patios were filled with romantics sharing tapas and wine, the three executives meandered through the streets with hauls of their own and a fresh scoop of ice cream.

“We put bets on how you’d return to the Family, you know.” Buffalo chuckled, walking slightly ahead. The scent of the salty sea was becoming more poignant as they got closer to shore. “Can’t say I predicted this. You’ve always been an abrasive little shit, so I thought you’d go down the lone vengeance route.”

A vein bubbled up on the Doctor’s forehead before Baby 5 chimed in. “Hey, don’t listen to him! I thought you’d come back.”

“But not like this.” Buffalo added after a lick of his cone. “Delinger joked that you’d return as Doffy’s next Corazón, but who would’ve guessed!”

Law kept his gaze on the stone path beneath his feet. “This wasn’t exactly the plan. It just happened, I guess.”

“But you’ve been warming up to it well.” Baby 5 smiled, followed by a lick of her own cone. “We all thought Doffy was going crazy at first. But no matter how far-fetched, he’s never been wrong.”

“I’ve come to learn that.” Law’s ice cream remained untouched.

Buffalo took a glance over at Law as he quickly finished his cone, noticing his soured mood. “Why all the doom and gloom? Pop a smile once in a while!” Buffalo nudged.

Law looked up. “I smile.” He deadpanned. Realizing how unconvincing it was, he added. “I just don’t have anything to smile about.”

“You’re holding ice cream.” Baby 5 huffed, jerking her head his way. “That's like the thing that makes everyone smile! Holding that with that face is kind of…”

As she trailed off, Law’s brow twitched as his lips pulled into a tight frown. “What face?” 

…

Baby 5 exploded into tears as she threw herself in Buffalo’s arms.

“Hey, hey,” Buffalo patted the sobbing Baby 5 on the back as he looked up at Law with a frown of his own. “See? You made Baby 5 cry again! Come on, smile. How bad could it be?”

Law pinched his brows. After a deep breath, he looked back up to the two of them. His lips were twitching as he bared his teeth in something best described as predatory.

“Ah-!” Buffalo yelped, nearly tripping over.

“So scary!” Even Baby 5 noticed, which didn’t help save her tears. 

“Something wrong with my smile?” Law continued to grin, this time letting his annoyance twitch the side of his lip.

“Stop, you can stop!” Buffalo pleaded, shielding himself away from the Doctor’s sights.

Defeated, Law dropped his smile in a sigh, looking down at his ice cream cone before giving it a lick. “Whatever.”

The other two took some time to recover. “That was the second-most terrifying smile I think I've ever seen.” Buffalo declared, collecting himself as he found his balance.

“Oh yeah?” Law rolled his eyes. “Who’s got the first?”

“Doffy.” Buffalo didn’t even skip a beat, the fear still lingering in his eyes. “I slipped up and laughed at Pica's voice one day, and boy was that terrifying. I still see it in my nightmares…”

Law couldn't help but snort. “Of course it’s Doffy's.”

Suddenly, Baby 5 tugged on Buffalo’s shirt before pointing in Law’s direction. 

“L-look-!” 

And then the two of them saw it. It may have been faint, but it was there. A smile on Trafalgar Law’s lips.

“So ice-cream isn’t enough to do it, but my Doffy trauma is.” Buffalo was baffled. “How cruel.”

“What?” Law looked at the two of them, brows furrowed.

Baby 5 rolled her eyes before adopting a smile of her own. “You’re smiling, dummy!”

“No I’m not.” Law smirked before catching himself. As soon as he realized, he chuckled before taking another lick of his ice cream. “So I smiled. Congratulations, you got me.”

“We didn’t do anything.” Baby 5 corrected. “It seems like all we have to do is mention the Young Master and it brings a smile to your face.”

“No,” Law countered. “I smile about other things, too.”

“Right…” Baby 5 added, sarcastically. “Name one thing.”

Law grumbled to himself before talking out something from one of his shopping bags. The 37th volume of Sora, Warrior of the Sea.

“You don’t smile about that,” Buffalo countered. “You’re completely stoic every time you pick it up.”

Law ignored the two as he continued reading from page 23, brows furrowed and lips pressed.

“See?” Buffalo sighed, Baby 5 walking over from behind to close it. Law snapped back, leading Baby 5 to cry again. Buffalo took in a breath before holding her in his chest, chuckling. “You two will never change, will you?”

+

Three, tattered looking old men walked down the harbour. They were visibly drunk, stumbling over their feet with every step they took.

“That bitch!” The first one loudly spat. He wore a purple button-up with a tattered vest, a long greying goatee hanging off of his chin. His head had not much for the imagination, sprinklings of straw-like hair that seemed sparser the more you looked up. “If she had a braincell in that balloon-head of hers, she woulda shut the fuck up and –! You throw a bottle or two a couple dozen times and she thinks that’s enough to leave me? She’ll damn right regret that, she doesn’t know who she’s dealing with!”

“Yeah, no one leaves our boss!” A second old man chirped. He was significantly shorter - though whether that was earned through the genetic lottery or his incredibly hunched back was up for debate. He wore a raggy green t-shirt, with some jeans and slacks. His lips were framed by a greying moustache, covering a few of his missing teeth. 

“What are you planning to do, boss?” The third one finally chimed in. Though he was shorter than the first, he was taller than the second. He wore a blue button-up, undone enough to show a sea of grey chest hair. Other than that, he didn’t have much hair to show. “Teach her a lesson? Frame her and let those Donquixotes deal with her?”

“Pah,” The boss waved his hand dismissively, taking a swig out of the bottle in his hands. “I gotta show her I don’t need her first. Then we throw her to the wolves.”

“That’s our boss!” The green one amusedly spat.

“Who could resist such a handsome-looking guy like him?” The blue one chimed in. “Landing a hottie will be child’s play for you!”

The three of them continued down until the green one spotted three young strangers who had just arrived.

“Hey, hey boss!” The green one poked the boss, much to his unamusement. “Look over there! Dont you think that girl is kind of hot?”

The boss was about to tell off the green one until his eyes wandered in her direction. She had long, black wavy hair and a maroon dress just barely covering her assets. By all means, she was attractive. And boy did the boss agree. 

“Watch and learn, boys.” his drunken frown pulled into a sloppy smirk. “This is how you land a hottie.”

The three stumbled their way up the harbour, in front of the three who had unfortunate timing. “Hey, lady!” The boss cat-called.

Law’s brow twitched as Baby 5 looked up at the man. “Huh? Are you talking to me?”

“Who else would he be talking to?” The green one chimed in. “The two by your side aren’t exactly eye-candy, now are they.”

Before anyone could react, the blue one asked “Say, those your boyfriends? Prolly not the big guy, but the one with the stupid-lookin’ hat?”

A vein bubbled up on Law’s forehead. 

“What? No!” Baby 5’s face flushed. “They’re just friends! What gave you that impression?”

“Ahh, just makin’ sure.” The green one chuckled. “Say, our boss here is lookin’ for a special little someone, and you’re exactly what he needs.”

“He… needs me?” 

Law and Buffalo exchanged glances.

“Yeah!” The blue one replied. “What do ya say? Wanna hit the town with the boss? He’s pretty hard to say no to!”

“I mean… if he needs me, I’d be happy to!” Baby 5 smiled. She was about to take a step towards the man before Law grabbed her sleeve. She looked back. “What are you doing?”

“They’re nothing but a bunch of lowlifes.” Law snarled. 

“You judgin’ the character of our boss?” The blue one spat. “Not very wise of you, buddy!”

“Yeah!” The green one piqued in. “You insult our boss, and you’re gonna have to go through us!”

The two kept flaring insults at the Warlord before the Boss chimed in. “Boys,” he intruded, pushing the two of them apart. He towered over his henchmen as his gaze made its way down to Trafalgar Law. “If he has an issue with me, he should settle it like a man.”

“Oooo, our boss is getting serious!” The blue one gleefully snickered. “That stupid-hatted freak doesn’t know what’s coming!”

“He doesn’t stand a chance!” The green one added.

But the boss had a vested interest in the boy. The more he looked, the more he could tell there was something off. “You look… familiar.” were the only words that left his lips.

“Do I?” Law dropped the rest of his ice cream on the ground. He stretched out his arms, flexing his fingers as a vile grin creased the corners of his lips. “I get that a lot. One of those familiar faces, I guess.”

But the Boss would soon come to realize his mistake. As he stood in horror, the last thing he saw was the black ink of Death.

Chapter Text

The Doctor saw his King to the bath, and breakfast the following day. But just as Law was about to part to the medical wing, Doflamingo stopped him. Towering behind his second in command, the King’s hand rested on the boy’s right shoulder. It wasn’t a forceful gesture by any means, but it was enough to tell the boy that there was something more for him to do.

“I have a job for you,” Doflamingo’s words were blunt, but playful. Whatever this job was, it didn’t seem like it was too important from the smirk on the King's lips. But it did pique the Doctor’s interest.

“Am I going to have to miss my appointment with Diamanté at 2:00?” Law asked, glancing at the silhouette behind him.

“If you have fun,” The King’s grin widened, “most certainly.”

+

Doflamingo gestured the boy towards a descending staircase, nestled between two stone walls in the lobby on the main floor. Though Law has done his fair share of exploring the first and second floors, he's never gone down to the basement. The King took the lead, with Law following closely behind. It was a stark contrast to the well-decorated topside, with dust thick enough to suffocate even the healthiest of men. Not many came down here, and even fewer made it back up. Chains and bones lined the wall, and though it wasn't explicitly mentioned, they were likely related.

“There’s something I wasn’t able to teach you when you were younger.” Doflamingo explained, hands delicately wrapped behind his back. “With your current track record, this may make things a little more exciting.”

Law rolled his eyes, slinking his hands in his pockets as his gaze loosely took in the mull around them. He knew Doffy was eventually going to explain what he meant, but decided to entertain it. “What’s that?”

“Interrogation.” The senior Warlord was receptive to the question as it summoned a wickedness to his grin. “Remember when I taught you how to strike a successful deal? Well, it’s not always possible. You’re old enough to understand that sometimes people are just less… receptive to opportunity.”

Law’s heart raced. It’s not like he didn’t know how to interrogate; he’s done his fair share of suggestive bargaining as a Captain of his own. His particular type of buzz was reserved for the people who couldn’t wait. And that wasn’t lost in the leering gaze of his Captain.

The two eventually made it to their destination cell of choice, one of the smaller ones more secluded from the rest. The choice must have been intentional. Either Doflamingo was keeping this prisoner isolated for a reason, or he was simply giving the Surgeon of Death room to operate. Law had no reason to complain either way. The hostage was tied to the floor with normal chains holding his hands behind his back. Though he was knelt on the ground, his back stiffened at the sight of his guests. The pink feathered coat was recognized instantly, but it took a little longer to digest the other. But soon enough, his pensive stare was washed over by a wave of realization.

“Huh? You’re that rookie Warlord, the one from the papers, right? Why the hell are you here?”

They both ignored the question as Doflamingo stopped at the entrance of the cell, hands neatly tucked behind his back. 

“First impressions go a long way; especially when there’s something on the line.” Doflamingo mused a whisper in his second’s ear. He waved his hand to gesture the boy ahead. “Go on.”

“What the hell is going on?!” The prisoner hissed, eyes that were once filled with fear displaying a mix of anger and confusion. 

“Your head is awfully high.” Trafalgar’s voice was cold as stone, slowly trodding up to the prisoner. Doflamingo stood observantly in the doorway. “I’ll give you three seconds to correct that.”

“What the hell-!” It seems he hesitated for too long before bowing his head, because a layer of his hair was sliced clean off.

“Now, tell me.” Law knelt down to the prisoners side, holding his head up by what was left. Hair was generously sprinkled on his shoulders. “Why am I here today?”

The prisoner's eyes shot back to Doflamingo but was quickly, and forcibly, pried back through the death-grip Law had on his jaw.

“The only one you should be focusing on is me.” Law mocked. “Now tell me. Why do I have to interrogate you today?”

This seemed to confuse the prisoner even more. Forced to stare at the Surgeon of Death, he was barely able to open his mouth to respond. “I-I don’t know.” He weakly choked, cheeks being crushed by the resident Doctor. “Really! I was just doing my job, patrolling the cargo when a few boxes vanished!”

Law looked back at Doflamingo who simply rolled his eyes. That was enough for Law to get his answer.

“Elaborate.”

“Look- seriously, I don’t know anything more than that.” the man stuttered. “I swear on my wife and kids!”

Law’s grip got more forceful as his fingers crawled to his neck, crushing the prisoner’s trachea. He struggled to breathe, face slowly turning blue as his chains rattled.

“I don’t take kindly to people who waste my time.” Law snarled. “For every minute I’m here, I will be taking one of your fingers. And just to be clear, I start with the thumbs .”

Law let go, air flooding the prisoner’s lungs in a rush as his back flopped against the stone wall. His pupils dilated at the front-row view of his executioner, a wicked glint staining his burning amber eyes. This was no longer Trafalgar Law, the rookie upstart Warlord. This was a beast bred by the world’s darkest crevices, a monster well-deserving of the epithet of Surgeon of Death. Though the prisoner had no idea why his chosen executioner was Trafalgar Law and not the expected Captain of the Donquixote Pirates, somehow this felt worse. Unpredictably worse.

“I swear, this is all some big misunderstanding,” he tried to explain between nervous breaths, words accelerating as the time kept ticking. “I know I was the one on duty, but someone stole the cargo just to frame me. I think it was-“

“Ten seconds left,” Law interrupted. “Or are you trying to test if I’m bluffing? You’re making me look bad in front of the Young Master. I have a reputation to maintain.”

“No! No, I believe you!” He yelped in a desperate cry. “It was Delinger! He’s the only one who knew what the route was! He’s the one who-“

A vicious scream filled the room, vile and shrill. His eyes bulged from his head from the merciless cut. It was like his thumb was being taken off with a hand-saw, each notch of the Surgeon’s blade rough and slow.

Doflamingo winced from behind as the thumb fell to the ground in a splatter. One finger down.

“Try again.” Law’s voice was monotone, his radiant amber gaze chilled to a cool-grey. 

The prisoner spent the next minute wailing out in pain. And before he was able to recover, the next thumb came off. Tears stained his vision as they trailed down his face, collecting on Law’s hand decorating his throat. It slowly traced down his Tattoos, about 10 seconds per each letter. So by the time it got down to the T, the next finger was being cut.

“S-STOP!” The man’s shrill rattled the chains on the wall, fingers collecting beside his feet in rigor and decay. The blood from his fingertips splattered around as he tried to free his hands from his cuffs; to no avail. “P-PLEASE!”

The soft sobs continued from the man’s lips in broken sniffles, and before long, his hands were reduced to nubs.

“How about now?” Law’s voice was oddly soothing. “You want to tell me what happened to those missing weapons?”

“The Kidd Pirates,” was the only thing that came off his lips through broken sobs. “Their Captain threatened me, and… and I didn’t want to die. My little girl is waiting for me at home. She was turning three, a-and I promised her I’d be there for her on her birthday…” His eyes were pried shut, in anticipation for another punishment. But nothing came. After a few moments, his eyes slowly creaked open, met with the look of a smiling Surgeon.

“See. That wasn’t so hard, was it?” Law hummed.

Just as he was taking in a breath of relief, he realized he couldn’t feel anything beneath his neck. The moment he looked down, he was met with the sight of his dismembered body pressed against the stone wall.

The prisoner’s pupils dilated before slowly looking back to the Doctor.

The Surgeon of Death grinned.

“Have you ever wondered what your body looks like from the inside?”

+

Crimson trickled on the floor in soft pitter-patters, ornamenting the rest of the dismembered body organized into a portrait of chaos. A room that was once filled with screams had halted to an eerie silence, music to the Doctor’s ears. Law’s grin was wild and ravenous, reflected in the silhouette of his master shadowed behind him. The two shared a view, a vision full of the sea of crimson parted at their feet. All that was left in this epilogue was a rush of adrenaline, and an addictive need for more.

“Perfect.” Was all Doflamingo could say, expression hidden by the shadows. But once he stepped out, one thing was crystal clear. He wore the same expression. He slowly approached in applause, some of the blood even finding its way on his own pink-feathered coat. “How are you feeling?”

Law’s eyes flashed in a wild mosaic of amber, silver and crimson. His grin was sharp, the taste of iron thickly clad on his tongue. This was more than enough to answer the King.

“Let's wash up,” Doflamingo smiled, walking out of the room. “I’d hate to dirty the halls.”

His Corazon lurked closely behind.

Chapter Text

“Bepo.”

Shachi was seated at the navigation panel of the Tang. It’s been a while since he’s sat in this seat, struggling to adjust the chair to accommodate his height. “Navy ship, 60 degrees east.”

“Got it!” Bepo replied, paws clumsily holding on to the helm. He took a sharp turn 45 degrees to the west, the other Hearts in the Control Room stumbling forwards. The Bear sheepishly glanced back at his crew as the Tang settled in a new current. “...Sorry.”

But the others were too preoccupied to respond. “There’s been too many Marines in these waters for comfort.” Penguin frowned, grabbing hold on Shachi’s shoulder to keep his balance. “I get Doflamingo’s a Warlord, but isn’t this a little much?”

Clione cooly agreed. “Even as a Warlord, there’s no way Law would’ve had this much pull with the World Government. There’s something else going on here.”

“Agreed.” Shachi was blunt.

The poor Polar Bear was still struggling to get over his apology from earlier, adding in a nervous sweat “A-again, sorry about the turn. It’s been a while since I’ve manned the helm.”

The remainder of the crew finally focused their attention on their shaken crewmate, snapping out of the previous thought. “Don’t worry about it, Beps.” Penguin responded in a smile. “It’s not like you have much choice. Besides, if it wasn’t for you, we’d have been caught three-times over by now.”

Tears welled up in Bepo’s eyes. He nodded a quick “I won't let you down!” 

With the piles of stress-induced shedding lining the floor around him, Uni decided to go grab a broom. But before Uni could reach for the door, it slammed open. He stumbled back to see Jean Bart, easily the largest crewmate on the Tang. Sweat beaded on his forehead as he wore a towel around his neck that was dripping on the floor. “We’re going to Punk Hazard, right?”

“Yeah,” Shachi nodded, looking back to Bepo before his eyes met the former Captain. “Why?”

“Isn’t it a little too hot in here?” Jean Bart frowned, picking the towel off of his neck before wringing out the remaining liquid on the floor. Looks like a broom wont be the only thing Uni will be bringing back. “When we dropped the Captain off last time, I was freezing my ass off. Are we sure we’re heading to the right place?”

Shachi was about to speak up before Bepo interrupted. “That’s the plan.”

“Huh?” Jean Bart piqued.

“What he means is we’re heading to Punk Hazard right now.” Shachi smirked. “We dropped the Cap’ off to one side of the Island - a tundra. We’ll be docking the other way.”

“That is, if we can dock.” Bepo frowned, scratching at his fluff. A few more tufts fell to the ground, Uni scrambling out of the room to grab a broom and mop before it's too late. “I’m still figuring that one out.”

“What the hell is going on?” Jean Bart was sweating puddles at this point, using his damp towel to soak up as much as he could - to no avail. 

But before anyone could respond, Shachi snapped his head back to the control panel. “Shit- there’s a ship ahead!” He hissed, fingers quickly zooming in on the impending vessel. “Damn it, I was distracted. It’s straight ahead!”

Bepo scrambled on the helm, frantically flailing his paws to move the Tang in any direction but straight. 

“It’s huge,” Penguins eyes widened as he caught wind of the screen. “I didn’t even know they had navy ships that big.”

“Me neither!” Shachi gritted his teeth as the Tang was thrown into chaos, papers, pens, sweat and fur scrambling across the floor as the crew barely had a grip to stand. The book Bepo borrowed from the Captain’s Library fell open to some miscellaneous page on some random clown look-alike scientist autobiography before getting caught in the current of items rolling to the front of the Tang.

“I’m sorry!” Bepo whined, continuing to turn the Tang as he gritted his teeth. But as soon as his eyes met the Navigation screen, the Tang stopped. The sudden loss of momentum had the other Hearts stumble; some finally meeting the floor. But Bepo’s reaction wasn’t lost on Shachi who was quick to recover. 

“What? Beps, why the hell did you stop?” Shachi asked, “Come on, we need to get out of here before they spot us!”

“Shachi,” Bepo’s voice squeaked as the name came off his lips. “That’s not a Marine ship.”

A slow look of realization washed over the boy’s features as the orca-hatted male’s lips curved in a frown. “What do you mean that’s not a Marine ship?”

“A Pirate Ship, then?” Uni asked, scratching at a bump on his head he got from a rough landing with a broom and mop in hand. “There’s other pirates in these waters?”

“Maybe. That explains all these marines,” Shachi frowned. “But what Pirates are stupid enough to come to Punk Hazard from this side?”

Bepo couldn’t keep his beady eyes from the Navigation panel as they widened in recognition. “The Strawhats?”

Uni and Penguin tag-teamed sweeping and mopping the fallout from the turn, as Clione helped by picking up some of the heftier items that scattered about. Shachi looked at the Bear like he had two heads. “Are you saying that the Strawhats are stupid enough to come at Punk Hazard from this side, or are you saying that ship belongs to the Strawhats?”

“Both.” Bepo assured. He started turning the Tang to its original trajectory towards the ship of the Straw Hat Pirates.

“Sure they’re not Marines.” Penguin chimed in, his pile of fur getting swept in a bag, “But why are we headed straight towards them? We’re friendly with their Captain, but we don’t have time for a meet and greet with the rest of his crew.”

Shachi read the look in the Bear’s eyes. This look didn’t surface often, but was something he could never miss. Bepo reassured Shachi in a nod, before looking back to his penguin-hatted crewmate. “I think I know how we’re getting on the island.”

+

Law walked out of the basement, the thick scent of iron draped around his shoulders. He wore his typical spotted jeans, paired with a black sheer button-down undone enough to tease the black ink of his tattoos curling up his collarbones. His hands were hidden by latex gloves, but the bolded ink of death bled through. Though well-kempt, the fresh speckles of red over his skin and clothes were unmissable. He thumbed a trail of red from the corner of his lip before his gaze met a crimson hue more familiar to him. 

“Bloodlust is a good colour on you, Corazón,” Doflamingo cooed, observing his second from a tasteful distance, watching the boy pitter-patter up the stairs. The hunger wasn’t lost in the Captain’s eyes, gaze tracing over his second’s new colour.  The King took the first steps before towering over his prized possession.  “I trust you got what we needed out of him?”

Law looked up to his Captain before plopping two items in the King’s hands. The first was a brown bag that was oddly warm, and draped in a similar scarlet fluid as the benefactor. The second was a cam-snail. Oddly enough, the second item had less of a pulse. Doflamingo’s lips widened in a grin as he caught a glimpse at the bag’s contents. 

“He confessed to shorting you half a million berri over the past three years,” Law responded, glancing down at the snail. “Seems our estimates undersold how much he stole.”

“And, the heart?” Doflamingo questioned.

“That’s for me.” Law cooly hummed, moving his hand to the prize. “I’m in need of subject matter to experiment on. You don’t mind, right?”

“Not at all,” Doflamingo’s grin didn’t change as the Doctor took the bag back. “Glad you’ve been adjusting well.”

Shamblesing the bag to his office, the Doctor used his teeth to roll up his bloodied latex gloves, iron catching on his tongue. He welcomed the taste as a servant hastily came around to discard his gloves. “I’ve got an appointment with Trebol in 10.”

“And your evening?” Doflamingo piqued.

Law smirked.

“It’s whatever you want it to be, Doffy.”

+

The sun was setting on the lands of Dressrosa, a dim amber light creeping into the windowsills and tickling down the halls and carpets. At this hour, the Palace was discomfitingly quiet; the small tatters of servants roaming through to clean up after the remnants of the Executives dinner a few moments prior. And where most executives graduated to a variety of end-of-day pleasantries, Doflamingo and his Heart retired to a familiar nook of the Captain’s Quarters. Seated on the King’s loveseat, the two shared a barrel of wine as empty glasses lined the table in front of them. 

It didn’t take much to get the two of them flushed-cheeked.

“You’d never believe what the hell that idiot tried to pull.” Doflamigno drunkenly exasperated, holding a glass loosely from his fingertips. Splashes of the liquid decorated the checkered floorboards. “Bastard thought he could join the Donquixote Family just by asking nicely!”

Law snorted, face equally red. If his own cup wasn’t almost empty, he’d be spilling his alcohol too. But his glass wasn’t empty for long, a servant on standby swiftly topping it off with a fresh pour. “What, did you beat his ass or something?”

“I can beat anyone’s ass,” Doflamingo chuffed down another gulp. “But it’s not every day you get someone that stupid. I entertained his idiocy for a bit, letting him wave my flag around under the condition he’ll never lose a fight - and then he goes and gets his ass handed to him by some rookie run-of-the-mill sixteen year-old. What a waste of breath! I’m glad I didn’t stain my coat with that whiny runt.”

Law took a big gulp, a smirk etching his lips. “Who fucking knows nowadays, Doffy. Sixteen year-olds seem to be all the rage. Look at what Strawhat did in Alabasta.”

That seemed to knock Doflamingo off his trail of thought temporarily. But that’s unsurprising. Straw Hat had a knack for derailing things, after all. “I’d hardly call anything that boy does strategy.” Doflamingo rolled his eyes. Seems like the Donquixote Captain wasn’t a fan. “I don’t know how the hell that Strawhat did it. It must’ve been that damn D.”

Law’s ears perked up.

“Say, why the hell’d you save that kid after Marineford, anyways?” Doflamingo continued the line of thought. “Akainu should’ve finished him off, if it wasn’t for you popping in and…” Doflamingo took another gulp. “I’ve been curious about that for a while. Captains rarely go out of the way to save each other. Was there something you wanted out of him?”

“To be honest, I don’t know.” Law grumbled, shrinking into the loveseat under his hunched shoulders. “Something in my chest told me it was the right thing to do, so I did it. It was nothing more than a whim.”

“Something in your chest?” Doflamingo slurred.

Law grumbled to himself some more, before chugging the rest of his wine. Clunking the bottom of the glass on the table, he looked up to his Captain in drunken haze. Maybe it was the alcohol talking. Hell, maybe it actually was him. But words have their way of coming out eventually, whether intended or not.

“Maybe it's the D. I’ve got that hidden name, too.”

The conversation staled. Quiet enough to hear a pin-drop, the Captain nor his Second said a word. The Servants who surrounded them knew Law’s admission wasn’t something good, but the gravity of his words were lost on them. Doflamingo was the only one who knew what it meant; just like his brother, all those years ago.

The moments of silence felt like hours, but eventually it came to an end. Whether he was waiting to find the words or sober up, Doflamingo spoke up before Law could make that decision himself.

“D? You’re telling me, you’re a D?”

Two new glasses came to the table.

Maybe this wasn’t the time to mention it. Maybe there was never the time to mention it. But the words couldn’t be taken back, awkwardly blinking to the side before taking a stab at trying to defend himself. “It’s why Cora took me away from you all those years ago,” Law averted his gaze. “He said something about being a sworn enemy of god. He also said you’d kill me if you ever found out, but…”

Before Law could get too far off track, Doflamingo snorted out before sloshing back another gulp. 

“HAH!” He cackled. “My second-in-command is a damn D?! Oh, that’s rich!”

Doflamingo was laughing? That was the last thing the former Captain expected, his eyes sheepishly returning to his Captain’s side to see for himself. But there the Captain was, the stupidest grin on his face, and forehead vein-free. It took a moment for Law to focus his blurred vision, but as soon as he did he pressed his lips together. “You’re not… mad?”

“Mad?” Doflamingo snorted. “Why would I be mad?”

“I-I don't know!” Law hissed, cheeks flushing red from embarrassment. “I don’t even know what the fuck it means! Cora said you’d kill me, my parents told me to keep the name a secret, so I thought there was something more to it. I didn’t know what to expect when you’d eventually find out, but there was never a good time, and-!”

“Corazón.” Doflamingo sighed, the laughs finally subsiding into a small smile on his lips. “You have nothing to worry about.”

Law’s brows furrowed before he crossed his legs. 

Doflamingo gestured to the servants to leave, which they promptly followed. As the door closed behind the last servant, Doflamingo’s crimson gaze met Law’s amber eyes. “Have you ever wondered where me and Rosinante came from?”

Law’s brow furrowed. But before he could pique, Doflamingo smirked. “You’re not the only one who has a hidden bloodline. Perhaps we have more in common than I originally thought. How poetic.”

Doflamingo read the question off of Law’s gaze, choking back a laugh. 

“Alas, I am sorry to disappoint you. I am not a D.”

The question left Law’s eyes in a sigh before Doflamingo wrapped his arm around the boy. “But I can say we are of… higher stature.”

Doflamingo read Law's confusion like a book.

“Sure we sailed the North Blue, but that was never our home.” Doflamingo continued on. “One could argue our true home is Dressrosa; but that’s a tale over 900 years old.”

The gears were turning in Law’s drunken head before something finally clicked. He hadn’t even realized he stopped breathing until Doflamingo’s breaths ghosted across his ear.

“You’re a smart boy.”

Law’s silver eyes widened, pupils dilating as he looked to his side at his Captain - and to the man he’s truly never known. Not until now, at least.

“You’re a…”

“Do you get it now?” Doflamingo cooed. “Why my dear old brother would have had such a reaction hearing your name? Why he’d think I’d kill you?” The Captain traced his fingers over his Second’s jaw, delicately caressing his cheek before locking the two in a kiss. Law was still at a loss for words, leaving Doflamingo to do the hard part of steering their tongues until eventually pulling apart. “But my brother was wrong about a lot of things. You may be the one who understands that the most.”

Law’s head was racing; heart pumping, everything that he thought felt like it was crumbling around him.

“Then… why are you here?” Law was finally able to choke out.

Doflamingo pushed the hair out of his seconds face, getting a better look on his second-in-command. “The same as you.”

Before Law could read into it, the King continued with ease. “I didn’t choose to come down from Mariejois, but my idiot Father had other plans. He wanted to live among commoners, thought it would be a fun family endeavour.”

The more Doflamingo spoke, the tenser the vein on his forehead became. Law passed the wine back to Doflamingo, who was easily able to clean the rest of the glass.

“When they found out we were Celestial Dragons, they hunted us down. They hung us by our throats, burned us alive. My mother died of the common cold; something so easily treatable, and yet nobody was willing to help her. Let's just say this was a time that was quite… traumatic.”

Doflamingo was able to catch himself, taking a deep breath to ease his tension. Law, though still trying to digest all this, felt bad. He looked to his Captain with sorrow-filled eyes, resting his hand on his Captain’s heart.

“But the hatred I have for those who did that to me and my family, I share for those bastards up in Mariejois. I killed my father - brought his head up to their door and they denied me. Said I, a ten-year-old boy couldn’t go back home because of a decision my father made.” He twitched. “So I've been stuck here ever since. Picking at this world piece-by-piece, brick by brick, destroying the foundation so that when they fall from their silk-covered pedestals, the only thing left to break their landing is concrete, nails and blood.”

Doflamingo continued on without a care in the world, while Law struggled to keep up. “So being a D? Maybe in another world, that would have scared me.” Doflamingo smirked. “Maybe in another life, Rosinante would’ve been right. But here and now, I couldn’t be any more excited. We’re drawn together by the same hatred for the world; and the same destiny to crush every single Celestial Dragon that dared to challenge my birthright. A D? You don’t understand how perfect that makes you for me.”

Doflamingo swooped in for another kiss, this time met with a more-prepared doctor on the other side of the line. Their kiss evolved into something a little more sloppy; and something driven by need. The more Law’s tongue poked in the Captain’s mouth, the more the King would prod back, his larger mouth overpowering the small boy with ease. Doflamingo’s slender fingers threaded through the messy locks at the back of Law’s head. Law, in turn, wrapped his legs around Doflamingo's waist, straddling his lap as his hands rested on the King's hips. The friction between the two forces riled Law’s button-up higher up his chest, revealing more skin with each deeper dive. It wasn’t long before Doflamingo took matters into his own hands, tearing Law’s shirt open to reveal his tanned inked skin. Law’s hands trailed up from the King’s waist under the Captain’s shirt to pry it open for a better view. 

Doflamingo’s lips curved into a sharp smirk, taking control as he flipped Law on his back pressed against the loveseat. In this swift action he knocked over one of the glasses of wine, poignant liquid spilling on the table and dripping on the floor. But neither seemed to care, nor even pay the liquid any mind as they continued to lose each other in themselves. Law’s soft pants mirrored the pitter-patter of the wine dripping on the checkered floor. In a low growl, Doflamingo’s hand fumbled with the button of Law’s jeans before popping it open and pushing the denim down to his ankles. He then loosened his own belt, his gaze sweeping over his second-in-command in newfound hunger. 

“You know back on Mariejois, they used to tell us that when we were bad, we’d be swallowed up by D,” Doflamingo murmured, a hint of a snarl caught in the rasp of his voice. His fingers traced the edge of Law’s underwear before tracing around Law’s hole in a deliberate, teasing motion. “Corazón, you up for swallowing today?”

“I’ll take anything you give me,” Law smirked, bucking his hips on Doflamingo’s fingers. “Young Master.”

The name set a fire in Doflamingo’s gaze, showing no mercy as he slipped a finger past the fabric, pouncing in his Second’s hole. Law gasped out in surprise, clenching down as the intrusive finger spread him open with no remorse. His gasps and groans accelerated with Doflamingo’s precise pumps, before another hiss left his lips as another finger joined the first.

“Doffy…” Law gasped. “Fuck- you’re going too…”

“Fast?” Doflamingo finished the thought, pausing his fingered assault at an instant. He leaned closer, his panting breaths ghosting across Law’s cheeks. “Take what I give you, Corazón.” A hint of mockery laced his words. “I’m going to fuck the Will of D right out of you. Fill you up with my own.”

He picked up from where he left off, continuing the invasion with another hard thrust as a choked hiss left Law’s mouth. “And when you leave today, you’ll be nothing but my property, my creature...”

“My Corazón.”

In the jumbled mess of slipped thoughts and pleasure, somehow, Law felt like that didn't matter. Whether or not Doflamingo took him here or there, he was already his. When did that even happen..? Not like Law was going to give much resistance against his Captain. Doflamingo took his other fingers out of the boy before letting himself free, his hardened cock filling the air between the two. 

“Suck me off,” Doflamingo commanded. “If you do a good job, I’ll let you fill that hole I so generously prepared.”

He took a glance at Doflamingo’s cock, thick, veiny, and already dripping with pre-cum. The alcohol seemed to be pulling most of the strings for him tonight as it didn’t take much convincing for the boy to move in front of the King, kneeling on the ground while taking his length in his hands. His death-tatted fingers wrapped delicately around the King’s cock before his eyes met the King. Doflamingo easily towered over the boy, his out-of-this-world presence snuffing out whatever remaining resistance he may have had. Though he said nothing more, his gaze was enough of a command for the boy to start. Sucking off his Captain, his Celestial Dragon, his Young Master. And the man who owned him, mind, body and soul.

He trailed his hand down Doflamingo’s cock, each vein bumping against his fingers before it got down to the base of the shaft. Straightening his back, Law leaned in to wrap his mouth around the King, tongue playfully pillowing the tip in his mouth. His cheeks felt warmer with the alcohol as he continued to cushion his Captain’s cock deeper down his throat before hilting half-way. He was too large, but that wouldn't stop Law. He locked eyes with the smirking Doflamingo as he used his hand to stroke off the remainder of what his mouth couldn't get to. Doflamingo’s groans got louder as his hand stiffened on the back of Law’s head. 

“Good boy,” the King purred. “There it is, keep going…” Doflamingo’s breath grew more ragged as Law continued on, going back to the tip before swiping it with his tongue. The precum thick on his lips, he made a show of the taste before going back back down the King’s shaft. More grunts left his lips, Law’s speed increasing with every pass before finding a steady rhythm to the King’s tastes. It was getting harder for Doflamingo to keep it together. Head rolled back, teeth clenched, all that could escape was:

“Fuck… God, fuck… I’m close…”

And eventually, he couldn't keep it back anymore. A thick liquid released into Law’s throat, collecting at the corners of his lips as he unsheathed himself.

“Swallow.”

And so he did. Choking it back, Law was able to swallow most of his Captain’s load while holding onto his knees to keep him upright. Swiping the remainder of it off of his lips, the Doctor took in some staggered breaths as the taste of cum clung thick on his breath.

“Your mouth works wonders on me, Law.” Doflamingo smirked in a grin, pulling the cum-drunk boy up on his hips. The Doctor weakly held on to Doflamingo, their breaths synced to the rise and fall of their chests. “I can’t get enough.” Before long, the King took another kiss from his Second’s lips - a gesture he wasn’t able to fully process at first. But he slowly came to in a sloppy kiss of his own.

“Do you want it, Corazón?”

Law barely gave the question time to marinate as he adjusted himself to straddle on Doflamingo’s lap. His pre-prepped hole teased the tip of Doflamingo’s cock before sinking down, hands gripped on the Captain’s shoulders for support. “D-Doffy,” the name left Law’s lips in a stubborn moan, the thick cock fitting him like a tailored glove. “F-fuck…”

“Take it.” Doflamingo egged on, fingers methodologically dancing on the boy’s hips. “Take what I give you. Take it all .” 

Helpless moans left Law’s lips as he bucked his hips back and forth, the saliva-coated cock sliding up and down with practiced ease. It soon slipped through like a well oiled machine, the frantic breaths of the Doctor becoming more staggered as he was able to quicken his pace. 

“Who do you live for?” Doflamingo asked, lips pointed into a wicked smirk as he pressed his lips against the Doctor’s ear.

“You, Doffy.” Law responded in fluttered breaths, in some sort of rehearsed response. It was buried in a few moans as he bounced up and down on his Captain’s cock, eyes rolling back as he got closer and closer to release. 

“Good boy,” Doflamingo rasped, brushing Law’s hair behind his ear. “And who do you breathe for?”

“Y-you, Doffy,” Law responded again, the Doctor’s vision starting to blur everything out except the King’s crimson glare.

“Who do you sing for?”

“You…” Law took a breath. “You, Doffy.” The Captain grinned before forcefully hilting himself down. The moan that left Law’s lips matched his intensity, a tear slipping out of his eye before mixing with the saliva drooling down his chin.

“Now. Who will you cum for?”

Law’s face was red at this point, sloppy groans leaving his lips. But the words that came from his lips remained unchanged.

“You, Doffy.”

And Law released, all at once, and then in little spurts as his breaths caught on the back of his throat. He felt light-headed. Maybe it was from the wine, maybe it was from something else. But the scene had a familiar air to it, one that could almost be written off as a dream.

Déjà vu.

Chapter Text

Law pinched his brow. Finally free.

This was probably the most unpleasant part of his week; checking up on his favourite disaster of a scientist back on Punk Hazard. But if Caesar was the only thing he didn’t like about his arrangement here, he could live with that.

Sinking back down in his stool, the Doctor sighed as he picked apart some of the papers on his desk - Trebol’s lab results. Though these came in this morning, he was so strung up with other work he didn’t have a chance to take a look until noon. At a quick glance there was a lot to unpack, but he couldn’t bring his mind to focus on the matter at hand.

So, Doflamingo is a Celestial Dragon. His predecessor, the former Corazón, was also a Celestial Dragon. That explained Sabaody and Doflamingo’s vested interest in stealing heavenly tributes so it shouldn’t have come as a shock, but what annoyed him the most was why he just found out about this now. Doflamingo wasn’t exactly hiding it and didn’t mind slipping his tongue, but Cora never said a word. You’d imagine somewhere in the 6 months they spent together he would have mentioned something. Hell, wasn’t he also hiding the fact he was working with the Marines even back then? But even with his conflicted thoughts on the Marine thing, this one felt inexcusable.

He crumpled Trebol’s lab report in his hands, before whipping it towards the trashcan. It missed by a generous margin, bouncing off the wall before toppling to the ground. 

Leaning his head back to look at the ceiling, his fingers spread across his face as a pent-up breath slowly seeped through his lips.

+

“Law’s in a mood today.” Baby 5 frowned, slamming the door behind her as she walked through the hallway towards the dining hall. “He barely said hello when he brushed right past us! I hate Caesar too, but is dealing with him that bad?” 

Buffalo was ahead of her by a few steps, slowing down a little to match her pace. “I’m sure he’ll be fine by lunch. But then again, I haven’t seen him this upset in a while. I mean he’s moody - sure. But the last time I remember it was at this level was when Cora threw him off the balcony back in Spider Miles.”

The two of them continued to bicker, Baby 5’s heels clacking on the checkered tile as they passed by the rows of food carts lining the halls with today’s lunch. 

“Did I do something to piss him off?” Baby 5 wondered, crossing her arms in a huff. “I mean I slapped him, but that’s nothing above the usual. Maybe I hit him a little too hard?”

“I doubt that,” Buffalo frowned, picking a few breadsticks off a cart right before the dining hall entrance. “He’s been glued to the hip with Doffy this whole time. It’s more likely they fought or something, and now Law’s all bent out of shape. You know how he is.”

“Maybe you’re right…” The girl muttered as they stopped in the doorframe. Most executives were already there - but Doflamingo and Law were noticeably missing.

+

“So,” Doflamingo towered in the doorframe of Law’s office, delectably pulling the Doctor apart with his crimson gaze. Above the door was a small wall-clock, chiming to mark noon. “What’s this mood I’ve heard you’re in today? There’s some rumors making rounds that we fought last night. You seemed fine this morning.”

Law’s eyes barely flickered in the King’s direction as he buried himself in some of the reading materials that were left on his desk. With the littered floor, it wasn’t hard to connect the dots of what happened here. But after a moment too long, and a towering King still lining his peripheral vision, a vein bulged on his forehead. “Since when were you the type of guy to want to hear about someone else's feelings?”

“Since there was someone worth listening to.” Doflamingo cooly replied, swiftly pulling an empty chair to occupy the remaining space at Law’s desk. The pink-feathered Warlord rested his chin on the Doctor’s shoulder before prodding for more. “So, tell me what’s going on.”

“It’s nothing.” Law grumbled, trying to shake off the Captain of invading people’s personal space .

“Corazón.” Doflamingo’s reply was sharp.

Law let off a small tsk, before flailing some of the pens across his desk. “Why do I have to tell you anything? I hated you for the past thirteen years of my life, so I really don’t understand. How is it that you can just take me in, and pretend everything is fine - like I won’t stab you in the back? How can you even trust me?”

Law held his head in his hands before cussing under his breath.

“So you’re pissed Rosi didn’t bother telling you about our family tree,” Doflamingo concluded, taking the shriveling form of his second as confirmation to his claim. In a sigh, he wrapped an arm around the boy. “I get it.”

“You don’t understand any of this.” Law snapped. “He played me for thirteen years, and I-”

Just as Law was starting to look up, Doflamingo interrupted. “There were many things he hid from me, too.”

He couldn’t argue with that.

Just as Law’s lips were pressing into some oddly-contorted line, the Donquixote Captain's hand moved to the top of the boy’s hat. 

“Don’t get too worked up over it.”

“I…” Law’s voice cracked before burying his head back down. His fists were clenched under the table as he took a breath in to keep control. “He said he loved me. Was that another lie?”

“Can’t say. It’s not like he said much to me.” Doflamingo frowned. “But I can tell you I’ll never lie to you. When I say I trust you, I mean it. For as long as I have your heart, you have my word; mi Corazón .”

+

“No. Absolutely not.”

The Strawhat Pirates had just left Fishman Island after a monumental visit - but what isn’t a monumental moment when the Strawhat Pirates are involved? Somehow, every island they end up on becomes a global headline. They seem to have some sort of knack for causing trouble. But today, at least, seemed like one of their rare non-hectic days out on the open seas of the Grand Line. The sun was high in the sky, reflecting off the clear blue sea. The Thousand Sunny broke through the waves, moving northeast in line with the logpose on a woman with orange hair’s wrist. But she seemed anything but amused, looking in the direction of a straw-hatted boy looking out towards a sea of fire.

“There is absolutely no way we’re going over there.” Nami frowned, dramatically crossing her arms. “Can’t you see that it’s covered in fire?!”

“But it looks funnnn!” Luffy whined out, ignoring the direction of his navigator “And besides, we just left an island that was underwater. Naturally, all-fire would be the best next stop!”

“No,” Usopp, the crew's sharpshooter, was quick to snipe in before his Captain could get too out-of-hand. “That’s not how that works. I’m with Nami on this one, an island made of fire isn’t exactly a sight I’m dying to see.”

“Ohhhh come on, you guys are no fun.” Luffy huffed his chest in a pout. Looking north, he pointed seemingly randomly. “Bet that Sea King would want to go to the flaming island with me.”

“Sea King…?”

Zoro wasn’t the only Strawhat set off guard from the mention of a Sea King, but he was the only one to vocalize it. The wandering samurai and right-hand man to the Captain had just woken up from a nap against the railing of the side of the ship. He looked out in the direction of his Captain’s point to see a dark shadow travelling under the water - a direct trajectory towards the crew. This seemed to be enough to wake him up, his hands positioned on his swords as the others seemed to have gotten the memo.

“AHHHH!” The crew screamed in unison. “SEA KING!”

In a burst of panic, everyone got to their posts. Nami bolted to the helm, Zoro made his way to the back of the ship with Sanji, the ship's cook, Franky, the shipwright, went to load the ship with some more cola, and Usopp was nowhere to be found. Meanwhile, Luffy didn’t even move a muscle as he sat and chuckled.

“Oh come on, guys.” Luffy giggled. “It’s just a Sea King!”

“Just a Sea King?!?” Usopp retorted back, poking his head out through an access panel between the floorboards “Just a Sea King my ass! I don’t know what type of training you did these past 2 years, but I know I sure as hell didn’t even get close to taking on a Sea King!”

As the crew continued to squabble, the archaeologist Nico Robin made her way out of the cockpit. Recognizing the antsy nature of her crew, she was able to connect the dots pretty quickly. 

“Hey, Luffy.” Robin focused her attention on the shadow. “That shadow looks a little different than normal. Are you sure it’s a Sea King?”

“I mean it’s a big shadow under the water.” Luffy shrugged. “What else could it be?”

As Luffy finished his thought, the shadow started to break the surface. Waves crashed around a bright yellow - almost metallic exterior as water separated to reveal a wooden floorboard. On top there was a wooden door that led inside the beast, decorated in porthole windows and a giant jolly roger .

Franky’s eyes lit up. “Woah! That’s a cool looking Sea King!”

“That’s not a Sea King,” Robin interrupted. "That’s-“

“TRAFFFYYYYYY!!!”

Before anyone had a chance to finish their thoughts, Luffy nearly ran himself overboard as he bounced to the side of the ship. He looked down to the dock and waved, shortly met with some company as the ship door opened. Out came a few of the more notable Heart Pirates - Bepo, Shachi and Penguin. Deciding he couldn’t wait any longer, the Straw Hat Captain stretched his way on board the Polar Tang, holding onto his hat as he landed on the softened floorboards. “Polar Bear, it’s great to see you again! Is Traffy asleep? Wake him up! First one to the flaming island wins!”

But the crew didn’t seem very receptive to Luffy’s enthusiasm. There seemed to be an awkward air around them - especially at the mention of their Captain. Luffy could tell something was wrong. But before anyone could comment, Bepo took the lead.

“Actually… Law isn’t here.” Bepo muttered, his head crooked down to the ground. There was a disappointed gleam in his eyes that would have been cute if it wasn’t for the implications.

“Huh?” Luffy prodded. “Where’d he go?”

It seems none of the crew was comfortable answering.

From the Strawhat’s ship, Nico Robin made her way to the side to observe the Hearts. It was only then that she chimed in. “The rumour in the paper isn’t true, is it?”

“Rumour?” The Straw Hat Captain echoed.

The Hearts looked uneasy, but they were going to have to disclose it eventually. “It is.” Shachi was barely able to get the words off of his lips.

“What rumour?” Luffy asked again, clearly out of the loop.

“Trafalgar Law, Warlord of the Sea has become the right-hand-man to the senior Warlord, Donquixote Doflamingo.” Robin explained. The crew’s soured mood seemed to confirm it. “There was no mention of his crew in the article. Are the Heart Pirates disbanded?”

“No.” Shachi snapped before he caught himself. “We’re still the Heart Pirates. It’s just… Law is no longer our Captain.”

“Huh, why’s that?” Luffy frowned. “Traffy wouldn't leave you guys, your his crew!”

“I feel like we may be overstepping here,” Robin sighed, closing her eyes. “This is a very unusual case. And the announcement was rather sudden. I thought it was all speculatory, but now I have no choice but to believe it. Was there some sort of deal? Was the World Government involved?”

Bepo shook his head. “To be honest, we… we don’t know. But they’re not exactly strangers.”

Robin’s brow perked up.

“Law and Doflamingo have history.” Shachi continued. “He was on Doflamingo’s crew when he was a kid, but they had a falling out. Law has been planning to take Doflamingo down ever since, but within this last month something happened.”

“That island over there- the one covered in fire? That's home to one of Doflamingo’s operations. It was the key to Law’s plan.” Penguin explained. “We dropped him off under the promise that he’d come back. All he was planning to do was to destroy Doflamingo’s supply chain for his shady underground business - selling artificial devil fruits under the alias Joker.” 

“Joker.” Robin muttered out loud. She seemed to be the only Strawhat to recognize the name.

“But then he started acting weird. Within two weeks we could tell something was up. He wasn’t thinking clearly - it was as if something was getting into his head. And then it happened. He joined Doflamingo’s crew with little to no warning on our end. He didn’t even say goodbye. ”

That last bit seemed to choke up Penguin a little more than usual.

“So you think something happened to him.” Robin asked. “And you came here to investigate it?”

Penguin nodded.

“It happened on the flaming island?” Luffy asked, picking his nose.

Penguin nodded.

“So we’re going to the flaming island.” A sigh of disbelief left Nami’s lips. “Why does this always happen?”

Chapter Text

Law’s hands glided up his King’s body, his arms wrapping around the crook of his neck before his fingers grabbed hold of his golden locks. Their lips met in a familiar, fierce press, as soft grunts filled the cracks of air between them. It wasn’t long before Law’s chest was pressed against his King, taking as much of the Young Master as he dared to give - scattered papers and pens lining the floors around them. 

“How does it always get to this point?” Doflamingo chuffed, his fingers delicately combing the hair out of his second’s eyes. “You spoil me, Corazón.”

“I’ve been learning lots from under your wing,” Law smirked back, loosening his hips before longingly staring into his Captain’s crimson-tinted gaze. Beads of sweat trickled down his forehead, dripping down his cheeks. “That this is the only way to get you to shut up.”

Doflamingo cracked a grin, his tongue flicking out to lick the salt from his second like a cocktail rim. “You don’t make it easy for me.”

“Keeping your mouth closed, or keeping it occupied?” Law prodded.

“Both.”

The Donquixote Captain’s lips crashed down on his Law’s, letting his hand sink down to his Corazón’s waist. He hooked a thumb under the waistband of Law’s jeans before the button popped open with a muffled ‘thump’. Law’s breath hitched, a small gasp escaping as the King’s hand brushed against his interest.

“Insatiable,” Doflamingo purred, a smirk spreading across his face. “I know drugs when I see them, and you’re the most dangerous kind.” He left a trail of kisses, each punctuated by the following words. “And I just. Can’t. Help. Myself.”

With a final peck, the King lifted the boy off his stool to press him against the cold surface of his patient bed as paper crunched beneath them. The Doctor lost himself in the King’s predatory gaze, entranced by the way his lips hugged his canines as they wrinkled in his cheek and the calm, controlled rise and fall of his chest.

“Doffy, what do you love more. Me, or the fact that you’re making another you?” 

The words had slipped out without second thought before his eyes widened in a silent admission of his mistake. Though he was Doflamingo’s second in command, there were still some waters he left untested for some time - Doflamingo’s feelings being one of them. He’s only ever heard “love” come from his Captain once before, and it was barely direct. The only thing the man had ever said to him that Law felt any real weight to was:

“It would be lonely to watch the world burn on your own… Don’t you think?”

Doflamingo said nothing at first, the silence heavy and thick between them. Law realized he didn’t want an answer, but it was a little too late to take it back, so he averted his gaze from the towering hunk of pink above him. But even still, Law could feel Doflamingo’s weighted gaze on him before a dangerous grin spread across the Captain’s face.

“Shy, are we now?” The question rumbled from the back of his throat, his tongue languidly licking his lips. “Look at me.”

With hesitance, the Doctor’s eyes trailed back in the direction of his King.

As a silent reward, Doflamingo's rough thumb traced the line of Law's jaw, lingering at the corner of his lips.

“Let me ask you this. What is love?”

Law’s features wavered under the King’s touch. “How the hell am I supposed to answer that?”

Doflamingo’s grin remained unchanged. “Now do you understand the predicament that you’ve put me in?”

Law’s lips faltered. “You don’t have to answer.”

“But I will.” Doflamingo continued, his voice low and firm. “Because you’re my Corazón - my heart . And that alone should make you entitled as the pinnacle of my love. Do you even know what that means?”

Law shook his head.

Doflamingo tutted. “A baby bird flaps its wings, barely catching any wind. Why does the parent even bother to stick around?”

“Love?” Law responded, half-heartedly.

“Yes,” Doflamingo chuffed, “But that’s not all it is.”

There was a wild glint to the King’s glasses, a crimson hue that reflected on his second’s face. For a moment, the air had felt like it chilled.

“A mother bird watches its fledgling not to witness its achievement - but to witness hers.” the King explained almost condescendingly. “The notion that a bird has any free will is lost in the eyes of its parent. As far as they are aware, a child is not its own entity, but think ‘This bird will be able to fly because I brought it into a world where it can.’ ”

“Love is selfish.” he continued. “Love is proud. It boasts, it’s full of expectations hidden behind rose-tinted glasses, and at the root of it all…”

“------------”

Law’s eyes widened as he read the words off of his King’s lips, Doflamingo savouring the fearful flavor in the boy’s eyes.

“Do you want my love?”

Law’s heart was beating to a polyrhythmic patter in the boy’s chest, Doflamingo’s fingers dancing around it.  

“How it sings for me…” he smirked, Law’s silence decorating his words. For only a moment of time Law seemed sacred - terrified even. But that seemed to go away after every little breath that escaped his lips; falling deeper under his Captain’s influence. 

And though no sounds left his lips, the boy’s answer was clear.

Doflamingo grinned.

“I knew you would.”

Chapter Text

The Hearts and the Strawhats were dying of heat. Well at least some of them were.

The rag-tag alliance was split off into two groups. The first group took the Polar Tang to sneak under the ring of fire around the shores of Punk Hazard - led by Straw Hat Luffy, Nico Robin, Roronora Zoro, Usopp, Chopper, Uni and Shachi. The other group was keeping a close eye on the Thousand Sunny - which included Nami, Sanji, Brook, Jean Bart, Bepo, Penguin and Clione. The group was formed after picking straws, and while some were happy with the result, others were not.

As they reached the shore, half deconstructed buildings greeted them with large marine insignias and bolded text.

“‘Keep Out’…” Luffy muttered, scratching his head. “Huh.”

“Usually when you see ‘KEEP OUT’ on something, the smart thing to do is listen!” Usopp hissed, his  legs already shaking. “This is their mess Luffy, not ours. We don’t owe this Trafalgar Law guy anything.” He glanced at the two Heart Pirates.  “No offence you two.” 

“Traffy helped me out at Marineford.” Luffy’s typical grin vanished. “His crew’s worried for him, and I don’t have a good feeling about this Mingo guy.”

Shachi snorted at the nickname. Luffy, ignoring the sign, was already walking toward a rusted-open door at the wall's base.

“Luffy, wait!” Usopp yelled, but the Captain was already inside. The group hurried to follow, finding themselves in an old, creaky building. 

“Say Uni, Shachi.” Robin asked as the small group continued their journey through the cool shadows of the facility. “You two seem versed with this island. Do you know what this Marine stuff is all about?”

“Vaguely,” Uni confirmed as he looked around. “The whole island used to be Vegapunk’s research base. There was an accident a decade ago that turned it into a toxic wasteland.”

“The fire and ice are new,” Shachi added, kicking a piece of debris as he kept his hands tucked in the pockets of his boiler suit. “Akainu and Aokiji used the island as a sparring ground for the Fleet Admiral spot. Since then, the island was supposed to be off-limits, but Doflamingo’s been using it to manufacture some illegal drugs. We're not too sure what it is - but the Captain suspected it had something to do with artificial devil fruits.”

“Interesting.” Robin hummed. “He manufactures something here, and Trafalgar Law came to investigate. What surprises me is the Marines haven't caught on to expedited activity. There has to be tankers transporting things to and from the island, correct?”

“You’re right about that,” Shachi rolled his eyes. “If that feathered bastard wasn’t colluding with the Marines.”

Robin stopped, forcing the others to pause around her. “What do you mean by that?”

“Vergo, head of the G5 pirates and Vice Admiral of the Navy.” Shachi spat, his fists clenching so hard his knuckles turned white. “He’s one of Doflamingo’s men.”

Nico Robin seemed to be the only one out of the Strawhats to feel the weight of that, the others looking as clueless as ever.

“So what you’re telling me is Donquixote Doflamingo, Warlord of the Sea has his own marine spies.” Usopp slowly digested. “And one of those marine spies is a Vice Admiral who controls the marine fleet of the area we are currently in?!?!?”

“Could I have said it any clearer?” Shachi frowned.

“This is completely above our pay grade!” Usopp protested, his voice echoing in the hall. “We are making an enemy of a Warlord of the Sea. We are making an enemy of the Navy -”

“And potentially Kaido.” Uni added quietly.

“-and Kaido of the Beasts, the strongest creature known to man.” Usopp concluded in a huff, closing his eyes.

It only took a moment for him to digest those words before his eyes shot open.

“KAIDO OF THE BEASTS, A YONKO?!?!?”

“One of Doflamingo’s biggest clients.” Shachi explained, almost too casually. As Usopp began hyperventilating, Robin put a hand on his shoulder and looked back at the Heart Pirates. “Law’s original plan was to mess up Doflamingo's production to piss off Kaido. He knew he wasn’t strong enough to kill the bird, so he was hoping Kaido would do it for him.”

“What if that’s still the goal?” Robin asked. “What if Law’s putting up a front with Doflamingo to lower his guard?”

Uni shook his head, his expression pained. “We know our Captain. If this was a front, he wouldn't have left us like that. There was something else pulling him - something emotional. He doesn’t deal well with his emotions, and tends to isolate himself. I think Doflamingo knew that. He must have planted some sort of trap to catch Law in a low moment, and coerced him from there on. We knew he was a master manipulator, but still…”

Uni clenched his fist at his side. “God damn it.”

A heavy silence fell, broken only by Usopp's whimpering. They’d reached a junction in the corridor. “Okay,” Usopp said, trying to regain some composure as he counted the group. “Let's just… stick together. We have Luffy… Robin… me… Chopper… Shachi… Uni…” He paused, his eyes widening as he counted on his fingers again. “Weren't there seven of us?”

Chopper let out a high-pitched squeak, frantically looking around. “Where’d Zoro go?!!”

Robin sighed in disbelief, shaking her head. “Just another day.”

+

Wrapping up their “Lunch-in”, Trafalgar Law and Donquixote Doflamingo didn’t have much time before dinner began. And since neither of them actually had lunch, their stomachs did all the talking for them. The hallways were busy as normal around this time of day, a mix of the dinner crowd and the workers finishing up their end of day tasks. But somehow, there was enough room in the halls to clear the way for the two highest-ranking personnel in the crew.

Law’s shoulders were tense, gaze fixed on the floor. He was awkwardly fidgeting with his shirt sleeves to hide some of the marks, a gesture Doflamingo caught on to. 

“Roll up your sleeves.” Doflamingo grinned.

“What?” Law snapped back. “No-“

“Roll them up.” His grin remained unchanged. “Captain’s orders.”

Law looked like he was trapped between a rock and a hard place. A portion of him flicked at his sleeves as if he was under his Captain’s influence, while the other was…

“Embarrassed?” Doflamingo purred. Though his head didn’t move from looking straight ahead, somehow Law could still feel the weight of his Captain’s gaze. 

Law’s eyes darted around the hall before his lips drooped in a frown. “I’m not embarrassed. I just don't like people knowing my business.”

“Well it’s not your business,” the King echoed, mockingly. “It’s mine. And this is business I don’t mind sharing with the rest of the crew. A healthy relationship between a Captain and his second-in-command is good optics, don’t you think?”

“Right.” Law rolled his eyes. “Healthy. I’ll remind myself that the next time I need to disinfect my torso.”

Doflamingo snorted.

Law finally gave in, rolling up his sleeves to show a wide array of marks. Bites, bruises, scratches, and even small indents on his wrists that could have only been made with sharp, tightly-tied string. If it werent for the implication walking a foot to his left, it would’ve looked like the boy toppled down a steep set of stairs. 

Doflamingo enjoyed the display, draping an arm around his second’s shoulders. Though his Captain’s thick feather coat was enough to shield him from behind, people who caught a glimpse of the two of them from the front could connect the dots pretty quickly.

+

Eventually, the two made it to the dining hall. They were the first ones there, taking their rightful seats at the head of the table. Without question, their wine glasses were promptly filled and appetizers started piling up before them.

Law took a small sip from his glass as the other executives started walking in.

“Young Master, Corazón, you both are early today,” Diamante exclaimed as he wriggled his way to his seat across from Law. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised. The two of you skipped out on lunch, you must be starving! Have fun at least?”

Law’s stomach growled as he darted his eyes away, his cheeks flushing. Doflamingo’s grin widened. “There are very few things that’ll make me skip out on a meal. But how can I sit idly by while my Corazón’s in a bad mood?" 

“What the hell was even up with ya, Corazón?” Diamante asked. “Wasn’t too sure if it was some sort of teenager thing. But then again, you’re a little too old to be going through those types of swings.”

Doflamingo gave a little nudge to Law under the table. Law was more reserved so he naturally didn’t want to talk about it, but it seems there’s little secrets between the crew here. Little boundaries, too.

Hesitantly, Law took in a deep breath. “Just some personal shit. The second Corazón, how he got to me. How all these years could have been avoided with a clearer head.”

“Ahh, yeah,” Diamante leaned back in his chair, looking up at the ceiling. “Every now and then I think about that too. Not about doing anything regrettable for 13 years of course, but our circumstances were a little different I guess. It’s not like I was abducted from the crew for half a year. If I were in your shoes, I’d have probably done the same thing.”

Law raised his head a little.

“But I do think about the second Corazón too, even now.” Diamante admitted. 

“Why the hell would you do that?” The words flew off Law’s lips before he could even process them. 

“He was family to me too, once.” Diamante continued, unphased. He picked up his glass and started swirling the liquid. “Awkward fellow. Would trip on his own shoelaces, even if they were tied. It was hard to read him, but I thought we were family. Didn’t realize it was a one-way street.”

He took a drink, a small trail of the deep red trailing down the side of his lip.

“I hated the second Corazón for a while after Minion. Hell, I still do. Sure a lot of it is because he betrayed us - but there’s more to it. He lied to us; didn’t even think we were important enough for him to talk to. Although we didn’t see eye-to-eye, I wonder if it could have all been avoided if he’d have opened his mouth. Doffy’d probably not have liked the words - but a conversation could’ve been a great start. But he chose his path. He sealed his fate the moment he decided to turn his back on being a Donquixote - when he stopped believing in the family.”

Law took a staggered breath in and out, closing his eyes to the rhythm of his chest. 

“Kid,” Diamante sighed. “Errr, I guess Corazón, now. That still trips me up.” he mumbles a little bit more in a drunken spur before continuing on. “You’re not alone here. Doffy’ll prolly remind you that every day of the week, but know you can lean on me and the other family members too. A heart’s useless without a body - or something like that. Metaphors have never really been my thing.”

The boy wore a blank expression for a moment too long as the world felt like it was caving in. But eventually, even he was able to digest it all as the words quietly left his lips.

“Thank you.”